When Locke returned to the Star Tower, Gwen was still accompanying him.
What about school?
A straight-A student likes school, but in their dictionary, taking a leave of absence is always an option—and the school will undoubtedly grant it.
Furthermore...
The news of Locke's inhumane treatment at the hands of the FBI had already reached Midtown High. In fact, most of the US knew about it by now.
From yesterday morning until now, the FBI had been under several tons of pressure. Had Locke not been sixteen and already legally emancipated back in Texas, Child Protective Services likely would have barged into the situation as well.
The media, having finally snagged such a massive trending story, was naturally firing on all cylinders. They used the full power of their pens to bombard the FBI, firmly standing on Locke's side.
On one hand, you had a powerful government agency never short on scandals—the FBI.
On the other hand, you had a Texas orphan who had become the youngest cowboy through sheer hard work. He was friendly, praised by his classmates, loved by his teachers, and had a record as clean as a whistle—he didn't even touch the "happy substances" teens usually liked. Plus, with his handsome looks, he was the perfect embodiment of the Union Dream.
Was there even a choice?
None at all.
"Fuck!"
The Director of the New York FBI hung up the phone with a look of pure bad luck, glaring at the Senior Supervisor in his office. "What has my New York office become? A playground? Even a branch office dares to harass me now?"
That call had been from the Texas FBI branch.
Texas's "simple folk" reputation aside, it also meant that compared to other states, the people of the Lone Star State were fiercely loyal to their own.
The Senior Supervisor opened his mouth to speak, but the Director cut him off. "What's the status?"
The Supervisor shook his head. "The Federal Supreme Court stated they won't interfere with the normal operations of local courts. They rejected the DOJ's unreasonable demand to pressure the New York Federal Court using a national security motion."
"Heh."
The New York Director let out a cold laugh. "Now they're anxious. They should have thought about that before they grabbed the kid. Did they really think being a secret agency made them untouchable?"
The Supervisor remained silent.
He stood by S.H.I.E.L.D., believing they were being framed. But the reality was simple: the other side had medical evidence, and they had absolutely nothing.
The US follows the law. You say you didn't hit him? Where's the proof? And since you're a federal agency, even if you did have proof, people would just assume you fabricated it.
From the moment they were sued, the FBI had become a "vulnerable group," but of the inverted variety. Usually, vulnerable groups evoke sympathy. The FBI, however, only elicited skepticism, mockery, or people looking for a chance to kick them while they were down.
"Five more people stepped forward yesterday claiming they were subjected to inhumane abuse during FBI interrogations," the Supervisor reported.
"Is that so?"
"However, Buson Laun from TNT&G refused to accept a class-action lawsuit."
"The reason?"
"Unknown."
"I know the reason." The New York Director leaned back in his chair with a sneer. "That Baldy has the nerve to tell the Attorney General they were 'targeted' and fell into a 'trap.' Who is this 'someone'? A sixteen-year-old? Locke Broughton is clearly aiming for them; we're just the ones catching the stray bullets."
Locke's target had been S.H.I.E.L.D. from the start. But S.H.I.E.L.D. was wearing the FBI's skin. Had the FBI been the real target, TNT&G would have expanded into a class-action suit immediately—more plaintiffs mean better odds and a bigger media circus.
The Supervisor was silent for a moment. "Director, tomorrow, do we..."
The Director looked up. "What 'we'? This has nothing to do with us."
"But the Attorney General..."
"That old man?" The New York Director scoffed openly. "He wants us to take the hit? To throw away my career to shield them? Fat chance. Once we're in court, whatever is said is the truth."
He had plans for a promotion. If he took the fall for this, his career was over. D.C. would never touch him again for fear of public backlash. Who wants to promote the "FBI Director who brutally tortured innocent citizens"? It was a title that would make him radioactive across the Union.
"In short, remember this," the Director said, tapping his desk. "This matter has nothing to do with the New York FBI. If the fire spreads to us, put it out immediately. Understood?"
