CHAPTER 440: CHAPTER 271 NEW WORK_1

"DHS?"

As the robust voice spread through the office, everyone exchanged perplexed looks, filled with confusion.

One of the younger investigators whispered to his colleague, "Buddy, have you heard of this agency?"

A hesitant expression crossed the other’s face as he said with some uncertainty, "I think I’ve heard of the name before."

Dean slowly stood up. "DHS was established in 2000. Its full name is the Department of Homeland Security, and it connects directly with the Federal Investigation Department. Although not very famous, at times, their authority supersedes local jurisdiction, allowing them to deploy the military directly."

He straightened his collar. "Unfortunately for you, I was already conscripted by the DHS to assist them in investigating a major case threatening the safety of the United States Federation before you arrived. Yet at this moment, you want to arrest me. I really have to question the integrity of your department!"

Huh? These two investigators had never imagined that one day they would go from law enforcers to being treated like criminals themselves! Was reality this bizarre?

Under the eerie gaze of Dean’s team, the older investigator swallowed hard, forcing a sycophantic smile. "Detective Dean, we’re just following orders. If you have any objections, you can directly contact our supervisor to appeal. Please don’t make it difficult for us."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a ringtone sounded from his pocket.

The investigator took out his phone, saw who was calling, and quickly answered as if he had seen a lifesaver, "Director Monet, there has been a complication..."

On the other end of the phone, Monet’s voice sounded strained. "I know, Thor. Give the phone to Dean!"

The investigator knew that today’s attempt to make an arrest was doomed to fizzle out.

He obediently stepped forward and handed the phone to Dean. "Detective Dean, our director would like to speak with you."

Dean didn’t make it hard for the guy. He took the phone, his tone disdainful. "Wow, Captain Monet, long time no see. I’m so honored to hear your voice today."

"Dean..." Monet sounded awkward. "Dean, I’m sorry for issuing the order to investigate you, but as you know, sitting in this position, I often have no choice but to follow orders. In fact, it has to do with those active Japanese people in Los Angeles."

"I understand!" Dean’s face beamed with a radiant smile, though his eyes were cold. "Also, thank you for the heads-up, Captain Monet!"

A late gesture of goodwill was meaningless!

"After all, you were my subordinate; no need to be so formal!" Monet, a seasoned player, returned to his usual tone and probed, "Speaking of which, Dean, I’ve just been notified that DHS has conscripted you. Not many people know about this department. How did you get involved with them?"

"Sorry, that’s classified. With your position, Captain Monet, you’re not cleared to know. Maybe you can ask Saul, but I don’t know if this rising star of the Ashton Family has the authority to penetrate DHS and gather intelligence!" Dean said mockingly and then hung up the phone.

From Monet’s attempt at appeasement, Dean understood. He was being targeted, likely used by Saul—that powerful backer—as a bargaining chip to gain the support of those Japanese people. During the previous cannibal case, Dean had witnessed firsthand the influence those Japanese people wielded in Los Angeles. Although he didn’t know how they had managed to join forces with Saul, from this day forward, those people would pay the price for their actions!

...

"Get out!"

Dean tossed the phone onto the table and looked at the two awkwardly standing investigators from the Internal Affairs Department.

Humiliated by the man who was supposed to be their captive, the two felt they had no face to stay any longer. They grabbed their phones and hurried out, somewhat relieved that this whole embarrassing incident hadn’t unfolded after they had already escorted Dean out of the building. Otherwise, if other police officers from the precinct had witnessed such a reversal, such a face-slapping spectacle, the authority and reputation of their Internal Affairs Department would truly have been trampled into the dust.

In the blink of an eye, only Dean’s team members remained in the office.

Once the outsiders had left, Harry immediately gave in to curiosity, striding in a hip-hop dance step, with an exaggerated drawl, pretending to kneel and kiss Dean’s toes. "Oh my God, Dean, you managed to emerge from the Internal Affairs Department’s investigation unscathed! It’s like watching an invincible movie hero come to life before my very eyes!"

Dean flashed a grin. "You also looked pretty cool making those two guys hit the floor with your gun!"

"I owe it all to your excellent mentorship, my godfather Dean!" Harry was the jester of the team, his mood completely unaffected by the recent events.

Daisy and Carlo, however, looked more concerned. Especially Daisy, who asked, "Dean, is that conscription by DHS safe?"

"It’s just a pretext." Dean didn’t keep his trusted team in the dark. "I’m afraid I won’t be able to lead you for now. I’ll probably be taking a position with the FBI for a while. Once I’ve resolved the issues here, I might return to the Los Angeles Police Department. But by that time, I doubt you’ll still be calling me ’Detective.’"

The DHS conscription was tantamount to flipping the table on the power structure of Los Angeles. However, before dealing with Saul’s troubles, Dean knew he probably couldn’t stay in Los Angeles any longer, or else he’d be at the mercy of those people’s manipulation. That wasn’t a smart person’s choice!