Emma Church.
Phil Coulson showed up again, but this time he wasn't here to see Cohen. Instead, he sat wearily in the small chapel, quietly praying to God.
Unable to find any sign of Demon Face, he was ready to call off the mission.
After all, Daredevil was always patrolling the rooftops — surely Demon Face couldn't cause much trouble.
The Black Director had assigned him a new task.
Rumor had it that a secret military experiment had gone wrong, producing a green-skinned muscular monster.
This creature was incredibly powerful; even an elite combat squad had failed to capture it.
However, General Ross, the project leader, was keeping the full details under wraps.
For the sake of world peace and stability, S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn't just turn a blind eye.
Director Nick Fury decisively decided to intervene.
That intervention would come in the form of his esteemed Level 8 agent — Phil Coulson himself.
Early the next morning, he was scheduled to fly to Brazil.
According to intelligence obtained by S.H.I.E.L.D., the green monster was most likely hiding inside a beverage factory over there.
Even General Ross was unaware of this information.
The Director assigned him a specialized capture team — a fierce, ruthless squad with top-tier skills.
They were equipped with oversized shotgun tranquilizers that caused intense pain; two shots from behind, and they'd bring the target in alive.
The reason Coulson returned to Emma Church before leaving was because a nagging doubt lingered in his mind. He didn't want to leave feeling uncertain.
Of course, Cohen, who was leading the group in prayer, noticed Coulson but didn't initiate any greeting.
After his recent massacre at the vampire's blood feast, Cohen felt exhilarated — his strength had nearly doubled overnight.
So lately, with David's help, he had been tracking vampire activity.
These creatures were simple to kill, left no trace after death, and were at least bronze-level threats — much more cost-effective than street thugs.
As for Hell's Kitchen, Cohen hadn't paid it much attention.
When the prayers ended, _Coulson felt a bit better and took the initiative to greet Cohen.
Cohen responded warmly, "Hey, Coulson. Ever since agents from your Homeland Strategic Defense and Logistics Bureau arrived, Hell's Kitchen has quieted down a lot.
I heard Demon Face hasn't been seen for days — that's got to be thanks to you guys, right?"
Coulson opened his mouth to say it probably wasn't his doing, but Cohen continued:
"I have to say, you guys are way better than those useless cops!
Oh God, I don't mean to insult them, but it's the truth.
Before you showed up, this place was a living hell.
Sometimes, I really wonder if the police, the city government, or even the whole of America actually cares about this neighborhood!"
Murder, arson, drug trafficking, robbery, rape, and abduction — I doubt even Satan himself would feel out of place in this neighborhood.
This is truly a forsaken land, where every resident struggles between life and death.
That such a place exists in great America almost shook my faith!
But thankfully, you all showed up — and finally, things have started to improve here!"
Cohen ignored the slow stiffening of Coulson's expression and wore an approving smile.
"You people from the Homeland Strategic Defense and Logistics Bureau are like angels!
Though protecting the people is your duty, and though you may have accidentally forgotten this place before, I still want to thank you on behalf of all Hell's Kitchen residents!"
Cohen bowed solemnly.
"Cough cough!"
Suddenly, Coulson broke into a harsh cough.
"Uh… yes, protecting the people is indeed our responsibility. It's just that we didn't exactly overlook this place before…"
"No worries, no worries!"
Cohen quickly waved his hand. "Let bygones be bygones. As long as you keep protecting us going forward, that's enough.
You don't know how happy those residents who confessed to me are — they finally live a normal, poor neighborhood life.
Though they still eat black bread and drink cheap coffee, they no longer have to worry about gunfights every day.
To see the rising sun during breakfast or on the way to work — you have no idea how joyful that is for them!
Agent Coulson, thank you for guarding this peace, giving those who might have died in shootings a chance to live such quiet, peaceful days.
Rest assured, I'll petition the government to properly honor you and your fellow hardworking agents!"
Coulson had a face that looked like he wanted to burst.
Cohen smiled, "By the way, what did you come to see me about?"
After a moment to compose himself, Coulson said, "Sorry to bother you again, Father.
I've never quite understood what you said last time, so I wanted to ask again — [the origin of Demon Face seems to be connected to Daredevil]."
"What exactly does this mean?"
Cohen looked surprised. "You still haven't figured it out?
Why not just ask Daredevil?
He's the guardian of Hell's Kitchen. Hasn't he been cooperating with you?"
Coulson's awkwardness started to show more openly. He felt like his pride was being trampled again and again.
"No, no, actually…
We had a friendly and cordial conversation with Daredevil. It's just… uh, we wanted to… double-check."
"Oh!"
Cohen nodded. "So, what exactly do you want to confirm?"
Coulson fell silent.
He could only repeat what he had said before: "You said Daredevil is connected to the origin of Demon Face. What kind of connection?"
Cohen frowned, thinking it over. "I'm not exactly sure. But according to the confessor, it seems he accidentally witnessed that Daredevil somehow caused Demon Face's birth."
"Caused? How?"
"Apparently, by killing someone."
"Killing whom?"
Cohen gave Coulson a look of disbelief and shook his head. "I don't know. Honestly, I suspect that the drunken confessor was just dreaming an unrealistic dream.
Maybe you don't have to take what I said seriously — it could be a misleading clue."
But Coulson fell into deep thought, recalling Daredevil's persistent avoidance of him, and his daily vigil atop the rooftops.
This kid... could it be that he's full of guilt, trying to atone for his mistakes?
Huh, that actually fits?
Dizzy and a bit dazed, Coulson stepped out of the church.
Meanwhile, David had something to report to Cohen — about those two corrupt cops, Jared and Isaac. David had done a thorough investigation.
They did work under Jin, but their rank was very low; they weren't even qualified to meet him.
Their usual job was night patrols—smuggling drugs on the side.
They were a crucial link in Jin 's drug empire, transporting hundreds of pounds of drugs from headquarters, then distributing it to six or seven different points.
Because they drove police cars, even in the dead of night, they never faced any inspections—risk was practically zero.
David took advantage of this and installed a bugging program on their phones. Tonight, a big deal was going down.
Over 500 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth 20 million dollars!
Completing this shipment, each of them would earn 50,000 dollars—equivalent to half a year's salary.
And no taxes!
Besides that, David had some explosive personal info...
After hearing David's report, Cohen's eyes lit up.
Since the cops and gangs had been watching him closely lately, he might as well give them something to do.
Tonight, they will put on a big show!
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