Chapter 54 Embark on the Journey
Alexander was lucky that the bullet didn't hit his pelvis, but even so, he was bedridden for more than twenty days before he finally recovered.
During this period, Andrew, John, Matthew, and others didn't go home at all. They worked at the precinct during the day and came to the hospital to keep watch after hours, fearing that Alexander might be assassinated by the Patrick family. Fortunately, after the massive brawl on Maple Street, the connections of the Patrick family pressured the police to calm things down in case of further escalation. Additionally, the Anderson family had been severely hit, with many core members arrested and scattered, bringing a period of peace to Pine City.
The Patrick family didn't cause any more trouble and instead secretly organized channels to release a significant stockpile of drugs. Meanwhile, after being wanted, Benjamin disappeared with the remaining core members.
However, this superficial peace didn't reassure Samuel, Alexander, and the others. They knew well that the Patrick family was lying low to avoid danger and show respect for the police department. But the deaths of Scott and George, and the price they paid to clear out the Anderson family on Maple Street, were irreconcilable conflicts.
Revenge from Terry was inevitable. It was only a matter of time. So, once Alexander recovered, he immediately reported for duty to the precinct and had a face-to-face talk with Samuel.
In the office.
"Have you contacted Eric?" Samuel asked urgently.
Alexander shook his head. "He left in a hurry and wouldn't dare use his old number from the precinct, so I haven't been able to reach him."
"Didn't you arrange for him to stay in the planned area?" Samuel asked curiously, "Can't you just call your friend to contact him?"
"My friend left after arranging Eric's stay and hasn't returned yet," Alexander replied softly, "But it's okay. I know where Eric is. I'll go find him directly."
"Do it quickly," Samuel said in a low voice, "I've talked to my mentor. As long as we can secure the supply channel, we can handle the rest."
"I can go, but what should I tell the precinct?" Alexander asked tentatively.
Samuel smiled. "I've arranged everything. Internally, we'll say you're going to Stardust City for training for two weeks. The reason is that you shot Joseph last time. You're bound to be promoted to a second-level officer and officially take on the team leader role. So, the precinct approved your training as a formality."
"Do I need to file a report with the team?"
"No need. I've handled all the paperwork. Just spread the word in the team and leave."
"Got it." Alexander nodded.
"Alexander, you understand the gravity of this situation," Samuel sighed, frowned at him, and reminded, "Whether I can keep my position and whether you can stay in Pine City depends on this."
Alexander stood up with a serious look. "I'll do my best to get it done."
"Alright, go ahead." Samuel nodded at him.
Half an hour later.
Alexander went to the lately ignored Team Three and called Matthew, John, the Niroshtan brothers, and others for a brief meeting.
"I'm going to be away for half a month. During this time, you guys will work with Team Three. I've already arranged it. No matter what happens in the future, you'll have a place to go," Alexander said, sitting in a chair with a smile. "I've been in Pine City for a while now. Honestly, I'm grateful for your support in critical moments. If we manage to get through this, there will be benefits for you all."
Matthew scratched his nose and said with a smile, "We weren't important in Team One anyway. John tried to get promoted to team leader several times, but William ignored it. So, for small fries like us, if the promotion prospects are limited, we might as well stick with someone we get along with."
"Exactly." John nodded in agreement. "We've already chosen our side, and there's no going back. To put it bluntly, even if Samuel can't hold on, I can always leave the precinct. I don't believe that just because I talked back to William on Maple Street, he'd send someone to kill a small fry like me."
"Don't worry, team leader. We're all experienced officers and know how to make contact with them," Matthew reassured, "Just focus on your task."
Everyone knew that Alexander's leave was not for training in Stardust City. It must be a special arrangement by Samuel. That was why they were so supportive.
"Thank you for understanding," Alexander said, standing up and patting John's shoulder. "I'll leave the team matters to you. Handle what you can, and for what you can't, go to Team Three's leader. He has a good relationship with Andrew."
"Got it."
"Got it."
Everyone stood up.
"Wish me a safe journey!" Alexander grinned and extended his hand.
They all looked at each other and placed their hands on Alexander's, shouting in unison, "Safe journey!"
In the afternoon, on the street heading to No. 88 Courtyard.
Alexander turned to Andrew and asked, "Did you tell Samuel that you were coming with me to the planned area?"
"I forgot," Andrew said, sniffling from a cold and looking a bit silly.
"Are you out of your mind?! Samuel definitely doesn't want you to go, and if you don't tell him in advance, he'll think I insisted on taking you," Alexander scolded.
"Relax!" Andrew nonchalantly spat, took out his phone, and dialed Samuel's number.
A few seconds later.
"Hello?"
"I'm going with Alexander to the planned area," Andrew said directly.
Samuel was stunned for a few seconds before snapping, "Why are you going with Alexander to the planned area?"
"For fun."
"Are you crazy? That place is even more chaotic than Maple Street. What are you doing there? Get back here!" Samuel, usually composed and authoritative, lost his cool only when dealing with Andrew.
"I'm not asking for your permission. I'm just informing you. I'll send the leave request later."
"I said get back here."
"Don't shout at me. I have a bad temper. If you piss me off, I'll commit suicide halfway," Andrew retorted.
"Go ahead and die!" Samuel shouted, trembling with anger, "You idiot, what are you even thinking? I can't believe this!"
"Alright, I won't argue with you."
"Who's arguing with you?"
"Alexander will be too lonely going alone, and it'll be hard to handle things. I can help him out."
"You better not give him any suggestions, or Alexander will eventually suffer because of you," Samuel yelled helplessly, "Get back to the precinct!"
"Don't worry about it. I'm definitely going. Don't panic at home. I'll risk my life to secure the supply channel if there's any hope," Andrew replied lazily.
Samuel was stunned by this and didn't scold him further.
"Call if you need anything," Andrew said and hung up.
On the way, Alexander looked at Andrew with a smile. "You seem to have some resentment towards Samuel, but in fact, you care about him."
"Who cares about him? I'm just afraid that if he's punished, I won't be able to do whatever I want in the precinct," Andrew replied, rolling his eyes, "Let's go, stop dawdling."
The two returned to No. 88 Courtyard, packed their things, and locked the door before heading out.
On the way, Alexander glanced at Emily's room and saw the door locked with no one home.
"Why are you looking at my woman's house?" Andrew asked, rolling his eyes.
"Don't be shameless. Emily told me she could only agree to be your mother," Alexander retorted.
"Get lost," Andrew said through gritted teeth, "Tell me honestly, do you have a crush on Emily?"
"Stop talking nonsense." Alexander quickened his pace and left.
At 8:30 PM, a military truck loaded with supplies took Andrew and Alexander to the planned area, which was even more chaotic than Maple Street.