America 1919

"Even I can think of that, how could they possibly not?"

Alpha Hope knew Sly Monroe still didn't understand politics and explained, "Of course they know, but what of it? As long as the plan can benefit the people of Kentucky in the short run, they will support it. If they support it, their votes are secured!"

"I!"

Sly Monroe exploded with a string of expletives once again.

"All this talk gets us nowhere now. What's most important for us is to ensure Donnie's plan doesn't succeed, or neither of us will have good days ahead!"

Alpha Hope said.

Angrily, Sly Monroe retorted, "Do you think I don't know that?"

After venting his rage, Sly Monroe said, "Opposing Donnie isn't just up to us alone. Are the people above ready to abandon us?"

Alpha Hope replied, "They are still watching this matter. If Donnie can successfully alleviate the worries of Kentucky's populace, I believe they might start supporting him too. Then we could become the disposable pawns!"

"Bastards, bastards, bastards!" Sly Monroe shouted angrily. "These politicians are utterly shameless. Even within family alliances, there's an understanding to keep promises. They're ready to abandon us for their own gain. Have they forgotten all the benefits we've given them?"

In a strict sense, Alpha Hope was also a politician, so he could understand their actions.

All matters hinged on self-interest alone. If the benefits aligned, nothing was too precious to cast aside.

If he were in their position, he believed he'd make the same choices too.

"That's why we can't let Donnie's plan proceed smoothly. We need to make a move!"

"What kind of move?"

"Donnie's marketing plan focuses solely on the thoroughbred market, not the racing aspect. The Kentucky Derby is irreplaceable, but what about the other races? You should know Kentucky hosts at least a dozen horse races. While each organizer isn't large on its own, combining them wields immense power. The downstream market could deter horse traders from selling to Atlantic City, and the organizers have significant influence at the state capitol and in the legislature. If we can unite them, we might be able to turn the tables!"

Upon hearing Alpha Hope's idea, Sly Monroe's eyes lit up, "Exactly, that's the way to do it. With their support, I'm sure the state government will reconsider!"

Alpha Hope continued, "Moreover, we should also contact KDKA and Aristides Radio as soon as possible. Donnie wants to wage a media war? Then we'll fight back with one. Those two stations would compete for Kentucky's market against ABC. And it's not just radio; we have newspapers in Kentucky too. Donnie has the 'Lexington Herald-Leader,' so we'll find other newspapers to overstate the disadvantages of Kentucky collaborating with Atlantic City. Only in this way can we possibly win!"

Sly Monroe said, "Right, I'll start working on this now!"

Alpha Hope solemnly reminded Sly Monroe, "Sly, this matter affects our future lives. We've already broken with Donnie and can't turn back to cooperate with him like those politicians. We must win!"

Sly Monroe nodded, "I know, don't worry!"

After speaking, Sly Monroe got up from the sofa, ready to leave Alpha Hope's office.

Right at this moment, there was a commotion outside Alpha Hope's office. Just as Alpha Hope was about to go out and ask what happened, the door to the office burst open.

Two groups of people came in one after the other!

The first was led by Eric Ribeiro from the IRS. Eric Ribeiro glanced at the two men in the office, then walked straight toward Alpha Hope.

With a puzzled tone, Alpha Hope asked, "You are...?"

Eric Ribeiro interrupted Alpha Hope, "Good day, Mr. Alpha Hope. I'm a Special Investigator from the IRS. There's a tax issue that requires you to come with us for an investigation!"

"I!" Alpha Hope's expression suddenly changed. Although the IRS had been scrambling due to Donnie's maneuvers, even managing to oust their designated Director, the IRS's clout remained formidable. Getting entangled with them meant trouble, and Alpha Hope knew he was in serious trouble!

Sly Monroe felt an ill premonition rising in his heart as he observed the unfolding situation.

Sure enough, the second group came for him.

"Good day, Mr. Sly Monroe. I'm Assistant Investigator Olden from the Bureau of Investigation. We suspect you've been trafficking bootleg liquor in Kentucky for a long time, violating federal law. We're taking you in for questioning by the book, and we hope for your cooperation!"

Olden had been marginalized at the Bureau for helping Donnie, but with Hoover assuming the role of Director of the Bureau of Investigation, Olden was reinstated and became one of the middle management!