Agent Sarah Chen (still no relation) had been investigating organized crime for eight years. She was thorough, incorruptible, and currently building an airtight case against Alex's organization.
She was also about to become his greatest asset.
The meeting was arranged through intermediaries—a simple lunch at a downtown restaurant where Alex appeared to be just another businessman.
"Mr. Chen," Agent Chen said, sliding into the booth across from him. "I have to admit, I'm curious why you wanted to meet."
"Because you're investigating me, and I respect professionalism."
*PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE: AGENT SARAH CHEN*
*FEAR: CORRUPTION IN SYSTEM, FAILING HER DUTY*
*DESIRE: JUSTICE, PROTECTING INNOCENTS*
*WEAKNESS: RIGID MORAL CODE, FAMILY FINANCIAL STRUGGLES*
"Are you attempting to bribe a federal agent?"
"I'm attempting to show you something." Alex slid a tablet across the table. "Crime statistics for the east side over the past six months."
Agent Chen glanced at the data despite herself. "Violent crime is down thirty percent."
"Drug-related arrests are down fifty percent. Sexual assault cases have dropped by sixty percent." Alex leaned forward. "Tell me, Agent Chen—if your goal is protecting innocent people, are you really sure I'm the bad guy here?"
*MORAL CONFUSION: SUCCESS*
*DOUBT LEVEL: 20%*
"You're still a criminal."
"I'm a businessman who happens to operate in a gray market. But look at the results." He pulled up more data. "Human trafficking through my territory: zero cases. Child exploitation: zero cases. Random violence: down eighty percent."
"How?"
"Because I eliminate competitors who engage in those activities. Permanently."
Agent Chen was quiet for a long moment, studying the statistics. "Even if what you're saying is true, the methods—"
"The methods get results. Your methods—arrests, trials, prison sentences—they don't work. These people get out in a few years and go right back to victimizing innocents. My methods are more... permanent."
*CORRUPTION ATTEMPT: JUSTIFY ACTIONS THROUGH RESULTS*
*SUCCESS RATE: 35%*
"What exactly are you asking me to do?"
"Nothing. Just... look the other way while I continue making this city safer."
Agent Chen stood up. "I can't do that."
"Then your investigation will proceed, you'll arrest me, and in six months the east side will be back to chaos. How many innocent people will suffer because you chose procedure over results?"
*PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION: GUILT AND RESPONSIBILITY*
*CORRUPTION SUCCESS: 45%*
Agent Chen walked away, but Alex could see the conflict in her posture. The seed was planted.