“Today our team really made a name for ourselves. From receiving the report to solving the case, it took less than ten hours. We definitely need to have a good drink tonight.”

“Seeing our group get off work on time today, everyone in Team One was green with envy,” David Thompson joked.

“Haha…” Everyone burst into laughter.

“Come on, let’s toast to Brian Hall. If it weren’t for him, we couldn’t have identified the suspect so quickly.” Paul Bennett raised his glass.

“No, no,” Brian Hall politely declined. “It was everyone’s effort. Captain Bennett led us well. If we’re toasting, we should toast to you first.”

“Alright, enough with the formalities. Everyone contributed to solving the case, but you, kid, deserve the most credit.” Paul Bennett reached out and patted Brian Hall on the arm.

Brian Hall wasn’t just good at solving cases—he was also sensible and knew how to get along with people. Paul Bennett had a good impression of him.

“Cheers.”

Everyone raised their glasses and drank heartily.

After solving a case is the happiest and most relaxed time for police officers, and everyone was in high spirits.

“Brian Hall, your footprint analysis was really impressive.” James Reed gave a thumbs up.

If it hadn’t been for Brian Hall quickly identifying the suspect, once Lin Changsheng transferred the stolen money, it would have been hard to convict him.

“Just practice makes perfect,” Brian Hall replied casually.

“Brian Hall, you weren’t this amazing back at the police academy,” David Thompson said.

“That just means you weren’t paying attention.”

“Haha…”

Everyone joined in the banter.

Brian Hall had just joined the criminal police team, and this was a good opportunity to get to know everyone.

With the sea breeze blowing,

Everyone drank and chatted, and their laughter brought them closer together.

It wasn’t until they were full and satisfied that they finally went their separate ways.

……

The next morning.

“Ring ring ring…” A burst of phone ringing sounded.

Brian Hall was startled awake from his sleep and groped for his phone by the bed. “Hello?”

“It’s David Thompson.”

“Why are you calling so early?” Brian Hall said grumpily.

“Last night, there was a rape case in Central Park.”

Chapter 0005 Microexpression Analysis

Central Park.

When Brian Hall arrived at the scene, the area was already cordoned off.

Outside, quite a few people out for morning exercise were watching.

Paul Bennett, David Thompson, and James Reed had already arrived.

Brian Hall looked around. “Captain Bennett, what’s the situation at the scene?”

“The victim, Zheng Wen, 31, is a teacher. Around 8:30 last night, she was out jogging in Central Park when she was drugged and assaulted from behind.”

“Was it right here?” Brian Hall gestured to the marked spot.

Paul Bennett nodded. “She was dragged to a path beside the bushes and then assaulted. She woke up around four in the morning and called the police.”

“How is the victim?”

“She’s alright. I had Lily Turner take her back to the station.”

“Did she see the suspect?”

“The suspect was probably hiding in the bushes. When she ran past, he controlled and drugged her from behind. She didn’t see the suspect’s face.”

Brian Hall thought for a moment. “Did she hear anything unusual?”

“She was jogging with headphones on, listening to music.”

“Did the suspect leave any evidence?”

“We found white genetic material and two unknown hairs on the victim’s thigh. They’ve already been sent for analysis,” Paul Bennett said.

“Well, that should do it,” David Thompson spread his hands.

“It’d be best if the DNA database matches. If not, we’ll have to look for other clues.” Paul Bennett instructed, “David Thompson, go question the park staff and the people exercising in the morning.”

“James Reed, check the nearby surveillance cameras and see if there’s anyone suspicious.”

“Brian Hall, examine the scene and see if there are any new clues.”

“Yes,” everyone responded.

……

Everyone split up and worked all morning.

At 2 p.m., they returned to the police station office for a meeting.

Paul Bennett sat at the table. “Let’s hear it. What did you all find?”

“We’ve asked the victim everything we could, but she’s still a bit unstable emotionally. I had her rest in the reception room,” Lily Turner said.

“There were no obvious footprints at the crime scene, and no clear signs of climbing around the park,” Brian Hall reported.

“What about the surveillance?”

“There are cameras at both the front and back entrances of the park. A lot of people came and went, so it’s hard to check everyone’s identity one by one. I’ve copied the footage and we can review it anytime,” James Reed said, shaking the hard drive in his hand.

“David Thompson, how about your side?”

“Captain Bennett, most of the park staff go off duty at night. Only two gatekeepers were there, and neither noticed anything unusual,” David Thompson said.

“Any clues from the morning exercisers?”

“The morning crowd and the night joggers are completely different groups,” David Thompson said with a wry smile.

“So, there are no new leads in the case,” Paul Bennett frowned, taking out a box of Yuxi cigarettes and handing them out.

Brian Hall lit a cigarette and took a drag. “Any news from forensics? If the DNA matches, there’s no need to run around blindly.”

“Lily Turner, go ask the forensics lab.”

……

Not long after, Lily Turner returned, followed by a man in glasses and a white lab coat.

“Well, Glasses, this is rare. You finally left the lab,” Paul Bennett joked.