Chapter 100

As chaos erupted outside, the inspector’s office remained a haven of peace and calm.

“What’s the situation, Mr. Gardner? Has the kid confessed?” Cobra asked impatiently, settling into a chair.

“It matters not. Any prisoner in my hands eventually confesses,” the fat inspector said smugly, taking another drag of his cigar.

“That’s true if you’re here, but things could worsen. I suggest you resolve this quickly,” Cobra suggested.

“Why? Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?” Gardner glared.

“Of course not. The kid has powerful connections. Unresolved, this could cause trouble,” Cobra apologized quickly.

“What trouble? I’m doing my job. This is my territory. Who dares disobey me?” Gardner stated confidently.

“True, Mr. Gardner. You’re Mr. Granville’s son-in-law—who would disrespect you?” Cobra flattered.

“Hmph! At least you’re smart enough to know that!” the inspector guffawed, his pride in his father-in-law, the mayor, exceeding his pride in his position. The mayor held the highest power in Swinton.

“Mr. Gardner, a gift from Sir Anderson,” Cobra said, presenting a gift box.

Gardner opened it; the gleam of the gold accessory brought a smile to his face.

“Hehe… Sir Anderson is too generous. Thank him! And reassure him I’ll handle this with extra care.”

“Thank you, Mr. Gardner!” Cobra bowed.

The arresting squad leader entered unannounced.

“Something the matter?” Gardner slammed the gift box shut.

“Sir, the Nicholson family sent someone to intercede, offering a large sum to bail Dahlia Nicholson,” the officer reported.

“Pah! She’s a wanted criminal. No bail. Send them away!” Gardner dismissed them with a wave.

“Yes, sir.” The squad leader left, but returned within a minute.

“What is it this time?!” the inspector barked, losing his patience.

“Sir, Ms. Harmon called, claiming we arrested the wrong person. She demands Dustin Rhys’s immediate release,” the officer said.

“Ms. Harmon? Natasha Harmon?” Gardner’s expression froze.

“Yes, sir.”

“Cobra, what’s going on? You didn’t mention this kid’s connection to Natasha!” The inspector’s eyes narrowed. Natasha was powerful, wealthy, and influential; he wouldn’t offend her lightly.

“Mr. Gardner, she just dotes on him. He has no real background. With your status, ignore him,” Cobra assured him.

“Hmph! Better be the case!” Gardner, flustered, instructed the squad leader, “Tell Natasha Harmon we’re holding no such person.” He’d given his word to Duane, and the best course was to cover it up.

But as the squad leader left, Gardner’s phone rang.

“Mr. Anderson?” He was baffled. A call from Mr. Anderson at this hour… could it be about the kid? Too much of a coincidence?

Dismissing his apprehension, he answered.

“Hello, Mr. Anderson! How can I help?”

“Mr. Gardner! Did you arrest a young man named Dustin Rhys?” Hunter cut straight to the point.

“Oh? Did I? Why wouldn’t I know?” Gardner’s heart pounded, but his voice remained steady. “Mr. Anderson, is something wrong?”

“Gardner! Don’t play games! Release Dustin immediately! Or I’ll cut you off for good!” Hunter roared.

“Mr. Anderson, a misunderstanding! I don’t know a Dustin. I’ll look into it,” Gardner lied desperately. He wouldn’t reveal their plan.

“Alright then, you fat bastard. You don’t know what you’re in for! If anything happens to Dustin, you and your family go down with him!”

Hunter hung up with a growl.

“Did that old man get up on the wrong side of the bed?” Gardner grumbled, displeasure etched on his face.

“Sir, what’s wrong?” Cobra asked cautiously.

“Wrong? You dare ask? You said the kid had no background! Mr. Anderson just called about him! Does that sound like no background? Are you trying to set me up, you motherfucker?!”

Natasha Harmon was bad enough. Now Hunter Anderson? It was like being skewered over an open fire.

“No! He has no connection to Mr. Anderson! I… I didn’t know,” Cobra stammered, paling.

“Quick, call Duane. This is getting out of hand. He’ll pay more if this is settled smoothly,” Gardner ordered.

“Alright, I’ll call Sir Anderson immediately!”

Cobra called Duane, explaining Gardner’s request. After confirmation, he reported, “Sir, Sir Anderson agreed to double the price if you can get this done!”

The inspector relaxed.

“Sir Anderson is truly generous! I’ll do my best!” he declared contentedly. Money did wonders. A middle ground was always easier with sufficient payment.