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Maybe that’s the psycho part of me. Christian labeled me when he watched me carry out my first kill to a motherfucker who more than deserved it.
“Should we go in and take a look at where we can?” Shane asks, cutting into my thoughts. “I can show you the strip club and the dry cleaners. Most of the apartments section is out of bounds, so I suggest we don’t go there at all, but if you insist, we can take a quick look at the parts that are safe enough.”
“I’d like to see what we can, and that includes the parts that are safe enough.” I insist. I see no reason not to see it if the place is deemed safe enough to take a glimpse. I’m already sold on the idea, but I need Salvatore to get the same enthusiasm so he can get his brothers on board.
“No problem,” Shane replies.
We walk inside the building and start with the dry cleaners. There’s not a whole lot to see there. The strip club, though, is definitely functional.
The stage and poles look good, and the setup with the bar is good too.
I like the rooms in the back they used for private lap dances. Those can be fixed up and used for private fantasy rooms.
I want people to go all out here with no off switch.
Of course, everything will have to be monitored to start because there are some sick fucks that live in Chicago.
Tonight was about getting this part done, and then I plan to meet with the guys once Salvatore has spoken to them. I know those crazy guys will have more ideas than me to make this joint work.
When we get to the top of the stairs leading to the old apartments, footsteps crunch against gravel, and voices of men filter in.
When Shane gets a wary look on his face, I get the feeling we’re about to head into trouble.
My fucking awareness kicks in, and I’m not surprised when I find Ricco Santorini himself standing with a three hulking me in the passageway.
Salvatore stiffens, and I notice him feel for his gun quickly. Subtly, I do the same. Salvatore was aware before we got here of the conflict we might have with Ricco.
Shane goes pale. Nobody wants trouble with either of us, and the worse type of mafia war is the one for territory. It can last as long as a blood war. The only difference with blood feuds where an entire family may get a hit on them is that often, it’s over and done with quickly.
Shit over land and territory, on the other hand, can outlast lifetimes. That’s not going to happen here.
In comparison to me and mine, Ricco is small-time, but the problem is his connections. He’s the type of fucker who can fan the flames from the embers of a fire that’s already burned out. He knows people that can cause bigger problems for us, and that’s the only reason he’s here.
I’m certain the same way Shane told me about him and his offer on the building, he would have told Ricco about mine too.
“Wow, I never imagined getting the chance to meet two members of the Giordano clan,” Ricco booms with a hint of an Italian accent, and his mustache twitches.
“Live and in the flesh,” I reply. “To what do we owe the pleasure, Ricco. I wasn’t expecting company tonight?”
Salvatore smiles, and that’s enough of a warning to watch yourself. That’s if you have the common sense to heed the warning. Fortunately, Ricco doesn’t miss a beat, and I hope he doesn’t push us. If we kill him, it will cause trouble we don’t want. He’s valuable to many for the same connections he has.
I can see him trying to formulate a response that won’t cause trouble for either of us. I’m just not certain that’s possible right now since he’s already here. The mere sight of him means he’s not happywe’rehere.
“I’m sure Shane must have informed you of my prospective interest in this property,” Ricco says, cutting Shane a hard stare.
“He did. Shane’s a professional businessman, so he made me aware that you had made an offer on the site,” I explain and smile at Shane. I’m not allowing him to take shit for this. The man is just trying to make money here, the same as we are. “He further informed me that the deal wasn’t closed yet because he felt he could get more for the place. Apparently, you weren’t too happy with his original offer.”
“I wasn’t. This piece of shit dive wasn’t worth three hundred grand. I’ve been informed you’re willing to pay that.”
“I am. I’m a fair man, Ricco. Not saying you aren’t. But I know the business potential in the place, so I’m willing to part with what I need to get what I want.”
“I see,” Ricco drops the act and looks at Shane. “I’ll give you half a million for the building if you accept my offer.”
Salvatore and I glance at each other. This fucker just called the building a dive, yet he’s willing to cough up the money to outbid me. Nobody outbids me. I was watching the money, but I’ll play.
Shane’s mouth falls open, and he glances at me. He doesn’t want trouble with either of us, but he’s more afraid to piss me off.
Most people know Salvatore and I are perhaps the tamer two of theGiordano clan,as Ricco called us.
