The image of Grace Bennett lying in a pool of blood with more than a dozen stab wounds was etched too deeply in his mind. Even now, with Grace Bennett standing alive right in front of him, he still felt a sense of unreality.

This absolutely cannot be allowed to happen!

Otherwise, Edward York would be plagued by guilt for the rest of his life.

“They—they wouldn’t dare, would they? Do they really have the guts to come to our school and kill someone?”

Grace Bennett retorted in a low voice.

In her mind, school was a very safe place. After all, it wasn’t elementary, middle, or high school, but a university—Jingjiang Normal University—a top university in the whole province.

Henry Dawson might be a big shot who could do whatever he wanted in Ping’an City, but could his influence really reach so far in the provincial capital?

To be honest, Grace Bennett still found it hard to believe.

“That’s because you don’t understand people like that at all.”

Edward York said firmly.

“It’s settled then. You’ll stay here until the case is closed… As for school, I’ll talk to them for you.”

Actually, even Officer York was overreaching a bit with this statement. You’re just a grassroots police officer at a local station—what makes you think you can talk to Jingjiang Normal University on her behalf?

Which eye would the school leaders even use to look at you?

But Officer York was unwavering in his belief: life is more important than studies.

Staying alive is the foundation.

Lillian Scott’s expression immediately turned serious. She glanced at Edward York and said thoughtfully, “Wusi, don’t underestimate this case… Hmm, maybe you should talk to your sister…”

“Talk to her about what?”

Before Dr. Scott could finish, Matthew York, who was sitting there in a commanding manner, spoke up, looking rather displeased.

“She’s not a police officer. This case, Edward York will solve it himself!”

“I just don’t believe it—a thug from the streets can really do whatever he wants, and even the police can’t do anything about him? Edward York, I’m telling you, if anyone tries to make things difficult for you, you tell me, and I’ll go to your bureau chief, the city leaders!”

The old man’s face was full of authority, exuding a powerful presence.

Edward York quickly said, “Of course I’ll handle it myself. I won’t go to her, definitely not.”

It seemed the old man was very unwilling for his son to get involved with his “sister” in any way.

Lillian Scott could only give a wry smile and gently shake her head.

The old man was completely living in his own world. He had no idea how much the outside world had changed, still thinking that today’s bureau chiefs and city leaders were just like the ones from his era.

Back in the day, when the old man was still in office and hadn’t retired, and when Dahua Machinery Factory was still doing fairly well, he did have some influence with the district and city leaders. At that time, one of the main city leaders had actually started out at Dahua Machinery Factory and was once Matthew York’s subordinate. When the old leader visited, of course, he had to be treated with respect.

But now, that city leader had also retired and moved to the provincial capital to live with his son, so his influence in Ping’an City had waned considerably. Matthew York had been retired for many years, and nowadays, the district and city leaders probably didn’t even know who Old Ye was, let alone give him any special treatment.

Dahua Machinery Factory was a military enterprise, not a local one, and didn’t belong to the same system as the district or city. Even if Matthew York wanted to pull rank, people could just ignore him.

Of course, Lillian Scott would never say any of this out loud. Why upset the old man for no reason?

If there was anything that needed to be discussed, she and her daughter could talk it over privately, without letting the old man know!

“Young lady, just stay at my house with peace of mind. Just say you’re my distant niece. Here, I guarantee your absolute safety. I’d like to see who dares to cause trouble on Dahua Factory’s turf!”

Matthew York ignored his wife and son’s little schemes, turned to Grace Bennett, and declared loudly.

Full of swagger!

To be fair, the old man wasn’t really bragging. No matter how tough or powerful Henry Dawson was, no matter how many thugs he had under him, Matthew York wasn’t the least bit afraid.

If those street thugs really dared to come make trouble at Dahua Factory, all the old man had to do was shout, and they’d never make it out.

Even though Dahua Machinery Factory had declined over the years and many people had left to seek their own fortunes, there were still one or two thousand people gathered in this mountain valley.

If they really mobilized, no amount of outside thugs would be enough to take them on!

With that, the old man’s word was final.

Grace Bennett was still reluctant, longing to return to school, but under the old man’s imposing presence, she could only stammer, unable to speak, and finally just lowered her head and murmured an assent.

Chapter 15: The Major Crimes Squad Takes Over

After settling Grace Bennett in, Edward York didn’t rest at home. He drove his minivan through the night, heading straight to the station.

He still had a lot to take care of.

For example, he needed to take statements from Frederick Turner and the other three, one by one.

Their testimonies were just as important as the evidence provided by Grace Bennett. With their statements, he could dig even deeper into the mastermind behind 96.

By the time Edward York returned to the Bajing Police Station, it was already close to one in the morning.