The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

On the banks of the gently flowing Nile, the dark-skinned First Lady is accompanying Claire Emmanuel as they inspect outdated water conservancy projects.

Hawke and the staff of the United Nations Environment Programme all followed behind.

"Sudan has suffered from war, and after only a few years of stability, a civil war broke out again." The First Lady seemed to have found a benefactor and desperately tried to elicit sympathy: "The Nile River is Sudan's lifeline, but its water flow is limited and it is controlled by upstream countries. Its water infrastructure is extremely backward, and it cannot even meet the daily water needs of its people."

Claire was using charity as a pretext to make money, putting on a very good show: "We came here to help the suffering Sudanese people."

The First Lady has received some education, but her knowledge and abilities still fall short compared to those from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

She thought the other party would bring the glory of democracy and freedom, and smiled broadly, revealing two rows of white teeth: "Thank you for bringing hope to the Sudanese people. If your water purification project can help us solve the problem of water scarcity, the Sudanese people will definitely erect a statue for you."

Claire thought to herself, unless the statue is made of gold as tall as a person and is given to me.

Behind them, Hawke, Leonardo, and Glendale, an old friend of the UNEP’s Africa project, followed at a distance.

In addition to his film career, Leonardo DiCaprio has consistently used environmentalism to elevate his image over the years, and this is not his first trip to Africa.

He is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme: "Although the Nile is the world's longest river, its water flow is not high, and the environment in its basin has been deteriorating."

Hawke, in this setting, was also very serious: "The most troublesome thing is that this river flows through several countries, and every year there are endless disputes and even local wars over the issue of diverting the river."

Glendale, who has been in charge of Africa for a long time, continued, "War is also a major problem. Without a stable socio-political situation, the water problem for ordinary people cannot be solved at all. In Africa, especially in countries like Sudan that are actually composed of tribes, war is the norm."

Leonardo DiCaprio asked curiously, "Why go to war? Peace and development..."

Glendale was far more politically astute than him: "Africa is rich in resources and is regarded as its backyard by developed European countries. Major powers all want to obtain the cheapest resources, and a stable Africa is not in the interests of major powers."

Leonardo DiCaprio's visit this time is for promotional purposes.

Hawke's arrival was essentially also about sharing in the benefits of Africa.

Glendale has had extensive dealings with Hawke's foundation through his Green Africa project, and the two sides share common interests in this area, so he is naturally aware of this.

In contrast, among the main people who came to Africa this time, Leonardo DiCaprio was the most genuine.

The group visited the water conservancy project near the Nile River in Khartoum, and then took a tour of the water-scarce areas outside the city before returning to their hotel.

After seeing off the Sudanese delegation, Claire approached Hawke and said, "These places are too poor; they don't seem like there's much to be gained here."

The purpose of the cooperation between the two sides is very clear: to make a profit.

She didn't need to hide anything: "We can't really come here to do charity, can we?"

Hawke said, "The initial investment was to enable us to obtain more from the United Nations and the African Union later, and the investment can be legally deducted from taxes, so it is not a loss for us."

The reason Claire was brought in is that without the title of First Lady of the United States, it would be difficult for the new plans initiated by the United Nations and the African Union to fall into their hands.

There are competitors in France and Spain.

Veolia, the former water giant, is also operating this project.

But they didn't expect Hawke to play his trump card.

Claire asked, "Can the African Union and the UNEP mobilize large sums of money?"

“Don’t underestimate the power of Africa,” Hawke said simply. “For this water relief project, your foundation will still provide professional advice as a specialized relief organization.”

When it came to making money, Claire knew exactly what to do: "You're the general contractor for this business?"

Hawke said, "And then it's subcontracted layer by layer."

For example, when constructing projects in Africa, security is an essential and significant expense, which can be outsourced to Hurricane Africa.

Hawke already knew which countries' construction teams to subcontract to in order to complete the project at a low cost and with high quality.

Claire could certainly see that the other party was taking advantage of her status as First Lady.

The existence of Tom Emmer's illegitimate child made it impossible for the First Lady to provide her with a sense of security.

