Chapitre 145: Chapter 145: Heightened Security
"William, are you really going to buy?"
"Yeah! Why else would I have talked so long? Buying one company at a time is just too troublesome."
"Are you sure? The pressure will be huge."
"Sigh, the economy's bad now, so I can buy. Once it gets better, who would sell to me?"
Bush Jr. didn't have much to say. He called only because of his dad. Unlike many others, Bush Sr. didn't think this guy would fall into a trap.
...
Thinking of potential success, Bush Sr. naturally wanted his son to pay attention. This opportunity was incredible; the funny part was that his son seemed to get along very well with the other party.
"Dad, he really wants to buy. He said since the economy is bad, he should buy. If it turns around, there's no way he'd get to acquire anything."
"Just as I thought, hahaha. Acting like he's so reluctant."
"Dad, I just don't see it. He's just got money problems."
"Money? Silly son, no bank would refuse to lend to him. His businesses are great, with strong cash flows. That's what banks look for the most."
"20% interest -- who would borrow at that? You can't make any profit."
"Haha, that's for regular loans. His situation is different. If he issues corporate bonds, especially convertible ones, they'd get snapped up."
...
William White was enjoying afternoon tea. Those old fogeys were dreaming. Convertible bonds were out of the question; he couldn't afford to lose that many shares.
Rough calculations showed stocks and real estate in Japan were worth $1.5 billion, U.S. securities around $500 million, and the package price for Disney and NBC around $3.5 billion, definitely not more than $4 billion.
That meant he had a funding gap of about $2 billion, which seemed astronomical. Still, he would own the two companies. What's the problem with a $2 billion loan?
If more financial pressure arose, he had three more companies. Offering 20% of their shares could likely attract some buyers too.
Hmm, time to start scouting for managers. The old team just wouldn't do, especially Disney -- what garbage were they doing?
...
"Nice shot, boss. You're already pretty good."
"Haha, seems a professional coach pays off."
William White was feeling a bit tipsy; he much preferred basketball. Golf was a bit hard on him, but practicing was no problem, especially since he liked watching his assistant pick up the balls.
Okay, this guy was pretty sleazy, too. Always living the high life, yet couldn't shake off his little ways.
Thinking too narrowly was unfair. People are different from animals; you couldn't be fighting nonstop. You needed to take care of yourself, these flirtations were just fine.
Have you seen zipper moments? Some people just enjoy that vibe.
Don't think youth means recklessness. It's not a joke. If you overdo it, you'll be sorry after thirty. You might not be done for immediately, but you'll definitely feel weaker.
William White took care of himself; not like he was a monk, quite the opposite -- to enjoy life better.
...
March 30th was a rough day. Everything was going well until William White was interrupted while discussing filming insights with Sharon Stone.
Someone, not high or low, was quite frustrated but knew there must be a major issue to interrupt him at such a time.
Glancing at the grim scene, the assistant said expressionlessly, "Boss, the big boss was assassinated, and the situation doesn't look good."
"What? Inform the security department for a meeting in fifteen minutes."
"Okay, boss."
The person who ended things abruptly was quite unhappy, not because his fun was interrupted, but because he forgot about today's incident.
Taking rash actions in such a historical event was never wise. No one could predict the future's direction, and the best choice was often to stay out of it.
Sometimes, being a prophet was a burden. Without a strong heart, it would drive oneself insane eventually.
William White didn't seem troubled by this. For him, other people's issues were never-ending, and he was just a small loophole. He was not keen on playing a god's role.
If you call it selfish, sure, people are inherently selfish. He's just barely protecting himself right now. If the future of the world changed drastically, how could he stand against those old foxes? One wrong move and he could accidentally take himself out.
Choosing between your life and others? There's no difficulty in that choice. Don't talk nonsense -- it's just human nature.
...
"Max, tell us what we know about the situation."
"The shooter was alone, untrained, and was controlled after emptying a magazine. Seems not to be affiliated with any group."
"Tanner, what do you know?"
"Young Master, there were obvious lapses in the big boss's security. The special team wasn't focused, and one more issue -- the route seemed to have been leaked."
"Investigate, see if it was a deliberate leak."
"Yes, Young Master."
"Boss, given the uncertainty now, you should reduce going out and increase the security team."
"Max, I'm curious about our security level. Don't take it the wrong way; I'm just curious. Even if our cowboys were to do this, there's no way they'd let a shooter empty a magazine."
"Boss, I don't know the on-site specifics. Based on the current information, it was indeed a low-level mistake. Seems like the big boss's team has issues."
"Sigh, they'd be better off with the guys Carter left behind. This is just ridiculous."
Being the president was indeed a high-risk job. Aside from this one exception, most who faced gunshots didn't make it.
"Sigh, that's it for today. May God bless America. No Oscars likely now. Max, check with the committee on their arrangements."
"Okay, boss."
It's funny, the big boss was just talking about the importance of the Second Amendment days earlier and now he's the first to taste the downside of rampant gun ownership.
"Filson, tell our media to just touch lightly on the gun issue."
"Okay, boss, but the editor might have some opinions."
"They can keep their opinions. We shouldn't get involved in this mess. Gun control in America won't happen even in a hundred years, no need to muddy the waters."
"Got it, boss."
For America's National Rifle Association holds considerable power. His acquisition wasn't complete yet. Opposing them could result in unforeseen trouble.
...
"Darling, seems like you can't go back today."
"I don't mind, best not to go back at all."
"Haha, are you sure? You're not in the best shape right now."
The lovely lady scoffed at him, "Is there a problem with the Oscars?"
"Got the news; it's postponed till tomorrow."
"Great, gives us another day."
"Haha, are you sure it's okay?"
"I'll be fine after a little rest."
"Come on, I need to train with firearms. Can't rely on this faulty security; need to rely on myself in crucial moments."
William White was at a loss for words with the Secret Service's incompetence. Aren't these guys supposed to be the best? How did they end up like this?
Fact is, no matter the security, having a bit of skill yourself is most crucial. Today's world is just too dangerous.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone