Chapter 256: Chapter 256: Explosive Scandal
The HD security patrol team arrived at the scene just in time. The four gangsters in the two vehicles were arrested, and Arnold was rushed to the hospital for emergency care.
Arnold had been shot in the shoulder, with the bullet penetrating the driver's seat, but fortunately, the injury was not life-threatening. The HD patrol discovered a suitcase containing one million dollars in cash, a handheld camera, and a packet of documents inside Arnold's car.
The case was immediately handed over to the Los Angeles Police Department, which was shocked to discover the involvement of New York's Governor Dewey. Sheriff Ed of the LAPD quickly escalated the case to the FBI, who took over the investigation.
The FBI interrogated the four suspects, but they remained tight-lipped. Arnold, still in a coma, was expected to recover, but the photos and documents found suggested a scandal involving Dewey.
President Johnson, alerted to the situation, ordered a thorough investigation without regard for any resistance.
The media, always quick to sense a scandal, flocked to the scene and to Arnold's hospital room. Despite heavy police and FBI protection, reporters managed to glean some information, hinting that Dewey might be involved.
The following day, major newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post reported the car chase and shooting but kept details vague. However, the Global Times did not hold back.
Their report was explosive:
"Yesterday at noon, a serious car chase and shooting occurred on Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles. Two vehicles aggressively pursued another, resulting in multiple collisions with coffee stalls and buildings."
"The pursuit involved gunfire and culminated in a dramatic crash between the three vehicles. HD patrol arrived in time to arrest all suspects. A suitcase containing one million dollars, a camera, and documents were found in the car of the pursued reporter."
"Preliminary findings suggest the case involves New York State Governor and presidential candidate Dewey. The suitcase contained evidence of a meeting between Dewey and a foreign official, and the documents hint at political donations."
"The FBI has taken over the case, and further information is expected. The reporter, Arnold, was shot and involved in a car accident but is expected to recover."
This news was a sensation. The Global Times' bold reporting was praised for its transparency, while other newspapers were criticized for their vagueness.
Simultaneously, ABC TV reported similar news, emphasizing the scandal's gravity. The station, owned by the same boss as the Global Times, provided a detailed broadcast of Arnold's interview.
In New York, Dewey was grappling with the fallout. His face was grim as he read the newspapers, surrounded by worried staff. The political donations scandal had already been disastrous, but the suspicion of orchestrating a murder was far worse.
Dewey faced a severe dilemma. His staff suggested claiming that the secret operatives sent were merely conducting an investigation and were not involved in murder. The political donations were to be admitted as a mistake, with money returned to mitigate the damage.
Dewey was reluctant to abandon his campaign, feeling he had a strong chance of winning. Yet, with the FBI involved and President Johnson likely seizing the opportunity, he feared the worst.
The few captured suspects identified themselves as secret police from the New York State Prosecutor's Office. They claimed their actions were part of an arrest operation, muddling the case further.
Hardy, analyzing the situation, suspected that Dewey had prepared for plausible deniability. The real objective was not to kill Dewey but to cripple his campaign.
Arnold, once he regained consciousness, demanded to see the media. The FBI complied, allowing reporters from the Global Times, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and ABC TV to interview him.
Arnold's first statement was:
"I was chased and shot at. A bullet hit my shoulder, but I survived. I want to explain the whole story to the public."
When asked why he was targeted, Arnold revealed:
"Several days ago, I uncovered that Governor Dewey met with a foreign official and received five million dollars in illegal donations. I intended to expose this, but Dewey offered me $500,000 to stay silent."
Arnold detailed his efforts to protect evidence and avoid retaliation. He had recorded his communications with Dewey and the subsequent chase.
FBI confirmed Arnold's statements, verifying the evidence found in his car.
As the major newspapers rushed to publish their stories, and ABC TV prepared to air Arnold's interview in prime time, the scandal reached its peak. Dewey's alleged involvement in illegal foreign donations and the attempted suppression of a reporter had exploded into the most significant political scandal of the year.
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