Debra tactfully suggested, "Your influence in Orkgate is undeniable, but


    sometimes you can be a bit misguided. Why don''t we..."


    "No. I''m doing this alone," Drake refused, heading toward his study.


    Debra was speechless. If Drake took things into his hands, Orkgate would be


    turned upside down. If he stirred the pot too much, the target would surely flee the


    city. She couldn''t let him act so recklessly.


    Kale had just escorted Gand and Liza to the guest room.


    Seeing Drake return, he asked, "Boss, are you sure about letting them stay here?"


    "Why not? It''s not like we''re short on guest rooms," Drake replied dismissively.


    He then ordered, "I need you to gather information on every business in Orkgate,


    big or small, whether they''re our partners or not. Get their details and map out


    theirwork. Don''t miss a thing."


    Kale blinked. "Every business? And theirwork?"


    Orkgate was vast and bustling, with countless businesses. Compiling all that


    information would take weeks, even with a team.


    "Of course, you won''t do it alone," Drake said. "Get every employee at the


    and bring the data to me."


    Kale ventured, "Boss, are you doing this to find the culprit lurking in the


    shadows?"


    Drake nodded. "Exactly. Remember, this is my investigation. Don''t share the data


    with Debra."


    Kale faltered, "Boss, wouldn''t it be easier to let Debra and Marion handle this?


    Why do we have to do all the heavy lifting?"


    Drake''s patience wore thin. "Just do


    as I say. Am I not paying you


    enough, or are you toozy to do


    your job?"


    Kale exined, "I just think that if


    Debra and Marion took this on, it


    would be less trouble for us, and the


    margin for error..."


    Drake cut him off with a re, and he bowed his head. "I understand."


    "Wait," Drake called after him. "Did you understand everything I said?"


    "Yes. I''m expected to gather information on all businesses in Orkgate and their


    "And?"


    "I need to get it done as soon as possible."


    "And?"


    "And..."


    Drake had to remind him again, "And do not share the data with Debra, no matter


    what she says."


    Kale sighed, "But if she helps, wouldn''t it be easier for us?"


    "What kind of ce do you think


    Orkgate is?" Drake scoffed. "Debra


    can''t achieve anything here. She''d


    only get herself into trouble and let


    me clean the mess."


    "You''re right." Kale nodded grimly, remembering the scenes caused by Debra in


    the casino.


    Things would be ugly if she offended those powerful figures in the city.