Robbing the tram station was a disastrously flawed plan—a trap Bronte had laid specifically for Dutch and the others.
That said, Dutch did carry out his own investigation beforehand.
If this were a game, after Dutch finished speaking, choosing to jump off the balcony and follow him would show that he truly went to Saint Denis to scout things out.
Saint Denis.
Dutch arrived in the city and began observing the tram system closely.
Bronte hadn't lied to him. The tram station really did hold a large amount of cash.
Because the money couldn't be deposited every day, and because change had to be kept on hand, Dutch saw stacks of dollars sitting inside the tram station's safe.
He didn't know the exact amount, but it was certainly no less than several thousand dollars—more than enough to justify a robbery.
In Dutch's eyes, the tram station had almost no visible security. It looked like an easy job.
What Dutch didn't know was that the moment he entered Saint Denis, someone was already watching him.
Bronte had an extensive network of informants throughout the city, including many underage children.
Kids were everywhere, and that didn't raise any suspicion for Dutch. But the moment he began investigating the tram station, his actions were reported back to Bronte.
By the time Dutch left, Bronte had already received the news.
"Looks like he really did take the bait, Martelli."
Rue Flavienne, inside Bronte's mansion.
After hearing Martelli's report, Bronte smiled.
"He'll probably make his move on the tram station within the next few days."
"I'll have people watching the Old Bridge route. They'll stay there the whole time."
"If they show up, I'll notify Chief Benjamin immediately."
Martelli replied respectfully. The city's street children were largely under his supervision.
Bronte nodded, but when Chief Benjamin was mentioned, a trace of displeasure crossed his face.
"Benjamin's appetite has been getting bigger and bigger lately. Those pests are hardly worth two thousand dollars."
"And they've got bounties on their heads—no small ones, either."
"And that greedy mayor… perhaps we should find a chance to remind them to keep their appetites in check."
Hearing Bronte's dissatisfaction, Martelli thought for a moment before offering his own suggestion.
"Mr. Bronte, perhaps we don't need to notify the police."
"We have enough men. According to our investigation, there are only a few of them. Their shooting is decent, but I'm confident we can take them down."
"That way, we save money and still collect their bounties."
Martelli thought it was a solid idea. Unexpectedly, it earned him a harsh rebuke from Bronte.
"You brainless idiot, Martelli."
"Maybe I should throw you into the sea for a swim—might clear your head."
"In this city, we have many enemies. They fear me, but we cannot let them fear us even more. That would put things beyond our control."
"The rules of this city cannot be broken unless absolutely necessary. Do you understand?"
"If we display firepower greater than the police themselves, do you have any idea what kind of consequences that would bring?"
"Idiot. Go notify the tram operators. Tell them to deposit all their takings into the bank for the next few days."
"I'm sure they'll be grateful."
Bronte might have been arrogant and conceited, but his political instincts were sharp.
The fact that he had grown the mafia in Saint Denis to such a level was proof enough of his ability.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Bronte. I was thinking too simply,"
Martelli said quickly, apologizing when he saw Bronte's anger.
Bronte didn't truly blame him. In his eyes, Martelli only needed to be capable of getting things done—that was precisely why he had made him his second-in-command.
Bronte never believed Martelli had the ability to oppose him.
And in truth, that assessment was correct.
If Bronte hadn't eventually been killed by Dutch, perhaps he really could have carved out a legend of his own in Saint Denis.
"Mr. Bronte, there's one more matter—about that casino ship," Martelli added.
"They've sent an invitation, hoping you'll attend."
"They say there will be many wealthy guests, and the scale is quite large."
Martelli's gaze flickered slightly. That casino ship had some connection to him.
After all, he currently ran the largest underground casino in Saint Denis, in partnership with Davey's younger brother.
Even Bronte was unaware of this. For several years now, Bronte had largely stopped involving himself in those kinds of under-the-table operations.
Without Martelli and Mac's approval, that gambling ship wouldn't have been able to dock at the Saint Denis port at all.
"A boring little trick. Throw the invitation in the trash," Bronte said flatly.
Bronte had no taste for gambling. Clearly, a gambler could never have reached his current position.
"As you wish, Mr. Bronte," Martelli replied.
Martelli felt a quiet sense of relief. He had brought it up precisely because he knew Bronte wouldn't go.
Still, invitations had been sent to all the major figures in Saint Denis. If Bronte hadn't received one, it would have easily aroused his suspicion.
...
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