America 1919

In David Jabbar's office, Donnie and David Jabbar sat facing each other, both holding cigars in their hands.

Seeing the two of them chatting merrily, one would never guess that deep down, each was longing to get rid of the other.

"Donnie, it's quite rare for you to come by!"

David Jabbar said with a radiant smile.

"I think I'll definitely come here more often in the future!" Donnie hinted.

Clearly, David Jabbar did not catch Donnie's implication and continued happily, "Welcome, welcome. I believe, Donnie, that you'll definitely come by more often in the future!"

Although David Jabbar failed to grasp Donnie's meaning, from his perspective, he believed that the moment he took down Isaiah would mark the end of Donnie's villa business.

"By the way, I'm not sure what brings you over this time, Donnie. Are you here to play a few games, or would you like to try our tavern's fourth-floor services?"

Donnie waved his hand and said, "Neither. I'm mainly here to inform you, Mr. Jabbar, that as of today, our deal is going to have to change!"

David Jabbar's face darkened slightly as he asked, "What do you mean?"

Donnie laughed lightly, "It's quite simple, actually. The whiskey we used to sell to Mr. Jabbar was 4 US Dollars a bottle. Now, due to the shortage and price hike of raw materials, going forward we can only supply you at 8 US Dollars per bottle. That's 96 US Dollars for a case of twelve bottles. However, since we're old friends, I'll give you a discount—95 US Dollars per case!"

Before the Prohibition, the price of a bottle of top-quality whiskey was just 2 US Dollars. With the enforcement of Prohibition and the closure of many breweries across the United States, the price of whiskey had already soared. Even for wholesalers like Donnie, the cost per bottle had already increased to 4 US Dollars.

Not to mention the retail prices at the taverns!

Now, Donnie was doubling the price on top of that, effectively draining David Jabbar's profits. Moreover, David Jabbar would have to contribute funds from his own pocket.

At such a price, it was natural that David Jabbar could not accept it.

"Block, today isn't April Fool's Day, and this joke is not funny at all!" said David Jabbar, his face grim.

Donnie spread his hands and said, "Of course, I know it's not April Fool's Day today, which is why I'm not joking with you."

David Jabbar said, "You know that I will never agree to this price."

Donnie once again said nonchalantly, "Of course, it's your freedom to agree or disagree with the price—after all, the great United States is a free country. But whether or not to supply you is my freedom!"

"Are you doing this because of the Isaiah situation?"

In David Jabbar's eyes, Donnie's sudden price hike was because he had made a move against Isaiah.

"Who is Isaiah?" Donnie shook his head without a hint of blush, "I don't know the person!"

David Jabbar said coldly, "Don't forget, you're not the only one who can supply liquor in Atlantic City!"

Donnie chuckled and said, "Of course. So, Mr. Jabbar, are you deciding to give up on our partnership?"

"Show our guest out!" David Jabbar did not answer Donnie's question, but his attitude made his answer clear to Donnie!

With a smile on his face, Donnie stood up nonchalantly, "I think you'll be looking for me very soon, Mr. Jabbar. At that time, I'll show you what real hospitality is all about!"

After saying this, Donnie got up and left David Jabbar's study.

"Boss, our tavern's stock is running low, and today was supposed to be the day Donnie delivered our liquor!" Nate reported to David Jabbar after Donnie had left.

"Get in touch with LeBron James," David Jabbar said resignedly, gesturing, "Have him start supplying us from today!"

Nate nodded and left David Jabbar's room.

Once Nate was gone and David Jabbar was alone in his office, he finally calmed his angry emotions and began to seriously analyze Donnie's actions.

Soon, David Jabbar was certain about one thing: Donnie Block must have learned something about his relationship with Nucky and the Commodore, which is why he dared to talk about raising prices at this time.

"How did he find out?"

David Jabbar thought helplessly, but what was even more frightening to him was the thought that if Donnie knew something, how much more might Nucky know?

Ever since Nucky returned from Washington, he had only come over to my side once. Although Nucky didn't say anything, it was evident that he definitely knew it was me who instigated Eli Johnson to release Vince McGrady.

Even though I've chosen to side with the General, the thought of facing Nucky's retaliation still unavoidably started to worry me!

"Mr. General, I need to see you as soon as possible!"

