Chapter 63 – Full Action

Henry and Matthew retrieved two iron shovels from the trunk and began to dig. After thirty minutes of strenuous labor, they had dug a deep enough hole. With practiced efficiency, they disposed of Dani and his bodyguard, covering the bodies with soil and leaving no trace.

Dani, once a powerful figure—the third-largest gang leader in Los Angeles—never imagined his end would come so abruptly. He had been a man of substantial wealth and influence, surrounded by countless allies and high-profile contacts. Yet, in the dead of night, he lay buried in a remote grave.

The two men then drove away, their mission complete. The next day, they boarded a flight back to the United States. Ten hours later, they presented themselves to Hardy. 

"Boss, we completed the task successfully," Henry reported, handing over the bearer check for $300,000.

Hardy inspected the check with a satisfied nod. "Tell me everything, in detail."

Henry recounted their actions meticulously. Despite some elements of luck, the operation had been executed flawlessly. Hardy listened intently, clearly pleased with the outcome.

"Excellent work," Hardy said with a smile. "This is better than I expected." He glanced at the check and then addressed Henry and Matthew. "I'll reward you both. You've earned it."

Henry and Matthew beamed at the mention of a reward. According to Hardy's terms, each would receive $50,000—an impressive sum in 1946, enough to purchase a luxury home in Beverly Hills. Hardy's reputation for honoring his promises was intact, a testament to his integrity as a leader. 

"Matthew, inform all supervisors about a meeting in the conference room," Hardy instructed.

Understanding the importance, Matthew immediately set about notifying the team.

In the conference room, Hardy addressed the assembled group of eight. "Gentlemen, Dani is dead, and his death remains undisclosed. This is our moment. We must launch a full-scale operation against the Spanish gang."

The room buzzed with excitement.

"Boss, where do we start?" Bill asked eagerly.

Hardy shook his head. "We won't be charging in recklessly. Subtlety and strategy will be our tools."

Hardy had considered a direct assault but realized that would be inefficient and likely attract unwanted attention from law enforcement and rival gangs. The recent violence from the Jewish and Irish gangs had already made the city jittery. Too much noise could draw unwanted scrutiny.

Instead, Hardy had a more calculated approach in mind. With Dani's death still under wraps, there was an opportunity to act with precision. His target was Charles Simon, the newly appointed army commander of the Spanish gang.

"Brothers, let's review the action plan," Hardy said, his tone decisive.

The team straightened in their seats, ready to absorb the details of Hardy's plan.

---

Charles Simon, now managing the Spanish gang's dwindling assets, was busy with reports. The gang's fortunes had faltered: cocoa shipments were interrupted, the casino was under renovation, and other ventures were struggling. Simon, once a financial accountant, had risen to become the gang's economic advisor and was now overseeing more than just finances.

Simon's day had been long, and as evening approached, he prepared to head home. His routine included family time—a rare and cherished part of his life. He thought about his four children and the comforting routine of family dinners.

As he left his office, he was unaware that danger was looming. His car arrived at his residence, but before he could get out, a group of armed men surrounded him. Pistols were pressed against the heads of both Simon and his driver.

Panic surged through Simon, but he remained passive, raising his hands in surrender. The assailants dragged the driver out, commandeering the vehicle and forcing Simon into the backseat of another car. As the car sped away, Simon glanced out the window, catching a fleeting, heartbreaking glimpse of his little daughter playing in the warm glow of their home.

The night was far from over, and Simon's fate was now in the hands of his captors, with no way to predict the grim future that awaited him.