"But you’re different, Dean. People have their circles. If you want to go further in the police system, you need to learn how to invest in yourself and integrate into higher circles."
A realization flickered in Dean’s eyes. This Christmas, Old Laine must have made such a big deal of it because he was thinking about paving the way for those who would follow. With the family line not exactly thriving, I’ve become the junior he values most.
Understanding this, Dean smiled and pushed the check back. "Grandfather, no need. I may not have much cash on hand, but I still have over ten million. And if nothing goes wrong, by the beginning of next year, I should be promoted to Captain of the Detective Bureau. Then I’ll naturally be able to reach those higher circles."
Over ten million? Captain of the Detective Bureau?
Old Laine, who prided himself on having weathered bloody conflicts and dramatic upheavals, and had cultivated his composure over many years, believed few things could shock him anymore.
But upon hearing Dean’s words, the pipe in his hand nearly fell to the ground.
He looked deeply at Dean. "Are you sure?"
"Positive!" Dean’s tone was affirmative.
Since he intended to make moves using the Lucchese name, he naturally wanted to instill confidence in the old man before him and demonstrate excellence far beyond his peers. If needed, Dean could even produce his bank account details for Old Laine to verify.
Little did he know, Old Laine simply nodded. "Although I don’t know how you managed it, I believe you, Dean. When the time comes, I’ll give you a list; those are all my old comrades."
That evening, Dean received a thick, handwritten book and a list. The book detailed various Mafia traditions, rules, codes of conduct, and information about the families still in power. The list included information and contact details for three Mafia families in New York. These were connections Old Laine’s branch had maintained for years. And with just a single sentence from Dean, Old Laine handed them all over to him.
Dean, along with Sheila and the others, said goodbye to his grandfather’s family. He had planned to use the family reunion as an opportunity to take everyone on a nice trip.
But plans rarely keep up with changes.
An unexpected phone call interrupted Dean’s intended journey.
"Glad you remember me, Dean."
On the other end of the phone, Niel’s voice carried a hint of coldness and distance, lacking the clinginess from their brief time together before.
Dean remained silent. Is she complaining that I haven’t visited her in Las Vegas?
These days, the speakers on cell phones were pretty terrible.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Beck raised an eyebrow at Dean and grinned, clearly eager to see how things would unfold.
Inwardly guessing the reason for Niel’s change in attitude, Dean seemingly didn’t pick up on her emotional shift and calmly said, "Merry Christmas, Niel. I’m happy that, even during this busy time, I can hear your voice. It’s like the waters of the Fountain of Youth pouring into my body, washing away all my fatigue and my present fear of death."
His words not only revealed that he had been busy recently, which was why he had neglected her, but also subtly hinted to Niel that he might currently be in danger.
He never lied. And isn’t driving while on the phone dangerous?
The first rule of seduction: never overthink or apologize to a woman before she clearly states there’s an issue. Doing so only puts you at a disadvantage.
Dean’s calculated words, both defensive and offensive, instantly shattered the emotional barriers Niel had been building for the past two weeks.
She expressed her concern, "Oh, Dean, are you on a dangerous mission right now? I’m sorry, I just hadn’t heard from you and felt very disappointed. Maybe I should call you back later?"
"Don’t apologize to me, Niel. It makes me feel guilty. After all, I’ve been neglecting you for the safety of millions of citizens in Los Angeles. Are you still in Las Vegas?"
"No, I was so upset that you didn’t even see me for Christmas that I flew back to London overnight." Niel’s voice grew even more apologetic. "You’re so selfless, yet I got upset with you, Dean. I’m sorry, I was wrong. Actually, I’ve prepared a fantastic Christmas gift for you. I hope you’ll like it. I’ll come see you after Christmas."
At that moment, Niel couldn’t wait for Christmas to end, eager to fly thousands of miles to Los Angeles to comfort Dean, whose heart she feared she had hurt.
"I’m looking forward to your gift, baby."
After hanging up, Dean lit a cigarette with a nonchalant air. Beside him, Beck looked at Dean with a newfound admiration in his eyes.
"Dean, I want to learn that!"
Dean exhaled a puff of smoke, looking somewhat melancholic as he said, "Beck, if you encounter an angry woman, it’s more straightforward to just carry her to bed. Once things are... unblocked, she won’t be mad anymore."
Beck nodded, recalling his own part-time experiences. Crude, but true, he thought. If the pipes are well-cleared, the tips won’t be small...
Back home, Dean saw the gift Niel had prepared for him: an incredibly imposing Hummer H1.
The vehicle looked almost like an armored car. It was nearly five meters long and two meters high, its entirely black, understated body exuding the distinct cool sheen of hard metal. Parked on the neighborhood street, it resembled a small beast, drawing considerable attention.
This car seemed to be slightly different from a typical Hummer H1.
Standing beside the car was a blond man in a sharp suit. Recognizing Dean as he got out of his car, the man eagerly approached. "Excuse me, are you Mr. Dean?"
"Yes, and this is?" Dean gestured towards the vehicle, feigning ignorance.