"Don't look at me, this is the police department's decision, and also the mayor's decision. Of course, I don't want them to continue fighting either. Don't they think there's something fishy about this situation? The key problem is that wishy-washy guest, right? If they keep fighting like this, what good outcome can come out of it other than mutual destruction?"
The next afternoon, at Duke's house. Carter leaned back on the sofa, and directly explained his intentions to Duke.
Helping the police department is also helping himself. Let's not talk about anything else, the demand for withdrawals has increased significantly in the past half month. When inquired about the reason, it turned out to be mostly for hospital visits, and American medical bills, well, those who understand it know it well.
With his finances already tight, Christmas is just around the corner, and Thanksgiving is at the end of the month. According to American customs, they're bound to celebrate and buy some 'New Year's goods' or something.
He's already worried if the reserve funds in the bank will be enough to cover these expenses. And now you guys are adding more hospital visits ahead of time, aren't you setting me up?!
If the reserve funds are not enough later, checks can't be cashed, then the credit crisis will come again. For a bank, the biggest fear is the credit crisis! Even if you don't have money, it's fine, but once the credit collapses, for a bank, that's real bankruptcy! Having money is hard to save!
"I've talked to O'Neil before, about the guest's issue. They've tried to reach out to that person, but he's disappeared since then. According to Hadley, he was a new face. We also know there's something fishy going on here, but Hadley has already... Anyway, this is O'Neil and their business. I haven't intervened much, and I can guarantee my people won't get involved anymore."
"Just this isn't enough. Can you arrange a meeting with O'Neil? We can have it at your place."
Carter racked his brain, feeling a bit frustrated. His original plan was to defuse the situation. Find that wishy-washy guest, make him pay up, or give both sides a beating to let off steam and settle the matter.
But now this key figure has disappeared, and it's turned into a showdown between the two sides. Handling this is going to be tricky.
"I have no problem with my place, but Trifari probably won't come alone. If he brings people—"
"Never mind him. If the police department is involved in the negotiation, I'd like to hear O'Neil's opinion first. As long as O'Neil is willing to come, that's fine."
"Alright, I'll call him now!"
About half an hour later, Duke returned. Along with him was a giant, over two meters tall, with a powerful presence. But even though he's strong, a clear wind brushes the mountain top.
In Duke's house, Carter isn't worried about the other party causing trouble. So he raised his head high and looked directly at O'Neil, not mincing words:
"Mr. O'Neil? Duke should have told you why I'm here. I want to hear your opinion."
"I understand your purpose, and I can back off. But they have to pay up. The medical expenses for Hadley, Quent, and Raymond, Trifari's group has to cover them. Secondly, the market for Olvik Tavern has to be handed over to us."
O'Neil's voice buzzed, and Carter's head buzzed after hearing it. With these conditions, it's clearly not a negotiation posture!
Do you have the fire, O'Neil? They don't? You want compensation and 'territory', but you haven't won yet!
"Let's be more realistic with the terms. You know this is something Trifari won't agree to."
Carter endured his frustration and tried to remain as calm as possible. He's starting to understand what Goodman said before, these street people, sometimes they are too aggressive in their actions.
"Even if you don't agree, then let's keep fighting. Who has more people, Trifari or us blacks!"
After O'Neil finished speaking, he turned to leave.
"Wait!"
"What else do you want to say? Carter, you've helped us blacks, and I respect you, but I advise you not to get involved in this matter."
"Maybe I should advise you! O'Neil, since you know I've helped blacks before, then you should understand that I'm not here with ill intentions. Continuing to fight like this is definitely not good for you!"
As he returned to his seat, Carter began to bluff.
"Yes, I admit, you blacks are very united. In terms of numbers alone, Trifari won't get a good deal with you. But have you thought about the mayor? Where do you put him? He said, within three days, this matter should be resolved. If it's not, will he request help from the state? The governor has the power to mobilize the National Guard!"
"Furthermore, in less than two months, it will be 1980! If our esteemed President knows that his hometown, his stronghold, has you guys causing trouble, what do you think he'll think? Albany isn't far from us!"
"Who do you think is more willing to see you have a good outcome, Carter or the other Carter?"
Carter's mention of Albany refers to the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base, not very well-known among the military bases in Georgia. It's quite inconspicuous compared to well-known military bases like Fort Benning and the Atlanta Naval Air Station. But just mentioning Albany made O'Neil lose his temper.
The reason is simple, the governor can directly mobilize the National Guard, and the president can mobilize the Marine Corps without the approval of Congress. Although O'Neil also thought Carter's words were a bit exaggerated, facing their small group, mobilizing the military to deal with them seems a bit too much.
But thinking about the fact that next year is an election year, O'Neil hesitated.
No one is stupid, or rather, anyone who can become a small group leader isn't stupid enough. He knows what the external situation is like now, and the presidential election campaign has already started.
In Carter's four years of governance, inflation and unemployment have not been curbed, and the polling results for Carter's reelection are not optimistic. And his opponent Reagan, backed by a group of bigwigs represented by the NRA.
In this situation of internal and external troubles, as Carter's stronghold in Georgia, how could he not care? They're making trouble here, and the results seem a bit worrying.
Calling in the military is exaggerated, but calling in the National Guard seems feasible, doesn't it? Carter said his people can beat the National Guard, but O'Neil hasn't become so arrogant as to really think he's invincible.
Really not treating militia as soldiers? If the National Guard were assembled, it would be as easy as pie to deal with them!
Even calling in the National Guard doesn't require Carter to give orders personally. Don't forget, before he became president, he was the governor of Georgia! The official path is clear, if he wants to solve their problem, just make a call to the governor's office!
What's more, in the United States, if there's something the police can't handle, then call in the National Guard to solve it. This is a traditional thing. In other words, if they continue to make trouble, what they might face in the future may not be Trifari's people, but the National Guard!
"Do we have to swallow this loss?"