US police: outlaws

Chapter 30: The Mastermind Slowly Emerges

Jaden Garcia's eyes widened instantly.

"Chief, are we really going to continue this investigation? Should we consult with our superiors?"

"Hmph, this is a case in my own jurisdiction, I don't need to consult anyone. Take Officer Ethan and Officer Evelyn with you, don't let the criminal organization get away."

"Yes."

Jaden ultimately had no choice but to accept the arrangement. In fact, he wasn't the big brother who was about to retire and could continue the investigation at all costs. If he displeased certain people above him, he could forget about being transferred back to headquarters for the rest of his life.

On the other side, Ethan Lee was also kept behind by Chief Jason for a few private words.

"Officer Ethan, are you keen on a promotion?"

"....."

For a moment, Li Yisen didn't know what to say.

"I really want a promotion."

Chief Jason said with a smile.

"Then make the most of your abilities. Speaking of which, you really are like me when I was young—energetic, capable, and handsome, hahaha."

'

Li Yisen was speechless. Was he praising his subordinate or trying to glorify himself? Who knew what he was like when he was young? Now he's just a decrepit old man.

"Go, don't let the prisoner escape."

"Yes."

Lee Ethan couldn't guess what the old man was thinking, so he could only take Evelyn to their destination.

Chief Jason opened his eyes and muttered to himself.

"What you consider the big picture, I don't think it might really be the big picture."

He still has work to do next, such as meeting with the villa owner. The owner must be quite flustered at this point, after all, he invited a group of forced women over, and if the media finds out, they will definitely make a big deal out of it.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we should be able to get a donation from the other party. The police station can use it to buy new equipment, and the businessman can use it to offset taxes, all while keeping the matter from escalating—a win-win situation.

.

Inside the police car, Li Yisen glanced at his junior colleague in plainclothes.

"You're off today, would you like me to let you out of the car to rest?"

The policewoman, who had been looking serious, suddenly became furious, and asked him to take credit and get rid of her.

"Ethan Lee."

"Just kidding."

In just a few minutes, they arrived at their destination, the beauty salon that Evelyn had been keeping an eye on. The place was already surrounded by nearby police officers.

Police quickly took complete control of the beauty salon, rescuing more than 70 women, ranging in age from 13 to over 20. As for the criminals, they only caught a few minor figures.

It seems the gang leaders fled after hearing the news. There was nothing they could do about it; controlling over 70 people to escape would not only make them more likely to be exposed, but it would also waste time.

Although they ultimately failed to capture the top leaders of the 13K triad, the fact that they were able to rescue hundreds of women is a major case, not just in this small city, but even in Los Angeles.

.

This was Li Yisen's first time entering the criminal investigation team's office. There were about 30 seats, but it didn't seem to be full.

Lee Ethan led Evelyn into the investigation team's meeting room, where more than 20 detectives were already seated, watching the two patrol officers.

Although most detectives are patrol officers, many of them were quite unhappy that a patrol officer had stolen the spotlight this time.

Ignoring all gazes, since being envied and resented wouldn't cost him anything, Li Yisen simply sat down next to Kaiya.

Evelyn sat down next to them, admitting that being stared at by these fierce-looking detectives did make her feel a little uncomfortable.

Soon, team leader Jaden walked in.

"Everyone, turn off your phones. The target of this human trafficking case is the 13K triad. We will be investigating this case with all our might..."

After Jaden finished speaking, he planned to arrange manpower.

"Location A will be managed by Rocky and Sandy, and Location B by..."

Before Jaden could finish speaking, the meeting door was pushed open, and a policewoman shouted.

"Team leader, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are here, and they request to see you."

Jaden frowned instantly. He had a bad feeling. Why was it the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Department of Homeland Security? Were they here to ask for a joint investigation?

"Are there only ICE personnel? What about the people from county headquarters?"

"no."

Something's not right. Normally, it wouldn't be the Customs Enforcement Agency coming directly; it would be the Criminal Division of the county headquarters, with federal, county, and local authorities all working together.

As the superior left, the others began to murmur amongst themselves. They remembered the last time the investigation was suddenly suspended, and if it happened again today, then things were definitely more complicated.

The people at Kaiya's table started discussing it, and Evelyn asked with a little excitement.

"Are we going to work with ICE on this case?"

This is a federal agency. Not to mention, the Department of Homeland Security is America's youngest department, established after the 9/11 attacks, integrating 22 federal agencies including the Coast Guard, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and Customs.

Most people have only seen them in movies and TV shows, which is why Evelyn is looking forward to collaborating with these popular departments.

"Father, I will not let you down."

The next second, Ethan and Kaiya poured cold water on the newcomers.

"I don't think so. Maybe the case is going to fizzle out."

"I feel the same way."

Meanwhile, on the other side, the sound of arguing could be heard coming from the office.

"That's ridiculous! We already have evidence, and you're telling us to give up?"

An ICE executive named Isaiah also loudly criticized the move.

"Do you realize that your rash actions will alert the enemy and seriously affect our subsequent operations? Just for a mere 100 illegal immigrants, will you bear the losses caused by the uncertainty?"

Jaden didn't dare to respond.

"The case is already halfway through; it's impossible to refuse now."

"Team Leader Jaden, your reckless behavior is bad for everyone and may even affect your future. I heard you submitted a transfer application. Once the case is resolved perfectly, I believe you won't regret your decision today."

Jaden fell silent; he had no choice but to comply with their threats and inducements.

Seeing that the other party had given in, Isaiah began to talk about the ICE plan.

"You're not familiar with the rules of human trafficking and renting. Today you rescued hundreds of women; the 13K will need to return an equal number of women, or return the money. Tell me, does a gang return money or people?"

Jaden's eyes widened instantly.

"You actually wanted to?"

.

As some had predicted, Jaden returned and announced the disbandment of the task force, claiming that he was handing the case over to "the higher-ups."

Li Yisen didn't say anything about it; he just told them to disband and take everyone back.

Anyway, since the case was closed early, he received his reward ahead of time, so it wasn't a loss for him.

[Ding! In the human trafficking case involving the rescue of 100 women, participation rate reached 50%, earning a 4-star reward.]

[Rewards are being extracted from criminals; 4-star physical talent has been obtained: Top-tier fast-twitch muscle fibers.]

[Constitutional Talent. Top-Tier Fast-Twitch Fibers (4-Star): Enhanced explosive power, increased muscle growth potential, faster and tighter muscle growth during strength training. Strength +1, Constitution +2, Agility +1]

【Strength: 17】

[Endurance: 16]

[Agility: 17]

【Spirit: 19】

In an instant, Li Yisen felt that he had become significantly stronger. He touched his muscles and found that they hadn't gotten bigger, but they were harder and more powerful.

"That's quite a talent."

Li Yisen looked at the final system notification.

[Congratulations on winning the grand prize! You have received a lottery ticket for a suicide drone, which can be randomly selected from a variety of small drones, ranging from a basic civilian second-hand drone to a military strike drone.]

[Acquired the "Klin" suicide drone]

["Klin" Suicide Drone: Weighs 13 kg, warhead 5 kg, remote control radius 120 km, endurance 80 minutes, top speed 260 km/h.]

Li Yisen was stunned for a moment. Wasn't this the latest suicide drone? What would he do with it? He didn't even know how to use it.