A swift and decisive victory in the early stages, a post-apocalyptic survival story in America!

ICE Los Angeles Regional Office.

A group of people rushed in, led by a tall, blue-eyed, blond man with a powerful presence.

Her imposing aura deterred ICE staff members who wanted to stop her and inquire about her intentions, while the badge on her chest made everyone silently back away.

Even though ICE is currently at its peak, it still has to give way to the FBI.

As the most powerful law enforcement agency in the federal government, the FBI can investigate corruption cases involving federal officials, and this alone makes it a force to be reckoned with.

A group of people went directly to the door of the regional head's office. The woman at the head of the group pushed the door open and entered without any politeness.

Maeve McCormick frowned. "Agent Barton, what are you doing? Why didn't you knock?"

Margaret Barton stood with her hands behind her back, her expression serious and her tone calm: "I'm on official business investigating Nick Grant's corruption and misconduct. Let's skip the pointless politeness questions!"

"I heard that you raided one of Nick Grant's secret hideouts yesterday. Under the powers granted to me by federal law, please hand over these documents and organize the relevant personnel to cooperate with us in conducting further investigations."

Maeve's face darkened: "Show me the documents! Without the documents, nothing I say matters!"

"The documents are on their way, you'll see them soon," Margaret said defiantly, still maintaining her domineering attitude.

"Then let's wait until the documents arrive!" Maeve was equally firm.

As the regional head of a paramilitary organization, she has the authority to do so.

Margaret chuckled softly, leaning forward against Maeve's large desk, her hands gripping the surface. She said in a low voice, "I could ask you to go back and cooperate with the investigation first, and then wait for the documents to arrive; or I could seize your warehouse while you're cooperating and unable to give orders… What do you think I should do?"

Maeve's expression changed, and Margaret pressed on: "Nick's matter has alarmed the White House and Congress. Think carefully, do you want to be forcibly taken back by us to cooperate with the investigation at this time..."

Their eyes met, and sparks seemed to fly in the air.

After struggling for a long time, Maeve finally gave in and lowered her head: "I'll hand over the documents to you..."

Margaret's expression remained unchanged, but a triumphant glint shone in her eyes: "And then there's Laura Thorne. As the last person Nick saw before his death, she's a prime suspect and a key witness! Considering the danger she's faced several times, we've decided to include her in the witness protection program, and I'm taking her with me this time!"

Maeve jumped to her feet: "What do you want to do? She's Bernard Thorne's daughter!"

“Of course I know who her father is!” Margaret shrugged. “What are you implying? That Bernard Thorne can influence Congress, or… that he’s actually the mastermind?”

Maeve gasped for breath, and after a long while, she finally slumped down and picked up the phone on the table: "Lola, come to my office for a moment."

Soon, there was a knock on the office door, Maeve called out "Come in," and Laura Thorne pushed the door open and entered.

Sensing the tense atmosphere in the room, Lola frowned and looked at her boss.

Maeve sighed, rubbed her forehead, and said to Margaret Barton, "Ms. Barton, please give us a few minutes."

Margaret smiled slightly, nodded, and left the room.

Maeve got up and closed the door herself, then took Lola's hand and whispered, "The FBI has included you in their witness program. You'll go with them to cooperate with the investigation. Also, let them take those documents they seized last night..."

Lola's expression immediately changed: "Didn't you say that cooperating with the investigation was enough? Why do we need to take the documents with us? Do I have to come along?"

Maeve quickly reassured him, "There's no better way. They've got their eyes on Nick, and on us too. Use this opportunity to keep a close eye on those documents. If anything unexpected happens, be sure to let me know immediately!"

Maeve took out a thin, silvery-white piece about the size of a thumbnail from the drawer and explained, "This is a locator. There's an activation button here. If you keep it in your mouth and don't activate it manually, the detection equipment won't be able to detect it."

Lola reluctantly took it, tore open the packaging, and put it in her mouth, which didn't stop her from talking.

"Once you've settled down, activate this device, and I'll arrange to establish contact."

After giving a few more instructions, Maeve personally saw Lola out and solemnly instructed Margaret, "Lola is a high-ranking ICE agent. I hope you can take good care of her. If anything happens to her, you won't be able to bear the consequences."

Margaret smiled confidently: "Don't worry, Director McCormick, we'll take good care of Laura and those documents."

He then turned to Lola and said, "Agent Thorne, please hand over your cell phone and service weapon to the staff for safekeeping."

Laura glanced at Maeve, then reluctantly removed her sidearm and handed over her phone.

A staff member stepped forward to take it, and then another woman stepped forward and began to run the detector over Laura's body.

The detector alarm went off. Lola took a deep breath, removed her belt buckle and bracelet, and waved them at Margaret.

"That's enough." Margaret stopped her subordinates and left first.

The colleagues' gazes were mixed; some were worried, some were relieved, and some were gloating.

Laura saw this and felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Partnering with Nick seemed like a great success, but in reality, it offended many people.

Now that Nick is in trouble, he is indeed a prime suspect.

Whether it's collusion in corruption or suspected murder, he has too many reasons to arouse suspicion.

Especially since he made such a big fuss during his vacation, I wonder how many people are waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

My father has been deeply involved in Los Angeles for twenty years and has extensive connections, so it's not surprising that he and Maeve have ended up in this situation since he and Maeve were parachuted in.

After leaving the administration building, we got into the Cadillac Escalade brought by the FBI. The seven cars lined up in a row and set off in a grand procession.

Looking out the car window, Lola remained silent.

Margaret fiddled with her phone, tapping the keys to produce a continuous, crisp sound, without breaking the silence.

Lola glanced at the clock on the dashboard; the convoy had taken forty-seven minutes to reach its destination.

This was a house in a remote area. The convoy had already dispersed a kilometer away. Looking at the houses on both sides, Lola secretly admired them.

In terms of secrecy alone, the FBI is indeed a federal agency that is no less capable than the CIA.

It's clear that this residential area is under the control of the FBI. In comparison, the ICE's safe house doesn't have such a large presence.

ICE has seen rapid growth in recent years, but in terms of its foundation, it still lags far behind established federal agencies like the FBI.

The car pulled into the backyard, and everyone got out and went inside. Margaret pointed to the stairs: "Just pick a room on the second floor, rest for a bit, and then we'll start our conversation."

Lola was somewhat flattered that they didn't handcuff her, didn't restrict her personal freedom, let her choose any room she wanted, and even let her rest for a while before starting the conversation...

Am I here to cooperate with the investigation?

What on earth is Margaret Barton up to?