Chapter 200 Joe's First Move
The car crunched through the snow and sped off.
Andrew stood on the steps and yelled, "Emily, when you get a chance, ask your friend to catch a movie with us!"
Early morning, Riverside District.
William sat on the Wilde family's sofa and said, "I don't think he's lying. He's told us everything he knows."
"Did he mention my re-election campaign for chief councilman?" Adam asked.
"Yeah," William nodded. "He also said Joe planned to stay in Pine City and run some businesses."
Adam closed his eyes for a few seconds before replying, "I think I know who's after me."
"Can you handle it?" William asked right away.
Adam thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "William, take me to the suburbs."
"Sure."
About half an hour later.
In front of a spacious private courtyard in the suburbs of Riverside District, Adam paced back and forth on the steps with his hands behind his back.
Inside the car.
Enrique looked at William and whispered, "Isn't this the Smith family's mansion in Riverside District?"
"The Smith family's got way more pull in Riverside District than we do in Black Street District. They handled half of Pine City's traffic planning and Riverside District's road construction. They've got a deputy mayor and two special legislative council members. They're a big deal around here," William explained softly. "The Smith family is Adam's main backer. They helped him become the chief district councilman."
"Oh, got it," Enrique nodded.
"I have a feeling that this whole mess started because Adam wants to get re-elected as chief district councilman," William sighed. "He's almost done with two terms, and over the years, he's snagged all the big profitable projects. Money and fame, he's got it all. Plus, Zephyr was too flashy when he was alive, so someone might have had enough."
"Is it a big family in Riverside District targeting him?" Enrique asked.
"At least a big one," William nodded.
While they were chatting, the gate of the Smith family mansion opened, and Adam walked in with a smile.
Pine City Industrial District was the heavy industry hub of the entire Ninth Special District, packed with industrial factories, including Pine City's two plants, ironworks, automobile production workshops, and many civilian facility construction units.
In the northern part of the Industrial District, behind a row of frozen and withered poplar trees, Joe smoked a cigarette, his eyes sharp.
A few minutes later.
An SUV covered in frost and snow slowly drove down the main road. Joe glanced at his watch and walked to the roadside to meet the car.
The horn honked, and the people inside signaled Joe to move aside.
Yet Joe stood his ground, smoking, and waved at the car.
The car stopped about sixteen feet away from Joe and turned on the high beams.
"What do you want?" the driver lowered the window and shouted.
Joe smiled and walked slowly towards the car.
The SUV's front passenger and left rear doors opened, and two young men in leather jackets with stern faces got out.
"It's okay," Joe smiled and waved at them, then walked to the car and said, "I need to talk to your boss."
"Who are you?"
Joe didn't respond and suddenly pulled open the right rear door.
"Don't move."
The two young men pointed their guns directly at Joe's head.
Inside the car, a well-dressed man in his thirties turned to Joe. "Do I know you?"
Joe lifted his shirt to reveal his right waist. "No, but we're in the same line of work."
The man was taken aback. "Rivals, huh? What do we have to talk about?"
"Just a quick chat." Joe grinned.
The man glanced at Joe's waist and then relaxed. "Alright, get in."
Joe took out his car keys and tossed them to the driver. "My car's at the intersection. Go get it. I'll drive the boss myself."
"What are you thinking?" the driver responded with a grim face.
Joe stared coldly at him. "For what we need to discuss, you can't hear."
The boss sat in the car, silent for a few seconds, then waved lightly at the driver. "This guy seems steady. It's fine. You get out."
"Boss," the driver frowned and turned back.
"Go," the boss waved.
The driver squinted at Joe and then stepped out of the car.
"Thanks." Joe nodded at the driver and got into the driver's seat.
The boss closed the door himself and asked, "Do you know where I'm going?"
"Yeah." Joe released the handbrake and shifted gears. "I know you and this area well."
"Alright, let's go." The boss nodded and took out his phone to continue playing a game.
The car started moving slowly again, wobbling along the winding country road.
Joe, uncomfortable with the car's fresh scent, kept sniffing and asked, "Buddy, you ex-military guys live better than civilians, huh?"
The boss was stunned. "I've been around for a while, so I have more free time."
"How much can you make if running a factory in a year?" Joe asked casually.
The boss, looking at his phone, replied lightly, "If you have something to say, just say it. Don't beat around the bush."
"I'm a bit scared to say it." Joe looked conflicted.
"If you're scared, why did you get in my car?"
"That's right," Joe scanned the roadsides, lowered the window, and spat outside. "There were six of us who came to Pine City. Two died on the road a few days ago, and one was caught."
Hearing this, the boss slowly looked up, already knowing Joe's identity.
"I can't accept the result," Joe sniffed and continued. "I need your help."
"What does social business have to do with me?" the boss asked. "I make money in the Industrial District and only handle things within the lines. What do you need my help with?"
Joe suddenly turned, staring at the boss, and said word by word, "I found you, so you have to help."
"Buddy, you're a bit too arrogant. Pine City has millions of people. If everyone could walk around with a couple of firecrackers, wouldn't the place be full of big shots?" the boss asked with a smile.
Joe looked forward again and replied simply, "If your factory blows up, how big would the firecracker be? Big enough for me to walk around with?"
The boss frowned.
"Do you want to test if I'm bluffing?" Joe took out his phone and handed it to the boss. "There will be a call soon. Listen to it."
At the Smith family gate.
William and Enrique waited for over an hour before Adam came out with a grim face and got into the car.
"How did it go?" William asked.
Adam was stunned, then smiled and said, "All settled. No problem at all."
"Good." William nodded and glanced back at the Smith family courtyard.
Early the next morning.
Andrew returned to the police station and officially took over Alexander's work. This was the first time the two friends worked together, one giving advice behind the scenes, the other on the front lines.
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