Thieves Stealing from Thieves: Chapter 1 – A Posse of Virtuous Thieves

Chapter 1 – A Posse of Virtuous Thieves

Four of us sit quietly in a room with our masks on, rules of the shadowy organization printed on papers in front of the circular table in front of us, and a widescreen touch TV listing all the possible jobs for us to take, some of which are disappearing and slowly being replaced by new ones. I’m wearing a basic black-and-white suit, tie, and shoes, and a clown mask with the blue and red flag of the United Chimaera States on it with its golden cross and red X. A muscle man with a golden cross wears a similar suit to mine and wears an orange tiger mask. The only woman in the room wears a colorful, pink suit with golden tassels on it, a red tie, and an orange shirt underneath, a black skirt, and pink boots. She wears a clown mask like mine, except she has red hair in pigtails and a pink flower on it. Lastly, the other man in the room wears a frilly butler-type suit, and his mask has weird black strips near each eye and his mouth.

Not wanting to waste any time, I say, “We were all paired together for some reason. I assume you all said you wanted to be in a four-man group?”

They all nod their heads.

“I’m assuming they told you to wear a mask here. You spoke to a masked individual for your interview for this organization, and they told you not to stop wearing your mask or reveal your name until you met your group, so since no one else wants to move things along, I’ll go first.”  I take off my mask. “My name is Ace Argentum, and my codename is Cowboy.”

The well-dressed man with a creepy mask takes his off. He has long black hair and green eyes. His appearance reminds me a lot of myself when I didn’t have a goatee and graying black hair as I do now.

“My name is Al Jarrett, code name Cappuccino,” he says.

“Pfft. What a funny codename,” the girl says as she takes off her clown mask, revealing a young adult female’s face with half dark blue, half black hair, dark blue eyeshadow, dark blue eyes, and black lipstick. “You gave yourself a code name after your favorite coffee?”

“Yes,” Al says with a straight face.

Surprised by his unhumorous honesty, the girl shrugs her shoulders and then says, “The name’s Kelly McGhee. Code name is Rosebud. What’s yours, tiger?”

The man with a tiger mask takes it off, revealing a man with stubby facial hair, long black hair, and soft brown slanted eyes.

“Suzuki Koyama. You can call me Byakko in the field,” Suzuki says.

“Well, that’s what the codenames and masks are for. No one can know who is robbing or killing for this strange organization of thieves and mercenaries that we’ve joined, and if someone does find out, the organization cuts off all contact with us,” Kelly says.

“It’s called the Hydra Roundtable, and it’s not just another shadowy organization,” I say, pointing at the papers. “They don’t recruit just anyone off the streets. They’re looking for men and women of honor who want to do more than make money in less-than-legal ways. They want people with a good reason to risk their lives for a cause greater than themselves. Since we’re all supposed to get to know and trust each other, do you mind telling me your motives for joining?”

“I’m from the Slav Federation, and I’m just here to cause some good trouble. I don’t even care if we make a difference. All I want to do is make sure corrupt people in all areas of society get what they deserve,” Kelly says.

“The Slav Federation? Tch. Of course someone from there just wants to cause senseless chaos,” Suzuki scoffs.

“I know the reputation of my homeland, its people, and the primary ideology they worship, but I am not one of them. That’s why I’m here. If anything, I prefer we take the contracts that hurt the adherents of the Slavic political ideology.”

“Heh, sure. I just find it hard to believe because the Slavs say they overthrew their governments to help the people, particularly the poor and middle class, and distribute the riches of the wealthy to those who need it, but when they got into power, they only helped themselves, and either killed, jailed, or exiled everyone else.”

“If we’re talking about the hypocrisies of our countries, what about those that embrace the Von Menschen und Vorfahren? The two founding countries, Adler and Lupa, did much the same thing, saying they were using force and the powers of the state to return their countries to their former glory and bring them to greater heights. I’m assuming you’re from Tatsu, Suzuki?”

“That’s correct.”

“Then let’s not fail to mention how they put many of the people from the Loog Dynasty into camps like Adler did and committed unspeakable acts of rape, murder, and inhuman experimentation on an Asiatic people that they considered less than them.”

“The glory of the Tatsu Empire is restored. It’s a shame what happened to its detractors, but I’m glad that other nations take us seriously again and foreigners will no longer take advantage of us.”

“So, you’re saying your country is justified in the same atrocities that mine are guilty of?”

“No.”

“How about we agree to disagree?” I interject. “I said in my interview that I wanted to work with people of the same belief. Don’t we all worship the same suffering God?”

“I am part of the suffering Church, the Patiens Ecclesia,” Suzuki says, and the rest agree.

“Then let’s agree to disagree. I myself can attest to the evils of both sides. I used to work for a bank to help people with their finances, but I worked for some greedy Israeli bankers and was screwing over more people than anything. It’s why I’ve been mostly a bank robber ever since. As for the Slavs, I’ve been taking from their underground businesses and using it to actually help the poor.”

“It sounds like you might like the Vorfahren more than Slavs, given their hatred of Israelis,” Kelly says.

“Just because I might like one enemy more than the other doesn’t mean I’ll ever consider working for them. They’re both sides of the same wretched coin as far as I’m concerned.”

Al says, “I agree with Ace. Both sides are hunted by my family, and we’re trying to influence our country’s leaders to classify their beliefs as hateful and illegal.”

“Your family? The terminology is familiar to me. You must mean you’re part of a crime family,” Suzuki says.

“Do I?”

“Yes. I recognize it because I’m part of my own family in Tatsu, doing our own thing to influence the government and keeping it in our pocket.”

“That’s the only way to control the government: make sure it does the will of the right people.”

Suzuki and Al smile at one another as if instantly forming a brotherhood over shared experiences in crime families. I look over to Kelly, and she looks at me.