Nucky wasn't someone I could face alone, so I had to seek help from my own backing.

"Is there something the matter?" A languid voice came from the other end of the phone.

"A very important matter!" David Jabbar said earnestly.

"Alright, I'll be waiting for you at home!" replied the General.

.

Inside the General's mansion.

"Mr. General, now that Donnie dares to so blatantly bring up the matter of raising prices with me, he must have found out something for sure. I think Nucky must also know something by now. When exactly can the Federal Agents bring charges against Nucky?"

Upon meeting the General, David Jabbar quickly relayed the recent events and his own analysis.

One of the important reasons David Jabbar switched allegiance to the General was actually because he had learned of the Federal Agents starting their investigation into Nucky.

"Don't worry just yet, the Federal Agents' investigation takes time!"

The General said reassuringly.

"But with my current situation, if Nucky lays a hand on me, I..." David Jabbar worriedly spoke, his heart devoid of the confidence he had before he betrayed Nucky.

"I understand Nucky!" the General spoke slowly and deliberately, "If Nucky really wanted to deal with you, he would have started as soon as he got back from Washington. But since he hasn't taken direct action until now, this shows he still has considerable fear of your and our strength."

At this point, the General paused for a moment before continuing, "And don't forget, you still have an ace up your sleeve!"

David Jabbar asked, "Are you referring to Eli?"

The General nodded, unabashedly saying, "That's right, Eli Johnson may be a fool, but he is after all Nucky's brother, and also the Sheriff of Atlantic City. If Nucky wants to perfectly control Atlantic City, he needs his brother's strength. As long as Eli firmly stands by your side, Nucky won't really make a move against you!"

This was also why later on, even though Nucky knew his brother Eli Johnson had betrayed him, he still spared Eli Johnson's life; to perfectly control Atlantic City, he must have the power of the sheriff's department in his hands.

Relieved by the General's analysis, David Jabbar then spoke with a hint of helplessness, "But I've told Eli many times, and he still hasn't made up his mind."

"You need to give him some time," the General wasn't worried and continued with a smile, "Since he hasn't told Nucky about this matter and also didn't warn you, this indicates that he has actually been tempted. His hesitation is simply because our offer isn't big enough yet!"

David Jabbar nodded again and said, "But we can't delay any longer!"

The General also understood this and said, "Here's what you do: invite Eli Johnson to my place tonight, and I'll have a chat with him in person!"

"That would be ideal!" David Jabbar said happily.

.

"Eli, we have always had immense faith in your abilities. If it weren't for Nucky constantly holding you back, by now you would at least be a State Senator, if not the Mayor of Atlantic City.

Plus, I'm getting on in years and really don't have much energy left. When I grow old, it will still be you calling the shots in Atlantic City!"

That evening, Eli Johnson appeared at the General's mansion, where the General was now persuading him.

"Mr. General, please don't bring this up again. Nucky is my brother, and I will not betray him," Eli Johnson said coldly.

The General was unconcerned by Eli Johnson's statement; if he really felt that way, he wouldn't have shown up here tonight.

"Dear Eli, we're not trying to do anything to Nucky. We just hope Nucky can share some of the power he holds. Besides, would you really want to be introduced like this every time you go out?

This is Eli Johnson, Nucky's brother from Atlantic City!"

At the mention of this title, Eli Johnson's face changed once more.

At this moment, David Jabbar also spoke up, "Dear Eli, Nucky has already started moving against us. AJ from the West District is the best example. Although AJ and the others haven't been found yet, I assume they've probably vanished by now.

Plus, Donnie's price hike and LeBron James's refusal to supply us with liquor—if Donnie didn't have Nucky backing him, how would he have the guts to do such things?"

That afternoon, David Jabbar had already learned about AJ and LeBron James's situation.

Although he didn't know that AJ was already dead, he understood that the outlook for AJ and the others was likely bleak.

Upon hearing David Jabbar's reasoning, Eli Johnson fell silent.

ps: Failing to advance in the second round is quite embarrassing, the collection data has been growing nicely, but the continued readership seems a bit awkward. 270 on Monday, 220 on Tuesday, and 285 by Wednesday, skillfully avoiding the Tuesdays' advancement data—but no worries, we'll keep at it. Hopefully, next week we'll make the list.~~