Bab 380: Chapter 380: I Really Thought I Couldn't Pull the Knife Anymore
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Being under attack from the Global Times and ABC, McKinsey found it impossible to remain passive. He immediately instructed his team to contact the media and arrange a press conference.
When the reporters heard the news, they flocked to the hotel where the press conference was being held, eager to cover what promised to be a major story. The crowd included over a hundred reporters, with cameras and microphones ready.
McKinsey, who had experience as both a judge and a formidable speaker, was particularly adept at handling the media. He confidently defended himself, asserting, "The Global Times' report is entirely false. The United States is on the brink of being overwhelmed by co-conspirators. We must eliminate the cancer disrupting American politics. All actions taken by the investigation committee are both reasonable and legal."
He continued, "The Global Times has fabricated facts and made baseless accusations. I believe they are supporting the Labour Party..."
McKinsey boldly criticized the Global Times, accusing them of attempting to undermine his efforts through deceitful means.
"The recordings aired by ABC are completely doctored. They don't reflect what I actually said. Everything I do is for the benefit of this country."
McKinsey further claimed that the attacks from the Global Times and ABC were retaliatory maneuvers, intended to discredit him as he was closing in on exposing their true colors.
The reporters, however, had sharp questions ready for him.
One reporter asked, "Congressman McKinsey, you claimed in parliament that you have evidence of 205 congressmen being involved in corruption. Why haven't you produced this evidence?"
Another inquired, "Are the companies and individuals on your list of targets for the next round of investigations genuine, or is the list a fabrication?"
A third reporter raised a constitutional concern, "In a free society like the U.S., even those with differing beliefs are protected by the Constitution. Are we abandoning these principles? What about the deported directors, screenwriters, and actors?"
Another reporter accused him of financial manipulation, "Are you conspiring with others to manipulate stock prices and benefit financially from political suppression? We have evidence of this being reported to the relevant state departments. What is your response?"
Finally, a reporter questioned McKinsey's personal conduct, "There are claims that you spend tens of thousands of dollars on prostitution annually. Several women have come forward with their stories. What do you say about this?"
McKinsey's reaction was one of irritation. When challenged about the claim that his encounters with prostitutes were brief, he exploded in anger. "That's nonsense! My health is perfectly fine."
Yet, the reporters pressed further. When confronted with allegations from years prior about a domestic violence incident involving his wife, McKinsey was taken aback.
Frustrated and flustered by the revelations and the relentless questioning, McKinsey abruptly ended the press conference.
By 9 PM, ABC TV aired the press conference footage. Two TV commentators provided a biting commentary, mocking McKinsey's evasive responses and the nature of the questions. The combination of McKinsey's defensiveness and the sharp critiques left viewers with a negative impression of him.
The revelations of McKinsey's alleged personal and political misconduct stirred public outrage. His reputation as a political hooligan, known for deceit and intimidation, was further cemented. The narrative of corruption and personal depravity was now dominating public discourse, painting him in a highly unfavorable light.
In response, McKinsey, incensed, ordered his investigative team to focus their efforts on the Global Times, ABC TV, and the Hardy Group. He demanded a thorough investigation and vowed to bring down these entities, aiming to close their doors and drive them to bankruptcy.
The next morning, the investigative committee split into three groups, heading towards their targets. At the entrance of ABC TV, the security guards, armed with wooden sticks and pistols, refused entry to the investigators despite their credentials and paperwork.
The security manager, showing an indifference to the situation, feigned ignorance and threatened to call the police. Frustrated and realizing further confrontation was futile, the investigation team retreated to get additional documentation.
Meanwhile, in a dramatic turn, the investigation team's car was ambushed by several vehicles. Men in dark clothing and armed with weapons surrounded them. The investigation team was swiftly overpowered and taken away.
Hardy's influence and resources were on full display. With his extensive network, including HD Security and his intelligence company, Hardy ensured that the investigators faced overwhelming resistance.
The fate of the investigation team and their failed attempts at infiltration underscored Hardy's resolve and power. McKinsey, oblivious to the disappearance of his subordinates, remained unaware of the scale of Hardy's intervention.
