Chapter 175 One Case, Two Directions
That night.
After the fourth team wrapped up, Alexander immediately called Samuel.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Samuel, you still up?"
"Yeah, what's up?"
"The police chief got a tip tonight. The Riverside District landfill murderer was spotted in the Pine Street shelter community," Alexander explained quickly. "Jasper took us there, but we missed the guy. We did find a phone and a ledger, though."
"Alright, I'm listening," Samuel replied.
"We haven't checked the phone yet, but the ledger shows Duke owes money to some gun dealers. It also mentions Zephyr," Alexander said with a grin. "This pretty much proves Zephyr's involved in the gun trade."
"What are you getting at?" Samuel asked.
After a moment, Alexander said, "Samuel, it's clear William and Adam are teaming up. Otherwise, Jasper wouldn't be looking into this. Should we follow this lead?"
"Just mentioning Zephyr in the ledger isn't enough," Samuel frowned. "We can't nail Adam with that."
"We can't get to Adam now, but what if we dig deeper?" Alexander's mind raced. "If Zephyr's death stirs things up, even if we can't take someone down, we can make Adam nervous."
"His son's already dead. Isn't this a bit harsh?" Samuel asked, half-joking.
"Zephyr had it coming; it was fate," Alexander said bluntly. "And Adam and William are getting too close. We'll have trouble later. Better to strike first."
Samuel thought for a moment and then said, "If you see a chance, go for it. But if something feels off, pull out immediately. Be flexible, got it?"
"Got it," Alexander nodded.
"Alright, that's it."
They ended the call.
John, sitting in the car, turned to Alexander. "What did Samuel say?"
"Samuel's sharp. If I see the opportunity, so does he," Alexander replied with a smile. "He gave us the green light to dig deeper."
John blinked. "What's the plan?"
"Look for the Milo mentioned in the ledger," Alexander said after a moment. "He was with Duke when they got this batch of goods."
"I bet that guy's already skipped town."
"Find out him indirectly," Alexander instructed. "And check the phone we found in the house as soon as you get back. Jasper might destroy evidence for the Wilde family."
"He wouldn't dare," John replied with a smile. "Xavier already took pictures of the phone. If Jasper loses it, I'll report him to the inspector."
The next morning.
William called Adam.
"Hello? William."
"Mr. Wilde, just a heads-up," William said, frowning. "Last night, Jasper followed a lead on those murderers and led a team to catch them, but they got away."
"Yeah, I heard," Adam nodded.
"The case is moving along, but there's a snag," William continued. "The task force found a ledger in the house. It records Duke's debts and even mentions Zephyr."
Adam was stunned.
"Alexander was on the team last night," William reminded softly. "He saw the ledger, too."
Adam frowned at the news.
"The ledger isn't solid evidence, but it gives Alexander a lead," William continued. "You know he's against us. Zephyr's previous dealings will have to stop for a while. If Alexander catches a whiff, Samuel will definitely cause trouble."
"Jasper's the chief; can't he handle Alexander?" Adam's voice was icy.
"Mr. Wilde, the Black Street District police station is more complicated than other districts," William explained, sounding frustrated. "Alexander has Samuel backing him, so even Riley can't do much."
"Alright, I'll inform Zephyr's company," Adam nodded.
"Don't worry, Jasper's making progress. He was just a step away from catching those guys last night."
"William, I appreciate your efforts," Adam said after a pause. "In tough times, true friends show their colors. With Zephyr gone, not only are you putting in effort, but many friends are helping me. Rest assured, I remember all the favors. Once this is over, we'll sit down and talk properly."
"Mr. Wilde, you're too kind," William was already thrilled by Adam's words.
"I understand your intentions," Adam sighed. "Let me get through this, and we'll talk in detail."
"Take care of your business first."
"Alright, that's it."
They ended the call.
In the Wilde family hall in the Riverside District, Adam sat on the sofa. After a long silence, he said, "Tell Alfonso Romero I'll see him after the funeral tomorrow."
"Got it," Milton nodded.
River State.
Coco, with her hands behind her back, led Eric and Andrew through the brightly lit warehouse, smiling. "These goods are all for Pine City."
"That's quite a lot!" Eric looked at the neatly stacked boxes. "Andrew, how much do you think we'll make from all this?"
"At least $300,000," Andrew estimated conservatively.
Eric looked at the goods, his eyes filled with excitement and determination. "Once we get the money, I'll send Mom to River State Hospital and find a tutor for my little sister."
"Make money," Coco turned back and said. "With money, you can have everything."
"I can't stand you gold diggers," Andrew teased. "I don't think money can solve everything."
"Then tell me, what can't be solved by money these days?" Coco asked, grinding her teeth.
"I want to marry you. Can money make that happen?" Andrew said directly.
Coco was stunned for a long time. "You win. You're right."
Eric opened a box and looked at the drugs inside. "You and Robert get to Pine City in the next few days and re-establish the business network. I'll personally deliver this batch of goods."
"Okay," Andrew nodded. "I'll call Alexander tonight and head back with Robert in the next couple of days."
"Alright," Eric nodded.
Pine City, Black Street District police station.
Riley, holding the phone, said to Jasper, "Your bribery punishment has come through. Come to my office."
Fifteen minutes later, Jasper stood in the deputy chief's office, holding the punishment notice, his eyes wide with anger. "Damn it, why? Just for $1,000, do I deserve a public reprimand throughout the entire police department? Not allowed to participate in any evaluations for two years? Fuck, I'd rather be fired! Damn it, this must be Alexander's doing, definitely him!"
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