Next day.
With all the expansion of the King Lion Gang, there was a need for more interaction between its individual parts. As a result, meetings between Leon Clavon and his four underbosses were held almost every third day in Leon's mansion.
This was a great opportunity for Tristan to present his hatched plan.
After the organization's budget was split between the underbosses, and various hiccups were smoothed out, Tristan coughed to attract everybody's attention.
"I'd like to show you a project to expand our organization. A lot of funds we got after taking over the local part of Cuatro Angulos were already split, but there is still too much money that just lies there uselessly. I want to change that."
Tristan's suggestion was met with two curious and one skeptical looks.
After the weeks of working together, Tristan had charmed most of the people near him, including the other underbosses. But that didn't mean they all respected him.
At least Leon was more curious than skeptical.
"I imagine you have a detailed plan already, Hayes. Go on!"
Tristan smiled.
"For one thing... I didn't tell you yet, but my people recently found something really juicy in Quixada's documents. It's all about how they get drugs into America. I think we can reach this channel of theirs and if not tap into it, then at least cut it down and make our own in its place."
Now everybody was curious. Inwardly, Tristan smiled wider.
He told everybody briefly about Kevin's discovery and his own research, then continued with the plan he worked the entire night for.
"Of course. And as someone who proposed the idea, I'm ready to go myself. I already have people in mind who can take over my part of duties while I'm gone—and, of course, I will still be only a call away."
Kevin and Tomas will manage together with Tristan's advice, he was sure. One for administrative work, and another for field work.
Martinez glared at Tristan without shame.
"The last time you suggested a plan for an operation, its leader died. Who says this time won't end the same?" Martinez smirked, as if suggesting that he was going to be happy with this. "We shouldn't be too cocky! Instead of expanding like this, we should fully take control of this city and only then think about moving farther out!"
Leon slammed his palm on the table—not hard enough to shake the coffee cups standing there, but hard enough to make people jolt.
"Despite Pierce's death, the operation was a complete success. And this city will soon become too small for us, anyway! I know Hayes won't disappoint me. Now tell me more details, Hayes—what budget do you need?"
They talked about the plan in more detail after that. The operation didn't require too much money at first glance—just enough to equip and send a few people. However, costs of living and renting an apartment for these people in LA was much higher than in a smaller city.
Although on paper, GTG will pay for all that, in practice, King Lion Gang will give GTG the necessary money and some on top to keep the agency's CEO compliant.
Besides that, Tristan knew he would need money on bribes and other unexpected spendings.
The end result was a sizable sum, but thanks to all the profit King Lion Gang got from Cuatro Angulos, Leon Clavon could give it to Tristan with a light heart.
When the meeting ended, Tristan left it with a small smile on his face. It didn't dim even after a dark glare sent at him by Martinez.
"We are warming up a snake on our chest," the older man muttered, passing Tristan by and marching toward the exit.
'Says the snake,' Tristan thought. 'Let's see if you are brave enough to actually act on your envy, or if you will keep whispering behind my back until I rise in rank above you and crush you under my foot. Asshole.'