Taxes are only within machine gun range!

Chapter 159 I did not betray my country!
At the entrance of the Tapachula Police Station, the area was bustling with noise, and many officers were working hard to maintain order.

But unlike before, the people who came to the police station today weren't there to protest, but to apply for jobs.

Some people applied to be police officers, while others wanted to join Milton's company—the latter offered much higher salaries and benefits than police officers.

In Mexico, a land of passion, there are plenty of people willing to risk their lives for money.

After Milton dealt a heavy blow to the Gulf Cartel's influence in the area, the last bit of fear that most people had of drug traffickers disappeared.

I feel it's not as good as Milton's.

The massive protests and terrorist attacks of the day before had already shocked the world, with many around the globe appalled by the brutality and madness of drug traffickers.

News channels in many other countries broadcast related news.

The police officers writhing in agony on the ground in the video, the drug dealers who used aerial bombs for suicide attacks, and the television station still belching black smoke all indicate that something terrible happened here.

The "Gulf Group" has even become a synonym for terror, and has become a bedtime story for many parents to scare their children.

But only the people of Tapachula knew that Milton was the one who did all this.

The people being beaten on the ground were not police officers, but drug dealers from the Gulf Cartel.

Take your time!

"Line up properly, anyone who cuts in line will be disqualified from the interview!"

"Make way, make way, a police car is coming out..."

"..."

While these people were queuing, four bulletproof police cars and one armored vehicle drove out of the police station and headed towards the city center.

Those in line were utterly shocked by the sight before them.

"What are you going to do?"

"Where is Mr. 'Mr. Loving Father' going to bomb again?"

"Could it be the city government?"

"Don't talk nonsense. Don't you guys watch the news? Congressman Vic is giving a speech in Central Park today, and these officers used to protect him."

"..."

While those around him were talking amongst themselves, Milton sat in the armored vehicle and glanced out through the glass.

“‘Wine Bottle’, how many people has the company hired recently? Don’t forget why we came here in the first place.”

Flora said "Eh eh" twice: "The company's HR has arrived. They're very efficient now, and they've recruited almost 100 people. Twenty of them are performing very well, and I've sent them to our headquarters for intensive training. We expect to recruit at least 500 people before Lopez buys the remaining equipment and launches a large-scale offensive."

Fortunately, there is an international airport between Tapachula city and the port, so it doesn't take long to get there by plane.

“Very good, these people can at least ensure that our front line does not collapse,” Milton said. “The progress is good, but we still need to speed it up—since Lopez was able to import one howitzer, he might be able to import a second one. Our current security is only temporary.”

"It'll be here soon, it'll be here soon~"

Flora chuckled, then pointed to an open space in the park next door: "The most important thing right now is to protect this person."

At this time, a temporary lectern had been set up in the park, with many rows of plastic stools placed under it.

But even with so many chairs, it wasn't enough. The crowd, already disgusted and ravaged by the drug dealers, swarmed in, holding up various signs in support of Vic.

This senator appears to have a very high approval rating.

Flora had seen many similar campaign events and nodded, saying, "Things are going well. It seems that as long as we can keep Vic alive, he will definitely be the next mayor."

“Yes, keep a close eye on them.” Milton glanced at the podium and shook his head slightly. “With this level of protection, I’m honestly, it’s very dangerous.”

Despite the large number of people and equipment Milton and his team deployed for protection, Milton still had a huge question mark about Vic's safety.

There was no protection whatsoever on his body; the only things that could save his life were a soft bulletproof vest lining the inside and two bulletproof windows on the podium.

These two bulletproof glass panels would not exist if Milton had not insisted on them.

Milton initially required Vic to wear heavy body armor and a bulletproof helmet, and ideally, to hide behind armored steel equipped with explosive reactive armor while giving his speech.

That way, even if the enemy actually uses a rocket launcher to bomb him, Vic won't be in much danger.

If I had to say something, Milton would never have participated in such a speech—he would never have given the enemy such important information as his location.

Sometimes, a single bullet can truly change history.

But Vic refused outright.

His reasoning was sound—soldiers can give speeches like that, police officers can give speeches like that, but he's a politician, how could he possibly portray himself as a special forces soldier? He needs to focus on his political image and the needs of his voters.

Security in public places should avoid being overly militarized, otherwise it will arouse public resentment, which has long been recognized by statistics.

It's meaningless to only consider security and ignore votes.

They might even be seen by the public as cowardly and afraid of death.

Ultimately, there was no other way but to extend security to this level... As for what happens next, we'll have to rely on the police and Milton's team to adapt to the situation.

"I hope nothing bad happens."

"As long as we don't get shot dead, we can react in time."

"..."