“I don’t care if I’m the odd one out. I know what it’s like in my own home,” she says.

“We’re all odd in our own way. You’re among like-minded people, whether you know it or not,” I say.

“Since introductions are out of the way, how about we get to work? I keep seeing jobs disappear from the TV screen.”

“Right. Which would you all like to take?”

“Since you mentioned banks, I think we can get the best payday and boost in reputation with the Hydra Roundtable if we hit one of those. No one is really taking any of them either,” Al says.

“It’s high risk, high reward,” I say.

“Just the way I like it,” Kelly says.

“Suzuki?”

“I agree with Kelly. Nothing easy is worth doing. May I pick the particular bank?” Suzuki says.

“Go ahead.”

Suzuki goes up to the TV and taps the bank job to accept it for us. The details spread out and tell us that the bank is held by members of the Israeli mafia to launder and keep their money in, and give needy people loans with high interest. It’s not the same place I worked at, but I recognize the names of the special targets who run the organization.

“Looks like we got some targets who we can get a bonus from if we take them out and confirm the kill. I’m surprised to see them, given that the Hydra Roundtable is strict on its killing rule,” I say.

“We can only kill criminals and special targets. Everyone else, from civilians to cops, greatly reduces our pay and reputation,” Al says.

“The Hydra Roundtable is also offering to provide us with more information and ways into the bank at the cost of a percentage of our score. What do you think we should take, if anything at all?”

“Hmm. Keycard, interference with the police to allow us more time to get out if things get hairy, insider assistance, special weapons and tools to get into the bank. It’s all very tempting,” Kelly says. “I don’t see why we shouldn’t take what we think is necessary. I’m not in this for the money. Just the fun and virtue of it.”

“I say we should,” Al says.

“Again, I have to agree with Kelly,” Suzuki says.

“I guess we do have more things in common than we think,” Kelly says.

“Yes. If you are truly a noble, then we should never seriously disagree on anything and work together well,” Suzuki says.

Kelly nods and smiles. With that set, we choose what the Hydra Roundtable can help us with and are given three days to prepare as our assets are gathered for us. During that time, my group and I take stock of what we need, study the blueprints of the bank, make a plan to get the requested amount of cash and to fulfill the secondary objectives, and take walks around the bank to become familiar with it and what happens in it. The day of the robbery arrives, and we all begin to play our parts.

Over the radio, I say, “How’s the floor look, Rosebud?”

“Busy and smelling of desperation and greed as always, Cowboy,” Kelly says. “Cappuccino. Is the coffee brewing?”

“Yes. We’re about to have a nice, rich drink soon,” Al says as he hacks into the bank doors thanks to the codes provided by the Hydra Roundtable. “How are our VIPs, Byakko?”

“Some are strapped, and others are none the wiser that they’re about to have their pictures taken with their new crowns,” Suzuki says, referring to the charges planted in the bank and the members of the Israeli mafia we’re meant to kill and take pictures of to confirm the kill. “I think it’s about time to act, Ace.”

“I think so too,” I say. “Is everyone ready?”

Everyone agrees, so I say, “Mask up. Let’s get this done.”

Putting on my mask and drawing my pistols, both long and capable of firing rifle rounds, and currently loaded with non-lethal rounds. We’re aided by five disgruntled workers and civilians who have been taken advantage of by the people who ran this bank, each of whom has their own mask and rifle loaded with non-lethal rubber bullets. We shout at everyone to get down, shoot the guards with the non-lethal rounds to knock them out, and make sure no one leaves the bank yet or hits any of the alarms. From below, we can see Suzuki kick in the doors of the office and gun down all our targets. Another group of five masked helpers comes in and goes down to the vault to help Al with a specialized drill to open parts of the vault we don’t have a key for.

While all this is happening, I’m saying to the crowds, “Stay down and stay calm! We want the bank’s money, not yours. Yours is insured by the government, so you’ll lose nothing. Don’t be a hero because it’d be wasted on the scum that runs this bank.”

None of the civilians move for the duration that it takes Al and our helpers to get the money. Suzuki comes down to help with the money, and before we set off the explosives, we yell at the civilians to leave and let them know what we’re doing. They all sprint out of the bank, screaming, not even stopping to carry out the unconscious guards as we tell them to, forcing us to carry the guards to a safe location on our way out. Once we’re far enough, Suzuki activates the explosives, leveling the bank and destroying everything else we didn’t take. Our ten helpers take the money in an armored car, while Suzuki, Kelly, Al, and I take a separate, unassuming four-door car.

Thanks to the Hydra Roundtable’s help, the police don’t arrive until after we start driving away, and by then, they don’t see us get into our separate cars, and don’t know that the people they’re looking for have already driven past them. We don’t celebrate until we’re back at the Hydra Roundtable’s hideout, where we’re paid a meager five thousand each for our work. None of us look bothered by our paycheck, but I still ask them if they are.

“Pfft. No. Why? How much did you usually make during bank robberies, Ace?” Kelly asks.

“Eh. About the same. I don’t like keeping dirty money with me, so I donate most of it either to Church or people in need,” I say.

“That’s what I’m planning to do with this,” Al says while waving the packet of money around.

“Agreed. I have plenty of money from my work with my family to get by for the next few years,” Suzuki says.

“I guess that means you’ll be the one buying for tonight’s celebration,” Kelly says.

Suzuki shrugs his shoulders and says, “I don’t see why not, especially after making some new friends.”

The four of us go out, changed into different suits, and go to a bar that’s outside the city where the bank was. We recommend each other our favorite drinks, some of which aren’t palatable to some of us, like Suzuki, who spits out a lot of what he drinks, and sticks to Sakae and Mediterranean red wine. News of what we did shows up on the bar’s TV, and we make a toast to it.

