Bab 66: Chapter 66 – Seeking Cooperation
Bill was skeptical about whether slot machines could be a profitable venture.
Hardy, however, was confident. "Have people count how many places on our site can accommodate slot machines and pinball machines," he instructed.
"Nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotel lobbies, barbershops, small shops, grocery stores—anywhere there are patrons," Hardy elaborated.
Bill agreed and got to work.
Two days later, the numbers were in: there were over 380 suitable locations within the Spanish Gang's territory.
"The business owners are on board. They're willing to host the machines, especially since there's no protection fee and they stand to gain from the profits," Bill reported.
"The main concern now is whether the machines will be profitable and if the police might intervene," Bill added.
Gambling is legal only in Nevada, home to Las Vegas. In other states, gambling, including slot machines and pinball machines, is generally illegal. However, this type of gambling is relatively minor. The police typically only confiscate the machines rather than penalize gamblers or shop owners.
"Start with 50 machines and distribute them. We'll evaluate the results in a week and decide the next steps based on the income," Hardy directed.
Bill agreed and left to carry out the plan.
In San Francisco, Bill purchased 20 slot machines and 30 pinball machines, costing $95 and $30 each, respectively. These were shipped to Los Angeles and placed in various bars, barbershops, and convenience stores.
Bill monitored the situation daily.
In a bar, patrons were intrigued by the slot machine. "Are the police going to care about this?" one asked.
"What does it matter? It's just for fun," another responded, inserting a dime into the machine.
As the machine whirred and stopped on three bells, a cascade of coins spilled out. Excitement ensued, drawing more patrons and increasing the bar's lively atmosphere.
In a barbershop, two pinball machines were installed. Customers waiting for their turns played the machines, exchanging iron beads for a cent each. The machines became a hit, subtly blending gambling with entertainment.
One week later, Bill collected the data. He rushed to Hardy with the report, visibly excited.
"Boss, look at these numbers! We're set to make a fortune!"
The 20 slot machines had each made over $100 in profit, covering the initial investment in just one week. The 30 pinball machines each earned over $30 weekly.
"Boss, Simon calculated that with 200 slot machines and 400 pinball machines, the annual profit would exceed $1.6 million," Bill reported.
"This is more profitable than dealing drugs," Bill added.
"However, some machines were confiscated by the police. The key issue now is handling the police," Bill noted.
Hardy considered this. "Bill, are you willing to meet with the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department?" Hardy asked with a smile.
Bill was taken aback. As a gang member, he naturally harbored a deep-seated apprehension toward the police.
"You want me to bribe him?" Bill asked.
"Exactly. Establish a connection and preemptively address any potential issues. This will ensure the slot machine business can thrive," Hardy explained.
Bill, despite his fears, agreed. "I'll arrange the meeting."
Hardy, confident in Bill's determination, prepared him for the meeting.
They discussed strategy for over two hours, focusing on how to handle the situation with the police.
Ed, the 46-year-old police chief with two years in his role, had an extensive career and strong connections. His current mistress, Rila, was a high-profile woman he was involved with, a fact that contributed to his arrogance.
As Ed left his mistress and headed toward his car in the dark, he was approached by Bill, who introduced himself.
"Hello, Director Ed. I'm Bill Pitt," Bill said with a smile.
Ed, suspicious, replied coldly, "And who might you be? What do you want?"
"I'd like to discuss something with you," Bill said.
"Are you causing trouble?" Ed asked.
Bill simply replied, "I'm here to resolve issues."
The two got into Ed's car. Bill presented an envelope filled with $10,000. Ed, experienced in such matters, immediately recognized the bribe attempt.
"You're trying to bribe the chief of police. That's a felony with a heavy prison sentence," Ed warned.
Bill, unfazed, introduced himself as Dani's nephew, claiming Dani had retired and passed the Spanish Gang's control to him.
Ed's expression shifted from surprise to concern. He realized the implications of what Bill was saying. Dani had always been manipulative and ruthless. The sudden shift in power and the fact that Dani had supposedly retired was suspect.
"I don't know Dani. Leave now," Ed ordered, preparing to investigate Bill's claims.
Bill was prepared for this resistance. He presented photos showing Ed with various women, indicating potential scandals.
Ed's face paled as he recognized the images from his past.
Bill made it clear, "I know you carry a gun, but we have four men in the car behind us. Any attempt to resist, and they'll make sure you don't get out of this car alive."
Ed, realizing the gravity of the situation, relented.
"What do you want?" Ed asked through gritted teeth.
Bill smiled. "It's simple: cooperation."
Bab 67: Chapter 67 – Turning on Tame Attributes
"Cooperate, how exactly?" Director Ed asked, looking at Bill with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"It's simple," Bill said with a smirk. "We need you to help protect our business. Recently, we've started a new venture, placing game consoles in bars and convenience stores. I'm sure you've noticed the influx of slot machines and pinball machines on our turf."
Ed nodded. "I've heard reports about these machines."
"Yes, it's a modest business. If you could occasionally instruct the police to seize a few machines to keep the reporters quiet, but ensure it doesn't disrupt our operations," Bill continued. He then handed the money back to Ed, tempting him with the bribe.
The allure of money was irresistible. Ed, recognizing the consequences of refusal—ruin and imprisonment—accepted the bribe with a resigned sigh, shoving it into his pocket.
Bill observed Ed's reaction with satisfaction. Hardy's plan to bend the powerful to their will was proving effective.
"Director Ed, I'll be on my way now. You have my number. If anything comes up, don't hesitate to call," Bill said, closing the car door behind him.
As Bill left, Ed's expression remained grim. The feeling of being controlled and threatened was unsettling. The evidence Bill had presented made it clear that refusal could lead to his downfall. Cursing Dani and his machinations, Ed smoked several cigarettes, struggling with his sense of helplessness.
Eventually, he resigned himself to the situation, hoping that one day he could escape this entanglement when he retired from his position.
---
Bill, on the other hand, was elated. He had successfully coerced the Los Angeles Police Chief into submission—a real achievement. He relished the power of controlling figures who, despite their public authority, could be manipulated through their vulnerabilities.
Back at the security company, Bill recounted his experience to Hardy with enthusiasm. "Boss, you wouldn't believe the thrill of making a big shot like that bend to your will. I love this feeling."
Hardy, noting Bill's excitement, wondered if this marked the beginning of a troubling trend in Bill's character.
"Bill, continue ordering more slot machines and pinball machines. Let's fully expand this business," Hardy instructed.
"Understood, boss. I'll send someone to San Francisco to place the order," Bill confirmed.
"Tomorrow, I'm heading to Las Vegas. Keep an eye on things here," Hardy said.
"Are you meeting with Mr. Siegel?" Bill asked.
"That's right."
"With our control over this territory, can we officially form a gang now?" Bill asked eagerly.
Hardy, preparing for his trip, boarded the plane to Las Vegas. To his surprise, he found that the flight was the same as before, with the same pilot making the same announcement.
Las Vegas in April was hot and dry. Upon arrival, Hardy was greeted by the same bodyguard who had picked him up previously.
"Mr. Hardy, Mr. Siegel is expecting you at the construction site," the bodyguard said.
At the Flamingo Casino construction site, Hardy noted the significant progress. What had been a clearing last time was now a building under renovation, with the main structure completed.
Siegel, tanned and lean from his efforts, greeted Hardy warmly. "Last time you were here was right after Christmas. Look at the progress now."
"How soon until it's finished?" Hardy asked.
Siegel replied, "I expect the main structure will be complete by May or June next year. But that's just the beginning. I want it to be the most luxurious casino in the world, with stunning decor and top-notch equipment."
Hardy then informed Siegel about the takeover of the Spanish Gang. "Dani is dead, and I've taken control of the Spanish Gang's territory."
Siegel was taken aback. "Dani is dead?"
"Yes, he died in Colombia, though the official story is that he's simply retired," Hardy explained.
Siegel, puzzled, asked, "There were no reports of large-scale conflicts. How did you manage it?"
"I used strategic methods to avoid a major conflict. I replaced the leaders swiftly and quietly," Hardy detailed.
Impressed, Siegel looked at Hardy with admiration. "You've done an excellent job. The way you took over the Spanish Gang's territory is even more exciting than my endeavors in Los Angeles. I promised that if you succeeded, you'd be able to form your own gang. You can now take on that role."
Hardy shook his head. "Mr. Siegel, I don't want to be the leader of a gang. My focus is on legitimate business. I plan to have my brother, Bill Pitt, lead the gang."
Siegel was surprised by Hardy's decision, but he respected it. Hardy's vision for the future was clear, and Siegel acknowledged his choice to delegate the gang leadership to Bill.
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