"You fell for it."
In the underground base, a constant temperature of twenty-five degrees filled the entire white space. The white light shining from the spotless glass display cases and the various items within them all proclaimed this to be a warm, high-tech facility.
Yet Alex's stern face, tightly pressed thin lips, piercing gaze, and ramrod-straight posture in his chair now radiated a chilling coldness. Invisibly, it made the warmly regulated space feel as though winter had suddenly arrived.
Even the white light seemed like snowflakes, cold enough to freeze the skin.
"Alex, I know you have issues with Al Swan. Al Swan isn't a bad person. I entered headquarters before you did, and I've seen him fight evil, purge the wicked, and serve the people of Central City all these years. He voluntarily wants to join us and help us maintain order in Lower City. With him at the Lower City Police Precinct, we'll be able to accomplish even more and make Lower City a better place," Barry said. He sincerely hoped Al Swan would join their team of heroes.
First, it could eliminate the trivial rift between the two of them.
Second, working together would leave Lower City's criminals with nowhere to hide. Whether it was Jack or Al Swan, cooperation would benefit both of them.
Third, it would stop Alex from slaughtering people freely in Lower City. Alex had killed too many—so many that Barry felt fear growing in his heart. The moment Alex killed criminals, he had already sunk deep into the path of crime, unable to pull himself free.
Barry did not want to see his friend fall into the abyss like this.
In truth, the third reason was the most important. Alex's disregard for life had already terrified Barry.
He desperately wanted to change