On the contrary, money gives her a huge sense of security.

The previous project with Hawke earned hundreds of millions of dollars.

Without any hesitation, Claire said, "Do as you say, and we will continue to cooperate."

Hawke's purpose extends beyond this project; he also has long-term considerations.

He had long known that Tom Emer harbored a deep grudge against George Walker, and that a civil war between the two might break out at any time, potentially dragging California into the conflict.

Claire got on his boat; it wasn't going to be that easy for her to get off.

Hawke added, "The next stop is Kampala in Uganda. Glendale and Pierce Madden will be with you the whole time, so I won't be going."

Claire nodded: "I will play my part well."

Hawke stood up and shook her hand: "Have a safe trip."

Claire stepped out of the meeting room and saw Leonardo coming towards her; the two greeted each other.

She suddenly remembered the rumors between Hillary and Leonardo, and was very curious. Leonardo has changed a lot in recent years, so why is Hillary still clinging to him? Does she have some special talent?
Leonardo suddenly felt unwell and instinctively turned his head, only to find Claire looking at him with a strange expression.

That look in her eyes was just like Cialie's back then.

Considering Claire's status as First Lady, Leonardo felt a chill run down his spine and quickened his pace, turning into the reception room in a few steps.

Hawke saw him come in with a strange expression and asked, "What's wrong? Did a black model take a fancy to you?"

“Not a Black model.” Leonardo DiCaprio was not in the mood for jokes and said with unusual seriousness, “I just ran into the First Lady in the hallway. The way she looked at me was terrifying, a bit like Hillary Clinton.”

Hawke stood up and handed him a bottle of water: "That shows you're very charming."

Leonardo took a sip of water, calming himself down a bit: "I'd rather she thought of me as an incredibly ugly man."

“Don’t worry, she won’t do anything reckless.” Hawke wasn’t worried about it: “Things aren’t like they used to be. You’ve proven that you can fight back.”

Leonard realized the key: "As long as I'm on your side, the First Lady won't dare to act recklessly."

The so-called First Lady left him with a very deep shadow.

When Hawke left Khartoum, Leonardo simply boarded his business jet and flew together to Ethiopia, staying in Addis Ababa.

…………

Damajing, the headquarters of Hurricane Security Company.

All employees currently stationed at the company gathered in the lobby.

Accompanied by Andrei and Gonzalez, Hawke strode into the hall.

Drogba and Essien, who were standing at the front, quickly said, "Hello, boss." "Guys, it's been a long time." Hawke greeted the group, shook hands with Drogba, and presented him with a reward from the boss.

Edward followed beside him, handing over a thick, large envelope.

Hawke handed the baton to Drogba, then Essien and Touré.

He was decisive and efficient, and he knew what the best reward was; the envelope contained only one thing—dollars.

Everyone receives one, and those on duty in other areas will also receive one from a designated person.

Hawke used various methods to manage the security company, including but not limited to Lighthouse Immigration, among which the most effective were undoubtedly bonuses and international schools.

After distributing the money, Hawke followed Andrei to the company's conference room.

Essien and Drogba, who were in charge of intelligence work in Africa, were also invited by Gonzalez.

The conference room door was closed, and Raul and Guti stood guard outside.

Andrei said, "The company's overall situation in Africa is stable, and we have been conducting training on the use of new equipment, effectively coordinating with advanced equipment such as satellites and drones."

Hawke nodded slightly and asked, "What's the situation in the Middle East?"

Hurricane Africa has deployed many Arab members in the Middle East to infiltrate various organizations and gather useful information.

Several squid species have even developed a strong anti-squidity.

Within the Squid government, there are also quite a few people who oppose the government and its radical policies.

Among these opposition figures are also radicals.

Andrei added, "We obtained intelligence through secret channels that several intermediaries have accepted foreign funding and are looking for armed groups to cooperate with."

Hawke asked, "Is the source reliable?"

“One of the pro-American intermediaries is actually one of our people.” In the past few years, Andrei has been based in Africa, which borders the Middle East, and has done a lot of work with Hawke’s abundant funds.

