Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 510 - 489: Evasion

Chapter 510: Chapter 489: Evasion

The speed and breadth at which the news spread were beyond Gao Yi’s expectations. Especially after a few intelligence agencies jumped in to fan the flames, it was clear that Ludelins had become the new buzzword in the intelligence community.

"Ludelins murdered his lover and disposed of the body by burning the crime scene? Hmm, this doesn’t count as... What! His crime was secretly recorded and sold to the CIA? Have we confirmed this from Military Intelligence Sixth Department?"

In the Kremlin, the President was furious.

As an intelligence officer, how could he make such a rookie mistake? How could he let someone record his dirty deeds?

"Do we have the original video? Suspend Ludelins immediately and have KGB verify the authenticity of the video."

"Sir, it can be confirmed with 100% certainty that the video is real. There are no traces of any modifications, and the recording equipment used is a spy-specific surveillance camera developed by us."

"So, it’s an inside job?"

"We cannot rule out this possibility."

The President angrily slammed the table.

What angered him was not that Ludelins had killed a lover, but how Ludelins could be caught on tape, and how the person who recorded it could sell the video on the Dark Web, making it available worldwide.

It’s normal to resort to underhanded means when one can’t compete, but even then, there should be limits. Internal resolution is fine; why involve enemy forces to back ourselves into a corner?

"Have KGB start the investigation immediately! Get to the truth, find out who sold this information."

After angrily finishing his words, the President pointed at the computer and said, "Let me see."

The video started playing on the computer.

An impressive work featuring Gao Yi and Lucy.

Expressions were somewhat vacant because they were too calm, with no expression on the face. But when Gao Yi, posing as Ludelins, appeared, and after hearing Lucy’s words, calmly yet brutally killed Lucy, the President let out a long sigh.

Many people might know and emphasize the President’s background, but they neglect that the President has very strong capabilities.

Just one glance, and he could see many things.

"This woman started learning Russian not long ago. She hasn’t mastered the trilled R sound; she’s been studying Russian for less than a year. Her dying posture wasn’t staged; it’s unlikely to be a setup."

In just a few words, the President was convinced that this video was real.

"Moreover, it fits Ludelins’ style; look at his tie clip..."

The President sighed and said, "Investigate! Have KGB start an internal investigation immediately! Get Nikolai to come up with a plan as soon as possible."

The need is not for an investigation result or criticism but for Nikolai to produce a plan.

The meaning of this plan is to minimize the impact of this incident.

The case itself isn’t severe, but the influence is terrible. It’s quite possible that hostile countries will play this video to the public to tarnish Russia’s image and stir up public unrest.

This must not be allowed to happen!

The assistant left with this order, and soon all the officials of KGB with enough seniority were summoned overnight.

A meeting was held to formulate a strategy, investigate, and quickly provide a solution.

In fact, at this moment, Nikolai had already returned to his office at KGB.

Nikolai, who was about to retire, didn’t particularly care who would take over his position. But if this incident happened under his leadership, he might end up taking the blame and get caught up in this mess.

Ludelins had already been called to the office, and then, overwhelmed and confused by all that happened.

With a murderous gaze, he looked at those present in the conference room, his voice loud and forceful!

"This is not my clothes! I have never seen this woman! This isn’t me, this is absolutely not me! This is a vile political assassination!"

Anyone can cry foul, but among those present, who would want to hear Ludelins’ explanation?

Yelinsay felt an unexpected joy as if a pie suddenly fell from the sky.

How did it hit me?

Why was I favored by the goddess of luck?

Yelinsay didn’t say anything, but one of his faction’s underlings stood up and said to Ludelins in a serious tone, "Director, according to the principle of avoiding involvement, shouldn’t Deputy Director Ludelins be asked to leave?"

Ludelins could no longer maintain his composure, pointing at the deputy director who spoke, he roared, "Do you think such a crude trick can bring me down? This is clearly a frame-up. Director, I request that this video be handed over to a third-party institution for investigation. I think this is an unscrupulous setup against me."

Nikolai said nothing.

It was already 11:30 at night, three hours had passed since receiving the video.

The video materials had already been submitted. Logically speaking, the President should have seen it by now and given a directive.

Sure enough, a familiar figure walked into the conference room.

The President’s assistant, who was a special envoy at this moment.

The special envoy didn’t chair the meeting. He looked at Ludelins and then walked to Nikolai’s side, whispering, "The President wants you to come up with a plan quickly."

