Empire of Shadows

The demise of the Perez family was already an undeniable fact. The other four of the Five Families had already confirmed this through their high-level contacts.

Some had even been explicitly warned against interfering.

The Five Families were united as a nominal ”whole,” which implied cooperation beyond competition.

The criminal enterprises were limited. To put it simply, there were only so many banks to rob in a city. If one more gang started robbing banks, the others couldn’t get their share. Thus, beyond competition, they cooperated in many areas.

For example, they formed the Federal Gang Council, gathering all the gangs and establishing their own rules.

In the underworld, some people, like this Mr. Clark McKaykin, liked to be called ”Senator.”

He knew he would never sit in the Senate or even the House of Representatives, but he was obsessed with the title, leading to his nickname.

In gang circles, in places filled with unarrested criminals, when someone said ”Senator,” they weren’t referring to the people in Congress; they were referring to Clark McKaykin.

They formed a kind of... canopy, covering the underworld.

But this time, the canopy had a hole ripped through it.In the past, they would have united to destroy the Lance family, making everyone realize that changing the rules or standing on equal footing with them required paying a huge price.

Those who reached the summit first, seeing that few footholds remained, wouldn’t focus on building a bigger base. They would use their power, connections, wealth—any means—to kick the climbers down.

The summit was finite. Only the early ascenders remained, and no latecomer was ever permitted to succeed.

The same was true at every level below. Except for the countless standing spots at the base, the higher one went, the fewer and stricter the positions became.

This was dominion.

If the high-level officials hadn’t explicitly warned them off, Clark would certainly have intervened. But now...

”Will the Lance family replace them and stand with you once the Perez family is eliminated?” His friend seemed intensely curious. Judging by his tailored attire and impressive appearance, he was likely a wealthy capitalist, a wealthy merchant, or perhaps a member of a prominent family.

Clark shook his head. ”I don’t know. Mr. Potter’s de-gangsterization push is now public knowledge. I’m not sure what he intends to do next.”

”Perhaps... the winter for Federal gangs is coming.”

”But don’t worry. No matter how cold this winter gets, it will eventually pass, and spring, and sunlight, will return.”

”The Federation cannot exist without us, whether in the past, present, or future!”

”There will always be soil for us to thrive in. Just a little water, a little sun...” He gestured with his hands. He smiled, and his clenched hand slowly opened. ”The seeds will sprout!”

”You don’t need to worry about our cooperation...”

Senator McKaykin was clearly optimistic about the future. He was an experienced man and knew that the most indispensable element of the Federation was them.

Without the gangs, who would help the government suppress major strikes and groups of resisting citizens?

The government couldn’t handle such things. The more space and liberty the public gained, the more demonstrations and strikes would occur.

Now, they were being used by a Presidential candidate as part of his election strategy, so they had no choice but to endure, observe, and wait.

Just as they were observing the Perez family now: remain discreet and quiet.

The next morning, before 6:00 AM, Bob’s bedroom door was violently pounded.

He had fallen asleep around 2:00 AM. The immense pressure caused insomnia, and he had only managed to doze off after drinking some liquor.

Waking suddenly to the banging, he was in a terrible state: his head was swimming, and he felt as though he had been hit with a baseball bat.

He sat up against the headboard for several seconds, dazed, then finally said, ”I’m up,” before walking to the door. ”What is it?”

His cousin stood outside, his face etched with terror and urgency. ”They’ve surrounded the estate!”

Bob didn’t react immediately. ”Who are ’they’?”

Then his eyes widened. He knew exactly who ”they” were. He didn’t wait for an answer, striding quickly to the window and pulling back the curtain.

It was mid-August, daylight saving time. It was already light outside.

He saw numerous police cars and FBI vehicles parked outside. A large number of police officers and FBI agents were deploying their strategy.

They were setting up roadblocks and cordons. He also saw some pickup trucks loaded with standard-issue rifles and ammunition being distributed to the officers and agents.

”F***!” His eyes turned bloodshot instantly.

He spun around, ignoring the need to wash or dress, and strode out the door. ”Wake everyone up immediately! Call more family members back!”

His cousin was completely panicked. This was unprecedented for the Perez family. He could only agree.

Within ten minutes, the entire estate’s occupants—about a hundred people—gathered in the main hall. Many of the wives and children of the family members were elsewhere.

Every face was a mixture of fear and fury. They were loudly discussing the siege.

The hall fell silent the moment Bob descended the stairs with a grim face.

Just moments ago, Bob had called the Mayor, asking what was going on. The Mayor simply instructed him to cooperate with the police and the FBI investigation.

The Mayor had subtly warned him that Mr. Potter’s public speech was using the Perez family as a shining piece of leverage—a sacrificial lamb for his path to the Presidency!

The Mayor warned Bob to destroy any evidence that might link him to the Mayor or other government officials, or he would suffer a far worse fate.

This wasn’t a threat; it was a warning. People in the state government and the legislature would do everything to ensure these people were silenced and all evidence destroyed.

In short, the Perez family was doomed.

He felt overwhelming despair. He thought this crisis would unfold slowly, giving them time.

”The situation is terrible. I just spoke with the Mayor. The people outside are from the New Golden City, from... higher powers.”

