American Tax Officer

"What on earth is going on, has some conflict arisen between the state government and the National Tax Bureau?"

"I don't know, it's all so sudden, but however you look at it, there must have been some friction between the two."

"According to the information I've received, the Governor's son died in an accident a few hours ago, not sure if..."

"Bang bang bang..."

Watching a group of people chattering nonstop, Saloyan banged on the table heavily and said discontentedly, "I asked for your opinions, not for you to gossip about these meaningless things!"

Everyone fell silent, but they all looked at each other, none daring to speak first.

It wasn't until a full minute had passed that a firm voice finally echoed through the room.

"I think the state government's directive is inappropriate. Taxation is the foundation of our country; without it, where would the money to pay our salaries and bonuses come from? Without taxes, where would our city's development come from? Without taxes, where would our citizens' relief and welfare funds come from? Therefore, my department will not carry out such a directive!"

These righteous words caused all the high-ranking officials present, including Saloyan, to involuntarily turn their heads to look.

But when they saw who was speaking, they were rendered speechless.

It was none other than Gray!

Others may not know, but as his colleagues, they were well aware that Gray had been caught in the Bureau's grip.

So, on the surface, Gray's words may have sounded noble and for the people, but in reality, they all knew that, plainly speaking, he was just afraid of being targeted.

Gray also noticed the odd look in everyone's eyes and quickly added, "My colleagues, don't blame me for not reminding you, the National Tax Bureau isn't easy to provoke. You all know how formidable David is; if you dare to oppose them, you might be the next one to be unlucky!"

What he was implying to everyone present was that if David could catch his weak spot, couldn't he catch theirs as well?

The people present had risen to the top ranks of city hall and were naturally very shrewd. They heard and understood his meaning and realized there was indeed truth to his words.

First of all, attaining their positions, none dared claim their record was spotless, nor could anyone ensure they wouldn't be caught out.

After all, Gray's example was right there in front of them!

Thinking this over, another deputy mayor present also chimed in, "I think what Deputy Mayor Gray said... does make some sense. As a world-famous city, if Las Vegas's tax revenue plummeted, it would be difficult to explain to the residents..."

"Hmm, I believe so too..."

"..."

Following this deputy mayor, the rest began to concur one after another.

America is this federation where each state has its autonomy and, in fact, each city can essentially be said to have its autonomy as well.

For instance, Governors are elected by the voters of their own states, and once elected, even the President can't dismiss them.

The same applies to mayors.

They are not appointed by the state government but are elected by the citizens of their own cities. Therefore, even the Governor has no authority to dismiss a mayor.

That is to say, offending the state government might at worst lead to some minor inconveniences, but their positions would certainly be secure.

But offending the National Tax Bureau was another matter entirely.

If their city hall really were to become adversaries with it, who knew whether David had something on them?

If he did, and went after them, they could forget about saving their jobs—not only would they face disgrace, but they might even end up in prison!

The people present were all clever enough to weigh the pros and cons and make the choice that made sense!

Having thought it over carefully, Saloyan also realized it made sense. If forced to choose sides between the state government and the National Tax Bureau, it seemed choosing the Tax Bureau was the better option!

He then steeled himself and said, "Fine, let's ignore the state government's directive and carry on as we were!"

Nevada State had a total of 19 cities. Apart from Las Vegas, at the same moment, the other 18 cities had also received the directive from the state government.

However, unlike Las Vegas, after weighing the advantages and disadvantages, these 18 cities made a different decision.

Their choice was to carry out the state government's directive!

The reason was simple, as the National Tax Bureaus in these other cities didn't have someone as formidable as David, nor did their city halls have a deputy mayor like Gray, who had been caught in David's grip.

Therefore, they had nothing to fear and chose to follow the state government's directive.

Of course, at this time, David from the Lake District National Tax Bureau was unaware of all this, as he was discussing matters in his office with the fathers of that second-generation rich kid.

"I don't mean to make things difficult for you gentlemen. Your sons' misdeeds are none of our bureau's business, and I have no interest in them. As long as you make them cooperate and give us a statement, they can leave immediately. Otherwise, it won't be just your sons who can't get away, but you as well. Do you understand?"

Listening to David's threats, all the fathers present fell silent.

They might be part of Las Vegas's high society, but they didn't hold sway over the National Tax Bureau.

Moreover, they had already learned that their sons had committed many crimes, including incitement to murder, human trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, and tax evasion.

If they had been caught by the police or another law enforcement agency, they might have been able to use their connections to try and smooth things over.

