American Tax Officer

After handling the matter, it was almost 10 p.m.

With yet another court session in Henderson City and the exhausting travel, David felt somewhat tired and went home to fall into a deep sleep.

The time came to 8 a.m. the next day.

After a night of rest, David was feeling refreshed and ready to go to the office to handle today's affairs after brushing his teeth.

But just then, a sudden ring of his cell phone went off.

He quickly rinsed out his mouth and picked up the cell phone on his bedside table. Seeing that it was Keanu calling, he hurriedly answered.

"What's the situation, Inspector Keanu?"

"Sorry to disturb you so early, Director David. Did I interrupt?"

"Not at all, I was just about to head to the office."

"That's good. Oh, by the way, I heard you just came back from Henderson City. I must say, you did a splendid job in both cities, really making our Tax Bureau proud."

"You flatter me, Inspector Keanu."

"Oh right, about those two big cases… Have you encountered any difficulties, or is there anything our Main Street Precinct can help with?"

On the surface, Keanu was asking if he had any difficulties or needed help from the Main Street Precinct.

But in reality, David could hear an urging tone in his words.

However, he did not point this out, replying, "There are no difficulties for the time being. The counterfeit money case has some leads, and if things go well, it could be settled by today; if not, then maybe the day after tomorrow!"

"Really, that's great!"

On the other end of the phone, Keanu's voice sounded very happy, then he said, "Alright then, I won't bother you any longer, Director David."

After finishing the call, David put on his coat, picked up his badge and service weapon, then went downstairs to buy a cup of coffee and a hot dog before walking to his office at the bureau.

Knowing that he had arrived at the office, Simmons quickly came over and reported, "Last night, that guy went back to the casino and played until 3 a.m. Of the one million in counterfeit bills exchanged, he lost half a million, and the remaining half a million were laundered into real money through the casino, then he went back home, nothing unusual."

David nodded and said, "Regarding the smuggling case, didn't you say you found several related individuals? Bring them in first."

"Yes."

Simmons turned and walked out immediately.

About an hour later, someone knocked on the office door, and then Simmons walked in, saying, "Director, we have brought them in. They're in the interrogation room!"

David immediately stopped his work and went to the third-floor interrogation room. Upon entering, he found two men and a woman sitting inside.

[Name: Augustus Lambert.]

[Occupation: Smuggling Goods Broker.]

[Illegal Income: Two Million USD.]

[Income Details: On December 7, acted as a middleman for a smuggling syndicate to a buyer named Morrison through an ivory transaction, profiting 300,000 USD. On December 18, connected a buyer named Rutherford for the smuggling syndicate, profiting 200,000 USD through the sale of antelope horns...]

[More Details:...]

[Tax Owed: 792,000 USD.]

...

[...]

In an instant, David had reviewed the information on the three individuals.

Simmons and his team were right: these three were indeed linked to the Main Street smuggling case.

As for their identities, they were brokers for the group, specifically tasked with introducing buyers for the smuggled goods.

While David was sizing up the three, upon seeing his face, they all displayed wary expressions.

Clearly, they recognized David.

David collected his thoughts and asked, "Do you know me?"

The man named Augustus tried to maintain his composure, responding, "Joking, Director David. You've been quite the sensation lately. Few in Las Vegas wouldn't know you..."

"Since you know me, I'll cut to the chase, do you know why we've brought you here?"

The three exchanged glances, then Augustus shook his head, "I'm not sure about that..."

"Stop pretending. I know you're brokers for the smuggling group. Just answer some questions honestly and pay the taxes you owe, and I'd rather not make things difficult for you!"

"I... We're not any kind of brokers, don't talk nonsense!"

Seeing how stubborn these individuals were, David's expression turned cold as he said, "What were you doing on December 7, 2021?"

Augustus looked guilty, but still stubbornly said, "I... I can't remember..."

"Can't remember?"

David scoffed, "Then let me refresh your memory. On December 7, you used contacts to find a retired fund manager in Main Street named Morrison, and you brought him four high-quality ivory tusks from the smuggling syndicate. This deal was for 1.5 million, and you took a commission of 300,000. Ring any bells?"

Upon hearing this transaction mentioned, Augustus's face changed drastically.

But before he could respond, David continued, "And on the 18th, you brought 20 pairs of high-quality antelope horns from the smuggling syndicate to a buyer named Rutherford. This deal was worth one million, and you took a commission of 200,000."

"And there's more..."

"Stop! I don't want to hear anymore!" Augustus interrupted, then with a defeated tone said, "Since you've got everything figured out, I concede. I'll pay the taxes owed!"