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.
Bab 68: Chapter 68 – Wash White
After taking control of the Spanish gang's territory, Hardy had grander plans than just becoming a prominent gangster in Los Angeles. The gang era of the thirties to the fifties was a golden age, with many powerful figures wielding significant influence. However, as government crackdowns intensified, the gang's momentum waned, and many of these leaders were either imprisoned or killed. Hardy wasn't interested in fleeting glory.
Understanding the social and economic changes to come, Hardy knew there were better opportunities than a life in the underworld. He decided to keep a low profile and avoid the limelight, while letting Bill take charge of the gang operations. This strategy was about preserving his identity and preparing for legitimate business ventures.
Siegel, observing Hardy's intentions, asked, "Are you looking to follow my example and stay behind the scenes?"
"Essentially," Hardy confirmed.
"Do you trust your brother?" Siegel inquired.
"I do," Hardy replied.
Siegel pondered for a moment before agreeing. "Very well, I'll inform Fred about you. You'll be able to cooperate with him in the future."
"Thank you, Mr. Siegel," Hardy said.
Siegel responded, "Don't thank me. Your achievements are the result of your own hard work. Come with me; I want to show you my vision for this place."
As they walked through the Flamingo Casino construction site, Siegel passionately described his plans for the casino, which he treated as a work of art. Hardy admired Siegel's dedication, noting how meticulously he oversaw every detail, from the building's structure to the decor.
By the small river that had been dug to attract mountain water, Siegel expressed his frustrations about insufficient funds. He had invested $1.3 million of his own money, with other shareholders contributing $2.4 million, but he needed at least another $4 million to complete the project.
Hardy mentioned, "After taking over the Spanish gang's territory, our annual profit is about $450,000, not including drug-related activities."
Siegel did some quick calculations and noted that Hardy's share, at 40%, was only $180,000—a modest sum compared to the project's needs. However, Hardy also mentioned a new venture involving slot machines and pinball machines placed in bars and convenience stores, which could bring in around $300,000 annually.
Siegel saw potential in this additional revenue and promised to call in some favors to help with any potential police issues related to the slot machines.
Over the next two days, Siegel and Hardy continued their discussions, moving from a restaurant to a bar. Siegel lamented the absence of his partner, Virginia Hill, who had left for New York. Despite this, he introduced Hardy to local officials and helped establish connections for future endeavors.
Returning to Los Angeles, Hardy convened a meeting with his team at the security company. Bill and the others were thrilled to hear that Hardy was ready to formally establish a gang.
"It's good news, indeed," Hardy said with a smile. "I'm planning to formally form a gang, but Bill will take the lead."
Bill was initially surprised. "Boss, you've built all of this. Why make me the leader?"
Hardy explained, "I intend to separate our business into legitimate enterprises and gang activities. For the formal businesses like security, film, and economic companies, I'll need a legal identity. The gang side will be under Bill's leadership."
Bill understood, equating his role to that of a CEO with Hardy as the chairman. Hardy's strategy allowed him to maintain a clean image while still leveraging the gang's power.
With Hardy's decision, the "Red Dani" gang was rebranded as the "Red Bill" gang, with Bill as the new leader. The team was reorganized, with roles assigned to various members, while Hardy and his key personnel remained focused on legitimate business ventures.
The slot machine and pinball machine business flourished, becoming a significant source of revenue. Hardy planned to discuss a new business opportunity with Fred, aiming to expand their operations further.
As Hardy prepared for his meeting with Fred, the transformation of the Red Bill gang and the growth of their legitimate businesses marked a new chapter in Hardy's empire.
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