Empire of Shadows

After the senator hung up the phone, he stood there and laughed twice at the phone that had already been hung up.

He had actually already asked the local liquor suppliers in New Golden City. This batch of liquor was not particularly good, not the kind of liquor that came from a large distillery, so the price couldn’t be too high.

In addition, there was the shipping fee. To transport it from the southernmost city of the Federation to the central region of the Federation, even by sea, the shipping fee would be quite a lot—

These liquors, which were explicitly prohibited from being brewed, transported, and sold in the country, would not be transported by anyone taking a huge risk.

The larger the scale of the shipping company, the less likely they would be to easily touch this fire line, unless there was a personal guarantee from a senator.

But how could a senator escort these illegal things?

So in the end, it could only be transported by the suppliers themselves, who would form their own convoys or cargo ships. This way, the cost would become much larger, and the risk would also increase.

So they couldn’t give too much money. And Golden State was not short of liquor. The entire East Coast was not short of liquor. There would always be someone who would find a way to smuggle the liquor to the cities on the East Coast where it could be sold at a high price.

The quotations from the suppliers who supplied liquor to Congress were only around seven or eight hundred thousand, a little less than Lance’s quotation.

From a certain point of view, if Lance was willing to pay 900,000, they would still have made a profit.At first, they had not actually thought of making money from this, but with the implementation of Prohibition, some capable people with connections had found them.

It was either that they wanted to have some liquor released from the seized warehouses, or that some people wanted to buy the seized liquor in a certain warehouse.

There were too many interests and personal favors involved in this. At first, they had indeed not agreed, but after a long time, there would always be some that were impossible to refuse.

The bottom line is like this, in the constant probing, it is broken bit by bit.

Until now, if a local Prohibition Bureau seized a large amount of liquor, they would get a small cut from it.

Anyway, the public did not know how those liquors were dealt with. They could only see a large amount of liquor being destroyed. As for how much was left, and where the rest would flow to, no one would care after the heat had died down.

And this was precisely their way of making pocket money.

Hidden, and also affordable.

Lance did not intend to transport this batch of liquor back. It would be sold directly locally, at a wholesale price, about 1.2 to 1.3 million.

As the scale grew larger and larger, Lance had already begun to transform from a pure retailer to a wholesaler.

Of course, a part of his offline retail channels would still be retained, which could also be considered some welfare for the drunks.

Now the entire Federation was short of liquor, but also not short of liquor, because the seventeen wineries could start brewing at full capacity. With them being unable to control their own desires, and letting these liquors flow into the market, Prohibition could be said to have already existed in name only.

However, it would still exist, and for a long time, because only with the existence of Prohibition would the price of liquor be ridiculously expensive!

From the promulgation of Prohibition and its actual implementation until now, in three years, including fruit grapes, the overall price of grapes had skyrocketed by more than thirty times.

What kind of concept was this?

Three years ago, Lance could buy a ton of grapes for a little over seventy, less than eighty dollars.

But now, the quotations for fruit grapes and wine grapes from the three major agricultural product channel providers in the Federation, Ligier, Bairdet, and Nongda, had already risen to over 2,600 federal sols a ton.

For some very excellent wine grapes, the price had already broken three thousand.

This was an exceptionally magical world. Everything was changing because of the effect of Prohibition. Those vineyard owners who grew grapes had never thought that they could also join in this bizarre carnival.

Every era always has its own super opportunities. For this era, as long as you were bold enough and seized the opportunity of the first two years, you could make a big fortune and be worry-free for the rest of your life.

But if you didn’t have that much courage, and couldn’t see these opportunities, then you could only unfortunately become the background of a great era, becoming a “1” in the huge number of the population that was generally counted when people discussed this era in the future.

The next day was a workday. As soon as Tim went to work, he received a call from his superior, asking him to hand over that batch of liquor to Lance.

Tim briefly reported on the things Lance had said when they had dinner together over the weekend, for example, to continue to crack down on the brewing, selling, and other behaviors of private liquor. His superiors also expressed their support.

At this point, Tim no longer had a trace of doubt. He dialed Lance’s number with a brilliant smile on his face. Even if Lance couldn’t see it, he had to show his best side.

At least he could hear it, right?

For Lance, this was just a small interlude. Tim enthusiastically invited Lance to dinner. He mentioned his wife and children, who were all very much looking forward to their first meeting.

To this, Lance did not refuse.

Of course, not now, but in a couple of days.

In the afternoon, Lance was at the golf course, waiting for Attorney General Terry.

No matter when, Attorney General Terry always looked very energetic. The smile on his face was like a permanent spell that had been cast, always on his face.

And he appropriately showed his big white teeth, which were representative of the elite class!

A good set of teeth is very important for the people of the Federation. They seem to have an obsession with the health of their teeth.

From a distance, Lance took the initiative to extend his hand. It wasn’t until he got close that he shook Attorney General Terry’s hand, shaking it twice with force.

