Chapter 52 The Price of Recklessness
Samuel was very familiar with the overall environment of Black Street District and even Pine City. Although he usually appeared low-key and often preferred a moderate approach to avoid unnecessary trouble, his sensitivity to political maneuvering surpassed many others.
After the brawl on Maple Street escalated into a mass incident, Samuel's decision to call in the military to help suppress it was undoubtedly the right one. Because Terry had very solid connections within the police department if Samuel had chosen to report this to the police department first, the higher-ups might have delayed for two hours, allowing the situation on Maple Street to worsen further, and he would have been held largely responsible. Since Black Street District was under his jurisdiction, he would definitely bear the main responsibility for such a significant issue.
Eli from the military had some personal ties with Samuel, so when he received the call, he didn’t hesitate and brought over two battalions within half an hour. Unlike the police, the soldiers were seasoned military personnel who had experienced multiple military conflicts and riots, so they were very decisive and tough in handling such matters.
When over a thousand armed soldiers, driving armored vehicles, stormed into Maple Street, the situation was instantly turned around. No matter how fierce, wealthy, or ruthless the drug-dealing gangs were, they couldn't compete with the government-backed military power. So, when these people saw that the soldiers were really willing to shoot, they scattered immediately. Even Benjamin, who was initially planning to go to the Neon Club, was quickly taken away by his subordinates.
The rest of the incident became very simple. Since this had become so serious, the authorities had to severely punish some people to account to the public. So, the soldiers began to systematically and organizedly arrest the ringleaders. For a while, there were no more thugs on Maple Street daring to confront the police. Only key members of the drug-dealing gangs were fleeing in all directions.
Inside a second-floor room on Elm Street.
Just as Terry was about to inquire about the situation on Maple Street, a subordinate rushed in and said urgently, "Terry, the military suddenly stormed into the street without any warning and started shooting. Both families have scattered, but many of our people have been caught. Just at the entrance of Vine Street alone, dozens of people have been arrested."
"The military interfered?" Terry was stunned.
"Yes, no advance notice at all. We all thought Samuel would report to the police department and wait for support, but unexpectedly, he contacted the military," the subordinate replied in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Terry frowned, pushed away the cards, lit a cigarette, and said hoarsely, "Samuel has some deep connections. I had no idea he had ties with the military."
Everyone remained silent.
"Since the military has shown up, we should stop," Terry immediately ordered, "Tell our people to disperse quickly and have the leaders stay in the new district for a while."
"Understood." The subordinate nodded and then added, "Also, three hitmen from outside the district cornered Alexander, but he was quite resourceful and took refuge in a butcher shop, refusing to come out. The three were stalled, and a few of Alexander's subordinates arrived. The mission failed, but Alexander might be injured."
"He's a minor player, but he humiliated us in the Eric's incident. If we don't kill him to set an example, Samuel and others won't be afraid of us," Terry said, taking a drag on his cigarette. "But leave him alone for now. He has been alarmed and since he's Samuel's man, he'll be on guard. We'll deal with him later."
"Got it."
"You may leave now," Terry instructed his subordinate, then picked up his phone and walked to the window, calling a contact within the police department.
A few seconds later, the call was put through, and Max Reed immediately said, "What's wrong with you? Causing such a big mess?"
"We couldn't trace the supply chain, and if Benjamin takes over this channel in the future, we'll suffer significant losses. If we don't deal with him now, there will be big problems later," Terry replied with a chuckle.
"But you can't handle it this way. It puts a lot of pressure on the police department."
"The military has interfered, haven't they?" Terry responded calmly, "Didn’t they arrest the right people?"
The other side remained silent.
"Mr. Reed, my people have been arrested. We can stop operations for now and cooperate with whatever the higher-ups decide, but we need to make Benjamin really hurt," Terry said grimly, "Since things have escalated this much, we must finish him off."
"I'll put pressure on the police of the Black Street District," Max replied in a low tone, "You should also provide whatever you can to pin this on Benjamin."
"Okay." Terry nodded.
The Anderson family, in the Black Street District, especially in the Maple Street area, had more influence and numbers than the Patrick family. But after this brawl, they were utterly defeated.
Why?
Because the interest group led by Terry had reached a level where they could sit at the same table and chat with the higher-ups, while Benjamin could not.
The Anderson family sold drugs on Maple Street at reasonable prices, at least 70% lower than those at hospitals and designated pharmacies. This allowed them to quickly gain prominence and a certain reputation and influence on Maple Street. The poor, elderly, and sick who couldn't afford medication, suffering from environmental and disaster impacts, remembered their kindness, so they were willing to help at critical moments.
But this was no match for political connections.
Sometimes, the heartfelt words of ten thousand people might not carry as much weight as a fart from someone in a high position at a dinner table.
Max from the police department said in a closed-door meeting the next day, "Thoroughly investigate the Anderson family drug gang!" The high-level officials of various functional departments had to strictly implement the leader's instructions and started to crazily arrest the Anderson family members who were actually just forced to defend themselves last night.
Although Terry's people were all thrown into jail, those high-level members who had avoided the situation could still freely access various public places. But could the Anderson family do that? They couldn't. After their reckless actions, they could only flee in embarrassment to avoid the impending crackdown.
In less than twelve hours, over a dozen high-level members responsible for drug trafficking in the Anderson family were arrested by police chiefs from various districts in Pine City. Coupled with the dozens of people arrested on the spot last night, their team was scattered overnight.
The next evening.
Benjamin called Andrew and said briefly, "Take care of Daniel and Robert's matters. I can't show up now."
Andrew, sitting in a hospital chair, replied helplessly, "You really can't show up. The order just came down today. The police department has named you as someone they want to question in person."
"What about Samuel's stance?" Benjamin asked.
"He's powerless in this matter. You guys made too big a scene," Andrew replied with a frown. "He's also facing a lot of negative repercussions."
"Alright, I get it," Benjamin said, not pressing further for Samuel's help. "I admit defeat this time."
"Okay, let's leave it at that."
With that, the call ended.
At 9 PM that night, after a day of meetings, Samuel sat in his car with an exhausted look and asked, "Where's Alexander?"
"In the hospital."
"Let's go there," Samuel said, catching his breath, "I need to talk to him."
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