Chapter 172: Chapter 172: HD Security Settles in San Francisco
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Hardy and Nicholas returned to Los Angeles. As Nicholas prepared to leave, Hardy smiled and said, "Mr. Nicholas, don't hesitate to call me if you need any help. I can assist with both campaign funds and publicity."
Nicholas appreciated Hardy's support. "I believe it won't be long before I'll need it," he said, feeling more confident about his future election campaigns.
"By the way, my airline will officially open in a few days. I'll be inviting celebrities from Los Angeles. Will you have time to attend?" Hardy asked.
"I'll make time," Nicholas replied immediately.
Hardy knew that Nicholas could use this opportunity to network with influential people, which could be beneficial for his future campaigns and funding.
"Great. I'll see you there," Hardy said as he saw Nicholas off to his plane.
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**San Francisco**
Mayor Whelan called San Francisco Police Chief Shige. "Shige, I assume you've seen the report about the drug case in Los Angeles?"
"Yes, Mayor, I've seen it."
"I've learned that HD Security played a major role in resolving that case. The Los Angeles Police Department has signed a cooperation agreement with them. They're responsible for assisting in local security, and it's proven effective. I think it's worth considering for San Francisco," Whelan said.
Shige was wary. It was clear that the owner of the security company had reached out to the mayor.
"Mayor, if we hand over city security to a private company, there could be unforeseen issues," Shige warned.
"What kind of issues?" Whelan asked.
"The company might become a powerful entity in the city. Once established, they could undermine the legal system," Shige explained.
Whelan frowned. "I've reviewed the data from Los Angeles. Crime rates have decreased significantly, and the public is satisfied with HD Security. Your concerns seem excessive. It's not fair to speculate about potential problems."
Shige remained firm. "Mayor, I've already proposed increasing municipal funding, recruiting more officers, and enhancing patrol efforts. I believe our police department is sufficient to maintain San Francisco's law and order."
The conversation ended on a tense note. Whelan was frustrated that Shige, whom he had appointed, was not following his directives.
Whelan decided to call Hardy. "Mr. Hardy, the San Francisco Police Chief, Shige, is resistant to incorporating HD Security. This could delay our plans. I'll look into replacing him when his term ends."
Hardy was unfazed. He instructed Henry to investigate Shige thoroughly. "Henry, check into Chief Shige's background. We need to ensure he's not involved in any misconduct."
Henry and his team, posing as telephone company employees, scrutinized Shige's phone and even installed a monitor in his office. After two days of surveillance, they discovered troubling information.
"Boss, we have some incriminating details. Chief Shige is friends with Leb Selton, the head of the San Francisco Mafia. They've been discussing HD Security over the phone. Selton is trying to prevent our contract with the police department," Henry reported.
Hardy's eyes narrowed. He knew Selton wouldn't have spoken favorably about him, likely painting him as a rival gang leader.
Henry continued, "Selton promised Shige support for his future political ambitions if he obstructed our contract with the police department."
Hardy called Mayor Whelan again. "There will be a news report tomorrow exposing the connection between Chief Shige and the Mafia."
Whelan was taken aback. "You mean Shige has ties to the Mafia?"
"Yes, we have photos to prove it," Hardy confirmed.
The next morning, San Francisco was shocked by a headline in the San Francisco Morning Post:
**"San Francisco Police Chief Shige: Friend of Mafia Leader Leb Selton. Can San Francisco's Law and Order Be Trusted?"**
The article featured a large photo of Shige and Selton together, with details of their meeting and speculation about the implications for public safety.
The exposé caused an uproar. Shige arrived at the police station to find staff treating him coldly. Confused, he glanced at the newspaper on his desk and saw the incriminating photos. His heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation.
As he went to City Hall, he was met with Whelan's anger. The mayor berated Shige for over ten minutes before announcing his dismissal.
The next day, Whelan appointed a new police chief, Brown, the former deputy chief, known for his political savvy.
Hardy smiled upon reading the newspaper report. It was clear that if someone couldn't be a friend, making them an enemy was a viable strategy.
The fallout wasn't over. The FBI began an investigation into Shige, further exposing the Mafia's influence. Selton, sensing danger, fled to Colombia, leaving his family's operations in disarray.
The Selton family's reputation suffered as media scrutiny highlighted their criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the newspapers also praised HD Security's success in Los Angeles and called for similar measures in San Francisco. Mayor Whelan submitted a bill to support HD Security's contract with the police department, which passed without resistance.
The new chief, Brown, and Hardy held a simple signing ceremony. HD Security would now serve as a supplementary force for San Francisco's public security, patrolling and assisting in combating violent crimes.
The contract, worth a million dollars, involved deploying 200 personnel in San Francisco. While not a huge sum compared to Hardy's other ventures, it was a strategic move for controlling city security.
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