Chapter 67 Starting To Wash White

  "Cooperation, how should we cooperate?" chief Ed looked at Bill and asked.

  "It's simple. I'm asking chief Ed to help take care of our business, just like before. Besides our traditional business, we've recently started a small venture. We've placed some game machines in bars and convenience stores," Bill explained.

  "I've heard reports from my subordinates. There have been quite a few slot machines and punching machines from the Spanish gang. Was that your doing?"

  "Indeed, it's just a modest little business."

  "Chief Ed, if you need to divert attention, you can occasionally let the police seize a few machines to silence the journalists, but without affecting our business."

  "Chief Ed takes care of us, and naturally, we won't be stingy," Bill said, slipping a bundle of money back into Ed's arms.

  Seizing the leverage, tempted by money, Ed couldn't refuse.

  If he dared to refuse, his fate would be ruined, sent to prison. Just the thought of such a result sent shivers down his spine.

  He picked up the money from his arms and tucked it into his pocket.

  Bill smiled as he saw Ed's actions. Hardy's plan worked like a charm, the proud chief had completely succumbed.

  "chief Ed, I'll take my leave now. I have your office number, I'll call if needed," Bill said, opening the car door and stepping out.

  Shortly after, the car drove off, and Bill waved and smiled at Ed through the window.

  Ed's face turned grim.

  The feeling of being threatened was unbearable. The other party held evidence against him, if he didn't comply, they could ruin him anytime.

  But he knew, He was tightly bound. Perhaps since the day he first encountered Dani, he had fallen into a trap. Ed cursed Dani in his heart a thousand times over.

  He smoked several cigarettes in the car.

  In the end, he couldn't come up with a good solution.

  Helplessly, he tossed the cigarette butt away.

  For now, this was all he could do. Perhaps one day, when he retired from being chief, he could break free from these gangsters' control.

  Meanwhile, Bill sat in the car.

  His mood, however, was exhilarated.

  He had just threatened the Los Angeles Police Chief, a true heavyweight, and the chief had obediently bowed to him.

  This feeling excited him.

  It turned out that these so called powerful figures, who controlled ordinary people's destinies, were nothing special. As long as you caught their weak spots, they would still obey.

  Back at the security company, Bill met Hardy and excitedly recounted the entire process.

  "Boss, you have no idea. It's so satisfying to have these big shots at our feet. I love this feeling," Bill said enthusiastically.

  Seeing Bill's excitement, Hardy thought to himself that this guy might just start taming big shots from now on.

  "Bill, continue ordering slot machines and punching machines, expand this business comprehensively," Hardy instructed.

  "Yes, boss. Tomorrow I'll send someone to San Francisco."

  "Tomorrow, I'm heading to Las Vegas. Keep an eye on things in Los Angeles," Hardy said.

  "Are you meeting Mr. Sigel?" Bill asked.

  "Yes."

  "Boss, now that we've completely taken over this territory, can we officially establish our gang?" Bill exclaimed excitedly.

  This trip to Las Vegas was for that purpose.

  After more than three months, Hardy once again boarded a plane to Las Vegas.

  "Friends, we're about to take off. Have you fastened your seat belts? Don't say I didn't warn you. If you don't buckle up and get thrown around, it's not my responsibility," the pilot shouted to the dozen passengers.

  To Hardy's surprise, this time's flight was the same as last time, with the same pilot. The pilot even used the same lines.

...

  Las Vegas in April had become dry and hot. Hardy broke into a sweat as soon as he stepped off the plane.

  This time, Sigel's bodyguard came to pick up Hardy, just like last time. After a brief greeting, they placed Hardy's luggage in the trunk.

  "Mr. Hardy, Mr. Sigel is waiting for you at the construction site," the driver said.

  Arriving at the Flamingo Casino construction site, Hardy noticed significant changes since his last visit. It was no longer an empty lot. bulldozers were moving dirt and rocks. Many areas were taking shape.

  The main casino building was already constructed, and workers were busy with interior design.

  Other facilities were also taking shape.

