America: John Wick 1924

Chapter 36 "Where is the Black Robe Patrol's Lair?"

He was a head taller than the other person, so he had to bend down and touch his chin to the other person's right shoulder.

"You brat, don't push your luck."

He still wore a warm smile, but in a volume that only he and the brown-haired youth could hear, he kept uttering cold words.

"You really think of yourself as an innocent and blameless person?"

"Do you think I don't know how many disputes your Black Robe Patrol has caused?"
"It's just because we're too lazy to bother with you that we let you live such a comfortable life."

“Listen to me carefully. I don’t want to make a big deal out of this. This matter ends here. None of you need to go to the police station, and I will have less work to do. It’s good for everyone.”

"If you insist on making a scene, then you should think carefully about the consequences."

"Think carefully about the shady things you've done in the past, and see if they can withstand close scrutiny."

"Your choice is to either cooperate with me obediently or oppose me, the sheriff."

After saying that, Sheriff Johnson straightened up and moved away from the brown-haired youth's ear.

Throughout, the smile on his face remained unchanged, and he always maintained a friendly demeanor... It was hard to imagine that those cold, threatening words had just come from his mouth.

Upon hearing this, the brown-haired youth turned deathly pale, silently shut his mouth, and dared not utter another sound.

The Black Robe Patrol was a civilian organization formed by Irish youths who hated Chinese people.

Without a stable income, without a mature organizational structure... to put it simply, it's just a makeshift operation!

Even if they had a hundred times the courage, they wouldn't dare to go against the sheriff!
So, the brown-haired youth gritted his teeth, glared fiercely at Li Yu, and then turned to his companions, saying:

“…Let’s go!”

His companions all looked indignant.

But the brown-haired youth had already given the order, and even if they felt wronged, they had no choice but to obey.

And so, they helped Brooke up, and the group, clutching their still-painful wounds, staggered away.

Before leaving, they didn't forget to cast extremely venomous glances at Li Yu.

Li Yu met their gazes without flinching, his eyes gleaming with an intriguing light, as if he were deep in thought.

No sooner had the brown-haired youth and his group walked away than Sheriff Johnson, beaming, strode toward Li Yu.

"You must be Mr. Li. Although I've already given my name, let me introduce myself again! I'm Jack Johnson from the San Francisco Bay Shore Precinct!"

Li Yu raised his gaze and gave Sheriff Johnson a deep look.

After only a moment's thought, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

—So that's how it is, he wanted to befriend me…

American police officers in this era are all racists.

When a conflict breaks out between Chinese and white people, the police will almost certainly side with the latter.

If other police officers had handled the dispute, they would most likely have only arrested Li Yu and let the brown-haired youth and the others go.

But Sheriff Johnson didn't do that. He let both sides go, seemingly trying to smooth things over, but actually secretly helping Li Yu.

If both parties go to the police station, then there are too many variables.

It's hard to guarantee that other corrupt police officers won't secretly sabotage things, such as secretly letting the brown-haired youth and others go, or finding ways to make things difficult for Li Yu.

This white sheriff, who looks like a "redneck," deliberately favors Chinese people... This behavior seems puzzling, but it is not hard to understand if we consider the premise that "Sheriff Johnson wanted to befriend Li Yu."

In Sheriff Johnson's eyes, Li Yu was a ruthless character capable of killing the Lavrov brothers single-handedly, and he also had some connections, able to get the chief of police to bail him out of the station... Such a ruthless character was undoubtedly of great value to befriend!
There's a saying: "You can't hit someone who's smiling."

Since Sheriff Johnson took the initiative to make overtures, Li Yu was happy to engage in friendly interactions with him.

"I am Li Yu, and as you can see, I am a pastor." "Do you currently live around here?"

"That's right, I currently live at 26 Maple Street."

"Do you serve in any church?"

“I am currently serving at the Sacred Heart Church at 25 Maple Street.”

"So, your current residence and workplace are both on Maple Street? What a coincidence! This area is under the jurisdiction of the Bay Shore Precinct! We might run into each other on this street quite often in the future!"

Li Yu knew what Sheriff Johnson wanted to do.

Sheriff Johnson knew that Li Yu knew what he wanted to do.

Neither side knew what was going on, but neither said anything, and they continued their pleasant small talk.

At that moment, Sheriff Johnson noticed Janet standing next to Li Yu.

After giving the nun a meaningful look, he slowly said:
"You must be the 'Saint of Maple Street'? I've heard of you. Everyone who knows you says you are the incarnation of the Virgin Mary."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jane quickly explained:

“I am not a saint, much less an incarnation of the Virgin Mary. These titles were given to me by my fellow believers. I am just an ordinary nun.”

Sheriff Johnson smiled meaningfully, then turned to look at the surrounding crowd and waved his hand:

"Alright, there's nothing more to see, everyone disperse."

After saying that, he turned around and was about to get back into the police car.

A brawl ended so abruptly... Sure enough, Una, who possesses the "Chosen Disciplinary Committee Holy Body," simply couldn't accept this outcome.

She quickened her pace, caught up with Sheriff Johnson, and said rapidly:
"Wait! Chief Johnson..."

As soon as she opened her mouth, Sheriff Johnson already knew what she was going to say.

So, having anticipated this, he preemptively spoke in an unyielding and forceful tone:

"Officer Campbell, obey your superior's orders."

After finishing his sentence, he didn't say another word, plopped down in the passenger seat, and slammed the car door shut.

Like the military, the police have a very clear hierarchy.

As a subordinate, Una must never contradict her superior.

Therefore, no matter how much Una shouted, she was powerless to disobey when Sheriff Johnson issued the clear order.

Looking at the tightly closed car door in front of her, Una's face darkened visibly.

A moment later, she turned her head to the side—and Li Yu immediately felt a sharp, piercing gaze.

“You’re really lucky. Last night, the Chen siblings from Zhenbang Martial Arts School protected you. Today, it’s Sheriff Johnson who’s protecting you.”

She also realized that Sheriff Johnson was intentionally favoring Li Yu.

Li Yu smiled slightly and showed Una the cross necklace around his neck:
"Perhaps it is because I often do good deeds that I have received this reward."

Una snorted heavily, turned her head away, and ignored Li Yu.

As she walked towards the police car, preparing to leave, Li Yu silently stepped aside, moved to her side, and softly asked:

"Officer Campbell, please forgive my abruptness—I have a question for you."

Before Una could respond, Li Yu, expressionless, continued asking on his own:
"Where is the Black Robe Patrol's hideout?"

(End of this chapter)