“To our future success,” I say.

The four of us clink our glasses and enjoy the fruits of our work, hoping that it continues for many jobs to come.

A collection of my mob-inspired stories is out today!

Paperback ($8.99) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9LVVCK8

Kindle ($3.99) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9K9181T

Faith, Family, and Fortune

The Campione brothers aspire to be more than just car mechanics. Their chance comes when Great War veterans overturn a corrupt election, protected by dishonest cops. They put their lives on the line for the neighborhood and are inducted into Casa Della Notte, a clandestine brotherhood of men bound by honor, loyalty to God, and family. Together, they'll safeguard law enforcement, defend their homeland against foreign influences, run a casino, and plot against their rivals, including targeting a high-profile political figure.

This book includes: The Good Neighbor Boys Quartiere Cavalieri, To Be an Honest Man: Dedizione All'Amore, and Mobster's Bet: Lascia che sia Dio a Decidere, along with Behind the Story trivia for each story.

My latest book and last in my mobster trilogy is out today!

Download at various online retailers found on books2read - https://books2read.com/b/3LW1LJ

Since taking over several casinos, the Campione brothers have successfully navigated a wealthy, legitimate business while simultaneously maintaining their underworld activities through their connections and people they command. The priority now is addressing a president whose failures threaten their nation and foreigners with corrupting ideologies, both of whom will be dealt with severely.

Mobster's Bet: Lascia che sia Dio a Decidere: Epilogue – A Rigged Result

Epilogue – A Rigged Result

A few weeks have passed since our major decision, and the country has changed as a result. The president was shot and killed, and there’s a civil conflict between the Vorfahren and adherents of the Slavs. For the first week, we staged murders to look like it was coming from the other side, and because both sides already hated one another, it wasn’t hard for them to completely turn their attention to them. In the second week, we arranged for them to meet one another, making them think they were going to get revenge on their ideological enemy through arresting or killing them, and during the meeting, we fired shots from both sides. Because of what was previously mentioned, the two sides had no problem killing one another, leaving us only the job of cleaning them up.

By the third week, our friends of the family in the media spin the story as rising tensions between both ideologies, and now both are focusing more on tearing each other down than on the country they reside in. The rest of our family cleaned up the other people of interest who didn’t show up at the meeting, and by now, it’s just chalked up as more violence between the two groups, and not looked into beyond that. The one bad thing that came about our plans is that the said violence between the two groups has engulfed the cities and towns where they chose to fight, but both James Sovrano and my brother see it as an opportunity to beat both sides up or outright kill them with the excuse being that they’re just defending the community, adding to the public’s view of the family as just being a collection of people who love their families and country and want to protect it.

It’s a huge win all around, and today, we’re celebrating in a private dining hall with all the members of the family and friends of  All the members of the public part of the family, Casa Della Luce, and the shadowy part, Casa Della Notte, that are here happily drinking, eating, joking around, and continue to scheme and make plans, but as for my related family and I, we simply enjoy each other’s company and the festivities.

Coming back with drinks and a cigar in his mouth, Cesare distributes the drinks and says, “What’s the serious face, Vincenzo? There’s nothing much left to scheme about.”

“There’s always something to plan for,” Marin says.

“But then there are times to party, let loose, and let God take care of the rest,” Okazaki says as she clinks glasses and drinks with Cesare, who agrees.

“I plan to become the next president,” I say.

Cesare and Okazaki spit out what they drank. Marin isn’t so surprised since I talked it over with her already in the days leading up to today.

Continuing, I say, “It’s the only way to solidify protection for our family for generations to come.”

“I figured that, but also, I have no idea why I’m so surprised. This is great, brother! I have to go get us more drinks!”

Cesare leaps up out of his seat and runs to the bar.

“What do you think the rest of the family thinks?” Marin asks.

“They approve of it, or at least are waiting to see what I’ll do. I’m sure they already know about it. I passed the idea by Russell, and he seemed proud of me and was approving,” I say.

“I don’t know why they wouldn’t be. You’ve proven yourself to be loyal to God and the family, especially our own.”

“You’ve done your fair share to help as well. You too, Okazaki. I’m proud to call you a sister-in-law.”

“Aww, thanks! I can’t wait for the day I can say that my brother-in-law is the president of the United Chimera States. The future remains bright for us,” Okazaki says.

“God willing it is,” I say. “But what am I saying? I bet everyone on relying on God’s providence and have gotten richer in many ways because of it.”

Cesare brings us drinks, and with him are a bunch of people who congratulate me on my decision. Some of them even joke about rigging the election in my favor, something I won’t exactly argue with, unless I’m running against someone else whom I trust with the country.

With all our glasses raised high, I say, “To faith, family, and fortune.”

Everyone says the same, drinks, and goes back to celebrating even harder now because of what may happen in the future, but like I said, what am I saying? God is on our side, so the game is rigged in our favor, just how we like it.

 

The End

Mobster's Bet: Lascia che sia Dio a Decidere: Chapter 3 – Decisive Moves

Chapter 3 – Decisive Moves

It’s been another few weeks since our own employees turned on us. Every possible traitor who sympathizes with our enemies has been fired or has already run for the hills. Foreign influences continue to sow chaos, division, and the destruction and corruption of our country, the United Chimera States. An emergency meeting is being held in a private dining room at the Paul casino with the family heads and important friends to figure out what we should do.

“We can’t keep this president in charge!” Joker says as he stands up and slams the table, shaking all our drinks. “There are Vorfahren in all areas of the country within the government, in the schools, in the businesses, everywhere! They’re in more places than you people and your allies are! Something must be done about him!”

“Donnie, something has to be done, or we will do something ourselves,” James Sovrano, the well-dressed don of the Garden State, says.