At this moment, seeing that the security forces and the crowd below the stage had all arrived, the Vic car convoy, having received the notification, quickly drove over.

The sprightly middle-aged man walked onto the podium and vigorously waved his fist.

A burst of cheers and screams erupted from the audience.

“Fellow countrymen of Tapachula! Our streets are being torn apart by the bullets of drug lords, and our children are crying in the shadow of drug cartels! Those corrupt politicians who call themselves ‘protectors’ are selling their positions to Cardenas and using the official seal of the municipal government to pave the way for drug smugglers’ trucks! They are committing wanton slaughter!”

"Cardenas's nephew ran over a pregnant woman in his Porsche and drove away, then mocked them for being weak and for deserving it?"

"Those standing here are not politicians in suits, but people who have witnessed..."

"Right now, the Gulf Cartel's guns might be aimed at this stage, and Cardenas's assassins might be hiding in the cheering crowd. I have plenty of evidence. They tried to bribe me, tried to threaten me, but they failed—because they will never understand the courage of Tapachula mothers who hold kitchen knives to protect their children!"

Of course, after shouting the slogans, Vic didn't forget to mention some specific measures.

"I know, I know, many people cooperate with drug dealers because they are hungry and in order to survive. Perhaps you feel wronged, and you are just trying to survive... But I still say it: no matter how many hardships you have, you cannot eat people!"

"Now let me tell you who our enemies are... Those corrupt politicians in Mexico City, for their own benefit, signed the North American Free Trade Agreement, blocking all our livelihoods except for drug production, and then they colluded with drug traffickers to oppress us..."

"You may think America is paradise, but you are wrong! Once I take office, I swear I will make everything public!"

"I will find a healthy path for our development... We have a port, we have an airport, we have coffee, and we border our neighbors to the south! Believe me, we can live with dignity!"

“We have many friends who support the fight against drugs, for example…”

Just then, there was a knock on the door of the armored vehicle.

Milton immediately asked, "What is it?"

A police officer reported with a very serious expression: "'Father,' we have just received news that Tapachula Prison in the north has just been attacked in a premeditated manner. The outer wall of the prison collapsed, a large number of prison guards died, and a large number of prisoners escaped... We suspect that it was done by a drug cartel, but we are not sure which one."

Tapachula Prison?

That's far from the El Carmen community, and the Gulf Group has just suffered a major blow. Can they still organize such an offensive?

Mexican public prisons are generally in poor condition, but they do have many bunkers and rifles, so forcibly breaking into them is not so easy.

"Whose territory is the northern suburbs?"

The officer's expression grew even more serious: "Juarez Group."

“I understand.” Milton glanced down at his watch and asked, “When did this happen?”

"Less than two hours have passed," the officer continued, "The chief is in a bit of a bind right now, unsure whether to provide support to the prison first, or ignore it for now and protect Councilor Vic first."

Milton shook his head: "This is not a choice. The speech can be paused, and someone can be sent to the prison to check on the situation... I even suspect that Cardenas and the Juarez Group's representatives here may have reached some kind of agreement."

“Yes…” the officer nodded.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he hesitated for a moment, then turned around, glanced at Milton, and cautiously asked, "'Father' sir, I... I have a question. Could you help me answer it?"

Milton nodded and said, "Speak."

"Congressman Vic, what you just said, is it true? That our country is so bad, and the United States bears a large part of the responsibility?"

This was in 1994; the CIA's public involvement in drug crimes was not widely exposed until 1996.

Many people are still unaware of this.

Especially now that the United States has won the Cold War, it seems to have proven that its path was correct, leading many people to believe that the other side is the heaven described in the Bible.

Now, suddenly someone tells them that it's not heaven, but a place inhabited by demons, which is indeed hard for some people to accept.

Milton actually wanted to tell the officer not to look at things so generally, for example, that the country to the north cannot be simply summarized as "the United States".

Isn't there enough of the US opposing the US, and the left and right brains fighting each other?
Drug trafficking has high profit margins, but the global market is only a few hundred billion dollars.

But Milton couldn't explain much at this point, so he nodded and said, "Especially the CIA."

The officer's face immediately turned sour, but he forced himself to remain calm and nodded his thanks: "Thank you for answering my questions, 'Father' sir."

"Go ahead..."

Just then, Milton's panel showed that the number of "allies" suddenly decreased by one.

It's common for people to die in battle while fighting on the front lines, but out of caution, Milton still carefully checked the list.

“Barzel Hayes… ‘Iron Wall’ Security Company…”

Milton's pupils dilated suddenly.

"Iron Wall" Security Company, isn't that the company responsible for protecting Vic?!
Someone has betrayed us!
Or did his bodyguard betray him?
Damn it... those drug dealers really did make their move.

