"Why not capture them alive instead of killing them?" Clyde asked.
"That's because those two aren't dead," William replied with a smirk.
From yesterday until now, William hadn't been idle. He had traveled to Brazil, had a call with Benjamin Arthur to secure C1A authorization under the pretense of pursuing Barkawi's remaining operatives, and deployed Sunday to track the assassins. The two killers had revealed themselves after hearing on the news that Clyde was detained at El Bilton Prison. While scouting the area, they were identified by William's surveillance drones and helicopters.
Taking advantage of the moment when they exited their vehicle to inspect the prison, William knocked them out one by one. Then came the interrogation, photos, and, finally, the same memory-clearing serum and amnesia magic used on Clyde.
William chose not to kill the two assassins, who turned out to be part of a French Ministry of Interior Special Operations Unit. Eliminating them might have spooked the mastermind behind the $4 billion scheme, prompting them to abandon their plans.
Of course, William couldn't reveal any of this to Clyde. Instead, he feigned frustration and concern. "Those two bastards? They bit down on poison capsules as soon as we caught them, killing themselves before we could even shatter their jaws."
Clyde, who knew their true identities, felt a chill run down his spine. Since when had the French become so resolute, choosing death so easily? Suddenly, the idea of stealing $4 billion seemed much riskier than he'd anticipated. One wrong move could mean death.
Realizing he needed William's help to fend off the French operatives, Clyde said cautiously, "Maybe you can investigate the leopard tattoos on their arms."
"We're already looking into that, but it takes time," William replied. "You've seen how these people operate—they'd rather die than be captured, just like those desert lunatics. So, Mr. Shelton, I don't have much time to waste on you.
"Either you tell me everything you know, or I'll transfer you to another prison."
"Transfer me? What's that supposed to mean?" Clyde asked, his face calm, but internally he was panicking. He racked his brain to figure out what had gone wrong. Did William already know about his escape tunnel?
William chuckled coldly. "I told you—I don't have time. I need to eliminate Barkawi's remaining operatives before they shift their focus to England or me. Otherwise, I might have to use... unconventional methods on you.
"Or," William said with a smirk, "I could tell New York District Attorney Nick Reese that the owner of that rundown warehouse fifty meters outside the prison walls is you. And that the underground tunnel there connects directly to the maximum-security wing of this prison."
Clyde's meticulously prepared escape route had just been exposed. Internally, he cursed William, but he knew he had no choice now but to cooperate. Still, he saw no reason not to muddy the waters.
Pointing at the photos on the table, Clyde said, "These two are members of the French Ministry of Interior's Special Operations Unit. This elite team is mostly made up of veterans who've served in the French Foreign Legion for over six years. But, like the English police, they've been infiltrated by Barkawi's people."
William, of course, knew Clyde was lying, but he didn't let it show. Maintaining a serious expression, he said, "Go on."
Clyde grinned slyly. "Sure, I'm being hunted, but at this point, I don't care whether I live or die. So, how about we strike a deal?"
"What kind of deal?" William asked, keeping his tone neutral.
Finally reaching the moment he'd been waiting for, Clyde leaned in and whispered excitedly, "Help me with a few things, and if necessary, get me out of here."
William raised an eyebrow and stared at Clyde. Just as Clyde was about to lose his temper, William smiled. "Are you joking? From what I know, the NYPD doesn't have any evidence against you for murder.
"Besides, you've already prepared that escape tunnel. Don't tell me you can't figure out a way to transfer yourself to the maximum-security wing where the tunnel leads."
"I've prepared the tunnel, yes," Clyde admitted. "But I'm not sure if the maximum-security wing will have constant surveillance. If someone's watching, I won't be able to escape unnoticed. That's why I need your help.
"As a gesture of goodwill, I'll tell you who's behind the attempts on my life."
This was precisely what William had been angling for, so he didn't hesitate. "Deal."
For $4 billion, William was willing to go along with anything, even eliminating a judge if needed. Besides, Clyde had already laid out his plans and tasks. What worried Clyde was the potential for constant surveillance in the maximum-security wing, which required him to kill someone in the prison to be transferred there.
"Victor. Victor Gael. That's all I know," Clyde said.
William didn't believe for a second that Clyde only knew the name. Clearly, Clyde was hoping Victor would notice William investigating him, forcing them into a confrontation.
Just then, Sunday's voice whispered in William's ear, "Sir, Victor Gael is the head of domestic security at the French Ministry of Interior. The Special Operations Unit reports directly to him."
"Excellent," William thought, smiling. "Very well. What do you need me to do?"
Now that William had all the information he needed, his thoughts shifted to how best to eliminate Clyde without leaving any loose ends.
Clyde, unaware of this, smiled. "Don't worry, I won't let you help me for free. Once it's done, I'll reward you with information worth $500 million."
"What information?" William asked, feigning surprise.
"You'll see," Clyde replied, clearly trying to dangle another carrot.
William already knew what Clyde was about to offer—it wasn't a secret anymore. Clyde had mentioned it before losing his memory. Still, William played along, his face lighting up with excitement. "Really?"
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Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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