"Five hundred million dollars' worth of intel, but whether you get it or not is up to you," Clyde said. He seemed rattled by William's fabricated story about the assassins' suicides and the ease with which William had exposed his secrets. His mind raced, trying to figure out how to win William over.
Unfortunately for Clyde, the information he thought was his trump card had already been revealed to William before his memory was erased. William's true goal this time was simply the name Victor Gael.
Having achieved his objective, William stood up, buttoned his suit, and said with a smile, "I'll look into what you've told me. If I find something, I'll come back tomorrow. If your information checks out, we can discuss your escape plan then."
"Thank you," Clyde said, relieved that William was no longer pressing him. Revenge was his top priority at the moment. As for the $4 billion, he figured he could deal with it after completing his decade-long revenge plan and securing his freedom.
"See you tomorrow," William said, giving Clyde a nod before heading for the interrogation room's iron door. Just as he was about to leave, William turned back and added, "Want me to get you a more comfortable mattress?"
"What?" Clyde's face froze as he stared at William, a chill running down his spine. Offering a mattress had been part of Clyde's planned negotiation with Nick Reese, something meant to humiliate the prosecutor.
This was the second time William had seemingly read Clyde's thoughts, filling him with both fear and the desperate hope that it was just a coincidence.
Fortunately, William didn't give Clyde much time to dwell on his suspicions. He smiled and said, "I read your file. You've got a bad back, right? So, no need to thank me if you want me to arrange a better mattress."
"No, no, no," Clyde quickly replied, forcing a smile. His resolve to avoid William at all costs—or eliminate him if necessary—only grew stronger. "Thanks, but I can handle something like that myself."
"Suit yourself," William said with a chuckle. "Goodbye."
Leaving the prison, William shook hands with Benny, the C1A operative. "I'll personally report the rest to Sir Benjamin Arthur. Thank you."
"Oh, by the way, what's your full name? Maybe I can mention your professionalism and efficiency to Sir Benjamin," William said with a self-deprecating grin. "You know how it is—I'm English, so American accomplishments don't do much for me. But who knows? Someone in England might care enough to appreciate it."
"Benny Gard, C1A Colonel, mainly overseeing operations in South America," Benny replied, suppressing his excitement as he nodded. "Don't let me hold you up, Mr. Devonshire. If you need anything, just give me a call."
"Will do," William replied, watching as Benny left before turning his attention to Nick Reese.
With a beckoning gesture, William called Nick over. "I suggest you call home immediately."
"What do you mean?" Nick asked, instantly wary. His instincts told him something was wrong as he pulled out his phone to make the call.
As the line rang, William said casually, "Clyde Shelton recorded himself dismantling Clarence Darby, piece by piece, and sent the footage to your home. For your daughter's sake, you know what to do. Goodbye."
"Damn it," Nick cursed, hastily barking into the phone as soon as his wife picked up, warning her not to watch any DVDs that had arrived.
Meanwhile, William strolled out of the prison. Furious, Nick wrapped up his call and chased after him, blocking his path with a determined glare. "If your agency knows everything about Clyde Shelton, why don't you stop him?"
"Sorry," William replied calmly. "I'm neither a police officer nor a prosecutor. Besides," he added, his expression turning sharp, "I don't see anything wrong with Clyde avenging his wife and daughter."
"What?" Nick stared at William, incredulous. "You're joking, right?"
"Of course not," William said, clapping Nick on the shoulder. "Nick, if what happened to Clyde's wife and daughter had happened to your wife and daughter, I'd hope you'd have the guts to do the same. Otherwise, I'd call you a coward."
"Go to hell, you bastard," Nick spat angrily.
"No, Nick," William said, shaking his head. "The bastard isn't me. It's you and your entire justice system. If so-called justice couldn't deliver for Clyde, I don't see why a Texan like him can't seek revenge in his own way.
"And if I were you, I wouldn't just focus on Clyde."
Nick's frustration turned to unease. "What's that supposed to mean? Mr. Devonshire, what are you implying?"
"If you knew half of what Clyde Shelton has been doing for the past ten years, you wouldn't be so naive as to think watching him closely would yield results. Following his lead will only drag you along his preplanned script, step by step, to the conclusion he wants.
"Maybe," William suggested with a smirk, "you should ask your superiors to investigate the connections between Clyde, the C1A, and the Department of Defense.
"Here's a warning: if you don't find solid evidence against Clyde and he agrees to work with the C1A, they'll be more than happy to clean up all his problems for him. Your time to convict him is running out. Goodbye, Nick."
Nick stood there, dumbfounded, as William walked away. His mind raced, trying to decipher the meaning behind William's words. One thing was clear—his window to bring Clyde to justice was rapidly closing.
On his way home, Nick grew angrier, realizing how close his daughter and wife had come to seeing the horrifying video. He watched the recording himself, only to find Clyde wearing a fully enclosed helmet and covered in layers of clothing, making it impossible to identify him.
Furious, Nick returned to the prison and confronted Clyde. "What do you want?"
"A..." Clyde started to say, then paused. "I want my DVD player brought in so I can listen to music at night. Do that, and I'll confess."
"That's it?" Nick glared at Clyde, knowing the man was toying with him.
"That's it," Clyde replied with a grin. "You bring me my DVD player, and I'll confess."
"You... you..." Nick pointed at Clyde, his anger making him stumble over his words. Deep down, he knew the justice system had failed Clyde's family.
Exhausted, Nick sat down across from Clyde and lowered his voice. "What are you really after?"
Clyde's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "If scum like Clarence Darby can make deals with your system, why can't I? Think about it, Nick. Give me what I want, and I'll give you what you want. Fair enough, isn't it?"
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
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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