American Zombie Detective

Executive Director Simone practically gritted his teeth as he dialed Director Edward's number.

Director Edward's reply was devoid of any emotion; it was neither warm nor friendly, nor distant or evasive—it was very official.

"After receiving the report, our LAPD has followed procedure and reported it. Currently, the case is being led by Superintendent Sean of the Homicide and Major Crimes Unit in the Western Precinct. Relevant case files and preliminary interview reports have been compiled and sent to him. If you need information about the case's progress or want to provide clues, please contact Superintendent Sean directly. Thank you."

Chief Edward's words were impeccable and followed all procedures. He even proactively provided information about the person in charge of the investigation, demonstrating the attitude expected of a professional police agency.

But it was precisely this flawless professionalism that sent a chill down Simone's spine. The other party didn't refuse, but also didn't offer any substantial help, simply pushing him to the next step.

Simone had no choice but to drive to the Western Precinct.

Supervisor Sean's attitude was more direct than Edward's, even carrying a hint of undisguised indifference.

He didn't ask Simone to sit down, but simply stood behind the desk with his arms crossed.

"Director Simone," Sean's voice was equally cold, devoid of any warmth:

"Chief Edward has already informed me of your purpose. Our Western Division is indeed investigating your son's case and several other similar cases."

He picked up the thin report on the table, flipped through it casually, and then tossed it back onto the table:

"The current situation is: we visited the discovery site, interviewed possible witnesses, and reviewed limited surveillance footage... all to no avail. There were no eyewitnesses, no clear images, and no valuable physical evidence. The victims were found in a deep coma or delirium and were unable to provide any information. We don't even know what exactly happened during their disappearance or who they were with."

Sean looked directly at Simone: "So, I can tell you very directly now: with conventional criminal investigation methods, we can't do it. We have absolutely no way."

Simone's heart sank to the bottom:

"Then... what do we do? This is clearly not an ordinary case!"

"Of course, this isn't an ordinary case." Sean's lips curled into an almost mocking smile.

"This is clearly a supernatural event. Unfortunately, our department's best team for handling these kinds of cases—the Second Team of the Homicide and Major Crimes Division at the Canyon Precinct—is currently suspended by you, Team Leader Qin, and all team members are absent. So, I'm sorry, we are powerless to help."

"However," Sean changed the subject:

"According to procedure, since you're here, I need to let you meet the investigator, right?" Before Simone could speak, he had already picked up the intercom: "Get David, the team leader from Group One, over here."

Soon, a middle-aged white detective with an equally indifferent expression and eyes filled with weariness and impatience walked in.

"Team Leader David," Sean said, pointing to Simone.

"This is Simone, the director of LAPC. His son was one of the victims of those recent bizarre cases. The director is now personally overseeing the case, and you need to fully cooperate. Remember, everything must be done according to procedure and regulations."

Inspector Hansen glanced at the pale-faced Simone, his eyes showing no respect whatsoever:

"I know, boss!" His voice was completely flat. "I don't want to become the second Qin!"

Sean nodded, then turned to Simone, his tone cold and ultimatum-like:

"According to procedure, this is the most we can do! Next, Chief, you can also make your request to Team Leader David according to procedure, but I hope everything complies with police regulations, otherwise, Team Leader David may not accept it."

He paused, then his final words pierced Simone's heart like an ice pick:

"Now you may begin, Director Simone!"

After saying that, he stopped looking at Simone, lowered his head to work on the documents, and silently gave him the order to leave.

Inspector David, expressionless, gestured for Simone to proceed.

"Director, shall we talk in the conference room? What exactly do you need us to do? I promise I'll write it down and make sure my team members complete it meticulously according to your requirements!"

Simone looked at the clearly unwilling detective in front of him, and then thought of Sean's cold and piercing words. A huge sense of humiliation and despair almost overwhelmed him.

Just as Simone was in the Western Division meeting room, facing a group of agents with indifferent, sympathetic, or mostly detached gazes, futilely trying to issue investigative instructions that even he himself found perplexing, his phone vibrated again.

The caller was Danny, an old friend of the FBI.

"Simone, I just spoke with Agent Fox... He was busy and sounded a bit grumpy. He made it clear that the X Team can't spare any personnel for the Los Angeles case right now; it's too low a priority. And he said..."

