These past few days, Sheila found everything irritating.

Dean caught the drift of Sheila's words and quickly said, "Mom, don't worry, I'll be fine. Plus, I'll be back tonight. I hope to see some delicious pan-fried smoked meat on the dinner table then."

"No problem. Oh, by the way, Dean, Sinclair might have some rather embarrassing things she wants to ask you about. Don't refuse her when the time comes!"

"Embarrassing things?"

"Just some childish make-believe stuff."

"That scoundrel Beck isn't around right now, so I have to ask you to handle it. Alright, I'm off to the farm to deal with the first quarter's order quotas. See you tonight, son."

"See you tonight, Mom!"

After hanging up, Dean felt rather puzzled.

Sinclair is only eleven. What kind of embarrassing thing could she possibly need my help with?

He hoped that when he got back this evening, his sister, who was teetering on the brink of her rebellious phase, wouldn't make things too difficult for him.

「…」

Upon arriving at the Detective Bureau, Dean noticed there were more personnel at the entrance guardhouse. These individuals were outfitted in full gear, donning bulletproof vests. Some even held semi-automatic rifles and patrolled outside the bureau, creating an atmosphere of an impending storm.

Getting in was also considerably more troublesome.

Usually, Dean's license plate was registered in the system. As soon as he drove up to the gate, the automatic barrier would rise, allowing him to drive directly into the underground parking garage without even showing his face.

Now, however, he was stopped and asked to show his credentials.

As Dean pulled out his ID, he asked curiously, "Hey buddy, what's going on? You guys look a bit unfamiliar."

The young man checking credentials had a somewhat green look about him, clearly not very old.

When he saw that Dean was actually an Inspector, a flicker of envy crossed his eyes. He explained, "Inspector Dean, we're not entirely sure about the situation ourselves. There's concern about potential demonstrations today, so our superiors assigned us here to prevent any disturbances."

He explained the reason but didn't reveal his own unit or identity.

Seeing this, Dean didn't press further.

「Fourth Squad Office.」

Dean had thought he'd be the first to arrive, but unexpectedly, Robert, for once, was the first one in the office today.

Besides him, there was a young white man with a scarred face and a fierce demeanor. He was dressed in the same tactical gear as the unfamiliar guards outside and was currently in a heated, red-faced confrontation with Robert. Their exchange seemed far from pleasant.

If not for the fact that neither had drawn their weapon, Dean would have almost thought someone had come looking for trouble.

Hearing the commotion, the two stopped their argument and looked towards the door.

Dean greeted Robert, "Robert, you're in surprisingly early today. Did you come for a private rendezvous with this handsome fellow next to you?"

Robert pointed at the scar-faced young man who was sizing Dean up and introduced him with some embarrassment, "This is my brother, Carlo. He's currently serving with the City Special Services unit—that's the department handling security outside the Detective Bureau right now. We haven't seen each other in a long time, so since he's on duty here, we decided to catch up."

Carlo had evidently heard Dean's name from Robert.

His fierce expression softened slightly. "Hello, Inspector Dean. My big brother has told me about you. He said you're an excellent detective."

Dean's gaze swept over Carlo's limbs and torso. He's well-built, looks like he can handle himself, he thought, then smiled. "I've heard Robert talk about you. He said his brother is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and is his pride."

Carlo looked at his older brother in surprise. He hadn't expected his often-critical older brother to hold him in such high regard.

Robert, however, looked completely baffled. "Dean, did I say that?"

"You were boasting about it when we were drinking once, saying your brother is very formidable," Dean fibbed smoothly. "But you two don't communicate much, and you're both stubborn on the outside but soft-hearted underneath. That's why, even though you care about each other, the way you express it comes out wrong. You were quite troubled back then about how to get along harmoniously with your brother."

This was, of course, something he'd deduced from astute observation.

Carlo, however, was somewhat moved.

He shrugged. "Robert, I admit I sometimes look down on your occasional weakness, but I really appreciate you thinking so highly of me. I apologize for arguing with you just now."

Robert gave him the middle finger in response, a grin on his face. "Just as Dean said. You've clearly become an independent man, yet I can't help saying things that try to limit you. That's not right of me. Still, I hope you'll consider my advice."

"What advice?" Dean asked curiously, seeing he had managed to defuse their conflict.

Robert sighed. "The unit my brother joined is basically a scapegoat department, full of cannon fodder. They're loosely managed and only called in when there's trouble, paid per assignment. I want him to join the Detective Bureau; at least it's more stable."

Although detectives also faced dangerous criminals, it was a lot better than being one of those hard-pressed patrol officers. At least when detectives went into action, they generally knew what to expect. They wouldn't get shot just for a routine traffic stop, asking a few questions, or even for trying to mediate a domestic dispute.

Scapegoats?

Dean suddenly understood. No wonder they'd changed the guards patrolling outside the Detective Bureau. The higher-ups weren't sure if the video footage Dean had provided would defuse the restlessness in the Black community, so they were prepared for suppression. Then, if trouble arose, the temps would be put to use.

Dean sized up Carlo for a few moments, then nodded seriously. "Buddy, I think Robert's right. My team is about to be formed; maybe you could consider joining me."

Just from his build, this guy is clearly disciplined. His eyes hold a mix of ferocity and indifference; he's probably seen his fair share of blood. A good prospect.

Carlo seemed tempted.

He nodded. "Alright, I'll think about it. Oh, and if you guys don't have anything urgent today, it's best not to go out on field assignments. Our orders from above are clear: if anyone tries to storm the Detective Bureau, shoot to kill!"

"Hopefully, it won't come to that," Dean said.

The three chatted for a few more minutes. Carlo had to get back to his post, so he didn't stay long.

Dean and Robert, with nothing else to do, simply turned on the TV and began to watch out of boredom.

「…」

「Noon.」

The news channels in Los Angeles finally started reporting on the incident involving Sarah and Aishelyia. The police department's top brass even held a press conference, earnestly detailing the causes and consequences of the incident. They also played some of the edited video footage that Dean had provided.

Dean himself wasn't visible in the footage, but it did include the conversation between Sarah and Aishelyia.

Following that, various talk shows also engaged in deep analysis and speculation about the incident, attempting to shift the narrative.

Whether the Black community believed it or not, the police force and the city government adopted a very sincere stance. They made it clear to everyone that all are citizens of the United States, enjoying the same rights and freedoms.

The actual effect remained to be seen.

But by the end of the workday, Dean still hadn't heard any news of protests or demonstrations from the Black community.

Perhaps they believed the evidence and videos released by the police, or perhaps they took to heart what the commentators on the talk shows said. In any case, the situation seemed to have quietly blown over.

When Dean got off work, he felt a twinge of regret. If that group had used the protests as a cover to incite a riot and engage in some looting, he might have earned some Experience Points.

「In the evening.」

When Dean returned home, Thompson looked considerably paler.

Been there, done that. Dean instantly knew what his little bro had been up to recently. He was about to pull Thompson aside for a serious talk about taking care of oneself, conserving one's vital energy, and, ahem, how to achieve lasting power...

But Sinclair interrupted, cutting short the valuable lesson Thompson was about to receive.

She rushed over excitedly, like a koala, and flung herself into Dean's arms. "Dean, my dearest, dearest, dearest, dearest big brother, welcome home!"

Dean: "..."

Damn it. Judging by his little sister's enthusiasm, the favor she wanted was probably going to be a real pain to deal with!

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