Hearing the transaction location, Superintendent Wong froze for half a second, then turned sharply toward Fenric, eyes narrowing.
Tonight's operation was top-secret. The fact that Eric Tsang would trade with the Taikoo triad wasn't public knowledge—only Superintendent Wong and the undercover officer knew it. Yet this young detective had not only guessed it, but even named the exact location.
Long Bath Beach… How could he know that?
This wasn't something to take lightly.
"Long Bath Beach, are you sure?" Superintendent Wong's voice sank an octave, carrying weight.
This detail was the core problem of the entire operation. They knew Eric Tsang had a major shipment coming in. They knew a Taikoo contact was involved. But the biggest obstacle was simple: no one knew where the exchange would happen. Without the goods, even arresting Eric Tsang meant nothing in court.
And now… Fenric had dropped the missing puzzle piece.
Fenric met Superintendent Wong's gaze without hesitation. "Yes, Sir. That's what I heard."
For a long beat, Superintendent Wong said nothing. Then, slowly, he asked, "What's your name, Officer?"
"John Smith. Second-level Detective, Intelligence Division."
"John then. You don't mind?"
"Not at all, Sir."
Superintendent Wong's expression hardened. "If what you're saying checks out, you'll have made a major contribution tonight. But if you're lying—if this is a baseless smear against your superior—no one will be able to protect you. Understand?"
"Crystal clear, sir!" Fenric replied firmly. No tremor in his voice, no hint of fear.
Why would I be afraid? Worst case, I'm out in three days when the mission ends. What can they do—lock me up in a world I don't belong to?
Seeing that unflinching look, Superintendent Wong found himself… believing.
"And one more thing," Fenric added, voice dropping a notch. "After Inspector Andy Lau left last night, I overheard Eric Tsang making a call. He told Luk to 'keep an eye on Andy Lau.' Sir, Luk is a Level-1 Agent under Andy Lau. They're close—too close. My guess? Luk's also a ghost."
Superintendent Wong's pupils contracted. His jaw tightened.
Two moles? One watching the other?
Originally, he'd only half-believed Fenric about Andy Lau. But now? Now he was 80% convinced.
Because he knew Eric Tsang. That old fox trusted no one. Planting a second mole to monitor the first? That was exactly Eric Tsang's style.
Superintendent Wong crushed out his cigarette and clapped Fenric on the shoulder. "When you go back, act normal. Like this never happened."
He didn't wait for a reply, just turned and strode back inside.
Fenric watched him leave, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Honestly, this was risky as hell. No evidence—just words. In the police force, that's as good as slander. The safe move would've been to shadow Andy Lau and catch him in the act.
But slow and steady means a lower evaluation. I'm here for max score.
Sometimes you just have to bet big. Worst case? A bike turns into a motorcycle!
—--
Night fell quickly.
The temporary command post buzzed with tension. Officers packed the cramped room, radios crackling, weapons checked.
At the front, Superintendent Wong stood tall, briefing the assembled teams.
"Tonight's target is a major drug syndicate. According to our informant, at 1900 hours they'll make contact with a Taikoo supplier. The payment site is confirmed—third floor of the building opposite. As for the delivery site…" Superintendent Wong paused, his gaze flicking—just briefly—to Fenric before continuing, "…still unconfirmed."
He moved on briskly. "Mission assignments: Intelligence Division, you'll track targets, maintain comms, and relay intel. Serious Crime Squad, you hold until the delivery location is locked, then move in for the bust!"
He gestured, and an officer slapped photos onto the board—grainy surveillance shots of tonight's key players.
"Eric Tsang. Anthony Wong. Keung(*Triad Boss right-hand man). We've had eyes on these scum for months. Tonight—we take them down!"
"Understood!?" Superintendent Wong barked.
"Yes, Sir!" The chorus was loud, sharp.
"Good. Move out!"
The room exploded into motion. Radios clipped on, weapons checked, plainclothes jackets shrugged into place.
Fenric sat at a terminal, fingers dancing across keys in a convincing show of system checks—while his real attention locked on two men: Superintendent Wong, and Andy Lau.
He knew this scene by heart.
Andy Lau—the mole—would need to warn Eric Tsang. And sure enough, after peeling off his suit jacket, Andy Lau palmed his phone and strolled casually toward the balcony, murmuring into it like he'd gotten a family call.
A faint curve touched Fenric's lips.
There it is.
He wasn't the only one watching. Superintendent Wong's eyes tracked Andy Lau as well, and after a beat, he followed.
The cool night breeze stirred Superintendent Wong's hair as he stepped out, expression calm, gaze steady.
Andy Lau's back was to him, phone at his ear. His voice was relaxed, casual.
"Hey, Dad. It's me."
"I've got something tonight—won't be home for dinner."
"Yeah, don't wait up. I'll be careful."
He hung up, then turned, feigning mild embarrassment. "Sorry, Superintendent Wong. Made dinner plans with my old man. Had to call so he wouldn't wait."
Flawless delivery. Natural tone. A smile that didn't twitch.
This guy's good, Fenric thought from inside, watching through the glass. Ten years as a ghost doesn't come from luck.
"..."
Superintendent Wong smiled faintly in return, but inside, Fenric could almost hear the gears grinding.
Because Andy Lau had just used every single phrase Fenric warned him about.
The code is real. The call was a signal.
"It's fine," Superintendent Wong said lightly. "My fault for dumping overtime on you last-minute."
"The case comes first," Andy Lau replied smoothly, his smile the picture of sincerity.
Then Superintendent Wong tilted his head, voice casual but edged with steel.
"Andy… do me a favor."
"What's that, Sir?"
"Can you lend me your phone for a moment?"