American Tax Officer

The man known as Director Arabella looked at David and stretched out his right hand with a smile, "Director David, I've been wanting to meet you for a long time, but seeing how busy you are with official duties, I didn't dare to disturb you. We finally have the chance to meet officially today!"

David was also meeting the city director for the first time, and he replied, "Director Arabella, hello!"

"Director David, you've been handling your cases well recently, especially this Dieter case, which has simply showcased the might of our Federal Tax Bureau..."

In the time that followed, Arabella kept praising David's case-handling skills. Meanwhile, David was outwardly agreeing, but he was actually discreetly sizing up some of the high-ranking officials and influential figures present.

From his observations, it seemed that many officials, whether in the city hall or city council, had issues with corruption and illicit profits.

But soon, when his gaze landed on a certain man, a hint of surprise appeared.

[Name: Angstorm Francis.]

[Profession: America Congressman.]

[Monthly Income: Legal income $19,650, Illegal income $650,000.]

[Income Details: On December 5th, received a bribe of $200,000 from a construction company in Las Vegas; on December 11th, helped a group company to obtain a remodeling plan for a large area in Las Vegas Street, profiting $200,000; on December 19th, received a bribe of $200,000 from the Native Americans...]

[More Details: ...]

[Tax Payable: $257,400.]

David had not expected this Congressman Angstorm to have such a close relationship with the Indian Tribe.

Could it be...

That Deputy Mayor Gray, who had come to negotiate with him before, was instructed by this man?

It must be so!

It's said that the Native Americans don't get along well with the city hall, but they have good relationships with the city council and even the State Legislature.

Since the Native Americans hold a large number of votes, both the city council and the State Legislature need to curry favor with them!

But having said that, Angstorm is indeed quite clever.

After sending out Gray, once he realized the matter couldn't be done, he immediately withdrew and kept a low profile, not getting involved with Dieter's case anymore, so he's managed to remain unscathed until now.

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If it weren't for David having a "bug" like the golden finger, he wouldn't even know about his dealings with the Indian Tribe.

"What's the matter, Director David, would you like to meet Congressman Angstorm? Let me introduce you!"

Seeing David staring intently at Angstorm, Arabella thought David wished to get acquainted with the Congressman, and promptly called out, "Congressman Angstorm!"

Angstorm, who was pretending to be engrossed in a conversation, frowned imperceptibly upon hearing his name.

Honestly, he wasn't keen on attending today's trial.

But he had no choice; the Federal Tax Bureau arrested Dieter yesterday, and the trial began today, so there was no time to come up with an excuse about being away on business.

And since everyone knew he was still in Las Vegas, and the Federal Tax Bureau had invited him, not showing up would be an obvious snub.

Moreover, it would make people suspect that he had connections with the Native Americans and was deliberately not attending the trial.

So he had to come.

He had noticed David's arrival earlier, and knowing David's effectiveness from Gray, he truly did not wish to deal with this young man.

But what he didn't expect was that the very thing he didn't want would happen – Arabella actually approached him.

Although reluctant, he didn't dare to ignore them publicly and had to turn around, forcing a smile, and, pretending as if he had just noticed Arabella, approached him saying, "Director Arabella, I didn't realize you had arrived just now, my apologies..."

Arabella waved his hand dismissively and replied, "No big deal. By the way, let me introduce you to our outstanding Director David from the Lake District Sub-Bureau Branch, who is also the chief commander of this case!"

Angstorm turned towards David, smiling as he extended his right hand and said, "Director David, I saw you on TV yesterday; you look much better in person than on the screen!"

David shook his hand and with a half-smile asked, "Congressman Angstorm, what do you think about this case?"

"It's despicable. Dieter's tax evasion is one thing, but him daring to resort to assassination is simply heinous. And the Indian Tribe too, for daring to shield him, must be severely punished. I've already sent word to the city hall; after your Federal Tax Bureau finishes handling this, an investigation will follow and they'll be dealt with seriously!"

Angstorm spoke with righteous indignation. If one didn't know his true colors, they might actually be fooled by his facade of professionalism.

David's smile grew even more pronounced as he looked at him and said, "Is that so, Congressman Angstorm? But I've heard that... the city council might have some connections with the Indian Tribe. Of course, that's just what I've heard!"

