Chapter 19 Flattery
When Alexander was busy with the case, Eric wasn't focused on it at all. At this moment, the extremely pragmatic Eric was figuring out how to get promoted to a Level 2 officer.
Outside the office of the Police Department's Public Safety Team, Eric, carrying two bags of gifts, nervously knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Someone inside shouted.
Eric pushed the door open, showing a big toothy grin, and walked in bowing. "Captain Brian Harris, are you busy?"
Behind the desk, a middle-aged European man looked up at Eric and asked, "Eric? Come in!"
"Nothing much. I just came to check in," Eric replied.
Brian, who had heavy body hair and was quite overweight, was sweating all over with every movement. He adjusted his black-framed glasses and said, "Eric, I have a meeting soon. If you have something to say, just go ahead."
Eric discreetly wiped the sweat off his chubby legs and placed the two bags of gifts beside the desk. "Captain Brian, a friend brought me some beef jerky and steaks from Stardust City. They are very fresh. Please take them home and try them."
Brian frowned and glanced at Eric. "Don't do that. Just say what you need to say."
"Well, I know you have a good relationship with William. I was hoping you could put in a word for me to get promoted to a Level 2 officer. You know... in terms of experience and job performance, I am qualified for the promotion. All I need is someone to speak up for me." Eric said nervously, standing by the desk. "Please help me out."
Brian continued writing his report without looking at Eric. "There are only ten spots. You were originally on the list, but Mark Martin from the fourth team put his relative on it. William and I can't do anything about it. Just wait for the next promotion, and I'll make sure to put you on the list."
Eric was stunned for a moment. "Captain Brian, Mark's relative has only been here for less than five months!"
"Yes, less than five months, but Mark makes a difference." Brian smiled helplessly and said bluntly, "Wait a bit longer. It's a way to make friends."
Eric clenched his fists and continued, "Captain Brian, I really need this Level 2 officer. My mother is sick, and every month..."
"Everyone wants a promotion," Brian replied expressionlessly.
"But this Level 2 position should be mine. I've been waiting for almost a year," Eric insisted.
Brian glanced at the food bag and murmured, "Beef jerky and steak are both good stuff... Eric, how about this? I'll give you two cases of wine, $1500, and you help me talk to Samuel to get me promoted to the office."
Eric was stunned.
"Eric, opportunities have become very realistic now. Those without money depend on those with money. Those with money depend on those with power... So tell me, what can beef jerky wait for? This stuff can fill my fridge." Brian pushed the steak back. "Take it back and wait a bit longer."
Eric pursed his lips, remained silent for a long time, and then said, "Then I'll wait a bit longer."
"Take the stuff with you," Brian said.
"Please keep it. The steak is really good." Eric turned and left.
Brian didn't say anything more and continued working.
At the door, Eric saw a few dirty clothes with a strong body odor hanging on the coat rack. He turned back and said, "Your clothes are dirty. I'll wash them for you."
Brian didn't look up. "Okay."
"Your shoes are dirty, too. I'll clean them," Eric added.
"Okay," Brian replied.
"Then I'll go now."
"Okay!" Eric left with a bunch of stuff.
A few minutes later, Brian casually tossed the gifts Eric brought to a female colleague in the office. "Steak, you can take it home."
"You don't want it?" his colleague asked.
"Who knows how long it's been frozen. Even my dog wouldn't eat it." Brian adjusted his attire and left.
In the laundry room.
Eric rolled up his sleeves, cleaned the shoes, and kept talking on the phone, "For this month's medicine, I still need... okay, I'll figure it out and send you the money."
In the office area of Third Team.
Alexander clapped his hands and shouted, "Richard, go get the guns and equipment. No one leaves the building before 8 PM. We might have an operation."
John, whose leg was still injured from Alexander's stabbing, asked reluctantly, "Do I need to go?"
"We're short on people. You can drive," Alexander ordered firmly.
"Okay." John didn't say much and just nodded.
At 4 PM, after dinner in the cafeteria, everyone took their gear and police firearms back to the dormitory.
As soon as Eric entered, he saw the rare automatic weapons and asked, "What's going on? Who are we catching? Bringing out such big guns, even the M464?"
"The accomplice mentioned some key information. A big shot supplying the Anderson family might already be in Pine City." Alexander glanced at his watch and said, "I've got someone following a core member of the Anderson family. It might lead to something."
"Good!" Eric nodded and, after some careful consideration, pulled Alexander aside and said, "Can I go home for a bit first?"
Alexander was stunned and asked helplessly in a low voice, "Trying to avoid frontline capture work again? Eric, we're short on people. Otherwise, I wouldn't call you. If you're worried about getting into trouble, you can drive, okay?"
"It's not that I'm trying to avoid it. I really need to go home today." Eric frowned and replied, "My mom is seriously ill. My sister is blind and still young. If I don't go back, they won't even have food. Besides, I need to take her to the hospital for a check-up today."
Alexander thought that even if Eric was timid, he wouldn't lie about his mother, so he considered for a moment and said, "Can you make it back before the operation?"
"If you call me right before the action, I'll be back," Eric replied.
"Alright, go ahead," Alexander said.
"Alexander, sorry for the trouble." Eric politely nodded at Alexander.
"It's fine. We all have our difficulties. Let's help each other out." Alexander patted Eric on the shoulder. "I'll call you before the action."
"Okay." Eric nodded.
Around 7 PM.
In a slum area of the Black Street District, Benjamin got out of the car and glanced around. Then, he was wrapped in a military coat, walking into a foul-smelling alley.
"Who are you looking for?" a man asked in the dark.
"I'm looking for Paul Thompson." Benjamin stopped when he heard the voice.
"Benjamin?" The man laughed and walked over.
"Is he inside?" Benjamin asked.
"Yes." The young man lowered his head and politely said, "Benjamin, please raise your arms. I need to do a quick check."
Benjamin raised his arms, letting the young man search him thoroughly.
Inside the house, a scruffy and disheveled Paul was sitting on the bed, playing with a grenade in his hand.
Elsewhere.
William, holding a phone in his office, walked to the window and said, "Why did you urgently call me back? Hmm, still working on it. Alright then, I'll head back soon."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
