Having spent much of the day reviewing disturbing documents, Jimmy was already in a bad mood, and Nia's call only worsened it.

Jimmy had seen his fair share of life and death, but those involved were criminals, mostly violent ones, so their deaths felt justified, lifting significant psychological burdens. Moreover, influenced by the remnants of the original Jimmy's soul, once he took action, he tended to do so with ruthless extermination.

However, after an exorcism by Priest Horton in Dallas, Texas, Jimmy managed to shed that occasional brutal state. Since then, his actions were relatively restrained, though he didn't hold back when necessary.

Jimmy had developed a considerable immunity to death around him, but for Nia, just a regular police officer who likely had never even fired a gun, including warning shots—judging from the usual experiences of most officers—this was different.

Although Nia had probably seen dead bodies before, her distress was clearly due to the little girl. They had worked hard for a week, finally tracked the kidnapper's route, confirmed they were in the woods, only to be met with such an outcome—it was a lot for anyone to handle. Seeing the tragic state of three dead bodies and holding onto hopes of saving the little girl, Nia was intensely overwhelmed with disappointment and grief.

After eating instant noodles for dinner, Jimmy tidied up his room, threw used items like his toothbrush and towel into the trash can, and replaced them with new ones from the cabinet. After busywork and some exercise at home, he took a shower and went to bed.

Jimmy now had only one unresolved case. Therefore, in absence of new leads, he was stuck reviewing files in the office, just as he had the day before, enduring the discomfort and continuing through the extensive paperwork. He needed to rely on himself now with no one else to take charge, reflecting that Hughes might have given him too much freedom.

In the afternoon, with a pounding headache, Ruiz walked in.

Ruiz: "Jimmy, Seventeen just called me, and he's encountered a problem. One of your gang members looking for people is missing. He has already locked down two blocks and is investigating there."

Jimmy instantly perked up, wondering how investigating a lead could lead to so much trouble. He looked at Ruiz and asked, "Is he missing or dead? Any concrete news?"

Ruiz: "Nothing definitive yet. He spoke with the gang member last night, but today at noon, he couldn't get in touch. It's confirmed that the guy isn't at his place or usual hangouts. Seventeen is checking places he was investigating to see if there are any clues."

Jimmy: "Got it. Can I contact him now? I can go and help."

Ruiz shook his head and refused: "Don't contact him right now. He's focused on finding his guy, and no one would blame him for the situation. If you get involved, it might expose him."

Jimmy nodded, "I understand, but for his safety, I'll just stay near the Bronx, so I can assist in case of an emergency." Seeing Ruiz about to say more, Jimmy waved him off: "I know how important he is, so it's just a precaution. If there's no danger by evening, I'll come back. It's just a few hours."

Ruiz thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement, "Absolutely do not directly call him. Wait for my message."

Jimmy: "Okay, I'll head out now."

Jimmy left the office with Ruiz, went downstairs, got into the car, and set off.

Jimmy had a bad feeling; the missing person was likely in grave danger. Being a local gang member selected by Seventeen for the task meant he was trusted, certainly not someone immature. His disappearance pointed to some uncontrollable trouble.

The only hope now was that he was still alive; Jimmy was very troubled. It was supposed to be a simple task of using an informant, and a homicide would be a significant loss.

It was not just any informant, it was probably one of his own, a reliable man. Losing him could considerably impact his mission.

It wasn't even the end of the workday yet, and traffic, though not smooth, didn't cause much delay. Jimmy didn't head to the usual café where he met with Seventeen but parked near the block where the suspect was spotted and waited in his car, smoking with the window rolled down.

Waiting until 8 PM, without any message from Ruiz, it seemed Seventeen was still searching, unable to confirm the situation. Bored, Jimmy glanced at his watch and eventually decided to head home.

The next day, Nia and her team were finally returning to New York from New Hampshire. She called Jimmy early in the morning, estimating they'd be back at the police station by afternoon.

Jimmy didn't plan to go to the station today; he drove to the Bronx early to be able to support Seventeen whenever necessary, committed to sticking it out no matter what.

Last night, Jimmy went back to rest, not wanting to wander the streets of the Bronx late at night, where it was hardly secure. Being an Asian, just parking on the roadside could easily stir up trouble, and this was not the time for undercover operations. Rather than being passively influenced by others, it was safer to wait and return. During the day, parking here was at least somewhat reassuring.

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