90: Chapter 90: Old Classmate 90: Chapter 90: Old Classmate James Brown instantly woke up when the phone rang, quickly withdrawing his hand and said with a smile, “I’ve got to take a call.”

Emma Campbell was enjoying herself when James suddenly pulled his hand away, feeling a bit disappointed, but still, with her cheeks blushed, she said softly, “Go ahead.”

James picked up the phone from the bedside table.

It was Helen Wilson’s number.

He answered casually, “Officer Monaghan, calling me so early, what’s up?”

“James Brown, that high school student didn’t come back last night, did she?”

“Of course not, the only person here with me is Emma.” James did not deny Emma Campbell’s presence.

Emma Campbell didn’t dare to make a sound at first, but hearing James speak of her like that, the little girl was suddenly overjoyed and nestled up to lie against his chest, looking up at his face.

“Humph, you jerk, such a nice girl and you’ve tricked her.”

James wrapped his other arm around Emma’s shoulder and laughed, “Officer Wilson, that seems to be my private life.

You are really meddling too much.”

“Humph, I have something serious to discuss.

I’m organizing a community event with the police.

Can you participate?”

“Sure, if Officer Wilson asks, how could I refuse to oblige?”

“Alright then, today at nine in the morning, we’ll meet up in the community.

Don’t be late.”

“I’ll be there on time,” James agreed readily, and Officer Wilson on the other end hung up the call.

James then took a cigarette and was about to light it himself when Emma snatched the lighter and lit it for him.

James took a drag and said with a smile, “Don’t you hate men smoking?”

Emma grinned, “I used to hate men smoking, but I’ve found that when Big Brother Brown smokes, it’s rather manly, so I stopped hating it.

Besides, the smell of smoke on you doesn’t choke me, it’s actually quite comforting.”

James laughed heartily, “You really know how to flatter someone.”

“I’m telling the truth,” Emma said as she gently twisted her body.

However, James didn’t do anything more with Emma.

He had already been immersed in her tenderness before, which made him vigilant in his heart.

When he was with Emma, he had to restrain himself, or he’d become too deeply involved.

So, he was smoking a cigarette to calm himself down.

What was best about Emma was something that could really make men fond of her: her thoughtfulness.

Knowing that James had things to do in the morning, she quickly got up and made breakfast for him, and by half-past eight, they went downstairs together.

“Big Brother Brown, can I come again next week?” Emma mustered the courage to ask as they were about to part, looking at James with hopeful eyes.

James ruffled Emma’s hair and said, “Could I say no?”

With a beaming smile, Emma replied, “Then I’ll come again next week.

Goodbye, Big Brother Brown.” She then walked away cheerfully with a sprightly step.

James turned his head and addressed Officer Monaghan not far away, “Officer Wilson, it’s impolite to spy on people.”

Helen Wilson huffed, “I really can’t understand how these girls are all so silly, not seeing through to your lecherous nature.”

James shrugged, saying, “It seems you’re the only one who thinks I’m a lecher.

I haven’t really done much, have I?”

“Hmm, what about that day I caught you?” Helen glared at James fiercely.

Now James understood why Helen had been treating him this way—it was because of the misunderstanding during their first tussle, and she had held a grudge ever since.

He protested innocently, “Officer Wilson, that was a misunderstanding, wasn’t it?”

“Humph, even if it was, it made me see through to the true nature of a lecher like you.

No matter how much you try to hide, it’s useless.”

James didn’t bother to explain further and asked, “What exactly is this community event about?”

With the conversation turning to business, Helen stopped bickering with James and explained seriously, “Here’s the deal, I’m the local officer, and to ensure the safety of two nearby communities, I want to have a good talk with the residents.

If there’s an accident or someone suspicious, they can inform me, that way, I might be able to deal with some issues more swiftly and improve the safety of the community.”

James gave Helen a thumbs-up, “Officer Wilson, I have to say I admire you.”

“What do you admire me for?” Helen faced James’s gaze, and though she still looked stern, she couldn’t hide the happy smile in her eyes.