The chapter closes on the stark reality of the political and corporate battlefield, with McKinsey's grand plans unraveling amidst a backdrop of media scrutiny and aggressive countermeasures.
Bab 381: Chapter 381: The Accident is Not Serious; It's Just a Coma
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**
Off the coast of Los Angeles, on a dilapidated cargo ship.
Facing the black muzzles of guns, the hostages turned pale with fear. "What are you going to do to us?" one of them stammered.
"It's simple," the lead kidnapper sneered. "You've been kidnapped. We're going to extort a ransom from your families—$20,000 each. If they don't pay, none of you will leave here alive."
The kidnapper's grin widened as he continued, "I'll give you a chance to write to your families. If they don't pay up, I'm afraid you'll end up feeding the fish."
"You're committing a crime!" a young man shouted, disgust evident in his voice.
"Bang!"
The kidnapper fired without hesitation, the bullet piercing the young man's thigh. He collapsed to the ground, clutching his leg, screaming in agony.
"I'm not joking. If anyone here wants to die now, just stand up, and I'll oblige," the leader said coldly.
The shot silenced the group, the reality of their situation sinking in. It was the 1950s—a time when gang violence was rampant in the United States. While law enforcement had improved in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, other areas were still plagued by daily gang-related killings.
The hostages, terrified, began writing letters to their families. After finishing, they were herded into cold, empty storage rooms, where they sat on iron plates, deprived of food and water. Only after desperate pleading did they receive a meager ration before being locked away again, left to endure their dark, dismal days.
In one of the cabins, someone whispered, "Do you think these kidnappers were sent by Jon Hardy?"
"There's no doubt about it," another replied. "When McKinsey decided to go after him, I knew this would happen. Jon Hardy isn't someone you mess with. He's the kind of man who sends fighter jets to take out gangsters. Do you think any mafia in the U.S. would dare challenge him? HD Security is basically his private army. He's also the British governor and a Japanese economic envoy. His power is overwhelming. McKinsey definitely picked the wrong target."
"Isn't Hardy worried about the repercussions?" another man asked, concerned.
"Repercussions? How could anything touch him? Even if the whole world knew he orchestrated this, there's no evidence. We were kidnapped by robbers; what does that have to do with Jon Hardy? He's a tycoon, a philanthropist."
"So, what happens to us now? Will we ever make it out?" the man worried.
"If we keep quiet and don't cause trouble, we might have a chance. But by the time we're released, McKinsey will probably be finished, and the investigation committee disbanded."
---
Meanwhile, in Hollywood, a large-scale demonstration was underway. First-tier stars like Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Hedy Lamarr, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ingrid Bergman, along with directors, screenwriters, and other film industry staff, had taken to the streets. Thousands marched, holding plaques and banners, demanding the government stop McKinsey's actions, punish his crimes, and restore American freedom.
McKinsey's persecution didn't just target individuals—it threatened Hollywood as a whole. No one dared make movies anymore, and without films, there was no money. Hollywood had every reason to hate McKinsey.
"Put McKinsey on trial! Restore Hollywood's freedom!"
"Punish the political gangster McKinsey!"
"We want freedom! We want to breathe! We don't want white terror!"
The demonstrators chanted as they marched, with countless reporters capturing the scene. Photographers filmed the protest, documenting the massive turnout.
HD Security personnel, clad in black combat uniforms and armed with submachine guns, stood guard at street intersections, supported by police cars to ensure the demonstrators' safety. The police watched from the sidelines, smiling.
The parade lasted three full hours, ending with extensive coverage by ABC Radio and Television. Even NBC and CBS, also on McKinsey's investigation list, broadcast the event.
Challenging the entire American media, high-ranking government officials, businesses, and even the military was audacious. But McKinsey seemed determined to take on everyone.
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The next day, major newspapers detailed the Hollywood demonstration. Seeing the momentum, trade unions across the country decided to act. In the past, McKinsey's most intense persecution had targeted Hollywood's unions. Now, seizing the opportunity, these unions organized workers to strike and continue the protests.
A national strike erupted, even more intense than before. At its peak, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across the United States. Their target was clear: McKinsey.
"Punish McKinsey!"
"Such congressmen should be removed from Capitol Hill!"
"Restore freedom of belief in the United States!"