  When Hardy saw Sigel, he noticed that the Las Vegas sun had tanned Sigel quite a bit in the few months they hadn't met. Sigel had also lost some weight.

  Sigel was somewhat of a fanatic. Once he set his sights on something, he would go all out. He saw great potential in Las Vegas and devoted all his enthusiasm to building here.

  Seeing Hardy, Sigel smiled and patted him on the shoulder, pointing to the buildings behind him.

  "The last time you came was just after Christmas. Now it's April. Can you see the progress in planning?"

  "When do you expect to complete it?" Hardy asked.

  "My estimate is May or June next year. Right now, only the main structure is done. It's far from my vision of the world's most luxurious casino. I want the most luxurious decorations, the highest end equipment, to leave everyone who comes here awestruck."

  Sigel was a perfectionist artist, and his personality determined his work style.

  "Mr. Sigel, I have something to report to you," Hardy said.

  "What is it?"

  "The Spanish gang, I've taken them down. Dani is dead, and I've taken over the entire Spanish gang's territory," Hardy explained.

  Upon hearing Hardy's words, Sigel, who was accustomed to seeing deaths and rises of gangs, was also taken aback.

  "Dani is dead?"

  "Yes, he died in Colombia. But very few people know he's dead. Externally, it's announced that he retired to a remote location for retirement."

  "How many casualties were there in taking over the gang? I read the Los Angeles newspapers every day; why haven't I seen any reports of large scale conflicts?"

  "I used some means, so there wasn't a large scale conflict," Hardy explained.

  Sigel suddenly became interested. He admired people who worked intelligently, he believed it was a manifestation of wisdom, unlike brute force, which he didn't value.

  Hardy explained how he took over the gang without hiding anything, starting from the planning phase.

  Since leaving Las Vegas last time, he had solidified his plan to deal with the Spanish gang. He started recruiting people, expanding his team to over forty in three months.

  He sent his men to gather information on the Spanish gang's movements. When they learned that Dani was planning to import coke from Colombia personally, they initiated their plan.

  Dani was killed and buried in the wilderness.

  Hardy captured the strategist Simon and convened the Spanish gang's leaders for a meeting, where he took them all down.

  Then he swiftly replaced the Spanish gang's thugs with his own men.

  Thus, without erupting into intense conflict, the gang takeover was completed.

  Sigel looked at Hardy with admiration.

  "Hardy, you've done exceptionally well. It's more exciting than when I took over Jack Dragana's industry in Los Angeles years ago. I promised you that if you took the Spanish gang's territory, you could start your own gang. Now you can be the boss of your own gang."

  "Mr. Sigel, I don't want to be the boss of this gang," Hardy said.

  Sigel was surprised again.

  Today, Hardy kept surprising him.

  Hardy looked at Sigel earnestly.

  "Mr. Sigel, I don't want to be bound by a gang. In the future, I see more promise in legitimate businesses. So I intend to let my brother, Bill Pitt, be the boss."

  Bill doubted whether the slot machines could make money.

  However, Hardy was absolutely confident that this was a profitable deal.

  "Could you have someone tally up how many places on our turf can accommodate slot machines and a punching machines?"

  "Nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotel lobbies, barber shops, small shops, grocery stores anywhere with people lingering."

  Bill immediately agreed.

  Two days later, the numbers came in. There were over 380 establishments on the Spanish gang's turf suitable for slot machines and punching machines.

  "I asked those owners, and they are willing to have the machines in their shops." No protection fees required, and with profits to be made, the owners were naturally happy.

  "Now the biggest concern is whether we can make money and if these machines might get checked by the police," Bill said.

  Currently, Nevada is the only state in the U.S. that allows gambling where Las Vegas is located while all other states prohibit it.

  Both slot machines and punching machines count as gambling.

  However, this type of gambling is mild, when caught, the police seldom bother the gamblers much, usually just confiscating the machines.

  "So, start by ordering 50 machines to deploy. We will assess the earnings after a week, and then discuss what to do next," Hardy suggested.

  Bill nodded and left.

