Meeting the police Chief

As the two officers escorted Norman through the city streets toward the police station, curious onlookers gathered, whispering and snapping pictures.

The acting Mayor, in handcuffs—how could this be?

Amid the crowd's murmurs, Norman remained unfazed. Instead, it was the officers escorting him who lowered their heads, avoiding eye contact with the townspeople, as though they were the ones guilty of a crime.

As they arrived at the station and were about to escort Norman inside, a convoy suddenly pulled up, halting directly in front of them.

The officers caught sight of the license plate on the lead vehicle and immediately froze, their faces shifting into expressions of involuntary panic.

It was Chief Bethany's car.

The high-ceilinged lobby of the police station fell silent as Chief Bethany entered. The officers straightened instinctively, her reputation of iron discipline preceding her.

With every step, she commanded respect—sharp suit, polished boots, and an unbreakable gaze.

Bethany was headed to her office when she spotted an unexpected sight: Norman, escorted by two junior officers. Her eyes widened. She immediately changed direction, walking briskly to meet him.

“Mr. Norman,” she greeted warmly, voice laced with respect. “What brings you here? Anything you need, I’m at your service.”

Norman gave her a slight nod, his eyes calm and untroubled, as if he had merely stopped by for routine business.

But as she reached out, her hand paused mid-air. She noticed the cold glint of handcuffs around his wrists. Her expression hardened in shock.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Her voice turned sharp, her gaze fixed on Officer Paul. "Why is Mr. Norman in handcuffs?"

Paul shifted nervously, unable to meet her eyes. "Chief, uh… orders from the Mayor’s office. Miss Lana presented evidence of, uh, bribery and embezzlement."

Bethany’s face tightened, disbelief clear in her eyes. Embezzlement? Bribery?

Without warning, Bethany slapped Paul. Hard. The crack echoed through the lobby, and all movement ceased.

“Are you insane?” she hissed. “Officer Paul, do you understand the gravity of this accusation? Mr. Norman is the last person to be accused of such things!"

Her voice dropped to a low, threatening tone. "Do you realize what this could do to you, to all of us? This man is why Valkoria City functions! The reason you have jobs, and the reason there’s any order in this city at all. And you treat him like a criminal?”

Paul glanced briefly at Norman before looking down, his voice barely a whisper. "Chief, I’m just following orders. The Mayor’s orders."

The Mayor’ order?

Bethany frowned deeply.

Norman was engaged to his daughter—why would he suddenly order his arrest? Didn’t he understand how important Norman was to this city? Or… could he have some ulterior motive?

Bethany clenched her fists. "Have you forgotten about the Bloodmoon Clan, Officer?"

A flicker of pain crossed Paul’s face.

A year ago, the city was terrorized by a dangerous underground organization, called the “Bloodmoon Clan” , constantly kidnapping young ladies, who were forced to work as strippers, some sold off to wealthy merchants.

Paul's sister was among the captives, the entire police department engaged in battle with the Bloodmoon Clan, but they were no match, they couldn't get back the girls.

Paul remembered how he was devastated at that moment. Many officers lost their lives during that period.

But Norman, with unwavering resolve, had single handedly forced the Bloodmoon Clan to retreat, rescuing all the girls safely.

They called him "The Executioner" after that.

After defeating the Bloodmoon Clan, everyone was grateful and shocked, as Norman returned from the Bloodmoon Clan's headquarters unscratched and the entire clan bowed to him, offering him the entire money they made from their illegal business in exchange for his forgiveness.

Norman accepted nothing, suggesting all the money should be given to orphanages and public schools across the city.

How could such a man take a bribe?

Bethany’s gaze bored into Paul. "How could you possibly believe this nonsense about him accepting bribes?” Her fist was clenched, her fury visible.

Paul shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet her eyes.

He respected Norman; he knew the accusations were likely false. But his hands were tied.

This was an order from the Mayor himself, he was scared of endangering his family by refusing the orders.

Bethany was about to say more, but Norman held up a hand, his expression calm. "It’s alright, Bethany. I’ll be fine."

Bethany paused, the tension in her voice softening. "Mr. Norman—"

"I promise. Go ahead and arrange the cell. I could use a bit of rest."

He understood that Paul was not to be blamed, he was obviously forced to do this, resisting the Mayor's order, could put him in a lot of trouble.

This shouldn't be new, the weak are always controlled by those with powers to do their dirty jobs, Norman understood this too well.

Bethany couldn't understand Norman's expression, he spoke and acted so calm, like he was going on a vacation.

No one could really understand what was going on in his mind, and that's what made him mysterious and dangerous.

She took a deep breath, nodding reluctantly.

If anything happened to Norman, Valkoria City itself might be at risk. The police department, the Mayor—they all owed their stability to him.

"I’ll do as you ask, Mr. Norman. Please accept my apologies. This… This is a disgrace. I’ll see to it immediately.”Bethany said respectfully, her expression laced with regret. “Before you enter your cell, is there anything you want me to do for you? I will do anything you request.”

Norman hesitated before finally nodding. "Actually, yes. I’d like to visit the mountains.”

"The mountains?" Bethany repeated, thrown off. The mountains were near the border between Valkoria and Eldrida—the Bloodmoon Clan’s former territory. Since the Clan’s defeat, no one from Valkoria had dared cross that boundary.

But Bethany wouldn’t question Norman’s intentions. "Alright, Mr. Norman. I’ll arrange a helicopter."

She gestured to her subordinates, signaling for them to prepare.

As they moved, she slipped her phone from her pocket, dialing Deputy Mayor Harris.

She couldn't just sit back, as the Chief police officer, it was equally her responsibility to be sure of a crime free environment for everyone.

Harris picked up after the second ring. "Chief Bethany. What’s going on?"

"Mr. Harris, are you aware that Mr. Norman has been arrested?"

She heard the shock in his voice. "What? Arrested? No, I hadn’t heard a word."

Bethany’s suspicions deepened. "I thought as much. Can you investigate why the Mayor ordered his arrest? Something’s not adding up here."

"Consider it done."

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