Danny paused for a moment, as if considering his words:

"He said that the case he was handling, where Detective Qin burned Luke's body, was closed. If we follow that damn procedure... he'll have to stay on the mountain. In short, we can't really count on the FBI. Sorry."

The last straw broke the camel's back.

This was a refusal from another detective handling paranormal cases. Like Qin Jin, they also needed a great deal of freedom, but Simone suspended Qin Jin because of this.

Simone's actions enraged the detectives who were on the front lines facing demons and monsters.

Simone slumped onto the cold floor outside the meeting room. Just as his mind went blank and he was about to be swallowed by boundless despair, another work phone in his pocket rang sharply.

It's the mayor's office's dedicated line.

Simone's fingers trembled as he answered the call, and Mayor Matthew's suppressed anger pierced his ears instantly:

"Simone! You get your ass over here right now!"

The mayor's voice had lost its usual composure, carrying a sense of agitation as if he had been cornered:

"The mess you created has now escalated! Just an hour ago, the son of Treasurer Morton was also found in West Hollywood! Exactly the same symptoms! Skin and bones, unconscious, periodically... experiencing physiological breakdowns!"

Simone's heart sank.

The Finance Bureau Chief! This is a powerful figure who controls the city government's purse strings, and his influence even surpasses that of the LAPC Executive Director in some aspects.

"Chief Morton is in my office right now!"

The mayor was practically growling:

"He just got a cold shoulder from Chief Edward, and now he's taking all his anger out on me, pointing his finger at me and yelling that our Police Management Committee is messing things up, that we've dismantled the only team capable of handling this kind of mess! He's demanding an immediate emergency hearing to review LAPC's decisions, and is even prepared to invoke the City Council's special investigative powers!"

The mayor's voice was filled with anger and helplessness at being implicated:

"Simone, I don't care what method you use now! Immediately! Bring that Detective Qin Jin back to me! Let him take over this case! Otherwise, you can expect to be roasted over the fire along with your position!"

The mayor abruptly hung up the phone, the busy tone piercing Simone's eardrums like an awl.

Finance Bureau Chief...son...same symptoms...mayor forced to resign...LAPC facing scrutiny...

These words struck Simone's nerves like a heavy hammer.

His son's tragedy is no longer an isolated case; it has evolved into a political storm powerful enough to shake the city hall!

Rules? Procedures? They are utterly fragile in the face of overwhelming public opinion and the anger of colleagues.

He had to act immediately! His only lifeline was Qin Jin, whom he had personally suspended!

Simone struggled to his feet, ignoring his disheveled appearance, and immediately dialed the number of hearing officer Gleason.

"Gleason! It's me!" Simone's voice was hoarse and urgent.

"Listen! The situation has changed! The mayor has personally ordered the immediate rescission of Detective Qin Jin's suspension! Now! Call him immediately! Have him return to Los Angeles to handle this urgent case! Top priority! The mayor and the treasurer are waiting for the outcome! Hurry!"

Gleason on the other end of the phone was clearly taken aback by the sudden order and Simone's almost collapsing tone:

"Cancel...cancel the suspension? Now? Qin Jin? But Director, we..."

"No buts! This is the mayor's order! Execute it immediately!" Simone roared.

"Contact him immediately! Tell him the suspension is off! The police force needs him! Los Angeles needs him! Get him back right now!"

A few minutes later, Gleason called back, his voice filled with disbelief and panic—

Qin Jin's phone is completely unreachable! And according to the Canyon Police Department, he has already been in Chicago for several days!

Even more frightening is that Jack and Catherine are not in Los Angeles either.

Jack was sent on a secret mission by the SWAT team and is currently out of contact. Meanwhile, Catherine's situation is even more direct. Her father, Deputy Director Logan, called and berated Gleeson, threatening to hold a press conference immediately if his daughter has to face the supernatural case alone!

Simone felt a metallic sweetness rise to his throat, which he forced down.

Fear, anger, humiliation, and a sense of absurd despair intertwined, leaving him feeling cold all over.

Just then, his phone rang again. It was the mayor's secretary, her voice icy:

"Director Simone, the mayor and Chief Morton request that you come to the mayor's office immediately to explain the situation regarding the progress of recalling Detective Qin Jin."

There's nowhere to escape.