At these words and seeing David's suggestive expression, a pang of fear struck deep in Angstorm's heart.

Could it be that David had uncovered his dealings with the Indian Tribe?

According to Gray's account, David was very meticulous with the evidence of his bribery and tax evasion.

It seemed quite possible that the young man might have discovered some leverage against him...

The more he thought about it, the more panicked he became, but on the surface, Angstorm replied with feigned composure, "The city council does not have any relations with the Indian Tribe, Director David, you shouldn't listen to some irresponsible media that sensationalize!"

He didn't know whether David had heard from someone else or found out on his own, so he blamed it on the media.

"Is that so? Well, maybe I heard wrong then..."

The other party, after all, was a member of the legislature, one of the most powerful figures in America.

Moreover, they had not offended him, so at this stage, David was also not planning to offend them or to burn bridges.

"Director David, Judge Kiesa has asked you to stop by his office!"

While the two were discussing these matters, a staff member from the municipal bureau came over to remind them.

After greeting Arabella, William, and others, David followed the staff member to the door of an office on the fifth floor.

After knocking, he heard the words "Come in," and then he entered.

Inside sat a man around 60 years old; he was the Chief Tax Officer's specialized judge, Kiesa Quentin.

"Director David, I've reviewed the trial personnel files you submitted. Is there anything that needs to be added or explained?"

Because David, when capturing those criminals, might have involved plea bargains and verbal deals.

Thus, Kiesa had to ask clearly first, lest a mix-up on the court floor turned into an ordeal.

David explained: "Tewin, Dieter, and Virginia, these three can be sentenced as usual, but as for the hitman Iman, I originally reached an immunity deal with him that he would serve a maximum of seven years. All other informants will enjoy plea bargains, let them continue to generate tax revenue for our bureau."

Kiesa nodded and then asked, "Is that all, nothing more?"

"That's all, Judge Kiesa!"

"Good, then let's prepare to begin the trial!"

David didn't waste further words and immediately turned to leave.

...

The eighth floor of the municipal bureau, the location of the Tax Office courthouse.

At this moment, the city hall, city council, and other invited attendees had already taken their seats.

Trials at the Tax Office often involve privacy issues.

For instance, informants like Baldwin and Sapir had been promised by David that if they came forward to testify, they would be exonerated.

But this exoneration only meant they were free of charges within the Tax Office.

In the judicial system, however, they were implicated in drug trafficking, violence, and other cases, hence they were guilty in the eyes of the law.

Therefore, to protect their privacy, the Tax Office generally does not invite media for public broadcasts.

As a result, only the invited individuals, staff of the Tax Office, and lawyers were present.

The time was 9:58 am.

Because David had been called away to speak with Kiesa just before, he had only now arrived at the scene.

After entering, he took his place right away in the front row of the spectator seats, as the person in charge of the case would need to provide statements and additional details during the trial.

10 o'clock on the dot.

"All rise!"

At that moment, from the right-hand passage of the judge's bench, Kiesa, clad in a black judge's robe, walked in, prompting the court staff to announce loudly.

Subsequently, everyone stood up in unison to show their respect for the law.

After Kiesa settled into his high-backed chair at the bench, everyone then sat down together.

"The trial for Dieter's tax evasion case will now commence!"

With that said, the Inspectors led out Dieter, Tewin, Virginia, and Iman from the left-hand passage.

Iman was relatively calm, having already mentally prepared himself, but for Tewin, Dieter, and Virginia, who had hardly slept the previous night, being brought to the court and seeing many familiar faces in the spectator seats caused their emotions to surge instantly.

Luckily, the Inspectors beside them were capable of subduing them forcefully, escorting them to the defendants' bench.

At this time, if anyone in the courtroom struggled internally, it was a lawyer named Taryn, situated below the defendants' bench.

He had been approached by the Indian Tribe the night before, asked to come to court today to defend Dieter, Tewin, and Virginia.

As a lawyer, he'd of course not turn down money, especially since the Native Americans were known for their generosity.

But as soon as he fully grasped the extent of Dieter's case, he was dismayed.

Who could win against the Tax Office in court?

And given the heinous nature of Dieter's case!

Even if the Dream Team of Lawyers who overturned Simpson's case were to come, at best they could only go through the motions!