Donnie Parlarono, our contact in the Secret Intelligence Bureau or SIB, ponders the pressure from powerful men telling him what to do. Given the severity of what’s suggested, it’s surprising that he doesn’t outright deny it. Russell and Angelo are here today, still dressed as honest, middle-class men, despite the power and influence they wield; Russell still looking like a tired old man, and Angelo looking like a gentle man who owns a restaurant and nothing more. Vito is here and looks the same as Angelo and Vito, all three men not saying anything and simply looking at Donnie as if pressuring him to decide simply with their gaze.

“Any thoughts, Ministro brothers?” Donnie finally says.

Frank and John Ministro are dressed in black, white, and red suits as if they both worked in the government, and even though they do in one way of looking at it, given that one brother is a political mobster, while the other is a mobster in politics.

“The VP is a decent man and should lead the country better when he gets the message. He did serve in the Great War after all, and a man who puts his life on the line for others will always be a decent man in my book,” Frank Ministro says.

“My ties to Johnson are tight, and will become tighter after what we do,” John Ministro says.

“How will it happen, though? It’s not a simple task.”

“I already have that planned out,” Russell says. “We know of a marine who defected to the Slav Federation, who we can use to do the deed. If you don’t trust him to do the job, then bring one of your men to watch him or fire another shot, and then bring him in.”

“You’re planning on hiring a man, just to betray him?” Donnie asks.

“He’ll do it if he thinks he’s doing it for the right reasons. Afterward, he won’t talk about who hired him and why he did what we did.”

“Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t do anything if I wasn’t sure it would work out.”

Donnie is silent for a second before saying, “You may not always approve a sentence, Russell, but when you do, you become scarier than James over here.”

“It’s necessary to put the fear of God into people at all times.”

“Isn’t that the truth?” Vito says.

“We should be putting the fear of God into the Slav Federation next, those godless dogs,” Cesare says. “We should’ve never allied with them during the war.”

“I’m already dealing with their kind in my state, so you don’t have to worry about them from my side,” James says with a satisfied smirk.

“My man,” Cesare says as the two shake hands.

“Whatever it is, the past is in the past. We made our mistake trusting the president to do what we helped him get into office for, and soon, he’ll be nothing more than a memory. Donnie, is there anything you need us to do to help you out on your side?”

“There is one thing. This room may not be bugged, and there’s no one here who will betray us, but when I bring our plan to the shooter, I want for this…let’s just say the Bureau has thin, glass walls. People from both sides are there trying to influence it. They like having a president in office who makes us weak, so they won’t agree with our plan. I’ve been trying to get them fired, but haven’t managed to since both of their ideologies aren’t classified as illegal or hateful and destructive to our country yet, despite obviously being so.”

“We get where this is going. They’ll get their firing notices a different way,” Marin says.

“Those people think they’re safe, but we’ll show them otherwise,” Okazaki comments.

“We still have to make sure to catch them off guard and do this as quietly as possible, while also making sure that it doesn’t look like the house is being cleaned,” Angelo says.

“I agree,” Vito says. “We need to come up with a strategy. Maybe have them fight each other since the Slav Federation and their allies are the furthest thing from friends with the Zeitloses Imperium, Lupa, and those who associate themselves with the Vorfahren.”

“Good thinking, but it’ll take some time to arrange. I think I know of a way to push it along, though,” Joseph Decoro says.

“Then let’s do it then!” James says. “I don’t care if they’re the ones killing one another or if it’s us. Let’s get it done. They’ve been a pain in our ass for too long.”

“I have to ask you again because of the weight of our decision. Are you truly all okay with this? We can get into real legal trouble if it doesn’t work out,” Donnie asks.

I say, “Men make laws, but God decides what’s right and wrong. We do things that we know to be right despite the consequences, so I think I speak for everyone when I say that we’re ready to do this.”

Russell smiles and nods his head like an approving father. Everyone else agrees and nods their heads, especially Joker, who seems to have sobered up a bit.

“Alright then. Here’s everything we need to do.”

“You already knew we’d go along with this plan, didn’t you?” Russell asks.

“It’s always good to be prepared,” Donnie says with a smirk.

Donnie lays out the profiles of the people we need to take out and their general daily schedules, as compiled by the SIB. We plan how we’re going to reach them, identify the right people for the job, and set backup plans that include James Sovrano’s and Cesare’s people to clean up whatever mess is made. With that done, we let our families in, and Fontaine Fontalloro sings for us. We eat, dance, and drink as if what we planned has already succeeded and we’re enjoying its fruits. Given the power, influence, and intelligence of the people in this room, it might as well be true.

I sing on stage with Marin, then Cesare sings with Okazaki, and then we all sing together with our kids. The good times of it all make me hopeful this will all work out in the end, and God willing, it will.

Mobster's Bet: Lascia che sia Dio a Decidere: Chapter 2 – Letting it Play Out

Chapter 2 – Letting it Play Out

It’s been a few weeks since our backers visited our casinos, and they’re coming back today for their bi-monthly visit and certain concerns of theirs. Cesare and I are practicing our shooting at my casino with our favorite pistols. Cesare is using his favorite revolver that is loaded with shotgun shells, while I’m using my golden pistol that uses rifle rounds.

“I still can’t believe they messed up the invasion of Cocodrilo so badly,” Cesare says as he aggressively reloads his revolver and fires it at a rapid pace. “That dictator is showing off what the invading force did wrong and telling us what we should’ve done. I mean, what happened?”

“Marin is figuring that out,” I say as I steadily shoot my pistol one shot after another. “What does it matter if we figure it out anyway? It’s over and done with.”

“We managed to liberate Trinacria with less than half the firepower of our country and less planning, but they decided to go in, guns blazing, with backup from the rebels on Cocodrilo, and they horribly lost.”

