[Chapter 277: Major Case, FBI]
A massive battle broke out on the farm, resulting in heavy casualties. This news quickly spread.
Many media reporters who had evacuated to Parker County the previous night, planning to leave today, swarmed back like sharks sensing blood.
Before the FBI even arrived, the scene was already surrounded by reporters and paparazzi.
The Parker County police officers who had been enjoying the comfort of their patrol cars lost their easy days. They all had to get out of the vehicles and maintain order at the site.
After seeing the brutal aftermath at the scene, the initial shock and disgust faded, and the reporters grew downright exhilarated, as if pumped on adrenaline.
This was a huge story. Combined with the rumors about Winter Thunder Miracle, Linton, Jennifer, Winona, and Catherine vacationing all at the same location, a little hype would turn this into a colossal headline.
However, Parker County police had decided to hand over the investigation, naturally refusing to answer any direct questions.
Faced with eager microphones, the site commander simply responded, "The case is too significant and has been reported to the FBI. No further comments."
'Ha! You think because of the severity of this shootout with heavy casualties, if you keep quiet, we can't report it?'
Some reporters noticed that the experts from the National Weather Service -- who had been studying under the tower for days -- were strangely packed up and looked dejected, preparing to leave instead of continuing their work.
Something was definitely going on, possibly related to the shootout.
Sharp reporters quickly broke away from the main group and approached the experts.
"Excuse me, have your studies on Winter Thunder been completed? Are there concrete findings?"
"Could you tell us if your halt in research is connected to last night's shootout? Can you elaborate?"
...
The group of so-called experts turned pale; this was like opening old wounds.
Seeing that research was completely stalled and surrounded by restless reporters, they had no choice but to say "No comment" and slink away.
With the police and experts uncooperative, the reporters turned their attention to the guards under the tower.
Unexpectedly, a leader-like figure gave an interview and provided invaluable information.
...
"Last night, the farm was attacked by over 200 armed assailants. Thanks to the farm guards' fierce defense, all attackers were killed.
Among the dead attackers was a National Weather Service staff member who had been conducting research just the day before. We suspect the attackers are connected to the National Weather Service, so the farm has halted the Winter Thunder research project."
Wow, what a blockbuster! The National Weather Service's research had major breakthroughs. To monopolize the findings, they colluded with armed criminals to eliminate farm personnel but failed utterly, with all attackers wiped out. The farm owner responded by shutting down the research site.
Reporters quickly pieced together the truth. No wonder Parker police dared not take over the case and answered reporters with the same "No comment."
Media is society's conscience; reporters are the champions of justice. They could not let this darkness stay hidden -- they had to expose it bravely.
Linton, the farm owner, must be very troubled now. It'd be perfect if he'd grant an interview and personally accuse the National Weather Service on camera.
Reporters flocked to the villa, trying to interview Linton and his staff.
Unfortunately, the villa doors were firmly shut, and all staff had received Danny's warning not to speak about last night's events.
...
As for Linton, who was expected to be distressed, he was actually happily enjoying wholesome games with Jennifer, Winona, and Catherine.
No worries there; what made him even happier was how much faster his Starlight Spark ability was developing compared to yesterday.
Still, considering the shootout wouldn't stay secret for long with so many reporters, he briefly informed the three women about the situation -- omitting the bloody scenes -- and advised them to stay indoors to avoid further paparazzi harassment.
The three women found it strange that they had slept so soundly despite all the chaos.
But under Linton's strong influence, they soon lost themselves, deciding that games were more important.
...
It wasn't until 10:30 AM that FBI agents finally arrived, taking over the case.
Their professional skills were far beyond Parker County police. After carefully examining the scene, they sucked in a sharp breath, impressed by the farm guards' combat abilities.
These were no ordinary guards -- more like a highly equipped, ruthless special forces unit.
Due to the case's significance and the involvement of National Weather Service researchers, they also refused to speak to reporters, stating, "No comment; all details will be disclosed during the press briefing."
Next, they would require cooperation from both the farm guards and the sixteen so-called experts for investigations and statements.
David's side was straightforward, honestly telling the FBI everything about last night except for certain undercover scouting details.
However, the Weather Service situation was more complicated. The FBI checked their channels and found that of the 17 on-site researchers, only six were confirmed legitimate.
The other eleven had barely legit credentials, with work IDs just issued a few days ago.
The deceased Ajax Smith was actually a private detective from the New York Golden Stone Security.
Wow, this was deep. Could such a small FBI Montana field office handle this?
No way. They had to report it to headquarters for proper management.
...
At FBI headquarters in the Hoover Building, Washington, Director Lawrence quickly grasped the situation after the Montana branch report.
It wasn't just the FBI -- ten different factions were attracted by the Winter Thunder Miracle, sending intelligence agents who got temporary Weather Service IDs.
They also identified Ajax's true affiliation as the Douglas family from New York.
The armed assailants were from San Francisco's Black Tigers gang.
But how could the Douglas family and the San Francisco gang intersect? And the Douglas family had joined the research team legally.
In this case, having gang members attack the farm was clearly a losing proposition. Had they uncovered a secret?
...
The research had been halted, and Linton's decision to shut down the project was justified and supported by media and the public alike.
One could say the Douglas family had seriously infringed on the interests of eleven other factions, including the FBI.
Of course, the biggest victim was the National Weather Service, bearing all the blame. Not only was research stopped, but their reputation was badly damaged. Media and public criticism was overwhelming.
It was time to coordinate with other factions to pressure the Douglas family, make them take responsibility, and provide a proper explanation and compensation.
Especially the farm should be given sufficient compensation and encouraged to resume research swiftly.
But that was not an immediate concern. The most urgent matter was the Weather Service director, Buddy Hux, who should take the initiative to contact them, so they hold the upper hand.
As for the public's interest in the case truth -- was it important? Not at all.
Let them put on a show of investigations for now. Once Douglas pays up, just find a scapegoat to close the case.
*****
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