Red Light

City at Night: Part 1

Beijing paused a moment.

Stunned at the announcement.

Then the whispers began.

"Jin Guangshan.. "
"Human trafficking?"
"My God. I voted for him."
"He sold people?"
"What is the world coming to?"
"How dare he treat us like cattle to sell?"
"That bastard!"

Husbands and wives shared their shock . Neighbors spoke in hallways and on balconies. Texts and calls flew all over the city as anger mounted.

Soon the fury spilled into the streets.

Crowds murmuring. Shouts of anger. Cries of accusation. Screams of betrayal.

It would take only a small push to turn the crowd into a mob rampaging through the city.
-----

Six men reached for their phones. The alert tone told them what it was before they even looked.

A recall. As of now, everyone was on duty.

Nie Mingjue read the contents with growing horror.

The citizens of Beijing have taken to the streets to protest Mayor Jin Guangshan's alleged involvement in human trafficking. All officers must report to their stations immediately.

They just looked at each other for a moment.

"Holy shit." Yu Bin whispered and coughed. He slowly pushed the covers away and sat up.

Before his brother could even say anything, Nie Mingjue stepped up. He had seniority, authority and a responsibility.

"You are going no where, officer. You will stay here and help secure this room. Understood?" Nie Mingjue's voice brooked no opposition.

Yu Bin could only nod as Nie Huaisang tucked him back into bed.

"Excuse me but what is going on?" Yanli asked.

Nie Huaisang read the alert outloud.

'This day no longer exists on my calendar. In the future, on this date, I will hide in my room, drink wine and watch old movies with my love.' Yanli thought as she rubbed her forehead.

"Now what?" Jin Zixuan asked.

Huaisang glanced up at his brother. The look alone was enough between them. Nie Mingjue waved his hand forward inviting hs brother to speak.

"I would suggest no one leave the hospital that isn't an officer. Perhaps Meng Yao, Zixuan and Yanli could stay with Xichen for the time being? Obviously the streets aren't safe and with both of you gentlemen being directly connected to the Mayor..." Huaisang's voice trailed off.

"It would be my pleasure to host you for as long as necessary." Lan Xichen said calmly.

Nie Huisang nodded at his brother. Inspector Nie Mingjue cleared hs throat.

"I will take the two guards here and three of the guards for Wen Chao. That leaves two guards with Wen Chao. Two guards here, Detective and Inspector."

"Sir! I should - " Lan Wangji began and was cut off.

"You should obey my orders. When it becomes obvious the police have been recalled to deal with this crisis, it is entirely possible it will be taken advantage of by criminals. I prefer not to risk losing Wen Chao but I absolutely will not risk those under our protection. Understood?" Nie Mingjue stated firmly.

"Yes, sir." Lan Wangji acknowledged.

Nie Mingjue sighed. "I am not shielding either of you. There's a distinct chance I am putting you directly in harm's way so be alert. Be cautious. I will check in with you when I can but I don't need to tell you the chances of getting back up for the foreseeable future are nonexistent."