Chapter 297: Captain Of The SWAT Team (2/2)

His words struck a raw nerve in Xiaotao, especially since Li Wenjia's case was still a sore spot. Hearing Captain Zhang’s downplay of the dangers, displeasure was written all over her face. ”Do you mean to say that your brain is so well trained you won't be affected?” she quipped.

”Yes…” replied Captain Zhang. “Hold on, are you being sarcastic?”

”So you’re trying to say that my teacher, Ma Guozhong, and those officers all died in vain because they weren’t as tough as you?” sneered Xiaotao. “Song Yang, let’s leave the man to his own devices. Why should we bother about him if he doesn’t care? We'll just wait to collect his body in a few days.”

Captain Zhang awkwardly scratched his head, well aware he had offended Xiaotao. Watching the tall, burly man trying to wade through the uncomfortable situation was rather hilarious. ”Xiaotao, don't be upset,” I comforted. “After all, it's a matter of life and death!”

Xiaotao folded her arms and stopped talking. I turned to Captain Zhang, ”The murderous music cannot be resisted by willpower alone so don't be overconfident. Even if you can resist, can you ensure that no one else will be around you at the time? What about these buddies of yours? Do you want them to die because of you?”

”I’m his target!” insisted Captain Zhang.

”How naive!” I scoffed. “Do you know how many innocent people he killed in retaliation against Officer Cui's family? An entire restaurant of people were murdered–all 27 of them! He’s gone mad and he doesn't care how many innocent people are involved. If you’re in the car when he comes for you, he’ll gladly murder everyone on board. If you’re with your team, he’s not going to care if they’ve got nothing to do with your feud. If you’re with your family... ”

At this point, I deliberately trailed off. Captain Zhang clenched his fist, smoldering under that stony expression. Finally, he wavered, ”I have to report this matter to my superiors. After all, if I interrupt the mission, I will be punished.”

”Your superior has approved of your leave,” I affirmed. “He said your life is more important than the mission. If you don't believe me, you can call and ask him.” Of course, that extra bit in the middle was my own embellishment.

”All right, follow me back to the SWAT department,” he said. “I'll change and grab some daily necessities.”

A while later, Captain Zhang drove us to the SWAT unit. This was my first time visiting the place. In order to enter the compound, we were subjected to three checkpoints. Along the way, I noticed several scouts standing guard on high ground, holding QBU-88 sniper rifles.

As we drove into the compound, we passed several riot control vehicles, ZFB-05 armored personnel carriers and military armored cars parked by the road. To my amazement, these vehicles were armed with machine guns on their roofs. In the distance, there are several large heaps covered with cloth, possibly military helicopters.

Captain Zhang explained that the guns and ammunition here were enough to arm the entire company. The existence of the SWAT team was not only a deterrent to criminals, but also a strong support for the city! If foreign enemies were to invade the city one day, they were no longer SWAT officers but soldiers who would charge to the frontlines to protect the common people.

When we arrived at his dormitory, the other officers had already turned in for the night.

”Captain Zhang, why do you still live in the dormitory?” I asked.

”I’m all alone so I might as well live here,” he laughed.

Only after speaking to him did I know that his wife left him a few years ago, taking the children with her. I grew more cognizant of the fact that being an officer of the law was challenging, and many policemen ended up with broken families.

My gaze flitted over to Xiaotao as a thought crossed my mind. If I were to face such emotional conflicts in the future, would I choose to leave her?

And my answer to that question was–never!