Chapter 435
Sun Tiger took me and Xiaotao to his office and shut the door. Then, he opened the drawer and handed us a doc.u.ment.
It contained orders regarding the Jiangbei Daggers, but it was merely a draft.
Sun Tiger proposed to create a special team without restrictions by absorbing a group of talented people outside the public security forces. They would be able to mobilize a certain amount of resources and be given the same authority to deal with crimes as bureau-level officials.
"Director-General Cheng and I proposed this bill, but the Ministry of Public Security has repeatedly rejected it. The upper ranks don’t realize the seriousness of the situation! We have repeatedly failed to compete with the Jiangbei Daggers and we know so little about them. Last night"s terrorist attack was like a catalyst. Now, the Dog Trainer and your name have spread to the Ministry of Public Security and Beijing. I just received a call from the Ministry of Public Security. My superiors have approved this proposal and will set up a special team based in Nanjiang City. This team falls outside the authority of the city bureau. Even the director has no right to interfere with your actions. This means you’ve gained their complete trust."
Shocked by the news, I retorted, "The responsibility is too great! I’m just a fresh grad out of university. "
Sun Tiger shook his head, "No one else can shoulder this heavy responsibility except you. You have inherited your grandfather"s mantle and have enough experience in cracking down on crimes. There’s no other Song Yang in the entire public security system! This was a major terrorist attack. Even I can"t escape resignation and might face court sanctions. I hope to stand and fight against these terrorists before I leave office and be worthy of my country and people."
"How many personnel will the special team require?" I asked.
"I proposed six people,” smiled Sun Tiger. “I think you already have suitable candidates in mind. If you want Bingxin’s help, I won"t say anything. My daughter is a grown-up and can make her own decisions. Just make sure you’re careful."
After pondering for a moment, I said, "Uncle Sun, I’m not an officer so I won’t salute you. But I promise to give my all in taking down the Jiangbei Daggers!"
"This is exactly what I want to hear. Remember, this must be kept secret. The special team’s existence can"t be known to the outside world. I will issue a new ID for you. Of course, respecting your grandfather"s final wish, you’re still not part of the public security system!" Sun Tiger nodded.
At the mention of my grandfather, my heart sank once more. "I have something to ask you," I began.
"Is this about what the man said last night?"
I nodded, "Do you think my grandfather could’ve done something wrong?"
His lips curled into a meaningful smile, "Your grandfather was the most honest and kindest person I ever met. He has solved countless cases in his life. More than just a colleague, he was also my good friend. I can guarantee his conscience is as clear as your ancestor Song Ci!"
I whispered my thanks and left his office with Xiaotao.
There was still much to do. All through late August, we dealt with the aftermath of the crimes. Although Sun Tiger submitted his resignation letter, he was ordered by his superiors to redeem himself with meritorious service and restore the security and stability of Nanjiang City as soon as possible.
Some of the Dog Trainer’s men underwent trial in court but most of them were sent to a mental rehabilitation center for comprehensive treatment. Treating those who had been brainwashed would take a long time.
In contrast, my methods were expedient. The two prisoners detained by Baldy returned to normal after half a month of training. My original plan was to use their testimony against the Dog Trainer, but it was no longer necessary.
Those who gradually returned to normal provided useful information such as the Dog Trainer"s client list. The police arrested a large number of murderers according to the list and solved at least forty old cases in one go, including the four young masters’ case.
During that time, every policeman, prosecutor and judge had their hands full. Director-General Cheng transferred a group of veteran officers from the province to a.s.sist with work! In mid-September, Nanjiang City finally restored its previous order. The disaster brought about by the Dog Trainer was like a scar on Nanjiang City, one that only time could heal.
During this time, I didn’t remain idle. I helped Xiaotao solve several cases while considering the six people I would place on the special team, namely Xiaotao, w.a.n.g Yuanchao, Bingxin, Song Xingchen, Lao Yao and me.
Xiaotao"s leaders.h.i.+p skills were indispensable; w.a.n.g Yuanchao had first-cla.s.s investigation abilities and a large number of informants. He was also the chief coach of the armed police. Bingxin was proficient in toxicology and forensic a.n.a.lysis, which was an effective supplement to my own Traditional Coroner skills; Song Xingchen had amazing skills and knew the Jianghu like the back of his hand. As for Lao Yao, I hadn"t come across anyone with better hacker skills than him. In this age of information, he could provide good technical a.s.sistance.
I spoke to them separately. Naturally, I had no problem getting Xiaotao and w.a.n.g Yuanchao on the team. Bingxin was very happy upon hearing that she was going to join the special team. Lao Yao agreed as long as there was no danger and he could earn money.
However, I never imagined Song Xingchen to be the person to say ‘NO" to me!
When I visited him at the hospital, he had basically recovered from his injuries. Upon hearing my proposal, Song Xingchen said, "I exist only to protect you and I have repeatedly warned you not to have too much contact with this organization. Not only do I refuse to join you, but you’re not allowed to join the team either!"
"I was forced by the situation. The Dog Trainer actually dared to engage in terrorist attacks. Do you think I can sit idly by?"
Song Xingchen shook his head and sighed, "For hundreds of years, the Song family has failed to bring down the Jiangbei Daggers and was almost destroyed by them. You’re very important to the Song family. Your life doesn’t belong to you alone. Even if I went along with you, the Song family would never allow that!"
All along, I had my doubts. Were there other branches of the Song family?
Thus, I replied, "I don"t know the Song family you keep talking about. If they really exist, please allow me to meet them..."
Song Xingchen sighed and silently recited the family law, "Young master, no Song family member should ever dabble in professions of the law!"
"I can"t do that!” I cried. “And why do you all a.s.sume I’ll definitely die as long as I get involved with this organization?"
Song Xingchen said with great certainty, "Anyone who has been targeted by them ends up dead. Think about it. You almost lost your life last time when you confronted them twice. This time, it’s even more dangerous than just losing your life. Every generation of the Song family who wanted to bring them down has failed to escape such a fate, even your grandfather. The ancestors of the Song family suffered the same way, except for one person who narrowly defeated the Jiangbei Daggers. But that person is someone we couldn’t control — our ancestor Song Ci!"
"Just think of me as young and ignorant,” I said, getting to my feet. “Anyway, I won"t be dissuaded by your words. Ask the Song family out. I’d like to talk to them personally!"
Song Xingchen folded his arms and turned away. "I will inform them of your intentions. If you manage to convince them, I’ll join this special team."
"That"s a deal!" I exclaimed.