"Understood, Director."
The Director nodded. He was already being generous by not immediately holding a press conference to announce that S.H.I.E.L.D. had been impersonating them. If he did that, even the DOJ couldn't touch him.
Once the Supervisor left, the Director picked up his phone and dialed.
It was Victoria Hand.
The only reason he hadn't cleared the air immediately was out of respect for her, the Commander of the New York S.H.I.E.L.D. Operations Center.
As for the Baldy? Since he hurried back from D.C. yesterday, he had been begging for a meeting. The Director had rejected every single request.
'Meet for what? If it weren't for Victoria, I'd have called the press yesterday. Bullying a cowboy from our Lone Star State? What were you thinking?'
Forgot to mention—the New York Director was also originally from Texas.
...
That night.
Locke finished a caring video call with Gwen and leaned back on his sofa. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he watched the New York nightscape.
[Ding!]
[Current Status:]
[ Name: Locke Broughton (Unique Player)]
[ Achievement Points: 13,000 (Can be used in the Achievement Shop)]
[ Potential Points: 1,200 (Can be used to upgrade skills)]
[ Supreme Talent: Outstanding (Gold Quality, Level 1): My energy is endless. Your energy is beyond your imagination!]
[ Supernatural Talent: Resilience (Level 2): Your body can withstand greater damage and grants faster recovery once away from danger. (Upgrade to Level 3 requires 40,000 Potential Points)]
[ Supernatural Skill: Bullet Curving (Advanced): Your marksmanship has become even more profound and unbelievable! (Upgrade Blue to Red quality requires 20,000 Potential Points)]
[ Supernatural Skill: Eagle Training (Beginner): You can call yourself an assassin now, rather than just a hitman who relies on firearms.]
[ Supernatural Skill: Concealment (Beginner): While not true invisibility, at higher levels, you can perform a real-life version of an "empty house" act.]
[Current Mission: "Assassin Junior"]
[ Rewards: 500 Achievement Points, 500 Potential Points, 1 Treasure Refresh Voucher.]
[ Description: You found the mastermind behind the Assassin Junior. Now, it's time to let them know that only the Player is the protagonist!]
[ Mission Remarks: Current estimated multiplier: x20.]
"A x20 multiplier? Ten thousand points?"
Locke looked at the coefficient for the major mission triggered by the Assassin Junior and did a quick mental calculation. "Not bad. This is just for the FBI. If S.H.I.E.L.D. gets exposed, the multiplier will probably skyrocket."
Right now, he was only hitting the FBI. If S.H.I.E.L.D. was dragged into the light...
Tsk tsk.
Another wave of massive gains was coming.
Locke sipped his Bourbon contentedly. He had been working hard for this; a x20 multiplier wasn't enough. At the very least, he wanted x100.
...
The next day.
The sky was clear and cloudless.
"Good luck, Locke!"
Gwen called, watching the fully dressed Locke on the screen. She shook her small fist to cheer him on. "I know you'll win. I just wish I could be there with you."
The closed-door hearing would have no jury and, naturally, no public spectators.
Locke smiled, adjusting his collar. "It's fine. Help me tell the teachers that I'll have no problem with the competition."
Gwen nodded. "Don't worry, the whole school is behind you. Lady Justice is shining on you."
Locke lowered his head, touching the cross around his neck. He looked at Gwen on the screen and smiled. "I already have my goddess protecting me. Let Lady Justice shine on someone else."
Gwen's smile turned even sweeter. "I'll be waiting for the good news, Locke."
"Right!"
Locke hung up, looked at himself in the mirror, and let out a bright smile.
This round!
It was a guaranteed victory.
***
Holy!! We're close to 300 stones
Please throw stones guys I'll post 2 chapters immediately when we reach the goal.
Thanks for reading 🙏
***
Read 30 Chapters early on P-atreon.com/Redestro666