Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 209: Tea Party]

"You guessed it right. One thing after another, I felt like a top spinning continuously. But then again, if it weren't for the big incident at Bay Park, this group wouldn't have gathered together. Ryan, the Bay Park situation wouldn't involve you, would it?" Nora said on the other end of the line. She had answered Ryan's call without hiding her intentions; she was there to discuss the land Ryan and the pastor were looking to develop.

"You think I caused those spaced-out crazies to go at each other?" Ryan chuckled in response.

"Well, not exactly," Nora shook her head. She knew Ryan wanted to acquire the Ultra Music Festival, but it was merely an acquisition -- pressuring Russell and whatnot -- where things had escalated beyond anyone's expectations.

"You're still in Miami, right? I really need your help this time," Nora shifted the conversation.

"If you can't handle it, what good would I be?" Ryan shot back casually.

"This task really does need you for it to get done, and only you can get it done."

"Why's that?"

"Because you saved that man's daughter." On the other end, Nora looked at a bald man named Rick Scott nearby, who stood next to former governor Jeb Bush.

"What do I get out of it?" Ryan quickly asked.

"I'm practically doing you a favor."

"No, you're helping yourself."

"Oh, come on, we're in this together. How about this? I'll let you develop that land you've been wanting to work on for the road project, will that work?"

Ryan knew he wouldn't actually develop it himself, but he could subcontract it out, which was a sweet deal.

...

Ryan arrived next to Nora within the hour, just as the memorial service was wrapping up.

"Once these bigshots finish chatting, we'll find our chance to slip in."

"You didn't make an appointment?"

"It was all very sudden. How could I schedule anything when they're all just here?" Nora glanced at Ryan, sounding a bit less confident.

Can't schedule anyone? Ryan reconsidered the influence of this subsidiary of the Carlyle Group in Florida.

Suddenly, Ryan noticed that more and more people were looking at him. In this atmosphere, Ryan certainly couldn't go unnoticed.

"Ryan! You should be the one here! You're like the savior of the Bay Park tragedy!" Someone standing nearby reached out a hand towards Ryan.

Anyone sitting in the first three rows of the memorial service was probably someone of significance in Florida. Ryan smiled and acknowledged them.

More people began to gather around Ryan, primarily to commend him for his outstanding contributions during the tragedy. The media, which had prepared to pack up and leave, fired up their cameras again due to Ryan's unexpected appearance.

...

Soon, Ryan was ushered to meet Governor Charlie Crist, who had a special status in Florida -- formerly a Republican, now leaning towards independence.

"Thank you for everything you've done for Miami. You're a benefactor of Florida and a representative for our culture and entertainment industry. If you ever face difficulties in your ventures, as long as it's not a fundamental issue, the state and the public will support you as much as possible," the governor patted Ryan on the shoulder, encouraging him like a mentor.

Ryan glanced at Nora and saw her shaking her head, indicating that he couldn't mention anything about "land use" to the governor.

Afterward, Ryan took a group photo with several local executives in Florida. Standing on either side of him were the governor and a man named Marco Rubio, the Speaker of the House, who had a somewhat shifty look about him, resembling an untrustworthy henchman in a movie.

Nora's public relations target, the bald Rick Scott, stood slightly away with former governor Jeb Bush.

From their positions, it was clear where everyone stood in the hierarchy.

...

After the open discussion segment was done, Nora finally brought Ryan in front of Rick. "Thank you, Ryan. You evacuated my daughter at first notice, shielding her from danger. My wife and daughter are grateful," Rick said, nodding toward Ryan, introducing him to Jeb along the way, issuing praises for Ryan's contributions in Florida. He remained calm, revealing little about his depth.

Mentioning Jeb brought to mind the Bush family, which traditionally represented the establishment from the Republican perspective.

However, looking towards the future, the establishment was becoming somewhat regressive, remnants of a bygone era, unable to produce fresh ideas. From 2009 onward, the Tea Party became the hot topic, and eight years later, it gradually blended into the new right. The rest was history.

"Mr. Scott, I previously discussed with you the potential expansion of Solantique Emergency Medical Center to other regions of the U.S. We can help you secure medical insurance qualifications in Kentucky and Michigan; you know it won't be easy, especially since the HCA incident was quite a spectacle," Nora said quietly to Rick.

"What do you need from me?" Rick asked, sensing Nora's intentions without hesitation.

"APG and Ryan are working together to develop a piece of land, but the land use is somewhat complicated..." Nora explained.

As the two spoke, they didn't avoid Jeb, who exchanged a meaningful glance with Rick and then whispered a few words.

Jeb pointed towards Marco, the Speaker, and Rick nodded, making his way over there.

Ryan could tell that Rick was merely a middleman, using the Bush family's influence in Florida to establish private medical ventures.

Nora and Ryan exchanged looks, sensing there was a plausible outcome here.

"Don't get your hopes up too high. Marco is a weather vane, saying whatever is convenient at the moment. Before the end of 2008, he stated multiple times that the U.S. shouldn't apologize for slavery, only to do a complete 180 later and lament the harm done to African Americans. This guy is utterly unreliable," Jeb scoffed.

As for what triggered that flip-flop, it was clearly related to the presidency.

After a moment, Rick returned, shaking his head -- the negotiation results were unsatisfactory.

"He wouldn't help. I even mentioned you to him -- clearly, he's forgotten what a loyal friend he once claimed to be," Rick sneered. "Didn't expect him to turn against so quickly."

"Can't we think of another way?" Nora frowned.

"You found me, so I assume you've already considered many options, right? Sorry, but I can't help you with this," Rick shook his head, glancing at Jeb as he spoke.

"Sorry to bother you," Ryan nodded, immediately taking Nora and leaving.

...

Ryan and Nora made their way to the edge of the venue.

"What was that about? I found a way in, and now you want to throw it all away? Do you even want to continue the development?" Nora pouted, wanting to keep trying.

"Did you not notice that Rick basically indicated that this wasn't a good discussion in front of Jeb? He might have a different way in mind and might call you in a bit," Ryan noted Rick's subtle gestures during their conversation.

"Are you sure?" Nora retorted.

Nora nervously awaited updates.

...

In a short while, Rick did call.

Nora glanced at Ryan and quickly answered, "Rand Paul? The son of Ron Paul -- what could this father-son duo possibly offer Marco?"

"The Tea Party? Alright, Ryan and I will talk in your car," Nora nodded.

*****

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