The content Hughes told Jimmy was very brief, only the outcome. But based on the various situations Jimmy had heard about in the bureau over the years, Peter and his advisor Neil Cavrey don't quite follow the rules.

However, Jimmy didn't care about the details; he was only concerned with the results and reasons.

Hughes: "That's probably how it is. When I authorized Peter to wiretap Senator Pratt, I wondered what would happen if we failed, but I didn't expect them to act so decisively.

Senator Pratt directly went to the Attorney General. An hour later, the FBI director called me, and everything was settled directly, leaving no room for resistance. At least, Peter and his team weren't disturbed, and they should be able to continue investigating now."

Jimmy looked at Hughes' expressionless face; Hughes' mood surely wasn't great. "Quite unwilling, huh? Want to hit the bar for a drink? I'll call Peter."

Hughes glanced at the time, "It's still working hours, so forget it. We'll just have a couple of drinks at home."

Hughes got up and brought out half a bottle of liquor from inside, clearly enjoying a drink occasionally during his downtime.

Jimmy raised his glass to clink with Hughes, "Mrs. Mason informed me of my return. The DHS terror attack case is almost over. Is there anything I can do to help with your side?"

Hughes took a sip of his drink and placed the cup on the coffee table: "Not yet, this matter involves too many people; it's better to let Peter and his team investigate a bit more."

Jimmy was drinking too, "A personal question: what's going through the minds of those above us in the office now?"

Hughes snorted, "They can't be relied upon; it's already the best we can hope for if they don't hold us back."

Jimmy: "Mrs. Mason said I might soon be transferred back to field duty. Was this arranged by you?"

Hughes: "No, that has nothing to do with me. Upon receiving the news, I submitted my retirement application and haven't done anything else."

Jimmy: "What about your successor?"

Hughes sighed, "We'll let nature take its course, plus I doubt whether the Manhattan office is capable of resisting external personnel transfers right now."

Jimmy: "That's really odd then, who is in touch with Mrs. Mason saying I'll soon return to field duty? I suppose she doesn't have the authority to decide my position, right?"

Hughes nodded, "Don't worry about Mrs. Mason; she's good and won't set any obstacles for you. Just go about your usual work; don't overthink."

Jimmy nodded too and finished the drink in his glass, placing it on the coffee table: "Then I'll head out first. These days, the bureau likely won't be too calm."

Hughes got up to see Jimmy out, sat back on the sofa, and stared at the glass on the table in a daze. After a while, Hughes poured himself a full glass and drank it down in one gulp.

He picked up his phone and dialed a number: "Do you have time? Let's meet and talk."

Hughes changed his clothes and headed out; his destination wasn't far, no need to drive, especially after having two drinks, as it might cause trouble.

Near Hughes' home is a cigar club, Hughes is a member here, and with just a greeting, he entered a room inside. Soon, someone followed the waiter's lead and entered too.

Hughes: "Giovanni, have a seat. Want one? A new batch of Arturo Fuente arrived at the club."

Giovanni waved his hand, "No thanks, I've got a meeting to attend. What's up, Rees."

Hughes: "I've retired, was forced to early retirement."

Giovanni frowned and looked at Hughes: "Since when?"

Hughes: "Yesterday. Giovanni, I need your help."

Giovanni nodded, "Go ahead."

Hughes: "I need you to monitor two phones, one from my office, and the other... Terrance Pratt, Maryland Federation Senator."

Giovanni's face changed dramatically, "Are you crazy?"

Hughes puffed on his cigar and looked at Giovanni, "Consider me insane, but please help me."

Giovanni took a deep breath, "Give me the numbers."

Hughes handed Giovanni a pre-prepared note, then got up and left the room, and Hughes continued smoking his cigar while picking up a newspaper from the side to read.

-----------------

Jimmy had a drink, but it wasn't a big deal; he drove back to the FBI office but didn't go to his own office, instead heading to Peter's side.

Jimmy: "Jones, long time no see. Is Peter and his team here?"

Jones glanced at Jimmy and stood up to hug him, "Long time no see, Jimmy. Do you have any issues?"

Jones' expression didn't show much happiness, and understandably, Hughes got sent home, with their team being closest to Hughes' office, everyone already knew what was up.

Jimmy embraced Jones and released, "Where are Peter and Kafrey?"

Jones: "Peter's resting at home, and Kafrey didn't come in today either."

Jimmy: "Alright, I understand. I'll go to his place to find him. Goodbye, Jones."

Jones: "Goodbye."

Jones watched Jimmy get into the elevator, immediately picked up his phone, and dialed Peter's number: "Peter, Jimmy just came to look for you, I said you were home; he might come over."

Peter: "Yeah, I'm at home. Don't worry, Jimmy is no outsider... I can handle it."

Jones hung up the phone and glanced at Diana beside him; the two exchanged silent looks, sighed, and continued investigating clues.

Peter hung up Jones' call and looked at his left arm; this time, someone had tampered with his car, resulting in a crash at an intersection, clearly, someone wants to prevent him from continuing the investigation. But they still managed to arrest the real estate businessman using Neil Cavrey's undercover operation, the only regret being they didn't manage to get Senator Pratt supporting him to confess.