Bab 134: Chapter 134: Shocking Change—The Godfather Is Assassinated
---
"Ring, ring, ring!"
The phone on the desk rang. Hardy answered, "This is Jon Hardy."
"Hardy, it's Siegel. I'm back in Los Angeles," Siegel's voice came through, tinged with a sense of defeat.
"Mr. Siegel, where are you now?" Hardy asked.
"I'm at Fred's place."
Even though the Flamingo Casino had failed, Siegel still had the support of the Jewish gang and the nominal Bill's gang.
"I'll be right over."
Hardy drove to Fred's house. It was similar to Taylor's residence—neither a manor nor a small villa, but comfortably situated.
In the study, Siegel was smoking a cigarette, looking more than a little despondent. From the beginning, he had been full of enthusiasm for the casino's construction, but a series of problems had led to its downfall. Even Siegel's tough demeanor couldn't mask his discomfort.
"There were so many issues on opening day. I had a feeling it was going to fail, and it did," Siegel sighed.
"It's not all bad. The casino is still there, and it can reopen in the future," Hardy offered in consolation.
"Yes, I plan to continue with the original plan. I believe the Flamingo will rise from the ashes," Siegel said determinedly.
Hardy had a hunch that Siegel might be seeking more financial help.
"Hardy, I've reached out to many friends, but no one can help. I hope you can assist me," Siegel said, his voice tinged with desperation.
"You need to borrow money?" Hardy asked.
"Lend me $2 million, and I'll use all the Flamingo shares I hold as collateral. Once the casino is completed, it will turn a profit, and I'll repay you swiftly," Siegel explained.
Hardy had guessed right. Siegel was asking for a substantial amount. With his current financial stability, Hardy could provide the funds, but he preferred not to handle it directly to avoid high taxes. Instead, he planned to have "Playboy" magazine invest the money.
"Mr. Siegel, I don't have that much liquid cash on hand right now. How about we arrange for 'Playboy' magazine to make the loan? I can have the necessary agreements drawn up," Hardy suggested.
Siegel agreed. "Thank you, Hardy."
"No thanks needed."
The mood in the room lightened, and Siegel expressed his admiration for "Playboy" magazine. "Your idea is brilliant. I've seen 'Playboy'—the photos are alluring, not overtly explicit, but still incredibly enticing."
Siegel continued, "It must be quite profitable?"
"We earn about $1 per issue," Hardy replied.
"That's impressive. I've invested over $8 million in the casino and am still losing money, while you've made a significant profit with 'Playboy.' That's remarkable," Siegel said with a touch of envy.
Siegel had come to respect Hardy's success and saw the relationship as mutually beneficial.
"Mr. Siegel, I have a manor that's been renovated but is still vacant. You're welcome to stay there," Hardy offered.
Siegel declined, "I'll return to Las Vegas once I have the money."
The following day, Siegel pledged his 43% stake in the Flamingo Casino, receiving the $2 million from "Playboy," and hurried back to Las Vegas. Hardy now owned 61% of the casino's shares, with the agreement stipulating that if Siegel did not repay the loan and interest within three years, the shares would permanently belong to "Playboy."
---
March 13.
The annual Academy Awards were underway at the Sacred Citizen Auditorium in Los Angeles, a grander event than the Golden Globe Awards. Crowds and reporters gathered outside, cheering for the stars as they arrived.
Ingrid Bergman received adoring cheers, as did Vivien Leigh and Rita Hayworth. Hardy arrived with Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor, and Heidi Ramah, each of them attracting attention.
The four entered the venue together. The audience particularly cheered for Ava Gardner, whose success in film and music had made her a standout. Heidi Ramah also had many admirers, thanks to "Playboy," though Elizabeth Taylor was less noted, given her recent lack of significant roles.
Inside, Tyler tugged on Hardy's sleeve and whispered, "Mr. Hardy, I want everyone to cheer for my name in the future."
Hardy smiled and whispered back, "I believe you'll achieve that, and I'll help you too."
The awards ceremony began. "Red Dead Redemption" was nominated for seven awards, including Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Original Song, Best Director, Best Photography, and Best Film Editing.
While the film didn't win Best Actor or Best Director, it did secure awards for Best Screenplay and Best Original Song. Hardy, representing HD Pictures, received applause as the studio gained further recognition.
Ava Gardner, holding the little golden man, expressed her gratitude and revealed that Hardy was behind the creation of "Scarborough Fair" and the whistle in "Red Dead Redemption."
The audience reacted with amazement, acknowledging Hardy's impressive achievements across multiple industries.
---
At the end of the awards party, a grand reception took place. Hardy mingled with celebrities, many eager to meet the new Hollywood mogul. By the end of the night, Hardy was slightly inebriated.
He dropped Tyler and Heidi off before heading home with Ava. As they settled in, Ava looked at the two Oscars on the bed with a satisfied smile, her dream fulfilled.
The next morning, Ava was preparing breakfast when the phone rang. Hardy answered, still groggy.
"This is Hardy."
"Hardy, this is Mike. I need your help," came the urgent voice of Mike Corleone.
Hardy immediately perked up. "Mike, what happened?"
"Last night, my father was assassinated. Two killers shot him multiple times. He survived, but he's unconscious. I found out that someone is still trying to harm him. I need your help, Hardy," Mike said gravely.
Hardy was stunned. The godfather had been targeted. "Mike, don't worry. I'll be in New York tonight to protect Mr. Corleone. We can discuss the details when I arrive."
