Chapter 44: No One Understands Better Than I Do
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After registering the company, Hardy began searching for a suitable property.
"I'm looking to buy a farm or factory, preferably near Hollywood. It needs to be spacious. Do you have any recommendations?" Hardy asked.
The security company needed a large space for resident training, so the place couldn't be too small.
Driving a luxury car and sporting a gleaming gold watch, Hardy made it clear to the salesman that he was a serious buyer. The salesman, aware of this, was very respectful.
"A larger space? There's a factory in West Hollywood. It's somewhat remote, but it's quite large. It includes factories, warehouses, and worker dormitories that can house over 100 people. Plus, there's 18 acres of idle land," the salesman explained.
Eighteen acres—about the size of ten standard football fields—along with dormitories sounded promising to Hardy.
"What kind of factory is it?" Hardy inquired.
"It produces plastic dolls, but they're poorly designed and unsellable. The factory's stock is piled up. The owner initially planned to produce new designs but couldn't secure raw materials due to wartime plastic shortages. Eventually, the owner went bankrupt, and the bank seized the factory. It's now listed for sale."
"How much is it?"
"Including the land, buildings, machinery, and inventory, the total is $98,500."
"How long has it been on the market?"
"It's been listed for nearly two years," the salesman replied.
The salesman was cautiously aware that the $98,500 price was steep. At current land prices in the suburbs of Los Angeles, 18 acres might be worth over $30,000. The factory and equipment were valuable, but the factory's unattractiveness made the extra $60,000 hard to justify. That's why it had been on the market so long with no buyers.
Hardy thought for a moment and then asked, "Can you take me to see it?"
"Of course," the salesman quickly agreed.
In Hardy's luxury car, Ryder drove while the salesman, knowing Hardy's wealth, said, "The bank is anxious to sell. If you're serious about buying, I suggest negotiating with them. They're likely to lower the price due to their financial pressure."
"Which bank?" Hardy asked.
"The Los Angeles City Bank's Non-Performing Assets Group handles this," the salesman replied.
Hardy's interest was piqued. He recalled the name and knew it could be useful.
"Are you not concerned that a lower price might affect your commission?" Hardy asked.
The salesman chuckled, "Not at all. The commission is fixed and not tied to the sale price. I'm eager for a deal so I can earn my commission."
Hardy smiled.
Upon reaching the toy factory, a security guard, hired by the bank to prevent theft, was stationed at the gate. The salesman explained that the bank had hired four guards, each earning $35 a week, totaling $7,200 annually. Over two years, the cost had amounted to $14,000.
The factory was indeed vast. The dormitory could accommodate hundreds, the factory building was large, and the machinery, covered with tarpaulins, was well-maintained.
Standing in the yard, Hardy reflected. Although the factory was in West Hollywood—a suburb now but likely to become prosperous—it would appreciate significantly in value over time. The land alone, disregarding the factory equipment, would become valuable in a few years. The space could serve as a base for the security company, with the dormitory for new recruits and the workshop for training.
Hardy decided to negotiate with the bank. He gathered the salesman's information and returned to the hotel to meet Henry and Matthew.
"Do you remember Kevin Madion?" Hardy asked.
Henry paused, trying to recall.
Matthew laughed, "Henry, how could you forget? He's your cousin who was kidnapped at the Espanyol Casino and had those photos taken."
Henry suddenly remembered.
"What's up, boss? Do you want us to get the money back?" he asked, recalling the previous instructions.
"No," Hardy replied. "I remember you said Kevin Madion is the head of the credit department at Los Angeles City Bank."
Hardy had a sharp memory, and upon learning about Kevin's role, he realized he could use this connection.
Henry scratched his head. "That's right."
"Here's a task for you. I plan to buy a factory for the security company. It's listed for sale by the bank. Since Kevin Madion is in charge, you should speak with him," Hardy instructed.
"Understood, boss," Henry agreed.
Hardy provided details to Henry and Matthew before they drove off.
**Later That Evening**
After work, Kevin Madion left the bank, said his goodbyes to colleagues, and approached his car parked on the highway. Just as he was about to start the engine, a figure appeared behind him, causing Kevin to shiver.
"Don't move or make a sound," Henry said.
Kevin's body trembled at the familiar voice. It was one of the kidnappers from the casino incident. The voice had haunted his nightmares since his release.
"Mr. Robber, I won't make any noise. Are you here to collect the money? I only have $3,600—just a bit short. Can you give me some time to make up the difference?" Kevin said nervously.
"I'm not here for money," Henry replied.
Kevin was taken aback.
"What's the matter?" he asked, worried the robbers might be plotting something worse.
"Someone wants to buy a bankrupt factory listed by your bank. My boss's friend wants to buy it at a lower price. Can you help with that?" Henry explained.
Kevin sighed with relief. It wasn't about a bank robbery.
"Which factory?" Kevin asked quickly.
"Shady Grove Toy Factory. Do you remember it?"
"Yes, I remember it," Kevin said. The factory had been discussed as a bad asset months ago. It was challenging to sell and required investment to make it profitable. It was considered an extreme non-performing asset.
"What price does your boss's friend want?" Kevin asked cautiously.
"The lower, the better."
"I understand," Kevin said.
"Someone will contact you tomorrow to handle the details. Remember, the lower the price, the better. If you do this well, your debt will be forgiven," Henry said.
Kevin was elated. A $5,000 debt was significant, especially since his annual salary was only around $5,000 to $6,000. Successfully managing this deal would be like earning a year's salary.
"I'll do my best to get it done," Kevin promised.
Henry left, getting into a nearby car and driving away quickly.
Throughout the encounter, Kevin didn't dare look back. The fear of retribution had kept him from contacting the police, even though the robbers had never pursued him further.
With the robbers gone, Kevin felt somewhat relieved. He decided not to head home but to return to the bank. He wanted to gather detailed information about the toy factory to find every possible reason for lowering the price.
As the head of the credit department, Kevin was an expert in finance. With this case under his jurisdiction, no one understood the intricacies better than he did. The world, it seemed, had a way of turning around in the most unexpected ways.