“That just goes to show how much better we are than they are.”

“Tch. That’s true. Do you still want to work within the government?”

“Maybe. If it’s more headache-inducing than working in business, then I may not.”

“Do you remember what Russell and the other old men said before? If you feel a pull towards a certain place, then it’s probably the will of God. I think we should get into politics just so we can prevent something like this from happening again.”

“Frank Ministro and his brother in politics didn’t manage to do much with the power they had. Donnie Parlarono of the Secret Intelligence Bureau couldn’t get enough info to help the invading force and rebels either, so what hope do we have in changing anything from inside the government?”

“We need to be in a higher position than they are. Maybe you should become president, and I’ll be vice president.”

“Ha. Like that’ll ever happen.”

“We can only hope to do so, and I’m saying we should do it.”

“Hey, hey!” Joseph Decoro says as he enters the firing range and over to us. “Campione brothers, what are you doing here?”

“Practicing our shooting. We need to keep them sharp just in case,” Cesare says.

“Where should we be, sir?” I ask.

“Quelling the riots and protests outside and getting those Vorfahren idiots a taste of the concrete.”

“It’s not done yet. Hold on.”

I go to the nearby computer and access the outside cameras. On the cameras, we see riots and protests happening outside the casinos of the Vorfahren, who are protesting because of our business and support of anti-Vorfahren politicians. Before Joseph says anything else, a fight breaks out among the rioters, consisting of Marin’s people beating on people with bats, brass knuckles, crowbars, and other blunt objects. The cops soon arrive, but don’t arrest Marin’s people and just go after the rioters and protesters.

“There we go. What took so long?” Joseph asks.

“We had Marin and Okazaki’s people focus on preventing other riots from around the city, and thought that it’d be better if we let the riots happen outside the casinos so the rioters would pay for the damages, have them arrested in public, and have the senseless violence of their ideology shown so that we can criticize them for it,” I explain.

“Ah! I get it now. It was a very Russell plan of yours. He’d be proud of you.”

“How’s he and the other bosses handling the situation?”

“Russell is moving his people around, doing his usual four-dimensional chess moves, James Sovrano is cracking heads in the Garden State, Angelo Delicato is protecting the old neighborhood from the Vorfahren, Vito D’Accordo is still protecting the ports and airports from foreign invaders, even as the snakes slip through the cracks, and Frank Ministro is tearing the president and related politicians and generals a new one with his brother over the Cocodrilo disaster.”

“What are you doing?”

“Helping to quell the violence that’s happening around the city and making sure everyone is doing their part. I guess you boys have everything under control.”

“Yeah. I wish we could do more, like busting heads out there ourselves,” Cesare says.

“I’d suggest it if your people weren’t doing their part. Leading by example is always the best motivator for the people under you.”

“Now you’re giving me an excuse to go out there and get my hands dirty.”

“We will if we see the need. For now, we’ll stay here and finish up our new meetings for the day,” I say.

“Keep up the good work, boys. You do the family proud,” Joseph says as he lovingly taps our faces and leaves.

Going back to shooting, Cesare asks, “Are you sure we shouldn’t go out there now?”

“Our people have the situation under control. We’ll be fine,” I say.

“I hope so.”

After letting out some steam, Cesare and I go up to meet Carlo Giocare at one of the brunch restaurant bars. He’s writing in his journal and talking to the chief of police, Umberto  Destro, more than eating and drinking his cappuccino. A rarity for him, meaning he’s in his serious business mode.

Sitting down with him and Umberto, I say, “Good morning, gentlemen. Is there anything we can help you with?”

“Vincenzo, always the one who knows what to say,” Carlo says. “We were going to ask you to help us get rid of the less-than-reputable members of the city, people who are worse than us, but it seems like you have that under control. What’s left to do is keep their faces down in dirt, and their people in the hospital with a bill so large that it’ll give them a reason never to accept money for protesting.”

“That’s why people are rioting and protesting? Because they were paid to?” Cesare says, surprised.

Umberto clarifies that, “Some of them are by members of their political party and allied beliefs, or at least that’s what my officers have found. Not all of them, though. Some are just too stupid to realize that people of their ideology are stringing them along so they can protest and be hurt or even martyred for their cause.”

“I think I really should go out there and get a piece of the action then.”

“You’re going to tell that to the chief of police like me?”

“Call it helping the authorities to make citizens’ arrests. What? You don’t need the help.”

“Not right now. I need you here coordinating your people more than out there.”

“They’re coordinated now. Vincenzo and Marin have a handle on that. I don’t want to sit around while innocent people get hurt, the city gets trashed, and our way of life is affected because of a bunch of butthurt yuppies and extremists.”

“I get it, Cesare, I really do. I feel the same way, and as a man in a similar position to you, I know that you’d rather force the results you want and get hurt rather than let others get hurt; however, your direct help isn’t needed right now.”

“Yes, sir,” Cesare says with a salute and a roll of his eyes.

“If you want to do something, then help us plan out our attack and areas of investigation. Here. I have a map of the city with the areas of interest marked.”

“Okay, fine.”

Carlo, Cesare, Umberto, and I go over the map, the marked locations, the plan of attack, and the list of suspects to pursue. Of course, Cesare wants to be on the front lines and use direct, brute force, but I go against that in certain instances. Given that we want the Vorfahren out of the country and their ideology classified as illegal, we do need them to show their violent side, so we allow Cesare to goad them into attacking us, so we can, in turn, arrest them or have a good reason to beat them to a pulp. For the most part, Umberto, Carlo, and I suggest more tactical maneuvers, like using our people to infiltrate these areas to either gather evidence or question the people there to get the information we need to expose their plans and give the police a reason to make arrests.

