The old godfather was finally discharged from the hospital. After more than a month of treatment, his injury had completely stabilized, and he could now return home for recovery. He was taken back to Corleone Manor.
Hardy visited the old godfather, who looked at him with gratitude. "Hardy, I want to thank you again for staying in New York for a month and a half to help Mike."
"You're welcome. I hope you recover soon," Hardy replied.
Hardy hadn't expected to stay in New York for so long. When he arrived, it was raining and sleeting; now, the city was blooming. However, the extended stay had been beneficial. Not only had he assisted Mike, but he had also strengthened ties with the Corleone family, acquired an airline through the Empty Glove White Wolf, gained friends in high places like General Williams, and secured a lieutenant general consultant for HD Security.
"Mr. Vito, I'm going to bid you farewell and head back to Los Angeles," Hardy said.
The old godfather nodded. "You have so much business to handle. If you need help from the Corleone family in the future, don't hesitate to call. I have connections in New York, Washington, and the business world that might be of use."
Hardy appreciated the offer. With his business expanding, he could use all the support he could get.
After a family dinner at Corleone Manor, Hardy said his goodbyes, and Mike saw him off. At the entrance of the manor, Hardy gave Mike a pat on the shoulder. "Even though other families have paused their actions for now, stay vigilant. Call me if anything comes up."
Mike smiled. "I'll be careful."
---
At the airport, Hardy and his team prepared to return to Los Angeles. They had expanded their team since arriving, now comprising over 80 people, including Lanster, Andy's team, and the new president of HD Aviation, Franklin. Instead of chartering a plane, they flew back using their own aircraft, with Franklin planning to use Los Angeles as the West Coast hub.
Hardy, in his personal B-29 aerial fortress, was both uncomfortable and exhilarated. The plane landed smoothly at Los Angeles Airport. Before disembarking, Hardy instructed Franklin, "Find the aircraft manufacturer and transform this plane into a private airliner. Make it as quiet and comfortable as possible."
---
Back in Beverly Hills, Hardy settled into his manor. Though he had servants, he preferred solitude. After a shower, he sipped black tea while perusing the newspaper. An article caught his eye: HD Pictures announced their new film, "Human Ghosts Are Coming," with much anticipation.
Thinking of Heidi Ramah, Hardy called her. The phone rang a few times before her slightly lazy voice answered, "Who?"
"It's me," Hardy said.
"Oh, you're back."
"Yes, just arrived."
"If you have time tomorrow, I want to discuss the movie with you," Heidi said.
"I'd prefer you come over now," Hardy replied, a bit insistently.
Heidi hesitated, but Hardy arranged for the driver to pick her up.
After dinner, the two walked in the garden. Heidi remarked on the beauty of the house and suggested, "If you want it to be livelier, maybe find a wife and have a few kids."
Hardy shook his head. "I don't plan on getting married. I prefer having a different woman in every room."
Heidi was taken aback. "How many rooms do you have?"
"Thirty-two."
Heidi laughed. "That's quite ambitious."
---
That night, Heidi stayed over. Hardy, enjoying the company, spent the evening conversing with her.
The following day, Hardy played with Lori before she went home. As he enjoyed his peaceful life, significant events unfolded elsewhere.
---
In Sicily, Sonny Corleone, who had taken refuge there, was killed by a car bomb. His death was a blow to the Corleone family, who had been at odds with the Tatakilia family.
In New York, Mike was ambushed at a gas station. A group of gunmen fired at his car, killing two of his bodyguards. Mike survived, thanks to his driver's quick reflexes. The attack was a stark reminder of the ongoing danger.
In Las Vegas, Benjamin Siegel, known as Bugsy, was murdered at his home. Despite his efforts to make the Flamingo Casino a success, he was killed by gunmen who broke into his house. Fred, a prominent figure in the Los Angeles Jewish Gang, was also killed in the attack.
---
Back in Los Angeles, Hardy received urgent news from Henry. "Boss, Sonny was killed by a car bomb in Sicily."
Hardy was surprised. The story had deviated from the original narrative, with Sonny meeting his end before the expected plot events.
"What else?"
"Mike was ambushed at a gas station. His driver managed to fend off the attackers, but two of Mike's bodyguards died."
Hardy was relieved that Mike had survived but troubled by the escalating violence.
"And another piece of news: Siegel and Fred were killed in Las Vegas."
Hardy was stunned. "Siegel is dead?"
"Yes, Boss. Siegel and Fred are both dead."
Hardy sighed. Siegel had indeed met a grim fate, and the violence continued to disrupt the balance of power.
Hardy picked up the phone and dialed Corleone Manor. The line crackled with noise, and after identifying himself, he soon heard Mike's voice on the other end.
"Mike, are you okay?" Hardy asked.
"Thanks for checking, Hardy. I'm fine," Mike replied, his voice steady but strained.
"I heard about Sonny. It's a terrible loss," Hardy said.
