Fog City Detective

Chapter 24: Sand Dunes

Karin didn't go to Becker's house; instead, she booked a room at a hotel. Upon inquiry, Liang Xi learned that after completing her internship at a hospital in Paris, Karin politely declined a permanent position and returned to London, where she would be working at Maria Hospital. She wouldn't be practicing medicine but would serve as a consultant in neurotechnology, assisting the hospital in handling complex neurological conditions.

As they neared the hotel, Karin became more talkative, introducing the field of neurology. From diagnosing spinal taps to various surgeries related to the nervous system, Liang Xi struggled to understand, but he could grasp some of it. One thing he was sure of – Karin was a good doctor, definitely better than himself.

Parking at the hotel entrance, Liang Xi got out of the car and opened the trunk, and Karin was quick to grab her suitcase. Noticing Liang Xi's gesture, Karin made an effort to offer a polite smile. "Thank you," she said.

Liang Xi used a smile to diffuse the awkwardness. "Goodbye." He felt like he had seen Karin before, but her voice didn't leave an impression.

Karin nodded, and both found themselves in a social etiquette dilemma – neither wanted to be the first to turn away. It was a nuanced awkwardness. Originally unnecessary, this courtesy became awkward when both parties observed it, as whoever turned away first might feel inappropriate. Similar to hanging up a phone call, some professionals developed a habit of waiting for the other party to hang up. In most cases, the caller would hang up first, but occasionally, an awkward situation occurred where both parties waited for the other to end the call.

Both of them thought about this issue, sharing a smile. Liang Xi nodded in acknowledgment, turned away, and got into his car. Electrocuted! The most terrifying thing was a beautiful woman's smile, full of electricity. However, being electrified wasn't a rare occurrence for Liang Xi. Seeing a stunning woman on the street often stirred the heart, but it had no connection to Liang Xi.

All of this was due to being broke. Liang Xi lacked the confidence to ask girls out.

Of course, Liang Xi had experienced love before. During high school, he had two girlfriends. Unfortunately, at that time, he didn't understand the intricacies of human relationships. His intelligence, coupled with the ability to see through and expose his girlfriends' well-intentioned or malicious lies, led to repeated revelations. The second girlfriend, upon breaking up with Liang Xi, told him that she liked him a lot but felt inferior in the relationship with someone so outstanding. She couldn't bear Liang Xi's insight into everything, leaving her with no personal space.

...

Karin entered her hotel room, where an old man with white hair and beard was already waiting. Walking over, Karin picked up a document bag from the table and opened it, pulling out the files inside. "Section 5 will cause trouble."

The old man didn't answer that question and said, "Three months have passed, and Section 5 has made no progress."

Karin asked, "Operation Sand Dunes?"

The old man replied, "Maria Hospital is the best private hospital in London and one of the best in Europe, equipped with the most advanced diagnostic tools and the most professional doctors. Seventy percent of Britain's wealthy, powerful, and elite choose Maria Hospital for medical treatment. We don't know who Angela has contacted, recruited, or what information she has stolen from whom. But we do know that Angela has established a resource pool and handed it over to her accomplices..."

Karin interjected, "Three months ago, didn't Section 5 already obtain the chip with the list?"

The old man answered, "The chip only contains a list – fifty names. We don't know how many people Angela controls from that list, how much information she knows, and how many people are currently being blackmailed."

Karin asked, "Who discovered that Angela was a potential threat?"

The old man replied, "John."

Karin inquired, "What happened to him?"

The old man answered, "He was killed shortly after the chip incident. The person who hired John to investigate Angela's background is likely the one who killed him. This is certainly a significant figure. There's reason to suspect that this influential figure is being blackmailed or has lost something crucial, prompting them to seek retired John's assistance."

Karin questioned, "What is my role?"

The old man responded, "Angela's body was donated to the medical school for dissection and research. Ten days ago, a medical professor discovered that Angela carried a rare, dormant infection known as pn2, which spreads only through romantic contact. The maximum incubation period is five years. This disease has been named and reported to health agencies across Europe. Symptoms are similar to various common illnesses, such as colds, coughs, and hematuria. People on the list of fifty names will gradually fall ill, exhibiting typical pn2 symptoms. Treatment is simple."

The old man took a capsule from his pocket and placed it on the table. "Inject it after dissolving in water, take it directly, or consume the powdered medicine."

Karin, clever as she was, said, "Let me understand. We have to poison the fifty suspects gradually, forcing them to seek medical attention. Due to the spread of information, these people should be aware that Angela had this contagious disease. Doctors may inquire if they have had romantic contact with the original carrier, Angela. To obtain accurate treatment and ensure their own lives, health, and the well-being of their families and loved ones, they will confess to having contact with pn2 patients. After obtaining the information, I need to promptly administer the antidote to the patients."

The old man neither denied nor affirmed, stating, "Among the fifty people are high-ranking officials from MI5 and possibly even MI6. This is also the main reason for recalling you to London. The only people you can trust are me and Mark, the director of MI5. Regardless of how you proceed, there are two principles you must adhere to. No fatalities, and even if there are, you cannot allow the bodies to be autopsied. In theory, you're just a doctor. You'll only provide assistance when things go awry on Mark's side. Understand?"

Karin placed the documents on the table. "Some people would rather die than tell the truth."

The old man said, "But their assistants, secretaries, and aides don't want to see their bosses die. People with money and power lack the ability to engage in secret romantic relationships."

Karin asked, "So, in my daily life, I'm just a doctor?"

The old man replied, "A consultant, a neurology consultant, involved in diagnostics but not directly in treatment. Your medical skills are sufficient for this position."

Karin nodded, and the old man stood up, walking to the door. "You and your brother Becker haven't seen each other in a long time, right?"

Karin replied, "Two years."

The old man said, "Family is the most precious treasure, and returning to London will give you more time together. By the way, Becker caught a British drug lord early yesterday morning. He might be selected for a new counter-terrorism department that MI5 is forming."

Karin replied, "No. Becker has excellent tactical skills, but he's just a rough man."

The old man said, "I read the transcripts. In protecting the translator, Becker saw through the escaping tactics of the criminals, infiltrated the gallery alone, and apprehended the criminals, all while using his own body to shield the hostage."

Karin questioned, "Becker's transcripts?"

The old man answered, "Transcripts from the translator and the hostage."

Karin disagreed, "They should see an ophthalmologist. I know Becker best; anything that doesn't require using his brain, he absolutely won't think about."

The old man said, "I believe you have a misunderstanding about Becker. The hostage transcript indicates that there were three people at the time: her, the translator, and Becker. The translator not only is a coward but also nearly endangered the hostage. Becker not only subdued the criminals but also saved the hostage's life."

Karin was surprised, "In two years, Becker has become so formidable."

The old man said, "Karin, treat this job as a vacation, take it easy. I want my subordinates to be human beings, not cold machines. Feel free to date guys boldly, and girls too."

Karin said, "I like Martians."

"Haha," the old man laughed heartily, put on his coat, and picked up his hat. "There's one thing I need to remind you of. Over the past year, a highly professional gang of criminals has emerged in Europe, specializing in solving problems for the wealthy. Sometimes they use bird names as code, sometimes flower names, and sometimes scientist names. They operate professionally, strike ruthlessly, have extensive information, and are currently a top priority for investigation by police in various European countries. If you have any information in this regard, please inform Mark."

Karin responded, "Okay."