“I admire your seriousness, if all cops were like you, we citizens would be blessed.”

“Cut the flattery, you’re one of us too.

When you get inside later, no more goofing around, or I’ll have it out with you.”

“For sure, dead serious, guaranteed to satisfy Officer Wilson.” James Brown immediately straightened up, but then he couldn’t help grinning and said, “Officer Wilson, I don’t get it.

If you look down on me so much, why let me participate?”

“It’s simple, because you’re not straightforward, you come into contact with a more diverse crowd, so you can provide me with more leads.”

James rolled his eyes at that, while Helen Wilson watched James’s frustration and chuckled.

Walking into the precinct, there were already more than ten people there.

Shortly after, another dozen arrived.

Helen Wilson started to explain the situation to everyone, which made them all very happy.

Since the station was set up, apart from the initial period and the occasional police presence, there was nothing but photos and names of the responsible officers on the notice board outside, not even a phone number.

It was nothing like Officer Wilson’s dedication.

Everyone expressed their support for Helen Wilson’s work, which pleased her greatly.

She had worried that they might not support her, but now she realized such worries were entirely unnecessary.

After a few words of thanks and a detailed explanation of what they all needed to pay attention to, she let everyone disperse.

James came over with a smile and said, “Officer Wilson, do you have time for lunch together today?”

Helen Wilson’s eyes widened in annoyance, “Please don’t use your tricks for scamming girls on me.”

James laughed heartily and walked out, just having a bit of fun at Helen Wilson’s expense.

With nothing planned for the day, James decided to go shopping for clothes.

The weather was getting warmer, and he didn’t have clothes for spring, regretting letting Emma Campbell go.

It would have been more fun to ask her to help him shop for clothes.

Entering the mall alone, James casually picked out some clothes.

He was never demanding about clothes; as long as they were wearable, he wasn’t concerned with brand or quality, especially since he was on a budget, never spending more than two hundred on no-name brands.

Just as he was about to leave the mall, someone walked right into him, and after brushing past James, the person exclaimed loudly, “James Brown!”

James stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the man about his age.

“James Brown, don’t you recognize me?

I’m David Johnson.”

“David Johnson!

My old classmate!” James looked at him in surprise, a smile spreading across his face.

“Haha, it really is you!” David Johnson laughed and stretched out his hand towards James.

James firmly shook David’s hand and laughed, “My old classmate, I can’t believe it’s been seven or eight years.

I never thought you’d recognize me.”

“How could I not recognize you?

Back then, you were the big shot in our class, and you even snagged our class belle.

We were all envious.

It’s unbelievable how time flies.

We thought you’d end up with her, but who knew…

Sigh…”

A flicker of pain passed through James’s eyes, but he quickly hid it and laughed, “That’s all in the past.”

“Hehe, you sure take it easy, old classmate.

So, what do you do now?”

“I’m just a clerk at a company.

You?”

“Not much better, just getting by at the township government.”

“That’s still a secure job, much better than mine.”

“Hehe, it’s okay.

Oh, by the way, our classmate John Stephens is getting married this weekend.

Most of our high school friends will be there.

Are you coming to join the fun?”

“Yeah, I’ve been wanting to see our old classmates and how they’re doing.”

“Great, then it’s settled.

Most of us are still in touch; you’re the only one who lost contact.

It’s lucky I ran into you.

John Stephens will definitely be happy if I let him know you’re coming too.”

James and David exchanged phone numbers and then David left.

James walked out of the mall, lit a cigarette, and his thoughts drifted back to his high school days.

He was so prominent then, respected for both his academic success and his upright character, definitely a notable figure in his class.

There was also a girl who had liked him, and they shared some of their most delightful times during high school.

But time flies.

It had been eight years since James had last seen her, with no idea how she was doing now.

Just thinking about her pained his heart.

If there was one reason he held back from new relationships now, it was because of her.

He wanted to know how she was but feared the knowledge.

So, after returning to YODC City, he hadn’t tried to find her on his own.

But this chance meeting with David now compelled James to face her once again.