American Tax Officer

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"He's definitely involved with that Gray in some lucrative dealings!"

"Are you sure about that, you're certain?"

Lynch had already been entered into their Lake District Sub-Bureau Branch's database; in a sense, he was already at their mercy.

If Gray really had a vested interest with him, then with just a word from the Lake District National Tax Bureau, Lynch would have no choice but to obediently step up as a witness!

But the precondition is, the two must indeed have a real vested interest!

"Of course I'm certain, and aside from Lynch, I also have materials on many companies and conglomerates in the Lake District that he's tied with financially. Otherwise, how could I dare to throw a deputy mayor into detention?"

William listened and thought the same.

During these past assessment periods, almost every case handled by David was impeccably done, leaving no room for anyone to find faults, so how could he suddenly lose his mind?

It seemed his worries had been completely unnecessary!

"Since that's the case, you've done a good job on this one, not only teaching Gray a lesson but also sending a warning to those who solicited him to plead their cause!"

William could see David's intent.

"Yes, I indeed intended to use Gray as a warning to those forces trying to acquit Dieter: to stop their futile efforts and choose the only path left—surrender!"

William nodded and said, "With Gray's case, give him enough of a lesson but don't blow things out of proportion; it's more useful for him to be under the limitations set by our National Tax Bureau than to have him fall completely!"

Firstly, as long as Gray doesn't fall, the Tax Bureau could increase its monthly revenue.

Secondly, as a deputy mayor.

Once he is in their National Tax Bureau's file, he would certainly not sing a contradictory tune in the future, and would obediently cooperate with their tax collection efforts.

This was much more useful than letting him fall and replacing him with a new deputy mayor!

David replied, "Rest assured, Director, I know what to do!"

William, as if struck by a sudden realization, exclaimed sentimentally, "Last time it was the CIA's men, now it's Deputy Mayor Gray. You really have a knack, Director David!"

William was becoming increasingly impressed with David.

To deal with criminals in a clean and efficient manner was one thing, but to perform like this against high-level individuals from the CIA and City Hall was simply astounding.

He now felt more than ever that promoting David quickly to the position of Chief Tax Officer was the most astute decision!

"Alright then, there's a lot more to do with Dieter's case, you go on and handle that!"

...

City Hall.

"What did you say? Gray was detained by the National Tax Bureau personnel?"

As a senator, Angstorm had weathered countless storms but was still shocked to hear that Gray, whom he had sent to lobby the Tax Bureau, had been detained.

That was a city's deputy mayor!

How could the Tax Bureau dare to do this?

If they don't provide a reasonable explanation, did they still expect to continue operating in Las Vegas?

"I was a bit incredulous when I received this news too, but after pondering over it and gathering information from various sources, I think that the Lake District National Tax Bureau must be very sure of themselves to detain Gray, Senator Angstorm, this trouble seems quite serious..."

The words coming from the other end of the phone made Angstorm snap back to reality, sinking into deep thought.

Come to think of it, that made sense.

How could the Tax Bureau dare to lay hands on an eminent deputy mayor without absolute certainty?

Unless the entire leadership of the Tax Bureau had gone mad!

But was that likely?

Obviously not very likely!

And if the Tax Bureau dared to detain Gray, what could be the main reason?

brought-to-you-by-MvLeMpYr

It certainly couldn't just be for speaking on Dieter's behalf; while Dieter was a target for the Tax Bureau, mere persuasion did not constitute illegal activity.

That left only one possibility: Gray must have been caught on tax matters by the Tax Bureau!

But what Angstorm couldn't understand was.

He had just sent Gray to the Tax Bureau, and even if they had superhuman abilities, they couldn't have possibly acquired evidence of Gray's tax evasion so quickly, could they?

Unless...

The Tax Bureau had already been investigating Gray in secret, even obtaining evidence of his tax evasion, but had been holding back, waiting until today when Gray showed up, finally falling into their 'trap'.

This thought made a chill run down Angstorm's back.

If Gray had been targeted by the Tax Bureau for some time, could it be that he too was under their surveillance?

"Senator Angstorm, are you still listening?"

The voice on the phone brought the chaotic-minded Angstorm back to his senses. He said, "The Tax Bureau won't do anything to Gray; go to the Lake District National Tax Bureau and find out what happened, and by the way, get him out of there!"

Angstorm, having become a senator, naturally had a sharper mind than most.

He was well aware that if the Tax Bureau had indeed caught Gray red-handed, they would not go after him relentlessly; they just wanted to warn those interfering with Dieter's case.

After all, a deputy mayor held in the Tax Bureau's grip was far more useful than a newly appointed one!

"Senator Angstorm... I can go, but as for Dieter's case... I better hold my tongue, that's all right, isn't it?"

Gray ended up in this predicament precisely because he went to the Tax Bureau to speak for Dieter; naturally, the person on the phone was afraid of suffering the same fate.

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