“...That’s the basic situation. Overall, the Dock Area is quite complex. A significant portion of its residents are low-income individuals who cannot afford property taxes in other districts, along with transient outsiders who temporarily stay due to cargo distribution, temporary manual laborers with irregular residences, and various speculators who see ‘business opportunities’ there.

“Such an environment is inherently a breeding ground for various criminal activities. Our police’s mission is to maintain overall public order in the Dock Area as much as possible, ensuring that trade can proceed normally, but many cases indeed cannot be thoroughly investigated, or even formally filed.”

Sheriff William’s introduction was rather veiled, but Wayne already had a preliminary impression of the Dock Area and even all of Richmond, so he could understand it.

Essentially, it was still the same old story—some people were not local “residents,” or belonged to the “unenthusiastic about elections” group, and their incomes were not high.

They neither paid much tax nor participated in voting, and probably had little money. They were “free,” but when something happened, they were completely ignored.

So, they simply let it be, like “raising venomous insects.” Unless a case involved “true local residents” or “respectable free people,” it would very easily fizzle out and naturally disappear in the shadows.

Conversely, this strategy actually promoted the iteration of gangs in the Dock Area. Those who acted indiscriminately, “blindly,” and those whose influence was too negative, “lacking in judgment,” were easily jointly eliminated by the authorities and their peers, which often meant their “careers were ruined.”

Wayne specifically mentioned James Damody, the “Jimmy” he had recently encountered.

Sheriff William actually knew him too: “Some migrant workers in the Dock Area inevitably face financial difficulties—some actually owe small gambling debts, which are ‘huge’ to them—that guy seems to be in that kind of business. It’s not legal, but it doesn’t seem to have caused any cases.”

This was different from what Wayne understood. Wayne specifically pointed out, “But I heard that his gang was previously involved in a homicide? It was said that the police had already started an investigation at that time.”

According to Jimmy himself, the reason they were ordered to kill the reporter was because a subordinate in their gang was targeted, coupled with the coercion and Seduction of the mastermind, which together led to the subsequent wrongful case.

Sheriff William’s gaze briefly narrowed, then quickly returned to normal, his expression turning to one of doubt:

“Is there such a thing? I don’t seem to have heard of such a case. It’s also possible they were only briefly listed as subjects of investigation and later cleared of suspicion.”

Wayne nodded, “Indeed, that sounds quite reasonable.”

That was probably all from Sheriff William. Wayne turned and took his plate to find the “trio” from before.

Coincidentally, the “trio” had already split up. The financial officer had taken the “rookie” level slave inspector to meet other veterans, while Tax Officer Quinn was equally curious why his daughter had just gone to talk to Wayne. The two hit it off and formed a new “group chat.”

After briefly explaining the situation and finishing their food, Tax Officer Quinn, given Wayne’s choice between “wanting to meet the Police Chief” or “wanting to invite Miss Harley to dance,” proactively chose the former for Wayne and directly pulled him over.

The Police Chief was one of the bigwigs among City Hall officials who had the qualifications to “establish an office and govern,” but the tax officer was not a position without influence. Soon, the two inserted themselves into the crowd around him, and their previous conversation partners quickly moved elsewhere.

“So you are Wayne, the private detective who has recently become famous. I’ve heard of your deeds many times before, and finally have the chance to meet you.”

Although the Police Chief seemed slightly puzzled as to “why Tax Officer Quinn brought Wayne over,” this veteran nearing fifty did not dwell on it and remained as enthusiastic as he was with other guests.

Wayne had also received a “red envelope” from the Police Station before, so he was equally friendly, “During the assassination investigation, our Detective Agency received a lot of help from the police, so we specially came to express our gratitude.”

A Police Chief in a big city has almost reached the end of the line in the “local administrative officer” path. To advance, he either strives to enter higher-level government agencies or transitions to a political officer, participating in mayoral or state legislator elections, etc.

Compared to many pure politicians, such a seasoned administrative officer often has a clearer and more detailed grasp of local conditions, and usually handles people and situations more transparently—after all, he rose from among those who “actually get things done.”

The Police Chief frankly accepted Wayne’s gratitude, but he was clearly more interested in the content Wayne wanted to discuss next.

Wayne quickly continued the conversation, directly stating that he was recently investigating Jimmy in the Dock Area and also mentioned that he was likely involved in the previous case of the reporter’s death.

This was also a “precautionary shot” for the Police Chief, implying that the Detective Agency might reopen the case.

“Sudden attacks” are most taboo in the workplace, and Wayne was quite sensible in this regard.

The Police Chief frowned slightly: “I’ve seen the file for that case. Although the criminal never confessed, there were eyewitnesses, and it was unanimously confirmed by the jury. I don’t think reopening the investigation is a good idea.”

As expected, as soon as reopening the case was mentioned, he might become unhappy.

Wayne did not back down, still maintaining his politeness, “But I have already spoken directly with James Damody. Although I don’t have direct evidence yet, he himself has confessed.”

“A gang member chooses to confess without evidence. Do you not understand what might be involved behind this?”

Realizing that Wayne’s investigation was quite deep, the Police Chief changed his posture, gently patted Wayne’s arm, looking a bit like he was earnestly advising him, “Wayne, you are a very talented young man. I think you should perhaps focus your energy on cases more worthy of investigation.”

I haven’t even mentioned that today I screened out several “candidates” from the list Father Tyrrell gave me.

There might be more than just this one case behind it, and by then, you’ll probably be quite exhausted…

Wayne continued to increase the dosage of the “precautionary shot,” “But since the investigation has begun, our Detective Agency has no reason to stop without cause. As members of a civilized society, we perhaps have an obligation to redress the innocent.”

The Police Chief chose to change the subject: “Did you come to me just to talk about this?”

“Of course not, I mainly wanted to specially come and thank you.”

Since the precautionary shot had already been given, Wayne readily set aside the dispute for now and changed direction to continue probing, “By the way, as an outsider, I also want to understand the situation in the Dock Area. Our Detective Agency recently developed a meat product that combines the taste of meat with the cheapness of starch products, and we want to try promoting it in the Dock Area, but we’re worried if it might cause any ‘trouble.’”

The Police Chief’s attitude softened, “Legitimate businesses are protected in Richmond, even in the Dock Area. But from what you’re saying, you might be worried that the gangs there will secretly exert influence?”

“So I also want to understand the gang situation in the Dock Area, and also the police’s maintenance of public order in that area…”