But having been caught by the National Tax Bureau, they didn't have the confidence to resolve the matter.

Furthermore, they knew that Director David was someone not to be trifled with.

This was a formidable man who could even bring the Indian tribes to heel!

As the atmosphere had grown silent, Bucky pushed the door open and said, "Director, a man claiming to be a legal advisor from the state government has arrived, saying he wants to see the people brought back from the Redstone Mountains."

"A legal advisor from the state government?"

David's brow furrowed; it must be someone sent by Governor Stevenson, and since they wanted to talk to those spoiled brats, his guess was that they were trying to ensure they didn't speak out of turn.

No, that won't do!

He must get their confessions as soon as possible!

"Gentlemen, go now and persuade your sons, have them cooperate with us!" he said to the fathers, before turning to Bucky, "Bring that legal advisor here!"

Bucky nodded and left, while the fathers looked at each other before reluctantly heading outside the office, not daring to defy David's wishes.

About five minutes later.

Nisen entered with a man donning a dark gray suit and carrying a briefcase.

[Name: Aldrich Austin.]

[Occupation: Attorney.]

[Income: Legal income of 95,000 US dollars, illegal income of 120,365 US dollars.]

[Income Details: On December 16, settled a legal dispute for the State's Chief Auditor, receiving an under-the-table reward of Twenty Thousand US dollars; on December 3, resolved a legal dispute for the State Treasurer, earning Fifteen Thousands US dollars in private compensation; on January 4…]

[Tax Due: 36,423 US dollars.]

"You must be Director David," the attorney, who introduced himself as Aldrich, said with a hint of impatience. "I've been sent by the state government to handle matters involving the Redstone Mountains incident. I hope you can accommodate me and let me see those young men!"

Clearly, Aldrich wanted to quickly discuss matters with those spoiled heirs and settle everything.

"Of course, as an attorney, you can see whoever you want, just not right now. You'll have to wait a while!" David said slowly.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing in particular, they're just a bit busy at the moment."

Aldrich became anxious upon hearing this. He was acutely aware that if those young heirs really made honest confessions and the National Tax Bureau got their hands on them, it would be trouble.

He immediately objected, "Director David, according to the procedure, we attorneys have the right to speak with them as soon as we arrive!"

"Get your facts straight," David retorted, "What we've brought back here isn't a suspect. He's merely a common citizen. According to the procedure, your so-called rights are invalid!"

"You…"

Aldrich was at a loss for words.

True, he was used to the way police and FBI thought; these law enforcement agencies normally listed individuals as suspects before bringing them in for questioning.

And as attorneys, they had the right to intervene and advise their clients during these initial moments.

But this was the National Tax Bureau.

And as David had said, those young people weren't suspects, so according to the rules, it seemed Aldrich was out of luck.

He also knew that David was merely playing word games, but he couldn't find any legal grounds to refute him on the spot.

"Oh, by the way…"

David feigned remembrance, putting on a sorrowful expression, "This has to do with the Redstone Mountains incident, the unfortunate event involving the Governor's son. I am deeply sorry for it, but there's nothing I can do. We were just enforcing the law and I hope he can understand…"

"The Governor has said that if it's normal law enforcement, then of course there's no problem, but if it isn't standard, or doesn't comply with the rules…" Aldrich replied in a forced smile, the threat in his tone unmistakable.

David, detecting the threat in Aldrich's words, responded, "Of course, our actions are entirely in line with the rules and regulations. I will send a detailed report of the case to the Governor the day after tomorrow!"

"That would certainly be for the best," Aldrich replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

While the two of them were having this conversation.

In the interrogation rooms of the Inspector's Office on the third floor, a cacophony of noises erupted.

"Dad, if I tell everything, it could cause a lot of trouble. I might even end up in jail. The state government has already called and told me not to say anything out of line and that they'll tell me what to do when they get here. I think maybe I should…"

"Wait my ass, don't worry about the state government anymore! Director David has already assured me that the National Tax Bureau is just here to collect taxes, nothing more. Just give a full account of what happened in your statement, and we can go home," one father interrupted.

"But…"

"Damn it, record it now, or I'll disown you, and you can handle this on your own!"

"…"

Under the furious coercion of their fathers, the spoiled brats couldn't hold out any longer.

After all, their every advantage was dependent on their family background, and now with their fathers threatening to disown them, they could hardly continue to resist.

Consequently, they had no choice but to follow the instructions of Bucky Simmons and others, starting to record their statements about the Redstone Mountains incident.