Chapter 83: Huge Prize Money, Thrilling Redemption
[Chapter 83: Huge Prize Money, Thrilling Redemption]
On June 26th, 8 AM Los Angeles time, during the live TV broadcast of the European Championship final, when the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the match, not only did the Danish team erupt in wild joy upon winning the Champions League, but Linton also jumped up from the couch, excitedly clapping his hands.
Denmark's stunning championship win was incredibly thrilling, which meant his $300,000 bet turned into over $360 million. Even after taxes, the actual amount he'd pocket would exceed $320 million.
However, with such a massive betting prize, he was cautious about possible risks during the payout.
Later, Linton learned that the chance of betting companies renege on payouts was basically zero. Their foundation was built on trust, and if news broke out about them not honoring rewards, they'd quickly lose all customers and go bankrupt.
But trustworthiness didn't eliminate danger. Internal employees could collude with local gangs, leaking information about payout claimants, leading to kidnapping or robbery. Or gangs could be directly notified during payout to ambush the winners outside. These were very real threats.
Moreover, since each prize was well over $100 million, such enormous wealth could tempt many to take desperate risks.
...
For safety, Linton planned to bring four bodyguards with him, leaving one behind to guard the estate. He called Danny in to discuss.
"Danny, last time when I traveled, I placed bets on the European Championship tickets bought in Canada, UK, and France, and won big. Now I have to claim the prizes, but there might be danger. What do you think is the best way to handle this?"
"What kind of danger?"
"I'm worried some betting company staff might be working with local gangs, revealing our movements. After leaving the betting offices, gangs could ambush us."
"Is it just gangs?"
"Who else do you think?"
"Like the military or law enforcement?"
"That's unlikely, only gangs are possible."
"Just gangs? Don't worry, boss. You've got five elite ex-Marine Raiders under you. Any gang that shows up is done for. One word from you and they're toast."
"You're so confident?"
"Boss, I think you might be overestimating the gangs' fighting ability. They only bully civilians. Against us, they're just unlucky."
"Still can't be careless. They have weapons. Even though you all have gun permits, we can't bring our firearms with us. Facing armed gangsters empty-handed would be too dangerous."
"Alright, I've got friends dealing in the black market firearms. I'll contact them to secure weapons for all three places. How many do we need?"
"Let's be cautious. Leave one to guard the house and the other three come with us. Who should stay behind?"
"Keep Gully Gott. His tactical skills suit defense better. We'll primarily handle emergencies on the road. He stays at the estate; we feel safer."
"Good. Call all four of them in. I'll explain everything face to face and check their willingness. If no one wants to stay, we'll go with your plan."
...
Danny gathered the four bodyguards - Hayden Coleman, David Reid, Sandy Glick, and Gully Gott - into Linton's office.
"I'm traveling abroad soon and there might be risks. I need four people to accompany me for protection and one to stay behind. You're my most trusted guards. Who wants to go?" Linton said, sensing their reactions.
"I'll go," all four said without hesitation. Linton was pleased with their responses.
"Protecting me outside is important, but guarding the house is just as crucial. Since all four want to come, I'll randomly choose one to stay. Gully, you stay behind and watch the estate.
The other three and Danny will come with me. Let me say it again, this trip will be dangerous. Later, discuss tactics and needed equipment with Danny. He'll arrange purchases.
I promise if we return safely, each of you five will get $200,000. Additional pay if we face danger. And if anyone gets hurt, I'll cover all expenses."
"We'll complete the mission," they vowed. The high reward motivated them greatly, though Gully seemed reluctant.
They were all disciplined ex-soldiers. While protecting the estate was easy, it got boring over time. Escorting the boss abroad was risky but thrilling.
They had survived far worse dangers. Instead of fear, their blood stirred with adrenaline.
When they learned the threat was merely gangs, they felt the mission was manageable but didn't underestimate the opposition. They quickly planned equipment and tactics.
...
"Boss, we've agreed to contact the black market at each location to get walkie-talkies and handguns with 30 bullets each.
We'll drive two vehicles: David, you and I lead in one, with Hayden and Sandy trailing for backup and observation. We'll use walkie-talkies to communicate.
Do you want a handgun too?"
"Sure, get me one, though I hope not to use it. Can you securely reach the sellers? Is the transaction safe?"
"I'll reach out to my contact. It shouldn't be a problem. This is a tiny deal for them."
"What about the cars? We can't rent normally; it would leave tracks."
"We can get fake passports on the black market to rent vehicles."
"Alright, get things ready quickly. Once prepared, we depart. Also, all trip details must be secret; don't tell anyone."
---
While Danny handled black market weapons and fake passports, Linton and Naomi Watts appeared on Hollywood Boulevard for a cozy shopping stroll as Universal Pictures required.
