As Mr. Sean and the Rockefeller family chatted, those around them instinctively stepped back, sensing the significance of the moment.
"Mr. Sean from the Rockefeller family?" Wells asked with a knowing smile. "This is certainly worth clarifying."
"Yes, I'm from Westchester County," Sean replied casually. "But honestly, it doesn't matter much now. I'm not overly concerned with using the Rockefeller name; it's just the truth."
"I see," Wells nodded, understanding the implications. "It may not matter to you, but it carries weight nonetheless."
Their conversation flowed as they strolled. Earlier that day, Old Mike had already mentioned Sean's name to Wells through the police department.
"Needless to say, it sounds like you've got everything under control," Wells remarked.
"So, what business are you in now?" he inquired.
"I'm preparing to launch a wine import business from Europe," Sean replied.
"That sounds promising. Where will you be operating?" Wells asked.
"I plan to focus on Essex, Newark, and some nearby areas, like Jersey City," Sean explained.
"And how's business looking so far?"
"I have some friends supporting me, so I believe sales will be good. Being a local gives me an edge over New Yorkers trying to break into the market."
"Congratulations! Are you planning to branch out into other ventures?" Wells pressed.
Sean shook his head. "I'm a legitimate businessman. I steer clear of anything illegal."
"Really?" Wells raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Absolutely. I can't stand trouble. But in this line of work, trouble often finds you. When that happens, you have to make it clear to those criminals that you won't be pushed around. If you appear weak, you invite more trouble."
"Perhaps," Wells replied noncommittally. "What's your take on the security situation in Newark?"
"Honestly, Mr. Wells, it's a bit chaotic right now. Just over a month ago, I was working in a pizza shop and found myself caught in the middle of a gang dispute. A bullet grazed the back of my head. It was a close call," Sean said, gesturing to the back of his head.
"That's quite a story," Wells replied, his expression a mix of disbelief and concern. "You went from being a pizza shop employee to assembling a team to take down the Newark mafia, the Salamanca?"
"Exactly! It's quite a leap."
"Was that bullet made by Gu Yi? Send me one too!" Wells joked, easing the tension. He enjoyed playing golf weekly—not just for the sport, but for the opportunity to meet people outside the confines of the police station.
Before arriving, he had anticipated meeting the new smuggling wine dealer, Sean, but hadn't expected the connection to the Rockefeller family. What surprised him even more was how engaging the conversation with Sean turned out to be.
"This is refreshing," Wells thought. "Unlike the others I've encountered, Sean is articulate and diplomatic. He understands the nuances of our discussions, which is a welcome change."
After some mutual exploration of their backgrounds, they shifted to discussing Newark's security issues.
Sean acknowledged the chaos in Newark but expressed optimism for improvement. "I plan to confront some challenges soon. Once I deal with my adversaries, the law-and-order situation should stabilize."
Wells shared that the Newark police would bolster patrols and increase manpower for major cases to ensure the safety of residents.
"The police face immense pressure from the public and various stakeholders," he noted. "We can't let things spiral out of control."
Sean added, "Restoring law and order isn't just about a few individuals. It requires a collective effort. Newark needs someone to step up, unify people, and establish rules for stability."
"I need to clear some obstacles first before implementing new regulations," Sean continued.
Wells mentioned the ongoing drug problem in Newark, highlighting the challenges it posed for law enforcement. "As the police chief, I want to combat drug crimes, but the financial constraints make it difficult."
"If the drugs aren't coming from here, where does that leave the market?" Sean asked. "A chaotic market puts pressure on law enforcement and affects many livelihoods. Even I, as police chief, must consider the perspectives of the community."
Sean emphasized the importance of clear communication between the government and the people. "What belongs to the government should remain with the government, and what belongs to the people should stay with them. We need to foster an effective dialogue."
"I can assist in establishing that communication," Sean offered.
"Mr. Sean, do you have any specific recommendations for improving Newark's policing?" Wells inquired.
"I'm planning to set up a security company here, aiming to collaborate with the police," Sean replied.
"How so?" Wells asked, intrigued.
"By hiring former police officers as consultants who have local expertise. Their insights would be invaluable."
Wells' interest piqued. The idea of utilizing police consultants was innovative. American police officers are government employees, but outside their official working hours, they are free to engage in other jobs, provided they don't breach police regulations. This flexibility could be harnessed without raising conflicts of interest, as long as the roles remain within ethical boundaries.
"For example," Sean elaborated, "we would avoid tasks like selling products, which could be seen as leveraging their position for personal gain. Instead, consultants would provide security advice without directly interacting with clients or handling transactions."
Wells' eyes sparkled with interest. "This 'consultant' role sounds promising. It's a legitimate and transparent way for high-ranking officers to offer their expertise."
Sean and Wells didn't delve into deeper cooperation specifics, understanding that trust and further assessment were necessary to confirm a solid partnership. Both recognized that the immediate priority was for Sean to demonstrate his ability to handle the Salamanca family issue.
Wells was well aware of the Mexican gang's significant threat. Only if Sean successfully neutralized this threat would it prove his capability for more extensive collaboration.
The conversation was highly productive. Before parting, Sean extended his hand for a firm handshake with Wells. "I have an assistant named Bill. He'll be in touch."
Wells nodded, not needing to say more. The foundation for future cooperation was laid, pending the resolution of current challenges.