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

“This is too much of a coincidence,” Lynn complained to her supervisor, Johnson. “Case files from three different states have all gone missing in the last few months?”

“That is certainly suspicious,” Johnson agreed. “But it could also indicate that the other side has an inside man, or the ability to influence local law enforcement.”

Meanwhile, the financial investigation team also encountered difficulties. Blackwood's financial records were extremely complex, involving dozens of shell companies and overseas accounts. Although some suspicious flows of funds were discovered, it was difficult to directly prove that the money was used for criminal activities.

“They’re very clever,” reported Sarah Weber, the agent in charge of the financial investigation. “Every suspicious transaction had a legitimate, ostensible reason—charitable donations, consulting fees, investments, and so on.”

"Have you found any transactions that match the timeline of the cases we already know about?" Lynn asked.

"There are several transactions, but they are all hidden within complex financial structures. Tracing their final destination requires a significant amount of time and expertise."

A week later, the investigation stalled. While they uncovered numerous suspicious patterns and coincidences, they lacked conclusive evidence that could be used in court. Blackwood's legal team also launched a counterattack, accusing the FBI of conducting a "malicious investigation" and "political persecution."

Even more worrying is that two more mutants have died in "accidents." A healer in Chicago died in a car accident, and a telepath in Seattle died by "suicide."

“They’re speeding up their actions,” Elisa noted in the video conference. “Perhaps because they feel the pressure.”

“Or perhaps it’s a warning,” Lynn said grimly, “telling us the consequences of continuing the investigation.”

Just then, Lynn received an unexpected phone call. The caller claimed to be an anonymous informant with important information to provide.

“Detective Hall? I have some information that might be of interest to you.” The voice had been electronically processed, making it impossible to discern the original characteristics.

"Who are you?" Lynn asked cautiously.

“That’s not important. What’s important is that I know you’re investigating Blackwood’s organization.”

What information do you have?

"There will be an important meeting tomorrow at midnight at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Blackwood will be in attendance to discuss the next phase of the action plan."

Why are you telling me all this?

"Because some things have crossed the line. I joined this organization to protect humanity, not to commit genocide."

The call ended, leaving Lynn to ponder the reliability of the information. It could be a trap, or it could be the opportunity they'd been waiting for.

Lynn immediately contacted Johnson's supervisor and reported the situation.

“This sounds very suspicious,” Johnson said. “Why hold a meeting in such a public place?”

“Perhaps it’s precisely because it’s public that it seems unsuspecting,” Lynn speculated. “Or perhaps they have special security measures.”

"We must send someone to confirm, no matter what. But we must be extremely careful not to reveal our investigation."

The following night, Lynn and a small team of agents quietly set up surveillance points in Central Park. They used state-of-the-art remote listening and recording equipment, hoping to obtain useful evidence.

Around midnight, a group of people appeared near the Bethesda Fountain. Through his binoculars, Lynn confirmed Blackwood's presence, along with several other familiar faces, including some guests he had seen at the banquet.

Disappointingly, their conversation was very cautious, with no direct mention of any criminal activity. Instead, they discussed "investment projects," "risk assessments," and "asset protection."

“They knew they might be being monitored,” Lynn said to Johnson through the earpiece. “The conversations were all in code.”

"Continue monitoring; perhaps more useful information will emerge."

But for the next hour, the meeting maintained a semblance of legitimacy. Lynn received no recordings that could be used as evidence until the meeting ended.

“This is a waste of time,” one agent complained.

But Lynn noticed a detail. Near the end of the meeting, Blackwood handed a small package to one of the men. Lynn recognized the man from the banquet; he was a retired military officer named Colin Matthews.

“We need to track down Matthews,” Lynn decided, “and see where he goes.”

Tracking revealed that Matthews drove to an industrial area in Brooklyn. He entered what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse, stayed for about half an hour, and then left.

“We need to search that warehouse,” Lynn said.

“A search warrant won’t work,” Johnson cautioned. “And to obtain a warrant, we need even stronger grounds.”

"That package may contain important evidence."

"That might not be enough. The judge might consider it speculation."

The following day, Lynn attempted to obtain a search warrant through legal means, but the judge refused. The reason was, as Johnson had predicted—insufficient evidence.

“We’re in a vicious cycle,” Lynn complained to Alyssa. “Without evidence, we can’t get a search warrant; without a search warrant, we can’t get evidence.”

“Perhaps we need to change our strategy,” Elisa suggested. “Instead of confronting Blackwood directly, let’s protect the potential victims first.”

What do you mean?

“If we can stop the next attack, we might be able to catch the perpetrator in the act,” Elisa explained. “And that would also save innocent lives.”

This suggestion made Lynn rethink her strategy. Perhaps direct investigation had hit a bottleneck for the time being, but they could shift to preventative action.

“We need a list of high-risk targets,” Lynn said, “and then provide them with protection.”

“I can help screen targets,” Alyssa said. “My abilities may help identify those who are truly in danger.”

"But that means you have to leave the safe house, which is too dangerous."

“But it might also be the only way to save other people’s lives,” Elisa insisted. “I can’t hide in a safe house and watch other innocent people get killed.”

Lynn considered the proposal. Although risky, Alyssa was right. They couldn't passively wait for evidence to emerge; they should proactively protect potential victims.

“Alright, but we need to come up with a detailed security plan.” Lynn finally agreed, “and you must never act alone.”

"Of course, I understand."

Just as they were discussing the details of the plan, Lynn's phone rang again. This time it was the anonymous informant. "Detective, your investigation has attracted attention," the altered voice said. "They know there's an insider leaking information."

"Are you safe?" Lynn asked worriedly.

"It's safe for now, but it won't last long," the informant said. "I have some information, but this is the last time I'll contact you."

"What information?"

"The next target has been identified. A young man named Evan Ross, living in Philadelphia, possesses emotional healing abilities. The attack will take place next week."

"What is the specific time and location?"

"I don't know the detailed plan, but you need to act as soon as possible."

Why should we help them?

"Because Evan was a good kid. He helped many traumatized children and shouldn't die because of his kindness."

The call ended again, but this time Lynn received specific target information.

“We need to contact the Philadelphia Police Department immediately,” Lynn told Johnson, “and at the same time, send our own team to protect Evan Ross.”

“What if this is a trap?” Johnson worried.

“If it’s a trap, we’ll handle it carefully. But if it isn’t, an innocent person will die,” Lynn said firmly. “We can’t take that risk.”

Based on information from an anonymous informant, Lynn and a small FBI team drove to Philadelphia overnight. Evan Ross—the young man identified as the next target—lived in a small apartment in Philadelphia's South Side. According to public records, he was 24 years old and worked at a children's trauma rehabilitation center, possessing emotional healing abilities.

“We’ve arrived,” driver Tom Wilson reported. The car stopped in front of an old apartment building in a working-class neighborhood; the buildings were somewhat dilapidated but generally safe.

Lynn checked his equipment—bulletproof vest, pistol, communication devices, and a small recorder. Although the main purpose of this operation was protection, he also hoped to get more information from Evan.

“Remember, we're not sure yet if this is a trap,” Lynn told the other three agents. “Stay alert, but don't appear overly nervous. We don't want to scare this young man.”

“Understood, Inspector.” Agent Sarah Chen nodded in response. She was the team’s sniper and had already set up an observation position on the high ground of the building opposite.

Lynn walked to the entrance of the apartment building and pressed the doorbell for 3B. A few seconds later, a young male voice came through the intercom.

"Hello?" The voice sounded wary.

“Mr. Evan Ross? This is FBI Detective Lynn Hall. I'd like to speak with you about your security.”

There was a long silence on the walkie-talkie, and Lynn almost thought the connection had been lost. Finally, Evan's voice came through again, but he sounded noticeably more nervous.

"FBI? I...I didn't do anything illegal."

This response puzzled Lynn. If Evan were truly an innocent victim, he should feel reassured by the FBI's protection, not nervous.

“Mr. Ross, we are not here to arrest you. We have reason to believe you may be in danger and want to provide you with protection.”

Another silence followed, then the door lock clicked. "Please come up, third floor."

Lynn signaled the other agents to remain on guard, then entered the building alone. The stairwell was dimly lit, the paint on the walls was peeling, and the carpet smelled musty. It wasn't a luxurious living environment, but it seemed relatively safe.

When Lynn reached the third floor, the door to 3B was already ajar. A thin young man stood behind the door, his face etched with anxiety. Evan Ross had messy brown hair and unease flickered in his dark eyes. He was dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans, looking like an ordinary young man.

“Please come in.” Evan stepped aside, but Lynn noticed that his hands were trembling slightly.

The apartment was small, simply furnished but tidy. There was an old sofa in the living room, several bookshelves filled with psychology books, and some children's drawings on the walls—probably drawn by the children at the rehabilitation center where he worked.

“Please sit down,” Evan said, gesturing to the sofa, but he didn’t sit down himself, instead pacing nervously around the room. “You say I’m in danger? In what way?”

Lynn carefully observed Evan's reaction. The young man was clearly hiding something, but Lynn needed to build trust first.

"Mr. Ross, are you aware of the recent attacks targeting mutants?"

Evan stopped, his face growing even paler. "I...I've heard some things. But those were accidents, weren't they?"

“We have reason to believe those weren’t accidents,” Lynn stated directly. “We’re investigating a criminal organization that specifically targets mutants with healing abilities. Your name may already be on their target list.”

Evan sat on the edge of the sofa, his hands clenched tightly. “Why me? I was just helping the children process their trauma. I didn’t hurt anyone.”

“That’s exactly the problem,” Lynn explained. “This organization seems to specifically target mutants who use their abilities to help others. They see that help as a threat.”

“This is insane,” Evan shook his head. “I help abused or traumatized children recover their emotional health. How could this be a threat?”

“I completely agree with you,” Lynn said. “That’s why we’re here to protect you.”

But Evan's reaction still wasn't right. He seemed more anxious than at ease. Lynn began to suspect there might be something else going on.

“Mr. Ross, I need to ask you a direct question.” Lynn decided to take a more direct approach. “Besides your work at the rehabilitation center, do you have any other activities?”

Evan's face instantly turned bright red. "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is, do you use your abilities in other ways?"

“I don’t know what you’re implying.” Evan stood up, but Lynn could tell he was lying.

Lynn took out his phone and opened a file. "Mr. Ross, during our investigation of this case, we've discovered some interesting patterns. This criminal organization's target selection doesn't seem entirely random."

"What do you mean?" Evan's voice became even more tense.

“They seem to have some kind of inside intelligence source, knowing the activities and weaknesses of specific mutants,” Lynn continued. “Now, I want to ask you, besides your day-to-day work, do you have any other activities that others know about?”

Evan remained silent for a long time, and Lynn could tell he was going through a fierce internal struggle. Finally, the young man broke down. (End of Chapter)