Chapter 235: Something of Concern
The Interrogation
Amanda's sharp questioning sparked a strange thought in Luke's mind. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her suspiciously. Noticing the unusual look in her eyes, he coughed and said,
"Alright, I admit that I did go to the Swamp Forest a few days ago and fought a group of cultists who worshipped a demon and transformed into a gigantic Cobra King. But is that wrong? Demon worshippers are the enemies of humanity. Was I wrong to take them out?"
Jason smiled. "Of course not. All demons deserve to die. You did nothing wrong."
"If that's the case, why did you come looking for me?"
Amanda said in a deep voice, "Your actions, along with FBI Director Jack Harvey, in eliminating the Serpent Spirit Society are commendable. However, according to the intelligence I've received, the ultimate goal of your operation was not to eliminate the cult, but the President. Recently, there have been rumors that the President has ties to the cult. FBI Director Jack Harvey deeply believed this, which is why he sought you out to go to the Swamp Forest to investigate the truth behind the Serpent Spirit Society. He tried to use fabricated, non-existent evidence to prove that the President colluded with the cult and manipulated the election using supernatural forces."
"Your actions not only violated the President's personal reputation but are also a profound slander against the White House administration. We..."
"Hold on, hold on!"
Luke waved his hand. "Your words confuse me. What president, what collusion? I don't understand. I simply accepted a job from Jack Harvey to go to the Swamp Forest to kill monsters. I had no idea about the dealings behind the Serpent Spirit Society. Even if you're fabricating a story, it should have some basis in reality!"
"You still won't admit it?"
"Why should I admit to something that didn't happen? Even if, as you say, Jack Harvey's goal was to frame the President, would he tell an outsider like me about something so confidential? Did you choose the wrong target?"
Amanda frowned in silence, seemingly considering how to get Luke to talk. Sensing the subtle shift in atmosphere, Jason quickly interjected.
"Mr. Shaw, please don't misunderstand. We didn't come here to hold you accountable for any mistake, but to clarify what happened in the forest. There was a Sun God Pyramid beneath the waterfall, the lair of the Serpent Spirit Society. When we sent people there, we found that everything inside had been completely moved out."
"I would like to know what things you found inside?"
Luke's heart stirred, and he said pointedly, "Jack Harvey was the person in charge of the entire operation. You should ask him."
"Director Harvey's situation is complicated. Before the matter is fully investigated, I hope to gain some information from you. If you are willing to help..." He paused, then smiled. "The President will not forget you."
Luke chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the expressionless Amanda before settling on the smiling Jason Law.
"Mr. Law, I understand your intention. I appreciate the President's kind regard, but I need time to organize the details of the operation to ensure I can give you an accurate answer. How about this: two weeks. I will give you an answer in two weeks."
As he finished speaking, the smile instantly vanished from Jason Law's face. The voting deadline was in ten days, yet Luke was asking for fourteen. This clearly showed a lack of faith in the President's ability to win re-election.
The foolish and cunning little thing!
Jason Law sneered inwardly. He had thought Young Master Shaw of Coast City was extraordinary, but he was also just a typical businessman. He didn't realize that opportunities had to be seized. If you were offered one and didn't take it, don't complain when he turned hostile later.
Since their goal was not achieved, Jason had no intention of staying. After a few meaningless pleasantries, he left with Amanda.
A Secret Shared
Luke watched them disappear down the street, then returned to the reception room and sat down to wait quietly. Time passed minute by minute. Forty minutes later, footsteps were heard—it was Amanda, who had returned.
Luke smiled. "How does it feel to work for an idiot?"
Amanda replied expressionlessly, "Circumstances require it. I have no feelings about it."
"What? Are you planning to wholeheartedly become Joel Nash's subordinate?"
"A.R.G.U.S. has no other choice."
Luke picked up his teacup and gently swirled it twice. "What about Thompson? Isn't he a better option?"
Amanda gave Luke a deep look. She had many questions but ultimately held them back.
"He was doing well, but sadly, he is destined to fail."
Luke frowned slightly. "I don't understand?"
"Alzheimer's disease."
Hearing this, Luke was stunned, letting out a long sigh. "Just like four years ago, we have another series of 'accidents.' Our President really does have enviable luck."
Amanda scoffed. "That wasn't luck."
"Without evidence, it's luck."
Amanda stared directly into Luke's eyes, asking word for word,
"Is there really no evidence?"
Luke shook his head silently. "Jack Harvey used his power as FBI Director to tell a massive lie and deceived everyone, including you and me."
"No, you're wrong. Joel Nash definitely has ties to the Serpent Spirit Society. I am absolutely certain of that."
Luke frowned. "With all due respect, given your current position, you shouldn't be saying something like that."
"That's my business. You don't need to concern yourself."
Amanda straightened up, her dark face unusually serious. "Luke Shaw, please tell me, did you truly find nothing in the pyramid?"
After a brief silence, Luke nodded. "Yes, there was something."
"What?"
"A diary. It mentioned Joel Nash, but only mentioned him. It doesn't count as evidence."
"Where is the diary?"
"Where do you think it is?"
"Jack Harvey?"
"Who else could it be but him?"
Amanda didn't entirely believe Luke, yet she had to. She couldn't help but ask, "Are you truly certain there is nothing in the diary?"
Luke shrugged. "That's a foolish question. If there were evidence, Jack Harvey, with his temper, would have acted already. He wouldn't be sulking in his office smoking."
"Speaking of which, I have something I want to ask you. Who sent you here today?"
"Who else could it be but him?"
The identical answer carried completely different meanings.
"That's strange," Luke mused to himself. "This is a crucial moment in the election, the final sprint. Instead of busy holding rallies, he sends his most trusted aide and most capable general to Coast City to find me. What does he want from me?"
The last question struck a nerve with Amanda, and she began to ponder. After a pause, she said,
"He seems very keen to know what you took from the pyramid."
"Why would he think that?"
Luke continued to question. As he finished speaking, both fell silent, looking at each other, and both understood the implications on the other's face.
"It looks like I need to call Jack Harvey."
Amanda said in a low voice, "It's not just the notebook. There's something else. Something he is deeply concerned about."
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