Chapter 144: The Spoils

As Jack rappelled down, an explosion occurred. Two off-road vehicles were blown up just 50 meters away. Of course, saying they were blown up is an exaggeration. The C4 that Jason had given to Clark weighed less than 500 grams per pack. When the smoke cleared, some members of the Eugene family in the vehicles were not killed on the spot.

Clark quickly darted out from the hiding woods. After a few gunshots, he finished them off. The other SEAL team members cautiously searched the entire villa in tactical formation. Once it was confirmed safe, Jason ordered the Black Hawk to land in front of the house.

As a worried Jessie jumped out of the helicopter, Jack emerged from the villa holding an unconscious Francine. The girl was lucky. Perhaps because the hunt had just begun, the Eugene family men planned to gather more prey before enjoying them. Or maybe they sensed something was wrong the previous night and temporarily lost their urge to violate the prey.

Besides some infected wounds and dehydration, Francine was fully clothed. However, she was severely frightened. Fearing she might hurt herself in panic, Jack had knocked her out. He temporarily handed Francine over to Jessie and returned to the villa, but things didn't seem to go smoothly.

"So, where's what we're looking for? There's nothing here."

Jason looked disappointed as he questioned Jack. The so-called basement of Sam Eugene turned out to be a small cellar hidden under the living room floor, empty and clean enough to starve a mouse.

The other team members, still unaware of what they were looking for, glanced at each other in confusion.

Jack's gaze swept around and finally landed on the wreckage of the two off-road vehicles outside the window.

"Clark, did you check the trunks of those two cars after finishing them off?"

"No, what are we looking for exactly?" Clark shook his head, puzzled.

"We'll find out soon."

When Jack and the six SEALs regrouped in the living room, the table was piled high with golden bars. The sight of these stacked gold bars was much more impactful than a pile of cash.

Jason and his team couldn't take their eyes off the pile, their eyes reflecting the golden glow. Standing next to Jason, Ray swallowed hard and picked up a piece to inspect it, his voice tight with excitement.

"Each bar weighs about 50 ounces. Even if it's not the highest purity, each piece is worth around $75,000. There are 29 pieces here. We're rich."

Jack was somewhat surprised. He didn't expect the Eugene family to hide most of their gold in this mountain villa. It seemed the FBI raid on the vineyard wouldn't yield much.

Jason didn't waste words. He directly moved five pieces aside.

"Each of us gets four pieces. We wouldn't have this fortune without the FBI kid, so the extra piece goes to him."

The other five nodded in agreement. Ray happily grabbed his four pieces, sighing, "Nima always wanted a bigger house. Now she can finally have it."

Sunny was so pleased he couldn't close his mouth. He was about to take his share from the table when Jason stopped him.

"Yours will be kept by Ray. I don't want you spending it all on strippers."

Ray cheerfully stuffed Sunny's share into his own bag. "Don't worry. I'll give it back after you get married and make sure your wife doesn't find out."

"Damn, that means I'll never get it back," Sunny said, frustrated.

Jack returned all the gear to the SEALs. Jason allowed him to keep a tactical backpack to carry the gold. Perhaps because they had shared the spoils, the SEAL team's attitude towards Jack visibly improved. After warm goodbyes, they boarded the Black Hawk and flew away.

When David Rossi arrived in a large, red and white EC-225 helicopter, all he saw was a burning villa and the smoldering wreckage of two off-road vehicles.

"Jason asked me to give this to you."

Jack approached and handed Rossi a memory card containing a video recorded by the SEALs, documenting the entire operation—except for the last part where they divided the spoils.

Rossi, dressed in an expensive bespoke suit, glanced at the two girls behind Jack and signaled a medic who had just disembarked from the helicopter to check on them.

"How did it go?" Rossi's question was vague, but Jack knew what he meant.

"No loose ends, everything's cleaned up. The SEALs took their reward, and the rest is in my bag."

Rossi waved dismissively, not caring about the money. "Keep the rest. You're not an FBI agent yet."

Jack couldn't help but laugh. Although he hadn't planned on handing it over, he appreciated the gesture.

They didn't have much to discuss. Rossi already knew everything. He was very pleased with Jack's performance. Despite not officially joining the FBI yet, Jack had already made a significant contribution.

Regardless of the final results of the gold mine survey, the mining conditions alone ensured it had substantial value.

"What are your plans next?" Rossi asked.

Jack shrugged. "Rest for a day, then continue my road trip."

Though he had only played a minor role, keeping up with the SEALs without being a burden was no small feat.

Jack was physically exhausted but mentally satisfied, having participated in a professional quasi-military operation—an experience most FBI agents wouldn't have.

"Then I won't keep you. Remember to report to Quantico in a month. I'll personally oversee your training assessment."

Rossi glanced at Jessie, a hint of teasing in his eyes.

"Let's go. I'll take you to get your car. The girl needs to sign some documents."

When the EC-225 helicopter landed at the dilapidated gas station again, the area had been leveled, including the big pit behind the ramshackle shed. Only Jack's Firebird remained, covered with a worn tarpaulin.

Jack, holding Jessie's hand, jumped out of the helicopter. After clearing the rotor blades, he turned and waved goodbye to Rossi.

Francine, with a crossbow wound, needed surgery. Rossi would take her directly to a hospital in Las Cruces, where Jessie's other two companions were waiting.

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