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The flight is smooth and quick thanks to Luca's top-of-the-line Gulfstream. Before I know it, the pilot announces our descent into Mexico City.
I cinch my tie and straighten my jacket as the wheels kiss the tarmac. First impressions matter. I need these Mexican big shots to see me as a man who commands respect.
A sleek black SUV is waiting on the runway to whisk me directly to the estate of Don Hererra. He's the padrino down here, the king of all mafia - the Godfather of the Mexican liquor trade.
Luca had warned me to tread lightly with him. We need his blessing if we're going to get a piece of the tequila pie.
The SUV pulls up to an imposing iron gate flanked by armed guards. They give me a quick pat down before letting us through. Can't be too careful in this business.
We roll up a palm tree-lined drive to the sprawling hacienda. More muscle at the entrance. I keep my chin up and chest out as they usher me inside to meet El Don.
The foyer is all marble and mahogany. Crystal chandeliers glitter overhead. A far cry from the dark, smoky social clubs back home.
A striking woman in a red dress appears. "Mr. Nitti?" she purrs. "This way, please."
My pulse quickens as I follow her swaying hips. Here we go.
She leads me into a grand study where a gray-haired man sits smoking a cigar behind a massive desk.
Don Herrera himself.
He sizes me up through a cloud of smoke. I stand firm, refusing to be intimidated.
"So you are the new underboss I've heard so much about," he says finally. His Spanish accent is thick.
I dip my head respectfully. "Stefano Nitti. A pleasure to meet you, Don Herrera."
He indicates for me to sit. The woman in red perches on the arm of his chair, one hand draped possessively over his shoulder.
"Luca tells me you are interested in the tequila business." He takes a puff of his cigar, regarding me shrewdly.
"That's right. We feel mutually beneficial opportunities exist for us to partner in the industry."
He nods slowly. "It will not be easy to break into. The cartels control much of the agave production."
My pulse quickens. This is it - my chance to prove myself to the family.
"With all due respect, Don Herrera, I'm here to do whatever needs to be done to secure our piece of the pie. You have my word that I will not fail."
Herrera studies me for a long moment before a slow smile spreads across his face. He stands and extends his hand. "Then we have a deal, my friend. My men will drive you around and show you some land."
I grin and shake firmly. The chance for the empire to expand.
I leave his opulent hacienda with a spring in my step, invigorated by our agreement.
The sun beats down as I make my way through the dusty streets. I nod to the men stationed around the perimeter - Luca's insurance that this meeting goes smoothly.
My mind races with plans. First, I'll need to scout locations for agave farms and production facilities. Security will be crucial; I'll have to vet men we can trust to run a tight operation. Distribution and transport of the tequila will take finesse to avoid scrutiny at the borders.
I'm shaken from my thoughts as a rag clad child darts in front of me, attempting to lift my wallet. I grab his wrist firmly and meet his frightened eyes.
"Easy,amigo," I say gently in Spanish. I slipped him a few pesos. "Go, buy some bread for your family."
He scampers off. I watch him go, reminded of my own humble beginnings on the streets of Palermo before my family moved to Brooklyn. The same hunger drove me to do what was needed to survive. To build something.
I harden my resolve. Our expansion into Mexico will be profitable, but it will also provide opportunities for the people. Schools, jobs, order. A chance at a better life, like the one Luca gave me.
This is about more than money or power. It's about building a legacy.
