Edited by: Waning_Crescents

After closer inspection of the victims’ apartments, Vergil and Elena found small doses of drugs hidden in either floor panels or embedded in walls. Both men went through great lengths to conceal their stashes, which explained why this wasn’t discovered the first time around. 

The police officers, who examined the apartments at that time, didn’t even look for anything related to narcotics as nothing pointed into that area.

Furthermore, the re-examination of the victims showed residues of opiates mixed with other substances in their bloodstream. The coroner established that the contents of this drug had a high addictive effect and if not mixed carefully and precisely it could even kill the user.

Under these circumstances, Nolan called an emergency meeting and informed everyone of the facts. However, they faced a real problem because everything indicated that the drug got distributed through Shuri Town; an area off-limits to the CIB.

“This is unbelievable!” Vergil stomped into his office. “Even now the government won’t lift the restrictions? Don’t they get the urgency of this matter?”

Elena, who followed behind him, entered the office as well. “Can’t be helped, if they would lift it, then they would have to support Shuri Town again. After neglecting it for almost two years, I can only imagine the money they would need to put into it.”

“So what? Abandoning them was wrong from the start, but we had no other choice but to follow suit!” Vergil slumped down into his chair at his desk. “All these politicians think about is money, I am so sick of it!”

“Don’t be so loud.” Elena hushed him before she closed the door. “I understand how you feel, and I agree with you. I never liked the idea about abandoning the people there, but there is nothing we can do about it.”

“I know…” Vergil knitted his brows. “Guess for now, the Conciliators are on their own in this matter.”

***

As soon as Vince got notified of what the CIB discovered, he apprised his subordinates of the situation.

“Of course, it’s Shuri Town,” Sigal crossed his arms in front of his chest and frowned. “That’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”

“Or entering the demon’s lair,” Asher added.

Nowe, Asher’s partner, stood beside him with his short black hair unkempt and his clothes in disarray. “Don’t worry! This time I am here, and nothing will happen to you!”

“You are exactly one of the reasons why I am worried, you maniac!” Asher could feel a vein pop in his head. “And what’s with your hair and clothes? Can’t you, for once, show up like a normal human being?”

“I was playing games till late at night…I almost overslept,” Nowe replied with a sulking tone in his voice.

Asher placed his head in his palm and let out an exasperated sigh. “You are hopeless…”

Vince cleared his throat. “Anyway, now that the CIB can’t assist us, we have no other choice but to take matters into our hands. Shuri Town falls under our jurisdiction anyway, so that shouldn’t pose any issues.”

The problem lay more in how to handle the case from now on. The culprits clearly sent a message that if they meddled further into their business, they wouldn’t just stand by and watch, but take action. This put the Conciliators into a tough position.

“I guess you want us to handle it as if it’s an ordinary patrolling through the area?” Sigal asked.

Vince nodded. “Exactly. We must approach this with caution. Although I am sure they don’t expect us to just sit idle. We just have to be ahead of them, that’s our only option at the moment.”

Everyone agreed. Even though taking any steps posed a risk, they couldn’t just let the criminals roam free. They had to act and stop them before it got out of hand.

“Alright.” Vince turned to Asher and Nowe. “You two will be in charge of the east and north side of Shuri Town.” Then he turned to Sigal. “You and—”

Right then, a sound of knocking at the door interrupted him and Cal entered the room.

“Ah, there he is.” Vince’s gaze shifted to Cal. “How did it go?”

“I got clearance to return to work.” 

“I’m glad to hear that.” Vince’s lips curved into a smile. “Then you can join the investigation right away.”

Cal nodded, moved up and stopped beside Sigal, who appeared neither upset, nor annoyed, but somewhat troubled.

Then his gaze fell upon Asher and Nowe, colleagues he briefly saw before, but never had the chance to interact with.

“This is Asher Griever and Nowe Hunt. I am sure you have seen them at least as you joined us,” Vince introduced them. “They will join this operation.”

Nowe approached him with his energetic nature, and a welcoming smile on his lips. “Nice to meet you!” He held his hand out.

While this young man in front of him had a handsome face and beaming eyes, his overall appearance was messy, which took Cal by surprise. 

“C-Cal Vaughn, nice to meet you too.” He shook the other’s hand.

Then Cal turned to Asher, who glanced at him but remained silent, which baffled him.

What is that about? Dislike at first glance? I bet he and Sigal get along just fine.

“Don’t mind him,” Sigal uttered without looking at Cal.

Cal lifted his head and gazed at his partner. The meaning behind Sigal’s expression from the day before still lingered at the back of his mind, yet it even seemed as if that man tried to comfort him. This just added to Cal’s confusion.

“As I was saying.” Vince got back to the topic at hand. “Asher and Nowe will patrol the east and north side of Shuri Town, and Sigal and Cal the west and south side. Additionally, I will also deploy our snipers from the Corps division to back you up.” 

Then he directed his attention to Sigal. “Please fill Cal in on the details on the way.”

Sigal nodded.

“Then let’s get this started, and don’t forget: no unnecessary risks!” Vince added to conclude the meeting.