Deal

Arthur reclined in his opulent leather chair, his brow knit in a thoughtful frown as he contemplated the mind-boggling sum he was about to part with. Ten million dollars, a figure that could make most people's jaws drop, even for a man of his considerable financial stature. Originally, he had offered this generous sum to Bradley in a fit of anger, a reward for assisting him in the relentless pursuit of Daniel and the individuals accountable for his colossal financial losses. But this time, there was no room for procrastination or negotiation – the payment had to be made right here, right now.

Jack, with his no-nonsense demeanor, had words that seemed to carry a weight of their own, pressing down on Arthur's already troubled mind. "The more I ask for, the greater the leverage you'll hold," Jack stated matter-of-factly. "So, are you ready to dig deeper into your pockets to put an end to this once and for all, or do you want to face the IRS in a grueling legal battle until you've lost it all?"

Arthur hesitated for a moment, a mental tug-of-war between his pride and the practicality of the situation. Jack's logic was irrefutable, and the prospect of a protracted legal tussle with the IRS loomed darkly ahead of him.

With a deep sigh, Arthur finally gave in and asked, "How much more do you want?"

Jack leaned back casually, as if this were a simple business transaction, and replied, "Double it, Arthur – 20 million. That, combined with the initial ten million, sums up to a hefty 30 million."

Arthur couldn't help but gasp, as if he'd just uncovered the hidden costs of a treasure hunt. If he had known that Jack would demand such a colossal sum, he might have thought twice before writing that first check.

Jack, however, remained composed and unfazed, explaining, "It's an investment, Arthur, compared to the losses you're about to face. And don't even think about using recordings or threats; think about why I'm the sole investigator here, not a team."

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed firmly on Arthur, as if daring him to question his influence. "Trust me, my reach, both personally and within the IRS, goes much deeper than you can imagine."

Suddenly, it all clicked for Arthur. He'd been baffled by the IRS's decision to assign only Jack to investigate his extensive organization, even with a director's blessing. Now, he understood – Jack must have had a powerful patron within the agency.

The specifics of how Jack had orchestrated this puzzle remained a mystery to Arthur, something he could only speculate about.

Jack didn't need to articulate his thought to achieve his desired outcome. He was a master of the art of persuasion, leaving the gaps for Arthur's imagination to fill in. It was a delicate dance of words, one where missteps could lead to unforeseen consequences.

After a moment's contemplation, Arthur finally surrendered. "I agree," he conceded, his imagination getting the best of him. "But I have one condition: alongside your silence on this matter, you must assist me in setting the books straight."

Jack arched an intrigued eyebrow. "Interesting," he mused. "So you want an IRS auditor to help you fix your books?"

For Jack, this was akin to a heist mastermind requesting police assistance during a robbery – it went against conventional wisdom. Yet, he knew he had to oblige Arthur's request; it was crucial to ensure the success of their transaction.

As for how he would handle Arthur in the future, Jack had a plan in mind. He had his own unique way of balancing the scales.

Arthur asserts confidently, a sly grin playing on his face, "Why not? Anyway, as long as we reach a deal, we will be partners."

Jack, showing no reluctance, leans in with an air of mystery, "You're right. Then... the deal is concluded."

For Jack, this deal isn't just about the immediate financial gain. He's looking to secure a substantial, albeit discreet, income.

To ensure the authenticity and effectiveness of the transaction, Jack decides to modify the information before reporting it to the IRS. While this may go against his usual principles, Jack knows he needs to take the next step.

He quickly formulates a plan to redeem his principles. After revising the financial statement, Jack leaves with a substantial $20 million and sends a message to Dylan and Bradley: "It's time for us to come and talk to the Four Horsemen."

Jack may have agreed not to expose Arthur Group's financial wrongdoing, but that doesn't mean he won't stir up trouble elsewhere. The Four Horsemen, led by Daniel and his team, are seen as valuable tools. Why not put them to good use?

From the perspective of his "IRS Clerk" profession, Jack has already stripped the wool off Arthur, but when it comes to his "Magician" profession, there's still plenty of wool to be sheared, and Jack is ready to reap the rewards.

After submitting evidence that the Arthur Group's financial situation is in order, Jack gains 3,000 experience points, bringing his "IRS Staff" experience to a total of 3,200. The next upgrade is still a way off, so Jack takes his time.

A few days later, events start to unfold similarly to the original plan. Dylan "accidentally" discovers a tracking and eavesdropping device on his phone, leading to the location of Daniel and his crew. While the initial attempt at an arrest fails, Jack fakes his own death during the operation and escapes through an exploding car, delivering critical information to Dylan, albeit under the guise of being captured.

This information reveals the existence of a company called Elken, a safe company that has been on the FBI's radar for some time. Internal intelligence suggests that this company has stashed away a whopping $500 million in a factory in Queens, New York. 

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Read ahead on my Pa*treon! 

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