章節 18: Chapter 17: The Show Begins

Late at night, in the back alley of a tavern.

Two corrupt police officers parked their patrol car at the back door and stepped out.

Not far away, there was a 24-hour convenience store on the street corner.

The white officer, Jaden, adjusted his belt around his bulging stomach: "Let's go, Isaac, grab a coffee. By the time we get back, they should be done loading."

Isaac smiled, "Hey, what are you gonna do with the money? I'm planning to take a vacation to Hawaii this year—sun, sand, beautiful women. Damn, I'm going to have a blast!"

Jaden rolled his eyes. "You always think about play. Don't say I don't take care of you. I've got a way—$50,000 to become a sheriff, $100,000 for captain. You in?"

Isaac's eyes widened. "Seriously? Don't lie to me."

Jaden snorted, "If you don't believe me, then go to Hawaii. When you come back, I'll be calling you 'sir.'"

"You sure this isn't a scam?"

"I guarantee you'll get promoted within three months, or I'll refund the full amount!"

Isaac hesitated for a moment but eventually gritted his teeth. "Alright! I'll give you my $50,000. I want to be sheriff!"

"That's the spirit! Once you're sheriff, making that money back will be easy."

Jaden smiled, patting Isaac's shoulder, his eyes gleaming with hidden excitement.

Becoming a sheriff costs $30,000 each—$60,000 for the two of them, leaving Jaden with $40,000.

Damn, I'm going to enjoy my vacation in Hawaii this year!

Meanwhile, on the roof nearby, Cohen was watching them.

He wasn't wearing his devil mask for now. This was a revenge mission, and they needed to know who the killer was.

Turning his head, he saw some shadows moving at the tavern's back door, loading things into the police car.

A gleam flashed in his eyes. He was about to spice things up for them!

...

On the other side, after much effort, Jin finally managed to arrange a date with his crush.

He drove his seven-meter long Lincoln to pick her up, and they arrived at a rooftop French restaurant, a members-only high-end establishment.

The dining area had a wide view, with 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the glittering lights of Manhattan.

Dressed in a suit, a polite waiter led them to the middle of the dining area.

Though this wasn't the best spot in the restaurant, with other guests seated around them, Vanessa felt a hint of regret.

Guests continued to take their seats, but the atmosphere was quiet, not even a whisper to be heard.

With soft violin music playing in the background, Jin, the gentleman, shared his thoughts with Vanessa.

He spoke of childhood, ideals, ambitions, and life.

His ideas were unique and unconventional, his voice low yet powerful.

At first, Vanessa was simply attracted by his extraordinary presence, but as their conversation deepened, admiration and awe grew within her.

What a remarkable man!

The scent of love slowly spread...

Jaden and Isaac finished their coffee and returned to the alley. The tavern's back door was already locked, and there wasn't a soul in sight.

The two were used to this, and a quick glance at the car wheels revealed they were significantly sunk in.

It seemed the goods were loaded.

Following the familiar route, the two began distributing the goods.

Cohen, driving an old, modified junk car, followed them closely.

After ensuring all six shipments were delivered to their respective locations, Cohen smiled with satisfaction.

Then, he accelerated and rammed into the two police cars.

"Damn it!"

Feeling the rear-end collision, Jaden cursed as he got out of the car.

He felt a moment of fear, thankful the goods were already delivered, or it would have been a major issue.

Isaac was also angry and immediately drew his gun.

Fortunately, he retained his basic police instincts and didn't recklessly rush forward. Instead, he cautiously approached, holding his gun in a defensive stance.

Jaden knocked on the car door. As the window rolled down, he froze in shock.

"It's you, yellow monkey!"

The white officer's face showed an absurd expression. "Hey, Isaac, come check this out! This guy's still alive? I thought he was dead."

Isaac put away his gun, walked around the front of the car, and upon seeing Cohen, exaggerated in his distinct tone, "Damn... Why didn't Demon Face kill him? Hell's Kitchen's not so bad now?"

Cohen stepped out of the car with a smile. "Black bastard, white pig, long time no see. I really missed you guys!"

Hearing these words, both officers were instantly enraged.

Isaac touched the gun on his waist, a sinister smile forming on his face. "Jaden, last time you said the time and place weren't right for a kill. Now, is it right?"

"Yeah, the right time, the right place!"

Jaden nodded.

But before they could do anything, Cohen moved like lightning, landing two powerful punches on their sides.

They both bent over in pain. "Oh, my kidney..."

"Bang! Bang!"

Simple and effective, two hits on their backs of the heads, and they collapsed to the ground.

He dragged them into the car and drove off, quickly arriving at a secluded dock.

In a container, a strong electric current jolted them awake.

Jaden opened his eyes. He and his partner, Isaac, were suspended, in a rusted metal shack.

A dim, flickering light, a recording camera, and a shadowy figure not far in the darkness.

From his fading memories, it was undoubtedly that yellow monkey.

Sure enough, a familiar voice came from the shadows. "Gentlemen, let's play a game."

Jaden's heart filled with rage, and he immediately cursed, "Damn it! Let us go, yellow monkey. We're cops. You've already committed a major crime. If you don't want to die, let us go now..."

"Zzzzt..."

Another surge of electricity coursed through his body.

Jaden's muscles stiffened, his body convulsing, foam spilling from his mouth.

While his anger surged, fear also arose. The pain told him this was real, and the person in front of him had murderous intent!

He couldn't withstand this level of shock for much longer.

How is this possible?!

A yellow monkey, how could he have such guts?

The voice from the shadows spoke again, "Listen up. If you don't want to get shocked again, you'd better cooperate and play along!"

Isaac, of course, wasn't spared from the shock. He gasped for breath. "What... game do you want to play?"

"Hehe..." Laughter echoed from the darkness.

"Starting now, every thirty seconds, you'll each share a secret in your heart. If you don't or if you lie, you know the consequences."

Jaden and Isaac exchanged silent looks, remaining still.

Cohen, in a cheerful tone, began the countdown. "Time waits for no one. Ten, nine, eight..."

Jaden panicked and quickly spoke up. "I'll do it, I'll do it!"

He gritted his teeth and glanced at Isaac. "Even though my partner is black, deep down, I consider myself a racist..."

He said this, subtly glancing at Isaac.

Isaac, realizing the implication, shouted, "You... you damn racist! We've been working together all this time, and you're actually a racist..."

"Zzzzt..."

Another electric shock surged.

"Both of you, don't state the obvious like being racists. Do you think I didn't investigate you guys beforehand? Last warning, if you don't want to end this game prematurely, stop playing these tricks."

"Alright, thirty seconds are up. It's your turn now, my ni*ger!"

(End of chapter)