บท 135: Chapter 135: The Next Opponent—The Five Big Families
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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.
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