American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

“That’s your speculation,” Mark said. “You have no direct evidence to prove that my actions are related to Greystone Capital’s acquisition plans.”

Lynn took a deep breath. Mark had a point—while there was plenty of circumstantial evidence, there was a lack of direct, definitive proof of collusion between him and Greystone Capital. The emails could be interpreted as simple progress reports, the asset valuation report could be said to have been obtained by Mark incidentally in another project, and the remarks in the recording could be argued as mere discussion.

But Lynn wouldn't give up so easily. He had been through countless interrogations and knew how to deal with this seasoned suspect.

“Let’s talk about Jack Morrison,” Lynn changed the subject. “Did you know he almost died in the hospital yesterday?”

Mark's expression finally softened slightly. "I heard someone was injured. But I didn't cause it."

“You didn’t cause it directly, but your instigation did,” Lynn said, his voice growing harsher. “If you hadn’t spread those radical ideas among the workers, if you hadn’t suggested they use weapons, that shooting wouldn’t have happened. Jack Morrison, a father of a three-year-old, is now in the ICU with a bullet wound through his abdomen.”

“I regret this,” Mark said, but his tone didn’t sound sincere. “But I repeat, I did not instruct anyone to use weapons or resort to violence.”

“You didn’t give direct instructions, but you created the environment,” Lynn said. “You know, there’s a legal concept called ‘foreseeable consequences.’ If a person’s actions foreseeably lead to some harm, they are liable even if they didn’t directly commit the act.”

“Then you’ll need to prove it in court,” Mark said calmly, “and I’m confident my lawyer will be able to refute that argument well.”

Just then, the interrogation room door opened, and a middle-aged man in an expensive suit walked in. He carried a leather briefcase and exuded confidence and authority.

“I am James Carter, representing Mark Darwin,” he announced, then looked at Lynn, “Agent Holt, I need to speak with my client alone.”

Lynn recognized the name—James Carter was one of New York's most prominent criminal defense lawyers, specializing in defending the wealthy and powerful with an extremely high success rate and exorbitant fees. Graystone Capital was clearly willing to spend money to protect their pawns.

“Of course,” Lynn stood up, “I’ll give you twenty minutes.”

Lynn left the interrogation room and went to the observation room. Supervisor Jason and Sarah were there, watching the situation inside the interrogation room through the one-way glass.

“This guy is tough to deal with,” Jason commented. “He knows how to circumvent the law.”

“And he has the best lawyers,” Sarah added. “The presence of Attorney Carter means there’s a lot of money backing him.”

"Do we have enough evidence?" Lynn asked Jason.

“The circumstantial evidence is substantial, but the direct, irrefutable proof is lacking,” Jason stated frankly. “Prosecutors may charge him with inciting riots, but proving his conspiracy with Graystone Capital will be very difficult.”

“Then let’s keep the pressure on,” Lynn said. “I don’t believe he’s without weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses, and given enough time, he’ll eventually slip up.”

Twenty minutes later, Lynn re-entered the interrogation room. Attorney Carter and Mark had clearly spoken, and both appeared more confident.

“Agent Holt,” Attorney Carter began, “my client is willing to cooperate with the investigation, but I need to be clear on one point—do you have an arrest warrant, or are you simply conducting questioning?”

“We have an arrest warrant,” Lynn said. “The charges are incitement to riot and conspiracy.”

“Then I need to see the arrest warrant,” Attorney Carter said.

Lynn handed the lawyer a copy of the arrest warrant. Carter read it carefully, then nodded. "Okay, this arrest warrant is legal in form. But I must remind you, Agent Holt, your evidence is very weak."

“I don’t think so,” Lynn retorted.

“We’ll see you in court,” Attorney Carter smiled, a smile brimming with professional confidence. “Now, if you have any questions for my client, please go ahead. But I will be there and will advise him to remain silent on certain issues.”

For the next two hours, Lynn continued interrogating Mark, but progress was slow. Whenever Lynn asked a crucial question, Attorney Carter would intervene, advising Mark to remain silent. Mark did just that, refusing to answer most of the sensitive questions.

Lynn tried to approach Mark from different angles—inquiring about his financial situation, the specific details of his collaboration with Greystone Capital, and whether he knew any other individuals involved in the case. However, each time he was blocked by the lawyer or Mark responded with "I don't remember" or "I don't know."

“Were you at the factory on the day of the riot?” Lynn asked.

“I exercised my Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer questions that could incriminate me,” Mark mechanically repeated what his lawyer had taught him.

"Do you know Ray Thompson? That bearded worker?"

"I don't remember that name."

Have you received any payments from Greystone Capital?

“My financial information is private, and I will not discuss it unless you have a court order.”

Lynn felt increasingly frustrated. This interrogation was like talking to a wall—you could say a lot, but get no response.

Around noon, Lynn announced a pause in the trial, saying, "We'll take a one-hour break and continue this afternoon."

“My client needs food and rest,” Attorney Carter said, “and by law, you cannot detain him indefinitely without bringing formal charges.”

“We will file formal charges,” Lynn said. “They will be handed over to the prosecutor’s office this afternoon.”

At lunchtime, Lynn quickly ate a sandwich in the office cafeteria. Sarah sat across from him, looking equally tired.

“This case is more complicated than we thought,” Sarah said. “Rich people always manage to find the best lawyers and exploit loopholes in the law.”

“But that doesn’t mean they can escape justice,” Lynn said. “We just need to find that irrefutable evidence.”

"For example, what?"

“For example, bank transfer records,” Lynn said. “If we can prove that Greystone Capital paid Mark directly, and that the payment time coincides with the preparation period for the uprising, that would be direct evidence.”

