Chapter 42: I Will Be the Boss!
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Siegel invited Hardy to review his casino plans, but the site was still just a large construction area with little to show.
"Come and see my plan," Siegel said, pulling out a large, colorful blueprint from beneath the table. It was similar to modern renderings and featured the name: **Flamingo Casino**.
Hardy noted with interest that the name was exactly the same as in the future.
Siegel eagerly pointed to the drawing and explained his ambitious vision. With few people around, Siegel used this opportunity to share his ideas with Hardy.
"We're going to build a giant neon sign here, about 30 meters high. I want everyone who comes to Las Vegas to see the Flamingo sign and be drawn to it."
"The entrance will be a grand corridor lined with tall palm trees. I've ordered 300 of them from a top nursery. I want visitors to feel like they're entering an oasis, not just experiencing the usual hot, dry desert."
"The main attraction will be the Flamingo Casino itself. I instructed the construction company to use the finest materials and decorations to make it look magnificent. Visitors should feel like they're walking into a palace."
"Next to it, I'll build a small lake for relaxation and a swimming pool for tourists. I'm also digging a small river to supply all the water needed for the casino."
"At the back, I plan to construct a hotel and restaurant that can accommodate over 500 guests at a time."
Siegel also detailed additional facilities, including parking lots, shopping stores, tennis courts, sunbathing areas, and cinemas—almost everything one could imagine.
Even though Hardy came from the future, he was impressed by Siegel's vision. If realized as planned, this casino would become a premier destination for both gambling and entertainment.
"Mr. Siegel, how much do you estimate the total cost of this project to be?" Hardy asked.
"I'm not sure. I've raised $4 million so far, but I'm concerned it might not be enough," Siegel replied with a hint of worry.
He then added, "Don't worry. Once the construction is finished, investors will see the results and I'm confident they will invest more."
Hardy thought to himself, **You're planning a money grab.**
He remembered from movies that Siegel eventually failed due to overspending, resulting in the casino closing down and his death. Hardy knew Siegel was partnering with gangsters, but he wondered why they would kill him if the casino remained.
There might be unknown factors involved.
Hardy considered advising Siegel to simplify the project and open the casino sooner to avoid complications. However, he hesitated. Siegel was a very proud and perfectionist individual. It was unlikely his suggestions would make a difference, especially given his subordinate status.
After discussing the casino, Siegel, in a cheerful mood, asked Hardy, "So, what brings you to see me this time?"
Hardy had not disclosed his intentions on the phone, fearing he might reveal too much. He only mentioned it was something important.
Hardy placed his suitcase on the table, opened it to reveal stacks of cash, and said, "Mr. Siegel, this is $90,000. It's part of the proceeds from a recent deal."
Siegel's interest was piqued. Given their agreement to split profits three to seven, Hardy's $90,000 indicated he had earned $300,000, which was a significant sum.
"Tell me about the deal," Siegel urged.
Hardy explained the situation. The Spanish were expanding their drug trade, and the Spanish gang was attacked. With precise ambushes over several nights, Hardy's team managed to seize $300,000. He left out the detail about the 500 kilograms of drugs.
Siegel looked at Hardy with admiration and patted him on the shoulder. "You've done an excellent job, Hardy. You've exceeded my expectations."
Gathering his courage, Hardy said, "Mr. Siegel, I have an idea. Robbery isn't a long-term solution. For substantial and stable profits, it's best to have a steady and profitable business."
"What's your idea?" Siegel asked.
"I think if you take over the Spanish gang's territory and operate there, you could earn over $1 million a year," Hardy proposed.
Siegel regarded Hardy seriously before breaking into a smile. "Hardy, I appreciate young people with vision and drive. That's why I chose you. I saw in you a determination that Fred lacks."
Siegel mentioned how Fred had not advanced despite being given a site for years, while the Irish and Spanish continued to thrive. If Siegel had not been preoccupied with Hollywood and the Jewish gang, he might have already consolidated control over the Los Angeles underworld.
"I support you, Hardy!"
"If you can take down the Spanish gang, I'll allow you to form your own gang, making you the boss on equal footing with Fred."
This was Hardy's primary reason for visiting Las Vegas. He had prepared various arguments, but Siegel's immediate agreement to let him form a gang exceeded his expectations.
Siegel leaned in and said quietly, "Once you form your gang, your income won't be included in the Jewish gang's accounts. I want 40% of your total income, directly given to me."
Although Siegel controlled the Jewish gang, his annual income from it only made up about 10% of the total. Building Las Vegas cost him $1 million. If Hardy earned more than $1 million from the Spanish gang, Siegel's share would exceed the Jewish gang's income.
"Understood, Mr. Siegel," Hardy responded simply.
Siegel stood up, smiling broadly. "Enjoy your time in Las Vegas. Take in the sights and the beauty. I believe you'll come to love this place."
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**Evening**
Siegel took Hardy out for dinner and introduced him to Virginia Hill, a stunning woman with a perfect figure and an air of pride. Siegel was clearly smitten with her.
After dinner, Siegel took Hardy to a casino.
"What games do you enjoy?" Siegel asked.
"I've never been to a casino, except for the time the Spanish helped," Hardy admitted.
Siegel shook his head with a smile. "You need to experience more. You'll be running a casino in the future. You should know how it works."
"Enjoy your evening."
After exchanging $5,000 worth of chips, Siegel and Virginia left. Virginia glanced back at Hardy and asked quietly, "Who is this young man? He seems to be someone you hold in high regard."
"He's one of my men, but I see great potential in him," Siegel replied.
Virginia scrutinized Hardy, curious about what made him so special in Siegel's eyes.
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