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Chapter 22: George

"Gwen blushed slightly: 'I and Locke are friends!'"

Locke sipped his drink calmly, hiding any reaction to Gwen's statement. He knew that in this moment, anything he said could potentially complicate things further.

In Locke's life philosophy, silence often proved the safest course of action. He disliked unnecessary verbal confrontations and preferred to resolve issues through actions rather than words.

He thought to himself, *If apologies were truly effective, why would we need police?*

Locke savored the sweet taste of the drink Helen had freshly squeezed, appreciating its refreshing flavor. Meanwhile, Gwen's younger brothers giggled in their seats, their laughter adding a light-hearted touch to the atmosphere.

Helen, sensing the tension, decided to change the subject with a smile as she settled into her seat. She turned to George, asking, "How's the case going?"

George's expression turned serious as he took Helen's offered hand. "Don't worry, I'm determined to catch that Sin Hunter and bring him to justice."

Locke, sitting across from George, raised an eyebrow silently, thinking to himself, *Good luck with that.*

He didn't voice his skepticism. Instead, he silently acknowledged that while George might aim to apprehend the Sin Hunter, the reality of executing such an arrest remained far from certain.

Gwen interjected optimistically, "Dad, I believe in you. Right, Locke?"

Locke snapped out of his thoughts, offering a supportive smile. He raised his drink in a toast to George, saying, "Certainly, Mr. Stacy. I have faith that you'll see the case through to its conclusion."

In Locke's mind, there existed a distinction between apprehending a suspect and conclusively closing a case. Arresting an individual did not automatically equate to resolving all aspects of a complex criminal investigation.

George and Helen exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the weight of the responsibility George bore in his role as the leader of the task force dedicated to apprehending the Sin Hunter.

Locke's thoughts drifted momentarily as he considered the broader implications of the ongoing investigation. He understood that the media attention surrounding the Sin Hunter had escalated the situation into a high-profile case. The outcome of the investigation would undoubtedly impact George's career and the political landscape of New York City.

Helen, breaking the brief silence, smiled warmly as she recalled the recent events. "You know, George, Gwen and I were both quite anxious when we saw you facing off against the Sin Hunter."

She referred to the dramatic confrontation that had unfolded during the recent televised events in New York City. Locke had been involved in an intense encounter that had been broadcast live, capturing the attention of viewers across the city.

Gwen chimed in, "Yeah, Dad, why did you rush in before the reinforcements arrived?"

George shrugged nonchalantly, his demeanor reflecting the confidence of a seasoned law enforcement officer. "A criminal fears the police, not the other way around."

Helen and Gwen exchanged relieved glances, silently expressing their gratitude for George's safety during the confrontation with the Sin Hunter.

Helen, caressing George's hand affectionately, continued, "I'm just glad you faced the Sin Hunter. He may be guilty, but he has his own principles. At least he doesn't harm innocent people. That's what matters most to me."

George frowned slightly, his expression growing serious. "A criminal is a criminal. They have no principles. Even if they claim otherwise, their actions speak louder than words. Their actions cause harm, and that cannot be justified."

Locke observed the exchange quietly, taking note of the varying perspectives on criminal behavior. He chose not to interject, allowing George to express his views without interruption.

George, turning to Locke, sought validation for his stance. "What do you think, Locke? Do you agree?"

Caught off guard by the sudden attention, Locke paused for a moment, carefully considering his response. He knew his answer could potentially influence the dynamics at the table.

Before Locke could respond, Helen and Gwen encouraged him to speak freely. Helen's warm gaze and Gwen's supportive expression added to the pressure Locke felt under George's watchful eye.

Locke, feeling outnumbered, decided to tread carefully. He chose his words cautiously, "If facing another criminal, Mr. Stacy, the risk of unintended harm is relatively low."

George's gaze intensified, awaiting Locke's response. Locke, sensing the gravity of the moment, realized his answer could impact his relationship with George and Helen.

Choosing to prioritize prudence, Locke hesitated before responding. "It's a matter best left to those involved. As for me, I've always found actions speak louder than words."

Helen nodded approvingly, taking Locke's response as an endorsement of George's leadership. She shifted the conversation to a lighter topic, redirecting the focus away from the intense discussion.

Locke relaxed slightly, grateful for Helen's intervention. He knew his cautious response had enabled him to navigate a potentially contentious situation with finesse.

As the evening continued, Locke reflected on the delicate balance required in maintaining relationships amid differing perspectives. He appreciated Helen and Gwen's understanding and George's dedication to his role as a law enforcement officer.

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The dinner concluded with laughter and warmth, the tension of earlier moments easing into a sense of camaraderie. Locke realized the importance of discretion in his interactions and resolved to approach future discussions with the same tact and consideration.