novelraw Chapter 727 727
Chapter 727 727
Around three in the afternoon.
Four police cars from the Rhovan Provincial Police Department entered the gates of the Rexton City Police Department.
As soon as the door of the first car opened,
Armand Crawford, dressed in a white police uniform, got out.
Blaise Goodman, the commissar of the Rexton City Police Department, Executive Deputy Director Pierce Griffin, and Deputy Captain of the Provincial Criminal Investigation Unit Cuthbert Lewis hurried over to greet him.
When the three of them arrived in front of him,
they stood at attention,
and respectfully saluted.
Armand Crawford waved his hand.
He said, "Comrade Griffin, the files, body, and witnesses of the Javier Summers case are to be immediately handed over to the Provincial Criminal Investigation Unit for handling."
"Director Crawford, this case is already being handled by our city bureau."
Pierce Griffin said, a bit apprehensively.
Armand Crawford nodded and said, "I understand, but the case was initially reported to the provincial department. It is only proper that it be handled by the provincial department. Stop dilly-dallying and get to work."
Being the Deputy Director of the Rhovan Provincial Police Department,
his words were commands.
He expected Pierce Griffin to unconditionally comply.
Unexpectedly, Pierce Griffin swallowed hard and said, "I'm sorry, Director Crawford, but this case cannot be handed over. Since the crime occurred in our Rexton City, it should be handled by the Rexton City Police Department."
"Do you know what you're saying?"
Armand Crawford asked in disbelief.
Pierce Griffin nodded.
He said, "Of course I do. I've been a cop for a long time; I understand these principles."
Since he couldn't command Pierce Griffin,
Armand Crawford wasn't bothered.
He turned to Blaise Goodman and said, "Comrade Goodman, you go and issue the order, then."
Blaise Goodman hesitated.
He said, "Director Crawford, uh... I'm in charge of political affairs. The specifics of the case fall under Griffin's responsibility, so..."
"What? Is the Rexton City Police Department planning to mutiny?"
Armand Crawford noticed something was off.
He started shouting loudly.
At that moment,
a voice sounded at the gate: "Director Crawford, isn't that statement a bit too serious? What do you mean by mutiny? This is an order from the Municipal Government, and as a subordinate agency, is the police department wrong to follow it?"
Armand Crawford suddenly looked up.
He saw a middle-aged man in an administrative jacket descending the steps with his hands behind his back.
Walking beside him was Dirk Carter.
"Well, who do we have here? Turns out it's Mayor Vincent. Mayor Vincent, are you planning to involve yourself in this mess too?"
Armand Crawford asked with a snort.
The person who arrived was indeed Fabian Vincent.
He let out a cold laugh.
He said, "Director Crawford, what are you saying? With incidents happening in Rexton City, as the mayor, how can I not be involved? Sterling InterContinental Hotel is a renowned hotel in our city. If we can't handle such a case, wouldn't we become a laughing stock?"
"Mayor Vincent, I hope you weigh your decisions carefully. Don't create trouble for yourself."
Armand Crawford warned.
The implication was clear: he wanted to remind Fabian Vincent of the Houseman Family standing behind this issue.
Fabian Vincent laughed heartily.
He said, "Director Crawford, I'm the head of the Rexton City Municipal Government. If there's any trouble, I, Fabian Vincent, will face it. I don't need anyone's reminder. Besides, hasn't the break between us and the Houseman Family already happened?"
This statement was clear.
He was informing Armand Crawford.
That he and the Houseman Family, had already severed ties.
Terrorizing him with the Houseman Family wouldn't work anymore.
This statement left Armand Crawford's face somewhat embarrassed.
Indeed,
while the appointment of the city police is subject to the provincial department's review, the real decision is influenced by the Municipal Party Committee and Government. Although considered a higher authority, the provincial department can only offer business-oriented guidance in practice.
His threats to Blaise Goodman and Pierce Griffin were limited.
In contrast, Fabian Vincent was different.
He was the head of the Municipal Government.
The City Police Department was a subordinate of the Municipal Government.
If not listening to him, then who?
He initially wanted to use this case to gain favor with the Houseman Family.
Never expected Fabian Vincent to intervene.
At this moment, Armand Crawford had no other means.
He glared fiercely at the silent Dirk Carter.
He said, "Fine, if Mayor Vincent is resolute, then let's wait and see."
After throwing out this remark,
Armand Crawford turned and left in frustration.
As soon as he left,
Fabian Vincent looked at Dirk Carter and said, "Secretary General Carter, I've helped you once again. You should remember this favor."
Upon hearing this,
Dirk Carter smiled slightly and said, "Mayor Vincent, you're mistaken. You're not helping me; you're helping yourself."
"I have nothing to do with this matter. Both you and I know that behind Armand Crawford is the Houseman Family. I'm taking a risk to help you cover this. How is this helping myself?"
Fabian Vincent scoffed.
Dirk Carter, full of confidence, said, "Mayor Vincent, this matter involves John Houseman. Behind John is Vernon Houseman. If I can take this chance to deal with John Houseman, Vernon will have no place left in Janton State. As a result, the Houseman Family's power will take a hit, which is a huge advantage for you. Currently, they might not have the time to deal with you, but who can say what will happen in the future?"
He hit the nail on the head.
Dirk Carter had seen through Fabian Vincent's little schemes.
Originally wanting to gain a favor from Dirk Carter.
Now it was clear he could forget about it.
Fabian Vincent scoffed, saying, "Forget whether you can get evidence of John Houseman's crimes, even if you did, do you think you alone can bring him down? Besides, the Houseman Family knows you're planning against John Houseman. Chances are he's already fled back to Argentum. Do you think you can take people to Argentum to arrest him?"
"It's worth a try."
Dirk Carter said.
Fabian Vincent took a deep breath.
His gaze towards Dirk Carter became complex.
He knew Dirk Carter had always been unrestrained, but he never imagined his boldness was to this extent.
"Director Griffin, Director Griffin, the results are out..."
Suddenly,
a police officer hurriedly ran out from the gate.
Everyone's hearts tightened.
They watched as Pierce Griffin received the forensic report.
With just a glance,
Pierce Griffin's brows furrowed.
"What are the results?"
Cuthbert Lewis couldn't help but ask.
Pierce Griffin lifted his head and said, "The deceased, Stella Stone and Zoe Summers, mother and daughter, both suffered sexual assault before their deaths. Three different men's fluids were found in Stella Stone's body, and another three in Zoe Summers's. In other words, they were gang-raped by a total of six men..."
It was like a bolt from the blue.
Dirk Carter and the others were stunned on the spot.
After a long silence,
Dirk Carter clenched his fist and asked, "What about Javier Summers?"
Pierce Griffin let out a sigh.
He said, "There are marks on Javier Summers' hands and feet indicating he was tied up. There are also slight sharp-object injuries on his neck. Based on my experience, when this mother and daughter were attacked, Javier Summers was likely in a restrained state..."