“How old is that person?”

　　“He looks a little over forty.”

　　“How tall?”

　　“About the same as me, around 1.74 meters.” Mark Foster gestured.

　　Immediately, the surroundings fell silent.

　　Male, hunchbacked, around forty years old, about 1.74 meters tall—wasn’t that exactly the suspect’s physical characteristics that Brian Hall deduced from the footprints?

　　Paul Bennett, Lily Turner, and David Thompson were all stunned.

　　That’s incredible!

　　“Captain Bennett, I suggest we make this person a key target for investigation.” Brian Hall said confidently.

　　“Alright.” Paul Bennett responded, “Mr. Foster, do you know this person’s name and address?”

　　“Oh, I really can’t remember that. I’ll have to check with the personnel department.”

　　“I want all his information—the more detailed, the better.”

　　“I’ll go right now.” Mark Foster hurried off.

　　“Nice job, Brian Hall. Once we catch the suspect, you’ll get the first credit.” Paul Bennett reached out and patted him on the shoulder.

　　“It’s everyone’s effort.” Brian Hall smiled.

　　“You’re something else. Just from a set of footprints, you can determine the suspect’s physical features. Who needs surveillance cameras when we have you?” David Thompson joked.

　　David Thompson was also a bit puzzled. It hadn’t been that long since they last met—how did this kid get so good?

　　Brian Hall was a bit excited too. The footprint identification knowledge instilled by the future police badge was real—he’d really hit the jackpot this time.

　　“Ding dong, first time using the footprint skill in a case. Skill proficiency +1, awarded 2 merit points.” In Brian Hall’s mind, the police badge notification sounded.

　　“What are merit points?” Peter Hall wondered.

　　“Merit points can be exchanged for new skills!”

Chapter 0003 Suspect

　　“What new skills are there?” Brian Hall asked curiously.

　　“Combat techniques”

　　“Micro-expression analysis”

　　“Anti-pickpocketing”

　　“Tracking”

　　……

　　“More hidden skills require merit points to unlock.” The police badge prompted.

　　All these skills would be useful for a detective. Brian Hall wanted to learn them all, but couldn’t decide for the moment.

　　Since he was in the middle of an investigation, Brian Hall could only set it aside for now and study it carefully after the case.

　　Director Mark Foster soon found the suspect’s information.

　　Name: Charles Miller

　　Ethnicity: Han

　　Age: 41

　　Height: 174cm

　　Features: Sturdy build, hunchbacked.

　　Family: Wife and son.

　　Address: Qindao City, native of Xiahe Village.

　　Based on Brian Hall’s deduction from the footprints, Charles Miller was a suspect. Paul Bennett immediately led a team to Xiahe Village to make the arrest.

　　“Lily Turner, call James Reed and have him go to the bureau to apply for a search warrant and a detention warrant, then meet us in Xiahe Village.”

　　“Yes.”

　　James Reed was also a member of Team 2, and was off duty today.

　　……

　　Xiahe Village wasn’t far, about a twenty-minute drive.

　　They brought along two local police officers familiar with the area to assist with the arrest.

　　The group entered Xiahe Village and went to the village committee to gather information.

　　Village chief Jack Morgan personally went near Charles Miller’s house to ask the villagers about the situation.

　　Paul Bennett led his team to set up surveillance near Charles Miller’s house.

　　Not long after, the village chief hurried back. “Captain Bennett, I’ve got all the information.”

　　“Is Charles Miller at home?”

　　“A neighbor saw him come back from outside early this morning. He’s at home now,” the village chief said.

　　“The timing matches.”

　　“But, I just took a look—Charles Miller’s house is locked up.”

　　“In the countryside, it’s rare to keep the door closed during the day. Charles Miller must be feeling guilty.” David Thompson snorted.

　　Paul Bennett thought for a moment. “Village Chief Morgan, could you please help us call him to open the door in a bit?”

　　“Sure.”

　　“Vroom vroom…” Just then, a BMW X5 drove over and stopped beside them.

　　A young man in his early twenties got out—it was James Reed from Criminal Investigation Team 3, Group 2.

　　“Wow, look at you, showing up in a BMW.” David Thompson looked envious.

　　“I was afraid I wouldn’t make it in time, so I drove my own car.” James Reed pressed the car lock.

　　“Tsk tsk, no wonder you’re always so generous. Turns out you’re a rich kid.” David Thompson patted the hood and muttered, “Nice.”

　　“Enough with the nonsense.” Paul Bennett waved his hand. “James Reed, did you bring the search and detention warrants?”

　　“Got them.”

　　“Let’s move.”

　　……

　　“Knock knock knock…” A series of knocks on the door.

　　“Who is it?”

　　“It’s me, Jack Morgan.”

　　“Oh, village chief, what brings you here? And with so many people.” A middle-aged woman opened the door, looking surprised.

　　“Joan Brooks, these are comrades from the criminal police team. They want to ask your husband a few questions.” Jack Morgan introduced.

　　“Criminal police? What do you want with my Old Miller? What’s going on?” Joan Brooks looked flustered.

　　“This is a search warrant.” Paul Bennett showed the warrant and led the team straight in.

　　“Hey, what are you doing? Old Miller, Old Miller…” The woman called out anxiously.

　　A slightly hunchbacked man came out of the house. “Who are you people? What are you doing in my house?”

　　“We’re the police. We suspect you’re involved in a theft case and need you to cooperate with our investigation.” Brian Hall showed his police badge.