Bill was about to be discharged from the hospital.
After staying in the hospital for three months, he finally recovered. Hardy came with Sean and Reid to pick him up. When Bill saw Hardy's car, his eyes lit up, and he circled around the car several times.
"Pacard, Hardy, you're driving such a nice car," Bill exclaimed.
Hardy smiled and patted Bill on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll be driving this kind of car too in the future. Get in, I'll take you somewhere."
They arrived at an office building.
There were still armed security guards in the lobby.
"What place is this, Hardy?" Bill asked cautiously.
"HD Security Company," Hardy replied.
Bill was slightly surprised. "HD Security? You started a security company?"
"Yes, it's all veterans here, many of them Marines. We've recruited over twenty people now."
"Come, let me introduce you to the manager here. Do you remember Major James Lancer?" Hardy asked.
"He's the manager here now."
Major Lancer, dressed smartly in a suit, had replaced his crude wooden leg with a new prosthetic. Now, if you didn't know, you couldn't tell he was a disabled person with a prosthetic leg.
"Congratulations on getting out of the hospital, Bill," Lancer said, embracing Bill.
"Major Lancer, I didn't expect to see you here," Bill said happily.
Lancer shrugged. "Neither did I, but it feels right to be here, even if a bit late."
He glanced at Hardy.
The three sat down and chatted.
After some casual conversation, Lancer said to Hardy, "I have some recent intelligence from the Spanish gang to report to you. They have a new strategist named Charles Simon, of Hungarian descent, previously involved in managing finances and loan sharking for Dani."
"We've found that the Spanish gang is raising money. Dani is arranging mortgage loans, using his own invested stocks and securities as collateral, and even mortgaging his own house to the bank."
"The price of coke powder has increased significantly on the market, mainly due to reduced shipments from the Spanish gang. After you seized their goods last time, they ran out of stock, leading to this phenomenon. The telegrams have been frequent, with three sent in five days and received twice, but I don't know the specifics."
Listening to this information, Hardy silently calculated.
The Spanish gang's primary business is coke powder. The impact of their last heist on the gang was substantial. Now, Dani is scrambling for money, frequently in contact with Colombians, presumably preparing for a new shipment.
With bank mortgaged loans, the money is all legal. Just now, hearing this information, Hardy considered making another move to make some easy money. Bringing cash or checks would simplify matters and avoid money laundering.
"Lancer, keep an eye on this. The Spanish gang is bound to make a big move, and maybe we can find an opportunity," Hardy said.
"Alright, I'll keep you updated if anything comes up." Lancer nodded.
Bill, listening to Hardy and Lancer's conversation, was shocked. He had only been in the hospital for three months, and Hardy had already expanded to this extent.
He had robbed the Spanish gang twice before. Was he planning another robbery?
Leaving the security company, the group returned to Bill's home, It had been cleaned thoroughly by someone.
Bill looked at Hardy, feeling sentimental. "Hardy, I've been in the hospital for three months, and I feel completely left behind."
"You have developed so quickly," Bill remarked.
Hardy poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Bill. "You spent three months in the hospital, and you managed to charm three girls there. If I hadn't asked the doctors, you probably wouldn't want to leave."
Bill took a sip of wine, looking proud.
"I can't help it. Being handsome and so charming is a gift from god. By the way, from Lancer's words just now, are you monitoring the Spanish gang? What are you planning?" Bill asked.
"I want to take over the Spanish gang," Hardy said bluntly.
"Cough, cough, cough!" Bill was taken aback.
He looked at his old friend in surprise.
He had thought Hardy was just planning another robbery of the Spanish gang, but his ambition was much bigger, wanting to swallow the third largest gang in Los Angeles.
"Do you think that's possible?" Bill's tone was incredulous.
"I used to have some doubts, but now it seems quite feasible," Hardy said confidently.
Before setting up the Operations Research Office, Hardy wasn't entirely sure, but now that Lancer was applying war strategies against a gang, he felt the difficulty had decreased significantly.
Height determines vision.
When you look at a problem from a higher perspective, you will find that it is not as difficult as you thought.
"What about after you take over the Spanish Gang?" Bill inquired.
"Do you know Mr. Siegel, the real boss of the Austrian gang?" Hardy asked.
"Of course, I know him."
"I met him some time ago, and he appreciates me. He promised that if I can take over the Spanish gang, he'll allow me to establish my own gang."
Bill's eyes widened.
Establishing a gang was a massive temptation for a gangster.
Bill excitedly gulped down a large mouthful of wine. "Hardy, I knew I could trust you. Boss, you'll have to give me a good position too in the future."
Hardy smiled.
"I've already decided on your position, Second Boss. Starting tomorrow, you'll be fully involved in dealing with the Spanish gang," Hardy declared.
"Second Boss!" Bill trembled with excitement.
He hugged Hardy and shouted loudly, "Boss Hardy, I'm willing to give everything for you. If you need anything at night, just beckon, and I'll crawl into your bed."
"Get lost! I like women."
"Hahaha!" Bill was actually quite capable.
Quick witted, adept at handling people and matters, firm when necessary but not greedy, his only flaw being his fondness for women.
Hardy believed this flaw was typical for most men.
As long as it didn't interfere with business, it's fine.
Most importantly, Bill was his best friend and his brother. They had been together in the military, and he had brought Hardy into the gang, making him the most suitable for the position in Hardy's eyes.
So, in Hardy's mind, Bill was the perfect choice for Second Boss.
The next day, Hardy brought Bill to the security company, and later gathered the core members to his home, and publicly announced his decisions.
This was a decision he had carefully considered over the past few days.
Now that Bill was out of the hospital, the timing was perfect.
Hardy appointed Bill as Second Boss, with Sean and Reid continuing to follow him, forming an action team.
No one here objected to this appointment; after all, Bill had been around longer than most, having only been injured a few chapters ago.
Lancer was the director of the security company and the operations consultant.
Richard was the director of the security company's sniper team, Henry was the director of the intelligence team, Neil was the director of the security company's demolition team, and Matthew, Leo, and Chris were the directors of the combat team, each with their own subordinates.
As for positions like strategist, economic advisor, and legal advisor, these were temporarily vacant, awaiting suitable candidates.
Although they had recruited over twenty people, Hardy felt they still needed more manpower. So he issued another order.
Continue recruiting more veteran!