Bab 56: Chapter 56 – Combat Research Office
With the issue of the two daughters resolved, Lanster felt a sense of relief. Hardy, seated in the security company's conference room, discussed the next steps.
"Lanster, I want you to oversee the security company and manage operations here," Hardy said, exhaling a cloud of cigarette smoke.
Lanster nodded. "Don't worry, Hardy. I'll do my best to get things in order."
"Our primary concern now is dealing with the Spanish Gang. Do you have any ideas?" Hardy inquired.
Lanster, leaning forward, outlined his plan. "I propose setting up a 'combat research room' to gather and analyze all available intelligence on the Spanish Gang. We'll look into their operations, armed forces, personnel, and contacts. This will help us formulate a comprehensive strategy."
He continued, "The security company currently has over 20 employees. I suggest assigning them to collect intelligence as their first task. I recall that one of our recruits has experience in communication monitoring and call interception."
Hardy listened intently, impressed by Lanster's detailed plan. The concept of using military-style tactics to handle a gang was bold but seemed effective. Hardy appreciated the strategic approach.
"I support your plan. I'll be looking forward to your results," Hardy said with a smile.
Just then, Henry entered the room and greeted Hardy. "Boss, I was about to contact you. Didn't expect to find you here."
"What's up?" Hardy asked.
Henry's expression was serious. "We dealt with the Polish gang members easily, but we found something interesting among their belongings. I think you should take a look."
"What is it?" Hardy's curiosity was piqued.
"Art and antiques. They seem valuable, but we don't know much about them. I thought you might be able to help us evaluate them," Henry explained.
"Let's go see it," Hardy agreed.
Henry drove Hardy to Nanxia City, where they arrived at a modest two-story red brick building. The building was unremarkable, save for its few windows, which were securely barred.
A small group of men in suits, all recently recruited, stood by the cars outside. Hardy and Henry entered the building and proceeded to the basement, which was hidden behind a shelf in the main hall.
The basement was surprisingly large, around 100 square meters, and filled with a variety of items. Shelves lined the walls, holding an assortment of silverware, bronze statues, and various artworks. Hardy's eyes were drawn to the collection of Chinese porcelain.
He examined several pieces, including a vase with intricate floral patterns and a base marked as from the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Hardy's knowledge of Chinese antiques, gained from a friend in his previous life, led him to identify the vase as a potentially valuable famille rose piece, worth millions in later years.
Among the collection were also items from the Yongzheng and Kangxi periods, suggesting that the collection could be worth hundreds of millions in the future.
Henry inquired, "Boss, do you think these items are valuable?"
"I'm not an expert in antiques," Hardy replied, "but these porcelains seem significant. We should move them to the security company for safekeeping. Handle them carefully during transport. Wrap them in newspaper and box them up."
He added, "As for the other items, find someone who specializes in antique appraisal and see how much they are worth. We need the funds."
Henry agreed, and Hardy's team carefully transported the porcelains to the security company. The remaining items were sold to a Jewish gang member specializing in underground antiques for $45,000.
A few days later, Henry reported back. "Boss, the porcelains and paintings are secured in the security company. The rest of the antiques were sold for $45,000. What do you want to do next?"
Hardy, satisfied with the results, responded, "Good job. Let's proceed as planned."
The operation against the Polish gang proved successful, not only in eliminating the threat but also in acquiring valuable assets. Hardy was pleased with the outcome, seeing it as a testament to the effectiveness of his strategy.
Bab 57: Chapter 57 – The Real Organization
Bill was finally being discharged from the hospital after three months of recovery. Hardy, along with Sean and Ryder, arrived to pick him up. Bill's eyes lit up at the sight of Hardy's car.
"Packard! Hardy, you've got a great car," Bill exclaimed.
Hardy grinned and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll be driving cars like this in the future. Hop in; I'm taking you somewhere."
"Where to?" Bill asked, curious.
"You'll find out when we get there," Hardy replied.
Instead of heading to Bill's home, they drove to the HD Security Company's premises. A guard armed with a gun saluted Hardy as they entered.
Inside the office building, more armed security personnel were stationed in the lobby.
Bill looked around, surprised. "So this is Hardy Security?"
