Trenton, located in western New Jersey, serves as the state capital, an industrial hub, and a cultural center, positioned approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Philadelphia. Covering an area of 2,097 square kilometers and boasting a population of around 360,000 in the larger urban area, Trenton's economy is diverse and well-developed, featuring industries such as ceramics, rubber, steel, auto parts, aircraft manufacturing, and chemicals.
In the vast expanse of the United States, where the population is relatively sparse and cities are often scattered, the larger urban population is typically used for demographic calculations.
Sean, regarded as a junior in his circle, drove over 80 kilometers to Trenton for a meeting with Akomo Appler. The venue was a coffee shop chosen by Akomo, conveniently located just after entering the city.
For this visit to the Dimeo criminal group, Sean only brought Jonas along to handle the car, opting not to involve his other associates. In unfamiliar territories, he preferred to avoid displaying excessive force unless absolutely necessary. Thus, Bill and the rest of the team waited silently ten kilometers away, ready to respond if Sean faced any trouble. After all, Bill had brought an RPG, just in case.
Upon arriving at the coffee shop, Sean was greeted by two men in windbreakers. With a smile, he opened his arms for a quick inspection. Once cleared, he entered the shop, immediately spotting a bald middle-aged man at the central table, sipping coffee and reading a newspaper.
"Sean Rockefeller, I presume? Please, have a seat," the bald man said, smiling without standing up. His demeanor was disarmingly casual, masking the authority he wielded as the head of the Dimeo Group.
Sean returned the smile, suppressing any irritation at Akomo's nonchalance. He understood the unspoken dynamics of power and respect in this encounter. Pulling out a chair, he sat down and took a sip of coffee offered by the waiter.
"Mr. Akomo, I appreciate the opportunity to meet today. I understand that to conduct business in Trenton, one needs your permission, and I hope my visit isn't an imposition," Sean stated.
"No, the scope of our discussion should extend to New Jersey as a whole," Akomo replied, setting his newspaper aside and fixing his gaze on Sean.
"Then I'd like to start a small business here. What are your thoughts, Mr. Akomo?"
Akomo chuckled, "Your ambitions are not as small as you think. The smuggling of alcohol is firmly under the Dimeo Group's control. There's no room for you here. Our organization has been established for decades; it's a large vessel, and it cannot be easily redirected by newcomers like you."
"Perhaps a strategic reorganization could make it more agile," Sean suggested, maintaining a calm demeanor.
"Boy, it's not your place to advise the Dimeo Group," an older man at a nearby table interjected.
Sean shot a sidelong glance at the old man, then turned back to Akomo with an amused expression, allowing an awkward silence to linger in the air.
After a moment, Akomo sighed and addressed the old man, "Quiet down, Klado. The Dimeo Group won't rush into anything just because of external pressures. We'll observe and let things unfold naturally."
"If I were to undercut your prices on bootleg wine, it might ease your burden," Sean offered, trying a different approach.
Akomo shook his head. "This isn't just a matter of money. Your rise is a concern for the Dimeo Group, and we cannot allow you to continue growing unchecked."
Sean considered his next words carefully. "It's unfortunate we couldn't find common ground today. I appreciate the meeting, Mr. Akomo. Perhaps our paths will cross again in the future."
"Maybe," Akomo replied, remaining seated, embodying the patience of a man who understands the ebb and flow of power dynamics.
As Sean left, he exchanged farewells with Akomo, who remained unfazed. Outside, the old man muttered, "Arrogant boy."
"You remind me of us in our youth," Akomo said with a chuckle, sipping his coffee.
"Times have changed. The profit margins in smuggling have shrunk. The drug trade still lies with Mexico, and Sean's other ventures are viewed merely as fronts for money laundering," Akomo mused, dismissively reflecting on Sean's aspirations.
Once back in the car, Sean immediately contacted Bill and the others to inform them he was leaving alone. "Don't move until I give the signal," he instructed.
"They clearly have no interest in cooperating," Jonas remarked as he drove.
"Exactly. All I want is to conduct my business honestly. Why do they always feel threatened by me?" Sean sighed.
"What's our next move?" Jonas asked.
"I won't be stopped—neither back then in Salamanca nor now with Dimeo!" Sean declared resolutely.
Jonas laughed, "I knew you wouldn't back down. It's not that I look down on them, but these old-timers don't get it. They cling to outdated traditions as if that makes them invincible. It's ridiculous!"
"They're like turkeys," he continued, grinning as he turned the radio dial. "Put them on the fire, and they're done for."
Sean chuckled at the analogy but remained focused. "We need to be smart about this. They may be set in their ways, but they have resources and connections that can be dangerous if we're not careful."
Jonas nodded, his expression turning serious. "So what's our plan? We can't just wait around for them to make a move."
"We gather intelligence," Sean said, determination in his voice. "We need to understand their operations, where their strengths lie, and identify any weaknesses. We can't rush into this without a strategy."
"Got it. I'll start reaching out to our contacts in the area," Jonas responded, his demeanor shifting to one of focus. "We need to know who we're dealing with and what they're capable of."
Sean leaned back in his seat, contemplating the challenges ahead. "And we need to build our own network. If we can establish alliances with the right people, we can create a buffer against Dimeo."
"Sounds like a plan," Jonas agreed. "We'll show them that the new blood isn't to be underestimated."
Sean smiled slightly, feeling a surge of confidence. "Exactly. We'll make our mark, one way or another. Let's get to work."
As they drove off, Sean's mind raced with possibilities. He was determined to carve out his own place in this complex landscape and ensure that his ambitions wouldn't be stifled by those who clung to the past. The encounter with Akomo had only fueled his resolve to rise above and redefine the dynamics of power in the region.