Empire of Shadows

“I have some connections with them,” Lance said, not fully committing but not denying it either.

He wasn't sure what Councilman Williams meant by this, and if he agreed too readily, it would be difficult to refuse later, but he also couldn't dismiss it outright, as it might be another opportunity.

Councilman Williams raised his glass, signaling Lance to clink glasses with him. After they clinked, they each took a small sip.

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The alcohol content of whiskey wasn't very high for Lance; anything below fifty proof didn't even qualify as liquor to him, just watered-down booze.

However, few people in the Federation could handle spirits above forty proof neat; they called it "hard liquor" and needed to add ice.

He didn't put the glass back on the coffee table but held it in his hand, slowly swirling it. "The port's work is very important. I'm getting old, and my memory isn't what it used to be, but I know countless ships from all over the world come here every day."

"They drop off cargo and then leave after reloading."

"Our docks are extremely busy every day, day and night."

"If… let's say one day, the docks suddenly completely shut down, who would be the most anxious?"

Councilman Williams leaned back against the sofa. He crossed his legs, resting his right hand, which held the glass, on the armrest, and casually placed his left hand on his waist. "The ships waiting to load and unload cargo?"

"The businesses and companies related to these shipping activities?"

"The dockworkers at the port?"

"Or… Sydney, the state government, or even Congress?"

He looked at Lance, giving him a "thought-provoking question." He wasn't sure if Lance was a smart kid, so he used this method to make the conversation smoother.

Lance understood his meaning, but… being treated like an imbecile really made him want to laugh and cry.

"You don't have to talk to me like that; I know what you mean!"

"But Mr. Williams, have you considered that once the port shuts down, many cargo ships might continue north to save costs?"

"Once these cargo ships believe the north is more stable and reliable, the resources that originally belonged to Goldport City will be lost."

There was a port in the north, certainly not as large as Goldport, but sufficient for temporary use.

If Goldport's shutdown lasted too long, it could trigger a series of problems. The northern port would certainly be happy to see that happen.

That way, they would have the opportunity to develop, but for the local interest groups, this would be difficult to accept.

Lance lowered his voice slightly, tucking his chin in as he spoke, "Have you discussed this with the Bay Area?"

In one sentence, Councilman Williams finally realized that Lance wasn't a fool, although this meant he didn't have to worry about whether Lance could understand, Lance's answer also made him somewhat annoyed.

The Bay Area!

A special entity. In fact, Councilman Williams was also a member of the Bay Area, but he couldn't represent the entire Bay Area.

He pursed his lips, which made them slightly pale and thin, and his hooked nose became more prominent.

He hadn't discussed it with the Bay Area because he knew those people definitely wouldn't agree.

If the gangsters still thought they had a choice before the meeting started, they actually had no choice left.

Then the old men in the Bay Area were the ones who really could choose freely.

They had a large amount of investment in Goldport City, and their interests were intertwined. Even the mayor didn't have a good way to deal with them.

So, they were the truly "free people of the Federation."

If Councilman Williams discussed this matter with them, given their personalities, they would directly refuse!

Because it would definitely harm their interests!

They would rather lean towards outsiders than continue to stand with the locals.

Don't expect capital to have any firm stance or determination. Their biggest difference from prostitutes is that prostitutes charge very little, while they want a lot, that's all!

Lance's words directly hit the nail on the head. If the capitalists still had the opportunity to choose sides and camps, then Councilman Williams actually had no chance.

Once Sydney controlled the city, those who had opposed him would be dealt with.

Councilman Williams himself didn't really care; he was old, and it didn't matter if he was no longer a councilman.

But what about James (his eldest son)?

Those Bay Area people who had sided with the "new king" would definitely not let James have a chance to rise, because they all knew very well that once James rose, he might retaliate against them.

They couldn't stand that, so the best way was to completely trample the Williams family underfoot, to completely crush them!

For the sake of his children, whether it was James or Arthur, he needed to make some decisions, even if it meant sacrificing the interests of these people.

He had called Councilman Wade before, asking him for the notebook, but he said he had already burned it in front of everyone, so there was no possibility of negotiation. Therefore, he could only act first and talk later.

His breathing was slightly rapid; that's how it was when you got old, always having problems with your heartbeat or breathing.

"Never mind them!" he picked up his glass and took another sip. If the Bay Area could firmly resist the mayor, Sydney would actually have a hard time.

But those Bay Area dogs who only saw benefits were not pure at all. Once their interests were threatened, they would become hesitant.

Lance pursed his lips, "Then after I finish this matter, I'm likely to face retaliation from the Bay Area, Councilman Williams."

