"Alright, this trial is over!"
Yvonne didn't give Smollett another chance to defend himself, simply declaring the end of the trial.
From the spectator gallery, Yates turned his head towards the chiefs of police from both the East and West precincts and bellowed, "You two bastards, get over here!"
Meanwhile, the other officials from city hall were also looking at the two police chiefs with fierce expressions.
Now that the matter was settled, the only thing they could do was to direct their anger at the two police chiefs as a way to vent their frustrations.
Unexpectedly, however, Randolph and Lancelot, although they complied with the order to come over, appeared quite unfazed.
"You two double-dealing bastards, submit your resignation to city hall right now!"
After Yates spoke, the other officials from city hall showed no signs of disagreement, evidently siding with him.
Randolph responded at a leisurely pace, "Vice Mayor Yates, we cooperated with the national tax bureau because we had no choice. If we hadn't, we would be the ones standing in the defendant's seat right now. We hope the city hall can understand..."
"Vice Mayor Yates, gentlemen of the city hall, what Commissioner Randolph said is also my sentiment, but I must remind you of something. We just finished cooperating with the national tax bureau. What would the tax bureau think if we submitted our resignations now? And what would Director David think?"
Lancelot added in support.
The reason they were so confident was primarily due to their reliance on their connection with the national tax bureau. Moreover, with the examples of Bitcher and Adelaide before them, they believed these people would not dare to do anything to them.
Otherwise, who would dare to testify for the tax bureau in the future?
And if they were to be disciplined, it would also be tantamount to slapping the tax bureau's face in public!
As expected, after hearing this argument, Yates and the other officials from city hall suddenly realized their predicament.
All together, it amounted to over a million in taxes.
Such a substantial amount of taxes, Mendes would definitely be lying if he said he wasn't envious.
On the contrary, his heart was sour with vexation, particularly because David had not partnered with their East branch but had chosen the West branch instead.
As for his remarks now, they were actually a hint to David.
That was: whatever the West branch could do for you, our East branch could surely do too, just let us get our hands on such an amount of taxes as well!
"No offense, Chief Mendes, but what do you mean by that? If Director David needs anything done by your East branch, he will naturally turn to you!"
Before David had the chance to reply, Hopkinson and Richards were already getting anxious on the side.
Firstly, the East and West branches were inherently competitors.
Secondly, just as Mendes suspected, thanks to David's assistance, their West branch had now received not only a vast sum of taxes but also substantial prestige, and they were eagerly expecting to ride another wave of success with David. And now here was the East branch, brazenly attempting to swoop in and poach their partnership?
"Don't fret, Director Hopkinson. I'm just seeing if there's any way we could assist Director David, after all, it's for the tax revenue of our tax bureau."
Mendes was in no rush, knowing there was no need to argue with Hopkinson; it all depended on David's stance.
"When there's a chance, Chief Mendes. Let's see how things unfold from here on out," said David finally speaking up.
At his words, Mendes's expression shifted, while Hopkinson and Richards showed a touch of urgency.
"Director Hopkinson, Tax Chief Richards, let's head outside and make a statement to the media!"
"Yes, let's go."
Hopkinson, worried that David might get 'taken away' by continued conversation with Mendes, quickly ushered David into the elevator.