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🕑 Added 2024-10-07 18:29:12 +0000 UTCWind in the Smoke
Chapter 14: A New Perspective
The two of them headed to Bozeman and found a barbershop. Dante, who didn’t want to touch up his look too much, went first, coming out looking presentable as usual, like a businessman.
Following Dante’s suggestion, Rip reluctantly agreed to get his hair cut as well. Meanwhile, Dante bought an ice cream cone and sat on a bench in front of the shop, reading about the investigation process.
"So, we still haven’t found anything," Dante muttered, glancing over the information that had been provided so far. To the eyes of passersby, he appeared to be just another person sitting there, checking his phone like everyone else.
On his phone was an app called LATA, where all the information circulating within his organization was available to keep him informed.
"It’s confirmed that Susie Glass took a flight to the country and is expected to arrive in about two days. She’s traveling alone."
Dante clicked his tongue and sighed. It seemed like that woman had caught on to his unusual activities in this place, which concerned him slightly.
To be honest, living with his father meant he’d have to find a way to tell him that this woman was coming to visit. As for the identity he’d give her, treating her as a partner seemed like a safe option. He was confident that wouldn’t bother Susie, who was a snake in the business world.
The alternative was temporarily moving somewhere else to avoid directly involving his family.
But that wasn’t a problem Dante feared. If there was one thing he protected more than his own business, it was his family. Beyond that, anything else could happen, and he wouldn’t care much.
Even so, it had to be said that Susie was incredibly talented in business. Without her, his father’s business would be obsolete with him still in prison.
If she wanted to take everything, Dante could help her in the process.
Freeing yourself from a father wasn’t easy, and that included him as well. But there were always differences between the criminal world and the outside.
There’s news that a response team is being formed at the New York District Attorney’s office to arrest Ghost, who’s connected to Felipe Lobos. This doesn’t directly involve us, but it’s current information.
Dante was surprised. He knew it was only a matter of time before Ghost got tangled up in a series of police investigations, and it seemed the moment had come.
Compared to cannabis, cocaine—the infamous white powder—was one of the worst drugs currently in circulation, generating massive profits.
This drug ranked below opioids, fentanyl, or methamphetamines, but its trade and distribution fueled rampant criminal activity in the country.
Many criminal gangs fought to gain complete control over this drug and its distribution, which was one of the reasons why Dante only focused on cannabis.
"Investigate the district attorneys; maybe our help could have some influence in the future if we want to expand," Dante said, sending a message to his contact before closing the app.
He wasn’t interested in getting involved with the Mexicans, but when it came to the sale and purchase of weapons, that certainly piqued his interest. As a man who needed the best weapons, he had to establish influence in the field to stay ahead.
It was known that Ghost controlled the entire cocaine market in New York, so it wouldn’t hurt to have a favor owed for the future.
For now, though, one of the other reasons he was here was because he needed a firearm license in this state.
He knew things were more aggressive here than anywhere else, so it wouldn’t hurt to have a weapon on him at all times, wherever he went.
He could carry one without a license, but that would cause a lot of trouble if he got caught.
All Americans could buy guns, but once purchased, they had to stay at home or in the car. You couldn’t take them out. As long as they stayed put, it was fine, because private property is sacred and inviolable.
There are two types of gun licenses: one for concealed carry and one for open carry. Both licenses function as expected.
There’s also a hunting license, which is equally important.
However, each state has its own laws and regulations. Some states differ significantly, while others vary slightly in detail.
What Dante needed to apply for were the open carry rights and the hunting certificates of Montana, which are useless outside the state.
Additionally, open carry rights typically only apply to law enforcement officers, making it hard to obtain, but with his father’s backing, it wasn’t a big deal.
And after that, you couldn’t shoot, except under special circumstances, and you’d need to file a report at the police station.
This is a place where money and lawyers mean everything—and both represent rights!
…
"Your ice cream is melting." Dante looked up under the scorching sun and saw a tough, rugged man standing before him.
Rip might not be attractive to many women, but he had a hard temper and a serious smile. Combined with his strong build, he appeared fierce and intimidating.
Now that his hair and beard were trimmed, he looked slimmer than before.
But there was something kind about his smile, which was rare to see.
Dante stood, took one last bite of his ice cream, and tossed the rest into the trash. "Let’s go."
They climbed into the truck and soon arrived at the police station. Upon entering, Dante noted that the station wasn’t very crowded.
It was known that there weren’t many people at the station; most officers were either hanging around or handling tasks. That’s why the reserve livestock police functioned like the left arm of the regular police, helping in special situations.
Dante calmly walked up to the reception desk and removed his hat. "Hi, Anna, I’m looking for Donnie."
The woman at the desk smiled when she saw him. "Hi, Dante. Donnie is out on duty and will probably be back soon."
Dante put his hat back on and returned the smile. "Then we’ll wait."
Susie stood up and, with a sweet smile, asked, "Anything to drink?"
Dante was about to step inside when he heard her voice and turned around. "I don’t want to bother you while you work; I’ll get it myself."
The older woman was surprised but didn’t say anything. Just in case, Dante turned and asked, "To the right?"
"Yes, follow the hallway."
They entered, meeting two police officers along the way, and Dante greeted them like old friends.
He was somewhat familiar with them, having often been hauled in after fights, so he knew many people at the station. While he wasn’t very close with them, many recognized him.
After waiting a while, Dante went to the room where officers made their coffee and poured two cups—one for himself and one for Rip, who didn’t want any but had no time to refuse.
They waited in silence, and after a while, a bald man entered.
Dante removed his hat and stood, followed by Rip. "Hey, Donnie, long time no see."
Donnie recognized Dante immediately and shook his hand. "Not that long, I think. What brings you back to Montana?"
"This is my home," Dante replied, not referring to the police station but to Montana itself.
"The last time I arrested you, you said you couldn’t wait to get out of here," Donnie recalled. He knew a lot about the trouble Dante used to get into, being the last remaining Dutton.
Dante smiled. "I was just a kid back then."
"I heard from John. You want to apply for a gun license?" Donnie quickly shifted the conversation, knowing his time was limited.
Dante nodded. "Open carry and a hunting license."
Donnie touched the corners of his mouth and nodded after a moment. "John’s arranged for you to be a temporary mounted officer with the Livestock Association. Go register for the shooting class, and I’ll handle the rest."
"Well, now that’s settled, I’d like to speak in private for a few minutes," Dante said, glancing at Rip, who, though confused, nodded slightly and stepped away.