"Yep," Hardy confirmed. "All veterans here, many are Marines. We've recruited over 20 people."
"Let's go inside. I want to introduce you to the current supervisor, Major James Lanster. He's in charge now," Hardy said.
Bill was introduced to Lanster, who looked much more energetic than before. Wearing a smart suit and with new prosthetic legs, Lanster seemed to have fully recovered from his previous condition.
"Bill, congratulations on your discharge!" Lanster greeted with a warm hug.
"Major Lanster, I didn't expect to see you here," Bill said happily.
Lanster smiled. "Neither did I, but it seems right. Better late than never."
The three of them sat down, and after exchanging pleasantries, Lanster shared the latest intelligence.
"Here's what we know about the Spanish Gang. They've recently added a new division led by Charles Simon, a Hungarian who previously handled Dani's finances and loan shark operations."
Lanster continued, "It appears Dani is raising funds by mortgaging his investments and even his house. The market price of cocoa powder has risen due to reduced shipments from Spain, likely because of our previous heist. Dani's frequent contact with Colombians suggests he's preparing to buy more goods. He's raising money to cover this purchase."
Hardy listened thoughtfully. The Spanish Gang's major business was cocoa powder, and the impact of their reduced stock was evident. Dani's actions indicated preparations for another large purchase, and Hardy saw an opportunity.
"Lanster, keep a close watch on this. The Spanish Gang is likely planning something significant. We might find opportunities to act," Hardy instructed.
"Got it. I'll keep you updated," Lanster replied.
Bill, observing the conversation, was amazed at how much Hardy had accomplished during his hospital stay. The idea of robbing the Spanish Gang again seemed to be a mere stepping stone for Hardy's broader ambitions.
After leaving the security company, Hardy, Sean, Ryder, and Bill returned to Bill's home, which had been cleaned and tidied in his absence.
Bill, reflecting on Hardy's rapid progress, remarked, "Hardy, I feel like I've fallen behind during my time in the hospital. Your development is impressive."
Hardy poured two glasses of wine, handing one to Bill. "You were busy with three women in the hospital. If I hadn't intervened, you might still be there."
Bill laughed awkwardly. "Can't help it; the ladies are drawn to me. By the way, I heard you're monitoring the Spanish Gang. What's your plan?"
"I intend to take over the Spanish Gang," Hardy said matter-of-factly.
Bill nearly choked on his wine. "Swallow the entire gang? Are you serious?"
"Yes," Hardy confirmed. "It might seem ambitious, but with the approach we're taking, it's not as difficult as it appears."
With the creation of the combat research room, Hardy found that managing the gang was less challenging. His strategic viewpoint had shifted, making previously daunting tasks seem achievable.
"What happens after you take over?" Bill asked.
"You know Mr. Siegel, the real boss of the Jewish Gang?" Hardy inquired.
"Of course," Bill replied.
"I spoke with him recently. He's very interested in my progress and has promised that if I successfully take over the Spanish Gang, he'll let me establish my own gang," Hardy explained.
Bill's eyes widened. The prospect of creating his own gang was an enticing one for any gangster.
Hardy took a deep drink of his wine, clearly excited. "Bill, I've made up my mind. You're going to be the second boss starting tomorrow. You'll be fully involved in dealing with the Spanish Gang."
"Second boss!" Bill exclaimed, thrilled. "I'm ready to give everything for you, Hardy. If you need anything, just say the word."
Hardy chuckled. "I appreciate your enthusiasm. We'll get things rolling."
With Bill's appointment as the second boss, the team's structure was solidified. Sean and Ryder would continue their roles, forming action teams as needed.
The security company was now organized with:
- **Lanster** as Head of the Security Company and Action Consultant
- **Richard** as Head of the Sniper Team
- **Henry** as Head of the Intelligence Team
- **Neal** as Head of the Blasting Team
- **Matthew, Leo, and Kerry** as Combat Team Leaders
The positions of military division, economic adviser, and legal adviser were still open. Hardy felt the need for more personnel and ordered a vigorous recruitment drive to fill these roles.
As the organization continued to expand, Hardy's vision for his empire became clearer.
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