Chapter 86: Make a Reputation

The waste recycling station was extensive, covering several acres and filled with debris, old cars, and machinery. The sniper positioned himself in a strategic spot.

Five assault teams advanced swiftly, closely followed by cameramen, while the police maintained a cautious distance.

"Da da da!"

Gunfire erupted suddenly.

One squad encountered a robber who emerged from hiding. The robber brandished his gun, but the assault team leader promptly took him down with a precise shot, leaving the robber with multiple fatal wounds.

The sound of gunfire alerted the other robbers.

Three more emerged, guns blazing, but they were met with a hail of bullets from the security personnel, including sniper rifles and submachine guns. The robbers quickly retreated, their windows opening to reveal gun barrels and even a heavy machine gun that fired wildly.

"Da da da!"

The intense gunfire continued.

"Boom!"

Richard, the sniper, found a gap and shot through the window, hitting the machine gunner squarely in the head. The heavy machine gun ceased its fire.

Within seconds, another robber took over the machine gun and resumed firing.

The police, taking cover behind piles of trash, remained hidden. Even the photographers, though busy capturing the scene, were less visible compared to the well-armored security personnel.

"Grenade!"

At the command, the team members threw grenades into the junkyard house. A few hit their targets directly.

"Boom boom boom!"

Several explosions rocked the building, creating chaos inside.

"Advance! The robbers must be eliminated on site!" Kerry, the team leader, ordered.

Dozens of security personnel charged into the building. The photographers hurried forward to capture the action, while the police stayed back.

The battle, intense and resembling a real war zone, left the police and photographers in awe. They had never experienced such ferocity and felt the risk of facing heavy machine gun fire was too great.

The robbers, overwhelmed, were quickly subdued. An injured robber, clutching his chest, pleaded for help, but it was too late. He was carried out alongside the other captured criminals.

"Team 5, secure the prisoners and bring them out. Continue searching for any remaining suspects," Kerry instructed.

The search revealed that all the robbers had been either killed or fatally injured.

"Report to the commander: Eight robbers dead, one injured. Operation successful. Awaiting further instructions," Kerry radioed in.

"Search for the stolen money," came the reply.

Minutes later, a small cellar was discovered, containing the four cash boxes stolen from Bank of America.

"Wow!" The cash boxes, filled with colorful banknotes, were revealed, creating a striking visual impact.

The photographers eagerly captured images of the cash boxes.

"Report to the commander: The money has been recovered."

"Excellent. Send a team to transport the cash, and continue searching for any additional suspects," Lanster directed.

A team transported the money while others continued their search.

As the team emerged with the cash boxes, reporters at the scene snapped photos frenetically.

Hardy had ensured that reporters were informed about the operation, aiming to maximize the publicity.

Initially, the reporters only heard gunshots and explosions. When a bloodied robber was carried out, they seized the moment. The sight of the recovered cash boxes confirmed the success of the operation.

Lanster, emerging from the command vehicle, was surrounded by reporters.

"Is the money from the bank robbery here?"

"What about the robbers? Is there only one survivor?"

"Which company is behind your security team? Can you introduce it?"

Lanster, prepared for the media frenzy, answered questions methodically. He promised that the entire operation would be featured in an upcoming documentary.

The reporters pressed on.

"Mr. Lanster, who designed your impressive security equipment?"

"Our company's chief designer created it," Lanster responded.

"Why was it your security team, not the Los Angeles Police Department, who handled the robbers?" a reporter asked.

Lanster explained the collaboration between the security team and the LAPD, emphasizing their role as a supplementary force.

Inside the limousine, the key figures watched the events unfold.

Meyer commented, "Today's operation was impressive—not just the dramatic capture, but also Hardy's strategic execution. This bank robbery has turned Security into a prominent company. I believe Security will become one of Los Angeles's top firms."

"As long as it benefits the safety of Los Angeles's citizens, I'm pleased to see such companies thrive," Mayor Ross added with a smile.

President Johnston, however, was less optimistic.

"I'm uncertain if we should feel fortunate. We've been victims throughout this ordeal—our branch was destroyed, our reputation tarnished, and we've spent $200,000 on publicity. While the robbers are punished, our losses persist."

Hardy reassured Johnston, "Mr. Johnston, this incident is not just an opportunity for Security but also for Bank of America. When the documentary is released, you'll see that the $200,000 investment was worthwhile. The publicity benefits will surpass those of other investments."

"I hope so," Johnston said with a shrug.

The next day, newspapers across Los Angeles were filled with headlines about the resolution of the Bank of America robbery and the robbers' deaths.

**Los Angeles Times** featured a dramatic photo of security guards in black tactical gear, carrying bloodied robbers. The striking image showcased the security team's professionalism.

The reports detailed the bank robbery, the violence of the robbers, and the aftermath. The robbers had killed 13 people and injured 16 in what became one of the most deadly robberies in the past decade.

Public condemnation of the robbers was widespread. Bank of America had offered a $20,000 reward, which led to the security company's successful raid.

Security, now collaborating with the LAPD, was highlighted as a protective force for Los Angeles. The documentary, set to be released in theaters, promised to show the entire operation.

Other newspapers also covered the event, using various angles to highlight the success of the raid and the recovery of the stolen money.

The impact of the publicity was substantial. Analysis suggested that even a $1 million investment in advertising wouldn't match the current level of exposure.

And it wasn't over yet. The documentary was in the works, and its release was anticipated to further enhance the publicity and reputation of both Security and Bank of America.