Dare to Arrest My People (Happy Valentine's Day!)

"Mr. Allen!"

"General Ross."

Ross stood up and shook hands with Allen, who had just entered. Allen had been appointed Secretary of State by the President.

Following the Secretary of State was another person with very distinct features. He had dark skin and an eyepatch. If his skin were lighter, he would look exactly like a medieval pirate.

However, with that skin tone, he wouldn't have been a pirate in the Middle Ages; at best, he would have been a slave on a pirate ship.

Nick Fury.

He possessed the ability to call upon orbital bombardment, but at this time, he wasn't the top boss controlling a secret agency; he was merely a deputy.

At this moment, Nick Fury's gaze fell upon Lake, who was standing next to General Ross in his military uniform. His one eye narrowed.

Just then.

General Ross looked at Nick Fury, then asked Secretary of State Allen, "And who is this...?"

Nick Fury extended his hand towards General Ross. "Nick Fury, Deputy Director of the Strategic Homeland Defense and Logistics Agency."

General Ross glanced at the hand Nick Fury was offering.

He didn't shake it.

Hmph.

Not only did this man want to poach his people, but he was also plotting against them. If the Secretary of State hadn't been here today, with General Ross's temper, he would have already called the guards to detain Nick Fury on the spot.

What Strategic Homeland Defense and Logistics Agency?

What the hell was that? Ross didn't care if he'd heard of it or not.

What?

Oh.

Did this agency have legal enforcement authority within the country through a Congressional resolution? No? Then this agency didn't exist. Impersonating the FBI was a serious federal crime.

After glancing at Nick Fury's hand, General Ross let out a chuckle and looked directly at Secretary Allen. "Minister, the director of this so-called agency behind you is quite arrogant, arresting people right under the military's nose."

The military was in high spirits at this time.

The World Trade Center incident two months ago, while it had dampened America's arrogant spirit, had actually boosted the military's morale significantly. Just last month, the number of soldiers who enlisted to get revenge exceeded the total for the entire previous year.

Nick Fury's single eye flickered, but he showed no embarrassment. He looked directly at General Ross. "General Ross, Detective Inspector Lake Edwin is suspected of intentionally killing one of our agents. Yesterday, my people merely wanted to invite him to assist with the investigation."

General Ross seemed to understand, then looked at Lake beside him. "You killed someone?"

Lake shook his head. "No, General. The killer was an assassin, not me."

Nick Fury stated directly, "We also have evidence indicating you had a connection with that assassin. He helped you murder two innocent people who were going to accuse you of intentional assault."

Lake remained silent.

Ross looked at Nick expressionlessly. "Do you have evidence?"

Nick Fury looked at Ross. "Therefore, we are requesting he return with us to assist in the investigation. I ask that you do not obstruct us, General."

Ross chuckled. "Do not obstruct? You want to arrest my man, and I shouldn't obstruct?"

Saying that.

General Ross walked to his desk and picked up the phone. "Hello, have Colonel Glenn Turnbull from the Judge Advocate General's Corps bring a few prosecutors over."

After hanging up the phone, General Ross said to Nick Fury, "Even if Lieutenant Lake Edwin is genuinely suspected of a crime, only our Judge Advocate General's Corps can investigate him. You plot against my people and then try to arrest them. Think carefully about how you're going to give me an explanation."

Nick Fury frowned. "General Ross, Lake Edwin is not a member of the military. He has already retired."

General Ross sneered. "Oh, is that so? It seems you know my soldiers very well."

This statement clearly indicates he's already dug into my soldier's background, yet he claims he wasn't planning to poach him. He dares to poach my man? He must have the guts of a leopard.

General Ross kept Lake's records from being released because he hoped that one day Lake would find his way back to the army. After all, Ross had watched Lake grow up and knew his potential better than anyone.

Secretary of State Allen quickly interjected to smooth things over, but inwardly, he couldn't help but blame Nick Fury behind him for getting him into this mess.

When Secretary of State Allen received the call this morning, he thought it was just a minor friction between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military. Now, he realized this was no minor conflict.

This was like poking a hornet's nest!

Secretary of State Allen looked at Nick Fury, his tone already showing displeasure, but since Nick Fury was also part of the political apparatus, he said, "Deputy Director Fury, do you have any evidence to support your claims?"

Nick Fury looked at Lake, who stood expressionlessly in his military uniform, and after a moment of silence, replied, "No."

The bullet that killed the victim had been fired from outside the window.

And when the bullet came flying in, Lake had an ironclad alibi.

The same was true for the White plus Black couple before.

But...

There was no evidence. Anyone with eyes could see that Lake was undeniably involved in this matter. The two people who intended to frame Lake were killed, and the person who intended to poach him was killed.

Did this require evidence?

If Lake were already at S.H.I.E.L.D. right now, Nick could guarantee a hundred ways to find evidence.

But at this moment?

Damn it, where did things go wrong? This guy had already retired from the army, so how did he become part of the military again?

Nick Fury was somewhat perplexed.

However, as things stood, he couldn't just arrest him. If he insisted, only S.H.I.E.L.D. would get hurt, not the military.

S.H.I.E.L.D. was merely an adopted child to the USA.

And as a Lieutenant General of the USA with real power, General Ross was the pure-blooded biological son.

Therefore.

Nick Fury took a deep breath and said to General Ross, "General Ross, since Lieutenant Edwin is with the military, our Homeland Strategy has no right to interfere. I request that you release the agents who were detained."

"Heh!"

Ross replied expressionlessly, "Too late."

Just then.

Colonel Glenn Turnbull from the Judge Advocate General's Corps entered with her subordinates. "General."

General Ross looked directly at Colonel Glenn Turnbull and said, "Initiate the investigation procedures and collaborate with the FBI. Yesterday, several unidentified individuals impersonating FBI agents attempted to abduct Lieutenant Lake Edwin."

Colonel Glenn Turnbull replied, "Yes, sir!"

Nick Fury's expression immediately changed. "General Ross..."

Secretary of State Allen's expression also shifted slightly. "General Ross..."

This was a blatant slap in the face.

Although the FBI and Secretary of State Allen had the ability to intervene, they could find a way to make the FBI directly admit that those S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were indeed federal agents.

But...

This would be a black mark. It seemed like a minor issue now, but who could say for sure in the future?

General Ross directly gestured to stop the two from speaking, showing no regard for the Secretary of State. He then had his guards come in and politely escort them out.