Mike's tone hardened. "They pretended to want peace but attacked us from behind, killing Sonny and trying to kill me. The Corleone family will retaliate fiercely. This time, we're going to make sure they pay."
Hardy could sense the resolve in Mike's voice. He was rapidly growing into his role as a powerful godfather.
"Do you need any assistance?" Hardy asked.
Mike hesitated before answering. "The Corleone family in New York can handle things for now. But be cautious on your end. With Siegel's death, there might be a larger scheme targeting the West Coast."
Hardy had already suspected this. Someone was clearly eyeing Las Vegas and the West Coast. The identity and strength of the enemy were unknown, but it was clear that action was needed.
"Let's collaborate. You focus on the East Coast, and I'll manage the West Coast," Hardy proposed.
"Agreed," Mike responded firmly.
After ending the call, Hardy considered the implications of Siegel's death and what needed to be done next. Las Vegas was now vulnerable, and with Fred gone as well, the Jewish Gang was in turmoil.
He quickly formulated a plan and called Bill. "Bill, Fred is dead."
Bill's voice was filled with shock. "What? Fred is dead? Who did it?"
"I don't have all the details yet, but gunmen attacked Siegel's manor and killed both Siegel and Fred," Hardy explained.
"Mr. Siegel is dead too?" Bill echoed, stunned.
"Yes. I need you to mobilize the combat team and be on standby," Hardy instructed.
"I'll get them ready now," Bill replied.
Next, Hardy called Lanster. "You should be aware of the recent events. I'm concerned there might be significant upheaval on the West Coast. Ensure all combatants are on standby and that communication channels are open for emergencies."
"Understood," Lanster confirmed.
It was around 9 PM when Hardy arrived at HD Security's headquarters. Lanster, Henry, Richard, Matthew, and others were waiting in the conference room.
Hardy took his seat and began, "The major families in New York have attacked the Corleone family, killing Sonny and attempting to kill Mike. The Corleone family is preparing for revenge, which means the Mafia is heading into a civil war."
"Siegel and Fred's deaths were likely orchestrated by rival families. Their goal is more than just killing; they want to seize control of Las Vegas and the Jewish Gang's interests."
The room buzzed with tension as Hardy continued. "We need to decide our strategy for Las Vegas and the Jewish Gang."
Matthew, known for his bluntness, spoke first. "Boss, this is the perfect opportunity to take control of Las Vegas and the Jewish Gang."
Henry agreed. "With Siegel dead and Fred's position open, we should act quickly. If someone else takes over, they could become a future enemy."
The others concurred with Hardy's plan.
"Henry, contact Alan Payne and have him discuss the situation with Bill. Alan Payne is a key strategist for the Jewish Gang," Hardy directed.
Henry dialed Alan Payne's number, but there was no immediate response.
"Boss, Alan Payne isn't answering," Henry reported after some time.
Hardy frowned. "Richard, Kerry, come with me to Bill's. We need to ensure everything is under control."
"Understood," Richard and Kerry replied.
Henry was instructed to monitor all suspicious activities in Los Angeles. Lanster was to ensure that patrols were active and communication devices were ready for any emergencies.
---
**Los Angeles North Shore Gang**
Two cars arrived at the North Shore Gang's headquarters. A group of men in black quickly unloaded a handcuffed and hooded Alan Payne from the vehicle.
Inside the building, they threw Alan to the ground and removed his hood. Alan Payne, the Jewish Gang strategist, blinked against the harsh light and saw Hymi Weiss, leader of the North Shore Gang, and a middle-aged man standing with him.
Hymi Weiss approached with a smirk. "Alan Payne, didn't expect us to meet like this."
Alan Payne's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
"We want the Jewish Gang," Hymi Weiss said, his tone dripping with arrogance. "From now on, the Jewish Gang will be part of the North Shore Gang."
Alan was taken aback. "You think capturing me gives you control over the Jewish Gang? Don't forget, the Jewish Gang was under Fred's protection and Siegel's influence."
Hymi Weiss laughed. "Fred and Siegel are dead. It's that simple. Many wanted Siegel gone, and now he is."
The middle-aged man next to Weiss stepped forward and introduced himself. "I'm David, a member of the Irish Joint Commission, Raymond's deputy."
Alan's face paled. Raymond was a prominent figure in the Mafia world. The Irish Joint Committee was a powerful force.
"So it seems the Irish are targeting Los Angeles," Alan realized, his thoughts racing. "What happens now?"
Hymi Weiss gestured to David. "David here will take over the Jewish Gang. Join the North Shore Gang as our third-in-command, and you might just have a place."
Alan Payne was skeptical. Hymi Weiss's promises meant little. The real threat was the Irish Joint Committee's apparent plans for Los Angeles.
"You're not just targeting the Jewish Gang, are you?" Alan asked.
Hymi Weiss grinned. "Once we have the Jewish Gang, our next step will be to take down the Bill Gang."
The stage was set for a fierce battle as multiple forces converged on Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Hardy knew he needed to act quickly to secure his position and fend off the encroaching threats.
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