America 1982-Chapter 408 - 51: Three Old Guys_4

"You know, Colin, I think if I don’t want you guys to gossip about me being a killjoy, it’d be best if a few of the old guys took action together, right Logan?" Julian turned around to look at the two men with an inquiring tone.

Logan Hurl laughed, "That’s the spirit, pal. If you really left, I’d definitely talk behind your back with Colin about how dull you are and that you shouldn’t be invited next time."

"So it looks like I still have time to change my mind?" Julian spread his hands and asked with a smile.

"Smart choice," Hurl patted Julian on the shoulder.

Colin looked at Julian in confusion, "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." Seeing Colin’s gaze, Julian thought he was suspected of planning to be a snitch for the women and proactively explained, "I’ve got some places in Manhattan that would suit your taste, or should I say, our taste. Want me to show you guys a taste of my kind of places?"

Colin grinned and declined Julian’s offer, generously saying, "No, I’ll cover all the expenses this time, then it’s Logan’s turn next, and finally, it’ll be your turn."

Julian didn’t object, knowing that Colin had registered several companies in his name and also owned some shares, and was not short of money.

In fact, not just Colin, but even Logan and his marine business had become wealthier thanks to some of Tommy’s business deals.

For instance, Tommy had once flown out personally to convince him to bring in several new shareholders for the marine company, which then took stakes in a few Silicon Valley computer firms and later established two subsidiaries, one of which was led by a president named Thomas Hayward, the 21st Secretary of the Navy of America.

The marine company had always focused on the private yacht industry but that didn’t mean it wasn’t interested in becoming a contractor for the Pentagon Navy Department. Those big orders were out of reach due to lack of patents and background, but now, with the flourishing computer industry, combining computer and boat patents, and adding the former Secretary of the Navy’s connections, the minor and less profitable navy logistical boat procurements had been secured, although the income was just barely satisfactory.

If it were just these outcomes, Julian wouldn’t have approved of Tommy as a future son-in-law. The main point was what followed; they might not have gotten Pentagon contracts, but in those KeyBank-dominated countries rampant with charity, marketing the marine company as a Pentagon contractor like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon allowed those officials who profited from KeyBank to rely on its loans to purchase the company’s boats to strengthen their small nations’ maritime defenses.

The connections forged during charitable events meant the second cooperation didn’t have any trust issues. The officials didn’t have to pay out of their own pockets, they got extra income, could boast about buying powerful American boats to boost national defense and getting closer to America – there was no reason to refuse.

As for how that loan was to be repaid eventually, who the hell cares?

The international renown of the marine company and the cash it garnered left Julian with no dissatisfaction towards Tommy, seeing him as the perfect son-in-law in his eyes.

As for Tommy keeping his close relationships with other women a secret from Odelia, come on, which wealthy man stays true to just one woman for life? Without a few mistresses, how could he boast to his friends about his charm?

Look at Colin; he used to be the epitome of a good man, but now with money, he instantly became the guy who knew all the upscale clubs around.

And so, the three old men got into Colin’s pickup truck and headed straight for the entertainment spot that perfectly suited their old-timers’ tastes.

However, as they drove further, Julian’s expression grew more serious because the views outside the car window had been of various private estates and vacation homes on Long Island, which were beautiful even in winter, but as time passed, the scenery shifted to ordinary suburban houses with deteriorating surroundings.

Julian had thought they were heading towards New York City, but now it seemed they were getting further and further away.

"Are you sure we are not lost, Colin?" Julian asked.

From the driver’s seat, Colin looked at Julian in the rearview mirror and said, "Julian, you have to trust that men never need a guide for this kind of thing, of course, we are not lost."

"Alright, since you’re treating, Colin." Julian relaxed after Colin’s confident reply and picked up a magazine in the car to flip through.

When the car finally came to a stop and Julian shifted his gaze from the magazine to the window, he realized they had arrived at a small town that didn’t feel right.

"Out of the car, Julian, we’re here," Colin and Logan cheerfully opened their doors and got out, excitedly urging a hesitant Julian.

Julian followed them out of the car, taking in his surroundings, and his uneasy feeling intensified. After looking around, he couldn’t spot any parks within his line of sight, the storefronts were chaotic and unfamiliar, and there was even a dirty food truck selling fast food on the street. The queue of people, though Caucasian, didn’t look wealthy.