Chapter 264: 129, Hoover boards the ship_4
"I need to seriously consider this matter; I cannot give you an exact answer right now!" Harry earnestly told Donnie.
"Of course, after all, the position of BOI Director isn't something that can simply be changed at a whim!" Donnie nodded in understanding.
Harding and his entourage did not stay in Atlantic City for very long; they left Atlantic City after just one day.
Meanwhile, after their departure from Atlantic City, Edgar Hoover once again arrived in Atlantic City, this time at the invitation of Donnie!
"Donnie, have you come to your senses and decided to be my inside man?"
Upon seeing Donnie, Hoover directly asked.
Donnie, with a smile, replied, "Edgar, don't start our conversation with such a foolish question; it makes me question my own intelligence, especially since it was I who took the initiative to invite you over!"
Hoover revealed an expression of helplessness, "Alright, I know you just hosted Mr. Harding, the future President of the United States, as well as Mr. Harry D'Agostino, who will be my future superior. So, Donnie, what exactly is the reason you asked me to come here?"
"I've already recommended you to Harding, hoping that after he becomes Attorney General, you will replace the disappointing Director of the Bureau of Investigation and become the new Director yourself. So, Edgar, do you think this matter is worth the trip to Atlantic City?" Donnie said.
This time, Hoover was genuinely shocked.
He always thought that his relationship with Donnie was not friendly, but now Donnie was recommending him for the position of Director of the Bureau of Investigation in front of his future superior.
This made him unable to guess what Donnie was up to!
Every person has desires deep within; wealth, power, or pleasure will always dominate.
In Donnie's intelligence reports, Hoover apparently had no interest in women, and such a man's need for pleasure must be very controlled. It would be impossible to manipulate him through such means!
That left wealth and power.
Hoover's tenure as Director of the American FBI lasted for over thirty years, through administrations of Presidents that came and went, but Hoover remained constant.
This meant that his desire for power must have reached a level incomprehensible to outsiders.
So, after much deliberation, Donnie still decided to corrupt Hoover with power!
As for whether the other party would bite back after gaining power, Donnie was not worried. Once someone boarded his big ship, it wouldn't be easy for them to disembark or attempt to do something against his will.
"Donnie, you must not joke about such matters!"
Hoover's expression turned serious.
Donnie tapped on the desk, smiling, "Do you think I am someone who would joke about such things?"
Hoover shook his head and asked, "So, what do I need to pay in return?"
"It's simple. Once you take your seat as the Director of the Bureau of Investigation, I hope that the nation's prohibition agents will stand by our side and become our helmsmen!" Donnie said.
Hoover guessed Donnie's intentions and spoke earnestly, "If that's the case, I will become the most hated man by police in every state across the United States!"
"That's also the reason I am recommending you. I believe you have information in your hands that will help you easily navigate through this difficulty," Donnie responded.
As he spoke, Donnie stood up, patted Hoover's shoulder, and laughed, "Edgar, you should know, we're not just offering you the position of Director of the Bureau of Investigation to share a slice of the pie, you must also make your contribution for your own gains!"
The desire for power had already started swaying Hoover towards cooperating with Donnie.
"I think, although your recommendation will play a certain role, William Allen also has his political background, and even though you are partners with Harry, the other side will have to consider their own political circle," Hoover remarked.
Knowing Hoover was tempted, Donnie said, "Of course, that's why we need a handle that will cause problems for William Allen himself. Also, I think, if you personally deliver $200,000 to Harry, there shouldn't be any problems securing the position of Director!"
"I have the leverage!" Hoover assured earnestly, "I believe that through your Atlantic City Broadcast, the matter will be known nationwide in the shortest possible time. But Harry will definitely guess that we've struck a deal. Aren't you worried that Harry might become unhappy about this when the time comes?"
Donnie replied with an easy smile, "There will certainly be some discomfort, but I believe that once you take your seat as Director of the Bureau of Investigation and bring us a wealth of riches, any displeasure in Harry's heart will disappear as the numbers in his bank account rise!"
After thinking it over, Hoover nodded, agreeing with Donnie's opinion, and then asked, "One last question, why me? I believe, Donnie, if you wanted to, you could find someone to replace me!"
"Because of your capabilities!"
Donnie said candidly, "A successful captain can't navigate a large ship across the seas alone; it is only when he is surrounded by capable people that the ship can truly sail the four corners of the globe.
I'm not someone who envies the talent of others, on the contrary, I truly appreciate those with talent.
Perhaps Harry and I could find a replacement for you with some effort, but since you're already here, why should we bother looking for someone else?"
Hoover laughed, "So, we are now in the same boat?"
Donnie extended his hand, saying, "As long as you're willing, the position of first mate is always yours!"
Hoover reached out his hand too, saying, "I hope this decision lets me have the last laugh!"
Donnie laughed heartily, "Rest assured, our ship is a steel behemoth; no storm can affect it!"
"Now that we are partners, Donnie, I also need to put forward my demands upfront!"
Donnie nodded, "That's only fair!"
"To achieve everything you've mentioned, I need money, and a substantial amount at that. The current BOI doesn't have that capability. If you want me to fulfill our plans in the shortest amount of time, then I will need at least one million dollars upfront!"