"I respect you very much, but I'm not an idiot."

"If you can't give me a guarantee, it will be difficult for me to do what you want."

Councilman Williams licked his lips, "What do you want, kid?"

Given his age, Lance could indeed be called a "kid," and he used the word "kid" to actually try to draw the two sides closer.

Lance thought for a while, then shook his head, "There are many things I want, but most of them are things you can't give me."

"Why don't you tell me what you can give me?"

"Maybe you can convince me."

Councilman Williams laughed twice after hearing this. He suddenly felt that things were becoming interesting. He no longer regarded Lance as an ordinary gang leader, but as someone with the same wisdom as himself… well, maybe not as smart as himself, someone a little stupid.

"Sydney will be out of here in two years. If our plan succeeds this time, then I will announce my candidacy for mayor."

"He will cleanse this city of those reactionary forces who have not stood on our side and give you the greatest convenience."

"At the same time, I can guarantee you that I will only serve for four years."

"That's what I'm giving you, four years!"

He looked at Lance, observing the subtle changes in Lance's eyes and expression, and felt his satisfaction with his "bargaining chip" from Lance's slightly forward-leaning posture.

Four years, the greatest convenience, and by then, it might create a monster more terrifying and dominant than the Five Families!

That was the reward he gave Lance!

And he believed that Lance understood as well.

"Aren't you afraid that things will get out of control one day?"

Councilman Williams suddenly laughed very happily, the kind of hearty laugh. After laughing for a while, he took another sip of wine, and after drinking it, he laughed a few more times, as if he had encountered something very funny.

"Lance, I actually don't really want to say this."

"But you should know, without light, there is no shadow, and the shadow is always under the light."

"I know what you mean, I won't worry and I won't be afraid."

"Because no matter how big you develop, you are just the leader of a gang, and we are the true rulers of this country!"

He put down his glass, clasped his hands together, making a fist, "James will be a very good successor, you guys can get along."

"I have summarized our biggest problem during this time, that is, Wade and I, we have excessively dispersed power. If there was no him, only me, then the situation would not be like this now!"

"The Five Families are also like this. It seems that the Five Families are very united and jointly write the rules of the underground world in Goldport City and even Licarale State."

"But you see!" He spread his hands, looking helpless, "The Coda family was the first to betray the Five Families in order to continue to stabilize the casino license in their hands."

"The Cassia family's business is too dependent on the indulgence and acquiescence of law enforcement, so when Sydney's power became strong, he immediately surrendered."

"If it wasn't the Five Families in the first place, but one family, then these problems would not have occurred, Lance."

"I have high hopes for you, you are smarter than those idiots outside, including Paul and them."

"You know how to use your advantages and strengths, you can get along with James, you will become the best partners."

"With your cooperation, this city will be your paradise!"

For the sake of his son, Councilman Williams was also going all out.

He had not originally intended to run for mayor, but now he had changed his mind.

It was also because Wade had betrayed them that he was able to run for mayor with certainty. Looking at it this way, Councilman Wade actually gave him the opportunity from a certain point of view.

Lance thought for a while and finally agreed, because it was very beneficial to him.

Four years of being sheltered by the mayor, being able to develop unscrupulously!

He could let Councilor Williams know that sometimes, shadows can also block the sunlight!

"I agree!" He raised his glass and clinked it against Councilor Williams' glass, who was now wearing a satisfied smile. "What are you planning to do with this matter?"

Councilor Williams took a sip of wine, swirling the glass, the amber liquid rolling around inside. He wore a playful expression on his face. "The workers haven't had a raise in two or three years. Is that reasonable?"

"Of course, you can also do it your own way, just wait for my call."

Lance nodded slightly and stood up. He straightened his clothes and extended his hand. "Pleasure doing business with you, Councilor Williams."

Councilor Williams also laughed and stood up, shaking Lance's hand. "Pleasure doing business with you!"

"I'll have James contact you about the follow-up matters. You're both young people, you should be able to become good friends."

He was still thinking about his eldest son. It seemed like favoritism, but in reality, it was the only way to ensure that power could be passed down.

Rely on Arthur, that idiot?

The Williams family would be finished soon!

Only James was most like him, able to inherit everything he owned and carry it forward.

This matter was a crisis, but also an opportunity, a chance to stabilize the pinnacle of power in Gold Harbor City!

Councilor Williams left quickly. After he left, Alberto asked Lance, "What did you two talk about just now?"

Lance glanced in Paul's direction, just as Paul was looking over at him.

