Ruiz glanced at Jimmy: "We might need to pass this on to the DEA for them to handle, but for now, let's figure out what's going on first."

A hundred grand or so US Dollar isn't a small amount. For a gang, losing that much could shake the foundation of some smaller gangs. Only someone like Jimmy would be so nonchalant about it. If it were someone else, who wouldn't be tempted?

For Seventeen to contact Ruiz after the incident, it showed that he didn't want to swallow this shipment alone. If he hadn't spoken up, no one but their own people would have known he intercepted so much. Even if sold at a discount, it would still fetch a million US Dollar. For an FBI agent with an annual salary of only a hundred thousand bucks, it's definitely a huge windfall. Seventeen being able to resist the temptation proves that even after being an undercover, he remains reliable.

He actually returned before noon. Even though he'd washed his hands and changed clothes, a faint scent of blood could still be smelled. He hits hard, doesn't he?

Seventeen: "It's sorted. They were delivering for the Sinaloa group. This is trouble; I got framed."

Ruiz: "The Sinaloa you mentioned, is it the one on Mexico's west coast?"

Seventeen: "Yes, in the past two or three years, there have been continuous wars between drug cartels in Mexico. Sinaloa, although having a large territory, suffered significant losses and increased cooperation with Colombia. Previously, they only transported to the US-Mexican border and into the United States. Now they're also setting up domestic US routes, directly controlling the transportation lines."

Ruiz: "So, do you feel you were used?"

Seventeen nodded: "Seems like it. We didn't have such a close relationship that he could just send goods worth hundreds of thousands to me. There's definitely something going on, just unclear at the moment. There's likely a problem in Texas; I might need to go there."

Ruiz waved his hand: "Hold on, let me think."

After some consideration, Ruiz asked, "Who is vying for territory with the Sinaloa now?"

Seventeen: "Many. Even internally, they are not peaceful, and the factions fight intensively. In recent years, Mexico has become chaotic."

Ruiz: "Could it be someone from the inside? Your identity shouldn't have been exposed. They might just be trying to hit some individuals, not completely destroy this channel, using you, a local in New York, to handle it."

Seventeen: "It's possible, but it's hard to judge."

Ruiz: "How did you handle it before?"

Seventeen: "Grab and go, disappear for a while, and come back when things cool off."

Ruiz looked at Jimmy: "What do you think?"

Jimmy, staring at Ruiz, thought, is there something for me here? Startled, he said: "Uh, why ask me? I've never done such a thing."

Ruiz, speechless: "I mean, what's on your mind about Seventeen possibly being framed?"

Jimmy: "I'm not familiar with the underworld, but since Seventeen found out he was framed, going back to settle the score seems a normal reaction."

Seventeen shook his head: "You don't understand the style of gangsters. If someone gets such a big load, they will definitely run and hide until it cools down, then sell it off in batches.

Retaliating directly is rare. Even if action is taken, first contact is made with the other party, addressing disputes between gangs.

The key is that my gang is completely gone now; everyone's in prison..."

Jimmy: "Then deal with it the way you used to, disappear first, then find your informant and figure out what's going on. By the way, do they have anyone in New York? Surely the person receiving the goods has connections with them."

Seventeen nodded: "Lame Todd, active in various areas of Brooklyn and the Bronx. He's a well-known underground middleman. Many need his introduction for goods, but I've never heard he has his own sales network."

Jimmy: "Then it's simple, find him. Someone must have gotten their hands on the goods through him. Following his trail should yield results."

Jimmy's plan is always so straightforward and direct, no roundabout ways. Seventeen looked at Ruiz, waiting for his instructions.

Ruiz considered for a while, nodded: "Dig it out. Handle both leads. Need any people?"

Seventeen: "Texas is a bit tricky. I don't know many people there."

Ruiz: "Start with handling the situation in New York. Destroy the stuff in the basement. Also, clarify whose C4 those two blocks are, and their intentions. Lame Todd surely knows."

Seventeen: "Got it. So, if I need support, who should I call?"

Ruiz: "Contact David. He probably has people he can mobilize."

After saying this, Ruiz got up, "Jimmy, let's head back."

Riding in Ruiz's car, Jimmy started towards Manhattan. Initially, he thought something might go down on this trip. Ruiz even wanted him to protect himself, yet nothing surfaced, and Seventeen handled it all.

However, on the way back, Jimmy pondered a lot. The drugs weren't a major issue, but why were there two big chunks of C4? This stuff is a controlled item and requires special detonators to ignite. If just lit, it can even be used as fuel for cooking, with ensured safety. But whoever got so much C4 surely has big plans.

Jimmy: "Ruiz, should we communicate with the ATF? These C4 might not be their only channels. If they get this stuff from other places too, what they intend to do won't be minor."

Ruiz: "Let's hold off on that, wait for Seventeen's investigation. I'm sure he can provide us with an answer."

Back at the office, Jimmy also started investigating information on the big drug lords in Mexico. However, the FBI's side didn't have complete information; the DEA's would be more comprehensive.

Just reviewing the current data, he couldn't help but sigh. Mexico, the United States' neighbor, is truly chaotic now. Dozens of drug lord gangs constantly fighting each other in Sinaloa and places like Tijuana, Juarez, Rosetta. Even battles have occasionally spilled directly over the US-Mexican border.

When Jimmy crossed the border to take out those small-time drug dealers, it was a far cry compared to these big drug lord groups supported by retired military assassins. In the past two years, particularly along the US-Mexican border, there have been hundreds to thousands of skirmishes, at times forcing the government army to abandon pursuits, holding onto key strategic points instead.

Looking at the current situation, it seems Seventeen's predicament can be understood. These drug lords surely have no shortage of spies, acquiring information on each other is normal. Using US-based gangs to strike opponents and cripple their funding is just another war strategy.

But this issue doesn't really concern Jimmy. Ruiz dragged him into this, hopefully, these matters won't implicate Ruiz or Jimmy. Facing off against drug lords in this environment is indeed a hassle, and Jimmy doesn't want to handle cross-border matters anymore. Currently, he has nothing to do with the CIA.

Things should be handled step by step; Seventeen can't uncover the whole picture immediately, allowing enough time for them to manage. Jimmy printed out the compiled data and sent it to Ruiz's office.