Jimmy: "Time?"

Hughes: "Seven o'clock."

Jimmy: "No problem, see you tomorrow."

Jimmy left the study, took a can of Coke and a can of beer from the fridge, and sat on the couch next to Nia. He opened the Coke for Nia and drank the beer himself.

Nia: "What's wrong?"

Jimmy: "It's still about Peter. Although he can be quite annoying sometimes, it's possible he's really not guilty in this case. There are quite a few points of suspicion in the case now."

Nia: "If you want to help, go ahead, just don't get yourself too involved. Handle the rest yourself."

Jimmy held Nia: "I'm conflicted because this might involve a confrontation between headquarters and the Manhattan office upper echelon. These top-level people are enigmatic, and guessing won't reveal what they truly think."

Nia: "How about you talk to Dad? Maybe he can help you analyze it."

Jimmy nodded, twirling Nia's hair, "Yeah, I had that thought. Let's go home tomorrow, I'll talk to Kevin."

Nia nodded, clinked her Coke against Jimmy's beer, "Don't overthink, too much thinking will keep you up all night."

Jimmy laughed, drank his beer, and fell onto the couch with Nia.

-----------------

Early the next morning, Jimmy got up early again, but this time he woke Nia up. After telling her he had business at the office and changing his clothes, he left for Hughes's house.

He called Hughes, and a few minutes later Hughes opened the door, not in casual clothes but dressed formally. Hughes waved him down, and Jimmy stayed in the car while Hughes jumped in, "Let's go to Long Island."

Jimmy started the car, turned around at the intersection, heading towards Queens, "What's up?"

Hughes: "I'm taking you to see someone."

Jimmy: "Who?"

Hughes: "A big shot. Just focus on driving."

Jimmy stopped talking and drove to Long Island, with Hughes guiding him. They eventually stopped in front of a seaside villa. The villa looked fairly new, was quite large, with a circular flower bed and a circular driveway connecting to the main building.

Hughes: "Bill Hagerty, the senior Senator from New York State. Don't speak indiscriminately later. Let's get out."

Hughes and Jimmy got out of the car, tidied up their suits, and walked to the front door, pressing the doorbell.

Jimmy habitually surveyed the villa's interior, mainly for safety reasons.

Inside the villa were only four people, two on the first floor, one in a small room near the door and another appearing busy, and two on the second floor, each in separate rooms.

A maid came to open the door, "Who are you?"

Hughes said, "Rees Hughes. We're here to see Mr. Hagerty, as arranged."

Maid: "Oh, Mr. Hughes, please come in."

The maid invited Hughes and Jimmy into the villa and then went upstairs. After a while, an old man in pajamas came down, speaking as he walked, "Hughes, you're quite early."

Hughes: "Good morning, Mr. Hagerty."

Hagerty waved his hand: "Don't just stand there, have a seat. Daisy, coffee."

The maid turned to pour the coffee, clearly prepared in advance, and quickly served three cups in the living room, placing them before the three.

Mr. Hagerty was tall and fit, clearly maintaining a good fitness routine. He had silver short hair, a forehead full of wrinkles, meticulously groomed beard, he had a friendly smile and seemed to care a lot about his image.

Hagerty: "Rees, why did you schedule this early meeting?"

Hughes: "Mr. Hagerty, some unexpected information has come up regarding Senator Terrance Pratt."

Hagerty: "Concerning what?"

Hughes: "Evidence regarding Senator Pratt's past as a corrupt cop. The evidence box they've been fighting over has been handed over to the FBI, and the evidence inside is very damaging to Senator Pratt."

Hagerty picked up his coffee, took a sip, thinking for a few seconds, his smile faded, he asked sternly, "Is the evidence confirmed?"

Hughes: "Basically no problem, gathered by colleagues when Senator Pratt was at the DC police station, along with evidence concerning James Bennett's shooting of officers."

Hagerty: "Is this Bennett the suspect? He shot Pratt and framed your people?"

Hughes: "It's possible, but we haven't located him yet."

Hagerty thought for a moment and changed the topic, looking at Jimmy: "Rees, who's this young man?"

Hughes: "Agent Jimmy Yang, from the department, a remarkable kid."

Hagerty nodded, as Hughes vouched for him, "OK, what's your plan?"

Hughes: "A cop killer and a senator with a shady past, we can't allow a dedicated federal agent to be ruined by them."

Hagerty nodded, "I understand. I'll talk to others, some things still need to be covered up."

Hughes: "Thank you, sir."

Hagerty: "Just carry out your duties. By the way, what will you do after retiring? Want to come with me to DC?"

Hughes: "I need to resolve this matter quickly, then we can discuss future plans."

Hagerty: "OK, do as you see fit."

Hughes: "Well, we'll be going now. Goodbye, Mr. Hagerty."

-----------------

Hughes and Jimmy got back in the car, turned around, and returned to Manhattan, leaving Hagerty's villa. Jimmy asked, "Hughes, what's the next step?"

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