The large ship docked, and numerous small boats were awaiting at the pier. When Dexter arrived, the dock was completely sealed off, eerily quiet. Caleb had made thorough preparations.
Wayne stepped out of the car, his gaze drifting toward a ship in the distance. He clicked his tongue, remarking, “It seems you’re still wary of me, Mr. Russell. Today is a workday, so the dock should be bustling with people at this hour.”
Dexter also gazed into the distance. “This wasn’t my doing.”
Wayne pulled out a pack of Marlboro from his pocket, lit one up, and took a puff. “In that case, I’ll have to trouble you to make the arrangements.”
Arnold’s brows furrowed in concern as he shook his head at Dexter. His phone buzzed after receiving a message from Caleb. He handed it over to Dexter.
The message read: Absolutely do not agree! That ship is rigged with explosives. We’re all doomed if he dares to act!
Dexter took the phone, typing swiftly: He wouldn’t dare. Let the person in.
“Mr. Russell, it’s crucial that we’re dealing with ordinary civilians. Otherwise, there’s no point in continuing this conversation,” Wayne began.
This was a blatant threat.
Dexter added a line as he texted: Don’t send in too many plain-clothes police officers.
The message was successfully sent.
Caleb was clearly unwilling to take risks, but Wayne remained silent throughout, simply staring blankly at the sunrise. The sunrise at the sea, always so dazzlingly ostentatious.
Ten minutes later, the dock checkpoint opened, and a flood of merchants poured in. Some boarded ships to set sail, others began to conduct their business, while some started to haul their goods.
Dexter and the others were quickly engulfed by the crowd.
Wayne was quite pleased with the unfolding scene. A smirk played on his lips, “It seems you’re gradually starting to trust me, Mr. Russell. This is a good start.”
Dexter also lit a cigarette, taking a deep breath as he said, “I believe you wouldn’t act recklessly. Choosing mutual destruction in such a situation isn’t the choice of a wise man.”
“Look at that ship. Over the years, it has accomplished many great things for me. I simply cannot bear to watch it falter here today.”
Wayne flicked his cigarette butt onto the ground, stomping it out as he continued, “How about we head up for a look?”
Not far from the bow of the ship, Arnold was standing there, holding a telescope.
The fact that Dexter showed up here indicated that he still cared about Josie.
Dexter didn’t mention that he had already visited.
“What?”
“What I mean is, you should go up there alone.”
“You want me to become Arnold’s tool? Is it worth it scheming to this extent?”
Wayne didn’t deny it at all. “Even raising a dog brings about affection, let alone a person.”
With a slight curve of his lips, Dexter was about to step forward, but was held back by Arnold. In a hushed tone, he warned, “Don’t. Once you go up there, you won’t be able to come back down!”
“Arnold, I am merely visiting Wayne’s business. Your words aren’t very pleasant,” Dexter said, glancing at Wayne, who responded with a slight smirk.
“It seems you’ve already made up your mind.”
“After all, the terms you proposed were quite enticing. The strong, they always have a mutual understanding for each other.”
No one mentioned Josie. It was as if she was irrelevant.
The arrangements for the ship had already been made. Dexter stepped aboard alone, without a hint of hesitation. It seemed more like the first step in a surrender.
Wayne stood by the shore, watching the scene unfold with satisfaction.
As the ship sailed further into the distance, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. “Aren’t you afraid Arnold might kill you on the spot?” he asked.
“He must first be capable of doing so.”
Dexter sat down and suddenly said, “Oh, by the way, I received a call earlier. It was from a government agency within our province.”
Upon seeing this, Wayne’s expression changed, but he remained silent.
“Don’t you want to know what he said, Mr. Dalton?”
Before Dexter could even speak, his secretary had already rushed to his side urgently. The secretary glanced around and quickly lowered his voice as he said, “He has been taken away for investigation.”
