Starting from South America, speeding through the world

Chapter 311 Why are they all from the Zhao family? (Annoyed)
Alameda County District Attorney's Office, 2 p.m.
Sunlight streamed through the blinds, falling on the desk piled high with documents.

Andrew was making final adjustments, his sleeves rolled up, his expression serious.

He knew the trial was tomorrow, and all preparations had to be in place.

Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

Immediately afterward, without waiting for a response, someone walked in brazenly.

He was a middle-aged man with graying temples, wearing a dark suit, and with a calm gaze.

Andrew paused for a moment, then frowned:

"Excuse me, who are you?"

"Good afternoon, Prosecutor Calhoun."

The middle-aged man walked straight to the table and unceremoniously pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Wilson Cruz, you know my position and you know who I represent.”

"Given that you have not followed federal instructions, it is necessary for us to speak in person."

Andrew leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and looked at him coldly:
“Mr. Cruz, by procedure you should not be in the prosecutor’s office.”

“This level of overreach is very unusual, and could even be considered highly suspicious.”

“Anyone who examines this carefully will recognize this as a violation.”

Wilson remained unmoved, pulled a document from his briefcase, and threw it in front of him:
Sometimes, reality is the most important thing.

Upon hearing this, Andrew couldn't help but retort with a cold laugh.

"The reality is that I am preparing for a murder trial."

"The suspect has been arrested, and the chain of evidence is complete."

"You came to my office just to tell me not to sue him?"

“Wilson, do you know what this is called? Obstruction of justice.”

"Don't rush to label me," Wilson said calmly.

"This case touches on issues far beyond the scope of local justice."

"The federal government has the responsibility and the right to intervene."

Andrew was not intimidated by the "Federation" and his attitude remained unchanged.

"Federal intervention?" He scoffed.

"That would also require a document from the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General."

"Instead of sending agents to California to try and fob me off."

After he finished speaking, Wilson sighed softly.

“As a prosecutor, you should know what ‘CIPA’ means.”

"The Confidential Information Procedures Act".

"Restrict the display of all sensitive content involving national security."

"By then, the case still won't be progressing, and we'll have wasted our time."

Andrew pushed aside the file that was completely covered by ink marks.

"But the problem is, the jury and the judge have the right to know the truth."

“This is not a ‘program,’ this is a cover-up.”

For the first time, Wilson's expression carried a hint of sarcasm.

“Many federal judges do not have security clearance themselves.”

"What makes you think they'll be able to see these?"

“Judicial power is not a passport, Andrew, it never will be.”

“Then at least tell me what you’re hiding,” Andrew said, remaining unyielding.

Wilson tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"Need-to-know means the whole explanation."

"You'll never know if you're not in the industry."

Upon hearing this, Andrew suddenly laughed, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

“Mr. Cruz, you know what my last name is.”

“The name Calhoun is more than just a surname in the South.”

He pointed to the case files on the table, then looked up and stared at the other person.

"I never felt like I was fighting this lawsuit alone."

"If you really think you can shut me up at will, then you're underestimating me."

"Washington is far away, but some calls can always get through."

Wilson's eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly. "Young man, do you really think a few phone calls can protect you?"

"Washington is not your shield; it is a bottomless abyss."

"If you go in, you'll only end up swallowing yourself up."

"Perhaps." Andrew's expression softened slightly.

"But that's why you're willing to sit in my office and try to persuade me, rather than resorting to any other means."

Wilson narrowed his eyes.

“You’re lucky, and you’re also very bold,” he commented ambiguously.

"Since you want a stage so badly, the Federation can make an exception."

"Of course, what you get is not a public trial, but instructions from the judge."

"Some materials cannot be presented for national security reasons."

You are talking about a 'silent trial'.

“What’s the difference between that and throwing the case into a shredder?” Andrew retorted.

"The difference is that the trial is still ongoing."

"The judgment remains in effect, and you can still declare that you have fulfilled your duties."

"Everyone should be dignified."

Andrew shook his head firmly. "Except for the truth."

"The truth is often not that important."

Wilson downplayed it, as if he were merely stating the weather, "especially when you use the judiciary as a political springboard."

"What are you implying?" Andrew's eyes sharpened.

“You know very well.” Wilson then stopped looking at him and focused his gaze on the green plant on the corner of the table.

"Put this case on the national stage and look forward to public opinion and the path to DC."

"The surnames in the South are very prestigious; they can give you the ticket you need."

"But Washington is not a place that only cares about blood ties; it also cares about costs."

"I understand the cost, and I also understand the risks you mentioned."

After thinking for a while, Andrew still insisted on speaking.

“My ancestors opposed Jackson in Congress and challenged Lincoln.”

“Calhoun means tradition, legal principles, and an uncompromising struggle.”

"So don't think of me as a district attorney."

“Auckland is just the beginning; my stage should never stop here.”

At this point, neither of them spoke again.

The only sound in the office was the ticking of the clock.

Half a minute later, Wilson finally spoke again:
“You will get a closed courtroom,” he said.

"I sincerely hope you know what you're betting on."

"I also hope that you will stick to your current ideas until the very end."

After the man finished speaking, he gave Andrew a deep look, picked up the documents, turned around, and walked out.

The office returned to quiet.

Only now did Andrew dare to breathe a sigh of relief.

The next second, I was surprised to find that my palms were covered in cold sweat.

He knew Wilson was right.

Moreover, in a closed courtroom, the desired media frenzy is not so easy to obtain.

But
Andrew looked down, picked up his phone, and the names of the contacts quickly appeared on the screen.

Kate.

Tap the keyboard quickly with your fingertips, then press send.

—Just now, an FBI official came in person to put pressure on us.

—I held firm, and he finally had to give in.

—Don't worry, baby, we'll win.

—He didn't dare let me stop, and that was victory.

—When everything is over, let's go to the best restaurant in San Francisco to celebrate.

—Honestly, I feel like a fucking badass right now.

(End of this chapter)