America 1919

Two military-green trucks were driving on the highway from Elizabeth to New York late at night.

"Highways are such a pleasure, that dirt road we took out of Atlantic City nearly shook me to death!"

Pang Hawthorn, with a Garand semi-automatic rifle in his arms, leaned back comfortably in the truck.

"John told me, once Harding takes office this month, the highway between Atlantic City and Philadelphia can be built, so we won't have to take the dirt roads to New York anymore!"

Responding to Pang Hawthorn was Norm Cummings, and there were eight others on this truck, led by Kritch.

Everyone was holding a Garand semi-automatic rifle, and in the middle of the truck, there were also two Browning Machine Guns.

Aside from Kritch and Jose Rojas who were from Elwood Village, the other eight men were World War II veterans recruited by Donnie during this time.

They had been formally incorporated into Donnie's logistics company.

"I reckon by the time the highway isn't even finished, we won't need to take the roads anymore!" Kritch chuckled as he spoke to them.

The rest looked towards Kritch curiously. Continue reading on empire

Norm, even more curious, asked, "Boss Kritch, if we're not taking the roads, are you saying we're going by sea or something?"

Kritch nodded, "Indeed, it's more convenient to go by sea from Atlantic City to New York. It's just that the boss hasn't found the right ship to buy yet, which is why we've chosen to take the land route!"

"Doesn't that mean the boss's business is getting bigger?"

Pang Hawthorn exclaimed in awe.

Kritch said with a smile, "Otherwise, how could the boss possibly pay you all a monthly wage of 300 US Dollars!"

In the current United States, a monthly wage of 150 US Dollars was already considered high, yet Donnie was able to pay these men a monthly wage of 300 US Dollars. This was the reason these World War II veterans had decided to come to Atlantic City to join Donnie.

"Speaking of wages, that really gets my spirits up!" Norm Cummings said excitedly, "Ever since I got discharged, that woman at home has been showing me a long face, even saying I couldn't bring home enough money to support the family.

Well now, with my monthly wage of 300 US Dollars, I feel like I'm letting myself down if I don't throw her a couple of punches every day for all the crap I took from her before!"

Jose curiously asked Norm, "With your wife being like that, how come you haven't divorced her yet? There are so many beauties in Atlantic City, just find another one!"

Norm gave him a glare and said, "Easy for you to say. I've known her since we were kids. It's fine to hit her now and then, but if it comes to divorce, I still can't bear to do it!"

The men in the truck laughed and chuckled.

At that moment, Norm looked at Hawthorn and said, "Hawthorn, we've never heard you talk about your family. How about it? With a monthly wage of 300 US Dollars, does your wife serve you a foot bath every day?"

Hawthorn was wiping the rifle in front of him and said calmly, "A foot bath is out of the question because I killed her!"

Hawthorn's words brought silence to the cabin as everyone curiously looked at him. Finally, it was Jose who could not help but ask Hawthorn.

"Why?"

Hawthorn replied, "No reason. The only hope that sustained me on the battlefield was to survive and come back to see her and my daughter. But when I returned, I found her in bed with my brother, complaining about her mental stress and uncertain whether I would return alive from the battlefield.

After all her complaints, she even had my daughter call my brother 'daddy.' In a fit of rage, I killed them both!"

In the truck, the rest fell silent. Jose and Kritch appeared unable to understand Hawthorn's actions, but the other eight veterans showed looks of understanding.

"Alright, let's discuss these matters after we get back. According to Randall's description, we're about to reach the place where Hubert is waiting to ambush us, everyone, be careful!"

Kritch reminded everyone at that moment.

The mood in the truck changed once again, from an awkward silence to a tense atmosphere that seemed to cool the temperature inside the truck.

.

Newark, Third District, Night Devil Speakeasy!

It was deep into the night, the time when the bar did its best business, with the passion of jazz, the warm company of women, and the excitement of customers.

Standing at the railing on the second floor and looking down at the lively scene below, Hubert Lewis wore a smug smile.

"Once the shipment from Atlantic City gets back, the whole liquor market of Newark will be ours!"

"Boss, we've sent our men to snatch that shipment, won't there be any problems here at home?"

Luther Ganaxy, as Hubert Lewis' most trusted man at this stage, couldn't help but remind him.

Hubert Lewis laughed heartily and returned to his office. He sat back in his chair, legs crossed on the desk, boasting proudly.

"Luther, you've got many good qualities, but you're just too cautious. Where are we? This is Newark, our turf. Who dares to cause trouble here? Besides, our operation tonight is top secret; nobody knows about it. What's there to worry about?"

Luther Ganaxy pondered for a moment before saying, "Boss, Donnie is no ordinary man. Even if we've kept things secret, the sudden influx of goods on our side will definitely arouse Donnie's suspicions."