Chapter 88: It’s Not Like We Were Roasting Beans in a Lightning Fire

“Chairman Gomez, could you tell us why you requested this emergency meeting?”

Chairman Gomez briefly glanced at Director Glenn Nevers before answering Chairman Park Yeongil's question.

“Director Nevers is opposed to us wiping out the American branch of the Triad.”

“Is that so? I'd like to hear why.”

“Why not hear it directly from him?”

Having yielded the floor to Director Glenn Nevers, Chairman Gomez stepped back.

As though he had been waiting for this moment, Director Glenn Nevers began speaking without hesitation.

“In principle, I agree with letting the Gomez family eliminate the American branch of the Triad instead of the FBI. However, there are two issues that prevent me from giving my approval so easily.”

“Please tell us what those issues are.”

“According to our estimates, the American branch of the Triad has around two thousand members.”

Chairman Park Yeongil deliberately turned his gaze toward Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong of the National Police Agency.

As though he had read his thoughts, Choi Dongyeong pulled a thick transparent folder from his bag. After opening it and reviewing the information inside, he spoke in a calm voice.

“The American branch of the Triad consists of approximately two thousand five hundred members, including around two hundred senior leaders.”

Chairman Park Yeongil nodded in thanks before continuing the conversation with Director Glenn Nevers.

“Please continue.”

“To eliminate the American branch of the Triad, we'd need to mobilize at least twice that number of people.”

“Is it really necessary to deploy that many?”

“Because firearms are freely owned in our country, they're undoubtedly armed with every kind of weapon imaginable.”

“That certainly sounds likely.”

“On the other hand, the Gomez family has only a little over two thousand five hundred members.”

“That is certainly a reasonable concern. I'd also like to hear your second reason.”

“We cannot rule out the possibility that the Gomez family has Triad spies among its ranks.”

The American branch of the Triad was based on the West Coast in San Francisco, while the Gomez family was headquartered on the East Coast in New York. That meant the Gomez family would have to relocate to San Francisco in order to eliminate them. If more than two thousand five hundred people moved at the same time, there was no way the Triad wouldn't notice. That was exactly what Director Glenn Nevers was worried about.

“Hmm, I understand your concern. So how do you think we should solve this?”

“I believe it would be better if the FBI handled the operation itself.”

“But in that case, you'd have to accept the three counterproposals we presented, correct?”

“We can pay the first counterproposal—the two billion dollars—immediately.”

“Very well. Assuming the FBI carries out the operation, how long would preparation take?”

“Taking everything into account, we'd need at least three weeks.”

“Isn't there a possibility that information could leak during those three weeks of preparation?”

“...”

Director Glenn Nevers fell silent, his confidence shaken.

Chairman Park Yeongil glanced at him before continuing.

“If anyone has an original idea, don't hesitate to speak.”

I decided the time had finally come and quickly asked for permission to speak.

“Director Glenn Nevers, is it absolutely necessary to follow the standard procedures when eliminating the Triad?”

“If we don't, the operation would be illegal, and we could end up having to release the criminals we arrest.”

“Even if it's an emergency operation?”

“Of course, if there's a clear and compelling justification, the procedures can be bypassed.”

“Even now, the Triad is manufacturing and distributing enormous quantities of methamphetamine. Isn't that alone sufficient grounds to eliminate the organization?”

“That's already well-known, but... if it's combined with several other major crimes we've already uncovered, then yes, it would certainly be possible.”

In other words, there were more than enough legal grounds.

I nodded and spoke again.

“Director Glenn Nevers, may I continue?”

“Of course. Speak as much as you like.”

“I don't believe it's possible to eliminate all two thousand five hundred Triad members at once. So I'd like to propose dividing the responsibilities among the FBI, the Gomez family, and the U.S. military. What do you think?”

“I'd like to hear why the military should be involved.”

I had expected Director Glenn Nevers to be surprised. Yet, as befitted the head of a massive intelligence organization, not a trace of emotion appeared on his face.

“If the FBI and the Gomez family move simultaneously, there's a chance the Triad will become suspicious.”

“That's certainly true.”

“Why not have the FBI focus on eliminating those responsible for the most critical work—the production and distribution of methamphetamine?”

“I see. Then what role should the Gomez family take?”

“I believe they should be tasked with eliminating the senior executives who make up Golden Health.”

The reason I wanted the Gomez family to handle that task was to make it easier for them to acquire Golden Health afterward.

Of course, Chairman Gomez had no idea what my true intentions were.

“And finally, the ordinary gang members and the criminal organizations receiving methamphetamine could be eliminated by the U.S. military.”

“Chairman Gomez, what do you think of Director Cha's proposal?”

“If you'll promise me one thing, I'll accept Director Cha's proposal.”

“And what exactly must I promise?”

“Once the American branch of the Triad is destroyed, Golden Health will inevitably descend into chaos. When that happens, medical institutions receiving medicine and medical equipment from the company will face enormous difficulties. And the investors holding Golden Health stock will undoubtedly suffer tremendous losses.”

“That is only natural.”

“The only way to prevent that chaos is to find Golden Health a new owner as quickly as possible.”

Director Glenn Nevers seemed to understand exactly where Chairman Gomez was headed.

Chairman Gomez clearly wanted to acquire Golden Health.

Failing to recognize that intention while pretending not to would have been negligence.

“I accept Chairman Gomez's proposal.”

At that moment, Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong of the National Police Agency, who had clearly been waiting for his chance to speak, entered the conversation.

“Director Glenn Nevers, we'll arrange it so that the information appears to have come from Korea Investment rather than from us.”

“Is there a reason to do it that way?”

“If we provide the information directly, it will create a great deal of unnecessary trouble.”

“Could you give me an example?”

“If the FBI pays us the two billion dollars, we'll have to go through official procedures and report everything to the relevant government agencies.”

“Ah, I understand the inconvenience that would cause.”

Having fulfilled his role perfectly, Choi Dongyeong stepped back.

“Chairman Park, when will you be able to hand over the information?”

“I could hand it over immediately, but...”

In response to Director Glenn Nevers' question, Chairman Park Yeongil deliberately left his sentence unfinished.

Having survived countless battles in the ruthless world of espionage, Director Glenn Nevers immediately understood what he meant.

“Chairman Park, when would it be best to draft the contract?”

“As far as I know, one issue must be resolved first.”

“What issue?”

“In our country, deploying the military requires the President's approval. I believe it's the same in America...”

In other words, they first needed President Melvin Douglas's authorization.

“Oh, of course. You needn't worry about that.”

“You sound quite confident that President Melvin Douglas will give his approval.”

“I'll answer that on his behalf.”

Joel Graff spoke before Director Glenn Nevers had the chance.

“President Melvin Douglas has repeatedly said that he'd like to eliminate the gangs distributing narcotics, even if it means deploying the military.”

“In that case, obtaining his approval shouldn't be a problem.”

“Since it's already dawn back home, I'll have the President's approval within an hour or two.”

“Why don't we have dinner while we wait?”

“Haha. Of everything I've heard today, those are the most welcome words.”

***

Because there were so many people, we had to split up across several tables for dinner.

I ended up at the same table as Tracy, Gloria, and Isabella.

That was when a problem arose.

Tracy and Isabella silently began competing for the seat next to me.

Realizing everyone else was watching us, I quickly sat down beside Gloria.

The two girls had no choice but to take the seats across from us.

Breaking the awkward silence, Isabella looked at me meaningfully.

“Director Cha, what were you doing last night?”

There was no way I could answer that I had spent a passionate night with Tracy.

The best option was to mix truth with lies.

“After having a few drinks with my friends, Miss Gloria and Miss Tracy, I went home.”

“Oh, don't lie.”

“Whether you believe me or not, that's the truth.”

“...I'm sorry.”

When I answered in a firm tone, Isabella apologized in an almost inaudible voice, as though frightened.

She must have been startled by how sharply my expression had changed.

Thinking the matter had been settled, I continued speaking to her.

“I accept your apology, Miss Isabella.”

“How about having a drink with me tonight?”

Logically speaking, fairness dictated that I should have a drink with Isabella.

However, Tracy's gaze was so terrifying that I couldn't voice my true thoughts.

“Senior Specialist Woo also really wanted to see Miss Isabella.”

“Then we can invite Senior Specialist Woo as well.”

“Excellent idea. Please wait just a moment.”

I left the restaurant and called Senior Specialist Woo Changhun.

Something felt strange.

Whenever I called him, he normally answered after three or four rings.

This time, he picked up the instant the first ring began.

Even stranger, his voice was unusually cheerful.

“[Specialist Cha, what's the matter?]”

“Miss Isabella invited us out for drinks. What should I do?”

“[I'd love to join you too, but I've got too much work. Looks like I'll have to stay late tonight.]”

I instantly understood the situation Woo Changhun was in.

He was asking me to help him escape the office.

Now that I'd seen through him, how could I ignore it?

“Senior Specialist Woo, one of our team's primary responsibilities is taking care of our guests from America.”

“[That's right.]”

“If you explain the circumstances to the Team Leader, I'm sure he'll let you leave work.”

“[Understood. But listen, shouldn't we invite Specialist Yun too? She's friends with Isabella.]”

I couldn't accept Woo Changhun's suggestion.

“If Specialist Yun is there, everything that happened in America might come out.”

“[Hmm, you're right. I hadn't thought of that.]”

After ending the call with Woo Changhun, I returned to the restaurant.

What greeted me was an unexpected sight.

Our dinner hadn't even been served yet, but everyone was already getting up from their seats.

Puzzled, I asked Gloria what was happening.

“While Director Cha was away, President Douglas called Advisor Graff. He gave the President a full report on the situation, and the President instructed him to sign the contract immediately.”

“I see. But what about all the food we ordered?”

“Advisor Graff paid for the entire dinner.”

“Well, the restaurant certainly got lucky.”

“Ho-ho-ho. You can say that again.”

Apparently my joke amused Gloria, because she smiled sincerely, revealing her perfectly straight teeth.

***

The executive conference room of Korea Investment.

Advisor Graff took his seat and began speaking apologetically.

“I apologize for unintentionally causing everyone to miss dinner.”

“No one starves from missing a single meal.”

“I'm glad to hear that. Let me tell you what President Melvin Douglas said.”

“We're listening.”

“The President ordered us to eliminate the American branch of the Triad and all the gangs receiving narcotics before the end of this week.”

I thought President Melvin Douglas was rushing things far too much.

It was unavoidable.

There were only three days left until the end of the week.

Apparently Chairman Park Yeongil had reached the same conclusion before I did.

“Is that even possible?”

“If it isn't possible, then we'll make it possible.”

“Since you've put it that way, we have no choice but to move forward. How can we assist you?”

“From this moment on, we're racing against time. That's why I'd like us to sign the contract as soon as possible.”

“My, my! It's not like we were roasting beans in a lightning fire. Chief Secretary Kang, you heard what Advisor Graff just said, didn't you?”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Chief Secretary Kang Inhan answered in a loud, unwavering voice.