The two police officers standing at the room's entrance exchanged glances, one of whom was recording some information; he put away his notebook and pen, saying, "There's good news, we've caught the guy who took your things, but you'll need to come and identify him, do you understand what I mean?"
He didn't use keywords like "steal" and "burglary," but instead used "take," minimizing Lynch's perception of the case's nature, while also exerting pressure on him.
Not everyone has the courage to identify a criminal on the spot. Last year, statistics showed that approximately 61.94% of witnesses were unwilling to identify criminals, and over 77.53% were unwilling to testify in court.
This indicated many issues. It can be seen as the result of Bail Federal's poor security, or as the reason for the criminals' rampant behavior.
In any case, asking someone to testify against a criminal undoubtedly increases pressure on the witnesses, but they found the wrong person. Lynch immediately got dressed, "What are we waiting for?"
The two officers were somewhat unsure what Lynch's intentions were; however, they certainly hoped the matter could be "smoothly" resolved.
On their way to the police station, the officer in the passenger seat talked about the "criminal" they had caught.
"He's a young man attending school; he doesn't admit to doing these things, and we indeed don't have enough evidence to fully pin the crime on him..."
This statement was both true and false, treating Lynch like an outsider. In the police station, as long as they deem someone a criminal and deem it necessary, they can slightly manipulate evidence to pin the crime on the accused. Clearly, this time, that's not their plan.
The officer turned his head slightly to glance at Lynch, "I think we should give that young guy a chance; this case with insufficient evidence might ruin his future life."
He paused, "You weren't hurt, and your losses are limited. If he wants to compensate you, I think you two can talk."
After saying all this, the officer turned back. He had said everything he should say, and the outcome was not something a frontline officer could decide.
To the two officers in the car, Lynch's choice was ultimately irrelevant; after all, even if the sky collapsed, it wouldn't hit them. They were merely doing their best to carry out orders from above.
In the subsequent driving process, they didn't say much to Lynch either, until the car stopped at the police station.
"Have you decided, young man?", an officer led him into the police station's office building, opening the hall door for him.
Lynch nodded calmly, "Perhaps I should indeed talk with him."
"Wise choice!", the officer patted his shoulder, leading him to the other side towards the interrogation room, a relaxed smile appearing on his face. He whispered, "You can be like a lion, open your mouth wide and tear a piece off him; he's a rich bastard, richer than us at least, you know what I mean?"
Lynch nodded, satisfied, the officer pursed his lips tightly, standing by the interrogation room door, opening it and whispering yet again, "We've turned off the recording system; remember to knock when you come out, I'll be waiting outside!"
Such good people are rare, Lynch nodded forcefully and stepped into the room.
At this point, the entire police station procedure was utterly messed up; victims and perpetrators, or plaintiffs and defendants, shouldn't meet before going to court, but some things are just like this.
Rules are rules, reality is reality.
The interrogation room had only a table and four chairs, all fixed to the ground. Little Mike was sitting sullenly on one side of the table.
Lynch's arrival prompted him to raise his head to look at Lynch, utterly oblivious why the ring in his father's drawer turned out to be stolen property; it relieved him somewhat but also made him anxious.
This ring didn't prove Michael's betrayal of the family, but its problematic origin implied his father might be involved in crime, creating a kind of inexpressible inner struggle and pain within him. He didn't know what to do, yet felt that Michael had it tough.
The police talked to him too, saying they would bring the informer, and if he could convince the informer to drop the case, he could leave immediately after paying bail.
This matter wouldn't stain his records. If the case was dropped and he didn't commit any crimes within a certain time, all information would be thoroughly sealed in another file, never to be seen by most.
Sighted Lynch, Little Mike opened his mouth, then closed it, unsure how to begin.
At this age, children often have very distinct views on right and wrong; he considered Lynch the "victim," and suddenly found himself dirty, as he was about to become something he disliked, attempting to destroy justice and fairness.
The feeling of shame rendered him mute, only lowering his head in silence, awaiting Lynch's conditions.
No matter what conditions Lynch would propose, as long as they weren't excessive, he would agree, it not really being his fault, yet he wanted to atone for his father's sins.
He couldn't understand why Michael would break in and take Lynch's ring, but the act was done. Dwelling on it was pointless; what was needed was to sufficiently compensate Lynch and shield his father.
Yet... sometimes the young refuse to acknowledge their youth, only to be slapped by reality.
After sitting down, Lynch paused slightly, "I'm not here to discuss with you how much money you need to resolve this matter..." Little Mike looked up in surprise, while Lynch continued, "Don't think a few dirty bills can manipulate judicial fairness. Even if we have to litigate in the state court, I won't compromise!"
Lynch's stance made Little Mike realize the situation wasn't developing as he anticipated. Such shamelessness leads one astray; seconds ago, deeply stuck in a sort of moral degradation and self-reproaching shame, now, Lynch's resolute refusal of compromise made his calves tremble with dread!
He hadn't yet opened his mouth to speak when Lynch proceeded, "Everyone must be accountable for their actions, whether you're a student or someone else, even if you're a government official, you must face justice."
"The court, the judge, and public will render you a fair trial, no matter how high you stand. When the judge's gavel falls, you'll be pulled down. The higher you stand, the harder the fall."
Sweat started streaming down Little Mike's face. He truly hadn't fully assumed the role of the criminal suspect, instead placing his father Michael in that role.
This induced a struggle within him marked by indecision and agony; he could already envision everything that would unfold when Michael appeared in the court defendant's chair found guilty, instantaneously wrecking the family.
"Is there... no room for negotiation?", his voice dripped with a form of bitterness and subtle expectation.
Lynch shook his head, "If I broke into your house and took your most prized possession, then slapped you with a wad of cash telling you that's the end of it, would you accept it?"
Little Mike spoke no more, deeply dejected, as Lynch's lips subtly curled before he stood up.
"I'm here just to tell you my attitude; there's no compromise, I don't want your dirty money, nor do I want you to look down on others!" With that, he walked to the door, knocked, and left inexplicably under the policemen's gaze.
Soon enough, the officer entered, hands on hips, facing the downhearted Little Mike, cluelessly asking, "Did you two reach an agreement?"
Little Mike let out a heavy sigh, fully aware that his current lifestyle, family, and social status originated from Michael's work.
Should Michael be charged and convicted, even if he doesn't serve time, his job would be gone.
The Federal Tax Bureau wouldn't want someone with a record in the management. If Michael lost his job, their family would have to move from the middle-class community to Lower City.
The future would be overshadowed with darkness; only preserving Michael's job could prevent major family issues.
Even Little Mike considered the possibility of Michael managing to pull him out and granting him a new identity, allowing him to restart elsewhere.
Comparing entangling Michael, Little Mike decided, he took a deep breath to face the officer, "I confess, I admit to the burglary..."
Outside the police station, Lynch glanced back at the solemn station, a hint of a smile adorning his face.
He would entrust someone to take good care of Little Mike in prison, just like Michael had threatened him to do.