“But that requires a court order,” Sarah pointed out. “And to get a court order, we first need to prove reasonable suspicion. It’s a vicious cycle.”

“Then let’s try a different approach,” Lynn said. “There are a few other people involved—those who posted on the forums, those who helped Mark. Maybe they’ll be easier to break through.” At two o’clock in the afternoon, Lynn prepared to continue the interrogation. But just as he walked toward the interrogation room, Supervisor Jensen called him back.

“Lynn, we have a problem,” Jason said seriously. “The prosecutor’s office just called.”

"What's the problem?" Lynn had a bad feeling.

“Mark Darwin applied for bail,” Jason said, “and the judge granted it.”

Lynn was stunned. "What? How is this possible? He's suspected of inciting riots, causing serious consequences. How could the judge grant him bail?"

“The bail is high, a million dollars,” Jason said, “but Attorney Carter is ready. They’ll pay the bail within an hour, and then Mark can leave.”

“That’s not right,” Lynn said angrily. “He’s clearly a suspect in a serious crime and poses a flight risk; the judge shouldn’t grant bail.”

“Judge Smith granted bail,” Jason said, a name that made Lynn frown.

Lynn knew Judge Smith—a controversial judge who often made baffling rulings. Rumors circulated that he had connections to certain large corporations, but these were never confirmed.

“There’s pressure at play here,” Lynn said definitively. “Greystone Capital is behind it.”

“Very likely,” Jason acknowledged, “but we have no evidence of judicial corruption. And the judge's granting of bail was technically legal, though unreasonable.”

“Then we’ll appeal,” Lynn said, “to apply to a higher court to have the bail revoked.”

“The prosecutors are already preparing,” Jason said, “but it will take time. In the meantime, Mark will be released.”

Lynn felt a surge of powerless anger welling up inside her. This was the cruel reality of the judicial system—the rich and powerful could always find loopholes and use the rules to defend themselves. Ordinary people, like the exploited workers, could only bear the consequences.

“What are the conditions for bail?” Lynn asked, trying to remain calm.

“You cannot leave New York State, must report to the bail officer weekly, surrender your passport, and cannot contact witnesses,” Jason listed, “the standard conditions.”

Will he comply?

“He has a million dollars in bail tied up, so theoretically he would,” Jason said, “but who knows? What if Greystone Capital thinks that million is worth giving up?”

Jason didn't finish his sentence, but Lynn understood what he meant. For a large investment firm, a million dollars might be a small sum, but they might be willing to pay that price to get rid of a key witness.

“We need to monitor him,” Lynn said. “Tracking him 24/7.”

“It’s all arranged,” Jason said, “but you know how difficult it is to track someone perfectly. If he really wants to escape, he’ll always find a chance.”

Lynn walked toward the interrogation room, filled with frustration. This case should have been clear—a blatant conspiracy, overwhelming evidence, and a criminal who should be brought to justice. But now, because of the intervention of money and power, the process of justice had been obstructed.

When they entered the interrogation room, both Mark and Attorney Carter already knew about the bail. Mark wore a smug smile, while Attorney Carter maintained a professionally neutral expression.

“It seems our conversation will have to end early today,” Attorney Carter said. “My client will be released soon.”

“Enjoy your temporary freedom, Darwin,” Lynn said coldly, “but it’s only temporary. I will find enough evidence to put you in jail eventually.”

“That’s your job,” Mark shrugged, “and my lawyer will make sure you fail.”

This blatant provocation fueled Lynn's anger, but he forced himself to remain calm. Anger wouldn't help the case; it would only cloud his judgment.

“You know, Darwin,” Lynn said slowly, “I’ve seen many people like you. Clever, cunning, thinking you can forever walk the line between the law and reality. But you all have one thing in common—you all make a mistake eventually. Maybe it’s a small slip, maybe it’s an overlooked detail, but there will always be a moment when your perfect plan falls apart.”

“I’ll wait and see,” Mark said, his smile not fading.

An hour later, the bail was paid and all formalities were completed. Lynn stood on the steps of the FBI building, watching Mark Darwin walk out and get into a waiting black sedan. The car windows were tinted, obscuring the interior, but Lynn guessed that a representative from Graystone Capital might be inside.

Sarah stood beside Lynn. "This isn't fair."

“It’s never been fair,” Lynn said, his voice bitter. “The justice system is well-designed, but it’s not perfect. The rich can always find loopholes.”

"Then what do we do?"

“We keep working,” Lynn said. “We dig into every detail, we follow every lead. Mark may be on the run for now, but Graystone Capital is still there, and the other people involved are still there. This case is not over.”

Back in his office, Lynn immediately convened a small group meeting. Participants included Sarah, two agents in charge of the financial investigation, and a technical expert.

“The current situation is that our main suspect has been released on bail,” Lynn stated bluntly, “but that doesn’t mean we’re giving up. I need everyone to go all out and dig out every possible piece of evidence.”

“Where should we begin?” a financial investigator asked.

“Three directions,” Lynn said. “First, Graystone Capital’s financial records. We need a court order to obtain them, but before that, see if we can find any clues in publicly available documents. Second, Mark Darwin’s accomplices. The other people mentioned in the recordings, the people posting on the forums—find them and put pressure on them. Third, protect the witnesses. Jack Morrison is now a key witness, and we need to ensure his safety.”

“Do you think someone will threaten the witness?” Sarah asked.

“That possibility cannot be ruled out,” Lynn said. “A million-dollar bail is nothing to Graystone Capital. If they feel Jack’s testimony threatens their interests, they might take action.”

“I will arrange protection,” one of the agents said.

The meeting lasted an hour, during which everyone was assigned specific tasks. Lynn felt exhausted, but also a strong sense of determination. The case had become more complex than expected, but he wouldn't give up. (End of Chapter)