Chapter 2 Chapter two

"Sooner or later someone will die from it," Black murmured. Reid was silent, nodding his head in agreement.She clicked on the electronic board, opened a picture and enlarged it to full screen.A horribly burned building filled the screen, its blackened exterior exposed to the pale pink Battersea morning sun. "I'm guessing the modus operandi was the same as the others. Lighter refills, a whole box of lighters, and Bryant plum matches." "We'll find out pretty soon," Black said. "Royston Winston will send the test results as soon as they come in."

"That once-popular bakery, 'Falina's Lane,' is on Wandsworth Road." Read read, looking at the data frame. Doubt how many people will actually feel sentimental about it. In fact, they're more likely to throw a party to celebrate." A wry smile appeared on Blake's face. "There are many times more criminals than civil servants, Kassan. I'm sure if the bums in the building don't come out in time, some people will be more gloating, thankful that there are fewer hooligans roaming the streets." "If the modus operandi is what I think it is, then we can at least rule them out from the start."

Blake raised an eyebrow in puzzlement. "Sir, lighter refills and a whole box of lighters cost money. If it's just bad wine and old newspapers..." Blake nodded. "I see what you mean." He walked back to sit behind his desk and spread his hands. Red turned off the electronic screen and turned to face him.It's not Superintendent Blake who is hard to guess.First, he casually stood next to her and checked the evidence together one by one.Then he returned to his seat, ready to call the shots.It is clearly the way the superiors treat the subordinates. "Seventeen," said Black. "Seventeen arson cases all of the same iconic technique, all in abandoned buildings awaiting development. None of the cases were insured, so there was no question of who would profit from them. And the cases were spread across the city. Everywhere, there are no rules to follow.”

"Now here's the turn," Reid added. "Eighteenth, right at our door." Black stared closely at Red. "Can you handle this case, Kassan?" She sighed heavily. "Seriously, sir, we've got a lot of cases on our hands right now. Plus Anna Hargreaves is still on leave, and Pete Metcalfe's gone to training." Black nodded sympathetically and said nothing. "Besides, in the end it was just another silly arson attack," Red went on. "Next time, he will probably return to the North Shore to commit crimes. It can be said that this small incident that just happened will just go away in the end."

Blake nodded vigorously. "I know, I know." After finishing speaking, he was silent for a long time, and then said calmly: "But the point is, Kassan, if we can solve this case, we will have the opportunity to give us the police station in the city. Build some prestige." "In the case of two less people? Or what other people can you provide, sir." "Staff? Not really, sorry. I don't have anyone on hand to take Hargreaves' and Metcalfe's place. And, as you said, it's just an arson case. But..." "how?" "Yesterday, when my wife was playing whist, I happened to have nothing to do. I calculated the overtime quota for this month. I found that we have extra overtime hours."

"I think it could be put to better use, sir." Black laughed rarely, "Bill Andrews was right when he talked about you, Kassan." "How to say?" "He said that you always get cheap and act good." This time it was Red's turn to smile. "It's not that I'm picky and ignorant, sir. It's just that the first priority now should not be to find an arsonist who may have left our jurisdiction." "Assuming he didn't leave the precinct, Kassan? If I remember correctly, the analysis course they sent us to said that serial arsonists like to return to the crime scene to admire their masterpieces. Except when the crime happened Watching the fire burn, and coming back afterward to see what’s left of the wreckage, picking up local news clippings and stuff. In this day and age, they’d probably go back and take a few photos with their phones.”

"Then you're probably not in the same analysis class as I am, sir. Even if it's the same class, I'm taking murder cases, so it's possible..." The hateful thing is that Black is too good at taking advantage of his position and position. "Well, Kassan. Get it done, or leave it alone. I'll authorize your team two extra weeks of overtime. Catch this guy the first week, and the second week you love to fuck What are you doing?" "Two weeks of overtime for an arsonist? No disrespect, sir, but the sheriff won't approve." "Kassan, who said this was just an arson case? Maybe the prisoner didn't know it at the time, but we all know that there were people in the house when he lit the fire." Blake looked at his nails. "As far as I'm concerned, it's attempted murder. No one would object to working overtime for that reason, not even Cedric."

"Bill Andrews' evaluation of you is also very good, sir." Red grinned. But the smile on her face quickly faded into what Black said next. "I hope you'll have Taylor and Harris lead this investigation this time, it's a job that fits so well with their down-to-earth approach." Red bit his tongue.Since you can't say nice things, you might as well shut up... Blake continued without knowing it: "I have to admit that I once doubted their ability, but how can they defeat the enemy every time? I really think this investigation is very suitable for their wild way. I understand you As Chief Inspector, you have to put on a tough face, Kassan, so you never show it. But I bet you'd be very proud of them."