Asking for payment

The next day, David Hall called Ryan to his office.

"Can you explain me how you got your hands on Jean Moore's and Bill Turner's blood?"

David asked with a serious tone.

"Are you still investigating those cases? If you are, I think I have the responsibility to report to your chief," he continued.

Ryan already expected that response. Even though he had a good relationship with David, it did not mean that the latter would cover up for him.

"I was not actually trying to investigate their deaths. I was just helping out the Narcotics department with their case. I didn't know that the two cases would be related," Ryan blatantly lied with a smile.

"If that's the case, you should've submitted an official request," David still had his doubts.

Ryan shook his head.

"That would not do. Although I didn't know for sure that they were related, I still had my suspicions. You know why we had to abruptly close those murder cases, don't you? With the nature of Lieutenant Parker, he would dive head first into the lead no matter how dangerous the case is. And I don't think I have the capability to rein in his stubbornness either. So, I didn't want to give more information about the case to him without clearing my suspicions first."

Hearing Ryan's explanation, David fell into deep thought. What Ryan said was not unreasonable.

"I'm just a young, and inexperienced Captain in the middle of a crime city. There are so many things that are not under my control," Ryan added with a sigh.

With that, David became even more convinced.

"As the youngest police captain in city X's history, you are doing quite well, Captain Carlos," he said with a comforting smile.

Ryan inwardly smiled as he was quite satisfied with his own acting skill. And for the next step…

Ryan immediately stood up as if he was moved by David's words.

"Thank you, Dr. Hall. It meant a lot to have someone appreciate your efforts"

Then, Ryan brought out his right hand to shake David's hand but it 'accidentally' knocked over the latter's coffee cup, spilling its contents onto him. David immediately stood up.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Ryan 'flusteredly' took some tissue papers from the tissue box on the desk and tried to wipe away the coffee stains on David's shirt and pants.

"It's ok, captain. It's ok. I'll just go wash off in the restroom"

And then he left his office.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Ryan opened the files on David's desk. After making sure that they were the reports on his newly found evidences, he took photos of all the files and returned them in their own place as if nothing happened.

He had been looking around David's room, searching where the reports would be when he found the files David kept under his hands which were put on the desk. From the David's gesture of subconsciously protecting them while he did not keep them away in his locked drawer, Ryan had deducted that they were the reasons he was called for. As soon as he realized that, he had been eyeing at them while waiting for an opportunity.

He knew that the coroner would not even let him see the files if he did not promise to report to the chief.

After David returned to his seat, Ryan apologized again.

"I'm really sorry, Dr. Hall. I became a bit emotional"

"No worries, captain. Let's just return to our topic. Now that you know that those two cases are related, what are your plans?"

Ryan helplessly sighed. "I'd have to find a suitable reason to stop Lieutenant Parker from investigating that case and close that case as soon as possible."

"I see," David nodded, satisfied with his answer.

Ryan stood up as he had already achieved his aim.

"Thank you for your help and support, Dr. Hall and sorry about that coffee, too. Please let me treat you to a meal. I won't feel good unless you let me do so"

Seeing the young captain's troubled expression, David chuckled.

"Okay. I'll contact you as soon as I find some time"

After Ryan finished his work for the day, he went to find Allen at the hospital. And he met with an unexpected guest in Allen's room.

"Why are you here?" Ryan asked in a surprised tone.

"To check up on my patient's condition and to ask for payment," Vivienne replied.

"Thank you for saving my life, Dr. Byrne. How should I repay you?" Allen asked.

"Just call me 'doc'. I really hate being called with honorifics. And although it was your life that I saved, the one who made the request was Mr. Cotton Candy. So, I think I should ask for the payment from him"

"Really? You are sticking with Mr. Cotton Candy?" Ryan asked with displeasure.

Realizing that the name was meant for his captain, Allen lowered his head to hide his grin.

"I think it suits you well," Vivienne shrugged expressionlessly.

"Ok. Ms. Paralyzed-face, it's only because you haven't seen the dark side of me. I'm not as sweet and mellow as you think"

"Dark? You?" Vivienne asked with an incredulous tone.

"Come on, Allen. Help me out a bit"

"Well…." Allen pondered for a bit. It was true that Ryan's skills were top-notch in fighting and shooting but he was still the most good-natured captain he had ever seen. So, he could not really relate Ryan with the word 'dark'.

"Don't stress him out. He's still in his recovering state," Vivienne interjected.

"Yes, I'm still recovering," Allen said matter-of-factly.

Ryan could not believe that he was just betrayed by his best friend just like that. Fine. Since Allen was indeed still recovering, he had to give in.

"What do you want as payment?" Ryan asked.

"Information, of course"

"That's fine with me but I don't think we should talk here"

"We can go to my house," Vivienne suggested.

"Okay," Ryan agreed and then he turned to Allen, "I'll come back soon. Is there anything you need?"

"I don't need anything. And don't come back. I'd rather be taken care of by the pretty nurses than you," Allen retorted.

"You ingrate!" Ryan cursed Allen under his breath.

As soon as they got into her house, Vivienne went straight to the point.

"I heard that you found some big leads with the new drug?"

Ryan nodded and told her everything about what he had discovered, including the investigation results.

"Can I see those reports?"

Ryan showed her the pictures in his phone. The reports stated that they were the blood of the two victims of the previous murders and the presence of the drug in the blood.

"The drug content is more concentrated than the drugs given to the three gangs," Vivienne remarked.

Ryan knew that she might have gotten hold of the drug from the moles Anios implanted into the gangs.

"Why are you so interested in that new drug?" Ryan asked.

"New? No. It ain't new at all"

Ryan slightly scrunched up his brows hearing her response.

"If that drug is really produced by Cellox, then they had been researching for that drug since 18 years, ago. May be they stopped in the mid-way after Cellox was shut down. But I won't call that a 'new' drug"

"How do you know that?" Ryan asked.

"Aren't I supposed to be the one asking questions here?" Vivienne asked looking straight into Ryan's eyes.

"Wouldn't it help us both if we can exchange information?" Ryan retorted.

"That information would not be of use to you."

Although Ryan was not satisfied, he did not want to push her further.

"I see," he said with his usual smile.

"What is your next plan?" Vivienne asked.

"I'm gonnna dig about Cellox. See who wants to revive that brand"

With that, they finished their conversation and parted ways.

As soon as Ryan's car left, Vivienne mumbled to herself.

"You should brace yourself, Mr. Cotton Candy. You won't like what you find at all."