North America Gunman Detective

Chapter 1553 - 832: Investigation_2

It's no longer the era of Western expansion, and the traditional sheriff no longer fits into modern society. But Jimmy's records are laid out clearly for all to see—this is a volatile old Western white male sheriff with Chinese features. In his domain, he is the biggest king, and things or people he doesn't like get forcibly suppressed or even eradicated. The gang members and criminals who died at his hands can attest to this. As such a person grows and expands their territory, they pose a significant threat to certain individuals, and even physical elimination may not be the ultimate solution.

The key is Jimmy isn't lacking money, nor does he like spending extravagantly. This personality trait is in line with his Chinese ethnic characteristics. To corrupt Jimmy would require significant manpower and resources, possibly backfiring fatally, as he's currently like a hedgehog with its quills raised, tough to deal with.

No matter his various problems, no one hopes to let such a star detective slip away, even if just to serve as the face of the Manhattan office. Jimmy completely deserves to take the lead among agents of various national Special Service Bureau institutions, and this is his greatest value to the Manhattan office.

As for him handling a few more cases or whatever, it's meaningless. There are so many cases, anyone can solve them or even shelve them, as everyone has some old cases in their hands.

Everything Dave does is required to be secretive and low-key, so even though Jimmy has returned to work, he hasn't noticed anything unusual. Of course, this is mainly because after starting work, he spends time sipping tea and idling in the office. The key is he can't proactively ask who exactly is investigating him, right?

Dave has explicitly stated that the private detective was hired by him, making the account information acquired from the private detective meaningless. He originally planned to have Mahong help deal with it, but now he can only visit Mahong's office for a chat.

A few days later, Ruiz met Dave at a club and presented his investigation results.

Ruiz: "The progress isn't smooth because too much time has passed. The surveillance records from the hotel lobby where Jimmy got engaged have already been destroyed. They currently only keep monthly backups and real-time records for a week, but I've found external surveillance from other places, spotting several people who attended his engagement ceremony."

Ruiz handed over two surveillance photos to Dave: "USSS Special Service Bureau, John Butler, DIA Defense Intelligence Bureau, David Clinton. These two identities are public and confirmed. The others appearing in the surveillance are our old acquaintances, including Noah Watson."

Dave found it hard to suppress his expression as he looked at the surveillance photos. From the engagement to the wedding, everyone's focus was mainly on Jimmy and Kevin. After all, one is the groom, the other the NYPD director— their network was most worth noting, considering most people in the Manhattan office need to deal with locals. Kevin, as the director, was their main focus, not realizing there were two big shots hidden here.

Dave: "I remember Jimmy received commendations from the USSS, right?"

Ruiz: "Yes, his desk and walls have many awards and medals from the USSS, court police, DEA, and other agencies."

Dave: "Then what's the deal with the DIA Defense Intelligence Bureau?"

Ruiz shook his head; this person was clearly brought over through personal connections, gathering information on him is tough. His identity is quite sensitive, as military operates in their own system, unrelated to the FBI. Ruiz used personal connections for investigation, mainly because his military uniform made identification easy.

Dave returned the photos to Ruiz: "Destroy them, let's pretend nothing happened."

Ruiz regained the photos, lit them in the ashtray, "What's really going on?"

Dave was silent for a while, then fetched two cigars from a side rack. After lighting up, he spoke: "I think we might have misjudged him. Jimmy may be considering jumping ship."

Ruiz frowned, waiting for Dave to continue explaining, but Dave didn't proceed. After a few draws from the cigar, he said: "There's an elderly black man around him, you know?"

Ruiz nodded, having kept tabs on Jimmy since he vanished for a month; suddenly having such a person appear around him wouldn't happen without reason.

Dave: "I commissioned a private investigation without results. Jimmy discovered the detective I hired and, after confirming his identity, fiercely demanded I cease investigating this man. Finally, he revealed a tiny bit of information, suggesting this person might be related to the CIA, while Jimmy is deeply acquainted with the successive directors of New York's Anti-Terrorism Bureau, Noah Watson and Katherine Prado—you understand their status, right?"

After some thought, Ruiz spoke: "Did he disappear for a month to go somewhere secluded? A training camp? This black man..."

Dave's expression soured, nodding slightly, as he had considered what Ruiz was suggesting. This possibility seemed quite high, given how this elderly black man remained untraceable. It wouldn't be surprising if this man were a vital and covert figure within the CIA, trying to recruit Jimmy. Dave wasn't sure if Jimmy might directly return to the unit his mother worked for.

The two men worryingly smoked their cigars, with Ruiz being the first to lose patience: "Thinking this way isn't a solution. We must do something to retain him."

Dave slowly nodded, "I understand. For now, do not contact him. I need some time."

Ruiz left half of his cigar on the ashtray, rose, and departed the room.

Dave's mind was a mess now. Although he was the head of the Manhattan office, it wasn't a private company. Many things still required cooperation from others, which was why he chose to suppress Jimmy.

Being the head of department does grant some unilateral powers at certain levels. Still, there is a need to compromise and negotiate terms with others. Yet, suppressing Jimmy means he should have gained something else elsewhere; that's his private matter.

Noticing his forthcoming key player's potential defection, he was naturally concerned things might go awry.

Besides Ruiz, another crucial figure was Hughes. It's not like Dave lacks other channels for investigation; the key is that not many people know Jimmy well enough who also have relations with him. Despite Jimmy's extensive network, close associates aren't many, mostly acquaintances or collaborators. To truly understand his background, Hughes, the retired old man, is most suitable.

Hughes certainly didn't disappoint Dave; he soon came out for a meeting. This time, not at a club, but directly seated on a park bench.

Hughes also delivered bad news, "We were mistaken. Watson isn't Jimmy's backer; they are merely acquainted. Behind, there's a bigger figure, likely at the deputy director level or even higher."

Dave: "Is that confirmation?"

Hughes: "I went to Washington D.C. once to meet Watson, who explicitly refused me, hinting that the investigation involves people above his level. Yes, I can confirm it's not someone at a supervisory level."

Dave was silent for a while and mentioned, "During Jimmy's wedding, someone from the DIA appeared at the scene."

Hughes: "I think you should understand; some people are like water: they can't be contained. If the pressure is too high, the barrel bursts, and you're left with a broken barrel."

Dave nodded, rose directly, and left.