Words weren’t necessary; Nikolai instantly understood.

Nikolai looked at Ludelins, who stood up and very seriously said to the envoy, "This is a political setup and slander against me, the reasons are clear to everyone. I hope to meet the President to explain personally."

The envoy said nothing, not responding to Ludelins’ plea.

Ludelins felt a cold blow to his heart when he looked at his colleagues present.

The highest echelons of KGB were all here, except for a deputy director who couldn’t return due to a business trip. Twelve people were present, all vice directors and key personnel, the power core of KGB.

What Ludelins needed were allies to speak up. He looked towards the fifth-ranking deputy director, but was disappointed to see his ally keeping his head down, silent.

There wouldn’t be friends here, but there would be allies who share mutual benefits. However, his biggest and most reliable ally was playing possum.

Ludelins was deeply disappointed. He looked at another ally, the seventh-ranking deputy director, and beyond that would be branch chiefs. If no deputy director would speak for him, he was in big trouble.

The seventh deputy director stood up, looked at Nikolai, and sternly said, "Mr. Envoy, Mr. Director, I believe the relevant evidence should be reviewed by a third party. I strongly suspect that this so-called evidence is fabricated."

Finally, someone spoke up to help.

But wait, the evidence is fabricated? And then?

If he really wanted to help, he should ask the President to handle this matter, to give himself an opportunity to explain directly to the President.

Ludelins suddenly panicked, for if this ridiculously absurd video was taken as evidence for a third-party assessment instead of the President dismissing it, wouldn’t he really become a suspect?

At this point, Yelinsay suddenly said, "I agree with Deputy Director Korimov’s proposal; as this case involves our internal personnel, it should be investigated by a third-party appointed by the President."

Upon finishing, Yelinsay said to the envoy with a face full of solemnity, "I believe Deputy Director Ludelins is innocent. Precisely for this reason, a third-party brother unit is needed to clear Deputy Director Ludelins’ name."

Ludelins was instantly furious, pinning his hopes on the envoy.

"I agree with Deputy Director Yelinsay."

"Agreed."

"Seconded."

Seven deputy directors were present, five of whom voted Ludelins out.

Ludelins felt a coldness sink into his heart, knowing he was finished.

At this moment, after three seconds of contemplation, Nikolai pressed a button on the desk.

Soon, Alexander, who had returned to headquarters on standby, walked in.

It was well known that Alexander was Nikolai’s trusted confidante, and if anything needed handling, it would certainly be him.

Nikolai said to Alexander, "Take Deputy Director Ludelins to rest; he needs to recuse himself from our upcoming agenda."

Ludelins looked at the envoy and, seeing no reaction, knew there was no turning back.

Alexander sternly said, "Please cooperate. Surrender your personal weapon and mobile phone."

This was not asking the person to recuse themselves; Alexander was treating Ludelins as a suspect.

Alexander had overstepped a bit. He seemed to misunderstand Nikolai’s intentions, but Nikolai didn’t correct him, nor did anyone else in the room correct this seemingly minor but actually fatal misunderstanding.

"I am not a criminal!"

Ludelins angrily shouted, then forcefully pushed aside Alexander’s extended hand and pointed angrily at Yelinsay, "It’s you, you forged this video to frame me, you instigated all this, you traitor!"

Yelinsay’s face showed genuine surprise, then quickly shifted to one of anger and innocence. Standing up, he loudly exclaimed, "You are slandering me!"

Nikolai immediately said to Alexander, "Take him away!"

If Ludelins was forcibly removed and detained, he would indeed be finished.

Maintaining the last shred of rationality, Ludelins shouted, "I’ll walk out myself!"

Having said this, Ludelins, with clenched fists, strode toward the conference room door while Alexander blocked his path, sternly demanding, "Please hand over your weapon and phone, sir!"

If Ludelins didn’t comply, Alexander would have to call the guards or personally take action to forcibly control Ludelins and confiscate his items.

Ludelins had good psychological resilience, but at this point, he could no longer control his anger.

Just then, the sixth deputy director suddenly said, "Until the result of the evidence assessment is out, Deputy Director Ludelins merely needs to recuse himself. He is not a suspect, so please mind your attitude."

Someone spoke fairly, simply stating the current facts.

Alexander looked at Nikolai who, after thinking, said, "Please have Deputy Director Ludelins wait in my office. He is not a suspect; mind your attitude."