Chapter 152: The Gambling Rising Dragon and Tiger Club
Detroit
The next morning's newspaper brought shocking news: the North Shore Gang had been wiped out. Raymond, rising for breakfast, was stunned by the report. He knew the strength of the North Shore Gang, with Hemiweis and his skilled operatives, including David, who had brought a formidable team. The idea that they could be destroyed overnight seemed unbelievable.
Raymond's immediate concern was David. He called his guard urgently. "Go to Los Angeles. Find out what happened and check on David."
"Understood, Boss."
The guard and his team quickly set off for Los Angeles. After thorough investigation, they returned with troubling news.
"Boss, the North Shore Gang attacked the Jewish Gang last night. The police and HD Security intervened, and their attack failed. Bill's Gang then moved in and completely destroyed the North Shore Gang. They're finished."
"And David?" Raymond asked.
"David was killed. His body is in the hospital morgue," the guard reported.
Raymond's rage was palpable. David had been his most trusted strategist for decades. The loss was not just personal but also a severe blow to his operations.
Taking a deep breath, Raymond quelled his anger. His years in the underworld had taught him patience and strategic thinking. The swift police and security response, coupled with Bill's decisive action, indicated a well-coordinated effort behind it. A direct retaliation with just a few men might be futile.
"Isaac, stay in Los Angeles and investigate thoroughly. I want to know who's behind this," Raymond instructed.
"Understood, Boss."
---
While Raymond dealt with his crisis, Hardy was mobilizing in Las Vegas. He had dispatched four planes, bringing with them a highly trained team: Lanster, Richard's sniper squad, Neil's explosives unit, Kerry's machine gunners, and Matthew and Leo's combat team, totaling over a hundred elite operatives. Andy's economic advisory group was also in tow.
Henry's intelligence team had already arrived by car two days prior. As the planes landed at Las Vegas airport, numerous vehicles were loaded with materials, a process that took twenty minutes to complete. The convoy then headed to their new base.
Henry briefed Hardy as they drove. "Boss, I've rented a manor situated about 5 kilometers from both downtown Las Vegas and the airport. It's spacious enough for our needs."
"Any updates from the intelligence team?" Hardy asked.
"Only preliminary information. The bodies of Mr. Siegel and Fred are in the hospital morgue, and the police have classified the case as murder, but no suspects have been identified. The Flamingo Casino has been taken over by those claiming to have Mr. Siegel's share agreement. The project has halted, and most workers have been withdrawn, leaving only a small crew. We've identified these individuals as affiliated with the Selton family from San Francisco."
Hardy was familiar with the Selton family, led by Leb Selton. Their intervention suggested significant outside influence, likely instigated by other families.
"Anything else?"
"Yes, the five major New York families have significantly increased their presence in Las Vegas, staffing their casinos more heavily than before," Henry added.
Las Vegas, with its booming casino industry, was a battleground for the New York Mafia families. Their expanded presence suggested both competition and a strategic interest in the city.
"Monitor the five major family casinos and the Flamingo closely. Be alert to any developments from other casinos, though they might not be directly involved," Hardy directed.
In Las Vegas, each casino represented a family's power, and the death of Siegel had shifted the balance of control.
The following day, Lanster handled the formalities with the city. HD Security's Las Vegas office was established in a prominent location, complete with a large, eye-catching sign. The presence of the security company drew considerable attention from the local casino community.
"Why is HD Security opening an office here?" casino patrons wondered aloud. "I heard they played a major role in dismantling the North Shore Gang."
"Their effectiveness is well-regarded," others noted, acknowledging their reputation.
Hardy then met with Mayor Goodman. After a call to Mike Corleone in New York, Hardy had been briefed on the mayor's connections and the situation in Las Vegas. Goodman welcomed Hardy's investment and the establishment of HD Security in the city.
Hardy presented HD Security's accomplishments, including their successes in Los Angeles. Goodman, impressed, agreed to propose HD Security's support to the city council. However, he was informed that council approval could be delayed.
To expedite matters, Hardy proposed that HD Security offer their services free of charge until the council's decision. Goodman agreed, seeing it as a favorable arrangement.
In the afternoon, Lanster finalized an agreement with Chief Steve of the Las Vegas Police Department. The agreement allowed HD Security to assist with patrols and handle violent incidents, mirroring the arrangements made in Los Angeles.
The stage was set for Hardy's operations in Las Vegas, with strategic positioning and alliances in place. The city was now a critical arena in the power struggles between the major crime families.