Chapter 47: A Change in Attitude
“Chief Obrien?”
Anyone who could become chief of police before the age of forty was no simple character. Gary had already noticed the strained relationship between Luther and Myrna. He glanced surreptitiously at the aloof girl, quickly made a judgment, and his face cooled. He distanced himself from Luther and said, with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, “How is it that Mr. Stark knows more about this case than I, the chief of police?”
Luther detected the mockery in his words, his body stiffening. He didn’t understand how he had just been warm and friendly, only to be publicly humiliated. But Gary was the police chief of this part of the city. Although not a top leader, he held considerable power. Suppressing his humiliation, he managed a strained smile.
“I just heard about it; I wouldn’t say I understand. It’s just that Myrna got into trouble, and I was worried… If I offended Chief Obrien, please forgive me.”
Gary, seeing Luther still addressing Myrna, ignored him, stepping past to approach Myrna. With a full-faced smile, he tried to ingratiate himself: “Myrna, right? I’m Gary, I’m in charge of this area.”
Myrna nodded, her demeanor calm and composed compared to Luther’s. “Chief Obrien.”
Gary turned to the officer beside him and asked, “Is the report all done?”
The officer hurriedly said, “It’s all done.”
Gary turned back to Myrna, politely saying, “Myrna, you’ve worked hard. Thank you very much for your support. We’ve already apprehended those thugs, and we’ll check their files later for any criminal records.”
“Thank you so much for today. If it weren’t for your bravery in standing up for what’s right, who knows what impact those people could have had on this area’s security? I’ll definitely speak to your school about this, so they can promote this spirit of courage and righteousness.”
“I didn’t do anything; there’s no need to make a fuss at school.”
Gary immediately said, “Yes, yes, I misspoke. We’ll just write a letter of commendation to your school and have it publicized for everyone to learn from.”
Luther, listening nearby, interjected in confusion, “Myrna, acting bravely for a just cause? What’s going on? Isn’t she the one who always causes trouble and fights?”
Gary couldn’t be bothered to respond. He walked over, patted Myrna on the shoulder, and said with a friendly smile, as if he were a kind elder: “It’s already so late, and the notes have been taken. Myrna, you should go home first. Would you like us to arrange a car for you?”
Myrna spotted the Phaeton parked outside, grabbed her single-strap bag the officer had brought, and slung it casually over her shoulder with a three-parts-wild, one-part-rogue air: “No need, I’ll walk myself.”
“Alright. Be careful on the road.”
Gary waved goodbye, watching her leave before turning back to Luther with a meaningful look. “Mr. Stark, you’re a smart man; some things I can’t say directly. Stark Realty has had plenty of dealings with us. Let me give you a piece of advice,” he said.
Luther was still dazed, not understanding why Myrna had left. Subconsciously, he blurted out, “What?”
Gary looked at him with a meaningful gaze and said slowly, “In life, one must look at the bigger picture! Don’t pick up the sesame seeds and lose the watermelon.”
He had already seen the Phaeton outside, belonging to the Payne family, and among those who called him today was Nemmington’s influence. That was a class he couldn’t reach, yet the Stark family insisted on distancing themselves, as if afraid of being entangled.
What an idiot!