Li Jie stood at the back of the long line at the Burger King counter in the Eastern District Precinct's new building. Everyone ahead of him was a construction worker there to renovate the East End Police Department's temporary children's shelter.
"Holy shit, you've even figured out the five receipts for one Hamburger trick. When there's money to be made, nobody comes up with ideas faster than you."
They needed to recruit some useful new people. They couldn't keep relying on the same handful of officers forever. Even a carefree bastard like Wilson was starting to wear out.
After about twenty minutes in line, he finally strolled into the chief's office with a Hamburger charged to Bob's tab.
"Hey, boss."
"Ha! You guys need to knock it off." Bob glanced at the breakfast in his hand. "According to the bill, I've eaten over eight hundred Hamburgers this month."
"Business is booming, then. Burger King, McDonald's, DQ-got anything else planned?"
"I've already worked out a deal with Domino's. They'll be opening soon." Bob smiled smugly. "I met with Sarah yesterday afternoon. She's basically agreed to restructuring the department."
"What? That actually worked?"
Li Jie's eyes widened. "You're taking power out of her hands, and she agreed to it?"
"I told her we couldn't count on the West District. If the East End didn't back her either, Gordon would be the only one out front risking his neck."
Bob casually tapped the ash off his cigarette. "Plus, Gordon got hurt this time. She's willing to give up some authority in exchange for a reliable ally."
"You really know how to rake it in, boss." Li Jie gave him a thumbs-up. "You're talking about taking over a billion a year, and you just went and made it happen."
"But that funding will be