Chapter 21: X-Men Join, James Duke's Demand!
Inside the apartment.
Lynn Hall sat on the sofa, watching the news report on the incident.
Besides the deceased lead singer, seventy-nine other people died, twenty-three of whom were killed by the red-jacketed man's gunfire.
The remaining fifty-six died in the stampede.
After all, in a concert venue with tens of thousands of people, a stampede was unavoidable when everyone panicked and ran out.
As for the injured, there were over a thousand.
Watching the report on TV, Lynn Hall picked up his phone and called Shawn.
As soon as the call connected, Lynn asked, "How's the situation?"
On the other end of the phone.
Looking at the terrified band members, Shawn walked aside and said, "Boss, Alice and I interrogated the band members. According to their statements, the deceased had no feuds with anyone before her death."
"Moreover, her background and identity are very clean and simple; she hasn't even been to the Police station. Coupled with her management company's simple background, we can rule out the possibility of a revenge killing!"
Hearing Shawn's words, Lynn Hall said, "That Mutant was shot and injured by me, Shawn. Have the intelligence department constantly monitor all hospitals for patients admitted with gunshot wounds."
"Even if he can teleport, with three gunshot wounds, it's impossible for him to leave New York and go to another city for treatment."
"So, focus on those unregulated black clinics!"
"Understood!"
Hearing Lynn Hall's order, Shawn immediately nodded.
As soon as the call ended, Coulson's call came in.
"Lynn, S.H.I.E.L.D. has found some information."
Looking at the documents in his hand, Coulson said, "Do you remember what I told you about the lead singer's identity?"
"The Gessler Family, one of the Four Great Hunter Families?"
In response to Coulson's question, Lynn Hall said, "Are you saying this is retaliation from those Vampires or something else from the dark World?"
"Exactly!"
Nodding, Coulson closed the documents in his hand and said, "Since the Four Great Hunter Families were established, they have been hunting Vampires, werewolves, and demons from the dark World."
"They once dealt a heavy blow to these forces. Now that the Gessler Family's bloodline is dwindling, retaliation naturally follows."
"According to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s informant in the dark World, the Blood Clan has offered a high bounty for members of the Four Great Families."
"If there are no surprises, this case is the result of that Mutant accepting a bounty mission!"
Hearing Coulson's words, Lynn Hall picked up the remote control and turned off the TV: "Are you trying to say that this time you want our New York Federal Bureau of Investigation to cooperate with S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"This is Director Fury's intention, and I also think this is a very good opportunity."
"Heh, it seems you really want to pull me into S.H.I.E.L.D.!"
Watching the Doctor walk out of his room, Lynn Hall gestured to her.
Then he continued, "Then let me see S.H.I.E.L.D.'s strength."
After hanging up the phone, Lynn Hall looked at the Doctor and asked, "Kelly, is Gwen alright!"
"She's fine, she's already asleep!"
Pushing up her gold-rimmed glasses, Doctor Kelly smiled, "A very strong girl. It might be related to her father being the New York Police Chief and you working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
"So, although she has some fear, it's not a big problem. I prescribed her some medication to help with sleep."
"Don't worry, her strength exceeds your imagination!"
Hearing Kelly's words, Lynn Hall nodded.
He extended his hand to Kelly and said, "Thank you!"
"You're welcome. Also, I suggest you call her mother to stay with her. The sense of familiar kinship will give her the greatest sense of security."
"And a mother can never be replaced by others, especially since you'll likely be very busy investigating this matter!"
Hearing Kelly's implied meaning, Lynn Hall nodded: "Aunt Helen is already on her way. Also, I will transfer your son to the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
"Preferably under your command, after all, his identity... and under your leadership, I believe his safety and future prospects can be maximally guaranteed!"
"No problem, a newly adult Mutant who hasn't committed any crimes, I can still cover him!"
"Thank you!"
Nodding to Lynn, Doctor Kelly turned and left.
After seeing her off, Lynn Hall walked towards the bedroom.
At the same time, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Watching the news on TV, the host was extensively reporting on the Mutant terrorist attack on the New York concert, which caused significant casualties.
Professor X sat in his wheelchair, his expression serious.
"Ordinary people have always been fearful of us Mutants. This terrorist attack at the New York concert will likely once again push Mutants into the spotlight."
"This is extremely detrimental to the proposal we intend to put forward in Congress regarding the peaceful coexistence of Mutants and ordinary people."
At this point, Professor X controlled his wheelchair to turn around, looking at Jean Grey and Cyclops and said, "Jean, Scott, this time you will represent the X-Men and assist the Federal Bureau of Investigation and S.H.I.E.L.D. in investigating this matter."
"No matter what, we must reverse the public's perception of us Mutants."
"I will ask my friends in the Federal Bureau of Investigation to allow you to join this operation!"
Hearing Professor X's words, Jean Grey and Cyclops nodded.
The next morning, inside the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation Building.
On the TV news, New York's newly appointed Mayor was holding a memorial event.
Countless citizens spontaneously came to New York Plaza to join the mourning.
Listening to the new Mayor, after observing a moment of silence for the deceased, solemnly promised the media that the culprit would absolutely be brought to justice.
James Duke turned off the TV, then handed Lynn Hall a cigar and said, "See, the newly appointed Mayor has put all the pressure on our Federal Bureau of Investigation."
"Lynn, I don't care what method you use, I only have one demand: resolve this matter completely within one week!"
"Understood!"
Hearing the Director's order, Lynn Hall nodded.
After discussing serious matters, James Duke then chuckled and continued, "This newly appointed Mayor is also one of our Brotherhood members, so naturally, we need to help each other."
"I know this matter involves Mutants, and S.H.I.E.L.D. also insists on being involved, which might restrict you somewhat."
"But don't worry, I've already communicated with S.H.I.E.L.D., and you will be in charge of this operation."
"So Lynn, don't disappoint me!"
"Don't worry, Director."
Listening to Duke's words, Lynn smiled, "Within a week, I will completely resolve this matter!"