I Became Spider-Man's Cousin in Anime Crossover

Chapter 409 Sheriff George, the "Misfit"

Such a choice, where a single wrong step could lead to irreparable and significant losses, is clearly beyond Lawson's capabilities.

After a moment's hesitation, Lawson, like a greenhorn, picked up the walkie-talkie and, in a dry voice, added to Sheriff George on the other end of the radio: "Chief, the target machine has now passed our lines and is continuing to move southeast. But... there are a few unusual situations that need to be reported."

"...Go ahead and speak, I'm listening."

"First, even when we blocked its path, the machine did not show any intention to attack. It simply pushed aside the police car blocking its way, signaling the officers to move aside, without using any weapons or causing any harm."

"Secondly, the man who claimed to be an agent of the World Security Council used our police officers as human shields during the pursuit, shooting the mechanical body's foot thrusters with a pistol. The timing of the shot was precise, clearly premeditated."

Lawson paused, then added the most crucial sentence: "Finally, based on my on-site observations, the two men's behavior... contradicts their claimed identities. The World Security Council agents who sought our help behaved much like criminals evading capture. The cyborgs, on the other hand, behaved more like law enforcement units carrying out an arrest mission."

After he finished speaking, the other end of the radio fell completely silent.

Lawson could imagine just how much pressure Sheriff George was under at that moment.

As the commissioner in charge of the entire New York City Police Department, even without witnessing everything firsthand, Sergeant George could piece together a fairly complete picture of what happened based on Lawson's brief remarks. He also understood that the choices he would make next would determine whether the reputation of the NYPD would be elevated to high esteem by the public or repeatedly trampled upon in the years to come.

"I understand what you mean, Lawson."

Stacy finally spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of helplessness, but quickly turning into an undeniable firmness.

"Now that we can confirm for the time being that the machine poses no threat to us... let's calculate its route and prioritize the evacuation of nearby residents! During this time, no attacks on the machine are permitted! I will immediately request reinforcements from Sheriff Black of District 13. Hopefully, he can find a way to contact Spider-Man in time so they can solve this big problem."

"But, Sheriff, if we do this, the public will increasingly believe that Spider-Man is far more reliable than us cops! Then what about the reputation of the NYPD...?"

"We can't worry about that now! Lives are at stake! I'll take full responsibility for the consequences. Execute the order!"

It was obvious from their words that...

The upright and incorruptible Sheriff George cared more about the safety of the people than the intricacies of officialdom.

Even knowing that his choice might completely destroy the New York Police Department's prestige in the eyes of the public, turning them into "useless" officers who couldn't do anything right, Chief George only wanted to ensure the personal safety of New York City residents as much as possible at this critical juncture!

"...I understand, I'll complete the mission!"

Upon hearing Sheriff George's order, Lawson's expression became exceptionally complex, and he involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief.

Instead of prioritizing his own official position by choosing to compromise or hastily deciding to assist either side, he risked everything he had to ensure the safety of ordinary people...

Fortunately, his superior was still just as "unsociable" as he had been back then.

He turned off his radio and turned to look at the other officers.

Seven pairs of eyes were fixed on him, awaiting his command.

These people had just witnessed that scene firsthand—being used as a shield by Sitwell and gently "invited" away by the Iron Monger.

They are not cold, lifeless machines, but flesh-and-blood people who naturally have their own judgments.

The younger, more hot-blooded ones instinctively raised their hands and grabbed their collars. It was as if Lawson, if he wanted to continue "aiding and abetting evil" and choose to help Sitwell, would have to take off his police uniform and quit!

"What are you all standing around for? Get moving! Notify nearby officers to move towards Times Square! Close off all subway exits near Times Square and evacuate people within a two-block radius!"

"But what about that guy? Are we just going to let him go like that?"

No sooner had Lawson finished speaking than the young officer, who had been used as a shield by Sitwell, couldn't help but ask a question. His voice held suppressed anger and disappointment at his superior's "inaction."

"...That's beyond our law enforcement authority; it's not something we can handle."

Lawson looked at the young man in front of him, and in a daze, he saw himself when he first joined the team, questioning Sheriff George whether it was worth it to watch a fugitive escape in order to protect civilians.

Therefore, after a slight pause, Lawson turned around, concealing his admiration for the energetic and pure-hearted young police officer, and softened his tone as he continued, speaking slowly and deliberately.

"The director is already trying to contact Spider-Man. Our next step is to prevent the situation from escalating further before Spider-Man arrives! Now, stop asking pointless questions and get to work!"

Hearing this, the young officer, who had been somewhat discouraged, immediately brightened up. He stood with his legs together, saluted Lawson's retreating figure, and said, "Understood!"

"...Be careful, keep a safe distance. Although that thing doesn't attack unprovoked, it's still too dangerous. Don't block its way."

"yes!"

Shortly afterward, the officers drove away from the scene and split up to carry out their respective operations.

Most of the police officers began enforcing the lockdown and evacuation orders.

The experienced Lawson, after repeatedly confirming that the body camera was working properly and had enough internal storage, slowly followed the Iron Monger, maintaining a distance of about eighty meters, and filmed the other party's every move.

During this process...

Lawson saw the crowds in Times Square who hadn't had time to evacuate and fled in panic the moment the Iron Monger appeared.

I also saw quite a few daring idiots holding their phones high and snapping pictures of the Iron Monument.

They also saw the Iron Monger resolutely navigating through the chaos, his gaze fixed on a certain direction—the direction Sitwell had fled.

He saw the metal giant stop again, kneel down on one knee, and help a little girl who had fallen down, like a kind and honest older brother next door.

This changed Lawson's perception of the Iron Monger once again, and he couldn't help but make the sign of the cross with his hand, silently praying in his heart.

"God bless us, I hope we didn't make the wrong decision..."

May the true sinners receive the punishment they deserve!