Chapter 17 Mr. Anderson
The next morning.
Andrew was woken up by a phone call at six because there was a task for the team, and he rushed back to the police station. Meanwhile, as Alexander was pondering what kind of cheap breakfast he could have, Emily unexpectedly brought him some bread.
"Have some bread I've just bought," Emily hung the bread on the door and called out.
"This is too kind of you." Alexander, who was washing up, was taken aback.
"Neighbors should help each other," Emily smiled and replied, "I'm off to work."
"So early?" Alexander asked.
"Yeah, I have an outdoor assignment and need to get the equipment ready early." Emily waved at Alexander with a bright smile. "See you tonight."
"Alright!" Alexander answered.
"Bye, girl." Emily turned and left with a shoulder bag.
Alexander stood there stunned for a long time. "Girl, where did that come from? Does she think I'm gay...?"
Five minutes later.
Emily met up with her female colleague at the entrance and, while heading to work, said, "Let me tell you, that guy from our building who seems quite manly... might be gay..."
"Really?" her colleague was surprised.
"Pretty sure. I saw it with my own eyes." Emily insisted.
"Oh my god, what a waste!" her colleague lamented.
After eating the breakfast Emily brought, Alexander tidied up a bit and headed to the station.
Due to the lack of resources and the fact that Pine City was established not long ago, basic transportation was very inconvenient. There were no subways, no buses, and taxis were rare. Most people had to rely on walking or buying an electric scooter for their commute. However, the charging costs for electric scooters were quite high, affordable only for stable workers, well-off businessmen, or minor government officials.
Alexander was quite frugal and needed to save money for other goals, so he didn't buy an electric scooter. Apart from official duties, although the team had a car, he had to bear the usage costs himself, so he could only walk to work.
After walking for about five minutes, just as Alexander was thinking of checking if the store had any e-cigarettes, two burly men approached him from both sides, flanking him.
From their stance and approach, Alexander instinctively took a step back and placed his right hand on his waist, pretending to draw a gun. In reality, he didn't have his sidearm on him.
"No ill intentions, just want to talk," the leader said, looking down.
Alexander was silent for a few seconds. "Who are you?"
"No need to know me, just know this." the leader lifted his coat to reveal a gun at his waist.
Alexander stood still, face stern.
The leader unlocked the safety. "Can we talk?"
Alexander thought for a moment about who he might have offended since arriving in Pine City, then nodded. "Let's go."
A few minutes later, in an alley.
Four middle-aged men stood on either side of Alexander, with an old man sitting in an electric off-road vehicle, not getting out.
Alexander carefully observed the group, noticing their simple attire—thick leather jackets, woolen hats, and faces that looked dirty and greasy.
In this environment, Alexander wasn't afraid of those who dressed neatly, spoke softly, and often appeared sophisticated, but he was wary of these rough-looking, mysterious people. He felt a bit nervous because these individuals reminded him of the notorious criminal Joseph who was killed a few days ago.
"Did you arrest Robert and Daniel?" the old man in the vehicle asked, wrapped in his coat.
The main reason Alexander didn't resist and followed them was that he had a hunch about a case they were hearing about. He had only offended a few people since arriving in Pine City, with David being one, but their conflict hadn't escalated to violence. If it was about a case, it was likely about business or getting someone out, so Alexander felt there was no need for conflict.
After a moment of hesitation, Alexander nodded. "Yes, I arrested them."
"My name is Benjamin Anderson, Robert's uncle," the old man took out a cigarette and lit it.
Alexander blinked and immediately put on a humble and respectful expression. "Hello, Mr. Anderson."
Benjamin looked out of the vehicle, his voice hoarse, "Just arrived in Pine City, huh?"
"Yes, I just arrived and bought this job," Alexander replied honestly, "Anyone at the station can boss me around."
"You have some connections, becoming a team leader so quickly?" Benjamin took a puff of his cigarette.
"No connections," Alexander said with a bitter face, "I was lucky, stumbled upon a case, and solved it. The chief was pleased and promoted me."
Benjamin exhaled smoke. After a long silence, he said, "Alexander, help me and release them."
"What?" Alexander smiled timidly. "This... is difficult for me!"
"Not for free." As soon as the words fell, Benjamin signaled to the burly man standing on Alexander's left, who took out 20,000 BTC - Bitcoin cash from his arms and handed it over. "Take it."
"This... doesn't seem right." Alexander smiled, declining.
"If you don't want money, there are still bullets," the man asked, "Which one do you want?"
Sweat beaded on Alexander's forehead. He was very nervous and had a feeling that if these people were displeased, they would kill him in an instant.
"Alexander, you led the case and just pull some evidence out to release my relatives," Benjamin said with a smile, "These days, some talk about food and drink, while others about survival, but I haven't heard anyone talk about principles. Being a cop, you might not do it for long. But once you have the money, you can spend it anytime."
Alexander touched the 20,000 BTC - Bitcoin cash in the man's hand, smiling slyly. "Mr. Anderson, to be honest, I dream of having this money. With the money, I could buy a sheriff's position and marry several wives, but... I really have my difficulties."
Benjamin didn't reply.
"The chief promoted me and ordered me to solve the drug trafficking case," Alexander explained quietly, "If I had caught them but hadn't brought them back to the station, even if you didn't give me a penny if I heard your name, I'd release them. But now they've been brought back, and the evidence chain is complete. If I suddenly release them, I'd be defying the chief. Mr. Anderson, I've struggled for years in the anarchic district. Finally, I have a stable life. I can't offend the chief, so I really can't help with this."
"Too much!" The man on Alexander's right drew a military knife and swung it at Alexander's head.
The sound of the blade cutting through the air was sharp and fast.
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