Chapter 275: Expansion Plans
In an effort to win Fiona back, Jimmy embarked on a series of actions.
Fiona enrolled in tutoring classes to obtain her high school diploma, and Jimmy signed up as well.
With Sammi at home, Fiona had the freedom to pursue her interests.
For instance, she started getting up early to run, a passion from her past when she was an athlete. Each morning before school, she would run six miles, and Jimmy joined her, despite struggling to keep up.
Whatever Fiona did, Jimmy followed, embodying the spirit of determination, even if he felt exhausted afterward.
Meanwhile, Frank wasn't paying attention to Jimmy's endeavors. After spending only a short time at home, he and Pinkman left Chicago and returned to New Mexico.
Back in New Mexico, Frank shared the good news about their business with Walter. Their product, now being sold in New York, had established stable partnerships with several factions.
"Our product is now being referred to as 'Blue Angel' on the streets, and sales are booming. We've secured deals in Chicago and New York with monthly supply commitments."
"This means we don't have to scavenge for sales channels like before; we can produce based on the quantities they need."
"However, I have a feeling that our supply demands will increase significantly, and our production capacity might not be sufficient. I want to expand our output," Frank suggested during a small meeting with the two.
"The current production capacity is already at its limit," Walter replied.
Their workshop was confined to a small RV, and no matter how much they increased their workload, there were still limits.
"I know, which is why I want to expand our workspace—perhaps build a proper studio or find a warehouse?" Frank proposed.
He had been contemplating this since returning from New York.
"That sounds too risky," Walter frowned.
Just like many chemical companies that create hazardous waste, some businesses responsibly build waste management systems while others recklessly dump it into rivers, polluting water sources.
Walter's production process also generated smoke and noxious chemical gases.
While producing in the RV, they could easily cover their tracks in the sparsely populated areas of New Mexico. No one would notice what they were doing.
However, if they built a laboratory or warehouse, it would become a permanent establishment. The emitted gases would eventually raise suspicions, and if an investigation occurred, they would definitely be in trouble.
Walter expressed his concerns.
Right now, the money they were making had already met Walter's calculations for securing his family's future. He no longer felt the need to rush as he once did.
Walter was now more focused on safety; if he got caught, all the hard-earned money would be confiscated, rendering his efforts pointless.
"That is indeed a problem. Research ways to manage the emissions. If that's not feasible, we will need to come up with an alternative," Frank suggested.
After discussing this matter, Frank had other business to attend to.
"Ha! I had a great dream last night, thinking something good would happen today, and here you are, Mr. Frank," Goodman greeted with a smile.
"Mr. Goodman, I have a major business venture I want to partner with you on. Are you interested?" Frank inquired.
"What kind of business?" Goodman asked.
"Multi-million, even billion-dollar opportunities," Frank replied.
"Oh!" Goodman's eyes lit up.
Frank's proposal wasn't just about business; it involved the shell company.
With cash transactions for every deal, it's straightforward—money exchanged for goods.
Previously, when the transactions were smaller, in the hundreds of thousands, cash was manageable. But now, dealing in millions brought complications.
While the shell company allowed Anfisa to manage the accounts and temporarily deposit money, it required her direct involvement each time, which was cumbersome and prone to errors.
If they could deposit the money directly into a bank after the transactions and avoid cash dealings altogether, it would greatly simplify the process.
Frank approached Goodman to discuss this.
Goodman was knowledgeable about the intricacies involved. When Frank previously sought his help, payment wasn't in cash but through a money order sent to an obscure address associated with the "Ice Station Zebra"—a cover for Goodman's legitimate account.
This account was entirely legal and could handle illicit transactions while also allowing for tax evasion. His methods were clever.
"A shell company, huh? With that kind of money coming in every month, it's a bit challenging but certainly doable," Goodman said, assessing the situation.
"So, you can manage it?" Frank asked.
"Of course! However, I'm more curious about those multi-million dollar business opportunities. Do you need help with that? Saul Goodman is your most friendly ally," Goodman said with a grin.
Why shovel chicken dung when you can tend to a hen that lays golden eggs?
"There will be opportunities to collaborate. We do indeed need a lawyer's assistance, especially someone as resourceful as you," Frank acknowledged.
Frank didn't dismiss the prospect of future collaboration; he indicated that the chance for partnership existed, but for now, they were still getting to know each other. Once they were more familiar, they could certainly work together, especially since they were eager for talent.
"I look forward to it," Goodman replied enthusiastically.
"So, what ideas do you have for the shell company?" Frank asked.
"These two shell companies have always just been for accounting purposes, right? No real business behind them?" Goodman inquired.
"Yes," Frank nodded.
"That won't work. Regardless of being a shell company, there needs to be some tangible aspect—at least a website. Otherwise, it won't hold up to scrutiny. Relying solely on accounting is like making candy wrappers; they dissolve in water," Goodman explained.
"One is a chemical company, and the other is a media company. Neither falls within my range of expertise, so I can't be much help. I could assist you in acquiring a facility to produce some basic chemical goods, like laundry detergent or shampoo. Don't underestimate these everyday items; they are consumables people need daily," Goodman advised.
"Alright, what else?" Frank nodded, taking note of Goodman's words and continuing to inquire.
(End of Chapter)