American Tax Officer

"Ladies and gentlemen, according to the information we have at the moment, the trial against the drug trafficking organization within the Western Suburb Branch's jurisdiction is scheduled to begin at ten o'clock. As the IRS's court proceedings are always closed to the public, we can only wait outside for news. Please continue to watch our station."

"Hello, viewers. Director David of the Western Suburbs Branch has been in office for only three days, and this case is his first since taking on the role. Let's see what the outcome will be..."

In the midst of media commentary, the time reached 9:30 AM.

At that moment, someone shouted at the scene, and everyone turned their heads to look, only to see Director David leading a group of Western Suburbs Branch officers who had already arrived on site.

The media were just about to swarm for interviews, but they were held back by inspectors from the Western Suburbs Branch and consequently failed to approach, only to watch helplessly as David walked inside.

"Our main character for today has arrived."
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Upon entering the bureau's lobby, Bureau Chief Felton immediately approached David and asked, "You're quick to act, Director David. Seems like you're pretty confident about this case?"

"With such a big case, how could I not be confident..."

"That's good. Oh right, let me introduce you."

Felton gestured behind him, and only then did David notice an approximately sixty-year-old man standing there. Although it was his first time meeting him, David wasn't unfamiliar with the man, for he was Vivian, the Western Suburbs Branch's former director.

"This is Vivian, the former director of your Western Suburbs Branch. I believe you're no stranger, Director David."

"Of course, hello Director Vivian."

"Director David, I am no longer the director. Just call me Vivian."

Vivian's tone carried a hint of emotion, and his gaze at David had a barely noticeable touch of resentment, something David naturally sensed, but he wasn't surprised.

After all, Vivian was forced to retire and lose the director's position on account of his capability, but also to make room for David.

Besides, the Rodrigozki case was investigated during Vivian's tenure, and now David had brought it up again, making quite the spectacle of it.

If the case were indeed to be successful this time, revealing a significant amount of tax evasion, wouldn't that comparison highlight the incompetence of the former director even more?

"Director David, Judge Nicola asked for you to visit her office to discuss the details of the case."

A staff member's interruption eased the awkwardness, and David said to the two, "Excuse me..."

"It's fine, go ahead, Director David."

Felton showed an understanding expression and, once David had left, he turned to Vivian and said, "Regardless, he is now the director of the Western Suburbs Branch. I don't think it's necessary for you to show him hostility."

"Felton, since the main bureau has made the decision, I have no objections, I accept it. But him digging up the old case I sealed, is clearly an attempt to stomp on my face to establish his authority!"

Indeed, one of the major reasons Vivian was displeased with David was this.

As the saying goes, 'Save face like a tree saves bark.'

After all, he's been mixed in with Los Angeles for so long; if David achieves greater success with this case, where would Vivian put his face?

"Let it go, Vivian. It's no big deal... Take it easy..."

The two were not only colleagues but also old friends for many years, and all Felton could do was try to console Vivian.

However, Vivian was not very appreciative; he snorted coldly, "He's been in office for just three days; I really want to see how he'll convict those Rodrigozki people!"

Felton could only shake his head helplessly, but he was also eager to see, once in court, just how much evidence David, the director who had been in office for only three days, had against the group.

Judge Nicola's office was on the seventh floor of the bureau. David knocked on the door and entered, extending his hand to the judge, who was around fifty: "Hello, Judge Nicola."

"Hello, Director David. I've got the gist of the case. I called you here just to reconfirm, are you certain your evidence is sufficient?"

Nicola was well aware that David had only been in office for three days and that the arrest of the Rodrigozki Group had only started yesterday. She was concerned that if the evidence in the trial was insufficient to secure a conviction, it could negatively impact the IRS's image.

"I am certain."

"Alright, then. For the personnel and witnesses you're looking to judge, what kind of sentencing arrangement would you like?"

Although Nicola had the final say in court, such cases often required consulting the case's primary investigator to decide the standard of punishment.

"In Nevada State, I've never been lenient with these large-scale tax evaders. I hope to continue that standard of sentencing here in Los Angeles."

"Got it..."

"Additionally, I have some witnesses who are insiders of the Rodrigozki Group, but I've reached an agreement with them to testify in exchange for non-prosecution. The specific list is here..."

David took out a list from his pocket and placed it in front of Nicola, who took a careful look and then nodded, "Okay, I'll handle it. Oh, by the way, there's something I need to inform you about. Today's court session will have a live broadcast feed. This is a requirement from the main bureau; they want to observe the real-time court proceeding."