North America Gunman Detective

Chapter 1389 - 751: Case Investigation

Jimmy wasn't aware of Kevin's later investigation, but he had fulfilled his promise to Winston. How things would proceed afterward depended on Winston's own handling.

The party was scheduled for a week later, so there was plenty of time. Jimmy wasn't in a rush to schedule his time. Since he was currently quite idle, he figured he would follow his usual plan, focusing on learning and exercising. However, an unforeseen event disrupted his plans.

Three days after the shipwreck, Ruiz knocked on his office door. He declined Jimmy's invitation for tea, and with a grim expression, he said, "Jimmy, I think you're going on a trip again."

Jimmy looked at Ruiz in surprise. "What's going on?"

Ruiz: "Did you hear about the yacht explosion off the coast of Miami a few days ago?"

Jimmy: "I saw the news but didn't pay much attention. What's up?"

Ruiz: "The case has been designated as a priority by headquarters, and they're looking for capable personnel to assist the Miami office with the investigation. Headquarters is seeking our opinion. Are you interested in going to headquarters to collaborate with them on this case?"

Jimmy frowned. "Why me? I haven't handled a shipwreck case before."

Ruiz: "We haven't responded yet. It's up to you. If you find it boring right now, you might consider going. Your case-solving rate has been the highest in the past two years, even if we treat it as a homicide case instead of a yacht explosion."

Jimmy: "Not interested. Cases without control aren't enjoyable. There's always someone hindering progress, making it impossible to proceed."

Ruiz didn't expect Jimmy to refuse so bluntly. He initially planned to persuade him since Jimmy was already an SSA, coordinating across departments with headquarters would be a valuable experience, recorded as cross-regional case handling in the archives. However, Jimmy insisted on having control.

Ruiz thought it over and said, "It's still a headquarters case. If it's handled well, it will leave a better impression, which could be an opportunity for advancement in the future."

Jimmy: "Come on, last time at headquarters, if not for Peter suppressing others' opinions and assigning me an assistant to investigate, it wouldn't have been resolved quickly. When I returned to headquarters to report on the case, several departments weren't friendly towards me."

Ruiz: "This time is different from before. This matter is severe."

Jimmy: "The severity makes control even more necessary. If I solve the case, the credit goes to someone else, which is pointless."

Ruiz: "What if it's a directive from above?"

Jimmy was speechless and rolled his eyes. "Then I'll go, just following someone else's arrangement, treating it as a paid business trip."

Ruiz was truly helpless now. Jimmy was really difficult to manage, as this matter didn't concern him. If forced, he would actually refuse to work.

Ruiz: "Alright, I'll discuss it further with them."

Ruiz didn't take a single sip of tea and directly turned to leave Jimmy's office. Jimmy followed and shut the door behind him, letting out a long breath.

This matter truly involved many aspects, prompting FBI intervention, directly arranged by headquarters. Someone must be pushing this matter from behind; otherwise, the local police would suffice. Even if upgraded to the FBI, it would typically be managed by the division.

Previously, Winston had given him a list which he had only skimmed, thinking they were already dead and not worth focusing on. Now it seemed, the list truly had a connection with him. Let's see the results on Ruiz's end. If he were really to investigate, this matter should avoid involving the assassin team from the hotel.

Ruiz returned to his office with a bitter expression. Initially, Dave had sent him to gauge Jimmy's interest. In reality, none of them wanted Jimmy to handle a case immediately, having said he should settle down for a year or two. Despite agreeing on this discreetly, within just a few months, he was being arranged to work.

If the case went unsolved, Jimmy's evaluations would suffer, possibly angering powerful individuals behind the scenes. On the other hand, solving it would be even more problematic, as Jimmy's success would invalidate their previous arrangements. Leaving such a distinguished agent on standby was already excessive, further sidelining him after this matter would seem deliberately obstructionist, potentially leading to power struggles.

Ruiz called Dave, conveying Jimmy's views before giving up, allowing others to handle the communication. He decided not to play the bad guy.

The arrangement from Dave's side was unclear but ultimately landed on Jimmy. This time, however, it wasn't a direct assignment from headquarters. Instead, New York and Miami divisions would conduct a joint investigation, with New York, one of the three major divisions, leading the effort, indicating that some valued Jimmy's detective prowess.

Ruiz appeared in Jimmy's office again the next day. "Jimmy, as you wished, you're heading the investigation this time."

Jimmy looked at Ruiz in surprise. Just one day, and it was finalized? How tense were the people behind this matter? "Why so quickly?"

Ruiz: "It's unclear for now. Dave's already issued the order. You can choose an assistant to go to Miami. They'll arrange personnel to support you, and our lab has been notified. If any items need testing, priority processing via air courier is available."