American Tax Officer

Upon hearing this, the previously sluggish reporters immediately picked up their microphones, and the cameramen all turned their lenses towards the direction of the entrance.

Soon after, David and Director Hopkinson, along with Richards and others, walked out.

"Director Hopkinson, has the trial concluded?"

"Director Hopkinson, what is the result of the trial? Have Chief Adelaide and Deputy Mayor Bitcher been successfully convicted?"

"Director David..."

Facing the fusillade of questions from the media, Hopkinson made a downward pressing gesture with both hands.

Once everyone had quieted down, he then said, "The trial has ended, and after deliberation, it has been confirmed that Adelaide and Bitcher are guilty of tax evasion, and they have been sentenced to 1200 years of imprisonment each!"

"1200 years!!!"

The media and the watching citizens were already shocked to hear that the guilty verdict had been reached.

But when they heard the sentence of 1200 years of imprisonment, they were even more astounded.

Everyone knew that the Internal Revenue Service was famously strict in punishing tax evasion, but no one could have imagined that the sentence would be so severe as to hand down 1200 years.

"Director Hopkinson, Adelaide and Bitcher were merely evading taxes; isn't this punishment a bit too harsh?" one reporter asked, recovering from his shock.

With a serious face, Hopkinson replied, "Adelaide and Bitcher, as highly-educated public officials, chose to underreport their tax amounts despite knowing the implications of the Black Tax Law, and the sum involved is extraordinarily large. Therefore, this punishment is not at all excessive!"

That reporter then asked, "Then Director Hopkinson, since Adelaide and Bitcher, two officials, have been confirmed to evade taxes, could other officials from the city council be involved as well? Will your Internal Revenue Service continue the investigation?"

"That's a good question. However, I think it would be better if Director David answers this for you!"

Following Hopkinson's response, all the cameras and microphones turned to David.

David organized his thoughts briefly and said, "Our Internal Revenue Service has zero tolerance for tax evaders, especially for public officials who break the law knowingly. Adelaide and Bitcher are just the beginning, and we will continue to pursue our investigations..."

Meanwhile, in the city council's conference room.

Cecil and other officials from the city hall had all returned here and were watching the interview with David on television.

When they heard that Adelaide and Bitcher were just the start and the investigation would continue, many officials in the room showed a flicker of fear on their faces.

If David and the Internal Revenue Service could find incriminating evidence of tax evasion against Adelaide and Bitcher, enough to put them away, then none of them could guarantee their own safety.

Let's not forget, Adelaide and Bitcher had been sentenced to 1200 years each!

Moreover, with no chance of parole!

They would spend the rest of their lives in prison.

Who wouldn't be afraid of that?

"Mayor, I think we should immediately cancel the directive for the crackdown. There's no need to keep up such a tough stance!" one of the officials in the room suggested.

"Yes, Mayor, it's better not to get promoted to state government than to end up in prison," another joined in.

"I agree..."

"..."

As this official spoke up, the other officials in the room quickly echoed his sentiment.

If they capitulated now, they figured the problem would probably be resolved.

After all, David's jurisdiction was not here, and he probably didn't have the resources to go after each of them individually.

And now, having targeted only Bitcher and Adelaide, it was just a scare tactic.

After much contemplation, Cecil finally gritted his teeth and said, "We have no other choice!"

...

In Carson City, at the Governor's Mansion.

Governor Stevenson was watching the interview on the television screen, his face ashen.

Eugene, standing beside him, was not looking any better.

They knew that if the Internal Revenue Service dared to arrest Adelaide and Bitcher, they must have been very confident in their case.

But not only had the Internal Revenue Service decisively convicted the two, they had also imposed a severe sentence of 1200 years.

This made them feel as though they had been slapped hard in the face.

After a long moment, Eugene said, "Governor, David is clearly making a show of force. The officials in Sparks City will definitely buckle, and I suspect the other 17 cities are already on tenterhooks."

Clenching his teeth, Stevenson said, "Call the city councils of the 17 cities to pacify them, tell them not to panic and to hold their ground. I refuse to believe that damn David can do whatever he pleases!"

"Understood!"

...

In Henderson City, the second-largest city in Nevada State after Las Vegas, an emergency meeting was also being convened.

"The 'earthquake' in Sparks City—I assume everyone here has heard the news, so what are your thoughts?" Mayor Priestley of Henderson City said, looking seriously at those present.