After several inspectors left, John Thompson closed the door and smiled kindly at James Carter, saying, “Deputy Miller is looking for you. Go to the sub-bureau now to meet the leadership. Don’t be nervous, Deputy Miller may seem strict, but he’s actually a very good person…”

John Thompson was, of course, exceptionally friendly toward James Carter. No matter what James Carter's future held, he dared not offend him now.

“Thank you, Captain Thompson. I’ll head over right away.”

James Carter politely saw John Thompson out, then turned and rode his motorcycle out of the inspector team’s compound.

Linhai was divided into two districts: Beisong and Nanjiang. Beisong was slightly smaller, so its inspector division was ranked one level lower in the hierarchy.

Even so, the Beisong Inspector Sub-bureau had an impressive, modern office building.

Dozens of inspector vehicles were parked in the front courtyard, and there was a constant flow of people coming and going.

James Carter had been here once before when he reported in, so he was familiar with the layout.

He went straight to the director’s office on the eighth floor. He knocked lightly, and inside, Charles Miller's somewhat deep voice called out, “Come in.”

James Carter pushed the door open and saw Charles Miller sitting behind a huge desk. He was wearing glasses and seemed to be reading documents.

As the deputy director of the sub-bureau, Charles Miller was in charge of public security and wielded significant power. Within Linhai’s judicial system, he was already a top-ranking figure.

The office was spacious, with modern, minimalist furniture and decor. On the wall behind Charles Miller hung a horizontal banner: “The world belongs to the public.”

James Carter took the initiative to salute in standard form: “Deputy Director, James Carter reporting in.”

Charles Miller looked James Carter up and down with a stern face. It had been too late and too dark yesterday, so he hadn’t gotten a good look at this newly emerged, formidable inspector.

He had taken down Captain David Brooks right off the bat—what guts, what a wild approach!

Chapter 10: Promotion

James Carter stood tall, his expression calm and natural, his dark, bright eyes shining.

Although Charles Miller had strong opinions about James Carter, he had to admit the kid had a good appearance.

Moreover, there was a vibrant, upward energy between his brows, yet his sharpness was restrained, giving him a sense of approachability. He was easy to trust.

Just by looking at his appearance, you’d never guess that this kid, after only a few days here, had gotten his immediate superior killed.

He wiped out the Black Tiger Gang and ruined their big plans! Damn it!

Charles Miller was very shrewd. Though he hated James Carter inwardly, he showed no emotion on his face.

He was silent for quite a while before speaking: “What’s your relationship with Robert Foster?”

“He’s my third uncle,” James Carter replied.

“Third uncle?”

Charles Miller looked puzzled. The An family was a big clan in Liaozhou, but James Carter’s surname wasn’t An, so how did that relationship work?

James Carter smiled and didn’t explain further. Explaining too much would only cause trouble. With Robert Foster as his backer, he would wave that flag as high as he could.

“You were too reckless in the Black Tiger Gang incident. It led to David Brooks’s death. The consequences are very serious. Do you understand?”

Charles Miller put on an official tone, and James Carter nodded repeatedly: “Deputy Director, your criticism is right. We were too reckless. Captain Brooks hated evil and always charged ahead, which is why he died heroically…”

Since David Brooks was already dead, he could just push all the blame onto him—he wouldn’t be coming back to refute it.

As a subordinate, it was only natural to obey the captain’s orders. No matter what, the label of acting impulsively wouldn’t stick to him.

“Do not speak or act inappropriately.”

After more than ten years, James Carter had become very experienced in self-restraint. Tactfully telling a few lies wouldn’t violate his principles.

The standard of propriety didn’t require people never to lie. If the standard were that strict, propriety would have nowhere to exist.

Charles Miller actually smiled. “Indeed, David Brooks was impulsive. His death was due to his own incompetence.”

James Carter didn’t know what to say to that and could only remain silent.

Charles Miller then said, “You’re young and capable, courageous and resourceful—a real asset to our inspector team. Just be more cautious in the future.”

“Yes, I’m young and a bit rash in my actions. I still need to learn a lot from the experienced members of the inspector team.” James Carter didn’t know what Charles Miller meant, so he kept his posture low, acting honest and humble.

“You’re very capable and motivated. The fourth team’s major crimes unit is short a leader—go take charge of the major crimes unit. Don’t let me down…”

Charles Miller gave him some kindly advice, then finally said, “Alright, I have other matters to attend to. You can go back now.”

“I will definitely keep the Deputy Director’s guidance in mind and do my job well.”

James Carter didn’t quite understand Charles Miller’s intentions. Did he call him over just to promote him?

He didn’t seem like a good person, so why was he being so friendly?

“I’ll head out now, Deputy Director.” James Carter saluted again and gently closed the office door with great politeness.

Once the door was closed, Charles Miller picked up the desk phone to contact his old friend.

“I talked to that kid. He’s very shrewd and tight-lipped. Robert Foster showing up proves they’re close…”

“Whether that kid lives or dies isn’t important. The key is that Black Star Type 3 pistol. It must be found.”

The voice on the other end sounded a bit agitated, so Charles Miller could only explain patiently: “I checked the evidence department’s records—there are several pistols. Besides, you know, they all like to pocket things when they get the chance.”