American Tax Officer

After the explanation, David finally understood the situation and, after a moment of contemplation, he responded, "Deputy Director Donald, according to what you're saying, the committee believes we've launched an investigation into the Congressman. But what if I've never investigated him?"

"You've never investigated? Then how did you know about Phipps and the shipyard dealings during the TV debate?"

"I indeed have not investigated. As to how I knew about the shipyard's business, as I said during the TV debate, it was hearsay."

David truly hadn't investigated Phipps because the information he received had simply been presented to him externally.

"Hearsay? Are you sure, David? We're not strangers here. Is there anything you can be frank with me about?"

Donald still found it hard to believe. How could hearsay reveal such detailed dealings of the shipyard?

"I've been very honest, Deputy Director Donald, and there's nothing for me to deny. I truly just received news from other sources and have never investigated Senator Phipps."

The phone was silent for five seconds before a voice came through, "Alright, wait for my call!"

About half an hour later, David's phone rang, and seeing that it was Donald calling, he immediately picked up.

"We've communicated with the committee, but they don't believe your Western Suburb Branch hasn't investigated Phipps. Therefore, the committee has decided to send an investigative team to your Western Suburbs Branch. Is there any problem with that?"

"No problem at all, I welcome it!"

"Good, the investigative team is from the FBI California Office and should arrive at your Western Suburbs Branch soon. Please cooperate when they arrive!"

"Understood."

After ending the call, the corners of David's mouth lifted slightly.

Those three guys, Phipps, only wanted to initiate an investigation into the Congressman as a pretext to cause a conflict between the committee and themselves.

But if the investigative team came and found nothing, then naturally the committee would have nothing to say, and those three could finally shut their mouths!

At two o'clock in the afternoon, David, who had been notified, was already waiting in the lobby on the first floor.

He might not care much for the FBI California Office, but these people also had another identity, an investigative team sent by the congressional committee, so he had to show them some respect.

Soon, a Ford Explorer stopped at the entrance, the doors opened, and four men in suits who looked very competent stepped out.

The leading man, who wore sunglasses, extended his hand and introduced himself to David as he approached, "Director David, hello, my name is Hulitt, an agent from the FBI California Office."

"Agent Hulitt, hello."

"I'm here on behalf of the Congressional Tax Committee to conduct an investigation. Please don't take offense if there's any offence, Director David."

As an FBI agent, Hulitt, of course, knew David was not someone to be trifled with; therefore, to be frank, he did not want to accept this assignment in the first place.

After all, it was not an easy task to come to the Western Suburbs Branch and conduct an investigation on someone else's turf.

However, there was no choice. After the Congressional Tax Committee reviewed his record and learned of his capability as one of California's most able agents, they specifically requested him by name. Feeling pressured, he had no option but to come.

"Not at all, since the committee sent you to conduct the investigation, we at the Western Suburbs Branch will cooperate fully!"

After saying this, David turned and pointed to Keanu, introducing him, "This is Deputy Director Keanu from our branch, he will assist you with whatever you need."

"Thank you, Deputy Director Keanu."

"No need to be polite, Agent Hulitt."

After they shook hands and made initial introductions, David spoke up, "Agent Hulitt, most of the information, records, and data at our Western Suburbs Branch are available for your team to review. However, since some taxpayers' details are confidential due to privacy regulations, we cannot disclose this information to you. Is that going to be a problem?"

"No problem, let's get started then."

Hulitt was assigned to check whether the Western Suburbs Branch had indeed conducted any investigation on the Congressman and thus had no reason to pry into the privacy of IRS taxpayers.

David nodded, then had Keanu lead the investigative team to start their review, while he himself returned to his office.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Nisen entered and said, "Director, you asked me to check on Stevenson's recent activities, and I have some leads."

"Let's hear it."

David folded his hands and listened with interest.

"According to the Intelligence Section's data, this guy, after being ousted in Nevada State, made his way to New York State. Backed by 'Haoshen' and 'Wolfate', two Wall Street financial firms, he has made a significant name for himself in the state's second-largest city, Buffalo City. Reliable rumors indicate that he has secured his party's nomination and is preparing to run for Senator before the midterm elections."

"Oh?!"

David's expression was somewhat surprised because with New York being the top global city, New York State's influence was not to be underestimated, with its economy and significance ranking third in the nation, right behind Texas and California.

And for those vying for the two coveted Senatorial seats from that state, it was truly a case of all the king's horses and all the king's men.

That Stevenson dared to run in such a challenging state and even managed to secure the party's nomination was indeed surprising.