Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 210: No Use for Anyone]

"Marko is just a dog that won't learn. Without real interests on the table, he won't budge. And Jeb can't give him what he wants right now.

But the Tea Party is different. Did you hear the broadcast from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange the other day?

Someone criticized the government's mortgage refinancing plan live on air. Guess what? It had a huge response. That group of extreme conservatives is back at it, saying they want to organize a tea party in Chicago this July. Commentators, reporters, hosts, activists -- all rushed out like mice smelling cheese, hyping it up. This spread quickly.

Next, the senators began to back it up. The first shot fired was from Rand Paul, followed closely by Michelle from Minnesota, Sarah from Alaska, Mitch from Kentucky, Ted from Texas, and Jim from Idaho... Don't you think it all happened too fast?"

In the car, Rick was talking about the Tea Party.

Nora and Ryan exchanged glances, then spoke in unison, "Is someone providing support behind the scenes?"

"Exactly, the Americans for Prosperity (AFP). This organization has been around for nearly twenty years, promoting extreme conservative views. Founded by David Koch, it's been continuously funded. Rand Paul's father is Ron Paul, a veteran congressman from Kentucky and a loyal ally of David Koch. He's also one of the proponents of the Tea Party's ideas, like tax cuts, spending cuts, resisting tobacco taxes, supporting traditional energy, and abandoning environmental claims -- basically aligned with Koch Industries' interests.

The financial crisis just passed, and people are understandably a bit resentful due to financial hardships. AFP is leveraging this. This emerging force is not to be underestimated, and Marko excels at reading the wind, so he's naturally going to be interested in the Tea Party. As long as he can get their support, the land issues can be easily resolved," Rick laid out the entire plan.

"Perfect, I know Rand Paul as well. We can ask him to relay a message to Marko, and everything will fall into place. The problem is, Rand won't help out for free," Nora replied slowly.

"Exactly, it all depends on what you can offer him," Rick said.

Nora exchanged another glance with Ryan.

Ryan clearly wouldn't be much help; he had hardly heard any of these names before.

"I need to make a few calls," Nora said, holding up her phone.

"Go ahead," Rick nodded.

Nora stepped out of the car, leaving Ryan and Rick inside.

...

"Ryan Rivers, if there's anything difficult to resolve in Florida, you can reach out to me. That's what friends are for. Today you help me; tomorrow I'll help you," Rick smiled.

...

After a bit, Nora returned.

"Did they have any specific demands?" she asked as she closed the car door.

"I need to check that," Rick pulled out his phone, like Nora, opted to step out of the car.

...

"Who is this guy?" Ryan asked.

Nora looked at the driver standing outside: "He used to be a big deal in the healthcare. He was in business with the former president back in the '90s. However, after the turn of the century, he hit a rough patch and got exposed for leading one of the largest healthcare frauds in history. He was kicked out of HCA, one of the top private healthcare groups in the country. Since then, he focused on Florida, where Jeb was still governor, and he has been there ever since, mingling with businessmen, investors, and brokers."

"He said Marko is a dog that won't learn, but isn't he the same? Hooking up with the Tea Party for his interests," Ryan remarked instinctively.

Nora gave him a surprised look: "You should avoid asking about this kind of stuff."

...

At this moment, the car door opened, and Rick returned to the car.

"Rand Paul has an urgent task right now. He needs the draft of the 'Stimulus and Reinvestment Act' -- preferably the whole thing, or at least a part. It needs to be quick; it has to be done today. Can you help him out?"

"We just want to change the land use," Nora insisted.

"Then there's nothing to talk about. Rand is not lacking in anything besides this," Rick tapped the car window, signaling the driver to come back.

"Let's go to Palm Beach," Rick instructed, effectively giving Ryan and Nora the boot.

Palm Beach? Ryan suddenly felt a glimmer of hope.

"I happen to live there," Ryan said immediately.

Rick scrutinized Ryan closely: "Have you been to Mar-a-Lago?"

