Chapter 121: Training Session and Christmas Gifts
"Alright."
IRS Agent Susan could only nod in agreement to her boss's words, though she wasn't convinced.
The case was hers.
She was capable of handling it, no consultant needed!
"That's right!"
The director's smile, upon seeing her agree, suddenly became even more distinctive.
"..."
IRS Agent Susan was speechless at her boss's smile and laughter, but she didn't suspect her boss had any ill intentions towards her. Instead, she roughly guessed what he meant: "This young consultant and you, Director?"
"Chuck is my wife's son from her previous marriage, a very talented young man..."
The director began to talk non-stop about Chuck.
There was no other way.
At home, his wife had repeatedly told him that Chuck was getting older and it would be great if he had a partner. He was working outside and met many people, so if he met a good and suitable woman, he should definitely pay attention to her.
At first, he ignored her advice. With Chuck's personality, there was no way anyone would be suitable.
But after the nagging became too frequent, it wasn't a matter of suitability or attentiveness anymore. It was about finding a good match for Chuck, or else the family would be in turmoil.
It just so happened that one of his subordinates, Susan, was exceptionally qualified in every way, and he felt like his ears could finally be free.
Over there.
At the Davenport residence.
"Chuck, are you leaving now?"
Cheryl, upon hearing the news, hurried out of her sister Trixie's room.
"Yeah,"
Chuck nodded.
"How about staying a few days?"
Cheryl asked hopefully. "My sister's still in shock. If you're here with her, she'll feel more at ease. How about spending Christmas here? Then we can go back together?"
"No."
Chuck shook his head. "You'll be in shock again. You'll just get used to it."
"...Why?"
Cheryl was at a loss for words.
"Because you're rare mirror-image twins,"
Chuck said bluntly. "You're still attractive, and you easily draw attention from unstable individuals. This time, it was just delusional behavior. Next time, you might encounter a deranged scientist, or some wealthy sociopath looking for something novel."
Like a certain billionaire playboy.
"Do you think I'm attractive?"
Cheryl immediately put aside any future concerns and happily grasped the point.
"Just above average."
Chuck nodded.
"Hehe."
Cheryl chuckled.
She'd heard countless people call her beautiful since she was a child, scores in the 90s, even more exaggerated compliments of perfect 10s, but none of them could compare to Chuck's simple "just above average."
"I'm leaving."
Chuck didn't continue the conversation, but turned and walked away.
His favorite comedian, Robin Williams, even in his most improvisational performances, built on someone else's setup.
Not to mention someone with his personality.
Back to New Jersey.
Christmas soon arrived.
Chuck drove to Washington, D.C. to the McGraths' new house.
"Chuck, you're here."
Diane, his mother, happily greeted them at the door, accompanied by the director.
"Mom,"
Chuck nodded. "Director McGrath."
"Chuck,"
the director said with a smile. "Welcome for the holidays."
Chuck glanced at the empty space to the side.
"Ahem."
The director immediately understood what Chuck meant and coughed lightly. "Your sister Haley is waiting for you at home. She said she wanted to give you a surprise."
He grinned.
"Come on in."
Diane, helpless with her daughter, could only invite her son inside. As soon as they entered, she shouted, "Haley! Your brother is here! Come out! Stop fooling around!"
"I'm back here! Tell him to come! Alone!"
Haley's voice echoed from the back of the house.
"I'll be there,"
Chuck nodded to the two of them and followed the voice.
The director opened his mouth, but ultimately chose to remain silent, thinking, "Let them resolve their issues on their own. I can't handle this at my age."
Chuck pushed open the back door and entered the backyard, where there was a room with the door tightly shut.
"In here!"
Haley's voice echoed from within.
Chuck walked over, and as soon as he pushed the door open, a basin of cold water was rigged to pour down on his head. Chuck punched upward, and the water, which was about to tilt downward, flew out in all directions. A rope caught Chuck's foot, tightened, and pulled sideways. Chuck stood firm, and with a push of his foot, the person on the other end of the rope was immediately pulled toward him.
A petite figure in red, taking advantage of the powerful pull, rolled forward and landed beneath Chuck, striking upward at his vulnerable areas. Chuck nodded slightly.
The move was fast, accurate, and fierce. It seemed that his sister Haley was not only talented at this kind of combat, but also had considerable training.
This move would work on most people; it's the most practical way to defeat a stronger opponent.
Thinking this, Chuck's palm blocked the incoming strike.
The attack, after impacting Chuck's palm, retreated immediately. The petite red figure grabbed Chuck's arm with one hand, then transformed her fist into a claw with the other, fiercely targeting Chuck's eyes.
Chuck nodded again.
The shift from one attack to another was fluid, without a hint of hesitation. Excellent technique.