Milton jerked his head up and slammed his fist on the armor plating beside him: "Quick, drive the car out, drive it to the vicinity of the park, and shove Vic in!!!"

As for the political implications, who cares? The person is about to die, why bother with these things?
The driver didn't know why, but he knew to obey orders, so he immediately stepped on the gas. Milton looked towards the center of the square and saw a heavily armored security guard trying to enter, but being blocked by Havel from getting too close.

People who have been out of their sight for a period of time must be re-examined before they can approach Congressman Vic.

At the same time, Milton saw several SUVs suddenly appear around him, speeding toward the park at an absolutely excessive speed.

No need to think about it.

An assassination attempt targeting Vic.

"Get out of the vehicle. The armored vehicle will be responsible for blocking enemy vehicles... Have the police station send more people over!"

"Vic's safety must be guaranteed, absolutely!"

"Roger that!"

Milton, holding the 81-bar rifle, jumped off the car and forced his way into a nearby small building, seizing the second floor.

Armored vehicles are not as safe as they seem. The best tactic is for infantry to spread out and provide mutual cover for each other.

At this moment, the security guard, seeing that he couldn't get through no matter what he did, finally showed a hint of anxiety on his face.

Seeing that the armored vehicle had already rushed out, his face hardened, he drew his Glock from his waist and pulled the trigger directly at Vic on the platform!

The first shot hit Vic squarely in the body, but by the time the second shot was fired, the police officers and other security personnel had already reacted.

Vic fell to the ground, his face filled with shock as he touched the spot where he had been shot, and looked at the security guard whose name he knew.

The next instant, gunshots rang out.

Bang bang bang!
Even though the security guard named Bazeir was wearing heavy bulletproof vest, the impact of the bullet was no joke. The violent shaking made it impossible for him to aim again, and the second bullet hit the bulletproof glass, shattering into a pile of fragments.

The dense hail of bullets quickly struck the unprotected parts of his body, knocking him to the ground.

Congressman Vic looked heartbroken, but he remained kneeling and asked, "Bazel, Bazel... I remember you. You were a passionate man, a man of great justice... That's why you became my bodyguard. Tell me, why?"

"Why?!" Javier lunged forward, his expression furious, removing Javier's helmet and throwing several punches. "Why?! Do you know what you're doing?"

Are you trying to ruin our business?

"We were almost there, almost there! At this crucial moment, you betrayed us?!"

Bazel broke down, coughing up blood and tears streaming from his eyes: "I had no choice, I had no choice! They threatened me with my family... They, they mailed my sister's fingers and took pictures of them, I had no choice, I had no choice! I didn't want to betray them!"

"Aren't your family members in Tijuana?"

Bazel cried loudly, "They...they went looking for us!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than another burst of gunfire erupted from below the podium, aimed directly at it.

"Kill Vic!"

"Whoever kills him gets $20!"

"A $500 reward for killing a police officer and security guard!"

"Do it!"

The screaming and scattering crowds around them exacerbated the chaos. At this point, the police officers and bodyguards had no idea where the enemy was or how many there were. They could only crouch down as much as possible to protect Vic with their bodies while trying to move him to the armored vehicle not far away.

With a bounty offered, it's hard to guarantee that no one will suddenly start shooting.

These security personnel and police officers have been screened, and bribery has proven ineffective against them, but the people in the audience may not be so lucky!
Milton aimed his gun from the second floor, pulled the trigger, and decisively and accurately shot down the drug dealers in the crowd who were spreading rumors.

Boom boom boom!
A street shootout has broken out!

But the drug dealers also became ruthless, finding cover on the spot and even grabbing young girls who came to watch the speech to use as cover!
The girl's parents immediately broke down in tears.

boom!
The drug dealer's head exploded!
How could Milton not deploy snipers?

"Ishimaya, objective achieved."

“Very good.” Milton nodded. “The drug traffickers have gone completely mad, sending so many people here… Snipers, you need to prioritize high-threat targets, such as those trying to throw grenades.”

"receive."

"..."

Flora took down a drug dealer hiding near the restroom who was firing at the podium with her M4A1, saying, "Then let's take them all out! Who do they think we are? Thugs fighting him in the street? We've already got the high ground, taking down enemies from above is child's play!"

Milton shook his head: "But their goal is only to assassinate Vic, so we can't be careless."

Boom boom boom!
At the same time, the infantry fighting vehicle's machine gun opened fire, destroying an SUV that was approaching at high speed.

The crowd had dispersed considerably by this time. Milton quickly surveyed the park, fired a grenade from a grenade launcher at a "traffic point" connecting several bunkers, and then immediately went upstairs to change his firing position.

