Bermuda, also known as Somers, is the oldest British overseas dominion. Along with the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, it's considered one of the world's three largest offshore tax havens and one of the world's five largest ship registries.
The myth of the Bermuda Triangle is arguably one of the world's earliest tourism stunts, frequently appearing in popular literature alongside the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot.
Simmons' wife and children suddenly went to Bermuda not for vacation, but to act as a scout for him, as there is no extradition agreement between the United States and Bermuda.
In a sense, Simmons, who was responsible for the rearguard action, can be considered a good man and a good father.
The only blame lies with the decisiveness of the previous action. With Director Reagan's tacit approval, all FBI field agents were dispatched to arrest individuals directly according to a list.
The FBI was responsible for apprehending "HR" members within the NYPD, while the NYPD also cooperated with the FBI in apprehending "HR" members hiding in other local departments.
In less than a day, "HR"'s reach, stretching across every city department in New York, right down to the local courts and the District Attorney's Office, was practically severing. It's no wonder Simmons, the deliberately let-off "slippery fish," was feeling the urge to quit.
His promise to Fusco that he could leave the country after this one job turned out to be true.
Jack didn't know how much "Root Sister" had offered her at "HR," but judging by the $200,000 deposit Simmons had given Fusco without blinking, the balance was likely in the millions.
The old saying is true: do your best, leave the rest to fate. Conversely, even the most well-laid plans still depend on luck and the cooperation of your opponents.
Everyone in the conference room stared blankly, bewildered.
After all, every possibility had been considered, every possible rhetoric prepared, but no one had anticipated Simmons's unpredictable approach. He hadn't even considered the offer, intent on cashing in and running away.
Fusco hesitated for a long time before uncertainly saying, "Simmons will probably pass this information on to Alonzo, right?"
Jack wanted to nod, but thinking of Simmons's initial nonchalant attitude toward the account book on the phone, he wasn't sure.
One could only say that "Gen Mei" lived up to her nickname of "Crazy Beauty." Who knows how much she'd spent on HR's trolling? She wasn't afraid of getting into trouble.
"I'll call Alonzo. He probably won't suspect me." Taylor placed her phone on the table.
"What are you going to say?" Jiejie asked sternly, holding her hand.
Taylor smiled confidently. "Of course, tell him I'll have the account book soon, and I've learned from Leah that Landon Walker's name is on it.
I'll give the evidence to the FBI as soon as Walker wins the election. It'll be a huge news story, and Ed Griffin, whom he supports, will win the mayoral seat in the subsequent special election."
"That sounds like a good idea." Cassel rested his chin on his hand, pondering for a moment before turning to look at the others.
"A conspirator like Alonzo would never let go of such important evidence as the account book. Even if he is sure that his name is not in the account book, the special election is still an uncertain risk for him.
As long as he gets the account book, it means that he will be able to further control Walker in the future."
Jubal also voted in favor of Taylor's plan, and then the others nodded to indicate that there was no problem.
"But this also means that you two will face Alonzo's final trump card. We still don't know how many more tricks he has up his sleeve."
Aubrey glanced at Jack, "That abandoned wine cellar is not like the warehouse area we carefully selected in advance. There are almost no decent buildings around it."
However, without waiting for Jack to express his opinion, Clay, who had been silent, said confidently, "I can ambush in there alone in advance, and then find a place to hide some equipment. Together with Jack, the two of us can definitely hold on until reinforcements arrive."
Everyone present was absolutely convinced of Jack and Clay's fighting ability. Jubal spun the pencil in his hand several times, and finally pointed the eraser end at Danny.
"HR is severely weakened, and without Simmons, his assistant, Alonzo has very limited manpower at his disposal.
Detective Reagan, you and the others will be on standby at the nearest police station tomorrow night. After Jack alerts us, we'll set out together to wipe out the remaining HR forces."
Jiejie released Taylor's hand. The female reporter happily, even with a touch of elation, dialed the number in her address book that contained Quinn Alonzo's name, without a trace of fear or concern about being used as bait.
"Taylor? Why are you calling me now? I told you before that, despite our attempts to remedy the situation, Griffin's approval rating is ruined.
If I had dirt on Walker, I wouldn't have been able to keep it hidden until now. After tomorrow night, the mayoralty will be completely his.
Griffin just smashed several cups in the study, but don't worry, I told him your father is Judge Kelly. He'll just do something minor to upset you."
As Griffin's campaign chief of staff, Alonzo seemed to be deliberately trying to curry Taylor's favor.
"You're a true friend, Quinn. As you said before, the mayor of New York City changes every four years. Politicians come and go, but people like us stay here, doing the work we do best.
I believe our friendship will endure. In return, I have a big secret to share with you. Listen, Griffin is definitely going to win this time."
Taylor boasted over the phone, describing to Alonzo how she had coaxed her father, the judge, into giving her the right connections to interview Leah.
And how she, as a reporter, had used her eloquence to extract crucial intelligence and evidence from him.
"I'll visit Leah again tomorrow and get the account books first. I've got that stupid FBI guy completely bewildered.
Then, with a little trickery, I can stall for time until the mayoral election results are in, then hand the evidence over to the FBI. Then, I'll create a sensational story and win another Pulitzer Prize."
Alonzo, on the other end of the line, seemed equally shocked by the news. It took him a long time to calm down, and he complimented him in a completely neutral voice.
"Congratulations in advance, Taylor. I'll keep it a secret! Wow, God! I can't wait to see what happens to that Walker. This is truly fantastic news."
(End of Chapter)