A Bumpy Road to Power

Chapter 646 - 646

Next, Dirk Carter needs to visit Secretary Herman Bates and Mayor Fabian Vincent.

But for Dirk Carter,

This is a difficult choice.

If it were anyone else, there wouldn't be a second thought; they would definitely visit Herman Bates first.

Because he is the top leader.

But the City Government Secretary is a bit different.

He is the mayor's chief secretary, in other words, the mayor is his direct superior.

Of course.

If anyone else were in this position, there wouldn't be much of a debate on who to visit first, but for Dirk Carter, it's completely different.

If he visits Herman Bates first,

someone will jump out and say that Dirk Carter doesn't regard Fabian Vincent.

If he visits Fabian Vincent first, then someone will say that Dirk Carter ultimately sided with Fabian Vincent, and some with ulterior motives will spread rumors that he looks down on Herman Bates.

It's not just because during his time in Koryn City, Dirk Carter offended quite a few city leaders.

But also because this involves the undercurrent struggle between Herman Bates and Fabian Vincent's factions.

As mentioned before,

Even though Herman Bates is the top leader, Fabian Vincent is backed by the Houseman Family, which makes Fabian Vincent barely regard Herman Bates.

Of course, Herman Bates will not sit idle.

With Dirk Carter's current popularity,

whomever Dirk Carter visits first will attract more attention.

It also seems to symbolize which side Dirk Carter will lean towards.

After all, his acquaintance with Alphonso Forrest has been widely gossiped about in certain circles.

"Who to visit first?"

In the lobby of the Municipal Committee Building,

Arlo Yarbrough asked Dirk Carter.

Dirk Carter looked at Arlo Yarbrough and asked, "Where do you think I should go first?"

"No need to ask, it's definitely to Secretary Bates first. Do you think visiting Fabian Vincent first means he won't trouble you in the future?"

Arlo Yarbrough asked.

Dirk Carter chuckled.

He said, "That's true, but if I don't visit Fabian Vincent first, he would then have an excuse to suppress me, probably even before I've stabilized, he would be causing me trouble."

"Then visit Fabian Vincent first."

Arlo Yarbrough said.

Dirk Carter, smiling widely, said, "This way, Herman Bates will also be unhappy."

"This won't do, and neither will that, might as well skip visiting both."

Arlo Yarbrough said.

Dirk Carter laughed heartily, saying, "Then we fall into Houseman's trap; don't they want me to falter in Rexton City? If you wear the crown, you must bear its weight. No matter what, both must be faced; there's no running away."

Arlo Yarbrough, a bit irritated, said, "Then what do we do? How about calling them both and asking them to see you in your office?"

"Good idea."

Dirk Carter said.

Arlo Yarbrough was taken aback, saying, "Are you serious? I was just saying it offhandedly. You're a mere City Government Secretary, would they even listen to you?"

"Of course, they won't listen to me, but there is someone they will definitely listen to."

"Who?"

Arlo Yarbrough asked.

With a wave of his hand, Dirk Carter said, "Let's go, to the retirement center."

"To the retirement center?"

Arlo Yarbrough mumbled, immediately understanding.

He gave a thumbs-up to Dirk Carter, saying, "You're the one, really got your ways."

Why did mentioning the retirement center make even Arlo Yarbrough applaud?

Because residing there is an old leader, Caspian Eames.

Caspian Eames retired from the position of mayor of Rexton City.

He once worked alongside Duncan Linden, who later became the deputy director of the provincial People's Congress.

In other words,

Caspian Eames is the old leader of Rexton City.

Both Herman Bates and Fabian Vincent must show him respect.

When Dirk Carter and Arlo Yarbrough left the Municipal Committee Compound, the windows of both the secretary and mayor's offices caught sight of their departure.

This left Herman Bates and Fabian Vincent somewhat puzzled.

About half an hour later,

Both Herman Bates and Fabian Vincent received calls from the retirement center, saying Caspian Eames wanted them to come over, and it was then that they realized.

While they were debating over whom Dirk Carter would visit first,

Dirk Carter took a different path, heading to the retirement center to visit the old leader.

Almost simultaneously,

The first and second cars from the Municipal Committee were driven out of the compound.

Upon hurrying to the retirement center, they found Dirk Carter already in the garden playing chess with Caspian Eames, both chatting and laughing, presenting a most harmonious scene.

"Hello, Secretary Bates, hello, Mayor Vincent."

Seeing them arrive together,

Dirk Carter immediately stood up to greet them.

Caspian Eames pulled him down, ordering, "Finish the chess game first."

Dirk Carter could only sit back down, looking helpless.

Caspian Eames motioned for them to sit, saying, "You two sit down; I'll finish this game with Comrade Dirk."

They couldn't disregard the old leader's face.

So they obediently took their seats.

This wait lasted about twenty minutes.

All that was heard was the sound of Caspian Eames placing his piece, proudly saying to Dirk Carter, "Checkmate, you lost."

"Oh no, old leader, I just let down my guard, and you took advantage, no way, no way, I'm taking back my move."

Dirk Carter pretended to throw a tantrum.

Caspian Eames looked and immediately pressed down his hand, saying, "Once a piece is placed, there's no regret. Anyway, you've lost, no cheating. Cigarette, give me a cigarette!"

Dirk Carter helplessly said, "Old leader, your chess skills are formidable. I've indeed lost, but I can't give you a cigarette. I said from the beginning; if both leaders agree, I'll give you one, but if they disagree, I dare not."

The words were spoken as if meant for Caspian Eames.

But in reality, they were meant for Herman Bates and Fabian Vincent.

Dirk Carter intended to use this to tell them that although he is currently in the spotlight, he is still under their leadership, and without their consent, there's nothing he can do.

Both being seasoned figures,

also caught the subtlety of his message.

Herman Bates first said, "Old leader, the doctor has said many times you shouldn't smoke, so I disagree."

"I also disagree, old leader. You need to consider your health."

Fabian Vincent chimed in.

Once Caspian Eames heard this, his excitement from winning the chess game disappeared.

His hand swept across the chessboard, scattering pieces on the ground.

He stood up angrily, saying, "Neither of you are any good, sending this young guy to see me, yet not keeping promises, I'm done playing with you, going back to sleep."

With those words, he left, hands clasped behind his back in anger.

Seeing this, Fabian Vincent angrily asked, "Dirk Carter, what are you up to? If you upset the old leader, can you take responsibility?"

After saying this, he hurriedly chased after him.

Herman Bates didn't move.

Watching Fabian Vincent disappear at the retirement center's entrance,

He let out a sigh of relief.

Said to Dirk Carter, "They say you're smart, Dirk Carter, after today's scene, I still don't see what you're trying to achieve."

Dirk Carter smiled slightly.

Seriously said, "Hello, leader, Dirk Carter reporting to you."

Herman Bates was taken aback.

Asked, "What do you mean?"

Dirk Carter smiled faintly, saying, "Nothing special, Municipal Committee and Municipal Government are all watching whom Dirk Carter would visit first, now the news spreads that I've met both leaders at the same time…"