His Devious Rule

A simple office room was temporarily used by the Chief Justice for his stay. There was a desk and table against the one-way see-through glass which was giving a good view of the harbor and the ocean.

Anya and Jason's eyes shifted to the sitting area. There was an old man in a suit sitting in the center of the three-seater. The wrinkles on his face spoke of his experience. He looked relaxed when the few men around him were snickering or looking at Jason and Anya provokingly.

An assistant behind Chief Justice was holding the latter's overcoat. His eyes narrowed for a moment when he saw Anya Owen enter the room. He had been in contact with Anya Owen for two years. He has watched her meticulously cause the suspension of many officials and cops without giving an inkling about the secret mission. So he truly admired her work efficiency.

Jason and Anya went ahead and saluted by standing on their toes. "Chief Justice." Their voices sounded in unison, clean and crisp.

Before the old man could say anything, the two men who were standing aside greeted the two with a hint of scorn, "Chief Jason, Officer Owen." They greeted them one after the other.

Anya nodded in acceptance and also greeted them back with a nod whereas Jason feigned ignorance.

"Officer Owen must be exhausted after the life-threatening mission…" Then the man's eyes measured her top to toe, "Looks like you have also enjoyed the cruise vacation, Officer Owen. That's good." He smiled in the provocation. He might have said in a good tone but he was trying to point out that she was having fun during a mission with such an outfit.

Only if he knew her life was at the brink. Well, nobody will know.

Jason gritted his teeth hearing one of the team leaders of cyber security. He wasn't new to people who judge by the clothes. But the man chose the wrong person to bully.

Completely unaffected by the taunt, Anya began giving the taste of her presence, "Congratulations, Chief Kennedy." Her expression was distant, so was her voice. She wasn't a clueless small-town girl anymore to get bullied. She wasn't a saint to let go of provocation so easily.

Kennedy's face paled in embarrassment. For the past five years, he was a team leader, nothing more. Even his team members got promoted but him. Whereas Anya got promoted thrice. Anyway, it wasn't Anya's target.

Her eyes checked out Kennedy, just like how he did to her, "Oh wait." He didn't have the firearm which would be given to a chief for self-protection and the badge on his white shirt hadn't changed. "Didn't the team leader Kennedy get promoted?" She didn't bother faking surprise. She wasn't good at acting anyway.

Then she mocked him with a faint smile, "I am so sorry Team leader Kennedy. You didn't show your respect to My chief. So I assumed you were promoted. My bad." The team Ace was always protective of each other so her reaction was considered modest.

Anya turned to Jason, "Chief, why didn't you notify me about the change in rules? I am so embarrassed."

Jason had to bite his tongue to stop himself from bursting into laughter. The rare mischief side of Anya Owen wasn't new to him or Team Ace. Fighting hard to put on a straight face, Jason pretended to be reprimanding her, "Anya, where is your focus?"

Anya added another insult to Kennedy while trying to prove she wasn't in the wrong, "But Chief, you have told us to learn what we don't know and teach who doesn't know."

Not just Jason, even the Chief Justice, and his assistant were well aware of what she was up to. However, they were also aware of the inevitable internal conflicts in every organization and how some men see women as powerless.

Team Leader Kennedy fumed at the side. He was older than Jason. However, respect wasn't given by age but rank. Although Anya was a member of Team Ace, her rank was higher than Kennedy's.

Kennedy's face darkened hearing Anya. He glanced at the Chief Justice hoping to see him annoyed at her behavior, but the old man was hiding his smile, pretending to be unaware of the situation.

He and his teammate quickly saluted to Jason, "Chief Jason." Kennedy's teammate continued, "Chief Jason, we didn't mean to disrespect you. We were just worried about Officer Owen. We are sorry about our behavior." His apology annoyed Kennedy.

Jason merely nodded. And Anya was back to serious mode, "Chief Justice, I would like to report to you about some details. I request unrelated people out of the room." Her voice wasn't loud but the pressure was no less.

The old man was about to cue his assistant to send the rest out, Kennedy hurriedly opened his mouth to get slapped again, "Chief Justice, the mission is no secret anymore. We already know about it. So we would like to listen so that we could provide them some assistance." It was just his way to slowly take over the mission.

Anya didn't comment. She just looked at the old man who meticulously hid his frown. He was clearly annoyed at Kennedy's behavior.

The mission was only known to Team Ace. When the news spread in the department that the naval force was being used, cyber security found out Jason was working behind this. Since Jason was involved, Kennedy guessed one of Team Ace is working on it. So he appeared to grab the chance.

The old man looked at Anya and pointed his hand towards Kennedy as he asked, "What do you have to say about this, Officer Owen?" His voice was still calm and composed.

Kennedy gritted his teeth. He couldn't understand what was so special about this woman for Chief Justice to ask her opinion.

Anya nodded at the old man as a gesture to ask permission and turned to Kennedy, "Team Leader Kennedy, may I know how this mission is not a secret?" She questioned straight.

Kennedy sneered at her hearing such trivial questions. He wouldn't have answered to her if the chief Justice wasn't there. He smugly responded, "Missions are secret if it isn't known to anyone. The whole cyber security knows you have the confidential information that was almost stolen by Harper Johnsons." Thanks to the news channels.

Anya frowned faintly hearing him say she has the information. She indeed has but how does he know? Is it a guess?

Kennedy continued, "We also know the ship was almost hijacked and it might be attacked on the way. The suspect is Harper Johnsons hence his passport is frozen and he was informed to stay at home."

Anya's eyes sharpened hearing Kennedy's words. One couldn't say what she was thinking. A lopsided smile appeared on her face before it vanished. She turned to Chief Justice. Her secret mission wasn't about Harper or ship but finding the moles. Harper and his illegal activities were only rotten branches of the big tree she was grooming.

Kennedy looked at the Chief Justice expecting his permission to stay but the latter grunted, "Get out."

Kennedy quivered when he met the cold glares of the old man. He and his teammate saluted silently and walked out. Excluding Anya, no one noticed Kennedy's team member giving a look of disgust to Anya while passing by. Anya didn't even know who he was so she didn't care to waste even a second on him.

After the two, other junior officers who were there for the old man's protection also left the room for four.

"Let's not waste time." The assistant probed for her to start.

Anya started reporting everything that was necessary at the time. Then she briefed the coming plans and the time required for her to bring people under the law.

The Chief Justice wasn't an easy man but a reasonable one. So it wasn't difficult for Anya to discuss and come to a conclusion.

In the end, Chief Justice sighed, rubbing his forehead. He questioned for confirmation, "Officer Owen, could you handle the case alone? Wrapping it doesn't seem to be smooth going either."

Anya knew he wasn't doubting her, rather concerned about the case being delayed. "It will be difficult without your support. I request you to appoint a good team to work on the ship case. I will handle the rest." If Harper buys off cops who work on missing persons and illegal video recording, then Harper will find another way to escape. He should be tied down well. Meanwhile, she could handle the mess at a higher level.

Chief Justice looked at Jason before nodding at his assistant. His assistant went out excusing himself. Anya didn't know what they just conversed quietly.

The Chief Justice questioned, "What about the person who saved you and helped you in this mission? Doesn't he need protection from Harper Johnson?" They never put lives in danger so he questioned.

Jason's ear perked at the question and noticed a small change in her expression.

Anya needed time to stay unaffected by Alvin. Anyway, her focus didn't flatter while working, "Apparently he is the same person who is involved with the stealing of the hard disk. Although Mr. Matthews and Collins aren't with Harper Johnson, I have to find out Bernard Collins's real motive." She paused and added, "And Mr. Matthews doesn't need protection."

'Rather he wants to protect our Officer Owen.' Jason thought.

The Chief Justice understood but immediately furrowed, "Alvin Matthews stole the hard disk, then saved you from Harper Johnsons and helped you out to save ministers… What is his motive?" He quite couldn't understand the situation with Alvin Matthews.

Anya could feel Jason's eyes. Jason wasn't just curious, he was evaluating her, his teammate. Anya didn't lie, "Alvin Matthews is my senior and mentor from my college. He wanted to protect me after he identified me." She didn't know Alvin had decided to do the same even when he wasn't certain about her identity.

Jason was satisfied with her responses about Alvin Matthews. However, he noticed the change in Chief Justice. The latter expression was disturbed.

Generally, officers for the secret missions are selected carefully as such they won't be related to the criminals or suspects in any way so that officers could work diligently without getting influenced.

Now that Anya and Alvin were acquainted in the past, there were chances that the Chief Justice will consider the change in officer. Jason wanted to speak for Anya but it could impact badly on Anya. So he had to clench his teeth and wait.

Anya was also aware of the situation. This was the reason she wanted to flee from Alvin in the port. She couldn't stay with Alvin and investigate. Other people could easily question her diligence and hard work.

The assistant of Chief Justice entered the room after a knock. He entered inside with the Commanding Officer of the police agency who was in complete uniform. The latter saluted the chief justice using his palm, "Chief Justice, Commissioner Brown here." He was a middle-aged serious-looking man. He passed the file in his hand as he added, "The file you have asked for."

The Chief Justice pointed to the coffee table to keep the file. His initial intention was to give additional power for Anya to select the cops she finds suitable and lead them because he trusted in her capabilities. He still trusted her hearing her promptly report to him but… Alvin Matthews came as a blocking stone in her path of career.

The Chief Justice looked at his assistant and instructed, "Call those two inside." He meant team leader Kennedy and his team members.

Jason clenched his fist. He hadn't expected the old man to change his opinion on Anya just because she knew Alvin Matthews. Now all her hard work and efforts will go in vain and somebody else will take the credit for everything. It's completely unfair to her.