Chapter 24: No Choice but to Pay Taxes

However, what he said was quite clever, directly pulling out the "police" as a big banner.

He refused to believe that David was truly determined to oppose the entire police force!

Nor did he believe the National Tax Bureau had evidence of their acceptance of protection fees!

"I'm slandering you?"

David smiled and said, "On December 3rd, at Caesar Shopping Center, you profited 1,000 US dollars by protecting a group of robbers."

"On December 9th, within your station branch, you cleared several individuals of illegal firearms possession records, making a profit of 800 US dollars, and on December 22nd, you received a protection fee of 1,500 US dollars from this current group of car thieves."

"..."

"Do I have that right?"

"Or is this also slander on my part?"

After hearing these words, both Wade and Balk initially revealed shock on their faces; then gradually, their expressions turned into sheer terror.

After a moment, the two turned to look at each other, their eyes meeting, reflecting their inner fear and unease.

They simply couldn't understand how David knew so much about their acceptance of bribes.

Even more outrageous was the fact that, over the past month, almost every payment, even down to the exact amount of money involved, was known in such detail.

Could it be... the National Tax Bureau had been secretly investigating them all along?

But how could that be possible!

The Black Tax Act had only just been passed; the focus of the National Tax Bureau should be on targeting those criminals, not their police station!

"We don't want to target your police force, but since the Black Tax Act has passed Congress, it is now the law of the land, and we must comply with and uphold it. Therefore, this action is only aimed at the issue, not the person, and we hope you can understand!"

Before the two could recover from their shock, David imposed another round of 'righteous pressure'.

"Inspector David, I don't know where you got this information from, but what you're saying could potentially create opposition between your National Tax Bureau and our police force. I hope you will think thrice!"

At this point, Wade had no better options.

All he could do was to evoke the police force, hoping David would not escalate the situation.

"As I've said before, the Black Tax Act is the law, and any illegal income not complying with the taxation provisions of the Black Tax Act is unlawful. It doesn't matter if it's your police station. Even if it were the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, or even the CIA here, it would all be the same!"

Hearing David throw the law in his face as a means of suppression, Wade's anger intensified as he retorted, "So what you're saying is, you want to arrest the two of us?"

"Not just the two of you, perhaps… we might also have a talk with your Chief Smith!"

"Chief Smith..."

Once again, Wade and Balk were stunned.

Could it be... the National Tax Bureau had not only investigated the two of them, but Chief Smith as well?

If that were the case, things would become troublesome…

If their chief were implicated, it would involve many more people.

Should such a significant commotion be picked up by the media, even the slightest hint could lead to the entire Lake District Police Station Branch facing public scorn.

"Alright, it's getting late!"

David looked at his watch and said, "I expect these car thieves to bring the money to our branch tomorrow and pay the taxes owed."

"As for you… out of respect for the police force, we will give you time to carefully consider!"

"However, I hope this matter can be resolved peacefully. I don't want any conflicts with your police force!"

As for those criminals, David could be utterly merciless, but with these police officers, to avoid creating a backlash, he could not press too hard.

After all, the police force is an indispensable entity in any city.

And sometimes, to bring in tax revenue from criminals, the National Tax Bureau also requires some cooperation from the police force.

Watching David and Nisen leave, Wade angrily smashed his teacup to pieces and cursed, "Look at their arrogance, thinking they can do whatever they want with the Black Tax Act in hand!"

"According to the provisions of the Black Tax Act, as long as there is any illegally obtained income, the National Tax Bureau has the authority to take action against anyone, even the President. We really can't resist or refute that..."

Balk was angry, of course, but even more so, he felt helpless.

The National Tax Bureau was already powerful, and now with the Black Tax Act having passed Congress, it's like they've been handed a powerful sword.

Even if this issue blew up, it would ultimately be the police that suffered.

Firstly, their acceptance of bribes was indeed a fact.

Secondly, it's well known that without the National Tax Bureau's tax collection, who would provide social welfare?

Who would pay for the construction of cities, facilities, public transportation?

Who would pay to maintain the navy fleets, the army that protects our homes and defends our country?

When the police force clashes with other departments, the public is likely to support the police because without it, there would be chaos and no public order.

But if there's a conflict with the National Tax Bureau, don't even think about it, the public will definitely support the National Tax Bureau without hesitation.

After all, as important as the police department is, it doesn't distribute money to the public.

But the National Tax Bureau does indeed give out money.

As to what's more important, any citizen would make their choice.

Unsatisfied, Wade glanced at Balk and said, "So what you're saying is, we should just surrender meekly?"

"Of course not, we should let Chief Smith handle this matter. If he decides to compromise, then anything more we say is useless," Balk suggested.

Hearing this, Wade fell silent.

And at that moment, Miyano Masho and others also approached.

Although Miyano had not heard the contents of the conversation between the two parties, from the expressions on Wade Balk's faces and Wade's angry teacup-smashing action earlier, he knew it couldn't be good news.

He braced himself and asked, "How did it go, Wade, Balk?"

Balk replied, "Miyano, we've done everything we could. Take your men to the National Tax Bureau tomorrow and pay the taxes you owe!"

"What!"

Even with his expectations set, Miyano Masho was still somewhat angry and unwilling to accept it as he inquired, "Is there really no other way? If it's a matter of money, I can accept even 200,000 or 300,000 dollars!"

"This isn't about money at all. Miyano, as your friend, let me warn you, you can't afford to mess with the National Tax Bureau. If you want to survive here, it's best to do as they say!"

"But..."

"Alright, it's time to go!"

Balk didn't give Miyano another chance to speak. It's not just about others now; their own situation was dire, and they couldn't afford to worry about anyone else.