Bab 23: Chapter 23: The Robbery
Richard and Neal had returned from their investigation of the Spaniard's underground boxing arena.
Neal reported, "There are seven to eight matches at the underground boxing arena each night. The cash on hand is estimated to be around $30,000 to $40,000. They have six security guards and firearms."
Hardy thought the amount was a bit low and not worth the effort.
As they were discussing, Leo and Kerry also returned.
Leo, visibly excited, said, "Boss, we've made a significant discovery at the loan shark's office."
Leo and Kerry had posed as businessmen needing funds to start a shoe factory in Los Angeles. Kerry, with his background in shoe manufacturing, was familiar with the details.
When asked how much they needed, Kerry requested $15,000.
The loan officer inquired about their current assets, the purpose of the loan, and their repayment plan. Kerry explained they had already invested $20,000 in machinery and raw materials and just needed additional funds to fulfill a recent order.
With a factory, an order, and a clear repayment plan, the loan was a promising prospect for the loan sharks.
The officer mentioned that a mortgage would be required, and someone would need to visit the factory. Kerry agreed, knowing it was a facade and the visit wouldn't happen.
During the negotiations, Leo observed the office closely. He noticed people coming in and out with a box, and their conversations hinted at casino funds. Other discussions involved payments from bars, nightclubs, and drug operations.
Leo speculated, "Boss, it seems the Spaniard's loan shark operation is tied to their financial dealings, similar to the Jewish loan sharks."
Hardy agreed, suspecting that the Spaniards' financial operations were integrated.
Henry then asked, "Who do you think we should target first?"
The team looked to Hardy for direction.
After considering their options, Hardy decided, "The casino. There's a big blackjack game the night after tomorrow. That's when we strike."
Everyone focused intently on Hardy's instructions.
"Shaun and Ryder, you'll handle the driving. You know the streets of Los Angeles best," Hardy directed.
Shaun and Ryder nodded in agreement.
"Steal two cars for the operation. We'll use our own car as a backup in case we need to switch vehicles. Leo and Kerry, you're responsible for acquiring the cars."
Leo, experienced in car repairs, was ready for the task. "Got it, boss."
"Richard, check the guns. Neil, prepare the grenades and explosives for potential threats. Henry and Matthew, you'll handle headgear and backpacks," Hardy instructed.
Everyone acknowledged their tasks.
The next day, things were calm. While others followed Hardy's orders, Hardy, Shaun, and Ryder went to deliver supplies. They visited the Bunny Girl Nightclub in the evening, which was lively with singing and dancing.
Marissa, exuding charm, approached Hardy and handed him a cocktail. "Hardy, it's been a while. Have you been busy?"
"I have," Hardy replied, sipping the drink.
"Are you free tonight?" Marissa asked, her gaze enchanting.
"Yes, tonight's good," Hardy responded.
Later, Marissa left the nightclub early. Hardy was waiting by her car, and they drove to her home.
The evening was cozy, with rain pattering against the windows. As they settled in, Hardy advised Marissa, "It's best not to work at the nightclub right now. Gangs and loan sharks are becoming more aggressive. You might be caught in the crossfire."
Marissa, snuggling close, asked, "Is it really that bad?"
"Yes, and it will only get worse. Even if you're not the target, stray bullets could be a risk," Hardy explained.
Marissa, blinking up at Hardy, said, "I've saved up enough money for a while. I plan to study acting and singing for a few months and then try Hollywood. It's my dream."
Hardy was surprised. "You're passionate about acting?"
"Everyone has dreams, don't they?" Marissa replied softly.
The next morning, Hardy returned to Xiacheng to finalize preparations. The room was filled with firearms, including pistols, Tommy guns, and even machine guns. Neil arranged the explosives.
The operation was set for that night.
"Sean, Ryder, you're on driving duties. The rest of you, gear up," Hardy instructed.
Everyone prepared their equipment: pistols, Tommy guns, and hoods.
"Let's move," Hardy ordered as four cars pulled out and drove to a location two kilometers from the clubhouse. Two of their own cars were parked, and the stolen vehicles were positioned near the Spaniard's casino club.
By 7:00 PM, the area was illuminated, reflecting the grandeur of the clubhouse. By 8:00 PM, high-end cars and elegantly dressed patrons filled the venue for the blackjack game.
As time ticked by, Hardy's team remained silent and focused. Henry remarked, "Boss, it's 11 o'clock."
"It's time. Let's go," Hardy replied.
The two cars roared to life and sped toward the clubhouse.
Bab 24: Chapter 24: Striking It Rich
Hardy pulled off his headgear, picked up the Tommy gun, and slammed the bolt into place.
"Action!" Hardy commanded with determination.
Two cars rolled to a stop at the entrance of the clubhouse. Spanish gang members stationed there noticed the vehicles and prepared to investigate.
"Get out!" Hardy ordered, sliding the door open and stepping out first.
