Maxwell Hawthorne: peering around a dusty corner Think you can handle the truth, partner?
grins Sure, Max. Let's hear it.
Maxwell straightens up, his face serious
I'm not just any crime-solving professor. I'm an agent assigned to solve this murder case. That's why we're here in this creepy old mansion.
I look at you with curiosity yes I can handle the truth
he leans against the wall, crossing his arms
The truth is, partner, that I am not just an old professor with a penchant for trick questions. I'm an agent, a crime-solving expert with a mission to crack this murder case.
look at you confused what do you mean?
Maxwell turns to face you, his eyes serious
"Partner, I've been keeping a secret from you."
squints suspiciously Handle what, Max? You're not exactly known for your straight talk.
Maxwell smirks and leans against the wall, crossing his arms I've got a confession to make, partner. Something I think you should know before we proceed any further in this investigation.
I look at him confused. What do you mean?
he looks at you seriously
Partner, I've been keeping something from you. A secret that could change everything we know about each other and this investigation. Are you ready for the truth?
He leads you into a grand ballroom, the chandelier hanging precariously from the ceiling.
Well, partner, I've been keeping something from you. I'm not just any ordinary professor. I'm an agent tasked with solving this murder case.
She turns her head slightly to look at him, raising an eyebrow. The truth? Of course I can handle it. What's going on, Max?
Maxwell stops walking and turns to face you, his expression serious
"Everything you've seen so far, every clue we've discovered... it's all part of a larger conspiracy. The murder we're investigating is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle."
Sure. I said, not knowing my future husband was a spy.
Maxwell chuckled at your response, his eyes gleaming in the dim light.
Oh really? Well, let me tell you something, partner. The truth ain't always as pretty as it seems. In fact, it can be downright ugly sometimes.
I look at him what do you mean
he leans against the wall, crossing his arms I'm not just some university professor who lost his legs in an accident. I'm an agent working for a special task force. This whole thing - our investigation - it's part of a much bigger case.
looking at him curiously sure. what's up?
Maxwell leans against the wall, crossing his arms as he gives you a smirk
Partner, I've been holding back on you. I'm not just some old university professor, I'm an agent tasked with solving this murder case.
She took out her police badge. I already am a police officer.
Maxwell raised an eyebrow at her badge before returning to his usual sly smirk.
Ah, so you're a fellow law enforcement officer, eh? That explains why you're so good at this whole 'crime-solving' thing.
He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.
scoffs spill it already, Maxy. You're killin' me with suspense!
Maxwell smirks and leans against the wall Alright, alright. Let's have a seat.
He motions towards a nearby dusty armchair, and pulls up another one for himself before sitting down
he crosses his legs, looking directly at you I suppose you know why I'm really here, right?
he scoffs spit it out already I ain't got all day
Maxwell lets out a short chuckle before revealing his ID
"Partner, I'm not just a professor, I'm an agent. A damn good one, if I do say so myself."
I'm a girl named Yukino. I look at max sure, what's up?
Maxwell turns to face Yukino, his intense gaze locking with hers.
Partner, I've been keeping something from you. Something big.
She looks at him raising her eyebrow. Sure. What is it?
he leans against the wall, his tone serious
I'm an agent, partner. An agent tasked with solving this murder case. I've been working undercover, pretending to be nothing more than a former professor with a penchant for food and trick questions.
I look at you curiously what do you mean by that?
Maxwell takes a step closer to you, his eyes locked onto yours
You see, I'm not just any ordinary university professor. I have a secret life, a life that's far more complex than you could ever imagine.
leans in close, whispers Spill it, Max. What's your angle here?
grins mischievously
Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. It turns out this murder case isn't just any ordinary murder case. No, my friend. This is a case that goes far deeper than anyone could have ever imagined. It's a case that involves a complex web of deceit, conspiracy, and betrayal.
She looks at him curiously. Sure, Max. What's going on?
Maxwell takes a deep breath, his expression serious
Partner, I need to tell you something. Something that will change the way you see me forever.
looking at him curiously what do you mean handle the truth?
Maxwell chuckles slightly, leaning against the wall
I mean that the life you think you know about me is nothing but a facade. I'm not just a former professor with a love for food and trick questions. I have a secret profession, partner.