Chapter 138: Chapter 109: Have You Ever Seen an Armed Tax Collection?
 

This evening was destined to be a sleepless night for many.

Ever since the Al Capone incident, it had been a long time since the IRS had deployed armed forces for tax collection.

Therefore, the inspectors of the Lake District were very much looking forward to what kind of national reaction there would be if such an event really occurred tomorrow.

And to what extent it would deter criminals in the Lake District and even across the whole country.

Meanwhile, at the Indian Tribe.

“Father, you mustn’t let me fall into the hands of the IRS. If I do, I’ll probably never get out again in this lifetime. I might as well be dead!”

By this point, Dieter was genuinely scared.

Because after David left today with a final deadline, many elders in the tribe realized that they could not let matters worsen and began wavering on the decision to hand him over.

Although no one had yet spoken plainly, he knew very well that as soon as one person stepped forward, it could trigger a chain reaction.

Then, not to mention his father, even his Uncle Gael might not be able to protect him.

“Now you know fear? What the hell were you doing earlier!”

Looking at his good-for-nothing son, Tewin felt anger surge within him.

When Dieter had first mentioned venturing outside the tribe, Tewin had been strictly against it.

He was well aware of what kind of character his son was. Within the tribe, misconduct could still be suppressed with his influence and power.

But outside the tribe? That was a different story!

Yet, here they were, facing the very situation he hoped to avoid.

“Father, I know I was wrong. I won’t go outside the tribe anymore. I’ll stay in the tribe and take care of you when you’re old…”

Seeing Dieter showing remorse, Tewin felt helpless in his heart.

The Indian concept of masculinity was deeply ingrained; the more men in the family, the more confident their voice. He had this one son, and if he really got taken in by the IRS…

Not only would he lack authority in the tribe, but he might end up without anyone to observe mourning rites for him!

So, no matter what, he had to protect him.

“Stay put here for me!”

Tewin dropped this line and walked out of the door.

Twenty minutes later, he arrived at the tribe’s training ground for warriors and the Guard Squad, where approximately 1,000 Native American youths had already gathered.

Also present was Weidingled.

Upon seeing Tewin arrive, he immediately came up to him and said, “According to your orders, I’ve summoned the tribe’s most elite warriors here!”

Tewin nodded in satisfaction and asked, “Is the Chieftain ‘well-looked after’?”

“I’ve arranged for someone to watch him, but, Tewin, isn’t this a bit improper? If things blow up, we won’t be able to contain it!”

“What’s there to be afraid of? We aren’t really looking to fight the IRS; we just want them to see we are not easy to provoke and to try negotiating again!”

“What if we can’t negotiate?”

Tewin turned and glared at Weidingled, questioning, “What do you mean by that?”

“Tewin, I think I shall stop here. I want no further part in these matters!”

“No part? You think you can get away from it? Don’t forget, who helped you deal with the incident six months ago!”

“You…”

As soon as he heard about the incident six months ago, Weidingled instantly became angry.

Half a year ago, he made a big mistake, and by all accounts, he should have been stripped of his Elder status. However, it was Tewin who forcefully suppressed the matter.

He initially thought that Tewin was just being kind or wanted him to owe a favor.

But unexpectedly, ever since Tewin had this leverage over him, he had been blackmailing him, up until today.

If he hadn’t been caught by such a handle, how could he possibly have made the foolish decision to go along with Tewin in purchasing arms and equipping the tribe’s youth to confront the tax bureau?

“Alright, you can rest assured. If you sort this out for me, then I promise, I’ll wipe the slate clean of the previous matter, and I’ll never bring it up again!”

Hearing this, Weidingled’s anger subsided a bit, and he said through gritted teeth, “You better keep your promise!”

Tewin smiled, then stood up on the stage, and said, “Fellow tribespeople, I believe you have all heard about the issue with the tax bureau. Do you know why they dared to come into our reservation to apprehend Dieter?”

“It’s simple, because they concocted this black tax bill. What does this black tax bill mean?”

“In short, from now on, many industries within our tribe will have to pay taxes to them. You heard me right, it means all of you will have to pay taxes to the tax bureau…”

It must be said, Tewin indeed had a brain.

He was well aware that these warriors were not fools. It wasn’t a time of defending the homeland, so asking these warriors to confront the tax bureau for his son’s sake would be a hard sell!

But if it were for their own interests, that would be a different story!

And the black tax bill provided just the excuse he needed.

Today, David and his people had come to investigate their reservation under the pretext of the black tax bill.

That meant the black tax bill gave them the authority to enforce the law on illicit trade within the reservation!

The profits from the reservation’s illicit transactions, besides being largely claimed by these high-ranking Elders, were also shared among the Native Americans of the tribe.

Everyone had a vested interest in standing against the tax bureau, so naturally, there was motivation!

And sure enough.

Upon hearing that the tax bureau intended to carve into their flesh with the black tax bill, the over a thousand people present began to grow restless.

The Native Americans had never paid taxes since the founding of the country.

By what right did the tax bureau demand tax from them!

It was tolerable to apprehend Dieter, and although it bothered them, it wasn’t a major concern.

But touching their profits, that was unacceptable!

“Fake Yau, if the tax bureau dares to tax us, we’ll mess them up!”

“That’s right, we don’t care about other places. This is our reservation. If they dare come here and ask us for money, we’ll kick them out!”

“…”

Seeing that he had successfully stirred up the atmosphere, Tewin was secretly delighted. Sensing the right moment, he immediately gave a sign to his dozen or so trusted followers.

His followers quickly caught on and went into the nearby tent, bringing out boxes of arms.

…

The following morning.

When David arrived at the office, he noticed a significant change in the atmosphere. All the Inspectors were distracted, full of anticipation.

David did not pay much attention to it and directly went into his own office.

Just like that, time quickly advanced to 11:00 A.M.

Bucky walked in: “There’s still no word from the Indian Tribe about handing someone over!”

David let out a cold laugh, then stood up and walked towards the director’s office.