Since moving west, the mob boss has kept a low profile. Did I think he was totally clean? No. Did I think he wouldstill off somebody who crossed him? Yes. Did I think he would put his daughter or granddaughter in jeopardy? Absolutely not.
I hold up my phone. “I made another appointment with Pierce for six o’clock today.”
Samson nods, but doesn’t say anything.
“I don’t know why you’re so against this guy.” Might as well get this shit out in the open. One thing about our business partnership: we never hold back, and we never hold any punches. If something needs to be said, we spit it out.
“Different shit I’ve heard.”
“From who, Joker?” I ask.
Joker, VP of the Serpents, and Samson went back to their cage-fighting days in Brooklyn.
“Pierce approached them too about Ecstasy. He said they got a wonky vibe from the guy.”
“Two different things. The Serpents use Ecstasy to wash their dirty money, so of course they don’t want anyone poking around in their books. Wicked is completely legit, and if we can bring it to the next level, it means more money for both of us.”
Samson and me having a difference of opinion isn’t anything new. When it comes to business, I’m the aggressor. When it comes to busting heads, nobody’s better than Samson. I wear tailored designer clothes, and he wears ripped jeans and a band t-shirt like he should be straddling a Harley with the Serpents, yet our partnership works.
“Maybe, or he’s just another smooth-talking prick who thinks who he is cause he’s got a shit ton of money.”
“I’m not asking you to go to bed with the guy.” I spread my arms wide. “I’m just asking you to listen to what he has to say.”
“I guarantee he’s just another fucker who promises all thisshit, then slaps us with a huge percentage.” Samson cocks his head. “Or did you forget about my wife’s ex who promised the same shit and turned out to be a total fraud?”
“And that’s why I wanna meet up. Find out what his deal is, see if he can give us some real legitimacy.”
“What the fuck you talking about?” Samson says. “We are legit.”
“Nah, I mean working with a top-notch promoter. A guy with class who has the kind of pull to bring the real players into Wicked.”
“Did you forget about the sold-out VIP last month for Spielberg’s latest release?”
“That’s nothing. If everything I’ve heard about Pierce is true, he can get us guys who would use Spielberg as their driver.” I lean in. “I’m talking about real money. The kind of people who’ve had money for generations.”
“And what if he can’t deliver or wants a piece of the club like the last guy?”
“If that’s what he wants, then we’re done, and he’s out the door.”
Samson stretches his arms over the cushions. “Huge waste of fuckin’ time if you ask me.”
I shrug. “What else you got to do today?”
“You’re fuckin’ kidding me, right, with five big parties in the VIP between Christmas and New Years?”
“Yeah, I’m busting balls, but what if we pass this up and we miss out on something good?”
“Whatever.” Samson shrugs. “You’ve already made up your mind, and one thing I’ve learned over the years is that there’s no changing you.”
“Ha, I wish Cheryl felt that way.”
“Yeah, what the fuck was goin’ on over at your place this morning?”
“She’s got it in her head to make this the best Christmas ever.”
“I guess for Portia, right?”
“Yeah, sure, but seriously, I think just as much for her.” I wave my hand between Samson and me. “You, me and Cheryl came from the same place; we had fuckin’ nothing. We fought our way out, and it wasn’t easy, but it’s like she’s trying to make up for it all in one week or one day.”
