Chapter 14: I'm Sworn Enemies with Gambling and Drugs

Ever since applying for the concealed carry permit, Carter's daily routine had an additional stop. Now, Carter's daily schedule consisted of attending classes in the morning, having lunch at school, going to the bank in the afternoon to finish his homework, and then following up on loan and depositor withdrawal matters. Finally, when the bank closed, he would go to the police station to learn how to handle firearms from Carlos.

As for the theoretical study time required for the concealed carry permit, Carlos waved it off for Carter. It was similar to studying for the theoretical part of a driver's license exam in future China. Anyone who studied all the theoretical material seriously would practically become a god. It was incredible!

These exams mostly consisted of common sense safety questions. As long as one had a normal brain and no antisocial or anti-human tendencies, it was almost impossible to fail the theoretical exam.

Today marked Carter's fifth day at Blake Bank. Just like the previous two days, Carter arrived at the bank early after leaving school. After exchanging greetings with the security guard at the entrance, Carter went straight upstairs, ready to tackle his homework first.

Just like the previous days, Carter was alone when he went upstairs. However, this time, he noticed something strange. More than just Carter was going upstairs—Goodman was sneakily following right behind him into the office.

"Uncle Goodman, what's going on?" Carter asked with a hint of amusement as he watched Goodman's cautious behavior, closing the door and glancing around as if the walls had ears. At the same time, he didn't forget to take out his homework book from his bag.

"Carter, brace yourself for this news I'm about to tell you!"

Goodman pressed his palm down on Carter's homework book, halting Carter's attempt to retrieve it, and stared at him, speaking each word slowly and deliberately.

"Six million! Six million one hundred twenty thousand! In cash!"

"Huh? What six million?" Carter didn't grasp it immediately, but then it seemed like he realized something. "You mean, you borrowed six million? No, six million one hundred twenty thousand dollars?"

How was that even possible?

Carter was dumbfounded. Blake Bank, including customer deposits, had a total asset of just over three million. Even if they got a premium in the market from other banks after their closure, it wouldn't double the amount, would it? How could they borrow six million?

"That's right, six million! Ever since news spread within the industry about Blake Bank borrowing funds at around 14% interest, everyone's gone crazy. Banks from Macon, Savannah, Columbus, and all over Georgia are eager to lend us money. However, they're all doing it with the intention of profiting, and they're very concerned about the risks of lending, so the amounts they're lending are not substantial. Surprisingly, the largest loan comes from the Federal Savings Bank of Atlanta, which lent us five hundred thousand dollars, but after our last tally, we realized we've unwittingly borrowed a huge sum of money!"

"But with this much money, Carter, you need to tell me how you plan to use it. Even in New York, this amount is significant, and while the returns might be high, the risks would also be greater. What if—"

Goodman's excitement and apprehension mixed as he explained the situation to Carter. Such an excess of funds meant that his commission would also be unimaginably high, but as a man with a conscience, Goodman was more concerned about Carter's future.

It wasn't just six million, Carter was now upgraded from being a "little brother" to at least a "big brother," if not yet a "father."

"Wait, hold on a second. Uncle Goodman, did you just say that the Federal Savings Bank of Atlanta lent us five hundred thousand?"

Carter's concern deepened with the arrival of this huge sum of money, but at this moment, he was more concerned about another issue. Did he mishear? The Federal Savings Bank of Atlanta?

Unlike their small private bank, the Federal Savings Bank was not only a large bank but also had a slight official attribute. After all, it was one of the twelve reserve banks distributed nationwide by the Federal Reserve System. In layman's terms, it was the reserve bank established by the Federal Reserve in Atlanta.

"Yes, any problem? Shouldn't we approach them? Didn't you say before that we should also borrow from the Fed?"

"No, no problem. It's just a bit... unbelievable."

Carter's expression was a bit strange, as he realized something. He wanted to use future Fed policies to make some money, but he ended up hoodwinking the Fed itself? Would he disappear from the face of the earth in the future?

"It's indeed unbelievable; this amount of money is just too much. So, Carter, what's your plan? I believe I have the right to know? Even if it's just to act on your behalf."

Goodman nodded, fully agreeing with Carter's "idea."

"No, not yet. It's not urgent for now. In two months, when I come back, I'll tell you the answer."

It was still the same routine—two months later when he returned from his trip. If Volcker didn't come into office, he was quite sure, if he did, Goodman would be needed to execute the plan, and it would be fine to tell him then. And if Volcker didn't come into office...

Then he should hurry up and think about how to skip town with the money.

If it were just five million dollars in debt, he could scrape together the money, even if he owed a lot, he could find a way and have a chance to repay. But if it were ten million, sorry, even selling both kidneys wouldn't be enough. If he didn't run now, would he wait to get the knife?

"You're right. You said two months. Two months is two months. I'll definitely need to know your plan in two months. This not only concerns the future of Blake Bank but also my own future. I have to be responsible for my future!"

"As agreed, I'll tell you everything in two months!"

Pushing away the worried Goodman, Carter sat back at his desk and opened his homework book. However, what used to be simple problems now seemed like "six million" to him.

Clearly, at this moment, Carter's mind was clouded by money. In two lifetimes, let alone six million dollars, Carter hadn't even seen six million RMB.

Despite his reliance on foresight, at this moment, he couldn't help but feel a bit jittery, his legs weak. Extreme excitement and extreme worry intertwined in his heart, making Carter feel exceptionally suffocated, needing something to stimulate his emotions and help him calm down.

What could he do? Carter glanced at the cigarettes on the table; he had already smoked two, but it was futile. How about smoking some weed?

Carter shook his head. Screw that. He and gambling and drugs were sworn enemies! Wait a minute, the solution to his emotional problem seemed to suddenly become clear.

"Goodman, please call two, um, female workers for me. I need to calm down a bit."