Chapter 200: Chapter 200 Sigel's Funeral
In the eyes of the general public, Hardy was just a businessman, a legitimate businessman.
As for his underworld identity, unless there\'s evidence, do not slander him. Even the authorities can\'t. You can know, but you can\'t speak carelessly. Speaking carelessly carries legal responsibilities.
Hardy stood before the coffin, where Sigel and Fred lay quietly. Sigel wore a white suit, his favorite in life.
Beside the coffin stood a woman in black clothes with a black veil over her head, Virginia Hill, Sigel\'s woman.
The woman clutched the coffin, sobbing.
Before Sigel\'s death, Virginia was in Chicago. After learning of his murder, she didn\'t dare return.
For this burial, Hardy had someone inform Virginia. Despite her vanity and embezzling Sigel\'s money, which contributed to his business failure, Hardy didn\'t plan to pursue it.
Sigel loved her so much that Hardy believed Sigel would want Virginia to see him off at his burial. So he informed her.
On the other side was Fred.
Fred\'s wife and children were there, weeping bitterly over his body. After the priest read the eulogy, Hardy delivered a eulogy as a friend.
"Sigel, my friend taught me many things. His life was brilliant and turbulent."
Many thought Sigel\'s life was indeed brilliant—a Mafia leader, head of a group of killers, the underground king of the West Coast, with countless women and countless murders. His death, being gunned down, perfectly fit a gangster\'s end.
"He built the Flamingo Casino, striving for perfection, hoping to develop Las Vegas through his efforts. He wanted the companies here to prosper and grow together."
Hearing Hardy\'s words, the casino families thought he was warning them.
Peaceful coexistence and prosper together.
If they don\'t co-exist peacefully and pursue profit together, would their fate be like that of the four families?
"Although he is gone, his deeds will remain in people\'s hearts. Perhaps decades later, someone will come here, see his tombstone, and say, Benjamin Sigel, I\'ve heard of him. He was the foundation of Las Vegas rise."
White petals were sprinkled into the coffin, quickly covering the two bodies. Life comes and goes. Leaving even a shallow footprint in history is rare.
Sigel was quite lucky. He did it.
The funeral ended.
The families left.
But the casino heads didn\'t leave immediately. They gathered around to meet Hardy. The battle the night before had established Hardy\'s position in Las Vegas.
The underworld values strength the most.
Hardy had fully demonstrated his strength.
A bald middle aged man stood before Hardy, smiling and saying, "Mr. Hardy, I\'m the casino manager of the Lucchese family."
Hardy extended his hand, and the man quickly shook it with both hands.
"I spoke with the Lucchese patriarch on the phone. He helped me with something last year. In the future, if there is anything in Las Vegas, we can help each other."
"Okay, okay, thank you, Mr. Hardy." the manager said, smiling broadly.
"Mr. Hardy, I\'m the casino manager of the Cleveland Porrello family." Another man came up to greet Hardy, shaking his hand.
"Mr. Hardy, I\'m the casino manager of the Philadelphia Bruno family."
"Mr. Hardy, I\'m the casino manager of the New Orleans Marcello family. Our patriarch sends his regards and invites you for drinks and barbecue if you pass through New Orleans."
After meeting these casino leaders, Hardy smiled and said, "You know, I am a legitimate businessman. I bought Flamingo shares at the invitation of Sigel."
These managers tried to keep smiling.
But they were complaining in their hearts.
Are you a legitimate businessman? Well, your fists are big, so you call the shots. You\'re a legitimate businessman whom even the four families can\'t provoke.
Hardy sighed lightly.
"I\'ve invested millions in the Flamingo Casino. If it continues like this, my investment will be wasted. I had no choice but to come and check it out.
"I\'m unfamiliar with Las Vegas, so I brought HD Security, planning to have them handle the casino\'s security.
"This is necessary to ensure the safety and order of the Flamingo Casino?"
What could they say? Could they decide this? The New York Four Families and the San Francisco Selton Family were wiped out overnight by you. What could they say?
"Of course, it\'s necessary, very necessary," the Lucchese casino manager quickly said.
"Yes, yes, HD Security is doing an excellent job. They should stay."
"Seeing the patrol cars, we feel safer than before."
The managers chimed in.
Hardy smiled and nodded.
"Sometimes, the city government and council members are willing to listen to the people\'s voice. If you want HD Security to stay, you can reflect this to the city government and council members, urging them to approve the employment agreement."
The managers finally understood.
This was to let them pass the word to their family\'s familiar council members.
"Of course, we will reflect this, we must reflect this," the Lucchese casino manager immediately stated.
"Yes, yes, I will also reflect this," another manager quickly said.
Hardy had a satisfied smile on his face.
Look how good it is now. The casinos are united and loving. Las Vegas will definitely have a bright future.
Before leaving the cemetery, Hardy took one last look at Sigel\'s tombstone and said to himself, "Sigel, I will help you fulfill your unfinished business and dreams."
On the way back to the estate.
Bill and Hardy were sitting together, talking about matters in Los Angeles.
Since the destruction of the North Shore Gang, the \'Los City Company\' has become the dominant force. Bill led the reorganization of the industry, which is now basically complete.
"Boss, the person you assigned, Victor, has already made contact with the Mexican gang. With the North Shore Gang\'s drug business cut off, there is now a severe shortage of drugs in Los Angeles, and prices have skyrocketed. Victor found the Mexicans, who were thrilled to hear that he had a large supply of drugs. We can sell them 250 kilograms, the Mexicans are currently raising money to come over."