“Thank you for your help this time. If it weren’t for you, it would have been very troublesome for me,” he said, looking at a middle-aged man who was standing slightly behind Attorney General Terry.

This middle-aged man looked to be about… in his fifties, slightly stout, and wearing a baseball cap.

From the not-so-much hair on his temples, his hair was definitely not as… strong as his belly.

Attorney General Terry smiled very kindly. This special matter had once again proven that the congressional side attached great importance to Lance. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for Congress to help him press this matter down when some of the forces in the state were strongly protesting against the Lance Family.

Attorney General Terry wanted to advance. In the past, he had always had no way to advance.

Further up from him were the lieutenant governor and the governor. These two would definitely not take the initiative to cultivate their future competitors. But to directly contact Congress was a bit difficult and required more than one springboard.

After choosing and choosing, he had finally chosen Lance. Facts had proven that Lance did indeed have this ability. He felt sincerely happy for his investment. At least this deal would not be a loss.

“Don’t you often say that we are friends?”

“It’s only right for friends to help friends!”

Lance knew that some things were suitable for them to talk about in private. Now that there were other people here, he turned his gaze to the fat man behind him.

Attorney General Terry also took the initiative to let go of Lance’s hand, and then moved aside a little to introduce this guy in front of him to Lance. “This is the chief of the state police, Anthony, Anthony Stone.”

“You should already know this one, Lance White.”

Chief Anthony quickly took two steps forward and shook hands with Lance. His face was also full of an enthusiastic smile. He shook it several times in a row. “I’ve wanted to get to know you for a long time, Mr. Lance.”

“It’s just that I’ve never found a suitable time and person to introduce me. When the Attorney General talked about you and your needs, I knew that it was my time to contribute!”

“It’s a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lance!”

Lance also had a smile on his face. Although he was just a law enforcer and not yet a politician, the status of the state police was still relatively high in the state.

There were many departments within the state police department, and the power was very important for someone like Lance who wanted to control the entire state’s private liquor market.

For example, the interstate highway police. They were subordinate to the state police department. These highway state police could randomly stop passing vehicles on the interstate highway and demand to inspect the vehicles.

The vehicles of those smugglers who distributed goods to various places by land would find it not so easy to pass through the interstate highway safely.

For another example, they could intervene in the investigation of criminal crimes in various regions. This gave Lance a direct hand in the cases in other places where there was no police connection.

The state police could, on the grounds of a joint investigation, take away a prisoner. Whether Lance wanted to save someone, or to kill someone, this was a convenience.

Not to mention that the state police also had the power to conduct official business across states. Of course, they had to report to the state government and the state police department of the state they were going to in advance, and then they could enforce the law across states.

“We will become very good friends, Anthony.”

He directly called Anthony by his name, which was actually also a sign of closeness. Anthony naturally would not object.

Don’t look at the fact that his age was double Lance’s, but in terms of political power, even if his ancestors were all stacked together, he would be no match for Lance.

Attorney General Terry was already so cordial. What right did he have to put on airs with his identity as the chief of the state police?

No matter how you put on airs, aren’t you still just a law enforcer?

Aren’t you still just a low-level worker who is authorized by the master to use the master’s authority? Not even a politician?!

For the goodwill that Lance had released, Chief Anthony was very receptive. “I also firmly believe this!”

When the two quickly let go, only then did Attorney General Terry look back at the caddy. The caddy in the distance immediately pushed the golf cart over. Their golf bags and clubs were all hanging on the cart.

Since they were playing golf, talking business was important, but playing golf was also important.

It’s like… in another world, people like to talk business at the dinner table. You have to talk well, and also eat well.

Here, playing golf is equivalent to a banquet.

And when someone is hitting the ball, the others can also say a few words in private.

Everyone was being polite to each other. Lance was the first to hit the ball.

After playing golf a lot, it’s actually just that. Some people like to pursue all kinds of rules, how to stand, how to swing.

Especially the middle class.

They would even spend money to buy some books about golf, and would also spend money to hire some golf coaches to teach them how to hit the ball more standardly!

But for the real gentlemen of the upper class, if they didn’t make a living by playing golf, then their swing would be more personalized.

With a huge swing, some of the turf was even sent flying. In fact, this shot was not well hit, but Attorney General Terry and Chief Anthony still applauded on the side, as if they really thought this shot was not bad.

Lance laughed a couple of times, didn’t explain, and then stood to the side.

The second to hit the ball was Chief Anthony. After he had set up his stance and saw that Lance was talking to Attorney General Terry, he practiced his swing a few more times but never hit the ball.

A smart person knows what to do and when, instead of doing stupid things.

“I’ve put some things in the trunk of your car. If your license plate number hasn’t changed,” Lance said in a low voice.

Attorney General Terry had a smile on his face. “Actually, I didn’t help much. Anthony did all the specific work.”

