North America Gunman Detective

Chapter 258: 237 First Visit to the Hotel


Times Square to the Lower District of Manhattan isn't far, but traffic in New York is such a headache that if you're not driving with flashing lights and a siren, following the flow of traffic will definitely give the driver road rage.

Of course, the taxi I'm in now definitely doesn't have lights and a siren, speaking of which, since leaving the county police at the end of last year, Jimmy hadn't enjoyed the privilege of flashing lights and a siren. After more than half a year, he actually missed it quite a bit.

Let me share a piece of trivial knowledge that's easily overlooked.

The standard-issue vehicles for regular FBI agents don't come with lights and sirens, although they have the right to install them, but they're typically only used in Special Support Units or specific fleets, and are not found on a regular agent's vehicle.

Many agents get by with a makeshift police light and siren system, since most people don't know whether they're actually authorized to install them. Nobody really cares, and if an outsider were to report or do something else that isn't right, the FBI can pull out their regulations and clarify that as federal police, they're entitled to use lights and sirens, so the agents aren't breaking any rules, but there would still be some internal acknowledgement of the issue.

Don't be fooled by the movies; seeing FBI agents immediately fire up built-in lights and sirens to chase someone, regardless of rank, is more of an artistic touch. That's not to say it never happens, but vehicles with directly integrated lights and sirens are very rare.

The taxi driver slowly inched out of Midtown and finally reached a place with slightly less terrible traffic, after many twists and turns, at last, he arrived at Jimmy's destination.

After getting out of the taxi, Jimmy looked at the building in front of him somewhat dumbfounded. He had seen plenty of various types of buildings in Manhattan, but this arrow-shaped one was stuck in his throat like a fishbone, not knowing quite what to complain about.

The entire building looked like a triangle from above, with extremely sharp angles, no more than 45 degrees. The entrance was at the sharp tip of the triangle, with rounded corners, which made it seem like the architect must have had a screw loose no matter how Jimmy looked at it.

Jimmy stood outside the Intercontinental Hotel and called Justin. Justin told him to come straight in, that he was waiting for him in the lobby.

Jimmy stepped up to the entrance, where a doorman graciously opened the door for him. He walked into the lobby and immediately saw Justin in the rest area to the right.

Justin was as handsome as ever today, dressed in a fitted suit with his hair impeccably styled, unlike Jimmy, who'd simply thrown on jeans and a casual shirt that day.

Jimmy was surprised he could even enter the hotel dressed like this, as normally, posh establishments have dress codes for customers. With his current outfit, he'd expected to be refused entry, which would be more in line with the upscale image of the Intercontinental Hotel that he remembered.

Jimmy promptly sat down opposite Justin. "Hey, Justin, what made you decide to come to New York all of a sudden? Aren't you always in Little Rock?"

Justin put down the newspaper he was holding. "Yeah, I usually wouldn't come over, but this time it's about some collaboration talks with Winston. So you know, I couldn't really ask someone else for this."

Justin tidied up the items on the table and put them back into his briefcase. "Do you have that black card with you?"

Jimmy nodded, took out his wallet from his pocket, showed the card to Justin for a second, then was about to put it back into his wallet when Justin said, "Give it to me. Come with me." Justin interrupted Jimmy's action, took the card from his hand, got up with his briefcase, and headed for the front desk of the lobby.

Justin: "Charon, I need to see Winston."

Charon: "One moment." Charon picked up the phone and dialed a number. "Sir, AR Justin would like to see you. Okay."

After hanging up the phone, Charon addressed Justin, "Underground bar."

Justin: "Thanks."

Justin led Jimmy, turned right through the lobby, went down the stairs to the basement, through the underground service area and a network of pipes and equipment. He stopped in front of an iron door, took a gold coin from his pocket and slotted it into the coin slot. A panel on the door slid open to take a brief look, then the door was opened to let Justin and Jimmy through.

Upon entering, the sound of jazz filled the air, live music, not recorded. The bar featured a small stage where several musicians and a singer were performing a low and mellow song.

The atmosphere here instantly reminded Jimmy of Justin's bar back in New York. It seemed like Justin's establishment must have taken some inspiration from this place; many aspects seemed consistent.

Leading Jimmy to the bar, as soon as a beautiful woman behind it caught sight of Justin, her eyes widened in surprise, "Holy shit! Justin, I can't believe you're back."

With a smile, Justin replied, "Hey, Adi."

Justin placed his bag at his feet and took a seat at the bar, while Jimmy sat down next to him.

The girl behind the bar wore a sleeveless black vest—no traditional white shirt underneath—revealing extensive floral tattoos stretching from the right side of her neck to her right arm. Her hair was pinned up at the back, with the ends draped over her shoulder on the left side.

With her styled appearance, Jimmy couldn't possibly guess her age, but she didn't seem too old, probably around 30.

The beauty, Adi, asked, "The usual?"

Justin: "Yep."

Turning to Jimmy, Adi asked, "And for you? Handsome, what should I call you?"

Jimmy: "Just Jimmy is fine."

Adi: "Good evening, Jimmy, what'll you have?"

Jimmy: "I'll leave it up to you."

Adi flashed Jimmy a smile and turned to mix a drink.

Meanwhile, Justin looked around the bar, seemingly searching for someone. Once he spotted his target, he turned back to Jimmy and said, "I'm going to meet someone. Wait here for me."

Jimmy nodded in acknowledgment, and Justin left his seat.

Adi: "Your Martini with olives, classic style."

Jimmy lifted his glass to thank Adi, "Thanks, Adi," taking a sip, the spicy flavor spreading in his mouth, "Nice. Tastes like Justin's handiwork, though he could probably learn a thing or two from you."

Adi smiled without responding and went to serve others. Not wanting to make a fuss, Jimmy set down his glass and started surveying the bar's surroundings.

Jimmy's observation skills were unlike most; while people tend to watch other people, Jimmy's approach was to activate his 'Heart Eye Observation' immediately, scanning around, including the architectural details behind walls. In his mind, he could almost map out any concealed compartments or hidden rooms nearby.

Moreover, Jimmy's ability was undetectable by others. He had checked in the mirror and even recorded himself using the 'Heart Eye' with a camera, but there were no discernible differences, not even in his eyes.

When Jimmy gazed at a wall, others might think he was admiring the mural when, in fact, he was inspecting the space behind it. In this regard, there was no one better suited for reconnaissance tasks like scouting out terrain.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.


Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter