Chapter 43: "HD" Commercial Security Company
---
Hardy had little interest in gambling.
Every gambler believes they'll be the lucky one, but in reality, the casino always has the advantage. Gamblers rely on luck, while casinos rely on mathematics. The casino doesn't cheat; it uses mathematical formulas to ensure it profits from gamblers. The only real rule to win at gambling is not to gamble at all—or to be a bookmaker yourself.
In his previous life, Hardy had visited Las Vegas with friends who were eager to try their luck. Despite his curiosity, he had avoided the gambling tables, only trying a few slot machines for fun.
Exchanging $2,000 for chips, Hardy joined Siegel at the blackjack table.
The rules of blackjack were straightforward, and Hardy quickly grasped them. Siegel and Virginia were both engrossed in the game, but after a dozen hands, they had lost over a thousand dollars each, while Hardy, a novice, had won significantly.
Two hours later, Hardy had won more than $3,000.
Siegel, eyeing Hardy with amusement, said, "It seems you're quite lucky. I've always believed some people are genuinely lucky, and it looks like you're one of them."
The trio then moved on to Texas Hold'em. Hardy's luck continued; after two more hours, his chips had grown to over $10,000, while Siegel and Virginia had lost all theirs.
Hardy pushed all his chips toward Siegel and Virginia. "Mr. Siegel, Miss Virginia, these are for you."
"Oh? Are you done playing?" Siegel asked.
"Yes, I'm heading back to rest. I'll be flying back to Los Angeles tomorrow morning," Hardy replied.
"Why not stay a few more days in Las Vegas?" Siegel suggested.
"I've already experienced the best of Las Vegas," Hardy smiled.
"Well then, rest up and take care."
After Hardy left, Virginia remarked to Siegel, "He manages his desires well, leaving after winning so much money."
Siegel twirled the chips in his hand. "Only someone like him can succeed. He reminds me of Vito Corleone. Vito is a very disciplined person. I remember him saying, 'Good people are not necessarily disciplined, but disciplined people usually are better.'"
"You're also very talented, but I don't see much discipline in you," Virginia teased.
Siegel laughed. "A good person isn't always disciplined, but I'm a genius."
Siegel, a founding member of the Mafia and a leader of a killer group, was indeed a genius in art, philosophy, and management, though his arrogance and conceit often showed.
**The Next Day**
Hardy returned to Los Angeles by plane. The pilot, flying aggressively, seemed like he might have been a fighter pilot.
Back at the hotel, Hardy gathered his team.
The men were curious about Hardy's recent trip.
"Brothers, we have a great opportunity for development. Do you know who I met in Las Vegas?" Hardy asked.
"Benjamin Siegel," Hardy continued.
"Ben Siegel?" Sean asked, surprised.
Henry, Matthew, and the others, mostly former soldiers, didn't know much about gangsters. However, Sean, who had been in the underworld for years, was familiar with Siegel's name.
"Sean, do you know Siegel?" someone asked.
Sean explained, "I've heard legends about Siegel. He founded the Jewish gang, and although he handed over the leadership to Fred, Siegel is still the real boss. I didn't expect you'd meet him."
Neil looked at Hardy. "Boss, what's this development opportunity?"
"Mr. Siegel values us greatly. He's agreed to support us in forming our own gang, provided we grow and develop," Hardy said.
The team was excited at the prospect of forming their own gang, which meant more money and power.
"But to grow, we need our own territory," Hardy continued.
"Yes, we need a base. We can't stay in a hotel forever," someone said.
One suggested, "Didn't the boss take over Ivan's territory? We could also seize small gang territories, like the Polish and French neighborhoods, and gradually expand."
"Boss, what do you think?" Henry asked.
Hardy addressed the group, "Since we're going for it, let's aim high. I plan to take over the Spanish turf. What do you think?"
Henry and the others were taken aback, realizing that Hardy was targeting the third-largest gang in Los Angeles.
Despite the risk, they were undeterred.
"The Spanish territory is primarily in Hollywood. It's smaller than the old and main cities, but it has many film companies and wealthy individuals, making it a valuable area," Leo said.
"We've gathered intel on the Spanish gang. They're not as strong as they seem. We've already eliminated many of them, and they likely have fewer than 100 members," Henry added.
Matthew suggested, "We should consider a beheading operation. We recently killed their military leader. Let's have Richard eliminate Dani directly. The Spanish gang will be thrown into chaos, and we can take over their territory."
Hardy's team was eager and fearless, ready to take on the challenge.
"Boss, what's your plan?" Leo asked.
On the return flight, Hardy had already outlined a preliminary strategy.
"We won't rush into a direct confrontation with the Spanish gang. Instead, we'll focus on building our own forces. Brothers, your task is to contact our former comrades in arms. We need more experienced help."
Hardy wanted experienced fighters from the battlefield, rather than unreliable street thugs.
The next day, Henry and Matthew began reaching out to their former military comrades.
Meanwhile, Hardy visited a government office to register a new company.
"Sir, you're registering a security company, correct?" the young staff member asked.
"Yes, 'HD Commercial Security Company.' We'll provide security personnel for high-end properties, upscale shops, banks, as well as bodyguards, cash and jewelry escorts, and other services."
Hardy had decided to form a security company to better organize and legitimize his manpower. He felt that as the gang grew, a more structured, legal facade would be beneficial.
In the United States, as long as a company is legal and its finances are above board, it is protected from interference.
Hardy was preparing for the future, knowing that when the time came, transitioning to legal operations would make things much easier.