Chapter 21: Crisis and Opportunity

Fred addressed the assembled bosses.

"Firstly, the recent conflicts with other gangs have impacted our regular operations, leading to some areas being understaffed."

He continued, "I've decided to increase the share ratio from 10% to 15%, allowing you to recruit more staff."

The bosses showed visible relief; that 5% increase represented a significant boost in income.

"Secondly," Fred said, holding up his last finger, "we're changing the split between your private operations and the gang from 46-60 to 37."

The reaction was even more positive. The Jewish gang's daily operations involved underground casinos, loan sharking, smuggling, control of bars and nightclubs, and Spanish gang drug trafficking, among other illicit activities.

The increase in profit share was welcomed news.

Fred explained further, "The gangs are in conflict, and we need to bolster our strength. This increase in profit is meant to enable you to recruit more people. Only by becoming stronger can we effectively deal with these crises."

On the way back, Ryder drove while Hardy sat quietly in the back seat, deep in thought. The current gang crisis was, in Hardy's eyes, a chance for growth—a prime opportunity to expand.

Los Angeles in the 1940s was bustling with activity, its streets vibrant and its skyline filled with high-rise buildings. The city was a key hub with its ports, oil industry, population, and Hollywood fame—truly a gem of the West Coast.

For Hardy, Los Angeles was a treasure chest.

Back at Bill's house, Hardy called the team together in the living room.

"Henry, Matthew, Neal, Leo, have you gathered any useful information from your week of investigations?" Hardy asked.

Henry spoke up first. "Matthew and I went into Irish territory. They're very powerful there. The locals fear them. Their operations include drug trafficking, gambling, smuggling, loan sharking, protection rackets, and more. They have over 300 official members and a significant number of peripheral ones."

Hardy noted, "So, the Irish are deeply involved in all sorts of criminal activities."

Henry continued, "We only had time to investigate their bars, nightclubs, and casinos."

Hardy felt a bit exasperated. "Investigating bars and nightclubs? Is that all you did?"

"Not quite," Henry said. "We did gather information about gang conflicts. A few days ago, Spanish Gang boss Dani personally visited the Irish Hoffman Bar to meet with Irish leader Old Sea Mives."

Hardy's interest was piqued. The timing was shortly after he had dealt with Cook, which had intensified the conflict in the Jewish community.

He turned to Neal and Leo. "What about your investigation into the Spanish gang?"

Neal reported, "The Spanish Gang is heavily involved in drug trafficking, cocoa powder, casinos, underground boxing, loan sharking, and more. They are the largest drug sellers in Los Angeles, surpassing even the Irish and Mexicans."

He added, "Dani, the Spanish boss, has been meeting with the Irish and Mexicans. His faction has also contacted the Russians and Poles. I even reached out to the Tang people, but their boss hasn't been active in Los Angeles for over a month."

Hardy deduced that the Spanish gang likely instigated the current conflict among the gangs, a situation that began intensifying after he eliminated Cook. This escalation seemed driven more by profit than by personal revenge.

Determined, Hardy addressed his team. "We're currently short on cash, and we need a big score. Are you in?"

The team responded with enthusiasm. They were eager for a lucrative opportunity.

Matthew asked, "Are we targeting a bank or a cash truck?"

Hardy shook his head. "No bank or cash truck. The bank security is too tight, and cash trucks only carry small amounts. In 1945, they usually carry just a few thousand dollars. It's not worth the risk."

He continued, "Instead, we'll target the Spanish gang. Their casinos and loan shark operations have far more cash on hand than any bank or cash truck. They're less secure and more profitable."

The plan was clear: target the Spanish gang, exploit their weaknesses, and avoid drawing too much attention.

Hardy instructed, "Richard, Henry, Matthew, Neal, Leo, Kerry—since you're new, go find out where the Spanish gang is storing the most cash. Get precise information. Once we have that, we'll plan our move."

"Got it!" the team responded eagerly. For them, the prospect of a heist was not only exciting but a necessary step to secure their future.