32 - The New York Police Department
If George didn't have a little heart, he certainly couldn't have become the sheriff of the New York Police Department.
By noon, the whole of New York City was once again in an uproar. The textile factory next to the city was revealed to be a front for a killer organization, and the news spread rapidly.
The media were instantly excited, and the public buzzed online. Those involved with the textile factory shivered, especially after hearing that the New York Police Department found an account book there. Customers who had placed orders with the factory were immediately alarmed, particularly the current mayor.
As the mayor was about to call the NYPD, the door burst open.
"Mr. Allen."
Three federal agents in suits and sunglasses walked in, displaying their badges. "FBI, please come with us."
Allen: "..."
The FBI had been brought in after Ms. Casey, a top contender for a political position, met with George and Beckett. Initially puzzled, George and Beckett understood when Ms. Casey explained with a smile, "The New York Police Department has successfully destroyed a killer organization. The credit is already great."
George and Beckett realized that destroying the textile factory was the NYPD's achievement. To tell the people of New York that one person had taken down the factory would cause disbelief and panic. Therefore, the NYPD could retreat with reputation intact while allowing other units to step in.
The subsequent revelations from the account book could lead to George being accused of murder if handled solely by the NYPD. Hence, the FBI stepped in.
On this day, the FBI's New York office agents were nearly all dispatched. By 2 p.m., they held a joint press conference with the NYPD.
This day brought shock after shock to New York City residents, disrupting even their dinner. First, the NYPD announced that the textile factory was a killer organization. They detailed how their elite SWAT team destroyed it with zero casualties after a large-scale shootout.
Then, the FBI revealed they found a ledger during the joint operation, leading to the arrest of over a dozen suspects, including the mayor and the NYPD Internal Affairs Department Commissioner. They were preparing strong evidence for upcoming prosecutions.
No wonder the textile factory had persisted—its clientele included the mayor.
As for the Sin Hunters? Completely hidden in this incident. The kidnapping case involving Locke also cooled down amid the barrage of hot news.
Locke watched the live broadcast on TV, sipping bourbon. He hadn't intended to be in the limelight, but George's unexpected maneuver exceeded his expectations. Locke thought the account book would pressure George, but Ms. Casey's involvement changed everything.
Locke watched as the middle-aged woman with a pearl necklace, Ms. Casey, was interviewed. "That's fine," he thought. "George's alliance with this politician might prevent future tragedies."
If Ms. Casey took office, George would likely get a promotion, possibly moving from fieldwork to an office job, which would be beneficial for Locke. If George was in the office, Locke could avoid him while operating as the Peerless Assassin and gather NYPD information through Gwen.
Locke reflected on the recent events. Thanks to Gwen's timely call, he completed his mission and eliminated any suspicions linking him to the Peerless Assassin. The surveillance testimonies ensured Locke couldn't have kidnapped himself. Although he had someone impersonate the Peerless Assassin, he wasn't worried as no one could trace the actor.
"System!" Locke commanded after a shower.
"Ding!"
"Upgrade Toughness!"
"And upgrade the spear-throwing technique!"
Though Locke aimed to save for the blood of the sun god and Superman, he knew a proper investment could yield better returns. The spear-throwing technique had significantly contributed to his recent success.
Locke believed in steady progression, upgrading gear and skills appropriately. This approach, though not requiring the best, necessitated essential improvements.
"Ding!"
"Upgrading Toughness (Level 3) to Toughness (Extraordinary Level 1) requires 10,000 Potential Points."
"Upgrading Extraordinary Spear Throwing Technique (Intermediate) to Extraordinary Spear Throwing Technique (Advanced) requires 10,000 Potential Points."
"Confirm?"
"Confirm!"
"Ding!"
"Upgrade successful."
"Extraordinary Talent: Tenacity (Level 1): Your body will withstand greater damage and be immune to non-vital small-caliber damage. You will also recover faster from injuries."
"Extraordinary Skill: Spear Throwing (Advanced) (Blue Quality): Your marksmanship has become more inscrutable and unbelievable!"