American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

“She’s truly special,” Elisa said sincerely. “I can feel the love and hope conveyed in the photos.”

“That’s why I can’t let hatred consume my heart,” David said softly. “If I become a person driven by anger, it would be a desecration of her memory.”

“You’re on the right track, David,” Lynn said. “It’s difficult now, but I believe you’ll find your own way.”

By the time they left David's apartment, night had completely fallen. On the way back, Elisa and Lynn were both lost in thought about their conversation.

"Do you think he'll get better?" Elisa asked.

“I think so,” Lynn replied. “His pain is real, but his kindness is real too. Today we gave him hope, and this could be the starting point for his recovery.”

“I will contact the professor as soon as possible and arrange for him to interact with other mutants,” Elisa said. “Perhaps through understanding and support, he will be able to rediscover the meaning of life.”

“And I will reopen the investigation into Merlin’s case,” Lynn promised. “If a hate crime has indeed occurred, justice must be served.”

The next morning, Lynn arrived at the FBI branch earlier than usual.

Lynn laid out all the materials David had provided in his office, including the police incident report, the private investigator's records, newspaper clippings, and photographs. He needed to re-examine the timeline of the entire case and look for any overlooked clues.

First, he carefully examined the photos of the crash scene. The accident occurred at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Union Street in Brooklyn at 11:32 p.m. Merlin, driving a Honda Accord, was struck from the side by a heavy truck and died at the scene. The truck driver, Thomas Wilson, claimed he was driving while fatigued and did not see the red light.

“But there’s a problem here,” Lynn muttered to himself, marking the report in red pen. “If Wilson was truly driving while fatigued, why did he immediately regain consciousness after the accident and clearly recall what happened?”

He picked up the phone and dialed the Brooklyn Police Department, which was in charge of the original investigation.

"Hello, this is FBI Detective Hall. I'd like to inquire about the Fifth Avenue traffic accident that occurred six months ago. The victim was Merlin Chan."

“Please hold, let me check the records,” the officer on the other end of the phone said. “Yes, I found it. It was a case handled by Officer Tom Parker. However, he was transferred to the Queens Precinct last month.”

"Could you give me his contact information? I need to know some details about the case."

"Of course, but I must remind you that this case is closed. Are there any new developments?"

"Perhaps, I'm re-examining some evidence."

Ten minutes later, Lynn contacted Officer Tom Parker. Parker was a veteran officer with twenty years of experience, and his voice sounded tired.

“Detective Hall, I remember the case of Merlin Chan very clearly,” Parker said. “It was a tragic accident, but the evidence was clear.”

“I’d like to know how thorough your investigation into the truck drivers was back then?” Lynn asked.

"It was conducted according to standard procedures. The alcohol test was negative, and the drug test was also negative. Wilson has a clean driving record with no prior offenses. He claims it was due to fatigue driving, which is common among long-haul truck drivers."

"But what about his connections with anti-mutant organizations?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone. "Where did you get this information?"

"It was discovered by a private investigator hired by the victim's husband. Were you aware of this?"

“I’ve heard that claim, but there’s no concrete evidence,” Parker said cautiously. “Wilson did attend some rallies, but attending rallies isn’t a crime. And there’s no evidence that the incident was related to his political views.”

"Have you conducted an in-depth investigation into his participation in the rally?"

“Frankly, no,” Parker admitted. “We won’t expand our investigation based on a suspect’s political stance without clear evidence that it was intentional.”

Lynn noted this information down. While Parker's actions were procedurally sound, they might have overlooked an important clue.

After hanging up the phone, Lynn began studying the private investigator's report. The investigator, Sam Brown, was a retired NYPD officer who specialized in these kinds of difficult cases. His report indicated that Thomas Wilson was indeed an active member of the "Pure Humanity" organization and frequently participated in their protests.

More importantly, Brown discovered that Wilson had discussed with other members of the organization "how to deal with the monsters that contaminated the hospital" a week before the incident. While there is no direct evidence that they were planning the murder, such remarks are certainly suspicious.

Lynn decided to go to Sam Brown in person to learn more details. Brown's office was located in an old office building in Lower Manhattan, which looked a bit run-down but had a lot of history.

Sam Brown was a man in his sixties with graying hair, but his eyes were still sharp. His office walls were covered with photos and clippings of various cases, demonstrating his extensive investigative experience.

“Detective Hall, I’ve been waiting for your call.” Brown shook hands warmly. “David told me you were going to reopen the investigation.”

“Yes, I’d like to know the specific details of your investigation.” Lynn sat across the desk. “Especially regarding Wilson’s connections to anti-mutant organizations.”

Brown opened a thick folder. "This case is far more complex than it appears. Wilson isn't just an ordinary member of the organization; he's one of their key figures."

"What's the meaning?"

“Wilson was in charge of gathering intelligence on mutants, especially those active in public places.” Brown produced some photos. “These are ones I took secretly at his house.”

The photos show a wall in Wilson's room covered with pictures and information about various mutants, resembling an intelligence analysis center. Merlin's photo is prominently displayed, accompanied by detailed written notes.

"How did he get this information?" Lynn examined the photos closely.

“That’s the most shocking part.” Brown’s expression turned serious. “This information wasn’t obtained through surveillance; it was provided proactively.”

"Someone offered it voluntarily? Who?"

“A man named Robert Kingsley, forty-two years old, a construction worker.” Brown pulled out another photograph. “This man was a patient Merlin treated at St. Mary’s Hospital.”

This information shocked Lynn. "You mean, the person Merlin saved betrayed her?"