Clearly, this guy was unaware of Mar-a-Lago's background; otherwise, he wouldn't have asked such a question. Ryan's mind was racing.

"I visited once and chatted with the owner. After all, we're neighbors. That guy recently made quite a scene in the city council over his flagpole and had a lawsuit with an airline. In short, he's hard to deal with," Ryan mentioned details he had heard from a real estate broker.

Rick was anxious, likely looking to find that draft of the 'Stimulus and Reinvestment Act.' Clearly, this was either connected to the Mar-a-Lago owner or someone associated with it.

The investigation into the Victoria's Secret models had already gotten stalled when linked to Mar-a-Lago.

Ryan felt that even if there was no progress with the land use issue, he could at least look into the Victoria's Secret model case, or at the very least, get acquainted with someone at Mar-a-Lago; after all, they were neighbors. "Great, can you help me get in touch? Would you come with me?" Rick said, reeling Ryan in, then extended the invitation. "If it gets done, I can assure you about the land use. Nora knows my credibility; I never commit to something I'm unsure of."

"Then let's go," Ryan glanced at Nora beside him.

"Drive," Rick instructed the driver.

...

"Are you planning to keep me locked up here?" A man with a fox-like face looked up at the person sitting across from him.

"This isn't a lock-up, only someone needs your help. If you agree, the incidents at the club will be forgotten, and you can remain a member," the large figure sitting opposite was smiling, hands animatedly expressing his words.

"Are you trying to use this to threaten me? I should remind you the prosecutor has dropped the case. Those young girls just came to have fun; whatever happened in between was consensual," the fox-faced man sneered coldly.

"Jeffrey, do you know the consequences of not cooperating? You'll die -- like a dog," the big guy switched the tone of his conversation.

"Is that right? You've forgotten about '92? Let me jog your memory. At that time, it was just the two of us on the estate, aside from 28 young models. I've got the tapes of that day; do you remember there was any incident like that?" Jeffrey shot back with a smile.

"I don't care; it'll be a chance for the whole nation to see just who I am," the big guy smiled back.

"Save it, I know Koch sent you. You have your reasons, and I have mine. I've managed the Republican Party for so long; if you were me, would you do this?" Jeffrey frowned.

"Looks like you still need to think it over," the big guy said, frustrated by Jeffrey's stubbornness, and stood up, exiting the room.

...

Just outside, Rick, accompanied by Ryan and Nora, was being led in by a servant.

"Rick Scott, Rand Paul sent me here to help. I know Jeffrey," Rick introduced himself.

"I know that name, but why'd you bring this star along? Planning to get Jeffrey high and then have him call people from the Republican Party?" The big guy glanced at Ryan.

"It's useless; no one can change anything," he shook his head, clearly realizing he wouldn't be budging today.

"You won't know until you try," Rick said, pretending to push the door open.

As the door opened, Ryan caught a glimpse of the scene inside; he saw a stranger sitting there.

The man inside also noticed Ryan.

Rick went in, but this time he was back out in just a minute.

"He... He wants to talk to you," Rick pointed at Ryan.

"Me?" Ryan couldn't believe it for a moment.

"You?" Nora's eyes widened, staring at Ryan.

"This kid?" The big guy looked even more puzzled.

"Yes, it's you. He said you're the only one he wants to talk to," Rick nodded.

"Looks like you need to step up personally after all," Nora patted Ryan on the shoulder.

After going around in circles, they ended up back where they started?

Ryan sensed fate had a hand in the mix.

"He doesn't have weapons, right?" Ryan inquired.

"Nothing at all."

"I'm not too sure about you guys, so I need to have a few bodyguards come guard the door -- my own bodyguards," Ryan continued.

"The entire club is surrounded by security; even if you don't trust them, where would you call people at this time?" The big guy didn't refuse.

"Well, I live nearby," Ryan quickly made the call, summoning a few security personnel from close to his home who were also associated with Berwick.

Once his security personnel arrived, Ryan finally stepped into the room...

*****

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