Dangerous Man

"I can vouch for her." A magnetic voice resonated among them.

Alice followed the voice, and Hurley walked out from behind Javier. He gave her a glance, smiling as he said, "Alice saved my life. We had dinner together last night, and we were together the whole time."

Alice, with a black line on her forehead, looked at Hurley. It was a straightforward explanation, but coming from his mouth, it seemed to carry a different meaning.

Javier couldn't help but cough lightly, "Since Hurley can testify, Alice is innocent."

Hurley replied, "I think you misunderstood. I didn't know Miss Alice before, and she was indeed with me last night. I'm just telling the truth."

Javier said seriously, "I believe Hurley wouldn't lie. If Alice really wanted to kill Beryl, she had many opportunities on the way. If necessary, she could have sought revenge after returning to the safe house. Beryl had bad luck; it's not fair to blame others. I know you can't accept it, but you can't casually accuse others."

Javier gave him a speechless glance and continued to look at Herschel, "It's too hot now. It's unrealistic to take the body back. Find a place to bury her."

The group dispersed, each going their own way. Hurley caught up with Alice, "I helped you out. Shouldn't you invite me for a meal?"

With others around, Alice couldn't bring out pots and pans, so she borrowed a kitchen and clay pots from the villagers and made two pots of clay pot rice. Seeing Alice's smooth cooking skills, it was evident that she was quite adept in the kitchen. 

"Very tasty." Hurley gave an approving comment.

Alice had taken some time to learn cooking recently. With Alexander not around, she had to fend for herself when going out. Currently, her culinary skills had improved significantly, and her first attempt at clay pot rice was not only successful but also received praise.

After finishing lunch, Alice declined the villagers' invitations and went back to the car to rest. Resting well during the day was essential for the journey ahead. The car was parked under a tree, with the air conditioning on.

 Alice had strong self-discipline. Even if she enjoyed it, she wouldn't stay up late or read for extended periods.

Alice was about to board the car when she saw Javier approaching with a man and a woman. The man was Hurley, and the woman seemed to be named Doreen.

Javier hesitated and asked, "Alice, the other cars in the convoy don't have enough seats. Can you give them a ride back?"

Alice instinctively looked at Hurley. Wasn't he from City A? Why go to Safe House M instead of Safe House A? Javier, noticing her silence, thought she disagreed. He pulled her aside and explained in a low voice, "They are both from the research institute, and Hurley is the youngest research professor in history. The safe house is in need of talent, especially in research. Please help me out. I promise to double the work points for you when we get back."

After some consideration, Alice agreed, "Fine, but I have one condition: my car can only accommodate one person."

Alice didn't know what Javier told them, but she saw Doreen looking at her with resentment. Finally, Doreen left with Javier.

She thought Javier would let the two girls stay together, but he didn't follow the usual routine and didn't listen to her explanation.

"Are you really from the research institute?" Alice looked at him skeptically.

Hurley took out his identification from his pocket. On it were the words "Research Institute," along with Hurley's photo and an official stamp. "Do you believe me now?"

Alice replied, "Well, I can't tell, can I?"

Hurley didn't mind her mocking tone and chuckled as he put the identification away.

"I'll drive." Hurley moved faster than her and took the driver's seat, raising his slender peach blossom eyes slightly.

Alice, feeling speechless, went to the other side and sat in the passenger seat. The convoy slowly started moving. Alice discreetly surveyed the inside of the car, relieved to find nothing inappropriate. 

Hurley's black eyes were also observing the car through the rearview mirror. It was evident that Alice cherished the car, keeping it clean and emitting a faint fragrance.

He withdrew his gaze and happened to notice a manga titled "Eagle Soars in the Sky." He couldn't help but ask, "Do you also like reading this manga?"

Alice followed his gaze to the manga book that hadn't been stored in the yet and nodded, "Yes, the characters are vividly portrayed, and the story is quite engaging."

"Do you know that the artist and writer of this manga are the same person?" Hurley's voice was gentle.

Alice carefully examined the man in front of her, contemplating whether to comfort him a bit. But then, Hurley continued, "That's all in the past. I really enjoy scientific research now."

Alice decided to hold back the comforting words she had in mind. As long as he's happy, right?

The road they had cleared when they came was now filled with various obstacles after three days without maintenance – rocks, nails, trees. They had to clear the road while moving forward.

They stopped in a residential area, sleeping on the ground in a cooler spot in the stairwell. Among the entire convoy, Alice and Doreen were the only women. Doreen noticed that Alice didn't get off the car and guessed that her vehicle had air conditioning.

Wanting to ask if she could stay overnight, Doreen saw Hurley opening the car door and walking out. She approached him with a soft voice, "Hurley, is Miss Alice inside? I want to ask if I can rest in her car for a while."

Hurley's face showed little expression. "She's already resting. Don't disturb her. Try not to trouble others when you're away from home."

 "Then where do I stay? All the rooms upstairs are occupied by men."

"There are so many buildings here. Just find any room to stay in," Hurley said, and then he carried a tent and walked away.

He found an empty building, set up his tent in a cool spot in the stairwell, and preferred not to sleep on the ground or be in a crowded place.

Doreen bit her lip and decided not to knock on the car window. Alice heard their conversation, and she was quite satisfied with Hurley's tactfulness. Accepting Hurley into the car was already the limit, and she wouldn't entertain the idea of accommodating others.

She wasn't familiar with Doreen, and anyone else's request wouldn't have worked either. She wouldn't consider other people's feelings.

Whether Doreen harbored any resentment towards her or not, Alice didn't bother to dwell on it.