A New Alliance
"Charlie, I think we'll be friends," said Nick Brandy, raising his glass with a knowing grin.
Walter Gade, previously aloof and brash, couldn't resist adopting a more subdued demeanor as the room shifted in Charlie's favor. Despite the compliments, Charlie Lee wasn't one to revel in the moment.
Every night, he immersed himself in self-education. Old newspapers became his guide to mastering etiquette. Even the simple act of smoking a cigar was meticulously rehearsed. For hours, he practiced with wooden sticks of various sizes, often ending up chewing splinters, all to exude the sophistication that was now earning him admiration.
"Your efforts are evident, Mr. Lee," Nick remarked.
"Of course," Charlie replied modestly, raising the gin-filled glass handed to him by his butler. The high-quality English liquor reflected the elevated stature he now commanded.
"I'll cover the costs, Charlie, but you have to offer me a fair price," Nuki interjected after the initial exchange.
"How about $100?" Charlie raised an eyebrow as he tested the waters.
"Every week?" Nuki asked, slightly incredulous.
"No," Charlie replied, placing his cigar in the ashtray to burn naturally. "Every day."
The room grew quiet. Nuki's face darkened as the realization sank in.
"Charlie, shouldn't friends be honest with each other?" Nick intervened smoothly.
"Fine," Charlie conceded, "Let's make it $50 per day, but let me remind you, I'm offering the best bodyguards available. Their market rate is $200 a day. Do you understand what a true bodyguard does?"
He leaned forward, his voice steady, "When danger arises, they'll step forward and shield you from harm—even bullets."
The claim startled Nuki. He scoffed, his skepticism evident. "Including bullets?"
"Absolutely," Charlie affirmed with a calm sip of his drink.
Nick and Nuki exchanged glances, their disbelief battling the practicality of the offer. If true, $50 a day was an undeniable bargain for a life worth far more.
"Charlie, you're a shrewd friend," Nuki said with a wry smile, finally conceding.
From initial dismissal to grudging respect, Charlie's calculated negotiations had altered the room's atmosphere. Even Walter Gade, once dubious, was impressed.
"Charlie, I've been to Shanghai. You and your people are… very different," Walter said awkwardly.
"Indeed, very different," Charlie acknowledged.
"My country is enduring its tribulations, but at its core, we are alike—modest, diligent, and deeply rooted in culture," he continued, pausing briefly. "Though we are ailing now, I believe vitality will return in time."
Sensing the heaviness of the conversation, Nuki shifted gears. "Perhaps you could demonstrate how reliable your bodyguards are."
With a subtle nod, Charlie instructed the butler, "Bring in Monk."
The men in the room chuckled at the mention of a "detective," but the atmosphere grew electric as Monk entered. The towering figure carried an imposing presence, a silent challenge to anyone who doubted his abilities.
Without a word, Monk removed his coat, revealing a shirt stretched tight over his muscular frame. The room grew still as he approached a solid wood table.
With a single stomp, the floor trembled. Then, with a swift axe kick, the thick table split cleanly in two, splinters flying through the air. A jagged shard whizzed past Nuki's face, embedding itself into the wall behind him.
Silence hung heavy in the air.
Nick Brandy broke the tension with applause, his excitement palpable. "Remarkable, Mr. Detective. I feel safer already!"
Monk, unfazed by the praise, donned his coat and stepped back without a hint of arrogance.
"This is professionalism," Nick observed, nodding in admiration.
Once Monk departed, Walter and Sakil Rix approached Charlie eagerly. "We need bodyguards like him, Charlie," they pleaded.
"Of course," Charlie said with a confident smile, masking the satisfaction blooming inside. The first steps of his Aegis Bureau were unfolding better than anticipated.
Turning to Nick, Charlie made a bold request. "Senator, there's something I'd like to discuss."
"Go ahead, my friend," Nick replied, leaning forward.
"In the future, I'll need your assistance securing a national defense license."
Nick didn't respond immediately, his thoughtful pause reflecting the complexity of the request. Finally, he said, "Charlie, I can't promise anything now, but when the time comes, I'll do my best to help."
"Thank you," Charlie replied graciously. Even without a guarantee, the day's accomplishments were significant.
As the evening wound down, the group transitioned to lighter topics, with Charlie often playing the attentive listener. He invited them to visit his operations in Chicago, an offer they seemed keen to accept.
"Charlie, you've truly surprised me," Nuki said later as they strolled toward the bar.
"I told you, I don't let friends down," Charlie replied.
"Now, about the men you can provide," Nuki pressed.
"Forty, all armed, though you'll need to supply ammunition," Charlie said.
Nuki agreed, knowing the price of safety was worth it. At $50 per man per day, the arrangement would cost $60,000 a month—steep, but necessary.
Nuki, ever calculating, intended to leverage his political influence to offset the expense. His brother, still in office, could reallocate public funds under the guise of enhancing city security.
"Two cases of top-brand brandy arrived today," Nuki said, attempting to lighten the mood. "I'll have one sent to you in Chicago."
"Thank you," Charlie replied. Then, with a hint of curiosity, he added, "By the way, I've noticed you're always alone. Where's your wife?"
Nuki's expression darkened. "She passed away years ago."
"My condolences," Charlie said sincerely, though his earlier assumption about Nuki's demeanor made him wince inwardly.
As the night ended, Charlie reflected on the events. Negotiations, alliances, and strategic displays of power had shifted the balance in his favor. The path ahead was uncertain, but Charlie Lee was ready to carve his legend in the land of opportunity.