Chapter 27: 27
"Get me the CCTV camera footage. For a trafficking ship, this place surely has lots of cameras," one of the detectives said. Soon, they found themselves in the ship's guard office. The guard wasn't there because he was already dead, as he was one of those who had tried to confront Liam. It was unfortunate he hadn't seen Liam's abilities before leaving his post. Otherwise, he might have stayed holed up in his office—not that it would have mattered, as Liam had hunted down everyone on the ship and killed them.
It didn't take long for the detectives to access footage from a few hours prior. What they saw made it hard for them to believe their own eyes. They were about to investigate further when a group of men in suits walked in, acting like they owned the place.
"I'm sorry, gentlemen. The NY Police Department has been relieved of this case, and we're taking over from here," a man in a suit with a receding hairline but a sweet voice said.
"Who are you?" one of the detectives asked.
"We're the FBI. The case is too big for the Police Department to handle, as it involves international security," the man in the black suit replied. Normally, this would have angered the detectives, but this time, neither they nor Dexter protested.
What they'd seen on the footage was far beyond their pay grade. This was not their area of expertise at all. In fact, they silently thanked their lucky stars and cleared the scene as quickly as possible.
"Still think Captain America was just a myth?" one of the detectives asked, trying to lighten the awkward atmosphere.
"I don't know if what I've read about him is true or not anymore, but that man was definitely not human," the other detective replied.
"Why do you say that?" the first detective asked.
"His ghostly doppelganger had distinct long ears and a wreath on his head. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was an elf—but then again, they don't exist," the detective said.
"Hahaha... Moments ago, you didn't believe in Captain America, and now you're saying he might be an elf? I love this."
As the detectives left, one of the agents began briefing the team about their findings, promising that SHIELD would have a preliminary report ready in two hours. SHIELD's efficiency in handling supernatural events was unmatched.
And this 084 was truly a horrific one.
"Sir, won't those detectives talk?" one of the lower officers asked.
"They won't. And even if they do, nobody will believe them," the lead officer said.
"Understood, sir."
The morning news began with a buzz. The New York Police Department was being praised for cracking down on illegal human trafficking operations in Hell's Kitchen. One of the detectives spearheading the case was even promised a significant reward by the mayor himself.
The report highlighted how many young men and women were freed and taken in for questioning. The traumatized survivors were being cared for by the Stark Foundation to help them return to their normal lives soon.
It would take some time, but everything was on track. Liam smiled as he watched the news. In a way, he was glad the NYPD took the credit. He also suspected they wouldn't want anyone to know what had truly been found, as his silhouette might have been caught on camera.
Not that it mattered. None of it could be traced back to him. While Liam ate breakfast, his mother bombarded him with questions about his date and other topics.
He could only give vague replies to satisfy her curiosity.
"Liam, what have you planned for your birthday?" Olivia asked.
"What about it?" Liam replied. In his previous life, he never thought much of birthdays—his own or others'. He felt celebrating another year wasn't worth a big fuss. Though his friends once claimed this was depression, Liam disagreed. Perhaps it was because he'd never experienced surprises or acts of love.
Maybe that's why he integrated into this society and family so quickly. He was more loved in this life than in his last.
"Liam, you avoided your birthday last year, but this year, we won't allow it," Olivia said.
"I don't care, Mom. Birthdays are just noise pollution to me," Liam replied. Olivia wanted to argue further but was interrupted by the ringtone of Liam's phone. From the corner of his eye, he saw the caller's name and answered.
"What kind of havoc have you caused?" Tony asked without even greeting him.
"I'm sitting at my breakfast table, eating cereal on a warm Sunday morning. What have you been up to?" Liam replied.
"Don't play Tom and Jerry with me. I've seen what you did on that ship! That evil pirate almost got me thrown into some deep-state prison because I knew about the case before the police even reached the pier. You've landed me in hot water, kid," Tony said.
"You're Tony Stark. You're one of the greatest scientists in the world. I'm sure you handled it well," Liam replied. By this point, he'd returned to his room. His calls with Tony were always encrypted and secure, so he didn't hesitate to speak freely.
"Don't change the topic. This an adult conversation. What did you do?" Tony asked.
"I became a serial killer for the night." Liam asked. "Am I being judged for that?"
"Of course not, we both have killed way too much blood on our hands to care about serial killers. I am just trying to wrap my head around the fact that there could be ghostly powers with you. Wait was it really you?" Tony asked.
"Does it matter who did it. They did some horrific things and they were take care of." Liam replied. He didn't accept nor did he deny. There was no point anyways.
"Next time give me an heads up. I would love to share some firepower with you." Tony said. This made Liam smile and then talked about what SHIELD had grilled him for. And as usual Tony made fun of Fury.