“Alright. I like what we have so far. I’ll relay what we’ve discussed with your wives, and we’ll get together at night to finalize them. You should go tell Arnold Ronaldo the Israeli’s part in this plan and make sure he isn’t misbehaving,” Carlo says.

“We will. I also hope that the chaos outside isn’t spoiling both of your stays,” I say.

“They did spoil the day a bit, but seeing those thugs outside lose their teeth and eat the curb made it better,” Umberto says.

“I have to agree with the chief here. Nothing is more satisfying to watch than divine justice on those who deserve it the most,” Carlo adds.

Cesare and I agree with the bosses and leave them. Going to the exclusive rooms where Arnold “Joker” Ronaldo is, we see him drinking more and playing more dangerously with more money than he usually does. He’s hardly paying attention to the women he came into the casino with, all of whom are standing back from him. I can’t blame them for doing so since he’s looking a little disheveled and out of his element. With each roll of the dice and each win followed by two or more losses, Joker gets less and less sure of himself and more and more hesitant and paranoid to make any sort of bet.

Looking up to us, he says, “My favorite two Mediterranean brothers are here, and just in time too! Could you spot me a thousand for my next bet?”

“A thousand?” Cesare asks while trying not to laugh. “You still owe us for some of your other bets that we loaned you money for.”

 “Come on, you know I’m good for it and pay you back on the bets I’ve helped you make.”

“We’ve also lost money because of it.”

Interrupting them, I say, “If this is a bet with our money, then we decide what we’re betting on.”

“Vincenzo, always the voice of reason. No offense, Cesare,” Joker says while Cesare grunts. “What do you think is going to be the result of the dice, my friends? High, low, or ace?”

Cesare looks to me, and I say, “Ace.”

“It’s an Ace then!”

When the dice are rolled, the results are an Ace. We get our thousand back, and Joker gets the rest of the winnings.

“It’s always a sure bet to bet on you, brothers. Come on, let’s continue our streak,” Joker says.

“I’d rather we talk business,” I say.

“Eh, business is why I’m like this right now. I bet too much on the Chimera States overtaking Cocodrilo.”

“We have a way of improving our situation. You can get your lost money back in a different way.”

“Alright, fine.”

Joker walks away from the gambling tables, and we sit in a private booth, his women still distant from him and him still drinking. Cesare and I tell him the plan we came up with and the Israeli mafia’s part that we want to play with them.

“I personally like to get some quick cash and get back at the Vorfahren, but our mutual friends aren’t going to do it just because you tell them to do it,” Joker says.

“I know. That’s why you have to tell them to meet us to finalize our plans and ensure their cooperation,” I say.

“Hmm. Alright. As long as we get our cut. What are you going to do about the president?”

Cesare and I look at one another.

“What do you mean, what are we going to do about him?” Cesare asks.

“If the family can arrange a meeting between a pope and his creator, then why can’t they do the same with a president?”

“Huh? Why should we? Because of his failure,” I ask.

“You could call it that. My sources tell me he’s compromised by a mistress of his that’s aligned with the Vorfahren. They confirmed it. Did you really think he wasn’t? Good Catholic men aren’t promiscuous like he is, right?”

“The family and the friends of the family are already having it out with the president and his influences. It’ll be handled, but not in that way. It’s too extreme right now.”

“Right now it is, but it won’t be later. You people bet and bleed a lot for the government to help them get him into office. He was supposed to do a lot for you, but let us all down. Who knows what’ll happen in the future?”

“We’ll consider it.”

“Please do.”

Cesare and I walk out of the room. My brother pulls me aside as we walk to our next meeting, and he says, “Should we really keep this drunk around? He’s talking about a bad bet that is bleeding us, while he’s just the same.”

“We’ll figure it out. Also, we should inform the Israeli mafia of our plans ourselves, just in case Joker forgets because of his drunkenness,” I say.

“I’ll make the call for our people to do so. I’ll also have our people watch Joker and drive him home when he’s ready to leave or should leave. I don’t trust him in the condition he’s in.”

“Good call.”

Cesare calls our family members and makes the arrangements for Joker and the Israelis. Because Fontaine Fontalloro is such a big hit every time he’s in our casinos, we meet him in an empty dining hall to arrange a contract before his next performance starts today. He’s dressed in an all-white suit, fedora, pants, a long tie, and shoes, all of which are so shiny that I feel like I need sunglasses to look at him. Sitting down with him and being served bread, water, and wine, we start our meeting with a handshake and friendly banter on topics about our actual family and what’s going on with them.

“Besides that and the usual drama of convincing my wife that I’m not seeing other women, my family is excited to see my new prospects in films and different venues. It’s all set in stone, right?” Fontaine says.

“It is thanks to our contacts in Hollywood and other entertainment industries,” I say.

“I’ve been telling Russell for years to make this official, and I’m glad that he’s giving it his full support, meaning we also get the full support of the family and its friends. Our way of life should be viewed positively in all forms of media and entertainment, like movies, books, video games, TV shows, and music, the whole nine yards. It attracts people to us and makes us look more favorable in the eyes of the public.”

“I thought this thing of ours was supposed to be more secretive. Don’t get me wrong. I know that people have an idea of our existence, so it’s good to give them a positive view of us, but still,” Cesare points out.

“It’s just to ensure that the parts of our way of life that are exposed are viewed as positively as possible so that the law and public don’t turn on us,” I say.

“I see. If that’s the case, can I write my own autobiography or a fictional tale about my life? I’ll be sure not to include things that the public shouldn’t know.”

“If you can, I don’t see why not,” Fontaine says.

“You’ll need the family’s approval on that. They have to review to make sure that there are no secrets revealed and that we are portrayed correctly. It’s the process taken for every bit of media about us.”

