There's nothing more impressive than a real achievement—especially when it involves the aftermath of a fierce gun battle.
As five battered corpses were carried out, it was evident that the confrontation had been intense. The fierce firefight attracted numerous reporters, who arrived just in time to witness the heroic police charge into the factory area.
In the end, the police emerged victorious, having decisively eliminated the gangsters with no casualties on their side. The sight of scattered bullet casings left the reporters awestruck. How many bullets had been exchanged in this battle? Was it even a mere skirmish, or something more akin to war?
While reporters clamored around Wells, eager to thrust microphones in his direction, Sean escorted Polly Chard into another vehicle. Eventually, Polly agreed to collaborate with X Security Company, which would include a comprehensive security system and armed escort. For the time being, they would use a van for transport. Sean assured her it was indeed bulletproof, with machine gun holes as evidence of its previous use.
However, this was just the Newark branch. The overarching banking system was beyond Sean's purview as a branch manager.
With this agreement, X Security had finally made significant strides, no longer merely a deterrent against rival gangs. Yet, Sean was dissatisfied with the pace of the company's expansion. The reason? The incompetence of robbers in the United States.
"Robbery isn't devoid of technical skill; it's just that these individuals haven't had the benefit of a proper education," Sean remarked. "Should I publish a 'textbook' on how to rob a bank? Are these criminals really this clueless?"
Bill and Uri exchanged worried glances. "Is it wise to disclose such information?" Uri asked.
"It's not impossible," Sean replied. "Imagine if we made a movie about a bank heist, providing all the intricate details. Once it's out, wouldn't everyone in the U.S. know how to rob a bank? Even if they based their plans on the film, wouldn't they still underestimate it?"
The room fell silent as everyone processed Sean's unconventional idea. Promoting bank robbery through film felt like a venture straight out of a capitalist's nightmare.
"Making a movie requires a lot of funding," Uri interjected. "I've heard Hollywood productions can cost millions."
"True, budget is a concern," Sean acknowledged. "But we could find ways to cut costs. The real challenge is securing a production company, a director, and a distribution network. The logistics are a nightmare."
"Not to mention the time from production to release can stretch over a year," Sean continued, his mind racing. Suddenly, he thought of Hong Kong.
"It's a great place for this. They have targets suitable for kidnappings and a thriving film industry. Productions can wrap in a week, and they could have a finished product in half a month," he mused.
But Sean knew this would require careful planning.
Just then, Jonas burst in, looking troubled. "Sean, we have a problem."
"What's going on?" Sean asked, looking up.
Jonas slumped onto the couch. "Our promotion efforts in Trenton are facing serious obstacles. The local gangs refuse to buy our products."
"Isn't our pricing lower than theirs?" Sean frowned. "Or do they not want what we're offering?"
"It's cheaper, and we have a full product line," Jonas replied, frustration evident in his voice. "But I found out they're under orders from the Dimeo criminal group not to purchase from us."
"Dimeo Criminal Group…" Sean breathed, contemplating the implications.
This group, comprised entirely of Italian descent, was led by Acomo Apple. The Dimeo family was a traditional mafia organization, deeply entrenched in New Jersey for decades, with expansive power and influence across various industries, including drugs, smuggling, extortion, and even legitimate businesses like recycling and bars.
"How significant is alcohol smuggling to their revenue?" Sean pondered.
"It's relatively minor for a big mafia," Yuri interjected, drawing from his extensive experience. "While they emerged during Prohibition, their main focus has shifted to drugs. Still, they maintain smuggling channels for alcohol, even if it's not as profitable as our offerings."
"Fake wine?" Sean interjected, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "Let's not label it that. It's drinkable and passes quality tests. Calling it fake undermines our confidence when selling it."
His colleagues exchanged skeptical looks.
"You need to shift your perspective," Sean insisted. "If you think it's fake, how can you sell it confidently? You have to believe in its legitimacy."
Yuri continued, "While smuggling alcohol may not be the most lucrative venture for these families, it's a tradition that carries weight. Many mafia families have evolved into larger groups, with various smaller factions controlling different business segments. If one family controls alcohol smuggling, it complicates things even further."
"Tradition can be maddening," Sean muttered. "Jonas, reach out to them. Set up a meeting with their patriarch and see if there's any chance for cooperation. Even if the profits are slim, we need to avoid conflict."
"Alright, I'll give it a shot, but I can't promise much," Jonas replied, shrugging.
Sean nodded, understanding that whether the meeting would be fruitful or not was secondary to the need for dialogue. It was essential to approach the situation without hostility.
In the following three days, Jonas finally managed to connect with the Dimeo Group. Acomo Apple agreed to meet and discuss potential collaboration with Sean. As they prepared for the meeting, Sean hoped that this dialogue could pave the way for a more peaceful coexistence in their competitive landscape.