Blackstone Code

After having lunch, strictly speaking, it was already afternoon when Ferrall arrived to pick up Lynch in his car.

In the morning, Lynch had talked with him over the phone about the recent rapid deterioration of public security in Sabin City and his concerns. Ferrall assured him that he could resolve these minor issues and would come to pick him up in the afternoon.

Sitting in Ferrall's car, Ferrall spoke while driving, "It's best if you don't drive your car for the time being. To be honest, the situation is developing faster than we anticipated."

This was the allure of wealth. The mayor would never admit to Lynch that the situation was getting out of control. He would only present a facade of calm and control, as if everything was under his grasp, with no possibility of anything untoward happening.

Ferrall, however, was different. He was loyal to his job and a professional.

Having taken Lynch's money, he wished to continue doing so, and therefore he had to strategize for Lynch, informing him of things he knew but Lynch didn't.

The speed at which the situation was developing had surpassed the expectations of the ruling group in Sabin City. The mayor and Ferrall had initially thought that after the New Year, those tormented by life might start attempting to attack financial institutions.

They anticipated that by March or April next year, people might target federal government agencies.

Before that, they shouldn't be struggling to survive. The city's sufficient food stamps should at least prevent them from worrying about hunger. If it was merely a matter of having no money in hand, such incidents shouldn't occur.

But reality dealt them a harsh blow, making them realize how tough things truly were.

"Last night, a small gang attacked a bank but was repelled. The police chief and the investigation bureau chief believe this might set a bad precedent, leading to more violent robberies."

"Your car stands out too much; it's easy for people to notice. I suggest you buy a used car and customize it a bit."

At that moment, the traffic light turned red, and Ferrall took his foot off the gas. He glanced at Lynch and continued, "You can make the interior luxurious so it won't affect your comfort, and people won't pay much attention to you since it won't look valuable on the outside."

As they were talking, suddenly a gunshot rang out on the street, and the crowd quickly scattered. In an instant, the street was nearly empty.

A man wearing a hat and glasses, dressed in a jacket, forcefully tore a bag from another person who had fallen to the ground. Two patrol officers were further away but didn't immediately intervene at the crime scene.

When the robber aimed his gun once more at the person on the ground, the fear of death compelled the person to release the bag. Seizing the opportunity, the robber snatched the bag and swiftly disappeared into a nearby alley.

Immediately after, two patrol officers rushed over to assess the victim's injuries and called for backup.

With the arrival of the police, some people started to gather again, and order seemed somewhat restored.

"Uh...," Ferrall felt he needed to explain something, but everything happened so quickly. From the gunshot to now, it had been less than twenty seconds, maybe around fifteen. His mind hadn't fully processed it yet.

"Maybe the police didn't react in time...," he found an excuse for the police who had witnessed the crime but remained indifferent.

Lynch looked at him, and he looked back at Lynch but gradually averted his gaze under Lynch's calm stare. He loosened his grip on the steering wheel and shrugged, "Well, actually this problem..."

The honking from behind interrupted him, and the car started moving again. Ferrall spent the rest of the journey explaining the situation.

From last night's sudden incident to this morning, seven people at the police station had submitted their resignations, and more were considering it.

These police officers were quite cunning, or rather smart. After all, being a police officer was a tough job. They weren't worried about not being able to return to work once the situation calmed down.

The city was too dangerous now. With armed attacks on financial institutions occurring, it wouldn't be long before more terrifying incidents happened.

As police officers, they would face these frightening criminals, who were not the type to flee in panic at the sight of the police, as seen on TV.

Some of these criminals had more shooting experience than the police. While some were willing to uphold justice fearlessly, most were ordinary people who didn't want to risk their lives for a monthly salary of around three hundred bucks.

Therefore, the police chief allowed them to temporarily avoid confronting armed criminal activities, in exchange for ensuring continued stability in law enforcement.

As they talked, the car gradually slowed down. They had left the city's central district and arrived in a somewhat rundown area.

By the roadside was a semi-cylindrical building, resembling this shape "⌒". In front of the building was a large open space with some fitness equipment. After the car parked, Lynch noticed a sign saying "Sabin City Military Club."

As they walked inside, Ferrall explained, "Although we remain neutral, we have a well-established military system to prevent any sudden attacks from other countries."

"Every year, a large number of veterans return to society. This place is where most of Sabin City's veterans gather. It so happens that my wife's father is also a veteran..."

Ferrall opened the door for Lynch. As they entered the building, they immediately saw two soldiers at the reception desk. After Ferrall reported his name and explained their purpose, a silver-haired old man warmly greeted them.

This old soldier was Ferrall's father-in-law. After a brief greeting, the three of them moved to the back of the building, which resembled a military camp.

"We've maintained some aspects of the military here to help the soldiers transition back into society better."

Studies had shown that long-term soldiers would find it challenging to adapt to regular life once they retired.

During their time in the military, they learned skills related to combat and maintained high levels of readiness and morale, which conflicted with peaceful civilian life. This contrast often led to psychological issues and, in some cases, tragic outcomes.

The Military Club was an organization set up at the Ministry of Defense's request to help soldiers readjust and reintegrate into society.

Under the old soldier's introduction, they arrived at the barracks. As they entered, the soldiers inside immediately stood at attention by their beds, just like in the army.

Ferrall's father-in-law smiled proudly and asked Lynch, "How are my boys?"

This was Ferrall's solution for him—veterans.

"These young men were discharged in May and haven't had much contact with society. Each one was excellent in the military," Ferrall explained to Lynch, indicating they weren't likely to be plants and loyalty shouldn't be a concern.

Lynch nodded, his gaze sweeping over the young men's faces, finally deciding.

"They all have gun permits, right?"

Before Ferrall could respond, his father-in-law assured, "You don't need to worry about that. They definitely do."

Lynch looked at him, then at Ferrall. With that, the matter was settled.

Lynch's decision relieved his father-in-law, as arranging pensions and employment for veterans was typically handled by local veteran offices.

Previously, these tasks were easy. Factory owners were happy to hire disciplined veterans who adhered to rules and were easy to manage.

But the current situation was dire. Factories could no longer afford to hire more people, even if they were veterans. This year's returning veterans in Sabin City hadn't secured any stable jobs. The Ministry of Defense, the Veterans' Office, and local military clubs realized that letting them wander around could lead to unwanted outcomes.

They might be lured by criminals or, out of desperation, use their military skills for crime, turning them into deadly threats for the police.

Thus, after a brief agreement, military clubs started to help solve these young men's livelihood problems.

The Ministry of Defense began directly providing funding to local military clubs until the situation improved.

While Lynch and Ferrall's father-in-law signed the agreement in the office, the young men were ready to go. They packed their belongings just like in the army, waiting for Lynch.

They were curious about Lynch because he was younger than any of them, making them feel he wouldn't be difficult to get along with and filling them with hope for their future.

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