[Chapter 23: Zach's Decision]
"All right... all right, Allen. I know you're a busy guy; you wouldn't just drop by to hang out for no reason. If there's something you need, just say it," Zach said, frowning as he watched Allen, who was practically spitting while talking nonstop. He cut Allen off before he could go on any longer.
"Okay, Zach, I do have something to ask for your help with. Of course, only if you're willing -- I wouldn't betray the person who saved my life," Allen said, managing a rare embarrassed look before getting serious.
After hearing Allen's words, John stopped smiling and stared at Allen intently. Zach just shrugged, signaling Allen to continue.
"Zach, since you and John are the ones who saved my life, I've been looking into both of you recently and found out you both came from St. John's Welfare Home. I won't say anything about John, but as for you, Zach, it turns out you're known as 'the most approachable and ethical lawyer in South Los Angeles.' I actually didn't know that," Allen said.
John was surprised hearing that Zach had such a reputation. He had no idea about Zach's nickname or his standing in the community.
Seeing John's puzzled look, Zach explained, "Well, I grew up an orphan too, but I was always kind-hearted. That's why I chose to help people pro bono -- especially those who can't afford legal representation. Most of these people live in South L.A., which is mostly lower-income neighborhoods. That's how I got that title."
John couldn't help but admire him. Not everyone is naturally kind enough to do that, and no wonder Zach has always been financially tight. John knew he could never do that himself. Maybe if he had enough money, he might consider philanthropy someday, but he definitely couldn't be like Zach. That kind of character is a rare gem anywhere.
Before, John had wondered why Zach hadn't done better financially after over a decade as a lawyer. After all, lawyers were high earners -- and you wouldn't expect any of them to be living near impoverished neighborhoods. Now, he finally understood.
"Thanks for thinking of me, Allen, but you know I don't have any love for people involved in shady business. I have to say no," Zach replied.
"Zach, the whole Black Vipers crew has agreed -- we want to go legit, live honestly. That's why I'm here, or I wouldn't have bothered," Allen said.
"What? Quit for good?" Zach looked shocked.
"Yes, completely clean. We'll stay away from drugs and gang fights. Nightclubs might still keep running, though."
"Nightclubs aren't illegal -- they're normal entertainment venues. But if you guys quit, won't the lower parts of South L.A. fall into chaos?"
"That's what I want to talk to you about -- find a way to keep the peace down here while we walk away from the underworld."
"Oh, so you really want that?" Zach scoffed.
Zach understood what Allen was really after: trying to clean up his reputation to move into high society, but still secretly hold sway over South L.A. So basically, trying to have their cake and eat it too.
"I get it, Zach. You probably think I'm crazy, but that's how I see it. If we give up control of South L.A. completely, it'll be total chaos. If we can keep a handle on things and do it our way, wouldn't that be better? My plan is to start a company, hire professional managers, and run things properly.
We'll enter some gray-area industries first -- nightclubs, gyms, security firms -- and gradually get the gang members to become company employees working legit jobs. If we can do this for two or three years, I think it'll work."
Hearing Allen's plan, John felt intrigued. He'd always wanted to build his own network -- like a security firm to exert influence. He'd even considered "recruiting" Allen before, but now Allen had brought it up himself, making things easy.
Think of Blackwater Security from the future -- completely legitimate but nobody would dare mess with its owner. John sometimes imagined how great it would be having a strong security company backing him. Even if his wealth got exposed, he wouldn't worry; no one'd confront him unless the government stepped in.
John looked at Zach's hesitant expression and Allen's thoughtful one. His heart stirred.
"Zach, I think it might be worth a shot. Allen's plan makes sense -- starting with these gray areas as a transition. Honestly, most people wouldn't stay involved with shady stuff if they had stable, decent jobs. You could provide legal advice and help set up the company properly. If anything feels off, you can pull out anytime."
"Yeah, Zach, John's right -- we're not asking you to join us, just normal business dealings, right?" Allen said with hopeful eyes.
Allen really had no choice. Whether setting up the company or planning future growth, you can't do anything without a good lawyer. Zach was the only one Allen knew who fit the bill.
Sure, anyone with money could find a lawyer, but Allen's background was complicated. He needed someone trustworthy. Zach was the perfect choice both professionally and personally.
Seeing Zach's mix of hesitation and interest, Allen wisely said to take his time and promised to wait for his answer within three days before leaving.
---
"John, what do you think? You seem pretty eager."
"Zach, you know this world's complicated -- there are no purely good or purely bad people. If Allen and the crew want to go straight and do honest business, I think that's great. Besides, have you thought about our own situation?"
"What situation?"
John rolled his eyes and gave Zach a look before muttering in disbelief.
"Zach, with Yahoo!'s rise, we're already millionaires, close to the 100 million mark. Have you thought about how if Yahoo! goes public, we might become billionaires overnight?
And with our plan to start an investment firm next, I'm confident it'll succeed. If we find another Yahoo! or maybe more, our wealth would be enormous.
For most people, that kind of money isn't always a blessing. We're both orphans with no connections or power, and a sudden windfall could bring trouble instead of luck.
That's why, in my opinion, Allen showing up now is timely. If we maintain the right distance, keep things clean, and Allen's crew sincerely wants to go legit, we can confidently work with them. If they have bad intentions, we can back out anytime. Isn't that a good position?"
After John's analysis, Zach was silent for a moment. It made sense.
Of course, he was forgetting one thing -- the success of Yahoo! and discovering more Yahoos was still ahead. But subconsciously, he believed in John's ability to make it work.
"Okay, maybe you're right, John. I hope I'm making the right call," Zach said, sighing.
"Of course. I think this is the smartest and best choice right now."
*****
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