Media reporters from Universal followed, but it was unnecessary since Linton's fame naturally attracted many paparazzi and bold interviewers.
"Linton, are you dating Ms. Watts?"
"Linton, Naomi, did you two fall in love while shooting Step Up?"
"Linton, was Step Up made just to promote Naomi?"
"Linton, did you have a secret relationship with Naomi during Step Up's filming?"
"When is your film Step Up releasing?" This was a reporter arranged by Universal.
According to promotional plans, they neither confirmed nor denied romance, merely calling each other good friends and mentioning that Step Up would open August 7th, urging support.
...
Their warmth sparked rumors, and after shopping, they returned openly to Linton's estate under paparazzi watch.
That night, newspapers and TVs buzzed with gossip.
Some said Linton had long fancied Naomi and made Step Up to promote her rise.
Others claimed Naomi secured her place through favors during MV filming.
Some disapproved of Naomi, a foreign woman, saying she wasn't worthy of Linton and advised him to find a better American girl.
Others believed they were a perfect match and fell in love on set, deserving blessings.
Regardless, all mentioned Step Up's early August release, achieving the initial purpose.
...
Levitt Gore called, reminding Linton to avoid scandals with other women for now and recommended showing public affection weekly until the film's release.
...
While waiting, Linton trained in hand-to-hand combat with bodyguards. His physical fitness and learning speed soon made him superior, surprising Danny and others, calling him a monster.
For self-defense, he carried five coins daily, which could serve as deadly projectiles in emergencies.
---
Two days later, on the 27th evening, Danny secured fake passports, weapons contacts, and prepared black market cash.
On the 28th, Linton, Danny, David, Hayden, and Sandy boarded a flight to Toronto, Canada.
Upon arrival, they avoided hotels, used fake passports to rent two cars, and through the black market bought a walkie-talkie set, five pistols, and ammo for $6,000.
...
That afternoon, Linton, Danny, and David went to claim the prize at Toronto's betting center after simple makeup, with Hayden and Sandy trailing in another vehicle.
After verifying the winning ticket, staff escorted Linton to the VIP room, summoned the supervisor, and smoothly processed the prize.
Per Linton's request, $118 million was transferred to a secret Swiss bank account.
During the process, Danny and David kept close watch on the staff, blocking any external contact.
...
After half an hour, once done, they left immediately for the airport.
Hayden and Sandy reported no abnormalities while observing from behind.
Parking, they disposed of weapons by wiping fingerprints, sealing them in a bag, and tossing it into a trash bin, then passed through security and entered the airport.
Ten minutes later, Hayden and Sandy joined them inside. They bought the next flight to London, UK, two hours away.
...
Late that night, they rented cars with fake IDs, bought black market guns, and stayed at a 4-star hotel.
Next day, they successfully claimed their British prize of $104.55 million after tax, also transferred to the Swiss account.
...
Finally, arriving in Paris, they repeated the process.
Due to different rates and taxes, the net prize was $97.6 million, again safely wired.
Just after leaving the Paris betting center, Hayden's voice came over the walkie-talkie: "Car 1, be alert. Two motorcycles seem to be tailing you."
Looking back, Linton saw the bikes keeping distance on the main street.
"Ignore them, head straight to the airport. If they dare attack, find a spot and take them out," Linton commanded.
Leaving the city outskirts, the motorcycles brazenly closed in on both sides, one brandishing a gun, signaling them to pull over.
Danny slowed, turned onto a side road clear of people and traffic, confirmed no further tails with Hayden and Sandy, then Linton ordered, "Shoot."
Danny and David opened fire immediately. As seasoned special forces veterans, close range shots found their mark. The attackers fell. To be sure, they fired additional rounds.
They sped through the streets, abandoned their cars roadside, and switched to the backup vehicle, rushing to the airport.
No further incidents occurred. Linton guessed local gangs didn't know about the winnings and usually sent someone to wait at betting centers to ambush winners. This time only two low-level thugs came, so the gangs likely had no clue.
Crossing a river, Danny and David removed gun fingerprints from their weapons and dumped them into the water.
At the airport, they disposed of remaining weapons similarly, passed security, and boarded the next flight to the US via New York to Los Angeles.
---
Returning to the estate on July 1st afternoon, Linton finally relaxed.
The risky but successful prize claim totaled $320.15 million -- a staggering fortune. Even as a multi-millionaire, Linton was thrilled beyond words.
True to his word, he gave $200,000 checks to all five bodyguards, and $100,000 each to Danny, David, Hayden, and Sandy, instructing them to keep details confidential.
His decisive leadership and calm command earned unanimous respect from the guards.
Danny spread news of Linton's gun skills and generous rewards, securing their loyalty as devoted subordinates.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.