The newly organized crossfire force of the drug traffickers was immediately destroyed.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Milton saw some drug dealers firing wildly at the spot where he had just been shooting, attempting to suppress the fire.

A few short shots later, the drug dealers fell down.

Police officers, security personnel, and Milton's core combat team opened fire, and in less than a minute, most of the drug dealers hiding in the park were killed...

But the drug traffickers' frenzied attacks are not over yet!

Although the infantry fighting vehicles' autocannons and machine guns were firing wildly, several vehicles still managed to break through the barrage of fire.

Furthermore, in order to quickly rejoin the Vic's evacuation, the armored vehicle's firing angle was not ideal.

Several burly men, still in their prison uniforms, jumped off the vehicle with submachine guns and opened fire on Vic, who was trying to move toward the armored vehicle.

The two police officers fell to the ground.

call out!
An RPG was fired from a very tricky corner, flying straight toward the armored vehicle.

Although he was sniped by Ishimaya before the rocket hit its target, the rocket still struck the target, and a fireball was blown out in front of the armored vehicle!
The escort team was stunned, unsure whether they should let Vic onto the armored vehicle.

However, this hesitation lasted only a moment before they continued forward—they saw that the armored vehicles were unharmed under the protection of the explosive reaction vehicles, and besides, armor protection was better than no armor protection at all.

Armored vehicles may not be able to withstand rocket launchers, but people certainly cannot.

Boom boom boom!
During the transfer, the group of prisoners was also shot dead by the police officers who fought to the death. Those who tried to throw grenades were also shot down by snipers, preventing them from throwing the explosives.

But vehicles were still driving this way! Armed prisoners continued to attempt to attack the escort team!
The prison was sabotaged, which was indeed aimed at Vic. The Gulf Group and the Juarez Group have indeed reached some kind of cooperation!

"Keep fighting! Don't be afraid!" Milton's calm voice came through the walkie-talkie to everyone. "We have backup too, they'll be here soon."

Milton had just emptied his magazine and was preparing to reload when he suddenly saw two more cars pull up beside him, and several armed men got out of the cars.

They were better equipped and even wore bulletproof vests!
Two of them even started shouting directly at the other side.

"Haviel! Come to me!"

"Stop being so stubborn! Vic can't win, Milton can't win. Join the Gulf Group, or I'll shoot right now!"

Javier's drug dealer brother and father!
As they spoke, they pointed their guns at the escort team and pulled the triggers sharply.

Without a second thought, Javier shielded Vic with his body, and wisps of white smoke and blood mist rose from his body.

Then, with his last bit of strength, he raised his gun and, along with other officers and security personnel, pointed it at his loved ones.

"Javier, you beast! How dare you fire at your own father?!"

"Ah—Haviel, it's me, your brother!!!"

Boom boom boom…

This group of drug dealers also fell.

The drug traffickers launched three attacks, all of which failed... Just as they were about to launch a fourth attack, a series of explosions suddenly came from afar.

Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns have arrived!

*Puff puff puff puff puff...* The anti-aircraft gun aimed at the drug dealers and spat out tongues of fire.

The drug traffickers' defenses were as fragile as paper in the face of anti-aircraft guns, and were instantly shattered.

The terrifying firepower finally shattered the drug dealers' psychological defenses; they began to turn and flee, or throw down their weapons and surrender...

Vic was also successfully transferred to an armored vehicle and retreated towards the police station.

Victory.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, Javier's weak voice came through the walkie-talkie. Unlike before, his voice carried a hint of repression and grievance.

"I did not betray my country!"

Everyone knew that his whole family was involved in drug trafficking, and his teammates on a mission with him were attacked, resulting in the deaths of everyone except him. Even though the investigation later exonerated him, his colleagues' distrust and resistance were still written all over their faces.

Despised by his evil family and antagonized by his righteous colleagues, Havel was in a very difficult situation.

But he knew he was on the right track, and it seemed that victory was just around the corner.

Many officers were initially taken aback, then showed a hint of guilt.

Milton said softly, "We all know."

Javier smiled slightly and then closed his eyes.

Flora was silent for a moment, then turned and asked, "'Tax collector'... Let's go back. This is war."

“Go back?” Milton turned his head and said coldly, “Why should I go back?”

Everyone could feel the anger of the "benevolent father".

What are your plans for the future?

Milton pointed to the corpses of drug dealers and prisoners on the ground: "Put on their clothes, and we... no, it makes sense that the drug dealers, enraged by their failed assassination attempt on Councilor Vic, also assassinated Mayor Carmen, doesn't it?"

"If the drug traffickers want to wage all-out war, then I'll fight them to the bitter end!"

(End of this chapter)