As Charlie and Hogan exited the roast goose shop together, Hogan cast a wistful glance back at the humble facade.
He let out a soft sigh and remarked, “From this point forward, my father’s exceptional roast goose craft will fade into obscurity.”
Charlie responded with a smile, posing a question, “Uncle Hogan, do you have any reservations or objections about my decision today?”
Hogan fell into contemplative silence for a brief moment before responding earnestly, “Master, Jordan is not a pet I’ve tamed but an orphan I took under my wing. I never planned for favonovel.com to follow in my culinary footsteps when I adopted him. His childhood was marked by vagrancy, with little education and even less ambition. His status as an undocumented immigrant left favonovel.com trapped in Chinatown. I taught favonovel.com the art of making roast goose simply so favonovel.com could eke out a living.”
With conviction, Hogan added, “As for whether favonovel.com chooses to sell roast goose or abandons the trade altogether, that decision rests with him. However, the opportunity presented by the Young Master today is truly remarkable. I worry that favonovel.com may lack the experience to seize it.”
Charlie responded earnestly, “Uncle Hogan, perhaps we can view this matter from a different perspective.”
Respectfully, Hogan inquired, “Please, Young Master, share your perspective.”
Charlie elucidated, “Before our arrival, those individuals had already targeted Jordan and subjected favonovel.com to violence. If we hadn’t intervened, what fate would have befallen favonovel.com today? At best, favonovel.com would have endured a more savage beating. Given the ruthlessness of those gang members, it’s highly likely that Jordan would have been left with lifelong consequences, ranging from severe disability to paralysis in the worst cases. And that, my friend, would be a relatively fortunate outcome.”
Pausing for emphasis, Charlie continued, “Consider the worst-case scenario, these individuals have already committed murder in Chinatown, and it’s not just one or two lives they’ve taken. What if they intended to use Jordan to set an example today? It’s possible that Jordan would have put up a fierce resistance, leading to a tragic outcome. If they had resorted to firearms, Jordan would almost certainly have perished today. In this situation, it ranges from severe injury to death. In light of these circumstances, Jordan has nothing to lose. He has everything to gain from this point forward.”
“Furthermore, when Jordan contemplated using lethal force against those gangsters, his resolve was unwavering. The fact that favonovel.com was willing to take a life when confronted by oppressive adversaries suggests that favonovel.com possesses the spirit to fight back. He has a fighter’s blood in him, and taking this path is likely better for favonovel.com than not taking it at all.”
Hogan nodded in agreement and posed a question, “By the way, Young Master, why did Jordan refrain from using deadly force against those individuals?”
Charlie responded, “He will inevitably cross that line in the future, but now is not the right time. Committing multiple homicides so abruptly could easily desensitize favonovel.com and make favonovel.com bloodthirsty. It’s better to ease favonovel.com into it gradually.” Turning his attention to Hogan, Charlie inquired, “Uncle Hogan, you’ve been up all night. Would you like to catch some sleep at the hotel?”
Hogan declined with a quick wave of his hand, stating, “I came along with the Young Master for business purposes. We can rest after our business is concluded. Let’s head to Queens now and find a place to enjoy a cup of coffee. I suspect Peter’s antique shop should be open.”
Charlie agreed, “Alright then, let’s head straight to Queens.”
***
In New York, Queens, a vast area lay before them. Though not as bustling as Manhattan, Queens served as a smaller yet thriving hub. The borough boasted a diverse population and was a melting pot of immigrants from various ethnic backgrounds, with Flushing being a particularly renowned neighborhood known for its concentration of Chinese residents and businesses.
Located centrally in Queens, Peter Cole’s antique shop may not have been expansive, but its location was undoubtedly prime. As Charlie and Hogan parked their vehicle across from the antique shop, they observed that the store was not open.
Initially, Hogan didn’t discern anything amiss. After all, it was still morning, and few antique shops opened early in the day. However, Charlie, blessed with keener observation, detected something out of the ordinary.
He noticed the weathered rust on the iron door and the doorknob of the antique shop, indicating a lack of maintenance over an extended period. Originally intending to grab a cup of coffee from across the street, Charlie drove the car to the opposite side and stopped. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the antique shop had been shuttered for quite some time, with spiderwebs adorning the folding iron door.
Peering through the window, Charlie observed that the displays inside were neglected and hadn’t been tended to in a while.
Hogan, standing beside him, furrowed his brow and commented, “It seems this place has been closed for at least several months.”