Including smiling and nodding, Lance also responded, "Nothing much, just talking about secrets that can't be said, but you'll know soon enough."

Alberto didn't press him. He knew that if Lance couldn't say, there must be a reason.

After they hugged, they exchanged farewells and well wishes, then hurriedly parted ways.

Paul asked Alberto what Lance and Councilor Williams had said in the room, but Alberto didn't say anything. He had to pretend he was just asking casually and skipped over the topic.

On the way back, Lance lit a cigarette. "I remember we have two undercover agents over there, right?"

Ervin nodded. "Yes, we've been monitoring them and haven't let them notice anything unusual."

Lance took a drag of his cigarette. "Don't arrange any long-term work for them at the end of the month, we'll need to use them then."

Ervin was a little puzzled. He didn't ask, just looked at Lance, waiting for his explanation.

Lance laughed and said, "I told you keeping them around would be useful. Gold Harbor City will be in chaos again next month, and we need them to pass some information to the Hazardous Materials Administration."

Ervin also laughed and said, "Are we going to give them another achievement?"

In fact, Lance had already given them two achievements. There were no actual losses, but it gave those people in the Hazardous Materials Administration some comfort from him.

At least, they made Lance uncomfortable!

"This time, give them a big achievement!"

Ervin still didn't understand. Lance's lips moved, and he mouthed the word "docks." After Ervin understood, he was stunned!

The only thing related to alcohol at the docks was the Dockworkers' Club!

The unlimited supply of cheap alcohol was already causing the club to lose about twenty thousand dollars a month. Although the losses were severe, it was nothing to Lance's current income.

But this club had become the spiritual food for the ten thousand dockworkers!

If it were suddenly cut off…

He shuddered, already unable to imagine the workers' anger!

He looked at Lance in disbelief. Lance remained calm. "I remember we beat up a kid named Johnny last time, right?"

Ervin nodded. "Later, I visited his home, and he compromised."

"Find him and tell him I have something for him, and it's a good thing."

"This time, give him a chance to be a hero!"

"Also, the firm may be about to usher in a huge development."

The weather was already getting hot, and the dry, hot sea breeze blew into the car, giving it a taste of summer.

"Leave this to you. Talk to Ryder and have him recruit more workers to help us rush out at least ten thousand more sets of work clothes."

Ervin didn't know why Lance had such a demand, but he knew that doing so would definitely be right.

Lance was considering that simply cutting off the alcohol supply would only make them angry, and might not be enough to make them completely listen to him and go on strike directly.

So, wouldn't it be more appropriate to create a labor-management conflict and then take the opportunity to demand a wage increase?

Three layers of anger stacked together, completely turning the docks upside down!

Since it's coming, let's make it a big one!

In fact, the mayor also knew about today's meeting. Someone was secretly passing him information, and he also knew Councilor Williams' thoughts.

When the news was passed back, he first shared the intelligence with his secretary. "What do you think?"

He seemed to like asking his secretary how he analyzed and viewed various things.

Sometimes, when the mayor was busy or unable to respond, his secretary needed to make some decisions for him. Although this situation was not common, it was still possible.

He had to let his secretary know how to solve these problems when they encountered them.

If he were gone one day, and the secretary had to face trouble independently, he could make the right decision.

The secretary's eyebrows furrowed. He thought for a long time. "The police are not currently in our hands. Once things get chaotic, it will indeed be difficult for us to handle."

"Maybe we should reappoint a police chief?"

"John's success made me realize that there are many locals in this city who are not on the same side as them. We can use these forces!"

"As long as we can seize the law enforcement power of the police station, these riots are minor problems. Just let the police suppress them."

The mayor nodded slightly. "That's a direction to consider, but I don't think it's very suitable for the current situation."

"The most critical point is that after John died, that old dog Charlie and Hunter took advantage of the opportunity to regain control of the situation."

"I heard that the heads of the various branches go to Charlie's villa for gatherings after work on Fridays."

"That's the police station, not the city's."

"Even if we appoint a new police chief, it will take time to influence Charlie and Hunter again."

"Just let Dale and them do this. These people are all gangsters, they are all criminal groups, they have all smuggled alcohol."

"They have always wanted to play a more active role in their value, so let them do it."

"In addition, we can get some assistance from the state police."

"Even if they make more trouble, it will be more beneficial to us."

"Williams is right about one thing. Congress will not sit idly by and watch Gold Harbor City fall into chaos. When that time comes, we won't need to do anything, and they will mobilize the militia to come in."

"Just in time, use the militia to wipe out these annoying things in one fell swoop!"