Wells quickly recognized Sean's intention to bribe the police and seized the opportunity to take credit for it. Regardless of whether others truly believed him, this move would enhance his prestige in the community.
When Sean readily agreed, Wells felt a surge of satisfaction, choosing to overlook their earlier disagreement. After all, a sudden zero-cost purchase wasn't worth dwelling on. If these individuals were upstanding citizens, why would they need police protection? Wells was confident that he could handle the situation.
Of course, he understood that even the most powerful can fall from grace. Thus, he didn't take Sean's proposal too seriously; a minor issue wouldn't shake his standing within Newark's police hierarchy.
Alongside his role at the health club, Wells was preparing to launch a new company. When Sean broached the subject, Wells sensed the conversation was shifting toward potential benefits. He nodded, silently encouraging Sean to continue.
"In light of Newark's public safety challenges, I've decided to contribute to building a more civilized community. I plan to provide security services for factories and docks to protect their assets," Sean explained.
Wells was taken aback. "You want to legalize gangsters?!" His eyes widened in disbelief at Sean's boldness.
"Legalize gangsters? How dare you!" Sean retorted, visibly angry. "You're slandering my noble character!"
"Ha! Your 'noble character' is a joke if you're not involved in politics," Wells waved dismissively, convinced he saw through Sean's facade.
"Listen, a gang is a gang and a security company is a security company," Sean took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "The security company will bear my name, so it must be legitimate. We won't engage in any illegal activities."
"Really?" Wells raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Although he had little direct experience with Sean, he recognized him as a careful and thoughtful individual, unlike the reckless gangsters of the past.
"I served in the military, and the personnel for my security company will come from there. Their professionalism and effectiveness are beyond question. This will be a legitimate business," Sean emphasized. "What I need is permission to legally use firearms in Essex and Newark."
Wells hesitated, his expression growing serious. "That sort of permission isn't easy to obtain. Even in a country where guns are regulated, it can be a complicated process."
"I understand the risks, but I'll be careful," Sean reassured him.
"Carefulness isn't enough. If something goes wrong, it's not just on you. Whoever approves it will be held accountable!"
"If anything happens, sue me. Besides," Sean added with a chuckle, "I believe a qualified security consulting company should encompass a range of services: security, consulting, risk assessment, and legal advice."
Wells frowned, unsure. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that while my soldiers can handle physical security, I need professionals for consulting roles," Sean clarified, locking eyes with Wells.
"Oh!" Wells's expression brightened. "You're right. For security consulting, police officials can offer valuable insights, and for legal matters, experienced lawyers and retired judges could provide crucial advice."
"I'm eager to build those connections, but I lack political ties. I'll need your help, Director Wells," Sean said, extending his hand.
"I'll do my best to help maintain law and order in Newark," Wells replied, shaking Sean's hand firmly.
A beneficial deal was struck between them. Sean felt a surge of optimism; the security company would open doors in the legal arena, helping him navigate any issues that arose with his associates.
Wells, in turn, saw the potential benefits of supporting Sean's endeavors. The consultants he helped connect would owe him a favor for creating a legitimate income source, reinforcing their network. He was also pleased to see Sean expanding his influence in Newark, as it could only benefit him.
As for Sean's more questionable activities, such as smuggling alcohol or controlling gangs, Wells reassured himself that Sean was fundamentally a good person.
Following their agreement, Sean instructed Saul to register the security consulting company the next day. Once established, this company would provide a legitimate source of employment and income for many, excluding Jonas and his action team.
Sean was focused on building connections and meeting influential figures Wells introduced him to, including Emerson Cyril, the Essex District Attorney, and Johnson Ted, a councilman in Newark. He also networked with Harrington Hamlin, a significant figure in New Jersey law.
Through golf games, receptions, and charitable donations, Sean steadily increased his visibility in Newark's elite circles, marking his entry into high society.
Sean understood early on that traditional gang activities were outdated. His goal was to accumulate resources initially, but for real growth, he needed to pivot toward legitimate business ventures.
However, he was still in a phase of primitive accumulation. The security company, at this stage, was not expected to turn a profit; it was merely a tool for self-preservation against rival gangs.
While Sean focused on establishing contacts and laying the groundwork for his security company, he didn't neglect his primary business. He successfully secured a foothold in the Jersey City market and expanded into neighboring cities, Paterson and Elizabeth. These areas, once under the control of the Seramanga gang, were now ripe for takeover, and Sean capitalized on the opportunity.
However, he knew that greater challenges lay ahead. The Soprano family, entrenched at the top of New Jersey's organized crime hierarchy, and the Lucchese family from New York would not passively allow Sean to grow unchallenged.
As Sean navigated this complex landscape, he remained vigilant, aware that every move he made could attract unwanted attention from these powerful rivals. He understood that while he was building a legitimate business, his past associations and current activities could draw scrutiny.
Yet, in this precarious balance between legality and the underworld, Sean was determined to carve out his own path. He knew that with the right connections, strategic planning, and a focus on legitimacy, he could not only protect himself but also rise to a position of influence in Newark's evolving landscape.
The security company was just the beginning. With Wells' support and the relationships he was cultivating, Sean aimed to transform his precarious situation into a robust network that would shield him from rivals while also enhancing his power within the community.
As he moved forward, Sean was acutely aware that success would require both cunning and caution. He remained committed to his vision, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, confident in his ability to navigate the intricate web of Newark's criminal and legitimate worlds.