At Emma Church.
Coulson returned, but this time, he wasn't there for Cohen. Instead, he sat in the small hall, looking exhausted.
He prayed to God.
Having failed to find Demon Face, he intended to end this mission.
After all, Daredevil was patrolling the rooftops every day, and it seemed unlikely that Demon Face could cause much trouble.
The bald director had assigned him a new mission.
Rumor had it that a secret military experiment had gone wrong, resulting in a green-skinned muscle monster.
The creature was incredibly powerful, and not even an elite combat team could capture him.
However, the details were kept under wraps by the project leader, General Ross.
For the sake of world peace and security, S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn't turn a blind eye to this situation.
Director Nick Fury decisively decided to intervene.
And that intervention was none other than Coulson, an honorable Level 8 agent.
Tomorrow morning, he was scheduled to fly to Brazil.
According to intelligence gathered by S.H.I.E.L.D., the green monster was likely hiding in a beverage factory there.
Even General Ross didn't know about this information.
The director had assigned him a highly skilled capture team, known for their ruthlessness.
Armed with oversized tranquilizer shotguns, these rounds were so painful that two shots to the back could bring someone down alive.
Before leaving, Coulson had returned to Emma Church because a lingering doubt had yet to be resolved. He didn't want to leave without clarity.
Cohen, who was leading the congregation in prayer, saw Coulson but didn't initiate a greeting.
After the carnage at the vampire blood feast, Cohen felt more powerful than ever, his strength practically doubling.
Recently, with David's help, he had been searching for traces of vampires.
These creatures were easy to kill and left no traces—guaranteed to be bronze-tier at least, far more efficient than street thugs.
As for the situation in Hell's Kitchen, he hadn't paid much attention.
After prayers ended, Coulson felt somewhat better and greeted Cohen.
Cohen responded enthusiastically, "Hey, Coulson! Ever since you S.H.I.E.L.D. agents came here, Hell's Kitchen has quieted down a lot.
I heard Demon Face hasn't shown up in days. This must be thanks to you, right?"
Coulson opened his mouth, about to say it had nothing to do with him, but Cohen continued, "I have to say, you're much better than those incompetent police officers!
Oh, God forgive me, I don't mean to judge them harshly, but it's the truth.
Before you came, this place was a living hell! Sometimes I wonder if the police department, city government, or even the whole of America cares about this place at all!
Murders, arson, drug dealing, robbery, rape, abduction—you name it. Satan himself would feel right at home here.
This is a godforsaken land where all the residents struggle between life and death.
Can you believe a place like this exists in America? It almost shook my faith!
But thank God you came, and things finally improved!"
Cohen ignored Coulson's increasingly awkward expression, his face full of admiration.
"You S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are like angels! Although protecting the people is your responsibility, and perhaps you forgot about us for a while, I still want to thank you on behalf of all the residents of Hell's Kitchen!"
Cohen bowed deeply.
"Ahem!"
Coulson suddenly started coughing violently.
"Uh… protecting the people is indeed our duty, and we didn't exactly forget this place before…"
"It's okay, it's okay!" Cohen waved his hand dismissively. "Let's let bygones be bygones. As long as you continue to protect us, that's all that matters.
You have no idea how happy the residents are when they come to confess to me. They finally have the life of an ordinary poor neighborhood.
Sure, they're still eating black bread and drinking cheap coffee, but they don't have to worry about shootouts every day.
To see the sunrise on their way to work or while having breakfast, you have no idea how joyful they are! Agent Coulson, thank you for safeguarding this peace, for giving these people—who might have died in gunfights—a peaceful and calm day! Rest assured, I'll petition the government to properly commend hard-working agents like you!"
Coulson's expression was one of suppressed frustration.
Cohen smiled warmly. "By the way, what brings you here?"
After taking a moment to regain his composure, Coulson said, "I'm sorry to bother you again, Father.
I've been troubled by something you said last time and wanted to ask for clarification. You mentioned that Demon Face's origin seems connected to Daredevil.
Could you explain what you meant by that?"
Cohen's face showed surprise. "You haven't figured it out yet?
Why don't you ask Daredevil himself?
He's the protector of Hell's Kitchen. Hasn't he been cooperating with you?"
Coulson's embarrassed expression began to crumble, feeling as if his pride had been repeatedly trampled.
"No, no. Actually…
We had a friendly conversation with Daredevil, but we… uh, just wanted to confirm some things."
"Oh!"
Cohen nodded. "What exactly do you want to confirm?"
Coulson fell silent.
He could only repeat what he had said before: "You said Daredevil was involved in Demon Face's origin. What kind of involvement?"
Cohen frowned, thinking for a moment. "I'm not sure, but according to a confessor, they seemed to have accidentally witnessed something. It appears Daredevil might have triggered the birth of Demon Face."
"How did he trigger it?"
"It seemed like a murder!"
"Murder who?"
Cohen gave Coulson a look of disbelief, shaking his head. "I don't know. Honestly, I doubt the confession. It might have just been a drunken dream.
Maybe you shouldn't take what I said too seriously. It could be a false lead."
But Coulson was lost in thought, recalling how Daredevil had been avoiding him and standing vigil on the rooftops every day.
Could this kid be feeling guilty, trying to make amends for his mistake? Hmm, it all seems to fit. A dazed Coulson walked out of the church.
David had something to report to Cohen regarding the two corrupt cops, Jayden and Isaac. David had thoroughly investigated them.
They were indeed working for Kingpin, but at a low level, without direct access to him.
Their usual task was transporting drugs during their night patrols.
They were an essential part of Kingpin's drug empire, carrying hundreds of pounds of drugs from headquarters and distributing them to six or seven locations.
Since they were driving a police car, they never faced any searches, even in the middle of the night, making the operation almost risk-free! David had installed a listening device on their phones, and tonight, there was going to be a big deal.
Over 500 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth 20 million dollars!
Completing this run would earn each of them $50,000, equivalent to half a year's salary.
And it's tax-free! In addition, David had some explosive personal information to share...
After hearing David's report, Cohen's eyes lit up.
Recently, the police and gang members had been keeping an eye on him, so he figured he might as well give them something to do.
Tonight, he'd put on a big show for them!
(End of Chapter)
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