Moreover, Hardy's new casino involved collaboration with 15 mafia families, indicating strong ties with half of the mafia's power. These families, spread across major cities, controlled local underground forces, potentially aiding the consortium's business interests.
Entering new markets often faces commercial attacks from competitors, which businessmen know how to handle. But mafia forces can disrupt market entry.
Today, a car is bombed.
Tomorrow, a warehouse is burned.
The day after, a group demands protection money, and without paying, they cause trouble, making business impossible.
Previously, the California consortium was purely a business entity. Discovering Hardy made them realize his unique traits, prompting their decision to recruit him.
Hardy didn't answer immediately.
He smoked his cigar slowly, walking alongside the old man, who patiently waited, stepping on the yellowing grass.
