Chapter 97: He Has Someone Backing Him
Ruby was driving back to the Federation at that moment. She told Erick that she had already spoken to the city bureau last night, but they said Henry had someone backing him, and they couldn't handle it. She also contacted Henry's backer, who assured her that as long as Erick complied with Henry's demands, his personal safety would be guaranteed.
Erick was stunned. Someone in the Federation that even his aunt couldn't handle? And Henry, a recently released convict, had such connections?
"Aunt," Erick was almost in tears, "He's leaving me no way out!"
"Erick," Ruby said, "You've made plenty of money over the years. He's even allowing you to take the items from the safe, which I think is him showing mercy because of me. You've been dancing on the edge of the law with this business; it's time to quit and do something else. If Henry wants it, just give it to him. You don't lack money."
Erick was completely bewildered. This wasn't just about money; it was about face! If Henry were a well-known wealthy scion or a high-ranking official's protege, it would be different. But he was just a country bumpkin with no apparent background. If he had such backing, why did he end up in jail for so many years? Why were his brother and sister-in-law still working under Jason?
But Ruby's tone left no room for doubt. Erick couldn't understand how someone in the Federation could be more powerful than Kevin. Ruby herself wasn't just a housewife; she had significant influence. How could she tolerate a recently released convict challenging her authority?
Unable to make sense of it, Erick decided not to give up. He didn't realize that without Ruby's intervention, Henry wouldn't have let him off so easily. He thought he could take the safe's contents unscathed, but that wasn't the case.
Without hesitation, he texted Kevin: "Uncle, can you take a call? It's urgent!"
Kevin had always told Erick to contact Ruby for any major issues. This was the first time Erick had texted him, making Kevin frown. There were no current police inspections in the Federation. What could be so urgent that Ruby couldn't handle it?
After a moment's thought, Kevin called Erick. Erick immediately explained Henry's attempt to take over the bar and that Ruby said she couldn't handle Henry's backer. Kevin was even more puzzled. Who in the Federation could Ruby not handle?
Without saying anything, Kevin hung up. Erick knew Kevin would verify the situation. Meanwhile, the administrative staff informed Erick that the district officers were still waiting.
Erick snapped, "Couldn't you tell them I'm not here?"
"But they saw your car outside, and..."
"And what?"
"Ella from the women's riot squad is here too."
Hearing that Ella was there, Erick fell silent. He told the staff to have them wait a bit longer.
"Erick," Kevin called Ruby immediately, "Are you back?"
Ruby replied, "I'll be home in half an hour."
"Did Erick call you? Who's behind this Henry that you can't handle?"
Ruby realized Henry was telling the truth. Besides her connection, Erick had established a relationship with Kevin, which likely involved more than just the bar's activities. Kevin might not know that Erick had leverage over him.
Ruby calmly said, "Erick's situation is complicated. If I could handle it, I would. Don't forget, he's a Tu, not an Oriental."
Kevin explained, "I'm just curious. Erick said this young man just got out of prison. How does he have such a powerful backer?"
"I'll just remind you not to get involved. You're about to land safely; don't crash over this small matter."
Kevin, understanding Ruby's implicit warning, realized that Erick's case was more serious than he thought. Ruby had never said anything like this before. Her direct hint indicated that she had heard something significant. Knowing that Ruby wouldn't say such things lightly, Kevin felt the problem was indeed complex.
"Got it," Kevin said, hanging up and calling Erick. "Erick, follow your aunt's advice."
With that, he hung up. Erick was now completely stunned and broke into a cold sweat. He was sure Kevin had confirmed that Henry indeed had a powerful backer, someone even Kevin couldn't handle.
"Hey, Ella..." Erick heard the administrative staff's voice outside, followed by a series of footsteps. The officers were getting impatient.
"Well, if it isn't Matthew and Ella," Erick greeted as he stepped out. "What brings you here? You could have called, and I would have come to your office."
Matthew was polite, conducting a routine investigation. Ella, however, was less patient, having waited long enough. She had barged in, with Matthew unable to stop her, let alone the office staff.
"Are you the owner, Erick?"
Matthew and the staff were surprised, thinking: Isn't she Erick's girlfriend? What's this act about?
Erick smiled. "Yes, I am Erick."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