"Send McKinsey to hell!"
The newspapers reported the overwhelming calls to punish McKinsey, echoing across the country like a rising wave.
On Capitol Hill, a parliamentary session was in full swing. But this time, it wasn't McKinsey's stage. Senator Nicholas stood up, launching a scathing attack on McKinsey—not targeting his ideology or the general labor investigation committee, but his character. Nicholas exposed McKinsey's tax evasion and his collusion with entrepreneurs to manipulate the stock market.
"McKinsey indulges in eating, drinking, prostitution, gambling, and smoking—a congressman completely devoid of morals. How can such a person represent the people?"
"McKinsey has evaded taxes for years. I have evidence proving that his tax evasion totals over $60,000. This isn't baseless slander; the evidence is solid."
"McKinsey colluded with financial company personnel to manipulate stock transactions, using his power to oppress certain companies, allowing these financial firms to short those companies and profit illegally. He pocketed $330,000 from this scheme. I have concrete evidence."
Nicholas held up the documents, denouncing McKinsey's corrupt behavior, expressing shame at sharing Capitol Hill with him.
Why was Nicholas so determined? Partly because of his boss, Hardy, who wanted him to go after McKinsey ruthlessly. But also because bringing down McKinsey would elevate Nicholas, making him a political star.
The applause on Capitol Hill was deafening.
Many congressmen had felt cornered by McKinsey's rogue tactics, fearing for their political futures. Now that someone was attacking McKinsey, they were eager to support and cheer, seizing the opportunity to crush him.
McKinsey sat in his seat, ready to stand and defend himself. He was a well-known debater, confident in his ability to speak. But before he could, the chairman of the parliament, Vice President Alben William Barkley, interrupted.
"Congressman McKinsey, I must interrupt you. You are not scheduled to speak today. Additionally, the Bureau of Investigation is outside. They will now take you in for questioning."
McKinsey was stunned. He hadn't expected everything to unravel so quickly. His opponents weren't giving him a chance to fight back. This wasn't a debate—it was a trial.
He was led away as his fellow congressmen looked on with thinly veiled glee.
Outside Capitol Hill, a large crowd of reporters had gathered, obviously tipped off in advance. There were even cameras from ABC, NBC, and CBS, all waiting to capture the moment.
McKinsey, flanked by three investigative officers in suits, was led out without handcuffs—a small concession to his former status.
"Click, click!"
The reporters snapped photos furiously. TV cameras zoomed in on McKinsey, nearly touching his face. Blood boiling, McKinsey shouted into the camera, "This is persecution! Naked persecution! It's a setup—a Labor Party conspiracy!"
"Mr. McKinsey, are your tax evasion and stock manipulation also setups?" a reporter asked loudly.
"Those... those are fabrications too! I'm innocent!" McKinsey insisted, still defiant.
That day, news of McKinsey's arrest by the Bureau of Investigation spread like wildfire. Many people couldn't help but cheer—this political thug had finally been caught. It was a moment of triumph.
McKinsey's case wasn't hard to crack. The Internal Revenue Service quickly uncovered his tax evasion, totaling tens of thousands of dollars over the past few years. This money had come from financial companies, which had profited by shorting companies McKinsey had targeted. The head of the financial company, once arrested, confessed to colluding with McKinsey, who had orchestrated the scheme. In return, McKinsey had received over $300,000 in cash, money he had hidden to avoid taxes.
Despite the mounting evidence, McKinsey refused to confess, calling in his lawyer to mount a defense. He was no stranger to the legal process, having been a judge himself.
A week later, McKinsey was released on bail after paying a large sum. He didn't want to stay in prison any longer than necessary.
However, as his car drove onto the highway, a large truck sped toward it, smashing into the vehicle. The impact left the car in pieces, a twisted wreck of metal.
The truck driver, after assessing the damage, walked silently to a nearby phone booth. He called the police, calmly reporting the accident and turning himself in.
As the old saying goes, "What goes around, comes around."
Though the car was shattered, McKinsey survived, but he was gravely injured. Rushed to the hospital, he was connected to numerous tubes.
He was still breathing, but his fate remained uncertain. Would he ever regain consciousness? Only time would tell.
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