  In San Francisco, there was a factory producing slot machines and punching machines. Bill purchased twenty slot machines and thirty punching machines at wholesale prices $95 per slot machine and $30 per punching machine.

  The machines were transported to Los Angeles and distributed to bars, barber shops, and convenience stores that same day. This was a task given to him by the boss, and Bill was very diligent, observing these shops with his men daily.

  Inside a bar, someone was surprised to see the slot machine. "There are slot machines here now, that's nice! Will the police not interfere?"

  "Don't worry about that, it's the bar's business. Let's just enjoy." The person sat down, inserted a cent into the machine, and pulled the lever.

  The machine spun apples, oranges, watermelons, bells, and triple sevens.

  The machine made a crisp ding sound.

  Finally, it stopped at three bells.

  Coins spilled out of the coin dispenser.

  "Wow!"

  Winning so much, the young man exclaimed excitedly, immediately attracting a crowd.

  Gambling most excites people's desire for money, people started putting coins in, making the bar livelier than usual.

  Inside a barbershop,

  Two punching machines were placed.

  When customers waited for their turn, which sometimes took a while, some tried the punching machines out of boredom, some tried it to compare their strengths.

  Every time a new record was broke a number of iron balls would come out of the machine.

  Someone asked the owner what they could do with these iron balls.

  "You can exchange them for money. Each ball is worth a dollar." the owner replied.

  Someone's eyes lit up.

  Isn't this disguised gambling?

  Those trying the punching machines suddenly became more enthusiastic.

  A week quickly passed, and Bill returned with his men to collect payments, checking each place's earnings. Bill was shocked by the results.

  Holding the report, he excitedly found Hardy.

  "Boss, take a look, we're going to be rich!"

  Twenty slot machines, each making over a hundred dollars in profit meaning all the investment would be recouped in a week, and everything afterward would be pure profit.

  Thirty punching machines, each generating over $30 in weekly profit.

  Bill exclaimed, "Boss, I had Simon calculate, we can deploy 200 slot machines and 400 punching machines."

  "200 slot machines cost $19,000, and 400 punching machines cost $12,000, totaling $31,000. The annual profit would be $620,000."

  "However, during this week, several bars and convenience stores were checked, and the police seized a few machines. This business is definitely profitable; the biggest issue is how to handle these police checks," Bill explained.

  Hardy looked at Bill.

  "Bill, are you willing to meet the Chief of Police in Los Angeles?" Hardy asked Bill with a smile.

  Bill was stunned.

  As a gangster, he naturally harbored a deep seated fear and resistance toward the police.

  Now Hardy wanted him to meet the Chief of Police.

  Bill blinked.

  "Boss, are you asking me to bribe him?"

  "Yes, establish this connection, preemptively resolve troubles, and this slot machine business can thrive for a long term," Hardy explained.

  Bill clenched his teeth.

  "Boss, I'm willing to meet the Chief of Police."

  Hardy smiled and patted Bill's shoulder.

  He hadn't misjudged this guy.

  When it came time to make sacrifices, this guy never hesitated.

  "I'll teach you what to say when you meet the Chief," the two conspired in the office for over two hours.

  It was inevitable for the Spanish gang to eventually engage with these people.

  For example, Sigel knew many influential figures in Los Angeles, including the current mayor and some councilors.

  Dani of the Spanish gang also knew many influential figures before. Lance found photos hidden by Dani, and in recent days, had completely investigated the situation of these people these were probably Dani's connections in the official circles.

  the Irishmen were certainly no exception.

  Ed, 46 this year, had been the Chief of Police in Los Angeles for two years.

  He had worked in the police department for over 20 years and had rich experience. He had established a good relationship with the current mayor and was appointed Chief after the mayor took office.

  Ed had been quite ambitious these two years.

  Numerous big bosses took the initiative to befriend him, those underworld figures had been trying to find ways to give him money and women.

  His current lover, Rira, was introduced to him by a wealthy person. Rira was a true stunner who made him feel the most intimate care. If not for his reputation, he would have divorced his wife long ago.

  After changing into his clothes, Ed bid farewell to Rira.

  Chief Ed lowered his hat brim, opened the door, and stepped out.

