A Tearful Reunion
Walking into the office and seeing his Young Master after so many days, Charlie's lips trembled, and he couldn't help but burst into tears. Recalling the various indignities he had suffered over the past month, tears flowed uncontrollably.
A man in his mid-twenties sobbing loudly made for a truly bizarre scene.
Luke's face remained stern. "What are you crying for? So many people are watching. Aren't you embarrassed? Get a hold of yourself."
Charlie wiped his tears, looking utterly wronged.
"Boss, I missed you."
Luke: "..."
If you were a woman, I might be touched. Unfortunately, you're a man.
"That's enough, that's enough."
Luke waved his hand dismissively. His eyes swept over the bruises on Charlie's face; a flash of murderous intent appeared and immediately vanished. He then instructed Cindy, who was trying to stifle a laugh nearby:
"Take him downstairs for an injury assessment. I want a detailed injury report."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the awkward, slightly warm atmosphere in the room instantly evaporated. The agents were reminded of the true purpose of Luke's visit.
Temporary Chief Mike Gray cleared his throat. Two FBI agents stepped forward and blocked the doorway, preventing the two from leaving.
"What is the meaning of this, sir? Was the bail money I paid not enough?"
"Not at all," Mike Gray said with a faint smile. "Mr. Wills is connected to a murder case. He cannot be released until the matter is fully investigated."
"Murder?"
Luke frowned and glanced at Charlie, who shouted in fury,
"It's a lie! They're all lying! These damned FBI bastards! I didn't kill anyone! They framed me!"
Luke raised his hand, signaling him to be quiet. He picked up the teacup and took a sip. A bitter taste hit his tongue. He frowned, tossed the cup aside, and addressed Osman March behind him.
"Mr. Gray says Charlie is suspected of murder. Charlie says he didn't do it. What's your take?"
"Leave it to me, Mr. Shaw."
March smiled, exuding confidence. As a renowned criminal defense lawyer in Metropolis, he had handled too many similar cases.
"Mr. Gray, according to my understanding, my client, Mr. Wills, was merely framed for drug smuggling. When did a murder case become involved? Could you please elaborate?"
Mike Gray narrowed his eyes. He hated lawyers, especially criminal defense lawyers. Those bastards should all go to hell.
March stepped forward, increasing the pressure.
"As Mr. Wills's attorney, I have the right to know the charges against my client. Please answer my question, Mr. Gray."
Mike Gray snorted coldly. "The murder case involves national security secrets. I am not obliged to explain it to you."
"National security secrets?"
Osman's lips curled up, but he quickly maintained a neutral expression. As a top lawyer, he couldn't afford to show sarcasm; it looked unprofessional.
"You jest, sir. I am quite clear on the FBI's regulations. If my client genuinely threatened national security, he should be transferred to the FBI headquarters for interrogation, not kept at the Metropolis field office. Furthermore, any criminal case involving national security secrets requires a special arrest warrant issued by the FBI Headquarters and authorized by the White House."
"Mr. Gray, do you have that warrant?"
Before the other party could answer, he continued, "Of course, you don't. The White House hasn't issued a similar warrant since the Star City bombing last September. How could you possibly have one? Even if you did, it would be a forgery."
"Forging government documents, depriving a citizen of his rights, and attempting to frame someone—Mr. Gray, as a law enforcement official, you are repeatedly breaking the law."
After his speech, the air was instantly quiet. This was professionalism.
Luke clicked his tongue in appreciation. Truly worthy of being a top defense lawyer for the underworld. His eloquence is undeniable. It's just that the price is a bit high—half a million dollars for one appearance. That's practically robbery.
Mike Gray's expression was grim. He had attempted a casual bluff, but his opponent immediately found the weakness and launched a sharp verbal attack that left him unable to counter.
Ultimately, he had been too careless. If he had known Luke Shaw would return so soon, he should have made more preparations. He wouldn't have been caught completely off guard.
Osman adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. By observing the reactions of those around him, he roughly guessed what had happened. The alleged murder case was completely fabricated—a ridiculous, albeit common, FBI trick.
"Mr. Gray, do you have anything else to say about the alleged murder case? As my client's attorney, I have the right to know the facts. This right is guaranteed by the Constitution. If you refuse to comply, I will be forced to resort to legal action."
Mike Gray's face darkened. The matter regarding Melissa was confidential and could not be revealed publicly. But if he didn't explain the charge, how could he justify his actions? He couldn't just invent it out of thin air!
"It's fine if you refuse to speak. I've recorded our conversation just now. I trust a judge will compel you to speak."
With that, he pulled back his jacket to reveal a beautifully decorated recording pen.
The faces of the people around him instantly changed. That damned lawyer is recording in an FBI office!
The senior agents who knew the inside story exchanged meaningful glances, then uniformly looked at Chief Gray. The latter remained silent for a moment before raising his right hand.
"Let them go."
The two agents blocking the door stepped aside. Under countless complex gazes, Cindy and Charlie marched out.
With their departure, the FBI would be placed entirely on the defensive. Charlie's injuries were real, and once an injury report was produced, they were completely ruined.
Chief Gray must be regretting it now, the agents thought. After all, he was the one who sent that maniac Elijah. When the inevitable internal investigation came, he couldn't escape responsibility—unless...
Realizing what that implied, the senior agents exchanged looks again, then silently turned away.
As things stood, the murder case was essentially dead.
Osman felt a slight disappointment. He had to be called in for such a flimsy case—a waste of time.
"Mr. Shaw, do you have any other requests?"
Luke smiled. "You've done an excellent job. I'll take it from here."
"Very well."
Osman nodded slightly and returned to his original spot. As a professional lawyer who loved money, he was excellent at reading the room.
Luke straightened up and spoke clearly, one word at a time:
"It seems the so-called murder case is unfounded. You used an unsubstantiated murder charge to slander the acting President of ShowMe, causing incalculable damage to ShowMe's reputation. As the owner of ShowMe, I will demand an explanation from the FBI. This matter is far from over."
"All of you, expect to receive a lawsuit notice."
Mike Gray's mouth twitched, his gaze turning dark. As a high-ranking FBI official, no one had ever dared to speak to him this way. Luke Shaw was the first, and he would be the last.
Don't think no one knows about the Melissa incident. You, Charlie Wills, and that alien girl—none of you will escape.
The authority of the FBI would not be challenged.
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