North America Gunman Detective

Chapter 1448 - 780: Found_2

Father Koch certainly didn't take Roland's request as a threat; he simply said, "This is not your place. Their temporary stay inside doesn't affect others." Before he could finish, Roland had already drawn his revolver, pointing it at Father Koch.

The following events became very clear. As soon as Father Koch left, he called the police. There are many patrol officers here in New York, so Roland didn't even have time to leave before he found himself at gunpoint, forced to return to the police station with them.

Jimmy listened patiently as Father Koch narrated what happened yesterday. Clearly, Father Koch's account was much more detailed and reasonable than what Roland had told him at the station. If it was just a gun merely being seen by the priest, he probably wouldn't have called the police.

After Father Koch finished explaining everything, Jimmy sat quietly for a moment and asked, "Could you take me to the place where the dispute occurred?"

Father Koch nodded, and the three left the church and walked toward the park behind it.

Jimmy looked around at the environment. It was indeed quite nice, with a church at the front and a park at the back. The house stood at a corner of the park. From the location, it seemed like it should be part of the park, but why hadn't this house been dealt with? Whether it was rebuilding or tearing it down for other purposes, either option would be better than letting this derelict building stand there. If it weren't for its secluded location, it would be even more of an eyesore.

Jimmy: "Father Koch, who owns this house?"

Father Koch: "This property belongs to the Church, including this park. It was donated to the Church decades ago."

Jimmy nodded as Father Koch led him and Father Rodney to the house, confirming the spot where the conflict occurred yesterday. Two kids, looking to be in their teens, came out of the house. After greeting Father Koch, they stood beside him, clearly very familiar with him.

Jimmy used Heart Eye Vision to carefully observe the situation inside the house, confirming that there was no one else there and nothing suspicious before asking, "May I go inside and take a look?"

Koch looked at the two kids and then nodded to Jimmy, "Of course, you can."

From the outside, the house was already quite dilapidated. It wasn't completely wooden; the lower brick foundation was covered in moss, and the upper wooden structure was quite damaged. With no one maintaining it, the walls and roof had numerous plants and grasses sprouting. Apart from one window nailed shut with boards, the rest was entirely in ruin, with only a few glass panes intact. If it weren't for the rarity of natural disasters in New York, this house would have collapsed long ago.

Jimmy entered through the door. Inside, a path had been cleared, while the rest remained in its previous state of decay, covered in dust. One room had been tidied up, filled with living necessities, indicating that the two kids lived there, leaving the other rooms unorganized.

Since the house had a raised foundation, there was a half-basement level underneath, but its entrance was in one of the uncleaned rooms, indicating the kids hadn't discovered it.

Jimmy nodded to Father Koch, and they left the house, with the two kids returning to their room.

Even though he didn't check the half-basement, Jimmy was now certain this should be where Roland mentioned the door. Yet, for whatever reason, this house had remained unrepaired for years, which was something to discuss further with Father Koch.

Jimmy didn't bring it up on the spot. After saying goodbye to Father Koch, he left the church. On the way back to Manhattan with Father Rodney, Jimmy said, "Thank you, Father Rodney."

Father Rodney: "No problem, it's just a minor thing."

Jimmy: "Just now, Father Koch mentioned that the park is Church property. Aside from churches, does the Church own other properties in New York?"

Father Rodney turned to look at Jimmy, "Of course. Many devotees donate, and the Church also purchases properties to build churches or other institutions. It's all public knowledge. Is there an issue?"

Jimmy: "Oh, no, I just wasn't aware of these things before. Since the park and that house are both Church properties, why hasn't the house been repaired or rebuilt? The rest of the park looks quite nice."

Father Rodney shook his head: "I don't know. I'm not in charge of those matters. But if they're keeping the house, there must be a good reason. You're quite concerned about it, why is that?"

Jimmy: "No, it's just odd, considering we're in New York, you know."

Father Rodney: "Indeed, that house near the church is quite unsightly."

Jimmy nodded, deciding not to question further, lest he reveals his intentions. Having confirmed the location firsthand, he planned to discuss it with Roland once he returned.

After dropping off Father Rodney at the church, Jimmy went to the supermarket, bought half a dozen beers, and headed to Roland's room.

Jimmy: "Hey, Roland, I brought you some beer. Want some?"

Roland wheeled himself over to the couch, and Jimmy handed him an open beer, cracking one open for himself as well. Clinking the bottles, he took a swig, "I just went to Brooklyn and met that priest."

Roland looked at Jimmy with the bottle in hand, "You found it?"

Jimmy nodded, "The house, it's near the church."

Roland sighed, "Yes, that's the place."

Jimmy shrugged, "The good news is the house is still there; the bad news is someone's living in it. The door is still there, right?"

Roland: "I didn't go in, but it seems to be."

Jimmy: "And after that? Do you plan to go back through there?"

Roland nodded. Since the door was still there, there was no need to return to the rift in Maine. However, with people living there, it would be challenging to leave unnoticed. Moreover, having residents there could lead to accidents. If the door got destroyed, fine, but if they accidentally activated it, that would be trouble.

Roland: "Have you thought it over? Do you want to come with me this time? The door is still there, and as long as you activate the door on the other side, you can return."

Jimmy shook his head, "Give me a bit more time; it's not an easy decision."

Jimmy and Roland drank in silence for a while.

Jimmy's concern remained with his family and career. Roland was a lone wolf; his actions wouldn't significantly affect others, but Jimmy didn't have that luxury. His prolonged absence would inevitably impact Nia and the others.

Roland understood Jimmy's concerns, yet coming from the Dark Tower World, taking Jimmy back was his foremost priority. Once the mages had verified that the Black Rainbow he brought wasn't linked to the energy disturbances, Jimmy could return to Earth.

Easier said than done. If those mages did find a connection between the Black Rainbow and the energy disturbances, Jimmy's life would be severely affected. Remaining in the Dark Tower World meant leaving everything he had here...

Roland felt conflicted too; the balance of his options wasn't even. Nevertheless, he should first take Jimmy over, irrespective of the challenges.

After finishing his drink, Jimmy placed the bottle in the trash, getting up to leave. Before leaving, he reminded Roland once more not to disturb the people living in that house until he could find a way to temporarily clear them out.

Roland watched Jimmy leave, heard the door close, and downed the rest of his beer with a thud as he placed the bottle heavily on the table, "Thud."

Jimmy's words had made it clear where he stood. When Roland was ready to leave, Jimmy would handle clearing the house, signaling he had no intention of returning with Roland.