Chapter 257: What a Wonderful Vocabulary

A team of FBI agents, led by a senior detective, arrived at the New York State Governor's office, their official procedures clearly visible.

"Mr. Thomas Dewey, due to suspicions of accepting political contributions and involvement in a murder case, we are here to investigate. This is a Federal Court order. Please come with us for questioning."

Dewey, maintaining his composure, complied. With a federal subpoena, he had no choice but to cooperate.

As Dewey exited the government office building, a throng of reporters gathered outside. The sight of a governor, and presidential candidate, being investigated was a media sensation. The reporters' cameras clicked furiously, capturing every moment.

Dewey was escorted by the FBI for questioning. Regardless of the outcome, the scandal would undoubtedly harm his campaign, which was precisely the effect President Johnson had hoped for.

In the New York FBI branch, a detective began questioning Dewey. Dewey admitted to receiving $5 million in political donations from a representative of an Eastern country, acknowledging the violation of federal law. The bank records confirmed the funds' origin from Sao Paulo, Brazil, belonging to someone from Song, making the donation straightforward but problematic.

On the issue of Arnold's murder, Dewey denied any involvement. He claimed that Arnold had blackmailed him, and that the prosecutor's office had been tasked with dealing with the matter discreetly to avoid leaks.

Dewey's assistant, who was also investigated, echoed Dewey's statements. He maintained that their actions were meant to handle Arnold's blackmail privately and were not intended as a murder.

The focus shifted to the four prosecutors involved, who consistently claimed they were simply conducting an arrest, not a murder. They asserted that their intensified actions were due to the need to intercept Arnold, not to kill him.

The case remained inconclusive, with Dewey and his assistants under a restraining order, preventing them from leaving the U.S. Dewey attempted to countercharge Arnold with extortion, but Arnold maintained that he was conducting an investigation, not blackmailing Dewey.

The FBI imposed a travel restriction on Arnold as well, pending further evidence of extortion. A few days later, the FBI held a press conference to announce their findings.

The spokesperson addressed the crowd of reporters:

"The investigation into the 'Los Angeles Pursuit' is ongoing. We have not yet reached a conclusion. The FBI will continue its investigation."

"Firstly, regarding Governor Thomas Dewey's acceptance of foreign political donations, Dewey admitted to receiving $5 million from a foreign representative. This violates the Federal Election Campaign Act, which prohibits foreign donations. The funds have been frozen by the Federal Court."

"The second issue concerns the alleged murder of reporter Arnold. Dewey claims he was extorted and used secret investigators to address the issue. There is insufficient evidence to confirm murder, though the use of secret prosecutors is concerning."

"Thirdly, regarding Dewey's accusation against Arnold for extortion, the FBI has reviewed Arnold's recordings and found them consistent with his claims of investigating rather than blackmailing. However, Arnold did use illegal methods."

The investigation revealed complexities and contradictions. Some sought to protect Dewey due to the extensive efforts invested in his campaign. With the election only two months away, replacing Dewey would be difficult, so efforts to shield him continued. Despite the scandal, Dewey remained a candidate in the upcoming election.

After reading the news, Dewey was furious. The scandal had severely damaged his campaign, and he blamed Hardy, who had orchestrated the situation. The timing of the scandal jeopardized Dewey's election prospects, and he was enraged by the disruption to his campaign.

President Johnson, on the other hand, found the scandal advantageous. Dewey's fall from grace would boost Johnson's approval ratings, and Johnson planned to use this opportunity to solidify his position with speeches in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Hardy, having read the news, set it aside. He knew that Dewey's situation was precarious but not irreparable. The investigation might expose Dewey further, but Hardy was prepared to negotiate. Janini had contacted him, offering a mediation deal involving the casino lottery and future business opportunities. Hardy accepted the offer, appreciating the potential for future collaboration.

Hardy relished the concept of "fair competition," savoring the opportunity to advance his interests while maintaining a level playing field.