As for the agents involved, they are elite members of the FBI, typically tasked with handling cases related to national security and foreign intelligence, such as counterespionage, counterterrorism, and quelling riots.
No wonder then that the identities they were investigating at the National Tax Bureau were kept confidential.
"Brother, this seat is taken."
Lost in thought, Bradley and Condliffe approached the agent named Bronning, flanking him from both sides.
Bronning, assuming they wanted to share the table or save seats, cautioned them promptly.
"Am I not a person?"
David arrived at the table and sat down directly across from Bronning.
Bronning, initially irritated, instantly changed his expression upon seeing David's face, but quickly regained composure and feigned ignorance, "What do you mean by that?"
"First, let me introduce myself. I'm Director David from the National Tax Bureau Lakeside District Sub-Bureau Branch."
"Director David..."
Bronning pretended to ponder for a moment, then as if suddenly remembering something, exclaimed, "Director David? I've heard your name on TV!"
Seeing his reaction, David couldn't help but find it amusing.
With all the notable news he had recently made, it was certain this FBI Special Agent in Nevada knew him quite well.
Yet there he was, feigning ignorance, which must have been difficult for him.
"What's your name?"
"Saul Clark."
"And what do you do?"
"I'm an electrician."
Hearing David's words, Mitchellson felt a sense of unease but still slowly approached and sat down, asking, "Director David, what do you mean by cornering us?"
"Is it true that you've been investigating my subordinate Poppy recently?"
Mitchellson and Bronning exchanged glances before Mitchellson replied, "We had no agenda against your subordinate. Dealing with corruption is part of our duty as the FBI."
David scoffed derisively, "Such a small case of corruption warranted the attention of not one, but two FBI Special Agents?"
Typically, cases of bribery and corruption are investigated by the FBI's regular agents.
Special Agents focus on issues of national security.
The fact that these two were investigating Poppy clearly indicated someone was directing them from behind.
Yet, he wondered whether it was Stevenson or someone else higher up pulling the strings.
After a moment of silence, it was Mitchellson who spoke, "We happened to stumble upon the matter, so we took up the investigation. What's the problem, Director David? We're just doing our jobs. You wouldn't have any objections to us investigating your subordinate, would you?"
His statement was a veiled taunt at David, hinting that although David had a formidable reputation, the FBI operated impartially by the law, and was David suggesting they seek revenge?
"Of course not, I'm just concerned that you at the FBI might be exploited by some individuals with ulterior motives!"
"You don't have to worry about that, Director David. We at the FBI will ensure proper judgement!"
"Does that mean there's nothing to discuss then?"
Bronning and Mitchellson, upon seeing David's authoritative demeanor and recalling his role in leading armed interventions, as well as the significant impact he had made in Henderson and Sparks, felt a sudden shiver.
But remembering the tasks assigned by their superiors, Mitchellson was forced to respond firmly, "Director David, I'm not sure what there is to discuss here. After all, the fact that your subordinate accepted bribes is true, you can't expect us to bend the laws for personal reasons, can you?"
"Hmm, you're right!"
David stood up, and Mitchellson and Bronning both felt a sense of relief, thinking David was about to leave in defeat.
But what David said next made them question everything.