Chapter 195
2002 February 3th, another Super Bowl was about to happen. I've always had a special feeling about them. It all began with bets in Football, after all.
But this time, there would be none— I owned the Patriots now. Club owners were strictly forbidden from betting, even if it was in favor of their own team winning.
Besides, betting money had stopped being relevant ever since JD grew to its current scale. Not to mention the kind of trouble it could bring from the shady figures behind the betting houses.
We still placed small wagers on soccer and other sports where I knew the outcome. It was the easiest way to multiply untraceable funds. At this point, we had multiple accounts with decent balances, all impossible to link to us.
Today we were heading to New Orleans, Louisiana. The game would be held at the Louisiana Superdome, classified as a Level 1 National Special Security Event—just like Tomorrowland.
This time, the entourage was enormous. I brought nearly the entire security team—those who stayed behind received a bonus. They weren't fans of football anyway. The whole school football team was joining, including Missy's dad, who was our coach.
And of course, my inner circle: Cher, Regina, Carly, Freddie, Sam, Paige and Missy. Besides Dad, Charlie, Evelyn, Judith, Cara, Pippa, Spencer, and me. All of us wore Patriots jerseys.
"At least I feel very safe," I murmured.
Pippa's eyes widened as she took in the crowd.
"I'd love to see someone try to pick a fight with Jake right now," Sam remarked with a smirk.
"Sam!" Carly scolded
"Oh, come on. Just look at this army," Sam pointed out, waving her hand toward everyone.
"Hey, Lilly!" Missy greeted cheerfully as a group of five approached.
"More people? Isn't it getting a little crowded?" I muttered.
"Now you notice?" Pippa responded, lifting a brow.
Miley, Jackson, Oliver and Robby joined us with casual nods.
"Whoa, what's going on here?" Miley asked, blinking at the crowd.
"That's Jake's groupie," Paige quipped with a teasing grin.
"I know exactly where to start trimming numbers," I said, eyeing her.
Paige stuck her tongue out in defiance.
"Let's move out," I instructed, then turned to John and George Copper. "Handle the rest. We'll meet you in Louisiana."
They responded with nods.
"Where are you heading? What flight?" Miley asked
"Private jet," I replied evenly.
"Of course. Rich boy," she murmured, shaking her head.
We made our way to the private terminal. I had purchased first-class seats for all the security personnel. Among the football team, only George, Tarrance, and Parker flew first—it reinforced hierarchy and showed who I favored.
Two bodyguards would join me on the jet: Carter, my personal bodyguard, and Sarah Walker, head of security.
Yes, that Sarah Walker—although not quite like the version from the series. In this world, she was ex-FBI (not a CIA member. And no Chuck). According to Pepper, she had been part of a secret task force. When the operation was shut down and the team disbanded, she resigned and entered private security.
Using one of our untraceable accounts (paying the right people), we came across a name on the list (that was investigated)—Jeffrey Epstein. Not a name I want to touch right now (too many powerful people around him).
Sarah was stunning, brilliant, and lethal. A perfect head of security. And maybe in the future she could help us crush some vermin.
Uncle Charlie once tried to flirt with her—until he saw her take down four of my bodyguards. He never tried again (he said he had some bad experience from that type of girl)
Even Carter, with all his training and body, could only manage a draw in a sparring match with her (they were allowed to use some defensive objects. With bare hand, she would have a hard time). No wonder the entire team respected her.
"Sarah, are you sure you don't want to be in movies? With those moves, you'd be amazing in an action role," I offered, testing the idea.
"Not my thing. Same goes for modeling," she responded, her gaze sweeping the area.
"You could earn a fortune."
"I already do. You're a generous boss," she replied with a faint smile.
And she wasn't exaggerating—her salary exceeded even that of the FBI Director. But it was still nothing compared to what she could make if a movie she starred in became a blockbuster.
"Maybe you'll change your mind after seeing Jimmy at the end of the year."
---
We boarded the jet. The pilot was already in the cockpit, giving final instructions to the crew. My group moved naturally to the plush cabin, talking, laughing, comparing snacks and seats.
Carter took a seat by the aisle, always alert, while Sarah chose a spot by the window, surveying the hangar through the glass. She crossed one leg over the other with poise and gave a subtle nod as if silently approving the setup.
Woman, I'm not some terrorist they're trying to kill. But then again, I'm paying you exactly so I don't have to worry about security.
"Now this is how you travel to a Super Bowl," Dad chuckled from his seat, clearly enjoying himself.
"Yeah," Uncle Charlie agreed already with a beer in hand. Mom and Gramma were already resting comfortably.
Cara and Pippa were feeling strange with all the luxury. Missy was wide-eyed the entire time. Sam, Paige, Carly, and Freddie seemed more used to it by now. Cher and Regina, on the other hand, looked completely at home.
"Hello Anthony." I called my CFO at the back of the jet
"Hi Jake, I will pass you the latest updates. WorldCom stock is trading around ten dollars, and since we have 900 million shares shortened at an average of 15.5, we're sitting on almost 5 billion profits before tax. 3.1 billion for us, 1.9 billion for our old fellas.
As WorldCom kept falling, reducing our risk, I increased our short position in Qwest Communications International. Right now we're holding 350 million shares (20% of the company) at a price of 13.5. Since it's trading at 11.5 today, we've made 700 million in profit—430 net and 270 million in taxes."
He continued, "Louis Litt is constantly in talks with the SEC to avoid legal issues and, more importantly, to prevent them from launching an investigation and making our gains public. We even tipped them off about Adelphia, and we're still opening a short position there."
Louis Litt, a former colleague of Harvey he managed to pull in
"We will pay more billions in tax, and still need to calm the SEC..." I scoffed.
"Another update—Jessica Pearson is already making discreet contacts about a potential acquisition of Universal. We're making sure nothing leaks to the media or competitors."
The second and biggest personal acquisition for JD, Jessica Pearson. One of the original founders of the BigLaw firm Pearson Hardman—now just Hardman. She probably lost the internal battle, but she's still one of the most respected names in the legal world. She's also very well connected at Latham & Watkins LLP, California's top BigLaw firm.
Jessica became our CLO (Chief Legal Officer), holding the same status as Harvey. (He's not great at managing people. He handles our most sensitive and strategic information.)
"Good. That one I have zero concerns about. I know Pepper is working hard on it too," I said.
"I bet she'll even be working during the game. During our team's final!" I said indignantly.
Anthony just laughed.
"And you too, Anthony. You're not even going to our team's game," I whined.
"I prefer to watch at home, with my family, a barbecue, and my dogs," Anthony replied.
------
Support Link: https://[email protected]/c/MHJunior [Up to 35+ advance chapters]
Please give a Review and Powerstone if you like the novel