Chapter 215 Arrival at Longridge
District Nine had three cities: Stardust City (the capital), Pine City, and Longridge.
Longridge was smack dab between Stardust City and Pine City. It was mostly mountains with a few plains here and there. The place was booming, with its economy and public safety catching up to Pine City, but still trailing behind Stardust City.
Andrew rolled into Longridge with two teams of twelve. After hopping off the light rail, the Peaceful District Police Department officers were there to pick them up.
At the police station, a deputy director met Andrew in the conference room.
"No need for the formalities. I shared a dorm with Virgil from your department back when I was studying in Stardust City. We got along great," the deputy director said, waving him off. "Make yourself at home. If you need anything, just holler."
Andrew grinned, trying to break the ice. "I was worried about communication issues, but hearing you, it feels like we're family."
"Absolutely. When we graduated, Virgil even gave me some premium smokes," the deputy director laughed. "Do you want to rest today and start on the case tomorrow?"
"Better not," Andrew replied, looking stressed. "We're under a lot of pressure. Let's dive into the case first, and then I'll treat everyone to a get-together."
"You're a go-getter," the deputy director said, then turned to an officer. "Give Andrew a detailed briefing on the case."
"Sure," the officer nodded and turned to Andrew. "We've detained the doctor involved in illegal medical activities, but the news hasn't leaked."
"Okay," Andrew nodded. "Have you verified the new photos of Jessica with the doctor?"
"We showed him the photos, and he confirmed Jessica came for the medicine," the officer said quietly. "The medicines were mostly for treating gunshot wounds, but she didn't let the doctor check the patient. So, I suspect they have someone injured and someone who knows how to treat wounds."
"Yeah," Andrew nodded. "Before Adam went on the run, he had a shootout with another group of gun dealers. Someone must have gotten hurt."
"Right," the officer nodded. "I suggest we stay put. Medicine is consumable, and once Jessica's group runs out, they'll need more. We're monitoring the doctor's phone. As soon as they contact him, we'll move in."
Andrew frowned. "I'm worried they might not go back to this doctor."
"I don't think so," the officer shook his head. "This doctor was introduced to Jessica by a local in Longridge. They probably don't have many connections here. As long as the news of the doctor's arrest doesn't leak, I believe Jessica will come back."
"Can't we get the doctor to give up the middleman and arrest him first?" Andrew asked.
"The middleman is a street thug," the officer rejected the idea. "He has no fixed address, and the doctor doesn't know where he stays. If the news leaks, Jessica will react."
Andrew thought for a while and replied, "Alright, let's go with your plan."
"Okay," the officer nodded. "I'll take you to see the doctor soon."
After about half an hour of discussion, the deputy director left, and the officer took Andrew to see the detained doctor.
In the interrogation room, Andrew tried to get more info from the doctor, but it was a dead end. The doc's story lined up perfectly with what the officer had already told him.
At this point, all they could do was wait. The officer, trying to be nice, suggested taking Andrew to a local entertainment spot. But Andrew, even though he loved a good time, never let it interfere with work. He politely declined and headed back to the government guesthouse set up by the Peaceful District Police Department.
After dinner in the cafeteria with his team and a quick meeting, Andrew went to rest with John.
Before hitting the sack, Andrew and John had a quick chat. They figured it would be at least three or four days before Jessica reached out to the doctor again. But to their surprise, the doctor's phone rang the next day at noon.
Around 11 a.m., Andrew rushed to the interrogation room and urgently asked the officer, "Any news?"
"Yeah, listen to this," the officer said, turning on the monitoring equipment.
After some static, Jessica's voice came through, "Dr. Hughes, I need more medicine."
"Sure," Gregory Hughes replied calmly, "Same as last time?"
"Yes, but half the amount," Jessica's pleasant voice responded. "If it's convenient, bring it to me tonight."
"Same place?"
"No, we're not there anymore," Jessica replied softly. "Come to Taytown Village after 8 p.m. and call me when you arrive. I'll come to get you."
"Is it the Taytown at the foot of the mountain?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, I got it."
The officer turned off the monitoring equipment and said to Andrew, "Taytown is about forty-three miles from here. It's a new village with quite a few Chosunite people. Fortunately, the security is good, with dedicated Chosunite officials managing it."
"Was the last meeting place also this far?" Andrew asked Gregory.
"Yeah, about thirty miles from the city," Gregory nodded.
Andrew turned to the officer, "Let's get ready. I don't have many people with me, so I hope you can send two more teams to assist us."
"Sorry, I have another case that needs immediate attention, so I can't go with you," the officer explained apologetically. "But I've contacted the police department in Taytown Village, and they'll send a team to assist you."
Andrew was surprised. "Does Taytown have its own police department?"
"Yeah, Taytown is mainly inhabited by Chosunite people, and we don't manage it directly. So, the Longridge Police Department has a special office there. This way, the local residents don't feel resistant, and the security is good," the officer explained.
"Oh, I see," Andrew nodded. "So, they'll send a team?"
"Yeah, it's all arranged. You head to Taytown Village, and they'll meet you there. I'll give you the contact information."
"Alright," Andrew agreed, knowing he couldn't argue on someone else's turf. "Give me the contact info, and I'll coordinate with them. One team should be enough."
"Okay, take this down," the officer said, pulling out his phone and reading out the number.
Forty minutes later, Andrew and his team, in four cars with Gregory, rushed to Taytown Village. The final showdown was imminent.
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