North America Gunman Detective

Chapter 1483 - 797: Hank's Bad Luck (Part 2)

Justin: "Right now, we have a not-so-accurate name, Heisenberg. There's a rumor he's the one who invented this blue meth, but after investigating, we found that the surname Heisenberg isn't uncommon, so we can't investigate everyone, and it might not even be his real name. You know, in the underworld, it's normal to use aliases."

Jimmy nodded. The clues they had were obviously not enough for the bounty hunters to offer the full reward, and even with official means, investigating based on these clues would require significant manpower and resources, something neither the DEA nor any other agency would approve a large budget for.

However, it did sound quite challenging. Jimmy was somewhat curious. In today's society, there's a lot of surveillance, particularly with the authorities having the powerful tool of communication surveillance. Finding one person isn't easy, but tracking the origin of drugs, especially if they're domestic, should theoretically allow for at least a rough location to be pinpointed.

Jimmy: "Alright, if the opportunity comes, I'll keep an eye on it. You said this blue meth has already reached New York?"

Justin: "Yeah, that's the word from the hotels. Right now, several high-end clubs have a fair amount circulating. The price is much higher than the trash drugs on the market and it's very popular."

Jimmy: "I'll keep an eye out. Justin, you know how much I hate drug traffickers. I don't care about others, but I hope you stay clean at least."

Justin nodded, "I never touch that stuff."

Jimmy: "Good, take care of yourself." He raised his glass, clinked it with Justin's, downed his drink, and left the small room, heading straight out of the bar.

The next morning, Jimmy first went to the bathroom to clean up, then checked the wounds on his body in the mirror before getting back in bed and pulling out his phone to call Steven Gomez, an agent from the DEA Albuquerque office.

The call connected, but before Jimmy could speak, Steven was already talking, "Hey, Jimmy! Long time no talk. Are you in Albuquerque again?"

Jimmy: "Oh, no, Steven, I'm out of town. How's everything going?"

Steven: "I'm doing alright, you know, things are pretty quiet on our end."

Jimmy: "Good to hear. I heard someone at your office was ambushed by the Mexican cartel, so I called to check. Glad you're okay."

Steven's tone dropped significantly, and he sighed, "Yeah, I'm fine, really. But Hank was shot."

Jimmy's relaxed demeanor quickly turned tense. Hank was a decent guy—chatty, but likable. "How is he? Is it serious?"

Steven let out a slight "Hmm," "Pretty serious, but not life-threatening. He's out of the hospital and recovering at home now. Oh, I've been reassigned to the El Paso office, but with Hank injured, I might be transferred back."

Jimmy: "Oh? A promotion? Congratulations. But I still need to ask, how's Hank doing?"

Steven paused for a moment before continuing, "He can't walk yet. He injured near his spine and is going through therapy."

Jimmy: "Damn it, he won't be paralyzed, will he? In a wheelchair?"

Steven: "No, no, his lower body has regained nerve response. Doctors believe with long-term therapy he can recover fully. But it'll take time and the therapy is quite painful."

Jimmy paused, "I'd like to visit Hank, is that possible? Help me check."

Steven: "Of course, he'd be thrilled to see you. But... since the incident, he's changed a bit, so... "

Jimmy: "Oh, no worries, I'm aware. Thanks, Steven, give him a call for me."

Steven: "Alright, I'm heading into the office. We'll talk later. Goodbye, Jimmy."

Jimmy hung up the phone, sitting idly on the bed.

The one ambushed was Hank. When he first heard the news yesterday, he really thought it was Steven Gomez, as Steven had a brother possibly linked with the CIA and potentially handling Juarez-related business. If the brother offended the Mexican cartels or drug dealers and was targeted for revenge, it would make sense. But it turned out to be Hank.

Jimmy had been ambushed several times before but always managed to turn the tables and ensure his safety. Hank was obviously not as formidable as Jimmy, who knew well how ruthless Mexican assassins could be—just look at the intensity of the Juarez drug conflicts. Hank must be seriously hurt.

Besides, his relationship with Steven and Hank wasn't particularly close—more of a professional acquaintance. Every visit to Albuquerque involved some face time, so he didn't get any calls about Hank's injury. But now that he knew, not acknowledging it would be a disgrace.

After considering the situation, he needed a few more days before going home, at least until his wounds healed enough that bandages and changing dressings were unnecessary. Even if Nia worried, it had to wait until things blew over. Going home like this would surely earn him scolding, maybe even keep him from holding the kids. So visiting Albuquerque should be feasible.

With a decision made, Jimmy began organizing, first meeting up with James Kage to say hi, then booking a flight to Albuquerque.

Albuquerque was a great place; Jimmy had several unexpected gains here, even keeping a safe deposit box at a local bank with some private finds—not easy to cash in, though.

Steven called back. Hank was at home resting and in therapy, so Jimmy was to go directly there as he knew the address. But nighttime wasn't an appropriate time. Jimmy checked into a hotel downtown and looked around a rehabilitation center, picking out a gift for Hank.

The next morning, armed with a gift box and flowers, Jimmy knocked on Hank's door. But Jimmy clearly arrived at the wrong time—he could only see someone sitting by the bedside, leaning against the wall, engrossed in something, with no one else in the house.

Jimmy saw the person in bed turn and shout something but made no attempt to get up. It had to be Hank, which was awkward. With Hank's mobility issues and Mary not home, Jimmy set the flowers aside and called Hank on the phone.

Fortunately, Hank answered. Once he learned Jimmy was at the door, Hank apologized, saying Mary went grocery shopping and would return shortly. Steven Gomez only called saying Jimmy would visit—it wasn't expected he'd show up the very next day from New York, so Mary wasn't home to greet him.

Jimmy was exasperated. His luck was really down. Luckily, Hank knew how to let Jimmy in; otherwise, he'd be stuck outside. Yet, who climbs through windows to visit a patient, Jimmy mused, grumbling as he moved to the rear, entering through an unlocked window.

Hank didn't exactly treat Jimmy as an outsider. After all, Jimmy had traveled a long way to see him—sending Jimmy back without meeting was unthinkable.

Jimmy walked into the bedroom and almost didn't recognize Hank. Hank had clearly gained weight, albeit from lack of exercise, his facial stubble suggested a while without grooming. He looked quite haggard and downcast.