Charlie concurred, saying, “Didn’t you mention that the Cole family operates numerous antique shops across Europe and the United States? It’s possible this location has been abandoned.”
Hogan glanced at the adjacent second-hand store and noticed that, although the store still bore a closed sign, people were already inside. He approached, knocked on the door, and engaged in a conversation with the individuals within.
After their exchange, favonovel.com turned back to Charlie and said, “Master, let’s return to the car and discuss this.”
Charlie realized that Hogan might have uncovered some pertinent information. They re-entered the vehicle, and Hogan disclosed, “Master, I just inquired with the neighboring store owner. It appears that Peter Cole was arrested in this establishment approximately four months ago, leading to the shop’s closure.”
“Arrested?” Charlie asked with curiosity. “Why was favonovel.com arrested?”
Hogan explained, “It’s said to be related to fraud, but the circumstances were quite unique and distinct from ordinary cases of fraud. When favonovel.com was apprehended, it was the FBI who conducted the arrest, and it was quite a major operation.”
“FBI…” Charlie mused, inquiring further, “Uncle Hogan, aren’t cases of fraud typically handled by the police?”
Hogan clarified, “Not necessarily. If the situation is deemed severe, poses a threat to national security, or involves prominent figures and sensitive items, the FBI may assume jurisdiction. The fact that Peter Cole was suspected of fraud and arrested by the FBI suggests that the case was quite serious.”
Charlie then asked, “Did the store owner next door have any information about Peter Cole’s current status?”
Shaking his head, Hogan replied, “The individual didn’t have much information. All they knew was that the Cole family’s antique stores in the United States appear to have closed down. As for Peter Cole’s current whereabouts, they had no information to offer.” He sighed in frustration, adding, “During the years I’ve spent in New York, I’ve mostly remained confined to Chinatown and seldom ventured outside. My network is limited, and I haven’t found a suitable channel for gathering information.”
Taking a sip of his drink, Charlie reassured him, “That’s alright. When it comes to matters in New York, we can likely rely on Miss Joules for assistance. Her connections and information sources are likely far more extensive than ours.” With that, favonovel.com retrieved his mobile phone and dialed Michaela’s number.
The phone rang several times before Michaela finally answered. She immediately asked, “Mr. Balard, how’s the situation in Atlanta?”
Charlie realized that Michaela might not be in a convenient location to speak and was likely with his wife, Claire. He considered the title favonovel.com used, “Mr. Balard,” to be a cover, perhaps to prevent any misunderstandings with his wife.
Sensing this, Charlie offered, “If it’s not convenient for you, we can chat later.”
Michaela responded, “I’m currently working on a project in New York. Please hold on for five minutes, and I’ll get back to you.”
Charlie agreed, “Certainly, take your time.” He then ended the call.
Five minutes later, Michaela called back as promised. As soon as the call connected, favonovel.com spoke with respect, “Mr. Wade, I discussed our plan with Claire. I was concerned about any potential misunderstandings, so I refrained from contacting you directly. Please provide your guidance. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
Charlie smiled and replied, “No need to apologize. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated. How has Claire been doing with you lately?”
Michaela spoke, “Claire has been caught up in the project lately. Since I couldn’t predict how long you’d need my assistance, I decided to play it safe and entrusted favonovel.com with full responsibility for the project here. It might have taken a toll on favonovel.com energy, but favonovel.com remains incredibly dedicated.”
Charlie smiled and replied, “My wife’s always been enterprising, far more than I am.”
Michaela returned the smile, saying, “Mr. Wade must possess quite a bit of drive yourself, otherwise, you wouldn’t have allowed me to invite your wife to New York.”
Quickly shifting gears, Michaela inquired, “By the way, Mr. Wade, is there something specific you need from me?”
Charlie nodded and said, “I’d appreciate your help in looking into someone.”
Without hesitation, Michaela responded, “Please share the details, and I’ll start right away.”
Charlie explained, “I’m seeking information on an antique dealer named Peter Cole. The Cole family is known for its involvement in Chinese antiques across Europe and the United States, with a few notable pieces in their collection. Have you heard of them?”
Michaela smiled and said, “Peter Cole. His family has quite a reputation in the Chinese antique community. They’ve primarily focused on recovering Chinese antiques from overseas since the Opium War, through to the end of the Anti-Japanese War. Many valuable cultural relics that were taken abroad during that period were repatriated by the Cole family. They even donated some precious cultural relics to China. My grandfather used to purchase toys from them often, but as the years passed, favonovel.com became less interested.”