“Well, if Joseph Decoro, a major boss, can do it, I can do it too.”

Fontaine smiles and says, “Good, good! The most profitable part of entertainment is not the money that can be made through it, but the influence that it has on the public, and I’m so glad that people are seeing things the way I do. Of course, I will always make room for you in my schedule if I have any.”

“Thank you, Fontaine.”

Suddenly, Okazaki and Marin, with our people, burst into the room with their guns drawn and pointed behind us.

“Get down!” Okazaki says.

Instinctually trusting Okazaki, Cesare, and me get down with Fontaine, even though we don’t know what’s going on. The reason becomes obvious as people with submachine guns come out shooting from the stage at the table we’re sitting at. Peeking my head up with my pistol, I see that they’re people who work for us. I don’t give it another thought as Cesare and I return fire at the traitors. We gun them down, but also make sure to try not to shoot anything vital, so we can question them. Running up to them, my people, Cesare and I make sure the shooters don’t try to take their own lives with their guns or a hidden cyanide pill in their mouths, and thankfully, they don’t do anything or have any cyanide on them.

The only problem we have is Okazaki, who relentlessly beats one of the shooters with her hands. Marin has to restrain her as Okazaki says, “My family and I paid and treated you well! Why did you betray us for your stupid fucking foreign friends?!”

I restrain Cesare before he starts beating on the half-dead shooters as he says, “Is this what this is about? These people worked for us? Now that I’m getting a good look at them, I think I recognize a few-what, Vincenzo? I’m not going to kill them.”

“I know you’ll do worse, just like your other half. Let’s let the cops handle the questioning,” I say.

Speaking of cops, Umberto comes down with his cops to arrest all the shooters, gives us basic questions to put on the record, and promises to chop this all up to another in the list of crimes of those who follow the Vorfahren ideology. To calm things down, Fontaine sings for us, as we all sit down to eat and talk.

“God gave my guardian angel a message that you were in danger because of traitors in our ranks,” Okazaki says.

“We should go through everyone who works here to make sure we don’t have traitors in our ranks anymore. What happened today won’t be enough to send them a message. I guarantee it,” Cesare says.

“We’re planning on it,” Marin says.

“Yeah…it’s what we have to do,” I say.

Marin holds my hand and asks, “Are you okay, Vincenzo?”

“Yeah, it’s just that I can’t believe we let this happen.”

“They were loyal to us to begin with, and let an evil influence take hold of their mind because they thought the Vorfahren are doing the right thing, while also thinking we’re holding back the country and turning against our own,” Okazaki explains.

“We’ll figure this out and clean it up. It’s going to be okay,” Marin says as she caresses my hand.

“I know,” I say as I cross myself. “I know.”

Mobster's Bet: Lascia che sia Dio a Decidere: Chapter 1 – Setting Up the Game

Chapter 1 – Setting Up the Game

Running a casino is harder than it may seem. You can’t just give people the exact games that are in every casino and let old and new addicts fund your business until the day you die. There’s competition. Some people get bored with what you offer. There’s politics and certain groups who want you shut down. The house may rig the odds in its favor, but it can also go bust if one aspect of the equation goes wrong.

My brother, Cesare, and I run the joint casinos, Peter and Paul, in the city of Amore Fraterno, along with a couple of others in the suburbs. We introduce new games and keep the old ones around. We bring back fan-favorite shows, musicians, and boxers to entertain the crowds and let new talent take the stage every once in a while. In my casino, Paul, I feature experimental and new games, host gaming competitions, and sponsor conventions. As for my brother’s casino, Peter, he has the reliable old slots, poker, and so on, hosts concerts, and showcases boxing competitions from newcomers to veterans.

Between our casinos, we also have a hotel, arcades, golf, mini golf, bowling, and some other things for the family, including an animatronic restaurant. We also have a mall with various restaurants and places to shop. Don turned corporate boss, Carlo Giocare, has been helping us arrange deals and contracts to get the best in the business to work with us and be at our casino. Today, he meets us at one of our best breakfast restaurants. He’s a pudgy guy who you wouldn’t know owned anything other than the clothes off his back, his car, house, and the little things that decorated it, because of how cheap everything he has is. His suit, pants, tie, and shoes are a dull brown, and his shirt is white. His dark brown hair looks like it was fixed with nothing more than water and his hands, but he has a healthy face.

In contrast, I have a white trench coat draped over my shoulders, a black fedora with red ribbon, a black and gold suit, a red tie, and black pants and shoes. As for my brother, Cesare wears a grey and blue version of the same outfit I have, except his trench coat is a dark grey, and he has a blue bowtie.

As we eat and talk business, Carlo seems to know what I was thinking about as he says, “You know I don’t buy myself fancy things because they do me any good. You boys need to dress well because you have to represent your casino business, so I don’t judge you for getting your fancy suits. Always make your money work for you. That’s what it’s for. Most people think that having more money will make them happier, but they’re wrong. Money sitting in a bank account collects dust; however, money given to a charity, to the Church, and to associates to help them out does wonders.”

“Are you asking for more money from our agreement then?” I ask.

“Hahaha, no, Vincenzo. What we agreed on is fine enough for me. Plus, the services and entertainment your brother and your casinos provide are to my exact tastes.”

“You were basically given full control of what went into it since you said your other partners didn’t let you do that to their casinos,” Cesare points out.

“Right, so, how is the business treating you? I know it’s still new to you, but it has to be easier than being a car mechanic, as you both used to be.”

“Yes and no,” I say. “There’s no physical work involved, but it requires us to use our heads more.”

“That shouldn’t be a big deal, given your strategic mind, Vincenzo.”

