Chapter 107: The Truth Behind the Case and the Reward

“Good afternoon, Chief.”

Roan knocked on the door and entered Virenice’s office, finding her as usual, head down, writing reports.

“Sit,” Virenice said, her tone as steady as ever.

After gesturing for Roan to take a seat, Virenice flipped the document in her hand, crossed her legs, and looked up at him.

“August just told me you’ve caught the spotters for the first four bank robberies?”

“That’s right.” Roan nodded with a smile, briefly describing Chad’s identity and then, based on all available clues and evidence, giving Virenice a concise rundown of the case.

A film company in California, Golden Light Pictures, had fallen into financial trouble due to poor management, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.

Henry, the owner, had a half-brother—Isaac, a soldier returned from years of wreaking havoc abroad, who came back to the States earlier this year. Upon learning of the company’s plight, Isaac decided to help his brother. Of course, it’s possible Isaac simply wanted to make some quick money, with helping his brother being a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Coincidentally, Fletcher had just registered his screenplay with Hollywood. Isaac, through some means, acquired this script from Henry’s connections.

After a quick read and a few tweaks using his own experience, Isaac boarded a plane for New York to find his old comrade-in-arms, Hallkey.

Hallkey’s quality of life had always been poor, so he was quickly persuaded by his former brother-in-arms. Although, recalling Hallkey’s identity as a gay man, Roan suspected Isaac’s persuasion might not have been so straightforward.

Regardless of Isaac’s methods, after meticulous planning, the two began their criminal debut in New York.

One tattoo spotted by passersby was specifically designed by Hallkey, based on the screenplay, to mislead the police.

As for who helped Hallkey with the tattoo, according to information uncovered by William and other technical staff, Isaac had learned to tattoo and had inked fellow soldiers during his service.

“That’s the general outline of the case,” Roan said, flashing a grin at the shapely figure before him. “Our Fifth Investigation Group has two tasks ahead: First, locate the spotters for the other three bank robberies; second, apprehend Hallkey and Isaac immediately. August has already assigned these tasks.”

Of course, there was still one unresolved mystery in the case—the robbers of the fifth and sixth heists, the missing ‘female record keeper’ and ‘groom’ Brandon had mentioned. What was their story?

Given their ties to local gangs, Roan decided he’d ask Norton next time they went fishing, to see if he had any relevant news.

“Excellent.” Virenice narrowed her eyes, a smile curling on her lips, nodding with deep satisfaction after Roan’s report.

Without waiting for Roan to speak, Virenice’s expression returned to its usual calm. She cleared her throat and said coolly, “Since the case is solved, I’ll report it to the chief myself later. You don’t need to go this time.”

Roan’s smile remained unchanged, undisturbed by this news.

He was just an ordinary field agent, regularly meeting Virenice with August’s permission—they were both part of the same foundation.

As for Special Agent Supervisor Cobert, Roan had never heard Virenice or August mention any connection between Cobert and the Columbus Foundation, though Cobert was both the supervisor and August’s superior.

Virenice was a reliable ally, and Roan had no intention of switching camps. For someone of Cobert’s rank in the FBI, Roan thought it best to keep his distance.

First, to reassure Virenice that he had no plans to defect; second…

One was a man he’d met only once, exchanged fewer than ten words with, and whose attitude toward Roan was uncertain—a balding, Mediterranean-haired white man.

The other was a woman he’d met many times, spoken with often, greatly admired Roan, and possessed a shapely figure—almost ripe for promotion.

Even a fool knew which to choose.

“Good.”

Seeing Roan’s lack of dissatisfaction at her words, Virenice kept her composure but was inwardly very pleased. She’d judged him correctly.

She went straight to the point. “As I said before, if this case was solved within the deadline, you’d be promoted to Senior Agent. When I took you to meet the Special Agent Supervisor, he agreed. Once the case is fully resolved, the relevant documents will be officially sent to your Fifth Investigation Group.”

“Thank you, Chief.” Roan’s face broke into a sunny smile. After a pause, he raised his brow. “What about you, Chief? I remember…”

Virenice had previously mentioned that solving this case might allow her to move up another step.

A group supervisor’s next step was Special Agent Supervisor.

This was another reason Roan avoided Cobert: if his own ally had a chance to become the new Special Agent Supervisor, why cling to the old one?

Virenice was momentarily taken aback at Roan’s question.

After a brief silence, her eyes narrowed with a meaningful look as she leaned back, crossed her legs the other way, and answered calmly, “Cobert has served as Special Agent Supervisor of the FBI New York Division for a long time, with exceptional performance. Washington headquarters has taken notice.”

If nothing unexpected happened, in nine months, he, along with our Division’s Director and Deputy Director, would be promoted to Washington headquarters.

“Nine months?” Roan’s eyes lit up, immediately catching the key detail.

“Exactly.” Virenice’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction at Roan’s quick grasp.

Their conversation shifted, and after Virenice inquired about some case details, she rose to leave the office.

“By the way…”

Halfway up, Virenice suddenly remembered something, sat back down, and spoke to Roan.

“Remember I mentioned before that after catching the robbers of those six banks, the banks would offer a reward?”

“Of course.” Roan nodded; his motivation for cracking the case had always been that reward.

“However, banks are banks, after all. Their reward won’t be extravagant.”

Roan’s expression remained unchanged; he’d prepared for this. America is a capitalist country, and banks are the heart of capitalism—expecting them to pay a million-dollar reward like Sabina had, not even the President could make that happen.

Sure enough, Virenice continued, “After taking on the case, I contacted the banks. Each agreed: once the gang was caught, they’d pay a reward of $100,000.”

Roan’s eyes brightened—this was much more than he’d expected.

One bank’s reward might be modest, but there were six banks!

A hundred thousand per bank meant six hundred thousand in total.

Of course, the money would be shared among the entire Fifth Investigation Group.

But Roan’s share would be substantial.

As Roan lowered his head to calculate his potential cut, Virenice pulled a folder from the side and tossed it into his lap.

“One more thing.”

(End of chapter)