Chapter 1522: Director George’s Worries
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
It wasn’t that Luke had money to burn, but that the atmosphere at the relief shelter wasn’t great.
The atmosphere was dampened by the large number of depressed community residents who had lost houses or even their loved ones.
By holding this party and organizing a charity lottery, he could promote an improvement in the situation, and should be able to help some people.
He might not gain much out of it, but all he had to do was fork out money anyway.
Nevertheless, Luke would only help those who helped themselves.
Once there were fewer people at the shelter, he would cut down on handouts.
comment
Anyone who thought they could just eat and sleep without doing anything could dream on.
He was helping people, not raising pigs.
May and Doris were very efficient.
‘They arrived that day and discussed the main proceedings with Luke.
The next day, the city council approved their application, and preparations went ahead for the party.
Everything was ready by the third day, and the party was officially held that night.
Luke also invited Misty, George Stacy, and officers from the 15th Precinct who were free to take part in this “mix and mingle” between cops and civilians.
As long as a dozen police officers showed up, there would be people to maintain order.
Director George was also very interesting.
Including him, there were ten people from the 15th Precinct, who were all patrol officers who drove over.
Luke was very considerate. He had the shelter workers send people to inquire with the patrol officers and deliver the hot drinks and food they needed, but not beer.
The patrol officers were even more tactful.
‘They were scattered along the road next to the river where the party was held, at intervals of 100 meters, so that they were able to monitor the half-kilometer stretch occupied by the party.
If it were two years ago, the residents of Clinton would never have a party like this under the eyes of the patrol officers, because too many hot-blooded guys with criminal records lived here.
Now, these criminals had basically been kicked out by Batman, Black Cat and Daredevil, and whoever was left were basically Clinton residents born and bred.
Most of them worked for or helped out in the renovation company or relief shelter.
Luke told Charlie and the others to let everyone know that the patrol officers were the “security” hired by the foundation bigshot.
So, n.o.body paid much attention to the patrol officers.
‘When night fell, it was cold by the river, but the street was lively.
There were all sorts of hot food on stoves, the steam luring people in, and there was even a live community rap performance.
Those who sang well had an audience, and those who didn’t… hm, they had even more of an audience, which jeered at them.
Because of the trauma from the Battle of New York, there had been no festive air in Clinton, but it was present now.
Of course, this was all thanks to Luke.
All the food, drinks, and games were free. Even the two claw machines that had been brought over were free to play. However, everyone had to line up, and were limited to three times per person.
‘There were also pinball machines and punch machines.
The party venue was decked with ribbons, and it looked like a small carnival.
Looking at everything, Director George said to Luke with a smile, “This is a good idea. Without the buffer of holiday cheer, people can feel that life is hopeless.”
Luke nodded with a smile. “You’ve been under a lot of stress recently, haven’t you?”
George, however, smiled helplessly. “No; law and order in our 15th Precinct is currently one of the best in New York — we’re only slightly worse than the richer districts.”
Luke didn’t say anything.
It was rare for George to talk to someone about this. He lowered his voice slightly and said, “Although this will make the 15th Precinct sound useless, I still have to thank Batman and his friends; it’s because of them that the situation in Clinton can still be this stable after the battle.”
Luke was amused. “Why do I feel like you seem quite begrudging, Director George?”
“T respect Batman and the others. However, he’s not getting paid for it. We’re the ones getting paid, but we’re too useless.” Suddenly, the beer in George’s hand seemed tasteless.
Luke pondered for a moment. “Actually, isn’t it fine to let the superheroes do the work?”
George: …
Looking at his face, Luke shrugged. “Are we supposed to deal with monsters or alien armies? We don’t get paid to be army soldiers.”
George smiled bitterly and felt helpless.
‘There was always a gap between reality and dreams.
Batman and the others had stolen a lot of NYPD’s work, but it wasn’t NYPD’s job to save the world.
Could the superheroes be blamed for being busybodies? The world wouldn’t have been saved otherwise!
After a brief silence, George changed the topic. “I heard that you have some connections at HQ.”
Luke said, “Sort of. How do you want me to help?”
George was a little embarra.s.sed, but still said, “You know a bit of what the 15th Precinct is like, right?”
Luke nodded.
George said, “I’ve gone over and started tidying things up, but some of the support I was promised by the higher-ups are on hold.”
Luke asked, “What support?”
George said, “Field gear, new firearms, bulletproof vests, riot control s.h.i.+elds and so on. Although law and order in Clinton isn’t bad, we’ve had to back up other precincts recently. After a few times, many people are feeling a little… reluctant.”
Luke understood.
‘The 15th Precinct and Kingpin had been rotten from top to bottom.
‘When George took over, he had been doing a great job cleaning up. In the end, however, NYPD went through two waves of resignations, and the cleanup had to stop.
‘The cleanup wasn’t done, and the higher-ups naturally wouldn’t give him the benefits so easily.
Also, after the Battle of New York, the higher-ups were too busy to bother with the director of a small precinct with a shaky foundation, while the people below the director didn’t want to drive shabby cars and go out on a.s.signments with old equipment.
Luke rolled his eyes and suddenly pointed at the party. “See that, George?”
George looked in the direction he was pointing and was puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
His hand was already on the walkie-talkie at his waist. He had the power as the director to call for backup at the drop of a hat.
Luke wagged his finger. “No. What I’m saying is that there’s a far more charitable foundation here; it’s paying for this community party.”
George immediately got it. “You’re saying I should ask the foundation for a donation?”
He caught on quickly! Luke nodded. “As long as you’re willing to have your men pay a little more attention to law and order here; it’ll also be a way to protect charity works here.”
George nodded thoughtfully.
Luke said, “If you like the idea, go look for Foggy and Matt at Nelson and Murdock. They’re familiar with the foundation. You can discuss it with them first.”
George exhaled and stretched out his hand. “Thank you, Luke.”
Luke shook hands with him and chuckled. “But let me be clear first: You can’t take Misty back, unless you’re giving her a promotion.”
George also smiled. “She’s been doing very well recently. I think she can keep that up.”