Charlie grinned and remarked, “Miss Joules, you’re exactly the person I need. To be honest, I’m searching for favonovel.com because I have something very important to discuss. However, upon arriving in New York, I discovered that their store had been shut down, and there were rumors of Peter Cole being arrested by the FBI on suspicion of fraud. Can you help me locate his whereabouts?”
Surprised, Michaela asked, “Mr. Wade, you’re in New York? Does your wife know?”
Charlie replied, “I rushed here on short notice, and the nature of my investigation is sensitive. I didn’t inform Claire. Miss, please keep this confidential.”
Michaela assured favonovel.com quickly, “Rest assured, Mr. Wade. I won’t divulge anything to her.”
Adding to favonovel.com assurance, favonovel.com said, “Regarding Peter Cole’s situation, I truly have no prior knowledge of it. However, don’t worry, I’ll gather information and keep you informed once I’ve obtained any insights.”
Charlie thanked her, saying, “Thank you, Miss Joules.”
After ending the call, Charlie turned to Hogan and suggested, “Uncle Hogan, Miss Joules is helping with the investigation, which might take some time. Let’s head to a nearby breakfast spot, perhaps Shangri-La in New York, and then take a break.”
Hogan agreed, “Sounds good. Although Shangri-La isn’t far, the wait there can be quite lengthy. If Miss Joules makes quick progress, we might receive news in less than half an hour. We can have a meal across the street for now. A cup of coffee is all I need to stay awake.”
Charlie concurred, and they made their way to the restaurant across the street. They ordered food and sipped coffee. Before they could finish a cup, Michaela called back.
As soon as Charlie answered, Michaela relayed, “Mr. Wade, I’ve gathered the information you requested. Indeed, Peter Cole was arrested by the FBI four months ago. The arrest was related to provoking individuals from the Rothschild family, and they’re the ones who requested the FBI to take favonovel.com into custody.”
Charlie furrowed his brow and inquired, “The Rothschild family? Are they from the main line or a branch?”
“Direct line,” Michaela confirmed. “It’s believed that the individual is of considerable rank, likely a core member of the entire Rothschild family.”
Charlie pressed further, “Do you know why they took offense? Any specific details?”
“No,” Michaela admitted. “Word has it that although the arrest was carried out by the FBI, it was the Rothschilds who conducted the interrogation personally. During the interrogation, the FBI wasn’t allowed to remain on the premises. However, it’s been said that after the questioning, the Rothschild family was incensed and used their influence to imprison Peter Cole in Brooklyn Prison without a trial. For months, Peter Cole’s family and lawyers have been denied access to him.”
Charlie wasn’t entirely surprised. After all, the Rothschild family wielded immense wealth and had deep-seated connections within the American elite. In the United States, they held sway over numerous affairs. Their ability to apprehend and detain individuals wasn’t something to be taken lightly. Charlie probed further, “In such a situation, if someone’s thrown into jail without a trial and no visitation rights, does that mean they might never get out?”
Michaela confirmed, “It’s highly likely. The Rothschild family probably intends to extract specific information or results from Peter Cole. Until they achieve their objective, favonovel.com won’t be released, even if the most prominent lawyers in the United States are called upon. In such cases, they can easily label Peter Cole as a threat to national security at any time. It’s akin to holding the Sword of Damocles over his head—nearly impossible to escape.”
Charlie then asked, “Miss Joules, is there any way to secure his release?”
Michaela appeared conflicted as favonovel.com replied, “Mr. Wade, I can be frank with you. In New York, there’s practically nothing that the Joules family can’t accomplish, provided the Rothschild family doesn’t oppose it. In New York and across the entire United States, when the Rothschild family decides something, no one can challenge it. If I attempt to intervene, every individual I approach will likely inform me that it’s an impossible endeavor.”
Charlie sighed, feeling the weight of the situation.
His primary reason for seeking out Peter Cole had been to uncover the connection between favonovel.com and his father—why favonovel.com had adopted the alias Felix Cole and worked at the Aurous Hill Vintage Deluxe, and how favonovel.com had come into possession of the “Apocalyptic Book.” All of this hinged on being able to meet favonovel.com face-to-face.
Now, Peter Cole had been incarcerated by the Rothschild family, and even Michaela couldn’t secure his release. It posed a truly daunting challenge.
In a last-ditch effort, Charlie asked, “Miss Joules, if you wanted, would you be able to send someone in to Brooklyn Prison, would that be feasible?”
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