[Chapter 476: Trapped by His Own Trap]
What a sight it was when a group of clueless CIA agents found out the truth. Looking back, it was apparent -- so many inconsistencies and such a lax defense. If they weren't planning to set a trap, it was hard to think of any other reason.
Using the outcome to reason the process wasn't difficult. Every unreasonable appearance had a rational explanation. It just seemed like they were once again perceived as fools.
Knowing the reason behind it, they no longer paid attention to the other's performances. If possible, it would be best to distance themselves from this troublesome place.
However, events unfolded in a way they hadn't expected. Three days later, the very group they had been worried about encountered an attack from unknown armed forces while they were dispersing. Only a handful managed to escape.
"Hey, are they really using live bait? Those diamonds can't be fake, can they?" William White chuckled as he looked at the mound of diamonds.
"Sir, the experts checked it out -- no issues," came the reply.
"Ha ha, Max, I know there's no problem. I just find it funny; these guys are so creative they could turn it into a movie."
"Too bad a few of them have run off. The one in charge was probably a big shot."
"Ha! No worries, if he's lucky, maybe he'll save his own skin. I heard Gaddafi likes to feed people to lions."
"Ahem, that's probably just a rumor. If he actually did that, his men would likely have fled by now."
"True, it's probably another CIA tall tale. Did we suffer significant losses this time?"
"Just some mercenaries. The other losses were minimal."
"Good, the job was done well. I'm pleased. Double the bonuses, keep the troops happy. And those hired hands too -- make sure they don't stir up any trouble."
"Understood, sir."
...
William White was vacationing on Lanai Island when the CIA found themselves puzzled. Their people had been to the scene, and the battle signs indicated that at least a thousand had been involved. But who was behind it all?
Alright, even if we had planned something, we hadn't struck yet.
Damn, it looked like they were taking the heat for it again.
...
Moussa Koussa, having fled to Kinshasa, was in a state of panic. Though he'd seen some action before, this time he was truly escaping with his life.
The only silver lining was that he didn't need to come up with excuses for his failure. It wasn't about friends not trying; they just couldn't compete with the U.S.
By a twist of fate, someone ended up taking the fall again, and in Moussa Koussa's view, it had to be the CIA's handiwork.
"What did you say? Everyone's gone? The few hundred guys around you were all elite," Gaddafi asked the blubbering Moussa Koussa, clearly frustrated. Moussa Koussa was loyal and reliable, but not the sharpest tool in the shed.
"They must've sent at least three thousand. We were ambushed, and our radios went dead. Plus, they had heavy weaponry -- at least dozens of recoilless rifles."
Gaddafi was at a loss. If Moussa Koussa wasn't lying, then the loss was ordinary. The numbers and weaponry just didn't match up.
However, this loss was pretty severe. People dying wasn't much of a concern, but losing that haul of diamonds would hurt even him.
"Alright, you can go. Things aren't looking too good. The U.S. just lost a plane, and they're looking for someone to blame, so let's keep a low profile."
As a potential target for retaliation, Gaddafi understood well that if the U.S. pinned it on him, he'd be in serious trouble. Having had a run-in with them, he was well aware that his air defenses were practically nonexistent. Another bombing run could wipe out his air force.
...
William White, having gained an advantage, clearly wasn't planning to stop. If his assumptions were right, Gaddafi would certainly be laying low.
"Max, come up with a plan. Gaddafi's going to lose everything; we can't let anyone else take advantage."
"Sure thing, sir. They've already lost so many elite forces -- they're out of luck."
For Max, in Africa, it was a dog-eat-dog world. The one with the biggest fist had the right of way. Before other powers sensed what was happening, they definitely needed to strike first.
...
"So, his security company is quite impressive?" Someone inquired.
"Yes, sir, and his intelligence-gathering abilities shouldn't be underestimated."
"Ha! That guy dares to make money off anything." An old-timer can complain, but his men don't see the funny side. If Morgan Stanley had that power, they'd be even more reckless.
Just thinking about it was enough. If they had everything, who could keep a leash on these fools?
"Sir, seems like the CIA got played; they must be feeling pretty stifled right now," another remarked.
"Ha! Who cares? Just a bunch of losers. Any news on Lockerbie?"
"Nothing yet, just some rough direction."
"Direction? That's the lead Washington needs," he scoffed. Yet when he remembered William White, his headache kicked back in.
A madman wasn't scary; a madman with serious firepower was terrifying. Hopefully, the newly merged Warner Bros would step up. It wasn't pleasant feeling completely suppressed by others.
...
William White was unconcerned about what anyone else thought. He was pondering whether to acquire a gem processing center. Those diamonds in his possession hadn't been cut, and their true value wasn't being realized. This simply couldn't continue.
Some might argue, "You're already so wealthy; why bother chasing after this kind of money?"
Well, William White's intentions weren't exactly pure; he needed security forces. The rest was just a means to an end.
However, while it's legal to own guns in the U.S., individuals weren't allowed to have overly formidable security.
Why did the Blackwater Company fall apart in the past?
It wasn't because they shot a few civilians; Americans had done similar things plenty without facing repercussions.
The real issue was their overwhelming power, which made many factions wary. Most importantly, the founder himself got scared; he didn't want to become a scapegoat for anyone. If he could bow out gracefully, all the better.
William White had always been careful in controlling his power. He preferred to keep his security company's numbers to around two to three thousand, keeping most of his forces out of the country.
This meant he needed to find these folks something to do. William had the cash, and he certainly wouldn't let them waste the days away. Without the heat of battle for a prolonged time, no elite force would be worth its salt.
They say role models have great power, and fear of death isn't unique to William White. In a nation awash with guns, wealthy tycoons always lacked a sense of security.
If you can set up a security company, so can we. As long as it wasn't too outrageous, nobody really cared.
*****
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