Chapter 662: 229, Escalation of conflict_4
"We can't show our faces!"
Donnie rejected Nucky's suggestion, saying, "We are now in New York; we know nothing about this matter."
Nucky said anxiously, "What time is it now? If we don't step in at this point, the situation will only get worse!"
Donnie consoled Nucky, "Even if we did step in, it might not be possible to calm things down. What's most important now is that we need to investigate and find out who exactly did this. Only then can we take the initiative!"
Nucky said, "Those people were all masked, and everyone who saw them claims it was done by the 3Ks. Are we supposed to hand over Mobley?"
Mobley had a face full of lines!
Donnie laughed, "Of course not, this definitely couldn't have been done by Mobley and his people; otherwise, those black folks will certainly push for more benefits step by step!"
Nucky said, "Then what do you propose we do?"
Donnie thought for a moment and continued, "First, we need to figure out why they did this and what their purpose is. Are they trying to incite a riot in the North District?
If it's just a simple riot, what benefit does that serve them? I believe that whatever people do in this world, they act out of self-interest."
"Furthermore, we should also know, who in Atlantic City has the capability to do this?"
Nucky said somewhat helplessly, "Where is the time to analyze these things now?"
Donnie disregarded Nucky's complaint and instructed Robert, "Robert, Nucky and I can't step in right now, but you need to go to the North District and meet Lazack Babu as soon as possible. I know this man; he's quite influential in North District but very cautious. When you meet him, bribe him with benefits, find out whom he has met recently, and what they've discussed. Tell him that if he cooperates on this matter,
when a new bank is established in the new North District, I will put him in charge of the black people's business."
In the situation where things were still unclear, Lazack Babu was the key to the entire matter.
"Also, tell Irving to make sure he appeases the people in North District; at least buy us a morning's worth of time. Additionally, tell John, Eli, and Chris to bring their men, fully armed—remember, fully armed—and block the streets at the borders of the North District with the South District and West District. Until this matter is investigated thoroughly, no black person is allowed to leave North District!"
Robert memorized Donnie's instructions and said, "Understood."
"And one more thing…" Donnie suddenly remembered something and continued, "I recall Steve Cotting telling me that recently a man named Bart Bield arrived in North District. This man has significant influence among the new black community and has some ambition. Arrange to capture one of his cronies; I need to know if Bart Bield was involved in this matter!"
Robert nodded, "Got it!"
"Now go and handle it!"
As soon as Robert left, the phone in Donnie's office rang. Steve Cotting answered the call and informed Donnie that it was from the Mayor himself.
After Donnie had already enacted various countermeasures for the situation, the Mayor of Atlantic City's concern arrived belatedly!
"Donnie, what have you and Nucky done to cause such a big fuss? You're making it very difficult for us at City Hall!"
As soon as Donnie picked up the phone, the Mayor of Atlantic City's complaints came through.
Donnie raised an eyebrow slightly, "Mr. Mayor, are you questioning me?"
"I..." The Mayor on the other end of the call paused momentarily, then his voice softened, "Donnie, of course I'm not questioning you. I'm just worried about what's happening currently. If this were to be reported by the media, it wouldn't be a good thing for the development of our Atlantic City, would it?"
Usually, Donnie would have exchanged pleasantries with the other party, but now, with the situation so urgent, he didn't have the time to beat around the bush and said impatiently, "You needn't worry about that. My men and the police have already gone to maintain order. I believe the whole matter will soon be under control!"
"Ok, ok, but what if the State Government and the White House call to inquire about this matter?"
As if in the age of the internet, an incident that just happened would be immediately known to the State Government and the White House. Donnie also knew that the other party wanted to shirk responsibility, so without wasting words, he said directly, "Rest assured, if they call, I will explain personally. And with no media reports of the event, who do you think would inform them about the situation in our Atlantic City?"
The Mayor of Atlantic City, embarrassed, hung up the call.
If anyone would, there are two kinds of people who might do so: he or those in the Parliament. However, those in Parliament certainly wouldn't touch Donnie at a time like this; After all, whether it is the construction of the new North District or the renovation of the old North District, both are lucrative, and they've all gotten their share of the meat!
"If Brad were in this position, we wouldn't be dealing with these troublesome matters!"
After hanging up, Donnie complained to Nucky.
"At times like this, these people always think of their careers first!" Clearly, Nucky understood the mindset of these people as well.
Donnie nodded and said, "Come the next election, I think we'll just make him a councilor, and he can forget about anything else!"
Nucky said indifferently, "I have no objections!"
With just a few words, the two of them had decided on the future path for the Mayor of Atlantic City and then refocused their attention on the current situation.
The two of them discussed the various implications the incident could bring and the potential developments, looking for the optimal solution to resolve the matter.
Meanwhile, Robert had already met with Lazack Babu.
At that moment, Lazack Babu was extremely angry but managed to suppress it when he saw the fully armed bodyguards behind Robert and asked.
"Mr. Lillard, are you here to mock me?"
Robert paid no mind to Lazack Babu's sarcasm and stated, "I'm here to help you solve this issue…"