To tell the truth, as we're all under the roof of Sparks, we really don't want to have a falling out with City Hall.
Moreover, keeping Adelaide, as well as Bitcher, is indeed more valuable than putting them behind bars!
But then again, if the City West precinct had handled the situation by themselves, they would have been in a natural position of power.
But since it was David who handled it, without him, City Hall might not even give a damn about the City West precinct.
So, Hopkinson and Richards could only look towards David, hinting that he should be the one calling the shots.
Of course, there was also an element of passing the buck.
If David rejected the idea, they could later tell City Hall, "It's not that I didn't want to give you a way out, but Director David didn't agree. It's not our fault!"
Seeing the looks from the two men, Yates could not help but understand. The only one who could make decisions now was David and with that realization, his anxiety grew.
However, David's next words made Yates feel a sense of utter hopelessness.
"Vice Mayor Yates, you should have come earlier. We have already submitted our application for a trial, and it's too late!"
As if he would stop. David was intent on using the trial to deter the other seventeen city halls, and he was far from calling it quits now.
If he stopped now, Sparks might call off the crackdown, but without instilling real fear in the other seventeen cities, they would certainly not cancel their own crackdown so easily.
"This..."
Yates felt both bitter and speechless.
The trial isn't being held in some other court, but in your own National Tax Bureau court.
Whether to apply or cancel—that's still up to your National Tax Bureau, isn't it?
Although he knew David was giving him the runaround, he couldn't give up and asked, "Director David, is there really no room for maneuver? If Adelaide and Bitcher really go to court, it will be a huge blow to our City Hall..."
David replied without a hint of emotion, "That's your problem. Our National Tax Bureau is only responsible for taxation!"
Hearing this, Yates looked utterly dejected.
He had said all he could, yet neither David nor Hopkinson showed any sign of yielding. Considering the rapid pace of the trial preparation, he believed the other party must have ample evidence of tax evasion against Bitcher and Adelaide.
"Alright, Vice Mayor Yates, it's getting late. We have a trial to prepare for tomorrow. It's about time you left..."
Seeing that David had no intention of negotiating, Hopkinson felt there was no need to waste more words and effectively issued an eviction notice.
Left with no choice, Yates shook his head in dismay and then turned to push the door open and leave.
Moreover, the trial would take place in a Tax Bureau court, and even if he were thoroughly familiar with federal law, he couldn't outmanoeuvre the Tax Bureau's own tax law.
"Don't lose heart. There's no case in the world that's a hundred percent certain, and the Tax Bureau is no exception. As long as you can find their loophole, it will be enough to give them a hard time!"
It was unclear whether Cecil said this to bolster Smollett's spirits or to comfort the others present.
But Smollett himself had no confidence at all because even now, he still had no idea what incriminating evidence the Tax Bureau had on Bitcher and Adelaide.
Finding their loopholes was going to be difficult!
But since the Mayor had said so, all he could reply was, "I can only say I'll do my best, Mayor..."
...
The Grand Sierra Leone Resort and Casino Hotel.
This was a four-star hotel in Sparks City.
Out of appreciation for the million dollars in tax revenue that David had generated for the western district office, the western district office had set aside some official funds to provide three luxury suites for three people at this hotel.
Though the luxury suites were far from the presidential suite, at 2000 US dollars a night, they were quite valuable.
The hotel's buffet restaurant.
David, Nisen, and Bucky were seated together, enjoying their dinner of steak, salmon, and lobster.
"My apologies, Director..."
While eating, Nisen suddenly put down his knife and fork and said guiltily to David.
David looked up and asked, "Apologies for what?"
"For the delay caused by my visit here during the peak time of the 'Create a God' project at the headquarters..."
Nisen had already noticed that David must be aiming for the 'Create a God' project.
But because of his transfer from above, he had to personally come to Sparks to salvage his career.
And now there was also the wasted time of one night here, which made him feel incredibly guilty.
David reassured him, "Nisen, we are a team, and besides, Markus's issue stemmed from an operation under my lead. It's my responsibility, and there's nothing to apologize for!"
"Yeah, Nisen, we're all a team. If there's a problem, we face it together. Don't take it to heart!"
Bucky also chimed in with words of comfort.
Hearing their reassurances, Nisen was both touched and speechless, only able to nod heavily.