"I demand to see my lawyer. I know my rights."
Even facing the FBI agents, Quinn Alonzo showed no fear, holding his head high.
His face was a typical African-American, without the prominent, upturned nostrils or exaggeratedly thick lips. If one ignored his skin color and focused solely on his features, he looked no different from an average middle-aged white man. His
curly black hair lay close to his scalp. His skin wasn't as dark as his compatriots left behind in Africa, but it wasn't as shiny, instead appearing rather dull.
He sported a neatly trimmed mustache, not as thick as Frank Reagan's, but clearly well-maintained.
"Don't be nervous, Mr. Alonzo. The FBI is simply requesting your assistance with the investigation."
Jack entered the room with a slight nod, signaling the two eager FBI agents to leave.
Alonzo turned to look at Jack, his eyes filled with wariness and a hint of surprise. Although he recognized Jack instantly, he was still struck by his youth.
"ASAC (Assistant Agent in Charge) Jack Tavola, I know you. Not long ago, you led the investigation into the assassination of City Councilman Mike Delancey."
Jack responded with a fake smile. "I remember that I was not on camera at the time, and not many media outlets mentioned my name. Public opinion was focused on Peter Matheson's suicide."
"In fact, I have been following you for a long time. Perhaps many people have forgotten how the new artificial lake in Central Park came about, but I still want to pay tribute to you on behalf of the hundreds of patients and medical staff at St. Barclay's Hospital. People
only saw the name Danny Reagan in newspapers, and lamented that a tiger father has no dog son, but they didn't know that you were also one of the heroes that night."
Alonzo was worthy of being a professional politician. Those who knew him were now being questioned in the reception room of the FBI New York office. Those who didn't know him might have thought that he was commissioned by the mayor or the council members to come to express condolences and inspection.
As the liaison between the FBI and the NYPD, Jack's relationship with Danny was well known. Many FBI case files were open, making it easy for anyone with connections to find his name.
Even crises like Alcatraz were no secret within federal agencies, and Jack's ability to conceal his abilities was unrecognizable without his glasses.
However, he maintained a low profile, avoiding media appearances unless absolutely necessary. Even at press conferences after the conclusion of major cases, he often stepped back, allowing Jubal or others to take center stage.
While female reporters occasionally noticed the striking young FBI agent, the most wanted individuals were generally considered decent-looking, with Hannah and Jiejie generally drawing the most attention.
Jack dismissed Alonzo's subtle provocations, not even bothering to emphasize his relationship with Danny.
"Did Bogle and Pete tell you?"
Alonzo's pupils constricted at the mention of those two names, like a venomous snake sensing a threat, its first reaction being to coil itself up, curling up defensively before poised for action.
"I've never heard of those names, Agent Taverer. Whether assisting with the investigation or otherwise, I believe I have the right to request the presence of my attorney."
Jack brushed his request aside, waving his hand casually as if shooing away a fly. "Don't worry, Mr. Alonzo. Today is a special day. Let's catch up on the news for a bit."
Instead of letting this guy into the interrogation room, he had him brought to this reception room. It wasn't that he intended to use force first, but rather because there was a TV hanging on the wall.
As Jack pressed the remote, former New York City District Attorney Landon Walker, looking righteous, appeared on the news screen, his beautiful wife standing behind him.
"The people of New York have made their choice, and I'm honored to be the next mayor."
The audience erupted in applause, and the atmosphere instantly reached a crescendo.
Facing Jack's playful expression, Alonzo shrugged calmly. "Yes, as Griffin's campaign manager, I knew he was out the moment the donation scandal broke.
While we did some work to salvage the situation, it had nothing to do with me. If the FBI has any evidence, they can directly ask Griffin for assistance in the investigation."
He hadn't expected the FBI to assist the NYPD in cleaning up "HR." After all, in this country, conflicts between federal, state, and municipal powers are the norm.
But as a perennial figure in New York's political arena, the mastermind behind the entire "HR" organizational structure, relying not on power but purely on connections, Alonzo had already prepared a double insurance policy.
"Don't worry, Mr. Alonzo, please continue watching." Jack leaned against the wall with his arms folded, nodding at the TV.
Suddenly, a murmur rose in the conference room, and the applause suddenly stopped. Some in the audience suddenly began to whisper, and even some exclaimed in surprise. Landon Walker, standing on the stage, suddenly froze his bright smile.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the entrance, and the alert cameraman quickly turned the camera to see Jubal, wearing an FBI jacket, followed by a number of similarly dressed agents, walking quickly into the venue.
"Landon Walker, you are under arrest for bribery, corporate corruption, and conspiracy. You have the right to remain silent. Everything you say will be used as evidence in court."
The venue erupted in an uproar, everyone watching in shock as the future mayor, who had just declared victory, was handcuffed in public.
Jack flicked off the TV, his smile still gentle, but his eyes chillingly cold.
"And you're right about one thing. Ed Griffin has been brought in to assist with the FBI investigation, and the two former FBI agents you bribed, Bogle and Pete, are also willing to testify against you.
Oh, and while they haven't met you in person, every conversation between you and them has been recorded. And Officer Simmons-Patrick of the NYPD has agreed to testify against you."
Double insurance, huh? Any candidate who becomes mayor can protect you, right?
"Oh, and I have another piece of news for you. Commissioner Frank Reagan intends to run in the upcoming special election. His campaign slogan is 'Return a safe and clear sky to the citizens of New York.'"
Looking at Alonzo, who had slumped in his chair, Jack pulled out handcuffs and put them on him. "Now, you can contact your lawyer."
(End of this chapter)