Ideas and info
Getting out another notebook I had, I started planning for the damn event.
It is right now August the second, 2:01AM.
The drug deal is at August the third, at 4PM.
Since a shootout happened, that means there were definetely more casualties than just the family of the punisher.
So, I need to completely prevent anything from happening. I can't even allow the gangs to meet otherwise a damn shootout could still happen.
Can i somehow close down the Central Park?
Looking at the cash i had, I could probably plant a few satchel charges that could blow up a while before the meeting. That way it would only be some collateral damage, and shrapnel from those would be minimal.
But... It wasnt that feasible either, as it could get discovered, which... Could lead to another shootout if they misunderstand it. The same damn thing could happen if they go off, thinking the other gang is ambushing them...
That idea falls into the water.
Next plan, I guess.
Considering I knew the time of the deal, I could hide a bunch of loudspeakers and blast a warning at full volume for every single person to hear in the central park.
The civilians would probably leave if they hear a gang shootout could happen. But what if people think its a prank and don't leave.
... Worse yet what if the gangs shoot each at civilians because they think its the cops disguise....
Damn it.
Bust down another gangs door and just proceed with the drug deal normally?
Not feasible, I'm unknown and even if I threaten some goons into following along, if the cops are involved it would still end up as a shootout.
Again, not fucking feasible.
Assassinate one of their leaders?
Could make them think that the other gang is the one responsible for that, so another fucking shootout scenario.
What in the fuck do I do...
Go to their bases and knock? Or just tip them off?
Thinking up until here, I suddenly went to grab the map Eliza had filled out for me.
Three gangs were to participate.
Kitchen Irish, located in Hell's Kitchen. The ones that are replaced by the Vipers gang due to them dropping out of the deal. They would definetely not show up so they're not an issue.
The Mexican Cartel, or the Juarez Cartel if you will. Again in Hell's Kitchen, huh?
The last Bastards were the actual issue, the Dogs of Hell. They were nowhere on the map,meaning I couldn't go and throw them a party.
So Party throwing plan for two different places was sadly crossed off the list.
Why don't you just throw a party for the Cartel you may ask yourself.
Well, if one gang only suddenly shows up in the middle of the park, what's the chance that a cop would report it to his higher ups that would immediately launch a operation against th-
Wait, cops???
Dont tell me they tried killing the gangs in the middle of the park. Without evacuating the civilians at that, so that the gangs wouldn't become alert... This...
There's countless corrupt bastards among the law enforcement and even among the higher ups, not evacuating civilians seems like something that would happen, as a cliche.
"Ah no, we can't evacuate them, what if they notice the civilians are gone and the drug deal is then called off? " I said to myself, trying to sound like the most clichéd of villains.
... This sounds like a shitty enough excuse, doesn't it.
So...
Time to find out where the Dogs of Hell are located. I guess I need to go back to partying at two places ASAP.
Looking at the map that was filled out by Eliza, I considered every place that dealt with information. Besides the bars with supervillains and other crooks that I ruled out, due to concerns regarding my own safety, I had a few different places for digging up information.
First stop for now, The Devils Hand inside of East Flatbush.
Looking at the clock hand that showed it was already 3AM, I put on a different set of clothes, with the white skull mask being brought along just in case, along with thousands in dirty cash.
Next, looking at the skill point I had, I could pick between
Has a one in three chance of refunding a bullet that killed something.
Automatically reloads the revolver stored in it. You can think of the weapon inside to instantly make it appear in your hand, if the hand is open.
Throwing the point into The Holster, a new holster materialised in my hand. Sleek black leather adorned by golden rivets. Quite fashionable if you asked me. Putting it on my hips, I holstered the Anaconda in it, wanting to test its ability that seemed disgustingly overpowered.
Stretching out my hand in front of me, I thought of the Anaconda.
Suddenly, it was in my hand, with no clue even being given on how it works, or any cues at all it happened.
Having dressed for the occasion and holstered my revolver back in, I left a note on the table of the apartment, so the kids know where I went to if they wake up.
Like that, as soon as I left the apartment, I decided on testing what 10 Strenght would feel like. More specifically, how much further did my endurance and stamina improve considering the massive stat difference compared to when I started out in this world.
Exerting roughly 80% of my strength while running, I left the area with a speed that far surpassed other humans. If I had to guess I was as fast as a damn horse, racing over the concrete of the city. Like that, in a world that was whizzing past me, I finally arrived after only an odd 15 minutes had passed.
I... I crossed 5 miles in 15 minutes... And I didnt even feel that tired. Slightly out of breath maybe, but it was far from being incapable of running anymore.
... Strength is amazing. I was probably as fast as Usain Bolt from my original world, if not even faster.
Turning my head and looking at the dimly lit and suspicious alley, I still proceeded onwards into the darkness.
Walking past garbage cans, walking past several people giving me an odd look, I finally found the bar in the middle of the alley.
The weathered brick facade of the bar was covered in countless graffiti and an occasional worn and torn poster. The red neon sign above the entrance cast a ominous hue, befitting its title of The Devil's Hand. The door, with its chipped paint, rusted hinges and grimy handle further added to the bad atmosphere of this place. The windows of this place were covered with bars, like a prison, and with the addition of the darkened glass, all peering eyes from the outside were readily stopped, ensuring secrecy.
The bouncer, a bald man with a scar on his right eye, eyed me cautiously as I approached.
"You guys sell info on gangs right?" I asked bluntly.
"... We do." baffled at the bluntness, he replied.
"Do I just pay to get in? I'm in a hurry."
"...Not at all, actually." again baffled, he replied.
And in a very anticlimactic way, I got to enter the bar that dealt with information trade.