Chapter 108: The Security Consultant and the Case’s Conclusion

He opened the folder, revealing a contract certification inside.

“What’s this?” Roan cocked his head at Veranis, somewhat puzzled.

“These are contracts from the banks that were robbed. They intend to hire internal FBI personnel as ‘security consultants’ for their banks.”

Hearing Roan’s question, a faint smile played at the corner of Veranis’s lips. She crossed her legs, then leaned forward and explained:

“When these banks learned of Broson’s public credentials and his record of solving cases over the years, they believed it wouldn’t be difficult for Broson to crack the case within the designated period. So, after a brief conversation with Special Agent Supervisor Colbert, the banks decided that, once the case was solved, they would hire Broson as a security consultant for these banks.”

At the mention of "consultant," Roan’s lips curled into a grin, and his eyebrows rose.

In America, besides the peculiar phenomenon of ‘legal political donations,’ there’s another called the ‘revolving door.’ This refers to former government officials taking positions in large corporations, lobbying groups, industry associations, or law firms after retirement or resignation—effectively, re-employment. Conversely, talents from these organizations are sometimes absorbed by the government, switching careers to become officials.

The role of consultant is a crucial position in this revolving door. What exactly a consultant does is often unclear, but everyone knows one thing: whoever hires a consultant will pay them a handsome salary.

Of course, Broson’s ‘security consultant’ job doesn’t rise to the level of the political revolving door. But as long as he becomes a security consultant, he’s guaranteed to receive a ‘consultant fee’ from the banks.

With this realization, a guess formed in Roan’s mind, and he looked up at Veranis.

Veranis narrowed her eyes slightly and continued in a calm voice:

“But Broson failed to solve the case within the allotted time, so he never took up the consultant position. The banks, however, did not withdraw the contract. Instead, they stated that whoever could solve the case would be offered the role of ‘security consultant.’ Now that you’ve cracked the case, that position naturally belongs to you.”

Roan’s eyes lit up instantly at her words. Licking his lips, he smiled and said, “Thank you very much for your support, ma’am!”

Veranis’s lips curled into a slight smile. After giving a few brief instructions, she told Roan to keep the document safe; when the banks paid the reward, someone would contact him to sign the contract.

She then waved her hand, signaling for Roan to leave her office. Now, she needed to report the resolution of the serial bank robbery case to Special Agent Supervisor Colbert.

—

Back in the fifth investigative team’s office, August was about to take Ryder and Lacey to the conference room to assign them tasks for their trip to California the next day, coordinating with local FBI departments.

“Sir, I’d like to join this operation as well.”

Hearing the news, Roan immediately tossed the folder onto his desk and grinned at August. “I’ve never taken part in an interstate arrest before.”

When the FBI conducts interstate operations—especially arrests—they often enlist the help of local SWAT teams. For evidence collection, the local forensics unit assists as well. Roan and his team were mainly there to supervise the operation and ensure the safe return of suspects and related evidence.

Of course, the transport back to New York wouldn’t involve just Roan, Ryder, and Lacey. The FBI had special planes for such situations, complete with armed personnel.

August pondered for a few seconds before agreeing to Roan’s request. Interstate operations were routine for the FBI, and since this mission was straightforward—just an arrest—it would be good for Roan to gain some experience, preparing him for future similar situations.

The four of them discussed the operation at length in the conference room, with August doing most of the talking while Roan, Ryder, and Lacey listened.

After the meeting, Roan stopped by August’s office to clarify a few details he hadn’t fully understood, then returned to his desk.

“Roan.”

He had just settled into his chair and was about to stretch when Mona sidled over, hands rubbing together like a scheming fly, her grin mischievous.

Hearing her call his name, Roan glanced over. But upon seeing her expression, he instinctively pushed his chair back. “Mona, what are you up to?”

Right after speaking, Roan caught himself. Wait a minute, what was there to be afraid of?

“Nothing much, just wanted to ask you something,” Mona replied with a bright smile, scooting her chair closer and lowering her voice. “How much is the reward for this bank robbery case?”

Roan didn’t bother hiding it and told her the amount directly: six hundred thousand.

“What?” Mona’s eyes widened as she gasped, hand covering her mouth. “Six hundred thousand per bank?”

“Of course not. It’s ten thousand per bank, totaling sixty thousand for all six.” Roan rolled his eyes. “You know how stingy those banks are—even ten thousand is like pulling teeth!”

“Still, that’s not a small amount!”

Mona chuckled, pulling a calculator from who-knows-where and began tapping away furiously.

Roan could only twitch the corner of his mouth at the sight. Was Mona really that short on cash?

Soon, the workday came to an end. Because they had to travel the next day, Lacey, for once, skipped her usual night out at the bar and went home to rest up. Ryder, as always, went home to his wife and kids. Roan had planned to mooch a meal at Mona’s, but failed.

Early the next morning, Roan, Ryder, and Lacey boarded the FBI’s special plane, heading to California on the far side of the continent.

Six hours later, they arrived and, after coordinating with the local FBI office, moved towards their targets.

Roan led SWAT straight to Hallkey, who was floating on a yacht. Ryder went with SWAT to the villa where Isaac lived. Lacey’s target was Henry Mitchell, owner of Golden Light Pictures, so instead of SWAT, she took the local FBI’s financial crimes division and stormed the company.

Roan and Ryder’s operations went smoothly. Hallkey, on the yacht, tried to jump overboard but was shot in the thigh by Roan, smacking his head on the boat’s edge and falling unconscious. Isaac, in the midst of a group activity at the villa, was so startled by Ryder and the others’ sudden entrance that he confessed immediately.

A subsequent search of both suspects’ homes turned up undealt-with cash.

With both suspects and evidence in hand, Roan and Ryder secured the evidence and the next day put the two men on the FBI’s prisoner transport plane.

Things were more complicated at Golden Light Pictures, where the accounts couldn’t be sorted out quickly. Roan and Ryder had no choice but to return to New York first.

Regardless, the bank robbery case was now truly closed. August kept his word and announced that everyone would have Monday off, returning to work on Tuesday.

“Thank you, sir!” the agents of the fifth investigative team cheered, showering August and Roan with applause.

Upon hearing the news, Matthews of the fourteenth team clenched his fists, eyes red with envy.

In his office, Special Agent Supervisor Colbert reviewed the written case report Veranis had submitted at his request. After a long moment of thought, he slowly ticked a checkmark by Roan’s name.

(End of chapter)