The security personnel were caught off guard by the masked figures with machine guns and instinctively reached for their weapons.
"Da da da, da da da~!"
Gunfire erupted.
The security guards at the door were instantly mowed down, falling into a pool of their own blood.
Hardy led the charge into the club, followed closely by his six accomplices.
As they burst into the hall, several Spanish gang members emerged, startled by the gunfire. Matthew quickly engaged, cutting them down with a rapid burst.
"Ahhhh~~!"
The screams of the gang members filled the room as several fell, dead on the spot. Neil and the others handled any further threats with ease.
Guests in the lobby, terrified by the chaos, dropped to the floor, some crying out in fear.
Hardy ignored them and advanced with purpose.
Henry led the group to the entrance of the underground casino. The door was shut tight. Henry tried to open it but couldn't. The gang members inside had barricaded themselves in response to the commotion.
"Neil, open the door," Hardy instructed calmly.
Neil stepped forward, pulling out a backpack.
Matthew and the others took cover around the corner.
Neil retrieved a large firecracker, attached it to the door handle with a rope, and lit it before retreating to cover.
"Fizzle, fizzle, fizzle~~"
"Boom!"
The door exploded into splinters.
As dust and debris settled, the underground casino was revealed. Two gang members who had been hiding behind the door were now lying dead, their pistols thrown aside.
"Ah ah ah~~~!"
The nearly two hundred guests in the lobby, already frightened by the gunfire, were now screaming in panic at the explosion.
Leo and Kerry led the way, with Richard and the others following closely.
Seeing the robbers armed with submachine guns, the guests huddled in fear in the corners, some women sobbing quietly.
Hardy observed the scene and felt a sense of control.
Neil, Leo, Kerry, and the others quickly took positions, securing the area and managing the crowd with precision.
Suddenly, someone in the crowd raised a gun, aiming at Hardy.
Hardy noticed the movement and prepared to act, but Richard was faster. With a sharp shot from his revolver, Richard took down the threat.
"Bang!"
The bullet hit the attacker's forehead, and he crumpled to the ground.
Richard's sharpshooting skills were impeccable. His vigilance had not missed the impending danger.
"Ah~!"
Panic spread further through the crowd. People huddled lower, and some women cried silently, trying not to provoke the robbers.
The situation was now under control.
Hardy stepped forward and addressed the gamblers, "As long as you stay calm, I won't cause you any trouble. But if anyone tries to act up, I won't hesitate to use force."
Relieved by Hardy's reassurance, the guests remained still, staying hidden in the corners.
Among the crowd, a middle-aged man comforted a frightened woman. She clung to him, trembling, as he soothed her with gentle words.
The man, unfazed by the chaos, observed the robbers, noting their efficiency and coordination.
Hardy approached the chip exchange window. The cashier, visibly shaken, opened the door with trembling hands.
"Open the door!" Hardy demanded.
"Please, don't kill me," the cashier pleaded.
"As long as you cooperate," Hardy reassured her.
With fear evident in her movements, the cashier unlocked the iron door and crouched down in fright.
Henry and Matthew rushed in, found the money box, and quickly examined the cash. It was significantly more than the amount they had seen previously. They swiftly closed and carried the box out.
"Boss, we've got it!" Henry reported, returning to Hardy.
Hardy signaled for a retreat.
The team covered each other as they withdrew, exiting the casino swiftly. Sean and Ryder's cars were ready, and the team quickly got into them. The two cars sped away from the Spanish Casino Club.
In just five or six minutes, they had completed their heist and left.
After the robbery, the casino's patrons, once the immediate danger had passed, began to recover. The initial shock gave way to a rush of activity as people fled to their cars, eager to leave the scene.
"Vigenia, let's go," the middle-aged man said to the woman.
She was still shaken, but he helped her into the car and drove off.
On the way out, the man noticed the fallen Spanish gang member and reflected on the heist. The robbers had acted with precision, leaving no time for the gang to react. Their swift, coordinated action suggested they were highly trained.
Once home in Beverly Hills, the woman went to bathe. The man, still processing the night's events, picked up the phone.
"Fred, someone robbed the Spaniard's casino tonight at McKinsey No. 5 club. I was there. Can you find out who did it?"
Fred, on the other end of the line, was surprised.
"Mr. Siegel, are you alright?" Fred asked.
"I'm fine."
"I'll look into it and let you know what I find," Fred assured him.
After the robbery, Hardy and his team made their quick exit. They were back at their rented space, unloading the loot.
The briefcase opened, revealing stacks of cash.
"Boss, we did it. There's about two hundred thousand here," Henry said with a grin.
Matthew held up some stacks of money, inhaling deeply.
"We're rich, haha!"
Everyone was elated, basking in the success of their heist.
Hardy, however, remained composed. Having seen large sums before, he advised, "Don't get too excited. Count the money carefully and then we'll figure out how to divide it."
"Got it," the team responded, and they began counting the cash meticulously.
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