"Thank you, Hardy."
"No thanks needed. We're best friends."
---
Bab 135: Chapter 135: The Next Opponent—The Five Big Families
---
After ending the call, Hardy immediately dialed Andy. "Andy, arrange for two planes to New York as soon as possible. I need to bring some people with me."
"Understood," Andy replied, not asking for details.
Next, Hardy called Lanster. "Lanster, I need the intelligence, sniper, and action teams from the security company. Bring all necessary tools and weapons."
"Hardy, is something serious happening?" Lanster asked.
"Yes, the New York underworld is in chaos. I'm heading there to offer protection and deal with potential threats," Hardy explained.
"I'll be ready in thirty minutes," Lanster confirmed.
Hardy then changed clothes and went to the restaurant, where Ava was preparing breakfast. "I have to leave right away and won't be able to eat breakfast."
Ava looked up, surprised. "You're leaving so quickly you can't even have breakfast?"
"Yes, it's urgent," Hardy said.
Ava embraced him with a touch of sadness. "I was hoping to spend a day or two with you. If you leave now, it could be months before we see each other again."
"It's okay. The U.S. isn't that big. I'll visit you on set when I can," Hardy reassured her with a smile.
The team moved swiftly. Two planes were arranged, and when Hardy arrived at the airport, his security team was already assembled. The team, consisting of 70 members, included the intelligence group led by Henry, the sniper team led by Richard, and the action team with Matthew, Neal, Leo, and Kerry. They were all dressed in suits, trench coats, and top hats—the so-called "No. 3" outfits used for operations outside.
Each member carried a package with guns and various tools. Hardy boarded the plane with them, and after a steady flight, he gathered the team.
"We're heading to New York because Mike called. Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleone family, has been attacked and is in serious condition. The family is in disarray, and other major families might be involved. Our task is to help protect Mr. Corleone."
"This is a significant challenge. We're facing the five major families of New York. They're powerful, so we need to be cautious."
"Don't worry, boss. We've faced danger before. We're experienced veterans. We've dealt with gangsters and more; the Mafia doesn't intimidate us," Matthew said confidently.
The flight was long. As Hardy sat deep in thought, Henry approached him.
"Boss, I have a suggestion."
"Go ahead," Hardy said.
"Let's buy two planes. We often travel, and having our own planes would save time and avoid the hassle of finding one at the last minute," Henry proposed.
Hardy considered it. With his expanding business ventures—such as Walsh Mines, Ace of Spades Winery, casinos, and more—having private jets would be beneficial.
"How much are these planes?" Hardy asked.
"I've checked. The DC-3 passenger plane, also known as the C47 freighter, costs around $186,000 new," Henry said.
At that price, buying two planes was feasible for Hardy. "Alright, let's purchase two when we return."
After more than ten hours of flight, the planes landed at New York Airport at 8 p.m. Hardy chose not to notify Mike for a pickup.
Instead, they took a taxi to a closed car dealership. The owner, seeing a group of serious men in trench coats, feared a robbery.
"How many cars do you have here?" Henry asked.
Relieved it wasn't a robbery, the owner replied, "We have 17 cars—Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Lincoln, Buick, Mercury."
"Great, we'll take all of them. Calculate the total and give us a discount," Henry said.
The owner, thrilled by the large sale, agreed. The final price for the 17 cars was $35,000. Henry paid in cash, and after filling up the cars with gas, the team drove off.
With so many people in New York, having a fleet of cars was essential. Hardy, now a significant figure, found this practical for future operations.
Hardy used a public phone booth to call Mike with the number he had. The call connected quickly.
"Mike, this is Hardy. I've arrived in New York."
Mike's relief was palpable. "Where are you? I'll come to meet you now."
Hardy provided the address. Twenty minutes later, Mike arrived in a car and greeted Hardy with a hug.
"You arrived quickly. I didn't expect you to be here so soon," Mike said, noting the impressive number of cars.
"I brought quite a few. There's a whole row parked behind," Hardy said, pointing to the cars.
Mike was amazed. "How many people did you bring?"
"I brought 70," Hardy replied.
Mike was astonished. Hardy's strength was now evident, surpassing that of any traditional gangster family.
"How is your father?" Hardy asked.
"Still unconscious. He was shot five times but is still alive," Mike said solemnly.
Mike recounted the events leading up to the attack. Vito Corleone had been shot while buying fruit, suffering five gunshot wounds. The Corleone family was in turmoil, with Sonny, the eldest son, taking charge but lacking strategic vision. Mike had been forced into hiding after being attacked by corrupt police.
Hardy, familiar with "The Godfather," knew the Corleone family would be pressured to join the drug trade. Mike's efforts to protect his father and deal with the corrupt police and drug dealers were commendable.
"I have a few suggestions," Hardy said.
"Go ahead," Mike responded.
"I'll send a small, highly trained team to guard Mr. Corleone. They're Marine Corps veterans and will provide superior protection. Also, I need a few local experts who know the New York environment and can help us navigate the situation," Hardy proposed.
"Alright, I'll arrange for the local experts," Mike agreed.
Hardy prepared for the challenges ahead, knowing he would be facing powerful adversaries. His strategy was to remain vigilant, respect his opponents' strength, and leverage his resources and expertise to handle any situation that might arise.
---
Status Power Mingguan
200+ Peringkat
Power 
3 Power
stone Anda mungkin juga menyukai
Komentar Paragraf