Chapter 170: California Congressman
Victor, whose real name was Macron, was accustomed to using various aliases. With a smile, he greeted Nieto, "Hello, Nieto. We meet again. I've brought the goods. Are you ready for the payment?"
"Of course," Nieto replied, signaling one of his men to bring forward a suitcase. They opened the suitcase under the car lights, revealing stacks of dollars.
Victor motioned to his men, who retrieved several large packages from the trunk and placed them in front of the lights. Both parties inspected the cash and drugs to confirm the transaction.
"The deal is concluded. I hope next time Mr. Macron can bring us more goods. As much as we need, Los Angeles is now our market," Nieto said proudly.
"No problem, we'll discuss the details next time," Victor responded with a smile.
Both groups departed, with Victor's convoy heading back while the Mexicans drove into a slum area, where the second-in-command of the Mexican gang was waiting. They unloaded the drugs into the house, and the second-in-command sampled the white powder from a bag with a dagger.
"This batch is still very pure. We'll mix it with glucose powder, sell one serving for three, and make three times the profit," he said with satisfaction.
Suddenly, there was a loud crash in the yard. A large truck burst through the door, startling the Mexican gang. Before they could react, a team of HD security personnel in black uniforms stormed in with submachine guns.
The HD security team wasted no time. They shot anyone they saw, and the Mexicans, though armed, were quickly overpowered. Within minutes, the security team had neutralized eleven gang members, with none surviving, and seized 250 kilograms of drugs.
As the scene was secured, two reporters arrived, followed by Los Angeles Police Department Chief Ed, who posed for photographs and conducted interviews at the drug dealer's lair.
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Back at his Los Angeles office, Victor handed over the suitcase to Bill. Bill opened it, seeing the money inside, and laughed.
"Boss, this must be the entire fortune of those crooks. Now, we have it all."
"Distribute the prize money to the relevant personnel, and the rest will be accounted for by the company," Hardy instructed, adhering to the formalities of their newly established organization.
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The next day, the Los Angeles Times headline read: "Los Angeles Police Department and HD Security Team Up to Bust Massive Drug Deal."
"Just yesterday, HD Security received a tip about a planned drug deal involving Mexicans. They tracked them down and broke into a tightly secured hideout using a large truck," the article detailed.
"The drug dealers resisted and opened fire, but the HD security team engaged in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the deaths of all the drug dealers and the seizure of 250 kilograms of drugs."
"This is the largest drug bust in Los Angeles history, with the seized drugs valued at over one million dollars."
"Chief Ed of the Los Angeles Police Department announced that due to HD Security's outstanding performance, the city government will award them."
Public reaction was positive.
"Since HD Security took over, Los Angeles has felt much safer. I used to be afraid to go out at night, but now I feel secure."
"Their patrols make me feel at ease. They even helped with a car accident by taking the injured to the hospital."
HD Security's reputation soared. They had outperformed the police, who were known for fining people. HD Security was praised for not only maintaining order but also actively assisting the community.
Two days later, the Los Angeles City Government awarded HD Security a bonus of $20,000 for their contributions and renewed their contract to increase their staffing, leading to higher salaries.
Unexpectedly, two days later, Lanster informed Hardy that a California congressman wanted to visit HD Security and meet with him.
"Which congressman?" Hardy inquired.
"Congressman Nicholson."
Hardy was taken aback. Having recently encountered future President Lee Gen, now another future President Nicholson sought to meet him. Nicholson was known to become the youngest vice president in history at just 39.
Hardy wondered if Nicholson's visit was due to his growing influence and wanted to make connections with prominent figures.
"Lanster, reply to Congressman Nicholson and confirm that I would be pleased to meet him. Also, have Henry prepare the most detailed report on Nicholson," Hardy instructed.
"Understood."
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Two days later, Nicholson, accompanied by his assistant, flew from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Upon arriving, Nicholson noticed several planes with the HD logo parked nearby.
"Hall, are these planes owned by Hardy?" Nicholson asked.
"Yes, Congressman. Mr. Hardy owns an airline company currently in its trial phase with 50 aircraft," the assistant replied.
"Mr. Hardy is indeed impressive, running such a large business so quickly after his military service. I hope our meeting will be fruitful," Nicholson said, preparing for his visit to HD Security.