Chapter 426 - Danger and Trouble (20)

11 May, JL International Mall, City F

Matthew observed the concerned look on the investigators face. In normal circ.u.mstances playing games with people who challenged his authority would be fun, that was contrary to the public good. Calmly he said "General Rong."

At that moment, the investigators face turned pale. Inspector Long must have informed the police who he was and that challenging him would be a bad move.

"General," came the more timid reply. The investigator had lost the will to fight. "We need gather all evidence to ensure a proper investigation."

"Normally I would not disagree, but our priorities have to be rescuing those we can rescue. While I am not an engineer, I cannot see evidence of structural damage so that should not hold us back from that task."

"We have no idea who was behind this, therefore every piece of material and its location is incredibly important, and that has to have priority over people currently. That cannot alter."

Taking a calming breath to prevent himself from launching at people who were only doing their jobs and did not deserve him taking his concerns for Lexi out on them, Matthew paused. When he felt calm enough, Matthew responded "Between body worn cameras and their own mobile phones the soldiers are doc.u.menting the scene. We can balance this out. Get people out and minimise the disturbance to the scene."

"No. My crime scene, my decision General. No one goes into an area unless I OK it and if that means people die, it happens because I will not risk a rescuer to save a person."

David, sensing Matthew was about to snap, responded "We will not be allowing that."

Matthew, however ignored everyone and moved forward to where some police were blocking soldiers off. The soldiers stepped backwards allowing Matthew a clear path, and on reaching where they had been blocked Matthew stopped just before he touched the police and said aggressively "Out of my way…"

David, sensing Matthew was getting close to exploding quickly used the secure radio saying, "Head Honcho, you need to get here quickly Athos is about to explode." He then moved in and said in Matthew's ear "Boss, Head Honcho is coming."

Matthew took a pace backwards and stared at the police. He then turned and moved back slightly with David before turning his back and quietly saying "Those idiots. I get the need to preserve evidence, but to totally disregard life…"

"Boss, honestly get your head together." Came David's quiet reply. "We all get it, you are stressed about your wife. I would be the same if it was my wife. I already suspect that Head Honcho has told you to act professionally, or you will be pulled out because of the loss of objectivity. We need to be careful, because as far as I am aware there is no confirmation that there shrapnel in the IED was not coated in anything that would risk the rescuers. Correct?"

"Correct," Matthew breathed our heavily and continued. "I get that, and I know there is limited onsite protection equipment presently. The medics have priority on that until sufficient arrives onsite. My frustration is not that, nor is it worry about Lexi. I have to take those in stride, but you can hear the same cries for help that I can."

"I can boss, but honestly I do not want to antagonise the police presently. As we were coming in from the airport, we could see that additional police were also being deployed, and you know the limits of military involvement, even in cases like this. Terrorism is within our remit, as is assisting in rescue efforts. But criminal charges is not, unless we can prove that Lexi was targeted specifically. Even for the Devil that is excessive…"

"Excessive, ha! He has already taken both her and Dominic hostage…"

"Athos, shut up," came the low deadly reply from Head Honcho. "You have thirty seconds to get a grip of yourself or kiss your career goodbye."

Meanwhile across the open area, Ben responded to Joseph "Not long ago. Head Honcho is having words with the boss. Any sign of Lexi?"

Joseph shook his head "No, this was the area that she was in, and…"

Seeing that Joseph was looking to the planter, Ben responded "You are worried that this could be her?"

"I hope not. The last thing I want to do is have to tell the boss. But we need to move it to know if this is Lexi or not. We can at least deal with the situation."

Ben nodded, and at that moment felt as he could hear in Joseph's tone that he was frightened at what they could find. Carefully they both moved to opposite ends of the planter and carefully bent down the see if they could move it upright and pull out whoever was under it. They both nodded at each other, bent down, and started counting backwards from three before they started pushing to upturn the planter.

As they commenced two other soldiers moved in quickly and started to help them upright the planter. Once they had it steady, the two of them turned around and quickly looked at the person who had been trapped under the planter. As they observed the body, Ben could see that the woman was breathing, but it was laboured. Rather than risking any further injury he ordered "Get medics in here. Tell them it is a serious chest injury and that they will need a stretcher to move her."

After a quick "Yes Sir" the two soldiers who had assisted them, turned and ran out as quickly as they could.

Ben turned to Joseph and said, "Is it…?"

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