The fitness club was bustling with renovations, while Sheila's team focused on recruiting and training more ground pushers. Amidst this activity, Sean turned his attention back to his primary business.
However, a few critical matters needed to be addressed first.
First, arrangements had to be made for Jonas to establish his own family—the Jonas Family.
Currently, the rights to the underground world in Newark and its surrounding areas are unclaimed, a situation that cannot persist. An extended vacuum of power will inevitably incite ambitions among those in the underworld, leading to violence and chaos. Such unrest would be a significant concern for both the Newark and Jersey City Police Departments.
Thus, the immediate priority is to create a structured hierarchy of underground forces in nearby areas, ensuring a peak state of deterrence and stabilizing the local situation.
This is not merely about financial gain; Sean understands that the contribution to local law and order could rival that of law enforcement, though the reputation of his efforts may never match theirs.
In Sean's view, this task is thankless. Yet, for the safety of the community and the stability of society, he feels compelled to take action.
During a meeting, Yuri and Bill observed Sean's commitment to serving the community and felt a mix of admiration and frustration.
Establishing a family is no simple undertaking; it involves intricate power structures and staffing considerations. Most critically, they must avoid entanglements with the police or Fobole's undercover operations.
As the family head, Jonas selected two members from his ten-person team to lead the action team, responsible for demonstrating force. He also aimed to recruit peripheral members from the original Salamanca, ensuring Sean's safety from any threats.
Currently, the action team is understaffed, and Sean's own team is similarly limited. They need to recruit veterans from their previous service, but few have left behind contact information. Yuri suggested reaching out to their former company executive officer, Demps Tuttle. Demps is likely now a first lieutenant, making it easier for him to provide the needed information.
"Is he still at Fort Buchanan Army Base?" Sean wondered, given that the war had only ended a little over a year ago.
"Let's find a way to get in touch. A trip to Puerto Rico could be beneficial," Sean decided. He wanted to reconnect with his former boss and leverage his relationship with Temple to restore military ties, which could be pivotal for his plans.
On October 28, after reestablishing communication with Demps, Sean, along with Bill and Yuri, boarded a flight to the British Virgin Islands.
This tax-free paradise is conveniently located near Puerto Rico, making it easy to rent a yacht to take them to Fort Buchanan. Plus, Puerto Rico's abundance of supermodels added an enticing element to their trip.
On November 3, the three stood at the pier, and soon a military Hummer approached. A tall man in casual attire emerged from the vehicle.
With a salute, the three greeted Jonas, their former boss.
"Haha, looks like you haven't forgotten your military training!" Demps laughed, stepping forward to embrace them.
Demps had once commanded more than 30 troops, but many had retired, making this reunion particularly special for him.
Though his military rank might seem low, and he held no real power, Demps still relied on the PaYs program to secure employment after retirement. The PaYs program—Military Partnerships for Young People to Succeed—ensures that retired military personnel receive job interviews in the private sector.
"Let's head over and chat," Sean suggested as they walked toward the pier. Upon seeing the 60-foot Larson yacht, Demps couldn't hide his surprise.
"Wow! I didn't expect you to have done so well in just over a year!" he exclaimed, stepping aboard the yacht with a mix of envy and admiration.
"It's all thanks to everyone's support," Sean replied with a smile.
As they settled in, a few models in bikinis approached with fruit and drinks. Demps's eyes widened, clearly captivated.
"Wow, this is quite the setup," he remarked, taken aback.
"After your drive here, you must be tired. How about some time at sea to relax?" Sean suggested.
"Oh? But…" Demps stammered, eyeing the models.
"Please, it's all yours!" Sean gestured, knowing that the other two wouldn't mind indulging their old superior.
Demps laughed and eagerly joined the models, fully embracing the moment. Half an hour later, he returned refreshed and animated.
Once settled, Sean broached the reason for their visit, mentioning the need for help from a military platoon.
"Are you looking to get involved in drug trafficking?" Demps asked, recalling the luxurious yacht and the models.
"No, the risks are too high for that. I'm looking to smuggle high-end alcoholic beverages," Sean replied, weaving a half-truth.
Disappointment flickered across Demps's face; he
had hoped for something more thrilling. "If it were drugs, I'd be more interested. It's a traditional role for the military to assist with transportation."
"It shouldn't be difficult to find the right people," Sean assured him. "I know many have recently retired, and it shouldn't be a problem to meet our needs. Plus, the PaYs program can be quite a hassle for arranging jobs for warrant officers. I can help connect you with them," Demps offered, pleased to be of assistance.
Sean's face lit up at the prospect. He reached for a paper bag and placed it in front of Demps, making a subtle invitation.
Curiosity piqued, Demps opened the bag to find stacks of cash—old bills, $20 notes totaling $50,000.
Sean had been thoughtful, ensuring the money wouldn't attract unwanted attention. In 1984, with a per capita income of only $17,000, this amount was substantial for someone like Demps.
"This is quite generous," Demps remarked, his eyes widening as he realized the implications. "With this, I can definitely help you find the right contacts and set things in motion."
Sean nodded, pleased with Demps's response. "We need trustworthy veterans who can handle the operation discreetly. They should have experience and be willing to take risks."
"Leave it to me," Demps said confidently. "I'll reach out to those who are still connected and see who's interested. Many are looking for an opportunity to put their skills to use again."
As the yacht cruised through the turquoise waters, the atmosphere shifted. The conversation shifted from logistics to shared memories, laughter echoing over the gentle waves.
"Remember those days in the field?" Demps chuckled, reminiscing about their time together. "We were a formidable team."
"Absolutely," Sean replied, his expression turning serious. "But now, it's about building something new. We can stabilize the area and create a new order."
Demps nodded, appreciating the gravity of Sean's vision. "I'm in. Let's make this happen."
With that, the groundwork was laid for a partnership that would intertwine military discipline with Sean's ambitions in the underground world, aiming to bring stability to Newark while ensuring their mutual success. The yacht sailed on, a symbol of new beginnings and the promise of what was to come.