Security Specialists

"Two will suffice," I stated, my gaze sweeping over the assembled officers. "The ones with better reputations will do."

My current focus was on training and self improvement, with little interest in the mundane aspects of police work or the financial spoils of corruption. A cleaner team at least meant less collateral damage.

Patel seemed momentarily thrown by my preference. He wasn't quite sure whether the requirement on reputation was ironic.

Speaking of reputation, could anyone end up with a good one working under you, Sergeant Kane?

He turned to the group and announced, "David and Michael Wright, you're transferred to replace the previous officers."

The Wright brothers, the apparent alpha pair of the elite group, stood with arms crossed, their faces etched with displeasure. Their defiance was palpable, but I chose to ignore their hostility.

"Anything else?" I asked, turning my attention back to Patel. It was odd that the officers' corpses were in the room, but the vamps' were not.

"Thank you for what happened yesterday," Anil Patel sighed, unsure whether he was referring to the vampire slaying in the squad room or my timely departure from his home.

A flicker of complexity crossed his face. "Sheriff Williams asked me to give you a message. He thinks you should be more prudent. You've been over the top the past couple of days."

In the past, I was always the better-informed one. But today, the higher-ups passed the news through him. The rumors of decapitated jackals and ape corpses had undoubtedly reached them.

A subtle frown creased my brow, but I said nothing.

"While the vamps are cruel, they remain confined to the outlying wilderness. Minor disturbances within the town can be safely ignored... You were the best at turning a blind eye, weren't you?"

Anil appeared desolate. It was clear that yesterday's confrontation with the apevamps at the police station had left a profound mark on him.

"Okay, you go ahead and get busy. I'll go home to rest." With that, Anil left with the rest of the officers.

Watching their retreating figures, I slowly rose and exited the room.

The impending H.A.R.M. inspection had cast a pall of anxiety over the high-ranking officials.

Yet, one question gnawed at me: even if they managed to evade scrutiny this time, what did this group intend to do moving forward?

Was the temporary surrender of their authority truly a more pressing concern than the potential loss of their lives?

These are beastvamps we're dealing with! When they feast, they make no distinction between commoners and county commissioners!

"Sergeant Kane," Wade approached, lowering his voice. "About yesterday... are you alright?"

He hesitated, not sure whether it was appropriate to delve into the previous night's events.

"I'm fine." I massaged my temples.

Wade, as if knowing what I am thinking, continued, "Lately, both officials and the wealthy have been pouring money into hiring renowned security specialists from Seattle."

"Security specialists?" I glanced at him.

"Reputable vamp hunters, for instance, the Hightowers hired a master named Kevin Stone, said to have slain double digits vamps with his bare hands."

Wade clarified, a hint of envy in his voice. "They were raised on a diet of medicinal herbs, rare meats, and potent elixirs. Far more capable than us halfway-trained cops. The wealthy never truly expected us to protect their families."

"Aren't the county commissioners worried about them abusing their power?" I asked, perplexed.

"Not really. All reputable security schools and firms are registered with H.A.R.M." Wade, typically reserved, seemed engrossed in this gossip.

"Besides, someone hired through connections is even more powerful than someone hired with mere money. Rumor has it the county executive wrote to his mentor in Seattle, requesting a true expert. This individual remains secluded in the mansion, rarely seen. Even Kevin Stone pays his respects upon arriving in Pinewood County."

Intrigued, I inquired, "Do these security schools have specific recruitment requirements?"

Perhaps finding a mentor would be a better path than remaining in the police force.

"Qualifications, talent, family background, and character are all essential." Wade paused, then pointed at his sleeve. "There's another unspoken rule: they won't accept anyone who's ever worn this uniform."

Seeing his frustrated expression, I realized something.

These private security schools, under H.A.R.M.'s scrutiny, likely had secrets they don't want H.A.R.M. to know. Naturally, they'd reject anyone suspected of being a government plant.

"Pinewood County remains Pinewood County, no matter what. The big shots are secure, while the ordinary folk bear the brunt." Wade's eyes hardened with resentment. Then he suddenly remembered, "The girls were sent home. What will you do when the apevamp returns?"

In the past, he would never have broached such a topic, opting instead to criticize me behind my back.

But now, he seemed to grasp that mere anger and criticism wouldn't solve the problem.

Aside from wielding a sword, Wade had no other recourse. He was filled with rage and bloodlust, and could only place his hope on me. I could navigate unnoticed amongst monsters, so surely I could devise a plan.

"It's already been dealt with," I said simply.

Wade seemed surprised. The issue was resolved, and he had barely slept.

"The apevamp didn't object?"

"They remarked on my efficiency and were quite satisfied. They even offered me Patel's job."

I recalled the old ape in the greatcoat had indeed made such an offer.

"You accepted?"

"No."

"No wonder..." Wade winced. No wonder Lieutenant Patel had been acting strangely today; there was clearly more to the story.

"Oh, and one more thing, I almost forgot to mention... you look a bit unusual today." He glanced up at me.

"Unusual how?"

"It's hard to describe... you're just drawing a lot of attention."

I nodded, vaguely understanding his meaning.

In response, I consciously reigned in the life force coursing through my body, guiding it back to its chambers.

This ability was meant for H.A.R.M. to see, not to scare off vamps. If all the minor vamps avoided me, replenishing lifespan would become difficult.

Having suppressed my aura, I instructed Wade, "From now on, keep the team with you while on duty, and ensure they stay out of trouble."

Wade looked at me, puzzled.

A moment later, realization dawned.

Was Sergeant Kane truly planning a complete turnaround? No more squeezing the common folk?

"Yes, sir!"

"One more thing."

I stopped him, and Wade turned back, anticipation in his eyes.

"Could you lend me some money? I'll repay you from my salary."

Wade rolled his eyes. "Okay, now he's going to squeeze me."

He reached into his waistband, pulling out three bills, and grumbled, "I still need to save for Jade's dowry..."

Wade wasn't joking, the ancient custom had been revived in this apocalyptic world, where survival was a daily struggle.

"Don't worry, if you can't afford it, I'll marry her."

With a nonchalant wave, I took the bills and strode out of the station.