The next day, every newspaper front page and news website homepage in Gotham carried the same story.
"New Chief Rules with an Iron Fist! GCPD's Nighttime Dock Battle Deals Heavy Blow to Falcone's Drug Network!"
"Chief Barnes Wins First Battle in Office, Seizes Massive Drug Haul, Takes Down Armed Criminals!"
"Justice Returns? Gotham Police Crack Down Hard on Organized Crime!"
The accompanying photos showed drugs seized by police piled into a small mountain on the docks, along with criminals' bodies covered in white sheets. The reports lavished praise on Chief Barnes's "decisive leadership" and Detective Gordon's "heroic actions," portraying the operation as a decisive victory for Gotham police against organized crime, a fresh start ushered in by the new chief.
Chief Barnes stood before the enormous window in his office, looking down at the citizens who had gathered outside Central Headquarters to cheer and show their support after hearing the news. A smile of unprecedented satisfaction spread across his face. He could almost see himself leading the Gotham Police Department step by step toward a brighter future, sweeping corrupt forces like Falcone into the dustbin of history.
Meanwhile, in the chief's office at the Eastern District Precinct, Li Jie placed a newspaper carrying the major story on Bob's desk. The photo of Barnes looking smugly triumphant was particularly prominent beside the headline.
Bob glanced at the headline, then at the expressionless Li Jie. A complicated look crossed his plump face.
"Looks like your help paid off," he said, his voice a little dry.
"Just the first appetizer, boss." Li Jie walked to the window and looked out at Gotham's still-gray sky. "It's only been a few days. They moved pretty fast. The knife's in Barnes's hand, and he's already cut Falcone with it. Now we just wait for their reaction.