Chapter 38

Chapter 38

If they had just a few more days, they could have closed the case.

They didn't care about the credit; all they wanted was justice.

But now that the case had been handed over to the newcomers, could they still get their justice?

"Captain Smith, we..."

Terry glanced at Travis, unsure of what to say.

"Don't lose hope. The world can still be fair."

They didn't reply, but the doubt in their eyes was clear.

Was it really fair?

If it were fair, would they still be sitting here now?

The party ended on a sour note, and Elaine thoughtfully helped Travis clean up the room.

Elaine was tidying up the takeout boxes when she suddenly said, "You think this case will end up like that one from years ago?"

Travis paused, taking a deep breath. "No, it won't."

Elaine studied Travis seriously. "I hope you're right."

...

The next morning.

Jerry rubbed his head. It hurt! A sharp, intense pain.

It felt like the walls around him were spinning.

"You're awake. Want another drink?"

"What time is it?" Jerry's voice was hoarse.

Travis glanced at his watch. "No rush, it's only eight in the morning."

"Eight o'clock!"

Jerry jumped out of bed, hurriedly fixing his clothes.

He kept muttering, "Why didn't you wake me up earlier? They're sending someone today."

"I'm here too, no rush. Let's have breakfast first."

Jerry looked at Travis, confused, and then realized, "Yeah, why are you still here?"

"They're not coming until ten. You have time for breakfast."

Jerry finally relaxed, putting down his clothes. "You scared me."

"Let's eat. I feel like my stomach is empty."

When Jerry walked into the living room, he was stunned to see Elaine busy there.

He looked at Travis and Elaine in disbelief. "You... you two?"

"What are you thinking? Elaine was worried we'd starve, so she got us breakfast early."

"Oh... thanks, Elaine."

After a simple breakfast, Travis drove them to the detective squad.

All the team members had red eyes, not from crying, but from staying up all night.

After all, they had been drinking until three in the morning, and now they were here for a meeting. How could they be well-rested?

"Captain Smith."

"Jerry..."

Everyone spoke in a lazy tone.

Just then, the special agent arrived almost simultaneously with Travis and his team.

They barely had time to talk before a government car with white plates pulled up at the entrance.

A young woman stepped out of the car.

She looked about twenty years old.

Despite her age, the insignia on her shoulders was impressive.

Jerry looked at the insignia and whispered to Travis, "Who would've thought? She's already a deputy chief at such a young age."

At that moment, Carter came out with a smile. "Chief Thompson, I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly."

Hearing the name, Elaine seemed to remember something. She turned around and, upon seeing the woman's face, whispered, "It's her!"

"You know her?"

"She was the one who caught the killer in that serial murder case a few years ago."

Travis and Jerry looked curiously at the woman discussing with Carter.

She had delicate skin and looked so young, it was hard to believe.

"Attention! Stand at attention!"

Carter suddenly shouted, "Attention!"

Everyone snapped to attention.

Eris Thompson stood in front of them, her expression dripping with disdain.

"You all know why I'm here," she said, her tone openly contemptuous.

"A drug trafficking case has been dragging on forever. What are you even capable of?"

Jerry was instantly furious and was about to speak up when Travis stopped him with a gentle shake of his head.

Jerry clenched his fists, glaring at Eris.

Eris sneered, "Looks like someone isn't happy with the higher-ups' decision."

"Honestly, I'm not thrilled either, but I hope you'll cooperate with me."

"Speak your mind. I don't like beating around the bush."

Seeing the tension, Carter quickly stepped in to mediate. "Chief Thompson, let's discuss this in the office."

Eris nodded. "Who's handling this case? Come to the office."

"Everyone else, dismissed."

Before leaving, Carter gently shook his head at Travis and Jerry, signaling them to be patient. 

After all, she was sent by the higher-ups and deserved some respect.

In the office, Eris unceremoniously sat in Carter's chair, acting like she owned the place.

She placed her phone on the desk and rested her hands on the edge.

Looking down at the two, she said, "Where are the case files?"

Jerry looked around the room, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Eris, speaking lazily, "Chief Thompson, wouldn't you prefer to investigate yourself? Do you trust our findings?"

"Jerry, how can you speak to Chief Thompson like that!" Joshua scolded loudly.

Eris raised her hand to stop Joshua, chuckling. "It's fine. A little attitude is normal."

"I wasn't thrilled when I got this assignment either."

Eris stood up. "I'm just curious about your work efficiency."

"In half an hour, I want all the case files."

Eris stared into Jerry's eyes. "I'll be waiting right here."

Jerry's face darkened, and he left without a word.

Carter was helpless.

He tried to salvage Jerry's image. "Chief Thompson, don't mind him. Jerry is very capable."

Eris smiled and nodded, glancing at Travis. "Chief Johnson, I need to speak with Captain Smith."

"Alright, you two talk."

Carter wisely pulled Joshua out of the office.

The large office was now just Eris and Travis.

Eris pointed to the chair opposite her. "Have a seat."

"Chief Thompson, do you know me?" Travis looked at her, puzzled.

Eris smiled. "Travis, who at the headquarters doesn't know you?"

"But seeing you today, you don't seem as impressive as the rumors."

Travis looked at the woman in front of him, his expression calm.

Her eyes were deep, not like those of a typical twenty-something woman.

It seemed like nothing could pique her interest.

"Why? Do I seem different?"

Eris spoke without looking up.

"No, I just didn't expect Chief Thompson to have heard of me at the headquarters."

Eris looked up. "There are plenty of young women at the headquarters who admire you, Captain Smith."

Travis didn't avoid the topic, speaking directly. "Chief Thompson, what do you need to say?"

Eris smiled. "Talking to smart people is easy."