"Okay, stop messing around. Is there any news from Jeff?" Sean asked, slapping both of them to bring their attention back.
As expected, those guys hadn't returned to the warehouse. Fortunately, they had anticipated this. Gracie reported that the radio signals were normal, and that the suspect was to the west, where our team was already monitoring him. Bill responded.
"Let's keep an eye on the situation and take action once it develops further," Sean said, smiling.
"Don't worry; I won't let them get away!"
"Alright, let's prepare some gifts and visit the injured police officer at the hospital. After all, we're contributing to the city's security," Sean said, clearing his throat as he stood up. "In the name of X Security Company."
The hospital was bustling, filled with the sounds of surgeries and the activity of staff. The corridors overflowed with police officers, family members, and reporters.
As Sean and his group arrived, they immediately drew attention. A swarm of reporters rushed toward them, eager for a comment. Given the popularity of Sean's Fitness Equipment Club, he was already a local celebrity.
"Mr. Sean, what are your thoughts on the recent bank robbery?" one reporter asked.
Sean thought to himself, I was devastated to learn about the injuries to so many police officers. "Our city's law and order has been severely challenged. We must respond decisively, and I have faith that the police will apprehend the robbers and bring them to justice."
Another reporter pressed, "Mr. Sean, during the confrontation, the police were attacked and injured while the robbers escaped unharmed with the money. Does this indicate a weakness in the police's ability to respond?"
Sean straightened his posture, his expression serious. "This wasn't simply an encounter. No one understands conflict better than I do. This was a premeditated robbery, orchestrated by a dangerous individual."
"The criminals were well-prepared while the police were caught off guard. This was an ambush set by the gangsters. Even a trained military unit can falter in such circumstances. It's not the police's fault; they were forced into a defensive position, with no time to adapt. The criminals acted swiftly, taking advantage of the situation. I believe that if given the opportunity, the police would have effectively countered the gangsters."
"Mr. Sean..."
"Mr. Sean..."
"Alright, everyone, I'm here to visit the injured. This is a hospital; please keep it down!" Sean raised his hand, trying to restore some order. "Show some respect!"
Once things settled, Sean waved for Bill to help clear a path through the crowd. He made his way inside, greeted by police officers, including his old acquaintance, Rich, who had just woken up.
"Honestly, if the robbers are caught and these reporters get a chance to interview them, they won't have a chance to escape. It's absurd," Sean remarked to Wells, who looked equally frustrated.
"Those scoundrels should be dealt with," Wells replied, his face tense. He had just faced a barrage of questions from reporters and felt powerless to respond adequately.
"God won't take them," Sean joked with a grin. "So, is the officer in danger?"
"Fortunately, the rescue team acted quickly," Wells said, shaking his head. "But how's the search going?"
"Don't get me started! It's been just over half an hour. Where could we possibly find them?" Sean rolled his eyes. "You should be sealing off all exits. If they escape, it's game over, especially near the docks."
"I will," Wells assured him. "We need to act fast."
"Don't worry!" Sean nodded, instructing Bill to set down the gifts before saying his goodbyes to the police as they exited.
Wells was already coordinating with police stations in nearby cities to help block escape routes. Newark was expansive, covering an area equivalent to two and a half Hong Kong Islands, yet had fewer than 700 police officers, including administrative staff. There were only about 400 frontline officers available.
"With such a demographic, it's no surprise the law and order situation is challenging," Wells continued. "Gangs are prevalent, and sometimes the police have to rely on them for support."
Once outside the hospital, Sean instructed his team, "Notify Peter. It's time to take a stand against those lawbreakers and call for a crackdown on crime."
"Let the gym know too—organize a group of our best coaches to visit and offer support," he added.
"Are you sure about that? Those just out of surgery might not handle the excitement well," Bill chuckled.
"That's not my concern. As long as they're happy, that's what matters," Sean replied, spreading his hands. "Let's make sure everyone knows we stand for justice!"
As the day turned into evening, the atmosphere shifted.
"Why are we still here?" Mary, decked out in punk attire and sporting multiple earrings, asked impatiently. "We've already got the money—why don't we leave?"
"There's too much heat outside, and the police are patrolling the roads. You think we can just fly out of here?" the big sparrow replied, frowning.
"So we just sit here and wait?" Mary shot back.
"What else can we do? We need to lay low until things cool off," the big sparrow insisted.
"What if the police find us?" Mary pressed.
"You're more likely to run into them if you're out wandering around," the big sparrow countered.
Just then, Heishi walked in, drawing everyone's attention.
"What's going on? Did you hear something?" the big sparrow asked, concerned.
"It's not just the police outside," Heishi announced. "After hearing the bank lost $2.4 million, local gangs are going wild, searching for us everywhere." Heishi, a tall black man, had an imposing presence.
"And I bet people from surrounding cities are coming in too. Anyone who's crossed paths with us before knows we've struck gold!"
"Dammit! This is a disaster!" several voices erupted in panic, the earlier celebratory mood evaporating.
"We just counted the money, and there's only $2.2 million!" Log suddenly interjected.
At that, the atmosphere shifted again, tension filling the room as they processed the implication of Log's words.
"Wait, what do you mean only $2.2 million?" Mary asked, her irritation returning.
"That's what I said. We miscounted," Log replied, his voice shaky.
"How could we miscount? We were careful!" the big sparrow exclaimed, frustration evident in his tone.
"Look, it doesn't matter now," Heishi interjected, trying to regain control. "What we need to do is figure out our next move. If the gangs are coming for us, we can't stay here much longer."
"Agreed," Mary said, her earlier impatience giving way to urgency. "We need a plan, and we need it fast."
"You're right. We can't let our guard down. Let's gather what we have and find a safe place to lay low for a while," the big sparrow suggested, his demeanor shifting from defensive to strategic.
As they started to gather their things, the reality of their situation settled in. They were in a precarious position, and every decision from here on out would be crucial.
"Keep quiet and stay alert," Heishi warned, looking toward the door. "We need to be ready for anything."
The group nodded, the gravity of the moment clear as they prepared to face whatever came next.