章 6: Chapter 6: An Unexpected Trait
After killing Cook, Hardy made his way home with ease. As he passed by the Los Angeles River, he skillfully dismantled his gun and discarded the parts into the water, destroying the evidence.
Even if someone accuses him of murder in the future, without the weapon, his chances of being found guilty would be significantly reduced, and he might even be acquitted.
He took out the watch box, put the gold Rolex watch on his wrist, and threw the empty box into the river as well. Everything was perfect.
Back at Bill's house, Hardy turned on the stove and burned all the clothes he had worn, including the new suit and wool coat that cost him over seventy dollars. He washed away any blood in the bathroom and settled into bed, appreciating the comfort of a good rest after the battlefield.
He wondered about Bill's condition and hoped his brother would survive. He planned to visit him at dawn to see how things were and hoped Bill's recovery would bring some sense of justice for what happened.
Hardy quickly fell asleep and woke up past nine in the morning. He washed up, went out for breakfast, and grabbed a newspaper.
The headline on the front page caught his eye: "Gunfight on Brown Street Leaves Six Dead!"
The newspaper included photos of police carrying body bags and loading them into vehicles. The report stated that all six victims were members of the Spanish gang, with speculations about a possible gang feud triggering the incident. It warned the public to be cautious due to potential gang conflicts in Los Angeles.
Hardy recalled an interview with the police chief who had promised to catch the perpetrator and protect the public.
He flipped through several newspapers and found that they all covered the shooting. While most newspapers lacked valuable details, a few mentioned that the FBI had determined the work of a single gunman.
Nearby, a few guests were discussing the news:
"Did you see this morning's news? Six people from the Spanish gang were killed."
"Of course, it's on every headline in Los Angeles."
"I heard Cook was a major player in the Red Dani Gang. It's shocking to see him taken out like this."
"The newspaper says it was done by just one person. That's incredible."
"It must have been another gang. We might see more gang violence soon."
"Will the police do anything?"
"Ha! Do you really think they will protect the public as they claim? They're more focused on collecting money."
---
At Murphy's private clinic, Bill slowly opened his eyes. Sean and Ryder were by his side, and upon seeing him wake up, Ryder jumped with excitement.
"Boss, you're awake! I was so afraid you wouldn't make it."
Sean immediately slapped Ryder. "You need to be more considerate."
Ryder rubbed the back of his head, looking sheepish.
Bill, despite his weakness, managed a weak smile. "Seems like God wasn't too interested in talking to me."
Sean called for Dr. Murphy, who arrived shortly to examine Bill. After a thorough check, Dr. Murphy nodded and said, "You're lucky to be alive. I wasn't sure you'd pull through. With proper rest, you'll recover in three or four months. But be cautious; you won't always be so fortunate."
"Thank you, Doctor Murphy," Bill said.
Once Dr. Murphy left, Bill turned to Sean and whispered, "Now that the doctor's gone, could I have a cigarette?"
"Boss, the doctor said no smoking," Sean replied.
"Forget that. If life isn't worth living happily, it's better to die," Bill said, clearly frustrated.
Sean lit a cigarette and handed it to Bill. Bill took a drag but quickly coughed, wincing at the pain in his wound.
"Damn Cook, he attacked me unexpectedly. I'll make him pay once I'm better," Bill cursed.
"Boss, Cook is dead," Ryder said.
Bill was shocked. "Cook's dead? How did that happen?"
Sean handed Bill a newspaper. It reported that Cook and his five men had been killed at home, with suspicions of a gang feud.
Bill looked at Sean and asked, "Was it one of our guys?"
Sean shook his head. "It doesn't seem like it. The higher-ups checked, and they still don't know who did it. But the person who did it was impressive—taking out six people alone."
Sean's tone was filled with admiration.
---
After breakfast, Hardy visited the private clinic again. He opened the door to Bill's ward and saw Bill chatting with Sean and Ryder. He was relieved to see Bill awake.
"Bill, you're up," Hardy said, walking quickly to the bed.
"Tom, you're here," Bill responded, visibly pleased to see his friend.
Hardy assessed Bill's condition. Although Bill looked pale, he seemed to be in good spirits, indicating he might survive.
"I was really worried about you yesterday," Hardy said, patting Bill on the shoulder and taking out an envelope from his pocket. "Congratulations on pulling through. I brought you a little something."
Bill looked at the envelope with curiosity. "What's this?"
"Money!" Hardy said. "Since this whole mess hurt you, I helped you get it back."
Bill opened the envelope to find it filled with colorful banknotes in various denominations. Understanding dawned on him.
"Tom, did you kill Cook?" Bill asked, astonished.
Hardy nodded. "He wronged my brother, and I had to make him pay."
Bill was deeply touched. Despite his injury, Hardy had taken the initiative to avenge him.
Sean and Ryder looked on in shock, realizing that Hardy had been behind Cook's death. They marveled at his bravery and skill.
Bill smiled at Hardy. "You took action because you thought I might die. That's true brotherhood."
"The doctor gave you only a 30% chance of survival," Hardy replied.
"If I had died, the money would have been useless," Bill said with a faint smile.
"I'd burn it for you," Hardy said.
Bill was puzzled. "Burn it? What do you mean?"
It was clear that Bill didn't understand the traditional Chinese practice of burning paper money for the deceased.
Feeling a twinge of pain, Bill winced and adjusted his position. Sean and Ryder helped him sit up more comfortably.
"You two go outside. Tom and I need to talk. And remember, keep quiet about Cook," Bill instructed.
Sean and Ryder nodded and left the room.
"What do you need to talk about?" Hardy asked.
Bill looked at Hardy with serious eyes. "Tom, I need your help. The doctor said I'll be bedridden for three or four months. The territory I manage needs someone to oversee it. Could you assist me?"
"You want me to join the gang?" Hardy was surprised by the request.
"Just temporarily. You can leave after I recover, but if I don't manage things, I risk losing everything," Bill explained.
"What about Sean and Ryder?" Hardy asked.
Bill shook his head. "Sean can handle the accounts, but he lacks the courage. Ryder is impulsive and lacks leadership. You're the only one suited for the job."
"If I don't manage things, my territory will be taken by others. When I'm back, I might have to start over, and all my efforts would be wasted."
"I've just bought a new house for my family and still owe a lot to the bank. If I lose the territory and income, my family will have to move back to the old house in the countryside."
Bill's eyes showed a clear plea for help. Hardy thought for a moment. Since he hadn't found a suitable job, he decided to assist Bill.
"I'll help you manage it for a while, but will your gang be okay with this?"
Bill smiled. "I'll handle that."
As Bill spoke with Hardy, Fred and his second-in-command Alan Payne arrived at the private clinic.
Sean and Ryder, who were in the corridor, saw the two and quickly put out their cigarettes.
"How's Bill?" Alan asked.
"He's awake. Dr. Murphy says it's not serious, just needs three to four months of recovery," Sean replied.
They entered the ward and saw Hardy in the room. Fred and Alan exchanged curious glances, noting Hardy's presence.
Bill introduced Hardy. "Mr. Fred, Mr. Alan, this is my close friend Tom Hardy."
He then mentioned the envelope of money on the bed. "By the way, Tom helped recover Cook's money."
Fred, understanding the implication, scrutinized Hardy. Given that one person had taken down six others, Fred was impressed.
Fred admired Hardy's decisive action and boldness in avenging a friend.
"Tom Hardy," Fred said, "I see a trait in you that fits well with our world. How about joining the Jewish gang?"
Fred extended an invitation, intrigued by Hardy's potential.
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