Lance shook his head slightly. “If you hadn’t helped me, and I had opened my mouth, the effect might not have been so good.”

“Don’t be so modest. This is what you deserve.”

“In a while, the senator will come to Golden Port City. At that time, you can come over. We will welcome him together.”

A trace of joy appeared on Attorney General Terry’s face. “Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”

Lance shook his head. “I’ve talked to the senator about this before. Originally, I was planning to take you to New Golden City with me.”

“But he said that it’s not very suitable for you to go to Golden State now, so when he comes over in a while, you can meet.”

As one of the top five figures in the state, to suddenly go to Golden State would indeed cause all sorts of unnecessary associations. Senator Cleveland’s consideration was also very correct.

If he really went, the senator would on the contrary become very passive.

What would the governor of Likalai State think, what would the lieutenant governor think?

There are still two years before the governor’s term changes. Are you so eager to covet his position so early?

The lieutenant governor is still planning to inherit the governor’s power and work. How can you, boy, still want to jump the queue?

This kind of thing that is obviously not conducive to the unity of the state government, Senator Cleveland would absolutely not let it happen.

As for Senator Cleveland coming over, and going to welcome him with Lance here, there were not so many problems. After all, this was their “home court.”

Maybe he and the senator were friends?

A friend has come to the place where I work. To go and meet him, to welcome him, no one can say anything.

Attorney General Terry’s gums were all showing. It has to be said that the dentist he had chosen was indeed good. It didn’t even look real. “The senator is very thoughtful. I was the one who was simple-minded before.”

The two had already said a lot. If Chief Anthony didn’t swing his club, it would be a bit too much.

With his forceful swing, don’t look at the fact that his belly was not small, but he did play golf well. It could be seen that he was a person who often played golf.

But the trajectory of his ball was even worse than Lance’s. It could only be said that this guy was a very transparent person.

Lance and Attorney General Terry also applauded on the side, praising his shot.

Then it was Attorney General Terry’s turn. He slowly walked to the hitting position. It was Chief Anthony’s and Lance’s turn to chat.

“Is Chief Anthony a local?”

“Just call me Anthony!”

Chief Anthony maintained a smiling look. “Regarding your last question, yes!”

“It should be considered half a local. My grandfather brought his family here from another place when my father was very young, and then they have been living here ever since, and finally we were born.”

Lance nodded slightly. “From the sound of it, you must have a happy family.”

Chief Anthony couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s quite happy. I have two boys. The older one is already working, and the younger one is in college.”

Lance nodded slightly. He had learned some of his family situation. Chief Anthony could also say it. He knew what Lance was asking about.

As future partners, understanding each other is a must.

His understanding of Lance came entirely from Lance’s personal file, a personal file that had been beautified and modified many times. Now, even if the ambitious new director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation came, Lance would still be a fucking native of the Federation.

However, regarding the content of Lance and the Lance Family, even after being beautified, some materials could still be found.

Attorney General Terry had finished his swing. Obviously, his golf skills were better. The flight of the ball was also very beautiful, and it also flew very far.

The caddy, after getting permission, ran over from a distance, packed up, put the three’s clubs back in the golf bag, and then pushed the golf cart and ran towards the landing point first.

Someone had already made a comparison at the landing point. For players of this caliber, the golf course would definitely not be neglectful.

The three of them walked and chatted about some of the subsequent situations of the Holy Bell Party, some situations that the outside world did not know.

The people who had previously been more concerned about Joshua, more concerned about the Holy Bell Party, after Joshua’s death, now all demanded a strict investigation of the Holy Bell Party.

Lance had heard some of the names they had mentioned, but more of them he had not heard. After all, they were too far apart.

These people all had a certain amount of interest dealings with the Holy Bell Party. Maybe before, they had considered that if Joshua was caught and talked nonsense, so no matter what the purpose, they had to block it.

Now that Joshua was finished, they only hated that the Holy Bell Party had not died fast enough, and could not hide all the inglorious past under the corpses.

People are like this. They will instinctively find a way to prevent the arrival of a disaster. They will have a premonition, a premonition that if the development of the situation exceeds their imagination, there will be a big trouble.

A whole game of golf, Lance had a sufficient understanding of Chief Anthony, and they also talked about a series of subsequent cooperation issues.

For example, by strengthening cooperation with the Prohibition Committee to establish a statewide highway prohibition system.

To conduct spot checks on suspicious vehicles, and the like.

These were originally the work of the state police. For Chief Anthony, it was just selling a personal favor by doing his job. He certainly would not refuse.

Of course, he also knew that this job would not be really so simple. Lance would definitely notify him at a special time to put his eyes on those vehicles.

But he didn’t care. He also had the same thoughts as Dale.

To be the chief of the state police for a lifetime is just a law enforcer.

He also wanted to be a politician, even if the level was not high enough.

Who says the people of the Federation don’t want to be officials?

(End of a Chapter)