At the medical center, in Treatment Room 7…
After Adam patched up the killer kid's injuries, he flirted with Kate for a bit—classic banter—before heading out. It's not that he didn't want to hang out longer, but honestly, there just wasn't time. Kate was swamped with her case, and Adam? He was juggling surgeries and sneaking in some extra study sessions to level up his skills.
Alice Grey was like this massive XP boost just waiting to be unlocked. And Adam? He was basically a robot—crystal-clear photographic memory and a brain that could crunch numbers like it was mapping the cosmos. Once he fully "downloaded" Alice Grey's giant experience pack, paired with his robotic precision and stamina, he'd be cranking out surgeries like a pro. He'd be on the fast track to legendary doctor status—a level of talent no amount of cramming could match for anyone else. Unreal, right?
Kate walked Adam out.
"So, what's the plan for him?" Adam asked, nodding back toward the kid.
"Depends," Kate said. "We'll try to get him to cooperate first."
"And if he doesn't?" Adam pressed.
"Then he's probably looking at prison—fifteen years, minimum," Kate replied, frowning.
Here's the thing: Americans mature fast, so juvenile crime's a recurring headache. It's pushed states to keep lowering the age of criminal responsibility—down to 12, even 10 in some places. A few states don't even have an age limit. Commit a crime? You're off to jail. Tons of people have juvie records, including some who later make it big. That's why in cop shows, they always hit the criminal database first—match a suspect with a record, and boom, they're suspect numero uno.
It's a zero-or-one game with crime. Having a record makes it way easier to track someone—fingerprints, past offenses, the works. But if they've got no record? They can just say, "Nah, I'm not cooperating," and judges usually won't force it. Too much risk of stirring up "human rights" or "freedom" debates. So sometimes, you've got a killer right in front of you, practically taunting you, and the cops still can't do squat. Frustrating as hell!
Luckily, those cases are rare, and the U.S. crime database is massive. If there's a match, it's usually a slam dunk—assuming the cop's sharp. Like, main character energy sharp. Otherwise, even the best database won't save you. It's wild how reality can feel so… surreal sometimes.
"Hey, Kate," Adam said, switching gears, "you know any retired cops? Someone solid—trustworthy, detail-oriented, well-connected, and looking for work?"
Kate raised an eyebrow. "What're you up to?"
"My company's about to hire someone like that," Adam said with a grin. "They'd keep tabs on stuff like that killer kid's backstory—where he's from, when he goes to jail, when he gets out, his mindset, whether he pulls any shady tricks to cut his sentence. Easy gig, great pay. Figured I'd toss it to one of your people."
"You're seriously creating a whole job just for James (the killer kid)?" Kate said, half-laughing, half-exasperated.
"Better safe than sorry, right?" Adam chuckled. "Us doctors don't have it easy. This kinda thing's happened before, and it won't be the last time. Hiring someone to watch the people I've crossed paths with—who might hold a grudge—just makes sense for safety. Plus, it's not like I'm strapped for cash. It's a job, it boosts the economy—win-win. If you don't have anyone in mind, I'll just call a headhunter."
"No, no, I've got someone!" Kate jumped in quick.
No kidding—this was a dream gig. Didn't even need a retiree—just someone with connections who could get things done with a phone call. It's a huge favor to hand out, so of course she'd keep it in her circle.
"Heh," Adam smirked.
"Damn capitalist!" Kate shot back, laughing despite herself. She didn't know the "true fragrance" meme, but she knew her flip-flop was a little embarrassing. "Never pegged you for this, back when you were just a writer and a doctor. Guess money really does change people."
Pat-reon:belamy20—slipping that in here like a pro.
Adam just smiled, saying nothing. Why a retired cop with connections? Simple: they've got the network. What's a nightmare for outsiders is just a quick chat for them. It's like how regulators in the West retire and snag cushy "consultant" gigs at the companies they used to oversee—pulling in millions a year. Or how CEOs quit, then slide into roles regulating their old firms. Everyone's in on it, watching their own backs.
Emmm… how's that for messed up? Adam might scoff at it, but that didn't stop him from playing the game. Business is business, after all! And really, he wasn't after power or greed—just basic survival. Totally fair. No shame in that!
Kate thought it over and tossed out a name—one of her own.
"Cool, I trust you," Adam said with a nod. "But tell him to start ASAP. I want eyes on this whole thing, every step."
"Relax," Kate grinned. "This mess has blown up so much that James's crew is gonna be under our microscope. They won't have the time or guts to mess with you."
"Still, better to be cautious," Adam said, shaking his head.
"Got it," Kate said, serious now. "He'll start tomorrow."
They hugged it out, then went their separate ways. Adam figured with all the chaos lately—"Python Disaster" this, "Black Humor" that—he wasn't sure if Matthew and Lily had really left. So, he swung by Barney's VIP room to check.
Inside the VIP ward…
"James, you see it, right? This place is a danger zone. We gotta bounce—worst case, I'll hit up another hospital. Anywhere but here. This spot's got it out for me," Barney pleaded, trying to convince James to let him leave.
"You swear you'll get checked out somewhere else if you ditch?" James asked, hesitant. After all the craziness, he was starting to wonder too.
"Cross my heart," Barney said, raising a hand.
"Fine, I'll handle the discharge papers," James agreed.
"Yes!" Barney whooped, breaking into a goofy dance.
And James? The guy could sing and dance like it was nothing. Seeing his buddy so hyped, he joined in. Two carefree bros, busting moves in a celebration dance.
But all that wiggling stirred something up—a flash of gold.
"Ahh!"
Adam got to the room just in time to hear Barney's scream. He bolted in—and almost lost it laughing.
There was Barney, a "tail" sprouting from his backside. At first glance, you'd swear he'd gone Super Saiyan. But nope—it was that missing golden eyelash rattlesnake, latched on tight.
Super Saiyan? More like Super Unlucky Guy!
Emmm… think Ouyang Feng running into Hong Qigong in The East is Red, The West is Just. Total chaos.