Chapter 187 Joe's Soldiers, but Fond of Gambling
The next day, inside an unmarked storefront on Misty Street.
Rodolfo, in a leather coat, sat at a baccarat table, fiddling with some chips in his right hand, looking grim.
Some folks could go years without gambling, not even knowing the rules of baccarat, but as soon as they sat down, they won; others gambled every day, studied the patterns, but ended up losing nine out of ten times. Rodolfo was clearly the latter. He spent years traveling with Joe and others, doing the most dangerous jobs, earning money with his life, but never saved a penny. Apart from sending a small portion to his family, the rest was mostly given to various gambling houses.
No one was perfect; everyone had their flaws, especially someone like Rodolfo, who lived on the edge. They faced immense mental pressure, knowing that today's job could be their last, so they needed an outlet, a hobby to relieve stress. Unfortunately, Rodolfo had become addicted to this hobby to the point where he couldn't control himself.
Today, he lost again. The money Joe gave him a few days ago was almost gone.
"Place your bets. Place your bets," the male dealer called out, waving his hand.
Rodolfo weighed the chips in his hand, smoking a cigarette and was about to place a bet with red eyes.
Just then, the phone rang. Rodolfo pulled out his phone, glanced at the screen, and immediately got up to find a quiet place.
"Hello? Joe."
"Where are you?" Joe asked over the phone.
"I'm... I'm out buying some booze and food," Rodolfo lied without hesitation, fearing a scolding, even though he usually felt entitled to snap at Joe over trivial matters.
"You're not at a gambling table, are you?" Joe knew Rodolfo as well as a farmer knew manure.
"No, I don't have any money left to gamble. I sent it all home," Rodolfo replied, looking down.
"I'll be back soon," Joe said after a moment of silence, "Let's take a few days off to relax."
"Did you just finish a rendezvous with a woman and feel relaxed?"
"Stop talking nonsense and go back quickly. We'll talk when I get back."
"Alright, I got it."
"Okay, see you."
After a brief conversation, they ended the call.
Rodolfo stood at the restroom door, glanced at the chips in his hand, and decided not to continue gambling. He walked to the front bar and said to the burly man behind it, "Hey, bro, set me up with an online account."
The burly man looked up at Rodolfo. "How much are you depositing?"
"Three thousand dollars."
"Do you have a Ninth District residency permit?" the burly man asked.
Rodolfo was taken aback and shook his head. "No."
"Without a residency permit, there's no credit limit. If you lose it all, you'll have to come back and deposit more," the burly man explained softly.
"Is there a credit limit if I deposit more?"
"Yes, if you deposit thirty thousand dollars, you get a five thousand dollar limit."
"That's too much. Forget it, just deposit three thousand dollars," Rodolfo said, realizing he didn't have much money left. "Go ahead and transfer it."
"Alright."
The burly man nodded and started working on the computer.
About four or five minutes later, Rodolfo received a small card from the man, with a website, an account number, and a password.
"It's done."
"Can I place bets over the phone now?" Rodolfo asked.
"Yep," the burly man nodded.
"Great, thanks."
"No problem," the burly man grinned. "Good luck to you."
"Thanks," Rodolfo said, pocketing the card and leaving the storefront with a smile.
The burly man watched Rodolfo leave, then turned to someone nearby and instructed, "Check the surveillance footage of that guy just now..."
---
In the city.
Jasper sat on the couch, happily helping his daughter with her homework.
"Did you find some money today? Why are you so happy?" his wife asked curiously.
Jasper smiled, looking a bit smug. "I came across an opportunity. If I seize it, I won't have to deal with Samuel anymore."
"You're just bragging," his wife scoffed. "You always act like you own Pine City after a few drinks."
"Why don't you believe me?"
"Believe what? If you were that lucky, would you have been disciplined over a thousand dollars?" his wife scolded, rolling her eyes. "Jasper, sometimes you lack vision. Even though you're close to William, you don't have to constantly clash with Samuel's people at the police station. Can't you be more tactful? They're the leaders; going against them won't do you any good."
Jasper retorted, "You really don't understand. In office politics, there's no such thing as a neutral party. You women see things too simply."
"Who are you talking about?" his wife slapped him, making a crisp sound on his head.
"Just talk, don't hit," Jasper yelled, feeling a bit intimidated.
The phone rang, and Jasper picked it up, gesturing for his wife to be quiet as he walked to the balcony to answer.
About two minutes later, Jasper came back from the balcony, grinning. "I might not come back tonight. You guys go to bed early."
"What happened?" his wife asked.
"The opportunity I mentioned has come," Jasper said, kissing her cheek.
"Be safe!" his wife reminded him.
"After tonight, I'll be back on top." Jasper grinned, patting his daughter's head. "Listen to your mom, and tomorrow I'll take you to the mall to buy that big doll."
"Thank you, Daddy."
"Good girl." Jasper kissed his daughter, grabbed his coat, and left.
He loved his family dearly. No matter how much trouble he faced outside, he always returned home with a happy and contented demeanor for his wife and daughter.
---
Half an hour later.
William called Enrique and David over and quietly instructed, "You two arrange the people and hand them over to Jasper."
"Aren't we going?" David asked.
"You're too recognizable. Don't show up at the scene. Just be responsible for the reception," William replied after some thought. "Leave the rest to Jasper."
"Got it." Enrique nodded.
---
Meanwhile, at the Black Street District police station.
Jasper walked quickly into the fourth team's office area and rapidly instructed the team leader, "Notify everyone in the fourth team to gather downstairs immediately."
"What case is it? Should we notify Alexander and the others?" the team leader asked.
"I'll announce the case later," Jasper replied hurriedly. "Call Alexander and the others."
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