Bab 5: Chapter 5: Eliminating the Jewish Gang
Ten dollars, twenty dollars, fifty dollars, and one hundred dollars.
The cash was in various denominations, all old banknotes. Hardy guessed that the money came from drug sales. The five thousand dollars was likely a larger sum, which he pocketed along with the cash.
In the cabinet, Hardy found an exquisite box containing a brand new Rolex gold watch. Released in 1945, this watch was a luxury item worth over $1,500. Hardy recognized it from when he saw a similar one at an Orange County bar. It was still in its packaging, indicating that Cook hadn't yet worn it.
Taking the cash for Bill and keeping the watch as his own prize, Hardy put the box into his coat pocket. He knew he couldn't linger; the noise would attract police soon.
He quickly descended the stairs, holstered his pistol, and left through the front door. He moved swiftly under the cover of darkness, disappearing into the night.
Ten minutes later, a police car arrived with sirens blaring. Three officers approached the villa with their weapons drawn, discovering the grisly scene inside. The villa was a blood-soaked battlefield, with bullet marks on the walls and several bodies sprawled across the floor.
"Notify the FBI immediately. A major incident has occurred here!" one officer ordered.
As the FBI arrived and began their investigation, reporters gathered outside, snapping photos of the crime scene. The FBI concluded that the attack was likely carried out by a single gunman, but no useful clues were found. Neighbors, asleep at the early hour, saw nothing.
By 3:30 a.m., the police had removed the bodies, and the FBI had classified the case as a major homicide before departing.
---
In an apartment, the phone rang, startling Fred from his sleep. It was 3:30 a.m. Fred, over forty, with sharp features, was the head of the Jewish gang in Los Angeles. His gang controlled significant territory and earned millions annually through various illicit activities.
Fred answered the call, hearing Alan Payne's voice on the other end: "We've received news that someone broke into Cook's house and killed him and his five men."
Fred was taken aback. Earlier that evening, he'd been informed that Bill had been severely injured by Cook, but he hadn't expected this escalation.
"Who did it?" Fred asked.
"Unknown," Alan replied. "We've checked with everyone on our side, and no one admits to it."
Fred was perplexed. "If it wasn't us, then who could it be? Any other information?"
"The FBI determined that only one gunman was involved," Alan said.
Fred was intrigued. "One person took out six men?"
"That's what the police reported."
Hanging up, Fred pondered the situation. A single gunman taking down Cook and his men suggested a highly skilled individual.
"What happened?" Fred's wife asked, wrapping her arms around him.
Fred reassured her, "It's nothing serious, dear. Go back to sleep. I'll handle it tomorrow."
---
In the morgue, Cook's lifeless body lay on a cold slab, two fatal bullet wounds visible on his forehead and abdomen. Dani, leader of the Spanish gang, stared angrily at the corpse.
Dani, known as "Red Dani," was a significant figure in Los Angeles organized crime. His gang was involved in numerous enterprises, and Cook had been a valuable asset, generating substantial profits.
"Who did this?" Dani asked, his voice hoarse.
"It's likely the Jewish gang," Burstein, Dani's military advisor, responded. "Cook lost a lot of money in their casino and was in debt."
"The Jewish gang?" Dani's frown deepened. The Jewish gang was the most powerful in Los Angeles, followed by the Irish and Spanish gangs.
Burstein continued, "Yesterday, Cook's attempt to delay payment led to a confrontation. He shot a Jewish gang leader, and the attack happened in the evening."
Dani, clearly enraged, clenched his cigar. "Damn it."
Dani and Burstein returned to Dani's mansion, lighting cigars and pouring whiskey. After some contemplation, Dani proposed a plan.
"I want to eliminate the Jewish gang," Dani declared.
Aside from various illegal businesses, Dani's most profitable venture was cocaine, bringing in nearly a million dollars annually. The Jewish gang's prohibition on drug trafficking had been a thorn in Dani's side, as he paid a hefty protection fee for access to their territory.
Burstein was shocked. "The Jewish gang is very powerful. We can't match them."
Dani smirked. "I plan to ally with the Irish, and possibly the Mexicans, Chinese, Russians, and Poles. Together, we can take down the Jewish gang and seize their territory."
Burstein expressed concern about the Italian Mafia's influence. Dani was undeterred.
"We'll leverage the Irish. They have a long-standing grudge against the Mafia and are powerful on the West Coast. We can stir up conflict between the Irish and Jews and let the Irish handle the Mafia while we stay in the background."
Dani's plan was strategic. Burstein, after some thought, agreed it was feasible and arranged a meeting with the Irish at dawn.
"Okay, I'll set it up," Burstein confirmed.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone