America 1919

As for the IRS behind me, to put it plainly, if this matter goes public now, it will become a scandal for the IRS, wildly covered by media across the country.

Not to mention the IRS saving me, I reckon at that time the IRS would wish I were dead!

"I do hope to work with Mr. Block, but as I just mentioned, investigating Mr. Block has been the IRS's most important action in the past two years. If we can't produce compelling evidence, the IRS will sooner or later recall us and send new people!"

Rene Mel said calmly.

"You don't need to worry about that, just agree to cooperate with us, and we'll take care of everything else!"

Robert was very satisfied with Rene Mel's reaction.

Rene Mel fiercely stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and asked, "So what does Mr. Block need me to do?"

.

"Now that's a smart man!"

After listening to Robert recount the negotiation process with Rene Mel, Donnie said with a smile.

"The main issue is that the man has no other choice but to cooperate with us, otherwise he will lose everything he has now."

Robert slouched on the sofa, no longer the picture of calm he was while negotiating with Rene Mel, all smiles and jokes!

"Did he suspect our relationship with Archido Bowen?" Donnie asked.

"I don't think so, after all, Archido Bowen was caught at that time, and besides, he is still quite wary of Elwood Village!"

"Good, let him continue the investigation. I do want to see who in Atlantic City will be the first to jump out!"

Securing Rene Mel's leverage meant not only having him work for his own cause in this matter, but Donnie understood that as long as he could carry out his previous plan against Coshek Kevin, the IRS investigation into him would end as well.

So the true value of Rene Mel lay in both Atlantic City and the White House.

Donnie didn't deny his influence in Atlantic City, but he also believed there were definitely people there who still wanted to take him down. Taking advantage of this, using relationships with people like Rene Mel to flush out the big rats hiding in Atlantic City, would kill two birds with one stone.

As for the thoughts of the White House...
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Driven by Donnie, soon the story of the IRS's investigation into him spread through Atlantic City.

A three-month secret investigation had at this point become semi-public.

Upon hearing this news, the entirety of Atlantic City immediately fell into a peculiar mood.

"We can't let anyone take Donnie away!"

"Yes, it's because of Donnie that our lives have improved. Now someone is going after him?"

"Where are those IRS people? Find them and kick them out of Atlantic City!"

Before anyone started denouncing Donnie, a movement erupted in Atlantic City to protect Donnie Block first.

"Atlantic City cannot be without Donnie, just as the West cannot be without Jerusalem!"

This had now become the mainstream sentiment in Atlantic City.

Upon knowing this, Nucky sat in his study, his expression growing complicated.

"I've heard in the East there's this metaphysical concept called 'Feng Shui,' which speaks to whether a place has good or bad energy. Do you think Atlantic City's Feng Shui is not so good?"

Nucky did not show delight at the news of Donnie being investigated; on the contrary, he spoke somewhat helplessly.

"I am under investigation by the Bureau of Investigation, Donnie by the IRS, and the Colonel before us too. Can't these people bear to see Atlantic City thrive?"

As someone who had dominated Atlantic City for over a decade, Nucky was of course aware the Bureau of Investigation's Diesel Mallard and others were investigating him, but since they hadn't made much progress, he hadn't been too concerned about it.

Faced with Nucky's inquiry, Louis didn't know quite how to respond.

"Boss, maybe this is our opportunity. The IRS isn't conducting their investigation into Donnie as openly as the Bureau, they surely want to lock Donnie away!"

Since Louis didn't know how to answer his boss, he decided to share his thoughts instead.

"They have caused such a big commotion now, surely they must clarify Donnie's affair, and I think it won't be long before a considerable number of people in Atlantic City will be reporting on Donnie!"

Nucky fell into thought. Indeed, this was a good opportunity. Not just in Atlantic City, but in the entire United States, he had not heard of anyone who had come out unscathed from an IRS investigation!

But...

"Louis, have you noticed anything strange about this situation?"

"What do you mean, boss?"

"Ordinarily, if the IRS were to investigate someone like Donnie, they would surely start with a secret investigation. Now they have made it so public. Don't you think there might be something more to this?"

Nucky did not know the specific timing of Rene Mel and others arriving in Atlantic City!

"Are you suggesting, boss, that there might be other hidden factors in this situation?" Louis asked.

Nucky responded, "While it's true that IRS investigations are very powerful, Donnie is no pushover either. With his connections in the White House, even if there are no hidden factors, it won't be easy for the IRS to lock Donnie up in a short period!"

At this point, Louis didn't need to offer any suggestions, for Nucky had already made up his mind.