Chapter 207: Flames

……

"There is still a motive."

Colin Damon's voice was icy: "You had a conflict with Antonio, and you suspect he kidnapped your cousin Hazel Wiltonshire, correct?"

"Is that what Antonio said?"

Li Mochen gave a sardonic laugh. He trusted the professionalism of the Red Sparrow Club's staff; the contracts they signed with the club guaranteed that.

So the source of today's interrogation was obvious.

"That did happen, but so what? Do you suspect I had a motive to rob the Craig Community Bank? Even if I did, could I have robbed it alone? Speaking of Hazel, I'd like to ask you police: when will you find my cousin? As far as I know, the Baxley City Police Department has already handed over the missing person case file to you FBI."

"My colleagues are working on it."

Edmond Bederman looked somewhat embarrassed, then fixed Li Mochen with a pressing gaze: "You're playing dumb with me, Mr. Wiltonshire. According to our information, you were recruiting through Red Sparrow Human Resources just yesterday. Your company, Rising Sun, alone hired over a hundred people!"

"Mr. Bederman, are you treating my client as a suspect in the Craig Community Bank case?"

Mike Ross's eyes turned cold: "I don't know if my client recruited through Red Sparrow Human Resources, but even if he did, I see no necessary connection between the two!"

Li Mochen couldn't help but smile. This lawyer Ross was quite intimidating when angry, full of presence.

"Alright, Mike! I'm willing to explain and clear up this supervisor's doubts. I did recruit magic professionals at Red Sparrow Human Resources yesterday, but that was a security measure taken by Rising Sun for the safety of its stores—reasonable, legal, and compliant. Is there a problem? Mr. Bederman? Or do you think I led those new hires to rob the Craig Community Bank?"

"And what about Sampson Brut? That retired lieutenant colonel, is he now working for you?"

Mike Ross interjected again: "What does he have to do with the Craig Community Bank?"

Edmond Bederman's lips twitched: "According to our information, Mr. Sampson Brut has at least a dozen retired elite special forces soldiers around him. We believe this lieutenant colonel has the capability to carry out the robbery."

"That's baseless speculation."

Li Mochen snorted: "Mr. Brut did apply to be my butler, but we've only been in contact for a day. If you doubt it, you can investigate his whereabouts yesterday."

Edmond Bederman asked with an unperturbed smile: "Then, Mr. Wiltonshire, are you also employing Mr. Brut's former subordinates now?"

Li Mochen frowned, sensing the man's tenacity. But at that moment, Mike Ross intervened decisively: "Enough! Mr. Wiltonshire, I believe you don't need to answer that."

He then looked at the two across from him: "Gentlemen, if this is just a private inquiry to understand the situation, I think my client has answered enough. He has no motive and no capability to carry out the robbery. If you want to go further, please produce evidence or apply for a court order for investigative assistance, alright?"

"Let me ask one last question."

This time it was Colin Damon speaking: "Mr. Wiltonshire, where were you and what were you doing at the time of the incident?"

"I was at home."

Li Mochen replied with a smile: "Though no one can vouch for me, I was indeed at home meditating. Oh, and the surveillance cameras at the elevator and exits of Unicorn Apartments can prove it—at least I never left since noon. Also, Mr. Carl Holton and Miss Angela Medici saw me come down from the second floor about an hour ago."

The two across from each other exchanged glances and then stood up simultaneously.

"Let's stop here for today, Mr. Wiltonshire. But before I leave, I have one more thing to say to you. This isn't an interrogation; you can take it as a friendly reminder."

Edmond Bederman paused: "The peace and stability of Atlanta are what all its people hope for, and what all parties strive to maintain. Anyone who tries to disrupt it will pay the price. You don't want to do that, do you, Mr. Wiltonshire?"

"Of course. I too wish to see Atlanta's stability and prosperity."

Li Mochen savored his red wine and responded calmly: "Let's talk about my cousin again. When will Miss Hazel Wiltonshire return to me? That's your duty, isn't it, Mr. Bederman?"

At that moment, whether by coincidence or not, a blazing fire suddenly appeared outside the floor-to-ceiling window, followed by a wave of magical energy that even an ordinary person could sense.

Colin Damon's expression changed slightly. He strode to the window and looked eastward with a gloomy gaze.

The explosion was in the East District. Colin Damon judged the location to be a housing project under construction by Antonio Construction Company.

From here, one could clearly see the twenty-two-story building 9.5 kilometers away, now ablaze with towering flames lighting up half the sky.

Edmond Bederman, who had also walked to the window, sighed: "Mr. Wiltonshire, you're playing with fire. Honestly, I don't think you can win this war. And if you fail, do you know the consequences? Edwin Antonio is more vicious and powerful than you imagine. The Nathan Military-Industrial Complex is indeed a formidable force, one of America's largest conglomerates, but they may not guarantee your personal safety."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Li Mochen looked bewildered: "You're evading my question. Can the FBI find my cousin?"

Edmond Bederman was speechless, thinking this conversation was going nowhere.

……

After repeatedly warning Li Mochen, the two government agents finally left.

At that moment, Li Mochen also walked to the window and watched the raging fire 9.5 kilometers away. He thought Sampson Brut was fast—he had only left a short while ago and was already making a move, and on the best target at that.

"They have no evidence against you. They came just to pressure you."

Mike Ross also walked to the window and looked out, offering his professional opinion.

But then, he glanced at Li Mochen with some curiosity: "The Craig Community Bank—was it really you, Amo? EMM~ Forget it. You don't need to answer. I regret asking."

That question was already out of line, and Mike Ross already had the answer in his heart.

Incredible as it seemed, two months ago the man beside him was just a boy who had lost both parents, alone and at the mercy of Edwin Antonio.

"Good not to ask."

Li Mochen smiled and reminded him: "Mike, stay away from that area lately, okay? It might not be safe."

"Of course, I understand!"

Mike Ross nodded. He knew that until the war between Li Mochen and Antonio was settled, the East District would not lack for fireworks and gunfire.