Especially during Hawke's previous deployment in the Middle East, he sent a large number of people there.

Some of them didn't perform well and were quietly withdrawn.

Some others have achieved good results.

Andrei continued, "Because of his close relationship with the United States, he also received this commission."

Essien added, "In addition, similar intelligence has been reported back through our intelligence channels in Jerusalem and Iraq."

Hawke's statement is not surprising. From Afghanistan to Iraq to Syria, behind every militia-type armed organization, there is often a hidden mastermind.

Just like Hurricane Security, if you want people to risk their lives, you have to pay them enough first.

Putting aside everything else, weapons and equipment cost a fortune.

Hawke asked, "Where did these people come from?"

Andrei replied, "They are most likely from North America and have relatively ample funds on hand."

Drogba took out a few photos and showed them to Hawke: "These are the security personnel they hired. I recognize two of them; they used to serve in Delta Force."

Similar incidents have occurred more than once in the Middle East.

Hawke himself had orchestrated sabotage, saying, "The Middle East is a powder keg, constantly embroiled in conflict, and it seems someone is trying to make trouble in the Middle East again."

Andrei asked, "Could they be our allies?"

Hawke's only concern was Brian. He took out the encrypted satellite phone and dialed Brian's number through a dedicated communication satellite channel. When the call connected, he asked, "Is it a convenient time to talk?"

"Sure," Brian said. "Is it urgent?"

Hawke asked directly, "Have you been looking for agents in the Middle East?"

Brian immediately replied, "No, I'm quite sure of that."

“Understood.” Hawke hung up the satellite phone and looked at Andrei: “Which forces did they contact?”

In the first half of the year, due to the London attacks, the US military launched a counterterrorism operation in northwestern Iraq, eliminating many large non-governmental armed groups, including Jullani's Shamdu militia.

Andrei said, "There is currently a lack of large militia organizations and extremist armed forces."

Hawke thought for a moment and asked, "What's the situation with Julani?"

Since the Shamdu was scattered, Julani fled from Iraq to Deir ez-Zor in Syria. Hurricane has a special team monitoring him there. Andrei recalled, "He is now extremely hostile to the Americans and eager for revenge. He has used part of his personal assets to change his identity and is currently recruiting soldiers on the Syrian-Israeli border."

He took a sip of water and continued, "This time he is using the banner of anti-Americanism and anti-Israelism, and in the name of the Al-Aqsa Mass Uprising, he has named the new armed force the Al-Aqsa Militia Liberation Organization."

“Very good, this is someone who is willing to work hard for revenge.” Hawke pondered for a moment and said, “Find a way to get someone to recommend this organization to those people.”

Drogba replied, "Leave this task to me."

Andrei nodded: "I think so."

Hawke naturally wouldn't object.

He added to Andrei, "The last operation against Shamdu was very successful. We can do it again, select suitable personnel, join the Aksa militia, and strive to become high-ranking members."

A method doesn't have to be old, as long as it works.

Andrei agreed: "Julani's forces have been largely wiped out, and he lacks capable armed personnel."

Hawke, with his money and manpower, decided to expand the scope: "Send people to infiltrate other potential armed groups as well."

Regardless of which faction the other party is cooperating with, Hurricane's people will infiltrate them. He instructed, "If you have the opportunity, find out which party is behind the scenes."

Andrei replied, "Yes."

Hawke was unsure who wanted to stir up trouble in the Middle East, but once this powder keg exploded, it could affect the situation in the United States.

Perhaps some people will be inspired by the case of Hillary Clinton and use armed groups in the Middle East to carry out attacks or something similar.

Hawke's actions have set a very bad example for political struggles in the United States.

Once Pandora's box is opened, it's incredibly difficult to close it again.

Andrei and Drogba left quickly to arrange their respective tasks.

When the big boss came to inspect the place, Hurricane Company, being quite adept at handling things, specially arranged a drone exercise.

Hawke spent a day in Damagindo specifically observing drone training and simulated attacks. (End of Chapter)