”They intend to capture us all, using us as a valuable political chip on the gambling table.”

”We may have played this role before, putting others on the table, but now, it is our turn.”

The Perez family had a long history of ”dirty work,” playing this inglorious role, but Bob never thought they, who were partners with the elite, would be sacrificed.

The panic and fear in the hall were magnified in his ears. He could clearly see the horror in their eyes.

He raised his hand, gesturing for silence. ”I will go negotiate with them. If I can succeed, I will surrender myself in exchange for the family’s safety.”

”But if they refuse to negotiate, and intend to capture us all, then my brothers and sisters...” He clenched his fists. ”The Perez family’s honor is not based on empty boasts. It was forged in blood and fire, in death and murder.”

”If they want to take everything from us—our honor, wealth, status, and lives—then they will pay for it with their own lives!”

These words served as a rallying cry, boosting morale. However, Bob knew that even heightened morale wouldn’t change the final outcome.

He took a deep breath. ”I’m going out to talk with them now.”

He quickly went to the gate with a few volunteers. The police and FBI agents immediately fixed their gaze on him.

Fran had laid out a list of the family’s core members and their photos for the agents to review before the operation.

They all recognized Bob, a significant figure.

As he approached the gate, preparing to open the small access door, two FBI agents walked toward him. ”You cannot leave.”

Alan, standing nearby, smiled, contempt flashing in his eyes. They were moments away from attacking, yet they still adhered to protocol.

Lance was wary of the FBI, but Alan saw nothing to fear in these agents.

The FBI was in command, so Alan stayed put, cigarette dangling from his lips, watching Bob and his men.

”I wish to speak with your commander, or Director, about something I believe will interest you.”

The two agents hesitated. One said, ”Wait a moment,” and ran back to consult Director Roland.

Alan’s combat captain asked, ”What do you think they’re trying to do?”

”Futile resistance, just before death,” Alan replied dismissively.

”Do you think they will succeed?” the captain asked.

The captain didn’t want them to succeed. Participating in the siege of a top-tier gang was an unprecedented source of pride!

Alan smiled. ”It’s difficult.”

Two minutes later, Bob was escorted to the temporary command center.

He saw Lance there, wearing a police uniform—a Deputy Chief’s uniform—sitting next to Director Roland.

The moment he saw Lance, Bob’s eyes reddened further. He glared, full of hatred. ”It was you!”

Lance looked at him with a knowing smile. ”That’s an interesting question. If not me, then who?”

He turned to Director Roland. ”You might not know him. Let me introduce you.”

”This is Mr. Bob, Bob Perez. I’m unsure of his middle name. He is the core strength of the Perez family. Fran often consulted him.”

”He’s the one in charge now, and most importantly!” Lance emphasized, ”The conflict between us was orchestrated by Mr. Bob.”

Director Roland gave Lance a strange look, then turned to Bob with a look of sympathy.

Bob had likely orchestrated the conflict, unaware that his decision would lead to the destruction of his family.

After all, they were the Perez family! They were at the peak of the underworld and could match some large capitalists in influence. Why would they fear a third-rate gang from the South?

But reality was often absurd. Today, Lance was seated, and Bob was standing.

Bob closed his eyes, taking several deep breaths to calm himself. He then turned to Director Roland. ”If... I surrender, will you let the others go?”

Director Roland’s gaze was calm, hiding a hint of amusement. He shook his head. ”Bob, you need to understand one thing. You are not the only one in the Perez family involved in crime.”

”Virtually everyone in your family is involved, including the rank-and-file. Legally speaking, all of you are criminals who must be tried.”

”If one man’s surrender could stop this case, then every time we face a problem, one person would sacrifice themselves. What do you take the law for?”

He turned to Lance. ”Like Mr. Lance here.”

”Mr. Lance, if you surrendered now, would we stop the investigation into you?”

Lance smiled. ”If you have evidence, you can arrest me.”

Director Roland looked back at Bob. ”You see?”

”If you want to minimize casualties, the simplest way is for everyone to write down their crimes and wait for us to enter and collect the evidence.”

”As for your offer to trade yourself for the family’s freedom, that is impossible!”

Director Roland’s smile was cold and superior. ”The Perez family must be completely eradicated from the Federation, understood?”

Bob’s face went deathly pale. He gritted his teeth. ”Are you not afraid of the casualties and social unrest this will cause?”

Roland wouldn’t let that slide. ”That is our purpose! The pain is short-lived, but it brings long-term peace and stability. It’s worth it.”

”Either you and your men surrender peacefully, and we resolve this non-violently.”

”Or we storm the estate, gather the evidence ourselves, and send you all to the courts.”

”You have... half an hour. We move after half an hour.”

Lance glanced at Bob. This dog of a man clearly had ill intentions.

Bob sighed, looking back at Lance. He turned and left.

Lance didn’t ask Roland why he didn’t detain Bob to simplify the siege.

He knew Roland’s reminder and threat were designed to solidify their resolve to fight back. If death was inevitable, they might as well fight.

The ultimate goal of this was to exhaust Lance’s manpower, as Lance’s side would bear the brunt of the assault.