“That’s it.” Brown nodded. “Kingsley had severe lung cancer, and the doctors said he only had a few months to live. But Merlin used her healing abilities to extend his life, at least two more years.”

"Then why did he betray Merlin?"

“That’s the complexity of human nature,” Brown sighed. “According to my investigation, Kingsley felt no gratitude after being cured; instead, he felt fear and anger.”

"Fear and anger? Why?"

Brown produced a recording device. "I managed to record a conversation between Kingsley and Wilson. Listen to this."

The recording quality wasn't very clear, but you could make out two men's voices discussing something. Kingsley's voice: "...I'm telling you, that woman isn't human. No human can do that. She put her hand on me, and I felt...an unnatural energy."

Wilson's voice: "Are you sure she cured your cancer?"

Kingsley: "The doctor said it was a miracle, but I know it wasn't. It was some kind of evil force. I have nightmares every night now, dreaming that her hand is touching my body."

Wilson: "Do you know her daily routine at the hospital?"

Kingsley: "I know. She works late on Tuesday and Thursday nights because those are ICU treatment days. She usually doesn't leave the hospital until around 11 p.m."

The recording ended there. Lynn felt a chill, not only because of the content of the conversation, but also because of the information it revealed.

"When was this recording made?" Lynn asked.

“A week before the accident,” Brown replied. “And Merlin was in the accident around 11 p.m. on Thursday night when he left the hospital.”

"So Kingsley provided the time and location information, which Wilson used to plan this 'accident'," Lynn concluded.

“That’s quite possible. But it’s still only circumstantial evidence, not enough for a conviction in court,” Brown cautioned. “And now there’s another problem.”

"what is the problem?"

"Kingsley died two months ago."

The news stunned Lynn. "How did he die?"

“The official cause of death was a recurrence of cancer,” Brown said. “But the timing is coincidental. He died shortly after I began investigating his relationship with Wilson.”

Do you suspect you were silenced?

“I’m not sure. Kingsley’s cancer could certainly recur, especially under extreme psychological stress,” Brown explained. “But he was extremely fearful in the days before he died, saying someone was following him.”

Lynn sensed the case was becoming increasingly complicated. "Are there any other witnesses?"

“Wilson himself is still alive, but he’s unlikely to admit to any charges,” Brown said. “However, I’ve found some other leads.”

“What clue?”

Brown produced a bank record. "A week after the accident, Wilson's bank account had an extra $50,000."

"Where did it come from?"

“On the surface, it appears to be a ‘consulting fee’ paid by a fictitious construction company, but the company’s registered address is fake,” Brown pointed to the details in the records. “And the money was deposited in cash, leaving no electronic trace.”

This discovery made Lynn realize that this might not just be a personal hate crime, but an organized conspiracy.

"Besides Kingsley and Wilson, were there any other people involved?"

“It’s quite possible, but I haven’t found conclusive evidence yet,” Brown said. “However, I suspect that funders of the ‘Pure Humanity’ organization may be involved.”

"The sponsor?"

“Yes, this organization appears to be a grassroots movement, but it actually has strong financial backing,” Brown explained. “They are able to organize large-scale protests, print elaborate propaganda materials, and even hire professional security personnel. All of this requires a lot of money.”

Lynn wrote down this information. If Brown's speculation is correct, then Merlin's death may be part of a larger conspiracy.

"Are you still investigating?" Lynn asked.

“David can’t afford to keep me employed anymore,” Brown said regretfully. “And frankly, this case is somewhat dangerous. Kingsley’s death made me realize that those involved might not be so ruthless.”

Lynn understood Brown's concerns, but as an FBI detective, he had a responsibility to continue the investigation.

"If the FBI reopens the investigation into this case, would you be willing to provide assistance?"

“Of course,” Brown answered without hesitation. “Merlin was a good person; she shouldn’t have died like this. And if we don’t stop these people, other mutants might fall victim.”

After leaving Brown's office, Lynn went directly back to the FBI field office to begin a formal investigation. He first contacted the legal department to request detailed background information and bank records of Wilson.

At two o'clock in the afternoon, Elisa arrived at Lynn's office. She looked tired, clearly not fully recovered from yesterday's emotional shock.

"Did you find anything?" Elisa asked with concern.

Lynn gave her a detailed report of the morning's investigation, including the recordings and other evidence provided by Brown. When Elisa heard about Kingsley's betrayal of Merlin, her face turned extremely pale.

“Why would he do that?” Elisa couldn’t understand. “Merlin saved his life; he should be grateful.”

“According to the recording, Kingsley was terrified of Merlin’s abilities,” Lynn explained. “Some people can’t accept the supernatural, even if it saves their lives.”

“But this is so unfair,” Elisa’s voice was filled with anger. “Merlin helped others with her kindness, only to be betrayed by those she helped.”

“That’s the cruel reality,” Lynn sighed. “Not all kindness is reciprocated.”

Elisa was silent for a moment, then asked, "Should we tell David this?"

“I think we should tell him,” Lynn considered. “He has the right to know the truth, no matter how painful it may be.”

“But this might cause him even more pain,” Elisa worried. “Knowing that his wife was betrayed by someone she saved might be more painful than not knowing the truth at all.”

“It might also give him some relief,” Lynn said. “At least he’ll know that Merlin’s death wasn’t a meaningless accident, but that someone has to take responsibility for it.”

Just then, Lynn's phone rang. It was the legal department calling.

"Detective Hall, we've encountered some problems with the investigation request regarding Thomas Wilson." (End of Chapter)