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The meeting continued for another hour as projections, staffing concerns, and expansion possibilities were discussed. Julisa walked everyone through the financial reports, while Anthony updated us on hiring progress and operational changes across the casino.
The numbers were great. We were fully staffed, and our pay rate was top-notch compared to our competitors. As of now, we hadn’t had any major customer complaints or accidents on the property. Despite everything Pasquale had thrown at us, this place was thriving.
“The VIP floor is going to need additional security by summer,” Davide said as he reviewed something on his tablet. “Especially if reservations keep increasing like this.”
“We also need better coordination between compliance and management,” Julisa added. “I refuse to go through another month like the last one.”
“Agreed,” I said. “I’ve already got the administration staff working on that.”
VIP reservations continued increasing, hotel bookings were strong, and the gaming floor had already exceeded several early projections. The profits would keep investors satisfied and shareholders happy.
Bottom line, we’d weathered the storm and were on the right track. The staff left at the end of the meeting, leaving only me, Anthony, and Davide in the conference room. I had a few things I wanted to go over with them.
“I’ll be meeting with the security team tomorrow morning,” I said as I closed the folder in front of me.
Anthony looked over at me. “Something wrong?”
“No, nothing is wrong,” I answered. “And I want to keep it that way. After what happened at Tower D, I’m not taking any chances.”
Both men shifted in their seats at the mention of the attack. It was a sore subject for all of us. However, if something like that happened once, it could happen again. It could happen here.
“The weak don’t mind selling their loyalty. And I don’t want some weak motherf...” I paused and changed my language. “I don’t want a weak-minded individual to cause us any issues in the future. Therefore, I want additional cameras installed across the gaming floor,” I continued. “Especially near employee entrances, elevators, and the VIP sections. I also want more visible security presence throughout the casino.”
Davide nodded. “You think there’s going to be trouble here?”
“I think some members of my family would love nothing more than to see this place fail. I can’t put anything past them.”
No one argued with that.
“The public already has concerns about this casino being tied to the Cattaneos and DeLucas,” I added. “I want people to feel safe when they walk through those doors. Guards need to bevisible on the floor every hour. Not just standing around looking intimidating. I want them walking the floor. Interacting with guests. Paying attention. While I’m gone, I want you to stay on the security team. If someone is lax, fire them. We can’t afford to have any issues. I’m leaving this place in your hands. I’ll be back in six months to review our progress.”
“Sounds good. We’re off to a good start,” Anthony told me. “I’ve just got one question. I know we want to handle everything the legal way. But if a security issue arises...”
“Handle it,” I told him.
“Legally or our way?” Anthony asked.
“Just handle it,” I told him. “No fuck ups. Handle it.”
I needed him to be able to determine for himself when and how to handle any issue that popped up.
Anthony nodded. “Got it. It’ll get handled.”
“That’s all for today,” I told them, logging out of the iPad, knowing Julisa would be upset if I didn’t. “I need to contact Terzo to see if he can ask Sienna to work as a translator for us.”
Davide chuckled.
“What?” My gaze jerked his way. “You don’t think she’ll do it?”
“Oh, she’ll do it,” Davide told me. “But Stefano is going to be right by her side while she does. Since the Tower attack, Enzo and Stefano are clinging to their women like a second skin.”
“Can’t say I blame them,” Anthony said. “If anything like that happened to Julisa, I’d lose my mind. I would’ve burned Tower D down just so I wouldn’t have to look at it again.”
“Me too,” Davide agreed. “And if I didn’t burn it, my wife would’ve.”
I shook my head as I rose from my seat. I swear, some men went crazy when they fell in love.
