บท 295: Chapter 295: Endless Conflicts
The White House reception had concluded. Hardy and President Johnson spent a night at the hotel before heading to the Pentagon to visit Marshall the next day.
They discussed HD Security at length. Marshall expressed his eagerness to strengthen the partnership with Hardy's company.
After the meeting with Marshall, Hardy hurried to the airport and took his private jet back to Los Angeles.
On the plane, Hardy reflected on the past two days. He had strengthened his ties with Johnson, Acheson, and Marshall, and established new connections with politicians, families, and entrepreneurs. These relationships were valuable assets in his endeavors.
His thoughts then turned to Edgar Hoover. Hoover was a legendary figure in the U.S., having been the FBI Director since he was 29. Despite changing administrations, Hoover remained in power due to his extensive knowledge of political and personal secrets, which he used as leverage.
Hardy had felt an unsettling chill when Hoover had looked at him. Hoover's reputation for wielding information to threaten and control was well-known, and while many feared him, Hardy, with his background, was less intimidated. Still, he disliked the uneasy feeling Hoover's gaze had given him.
Hardy had heard rumors about Hoover's personal life and his penchant for gathering compromising material. He suspected Hoover might have investigated him as well, but Hardy remained cautious and considered potential vulnerabilities.
The flight to Los Angeles was a time for Hardy to devise countermeasures and plan for the future. As the plane landed in Los Angeles that evening, Hardy went straight to his security company's new headquarters, which had grown significantly from its original toy factory.
He summoned Henry to his office. "I have a task for you. It needs to be handled very discreetly, and there's no rush—take three, five, or even ten years if needed."
Henry stood attentively. "What's the task, boss?"
"I need you to investigate FBI Director Hoover and uncover any details about him," Hardy instructed.
Henry was taken aback. Hoover was a well-known figure, even more famous than Hollywood stars. The challenge of investigating someone so powerful and secretive was daunting.
Hardy leaned closer and whispered to Henry, "I've heard Hoover might be gay and have a relationship with FBI Deputy Director Clyde Thorson. They reportedly attend certain parties together, and Hoover is known to dress in women's clothing."
Henry was astonished by the revelation. The thought of such a powerful figure in such a compromising situation was shocking.
"This investigation must be extremely discreet. The FBI is powerful and could retaliate if this becomes public. Proceed carefully, and don't rush or reveal your findings," Hardy emphasized.
Henry acknowledged, understanding the gravity of the task. "I understand, boss. If this gets exposed, it could lead to serious trouble."
Hardy clapped Henry on the shoulder. "Remember, Hoover became FBI director at 29, and you established HD Intelligence at 27. It's a contest between powerful figures. If you can outmaneuver Hoover, it will be a significant achievement."
Hardy also instructed Henry to be vigilant about potential spies and intelligence threats within the company and to regularly check the communication equipment for any bugs.
After addressing these matters, Hardy contacted Lanster to discuss the future collaboration with the Defense Department and the accelerated development of his defense company. He also informed Lanster and Henry about his upcoming trip to Hong Kong, where they would need to find suitable candidates to oversee security and intelligence operations. Henry was also tasked with sending someone to Japan to assess the business situation there.
At over 9 p.m., Hardy had the driver take him to Irina's residence. Irina, now a prominent figure in Hollywood and ABC TV, lived in a villa near Beverly Hills, close to Elizabeth Taylor's home.
Hardy rang the doorbell. Mrs. Molly, the maid, welcomed him and agreed to prepare a simple dinner for him.
When Hardy entered the bedroom, he found Irina reading a book. She eagerly greeted him, leaping into his arms without any clothes on.
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In the UK, Princess Margaret was surprised to learn that Hardy had left earlier than expected. She was curious about his departure and wondered about his background.
Margaret reviewed the information on Hardy, discovering his rapid rise from a soldier to a billionaire in just a few years. His ventures included security companies, film studios, casinos, and more. She noted his involvement with popular films and Barbie dolls, which piqued her interest despite her disdain for him.
Margaret found herself intrigued by Hardy's personal connections, including Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor. She considered using this information to her advantage, contemplating a scheme to lure Hardy back to the UK by pretending that Taylor had been kidnapped.
Margaret's eyes glinted with a mix of intrigue and malice as she planned her next move.
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