In the time that followed, Steinbeck and his colleagues took turns apologizing for their earlier behavior, expressing their remorse.
"Fantastic!"
"Inspector David is brilliant!"
"Hooray!"
"..."
Naturally, the workers and the homeless people on site weren't concerned with these individuals' repentance. All they knew was that David had forgiven them, and that the budget for the relief funds wouldn't be indiscriminately cut. As a result, the crowd, which had been tumultuous, began to calm down, and they eventually dispersed, heading to their respective homes.
Within less than ten minutes, the crowd at the scene had mostly dissipated.
As for the protestors, they, who had just been through a harrowing experience, were no longer bold enough to make noise.
After all, the Governor's promise to secure good positions for them hadn't even begun to take shape.
