Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Dividing the Spoils and Setting Rules
The total haul was $215,860.
When this figure was announced, Henry, Matthew, and the others leaped in excitement.
At present American prices, a bottle of beer costs just 10 cents, a Ford car is priced over a thousand dollars, and an average house in downtown Los Angeles costs between seven and eight thousand dollars.
The star mansions in Beverly Hills cost around $50,000 to $60,000.
$210,000 is an enormous sum.
Hardy sorted through the stack of banknotes, setting aside the $5,860 in change. "We'll count it as $210,000."
Previously, Bill had been severely injured by Cook over $5,000. Hardy had taken revenge on Cook, and now more than $5,000 had become surplus.
"The gang's share will be divided three to seven. Thirty percent for the gang is $63,000. Sean, hand over that amount."
Sean promptly counted out $63,000 from the pile and set it aside.
"We have $152,000 left. Let's figure out how to distribute this," Hardy continued, looking around at the group.
Everyone's faces were alight with excitement.
With nine people in total, each could potentially receive over $10,000, equivalent to five or six years of an ordinary person's salary.
"Boss, you decide how to divide it," Henry said, standing up.
"Yes, we'll follow your lead."
"We have no objections."
Everyone voiced their agreement for Hardy to make the decision.
Hardy smiled, "It's simple. Let's split it evenly. What do you all think?"
Matthew eagerly rubbed his hands together, Kerry swallowed hard, and the others were also thrilled.
Just then, Sean, who had been sitting nearby, spoke up.
"I don't think that's appropriate."
Sean's voice wasn't loud, but it immediately drew everyone's attention.
Some people frowned, wondering why Sean thought an even split was unsuitable.
"Is there a problem? Do you want more?" Matthew asked with a smirk.
Sean glanced around and said, "I'm not asking for more, but this distribution doesn't align with gang rules."
"What rules?" Leo asked.
Sean turned to Hardy and addressed the group. "Every organization has a leader. In our case, Hardy is the boss, correct?"
"Of course."
"Hardy leads us. Does it make sense for him to get the same share as the rest of us? The boss planned and executed the job; he should handle the subsequent details. It's customary for the leader to take a larger share," Sean explained.
Everyone was taken aback by Sean's point.
After considering it, they realized it made sense.
Even in the military, soldiers who risk their lives receive only a small reward compared to their officers.
Sean continued, "According to gang rules, the boss can take 50% or more, and 70% to 80% is normal. The remaining amount is shared among the rest of us."
The others understood and agreed.
It was clear that such a substantial share for one person after a single heist was reasonable.
Richard, who had been smoking in the corner, chimed in. "I agree with Sean. Hardy should indeed get a larger portion."
The group nodded in agreement.
"I also support the boss taking the larger share."
"I have no objections."
"I fully support the boss getting a larger portion."
Everyone agreed with the principle of Hardy receiving a greater share, following the gang's traditional rules. Except for Sean and Ryder, all were Hardy's direct recruits.
Everyone looked to Hardy.
After a moment of silence, Hardy weighed his options. The distribution of this money wasn't just about the immediate sum but also about establishing future relationships and rules.
"Since it's a gang rule, let's divide it 50-50. For future operations, we'll use this ratio for distribution," Hardy said.
This set a precedent.
With the 50-50 split, Hardy received $107,930, leaving $107,930 for the rest to split.
The remaining $76,000 was divided equally among Sean, Henry, and the others, giving each $9,500.
$9,500 was a considerable amount in this era.
With the money distributed, everyone was delighted.
Hardy then addressed the group. "I'm not worried about Nick; his share will be used to treat his wife. Richard, Henry, Matthew, I'm concerned that you might be tempted to spend recklessly with this large amount. We need to stay under the radar to avoid drawing attention."
Matthew and Henry exchanged glances; they had been planning a celebration.
Hardy's tone grew serious. "No one should make any conspicuous moves for now. Maintain a low profile as before. Understand?"
"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.
After Hardy's instructions, he smiled and added, "Of course, if anyone wants to unwind with a few girls, I won't stop you."
Laughter filled the room.
They safely stored the $76,000 and the $63,000 for the gang in separate places.
---
Spanish gang boss Dani received the news of the robbery.
Rushing to the scene, he saw the chaos: dead bodies, a ransacked casino, and the missing cash. Dani's fury was palpable.
"Who dared rob my casino? I will hunt them down, bind them up, and make them pay!" Dani roared.
The loss of a dozen men, including the casino supervisor, was devastating. More distressing was the stolen cash.
For tonight's 9 PM game, Dani had prepared over $100,000. Just half an hour before the heist, the supervisor had reported the cash exceeding $200,000.
$200,000!
Dani was enraged.
As police cars arrived at the scene, Dani seethed as officers, guns drawn, entered the casino. Seeing Dani and his crew, they ordered them to the ground.
"I'm Dani. This is my property. I've been robbed. Can't you see that?" Dani yelled at the police.
---
The next day, Hardy called Fred, the boss of the Jewish gang.
"Fred, I was about to contact you," Hardy said.
"Oh? What's up?" Fred asked.
"Last night, the Spaniard's casino was hit. They lost a dozen men and a significant amount of cash. I was checking if you had any insights," Fred inquired.
Hardy paused, surprised by Fred's interest. "Actually, I have some information."
"Do you know something?" Fred's tone heightened.
"Yes, it was us. I called to inform you and discuss the split," Hardy revealed.
Fred was astonished. "You did it?!"
"Yes, we did. I wanted to update you and confirm the gang's share," Hardy explained.
"How much did you get?"
"Three to seven split. $63,000 for the gang," Hardy said.
Fred processed the information, understanding that Hardy and his crew had stolen over $200,000, a substantial sum.
"Alright, I'll see you soon," Fred said before hanging up.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone