Bab 149: Chapter 149: The Importance of Guiding Public Opinion
Director Ed was deeply troubled that evening. The gunfire echoing through Los Angeles was intense, almost like a war zone. He was at a loss about how to explain the situation the next day.
"What if the mayor asks about this?" he worried.
"How should I handle the panicked public?"
He wondered how he would respond to the reporters.
If it turned out to be a gang war, he would be held responsible.
Henry had contacted Chief Ed, and they met on a quiet street. Ed got into Henry's car, leaving the driver behind. The two were now alone in the vehicle.
"Chief Ed, you need to do something," Henry said with a reassuring smile.
"Seriously? With gunfights everywhere and so many casualties, I'm lucky just to hold onto my position," Ed replied, his face reflecting his distress.
Henry chuckled. "So, what do you think happened tonight?"
Ed looked confused. "What do you mean? Isn't it because two gangs clashed, causing all these casualties?"
Henry shook his head. "No, that's not quite right. Here's the real story: the North Shore Gang, a notorious criminal organization entrenched in Los Angeles, was the target. You, Chief Ed, have been working hard to eliminate them, and recently, you discovered they were planning a major drug deal. The police, with support from HD Security, launched a raid. During the operation, they faced fierce resistance but ultimately managed to dismantle the drug operation and take down many criminals."
Ed's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that really what happened?"
"Absolutely. As the police chief, you know the details better than anyone. The police and HD Security did engage in a major operation tonight. Who can deny that?" Henry said.
Ed's shock turned into excitement. If Henry's version was true, he could be portrayed as a hero who cracked a major case and dismantled a dangerous gang.
"Drugs? Where did they come from?" Ed asked.
"Don't worry, we have everything prepared for you," Henry said with a smile.
Ed's enthusiasm grew. "If that's the case, the police not only did a great job but will also be praised. Can anyone question that?"
"Whether they believe it or not is up to you. Gather the reporters, hold a press conference, and make sure the story is presented our way. If any incorrect reports come out, the Los Angeles Police Department will reserve the right to take action," Henry instructed.
Ed nodded eagerly. "Yes, we need to control the narrative. As long as public opinion is on our side, people won't doubt us."
When Ed stepped out of the car, his earlier frown had been replaced by a satisfied smile. This was a chance for a significant win.
Back at the police station, Ed immediately organized the police to set up checkpoints at various intersections. Reporters were directed to the police station for a press conference.
Meanwhile, the Bill Gang had attacked North Shore Gang operations, encountering only minimal resistance before taking control. The North Shore Gang, already stretched thin by their involvement in the night's chaos, was overwhelmed by Bill's forces.
The North Shore Gang's sites revealed substantial drug supplies—nearly 50 kilograms—which Bill ordered loaded onto trucks and delivered directly to Chief Ed.
The North Shore Gang's resistance against the HD Security team was ineffective. Many were either defeated or surrendered, leading to the complete dismantling of their operations.
That night, many Los Angeles residents were jolted awake by the sounds of gunfire. The streets were busy with passing vehicles and sirens blaring. People speculated about a major event unfolding in the city.
Curious reporters ventured out, hoping to capture the breaking news. They found intersections guarded by police officers, who directed them to the police station for a press conference.
At 3 a.m., around thirty to forty reporters from various news outlets gathered in the police station's large conference room. A large pile of items covered with a cloth stood in the center of the stage.
Director Ed entered with a confident smile. As soon as he appeared, reporters bombarded him with questions.
"Mr. Director, what happened tonight? Were there gunfights throughout Los Angeles?"
"Witnesses reported numerous casualties. Is that true?"
"Are several major gangs involved in tonight's events?"
Ed calmly raised his hands to silence the room. "I understand your concerns. I will provide a full account of the events tonight, and I believe it will clarify everything."
He continued, "Tonight's operation was initiated by the Los Angeles Police Department, targeting the North Shore Gang, a criminal organization entrenched in our city. The North Shore Gang has long been involved in serious criminal activities. I vowed to eradicate them when I took office."
Ed explained that undercover agents had infiltrated the North Shore Gang and discovered their plans for a large-scale drug transaction. The police, supported by HD Security, launched a raid that faced intense resistance. The gunfire heard by residents was a result of this operation.
"The Los Angeles Police Department is committed to maintaining order and protecting our citizens. We faced numerous challenges but successfully eliminated this criminal threat," Ed declared, raising his voice for emphasis.
He pointed to the covered pile. "These are the items seized tonight."
The cloth was removed to reveal a large cache of weapons and drugs. The flashes of cameras lit up the room as reporters took pictures.
Director Ed stood proudly beside the display. Once the photos were taken, he continued, "Tonight's operation resulted in over 80 gangsters eliminated, more than 200 arrests, and over 500 weapons seized, along with five tons of drugs."
He praised HD Security for their significant role in the operation and highlighted the overall drop in crime rates since their involvement.
"Initially, there were critics of hiring HD Security, but the results speak for themselves. The investment in public safety is clearly worthwhile," Ed concluded.
The press conference wrapped up with Ed's final reminder to reporters: "Please focus on the official information and avoid speculative content. Misreporting will have consequences."
The next morning, headlines across Los Angeles praised the police and HD Security for their successful operation against the North Shore Gang. Residents were relieved and satisfied with the outcome, praising Chief Ed and the security team for their efforts. The mayor also called Ed to commend him on handling the situation effectively.
"Ed, regardless of the truth, what matters is that the public is satisfied. That's a measure of our success," the mayor said with approval.
Bab 150: Chapter 150: Los Angeles’ No. 1 Gang - "Los Angeles Company"
Early morning, Hardy sat at his desk, surrounded by a stack of newspapers. He had asked for copies of every major paper so he could scrutinize them thoroughly. The media coverage was almost uniformly in line with the narrative Hardy wanted: portraying the recent gang violence as a successful police crackdown on drug dealers.
Hardy knew the power of public opinion. A single word could make or break reputations, and with the right spin, the gang conflict had been recast as a story of police triumph. Public fear was calmed, politicians were shielded from blame, and the North Shore Gang was effectively erased from the city's concerns. Hardy was the main beneficiary of this well-crafted narrative.
Bill entered the office, looking tired but visibly excited. "Boss, the figures are in. We've taken over twelve properties from the North Shore Gang, including their headquarters. We found 1.28 million dollars in cash, along with a large stock of supplies—more than 30 racehorses and hundreds of greyhounds. These assets are incredibly valuable."
Hardy nodded. "And the management of these assets?"
"Don't worry about that now," Bill replied. "Focus on clearing out the site. The Irish have many partners, so once the site is stabilized, we'll start distributing the assets."
"Understood," Hardy said. "What about the Jewish gang?"
Bill's expression grew somber. "It's not good. The Jewish gang is in chaos. After the deaths of Mr. Seagal and Boss Fred, and the attack last night, they're extremely anxious. I've been in touch with them, and they're worried."
"Let's address it," Hardy decided. "Contact Alan Payne and arrange a meeting with the Jewish gang representatives. I want to handle this personally."
Bill complied, and shortly after, Alan arrived at the office, looking exhausted from the previous night's events.
"Alan, how are things with the Jewish gang?" Hardy asked.
Alan shook his head. "It's a mess. The deaths of Mr. Seagal and Boss Fred have thrown everything into turmoil. There have been attacks on our operations—tobacco warehouses, casinos. The situation is dire."
"The Jewish gang is vulnerable," Hardy said. "If we don't act decisively, the remaining Irish factions will seize the opportunity. I need to know if the Jewish gang can withstand another attack."
The room fell silent. The Jewish gang leaders, already anxious and on edge, exchanged worried glances. Hardy's words had struck a nerve. The mention of Raymond, the formidable force behind the attacks, made the threat seem even more imminent.
As Hardy and Bill entered, the tension in the room was palpable. Hardy greeted everyone with a nod. "Good morning. I came here to discuss the future of the Jewish gang. Siegel was my boss, and the Jewish gang was his property. I don't want to see it disappear."
Surprised murmurs filled the room. "Mr. Hardy, why would you say the Jewish gang might disappear?" someone asked.
Hardy explained, "The Irish saw an opportunity in the chaos of the mafia conflict. Yesterday, the Corleone family was attacked, and last night, they retaliated, killing several key figures. With Mr. Seagal and Fred dead, the Irish aim to take control of Los Angeles and specifically target the Jewish gang."
Alan confirmed Hardy's assessment. "It's true. Last night, I was threatened by Hemiweis to either bring the Jewish Gang into the North Shore Gang or face death. They made it clear they would target our industries if I didn't comply."
Hardy continued, "This attack involves not just the North Shore Gang but also other Irish forces, with Raymond as the mastermind behind it."
The room grew quiet. Raymond's name alone was enough to unsettle everyone. The Jewish gang was in no position to withstand such a powerful adversary.
Bill, standing beside Hardy, surveyed the leaders of the Jewish gang. One of them finally spoke up. "Brothers, Mr. Hardy is right. The mafia is in disarray, and no one will protect us. Although Hemiweis was dealt with, we can't be sure others won't come for us."
He turned to his allies. "I propose we merge with the Bill Gang. The Jewish Gang was originally Mr. Siegel's property, and we were once part of the same family."
Another leader quickly agreed. "I support merging into the Bill Gang."
One by one, the leaders voiced their agreement. In the end, all eyes turned to Alan.
Alan, having anticipated this outcome, nodded. "Mr. Hardy, you saved me from Hemiweis. Given the Jewish Gang's situation, I fully support merging with the Bill Gang."
Hardy addressed the room. "Is there anyone who opposes this merger? If anyone has objections, now is the time to voice them. I want no discord over this."
The leaders, understanding the dire situation, remained silent. No one dared to oppose the merger, recognizing that joining the Bills was a far better option than facing an uncertain and perilous future alone.
"Agreed," came the unified response.
Thus, the Jewish gang formally merged into the Bill Gang, ceasing to exist as an independent entity.
The next day, at a meeting of the newly formed Bill Gang, Hardy announced significant changes. "With the merger, the name 'Bill Gang' no longer fits. From now on, we are officially known as the 'Los Angeles Company.'"
The merger also brought major changes to the organization's structure. The gang transitioned from its traditional model to a corporate system. Bill Pitt was appointed President, Alan Payne as Vice President, and Charles Simon as Finance Director, with various action team leaders and business managers taking on new roles.
In summary, the Los Angeles Company had emerged from the merger stronger and more organized, ready to dominate the city's underworld.
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