Louise arrived at Lucas' house on time, got out of the car and observed it.
The number of carriages parked at the door was much less than expected.
At least half of the people who received the invitation declined Mr. Lucas's invitation for various reasons.
This is not to say that everyone is working together to boycott the new police chief, or not to show respect to the shipping insurance tycoon.
No one wants to offend big guys like Gordon and Lucas, but people are more afraid of retaliation from gangs.
After all, Gordon and Lucas are decent people, and gangsters don't follow any rules.
Louise walked into the banquet hall and exchanged greetings with tonight's hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas, as well as several old acquaintances, all ladies she had met in the church, and they started chatting casually.
After a while, tonight's guest of honor also arrived.
The slender Director Gordon has a mustache and still exudes a distinct military temperament even though he is dressed in casual clothes.
Mrs. Gordon is fair and plump, not very beautiful, but has a sweet smile and a gentle and charming ladylike temperament.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon were accompanied by their two children.
The eldest son, William, was twelve years old and looked exactly like his father. He wore a brass brooch on his tuxedo that looked too plain.
This brooch is the championship medal of the Boy Scout summer camp fencing competition. The rebellious adolescent boy shows off his personality in this seemingly casual way.
Alice, the Gordon couple's daughter, has just turned nine. She has inherited her mother's fair complexion and jet-black hair. She is dressed like a cute doll. Her big black eyes look around, showing a strong interest in adult social life.
curious.
Mr. Lucas, who was tall and personable, warmly embraced Director Gordon and delivered an impromptu welcome speech.
In addition to the routine polite words, the main theme of Mr. Lucas's speech is still around fighting gangs and pirates.
This generous millionaire publicly expressed his willingness to fully support Director Gordon in cracking down on crime and evil.
Not only did he donate generously, he also planned to take the lead in raising donations to collect anti-crime funds.
If you take the initiative to do this kind of thing, you will inevitably become a thorn in the eyes of the gang, which is very risky.
Mr. Lucas admits that he is young and energetic, and sometimes does things out of passion and indignation.
However, he also frankly told Commissioner Gordon that he was not a knight errant or a moral model.
The reason why I support the police crackdown on gangs is mainly out of self-interest.
A good public security environment and safe navigation trade routes will be of great benefit to his shipping insurance business.
Mr. Lucas’s words indirectly verified a rumor.
Including Louise, all the guests present had heard that in the past two years, due to the rampant gang and pirate activities along the canal, the shipping insurance business has become increasingly difficult to do. Many companies with insufficient capital have declared bankruptcy after settling a claim.
There are also some insurance companies that simply cannot afford to pay compensation and directly go bankrupt.
Although Lucas Company is the industry leader, life is not easy.
Take this year as an example, two insured cargo ships were robbed by the "Raging Waves Pirates" during their voyage. The casualties plus cargo losses, the final calculated compensation amount, was equivalent to six months of work in vain.
Glutinous mold
If this continues, Lucas Company may not be able to survive for long and will have to withdraw from the shipping insurance industry.
From this perspective, John Lucas II and James Gordon have the same interests, and it is reasonable to take the lead in supporting Director Gordon in cracking down on crime and eradicating evil.
Influenced by her uncle, Louise is also a relatively open-minded clergyman, and her evaluation of a person is based on deeds rather than heart.
Although little Lucas funded the police to suppress bandits mainly to protect his own business interests, his righteous deed of daring to risk retaliation from gangs and spend real money to do practical things is still worthy of admiration.
Louise herself has no investment in the shipping and insurance industries, and there is no relationship of interest.
However, she has more reason to hate pirates and the gangs who collude with pirates than Mr. Lucas or even Commissioner Gordon.
After all, her parents were killed by pirates.
In the bottom of her heart, the flame of hatred has never been extinguished.
I am alone and am currently unable to seek revenge against the evil "Raging Waves Pirates". I can at least support those who have the ability to fight against pirates.
For example, Commissioner Gordon and his anti-smuggling coast guard.
Louise signed a check for 1,000 gold dugas and stuffed it into the fundraising box.
"Mr. Gordon, I hope this meager donation can provide some help to your anti-smuggling cause." Louise said.
"You are so kind, Miss Quinn. On behalf of all my colleagues in the police department, I thank you for your generosity!"
Director Gordon raised a toast to Louise, his face full of gratitude.
Mr. Lucas also joined the conversation.
"Miss Quinn, as a donor, you have the right to know more about the real situation of the anti-smuggling team, so that your enthusiasm will not be wasted... Mr. Gordon, do you mind if I talk a lot and say a few words that are embarrassing?"
Be honest?"
"Of course I don't mind, my friend." Director Gordon's eyes were sincere. "You know, I am new here and I don't know enough about the situation in Binhai City. Maybe some of my subordinates are not as reliable as they seem.
But I have no idea what they really think, because most of them are reluctant to express their feelings in front of their new bosses.”
"You have reached the point, Mr. Gordon. Among your men, I dare not say that all, at least half, are untrustworthy." Mr. Lucas said in a low voice.
"Is it really that exaggerated?" Louise raised her eyebrows.
"Haha, Miss Quinn, have you begun to regret your generous donation?" Lucas smiled mockingly, "Don't worry, I am the number one enemy here to take the blame."
"If I understand your intention correctly, there are many guys in police uniforms who have actually become the protective umbrella of gangsters and pirates?"
"This is the reality, Miss Quinn. This is thanks to our former police chief Gilbert Bagham. It was under his wise leadership that the police department and the anti-smuggling team degenerated into a mess and a nest of snakes and rats.
Chaos!"
"Mr. Lucas, you seem to have some criticisms of my predecessor." Director Gordon inquired implicitly.
"Haha! Let me tell you straight, Bagham is a completely corrupt official! From the first day he took office, he had no intention of doing anything serious. All he could think about was making money!"
Mr. Lucas grew angrier and angrier.
"Other corrupt officials at least know how to maintain their dignity and put on a show, but Bagham doesn't even bother to put on a show. He personally colludes with pirates and gangs, and actually becomes the chief stolen goods sales agent in Marina City!"
"I am not surprised by his greed and presumptuousness. What is unexpected is that such a person can retire safely after making enough money. It is said that after leaving office, he plans to return to his hometown and spend his remaining years in peace!"