  By now, the sky was completely dark, likely making it impossible for anyone to see his face clearly.

  His car was parked on a farther side road. As Ed walked over and opened the car door with his keys, a young man in a suit stood beside him.

  He wore a smile on his face.

  "Chief Ed, hello. Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Bill Pitt."

  Ed was surprised.

  This person was waiting for him here, undoubtedly knowing something about his mistress Rira.

  However, Ed has experienced similar things before and was already prepared to deal with this reporters. Coldly looking at Bill and asking in a deep voice, "Who are you, a journalist? What do you want from me?"

  "Chief Ed, I have something interesting to discuss with you."

  "I think you are here looking for trouble"

  Bill smirked lightly.

  "I'm just here to solve your problems."

  The two got into Chief Ed's car, where Bill placed an envelope on the armrest. Ed picked it up and saw it was full of hundred dollars bills.

  Based on his experience, it should be $10,000.

  Ed tossed the money back, "You're trying to bribe the Chief of Police of Los Angeles. do you Know that this is a serious crime, and you could be sentenced to more than ten years in prison."

  "Also, who are you?" Chief Ed asked.

  Bill shrugged casually. "I just told you, I'm Bill Pitt. I'm Dani's nephew. Recently, my uncle passed the leadership of the Spanish gang to me and retired to a comfortable place."

  Ed's expression shifted slightly. This young man was waiting for him here for a long time, he must know some significant secrets about his cooperation with Dani.

  "I understand why you are here," Ed said with a guarded tone. "You are trying to establish a connection with me through this money. But I have no interest in dirty deals."

  Bill remained composed. "Chief Ed, this isn't a bribe. It's a gesture of friendship between allies. My uncle always mentioned he had friends he could rely on if needed. I'm here to strengthen that bond."

  Ed glanced at Bill, skeptical of his intentions. He knew Dani was a cunning and ruthless individual. The sudden passing of leadership to his nephew seemed too fake.

  "I don't know Dani well," Ed responded cautiously. "But I appreciate the offer. Now, please get out of my car. I'm leaving."

  Inside, Ed resolved to investigate these individuals thoroughly. He couldn't allow anyone to threaten him or infiltrate his territory.

  Bill understood that his first attempt seemed unsuccessful.

  However, Hardy had anticipated this scenario. Prior to his arrival, he had predicted that Ed would likely refuse his bribe.

  These individuals have consistently embodied a blend of violence, greed, and cowardice.

  Bill slowly reached into his suit pocket, withdrew several photographs, and handed them to chief Ed.

  "Do you recognize anyone in these pictures?"

  Ed, was taken aback and examined the photos beneath the car's interior light, his expression instantly shifting. The changes were significant.

  In the photographs, it was unmistakably him and a woman engaged in a heated exchange. He still recalled the girl Dani had invited to a private estate on the outskirts that day. The young girl he encountered was only sixteen or seventeen, reportedly a female model.

  In subsequent pictures, the women varied, but the man was consistently him.

  He immediately realized he had been deceived by Dani. He had orchestrated everything from the start, otherwise, how could those photos from two years ago have surfaced?

  Ed's face reflected uncertainty, his hand instinctively moving to his suit pocket. Bill, closely observing Ed, interjected, "chief Ed, I'm aware you are armed, but I'm not alone. Look, I have four of my associates in the car behind you. Should you attempt anything, they will turn your car into a sieve with Chicago typewriters."

  Ed froze in his tracks.

  Glancing into the rear view mirror, he vaguely discerned movement in the car behind him. He understood that Pitt, the man beside him, was not bluffing.

  "What's your play?" Ed ground out through clenched teeth.

  Bill grinned knowingly.

  He understood that when the other party posed this question, it signified surrender.

  He recalled something Hardy had once said.

  With individuals like these, either win them over with generosity and sufficient benefits to forge a friendship, or employ enough force to quell resistance and compel them to fear and acknowledge your strength.

  Their greatest fear is exposure of their scandals, as such revelations could instantly erase their life's accomplishments.

  "It's a simple cooperation."

…

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