The front desk in the lobby of the Eastern District Precinct was an L-shaped workstation fitted with bulletproof glass, except the glass had been removed. A certain sheriff had said that they were public servants, not bank tellers, and should not make citizens feel alienated or afraid.
Of course, perhaps it wasn't the officers they feared, but the Lao Gan Ma in the makeshift bunker on the roof overlooking the surrounding area. After all, getting... uh... up close and personal with the public wasn't just an empty slogan.
At nine in the morning, the officer on front-desk duty watched the entrance swing open from outside. Bob McGinnis walked in wearing a suit stretched tight over his belly, a bag tucked under his arm. A tall figure followed him.
"Everyone!"
Bob clapped his hands. "Welcome your sheriff back to his warm and welcoming Eastern District Precinct!"
"Hey!"
"Sheriff!"
"Over here, Sheriff!"
"Welcome back, Sheriff! If there's nothing else, I'll be going!"
Get back here, you!
The lobby instantly erupted. Several officers frantically rummaged through drawers, planning to hang up the banner that read, "Welcome our generous sheriff back today to his loyal and impoverished Police Department." Amid applause, whistles, and cheers punctuated by feet pounding the floor, Li Jie grabbed a suspect trying to slip away in the chaos by the collar and hauled him back to the Detention Room.
"Thank you, everyone, but there's something I need to clarify!" He raised his hands and pressed them downward. "It's lieutenant!"
"Sure thing, Sheriff!"
"No problem, Sheriff!"
"Uh..."
Li Jie rolled his eyes helplessly, then turned and followed Bob into his office.
"Have a seat."
Bob tossed his bag onto the sofa and pointed at the soft leather chair opposite him. He pulled the cigarettes from his pocket, smacked his lips, then