So, he gently blocked it again.
Then, the petite red figure circled him, attacking vital points relentlessly. Every move, every technique, could have been filmed for an action movie without any retakes needed.
This was real combat training, life-or-death intensity.
Any mistake Chuck made would have resulted in serious consequences.
After three rounds of the petite red figure's all-out assault, Chuck stopped defending and, calculating the force precisely, landed a controlled punch to the petite red figure's midsection.
"Hmph!"
the petite red figure grunted, continuing the attack.
"Good!"
Chuck offered his first compliment since arriving.
It's not just about being able to attack, it's also about being able to take hits.
Otherwise, in a dangerous situation, no matter how effectively you strike someone, they might be injured but not incapacitated, while a single blow from them might knock you unconscious.
Learning to attack is challenging, but learning to absorb punishment is even harder!
After all, few people are capable of being that demanding on themselves.
Chuck's precisely calculated strike didn't elicit a single complaint. It was clear his sister had already been rigorously training her pain tolerance.
But despite his admiration, Chuck's strikes never stopped, continuing the controlled combat training with the petite red figure.
Since his sister was so determined and persistent, it was only natural that he would diligently cooperate with her combat training, considering her dedicated preparation.
After all, this was Red John, a transnational criminal organization, and their connections to the McGraths were not entirely secret, posing certain risks.
However, since Director McGrath was the head of IRS Criminal Investigation, it was unlikely that any organization would go so far as to target the McGraths directly.
While the McGraths wouldn't normally be provoked, Haley's eagerness for action was concerning. If others didn't provoke her, she might provoke them.
Sooner or later, she'd face real danger. As a brother, Chuck felt it was best to ensure his sister was as prepared as possible—for everyone's sake.
"Stop it, that's enough, that's enough."
After finally receiving what felt like countless strikes, with almost every part of her body being tested, the petite red figure finally called for a stop.
Chuck retracted his hand.
Haley collapsed on the ground, looking at him with frustration: "You're impossible! Not only do you make me call and make appointments, but you can never make time! Do you still consider me your sister?"
"I'm very busy lately and have no time."
Chuck ignored her accusations and said calmly.
"Are you really that busy?"
Haley looked at him doubtfully.
"Really busy."
Chuck briefly outlined his recent schedule.
"Cool."
Haley's eyes lit up.
"Don't even think about it. With your current skill level, the most impressive thing would be having your name on a tombstone."
Chuck said frankly.
"..."
Haley rolled her eyes. "You just complimented me!"
"Complimenting you acknowledges your progress."
Chuck looked at her. "But when it comes to overall capability, if you insist on going out and taking risks, you'd still be eliminated in the opening scene."
"I'm not as hopeless as you say," Haley complained. "The world isn't as dangerous as you claim."
She said that, but her expression showed she'd absorbed the message.
Yes.
As the only daughter in Chuck's blended family of three, she was clearly at a physical disadvantage. Unlike her hot-headed brother Frank, she tended to be more cautious.
"It's Christmas, where's my gift?"
Haley struggled to her feet, looked Chuck up and down, and pouted.
"Here!"
Chuck pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to her.
"What's this?"
Haley frowned. "Are you still a Texan? You don't give firearms for Christmas, but small things like this?"
Well.
In Texas, on major holidays like Christmas, many families exchange firearms as gifts to show their affection.
The whole family, men and women, young and old, all posing for photos holding rifles—a truly iconic American tradition.
"This isn't Texas,"
Chuck said calmly. "I think you'll like this better than a rifle."
"A bracelet?"
Haley said, but she took the gift and opened it without hesitation. She opened it and saw a bracelet inside. She immediately complained, "It's so plain! It's not pretty at all! Are you sure I'm really your only sister?"
"Put it on!"
Chuck ignored her complaints.
"Fine!"
Seeing Chuck ignoring her and simply giving instructions, Haley picked up the bracelet and examined it. She quickly noticed something unusual, her eyes lit up, and she quickly put it on her left wrist. With a slight press, a small object shot out and embedded in the wall.
"A tranquilizer dart?"
Haley exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes."
Chuck nodded. "There are 6 tranquilizer darts in the bracelet, with an effective range of 15 feet. When it hits the target, it will automatically inject a strong sedative. The dosage is enough to incapacitate a large adult. Use it cautiously and only when in real danger."
"Awesome!"
Haley touched the dart bracelet, so excited that she rushed directly toward Chuck, wanting to give him a grateful hug.
Chuck pressed his hand against her head to stop her.
Haley's eyes gleamed mischievously as she was held at arm's length. Her hand had already moved to the bracelet on her wrist and aimed it toward Chuck's neck.
(End of Chapter)
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