90: Chapter 90 Ballard's Phone Call

After the mayor stepped down, the chief invited another "special guest," a high-ranking official from the Federal Bureau of Enforcement.

The man wore a dark suit, had a serious expression, and spoke as if reading from a script.

He praised Sean for "embodying the highest standards of American law enforcement," then handed him a certificate with the Department of Justice emblem on the cover.

Sean took the certificate and said, "Thank you."

He stood at the podium, clutching the certificate, a medal pinned to his chest, the lights shining on his face.

Dozens of people below were applauding, cameras were rolling, and flashbulbs were firing. Everything felt like a dream.

But he had only one thought in his mind...

Why?

Joseph White's case didn't warrant such a grand display.

He had worked at the Second Precinct for three months, solving a few cases, but none of them were major.

Joseph White's case was the biggest he had handled, but it was just a typical case of a police officer dying in the line of duty and the killer being shot.

Why did it alarm the mayor?

Why did it alarm the Federal Bureau of Enforcement?

His gaze swept across the audience.

Sheriff Brown was applauding, Team Leader Murphy was applauding, and Gray was applauding.

Those Federal Bureau of Enforcement agents in the second row were also applauding, but their expressions... weren't joy, weren't pride, they were observing.

Like observing an experiment, like looking at something chosen.

...

The commendation ceremony quickly ended.

The crowd began to disperse, cameras turned off, and flashbulbs stopped flashing.

Several reporters rushed up, wanting to interview Sean, but Sheriff Brown blocked them: "Another day, another day, let him rest today."

Sean stepped down from the podium, still clutching the certificate.

Gray rushed over and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Awesome, brother! The mayor personally presented the award! Even the Federal Bureau of Enforcement showed up! You're on the fast track to promotion!"

Sean offered a perfunctory smile: "Maybe."

Sheriff Brown walked over, his smile a bit more genuine than usual.

"Sean, you did well today. Go home and rest; you'll be back at work tomorrow."

Sean nodded: "Thank you, Sheriff."

He walked out.

As he passed the second row, the high-ranking Federal Bureau of Enforcement official called out to him.

"Officer Black."

Sean stopped.

The man walked over and extended his hand; Sean shook it.

The man's hand was dry, cool, and held a firm grip.

"I'm John Murray, Department of Justice Enforcement Bureau." He released Sean's hand, pulled a business card from his pocket, and handed it to Sean. "The case you handled is of great interest to the higher-ups. If you need anything in the future, you can contact me."

Of great interest?

What could be of interest?

Sean felt a slight wariness but still took the business card and glanced at it.

It only had a name and phone number, no organization, no title.

Thinking he'd keep it for now, he put it away and said, "Thank you."

Murray nodded, turned, and left.

Sean stood in the center of the hall, looking at the business card.

The higher-ups are very interested... What exactly are they interested in?

Is it because of the Bat Monster?

Is it because of the Colombians?

Or is it because of the treasure?

Sean put the business card away and walked out.

The sunlight streamed through the glass doors, making him squint.

He stood on the steps, taking a deep breath. The medal on his chest reflected the sunlight, shining brightly.

He reached out and touched the medal.

It was bronze, cold, engraved with his name and the date.

The medal of bravery, one of the highest honors of the New Orleans Police Department.

He should be happy, proud, and feel that it was all worth it.

But Sean just felt strange...

He walked down the steps and got into his car.

He placed the certificate and medal on the passenger seat, still clutching the business card... John Murray, Department of Justice Enforcement Bureau.

After some thought, he decided to call Ballard.

He heard she also had a medal; it was a good opportunity to ask her about the situation!

Just as he was about to dial Ballard's number, his phone rang first.

Ballard.

Sean was stunned for a moment, not expecting that speaking of the devil would make her appear.

He had just thought of calling her, and Ballard's call came first.

So he quickly answered.

"Sean." Ballard's voice came through the receiver, still the same, neither high nor low, no wasted words.

Sean was used to Ballard's tone and quickly replied, "I was just about to call you to ask about the medal ceremony."

Unexpectedly, Ballard interrupted directly: "Do you remember the church I told you about?"

Sean naturally remembered that day when his female partner confided in him, she mentioned a church where many bodies were buried.

So he asked, "Is it that place where many bodies were buried?"

"Yes." Ballard's voice dropped a little, "Thirteen bodies, buried in the walls!"

She paused, seemingly not wanting to explain the situation too clearly over the phone, then said, "Sean, come to Los Angeles. Some things can't be explained over the phone."

"Can I just go to Los Angeles?" Sean asked, puzzled. "I have cases in New Orleans, patrols, and police station duties. You just say go?"

Ballard immediately said, "The request for assistance document will reach your chief tomorrow. It's an interstate investigation, official procedure; your chief won't stop you."

Sean was taken aback: "You've already arranged it?"

Ballard remained calm: "I arranged it before calling you."

Sean asked, "So you already knew I would definitely go?"

Ballard didn't answer the question, only saying, "Pack your bags and leave in the next couple of days. Call me when you arrive, and I'll pick you up."

What?!

So urgent!

Sean heard Ballard about to hang up and asked again, "Ballard, what are you doing with those bodies in the church?"

Ballard was silent for a moment: "It's not clear over the phone; I'll tell you in detail when you get here."

With that, she hung up the phone directly...

...

"What? You're going to Los Angeles!" Madison exploded upon hearing this.

She sat up in bed, her hair messy, her eyes wide, staring at Sean like a startled cat.

"That female officer told you to go? You're going just because of her call? When did you start listening to her so much?"

Sean anticipated Madison's reaction and quickly explained, "Ballard found some things related to the church; it's not clear over the phone, we have to talk face-to-face."

"Related to you?" Madison's voice rose. "What's related to you? You believe whatever she says? If she said you were her long-lost brother, would you believe that too?"

Sean didn't speak.

Madison looked at him, her chest heaving, her hands clutching the quilt tightly.

"When will you be back if you go? One day? Two days? Or a week?"

Sean opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Madison didn't give him a chance: "Go! Go to Los Angeles, go find that female officer."

"She's pretty, she's capable, she can solve cases, she can do everything!"

Madison's voice choked, her eyes reddened, looking very pitiful.

But Sean knew very well...

Madison was definitely putting on an act for him!