“Bruno? You alone?”
A ghost of a smile passed Bruno’s lips. It seemed like forever since he’d heard Castillo’s voice. One he never thought he’d miss. “I’m alone. I’m up in Barona.”
“So you’ve spoken to Frankie? You understand what’s going to happen?”
“Yes, Vincent. I understand.” Bruno knew he had to choose his words carefully. He had no doubt the cops would be listening toeverythingmob boss Vincent Castillo said. “I’d like to thank you for—”
“Forget about it,” Castillo said dismissively. “I just want you to be careful. You’ll need protection with you atalltimes.”
“I understand.” Bruno well knew it was going to be a very tense time with him taking over as boss. Times like these were very ripe for killing within the families. He’d be watching his back more than ever, with a knife in his boot and a pistol under the table at meetings. Bruno drew in a breath. “Francesco won’t be happy about this, not at all.”
Vincent scoffed. “I need someone who’s not afraid to get their hands dirty. Francesco’s a businessman. He spends too much time with businessmen and not enough time on the streets. You’re not like that, Bruno. You’re a man of the people! The locals will love you. ”
“That’s me, boss...
There was a pause between them.
Bruno then said, “....Vincent?”
“Good luck, De Luca.”
The phone line went dead.
Bruno then slowly lowered the phone to the desk.
Marco came through the door. “So? Is this real, or what?”
“Yep!” Bruno let out a relaxed breath, everything was falling in place. “Soon, the De Luca name will again, be synonymous with power.”
Marco nodded. “I’ve taken a look at the books. You were right, Bruno. This place is the real grease that fuels the family’s businesses. We’d better get things organized and fast. Millions will be coming your way, millions every week.”
“Shit, that’s more money than I know what to do with.”
“Yep.” Marco wheeled a chair opposite his cousin and sat down. “Now, it would be wise to put a stash away for retirement. I know that seems far off now, but if you start off early you get it done and don’t think about it again until you need it later on. Plus, if this place ever went under, you’ll want a nest egg for yourself. Casinos are risky business, they often go under.”
Bruno huffed. “I suppose it makes sense.”
“You gotta keep your money safe, somewhere only you know about.”
“Charlie is my brother, and you, my cousin, it will be for the two of you as well.”
“I reckon, for every million you make, you can set aside 10-20k without anyone’s notice. That makes it 30-50k a week in your pocket.”
Bruno nodded. “That shouldn’t be difficult.”
“But you can’t put in the bank. That goes without saying. You ca however, do as my father has done, and buy valuable paintings and keep the money there. Then, when you so desire, you’ll resell them on the black market. Not as simple as it might sound, but we can handle it. The devil’s in the details. No tax man. No paper trails.”
“That would do it.” Bruno nodded. “Stupid to keep my money in a bank with the FBI breathing down my neck.”
Marco agreed, “Yes, but you must never tell a soul Bruno. My father always warned me, money opens doors but it opens doors to cliff edges. Money has the power to destroy a man Bruno, don’t let anybody know what you’ve got, no matter how tempting it may be.”
Bruno laughed. “I know that. Now, can’t we just enjoy this?” He opened the drawer to his right, and searching inside for a drink, took out a bottle of Dalmore 62 whiskey and two glasses.
He poured Marco a drink but the man didn’t take it.
“Then there’s the press,” Marco continued, “You won’t be able to hide for long before word spread that Bruno De Luca’s the new boss.”
Bruno’s eyes lit up. “Shit, Castillo’s made it almost too easy for me.” He downed a double shot of whiskey and closed his eyes as the liquid hit the back of his throat.
