Chapter 56

Hearing what Kai just said.

The Chief sighed heavily, leaning forward and clasping his hands on the desk.

"I'm saying you need to be smart about this. Do you know how many cops have died in this town in the last five years?" He didn't wait for an answer.

"Too many. And you know what all of them had in common? They were newcomers, just like you. They came in with their heads held high, thinking they could change the world. But they didn't understand how things work here."

At that moment Kai's expression darkened, but he remained silent, letting the Chief continue.

"This place chews up cops like you, Kai. The system here isn't like what you're used to. It's tangled, corrupt, and dangerous. And the ones who get caught in the middle—especially the ones who try to stand up to people like Roland—they don't last. Either they leave, or they end up in a grave."

Kai crossed his arms, his jaw tightening.