“Yeah, but being involved with business is something else entirely. It’s a huge headache to deal with people who want to give me bad deals, ally with horrible political ideologies, and the Karen-type customers who fake emergencies and problems so they can get more at a lower price or free and threaten to sue. I might as well be working in the criminal world for how shady the corporate deals seem and how people want to use loopholes in the law to make more money.”

“Ha! You’re right about that. Politics and business hardly run any differently than a criminal empire. The only difference is that the criminals have to appear legitimate, while those in power can have new laws written to cover their crimes.”

“This is why I’m not handling the business and planning aspect,” Cesare says as he kicks up his feet on the table.

“What about Mrs. Marin Campione? How’s your wife handling the business trade, Vincenzo?”

“A bit better than me, given that she’s more used to dealing with people than I am. She’s holding up despite also having to juggle being a mother of four.”

“Speaking about that, are we having a competition that I don’t know about?” Cesare asks. “It’s been a little over two and a half years, and you’ve managed to have four children, even though Okazaki and I had a child first.”

“No, we aren’t. It’s just that Marin wanted at least four children, and at this rate, she’ll want another one or two next year.”

“I hear you. Still, Okazaki feels like she has to catch up and wants us to have our fourth child by the end of this year.”

“You boys are still boys. My wife and I have ten children. By then, the number of children will mean nothing to you and your families, and your parents won’t be asking you to have any more,” Carlo says.

“Back to business. How was the walkthrough of the casinos and their amenities?” I ask.

“They’re all great and in good condition. What really matters to me is the condition of their bosses, and you boys seem to be doing well. You’re holding up your morals, still going to church, not giving in to bad deals, not compromising your beliefs for money, and giving to the family when needed, so you’re all good in my book. I’ll be enjoying the rest of my week’s long work-vacation here with my family, and I’ll let you know if there’s anything that needs fixing, okay?”

Cesare and I thank Carlo for his evaluation and tell him we hope he and his family enjoy their stay. Next on the agenda, we meet with a go-between for our family, Don Joseph Decoro, an old man and one of the first dons of the five families who still holds onto power as if it’s tied to his soul, just like Russell Tranquillo, the old man all the bosses listen to and the man my brother originally worked for as a car mechanic. As a veteran of the business, Joseph is here to make sure the backroom deals are going well. He wears an old-fashioned suit and has gray hair, and, like Carlo, looks like an old man you’d think is being taken care of by his children and grandkids rather than one of the most powerful men in the country. He sees the guns, the files on businessmen and politicians, and our closest clients receiving the best food and drinks while enjoying high-stakes games where millions and one-sided partnerships are on the line.

While admiring the guns, Joseph asks, “Aren’t some of these guns going overseas?”

“They will be leaving for the docks once the final arrangements are made, which is tonight. Many of the decision makers are here as we speak,” I say.

“Good. They better get us back our casinos in Cocodrilo and get rid of those Vorfahren bastards that run it. I want that supreme leader, commander, Fidel, or whatever his name is, dead. People are too quick to trust dictators who take power for themselves using others because they think they’ll get something out of it, but now look at Cocodrilo. It’s a third-world pigsty because Fidel and his people get all the riches and screw everyone else.”

“They’ll be taken care of. With our guns and the backing of the army, that island will be back under our control.”

“I only wish I could go myself,” Cesare says, offhand.

“No, you shouldn’t. You’re living like a true boss, so there’s no reason for you to do anything other than giving orders and keeping your hands completely clean,” Joseph says. “This is why you two worked so hard to get the newest president into office. He’ll handle Cocodrilo for us and the threat across the seas.”

“Yeah, I hope so,” I say.

After making his inspection, Joseph goes to talk to some people in legit businesses that he’s known for years. Since we’re here, Cesare and I go up to our next partner of interest. His name is Anthony “Joker” Ronaldo, and he’s enjoying playing poker with his friends. He’s from the Israeli mafia and a pro in the gambling scene who makes sure the odds are always in his favor. He has blue eyes and brown hair, and wears a simple black and white suit, tie, pants, bowtie, and shoes, and seems to be drinking a bit too much, given his behavior and all the bottles around him.

Joker looks at us and says, “My people usually involve hookers of various ages and drugs in their backrooms. It usually attracts more people and allows for a better time.”

“We’re not like that, Mr. Ronaldo,” I say.

“Ah, that’s right. You’re men of honor. I forgot. How goes that new pope of yours? I trust that he won’t give us trouble like the last and have to be dealt with, or have a meeting arranged with his God, as you people say.”

“No, he won’t. As far as we know, he isn’t compromised by the Vorfahren ideology, and they’re keeping off him as a way of showing they’re tolerant of opposing beliefs.”

“Ah, but they don’t do that to people of mine, eh?”

“And we aren’t tolerant of theirs.”

“Obviously. We wouldn’t be working together if we were.”

“Is there anything else you need, Mr. Ronaldo?”

“I could use another pretty face to keep me company. Your wives wouldn’t be a bad choice.”

“Son of a bitch,” Cesare says.

I hold my brother back as he aggressively approaches Joker, fists clenched.

Joker laughs and says, “I’m just saying you chose well! I wouldn’t want to spoil our business relationship by getting handsy with them. I promise! Marin has a wonderfully brilliant mind, and Okazaki always has interesting stories to tell because of her connection to the supernatural. We’d just talk business if I saw them. Nothing more.”

“We trust you, Mr. Ronaldo. Please, continue to enjoy yourself,” I say.

“Oh, I will!”

After Cesare and I leave the backroom, he asks me, “Do we really need to be associated with that guy? He’s such a creep.”

“He’s a friend of a friend, and as long as we can keep him happy, we’ll keep our relationship with the Israeli mafia stable. Besides, if he can fix the World Series like he said he did, then he can help us get ahead in sports betting,” I explain.

Cesare scoffs and walks ahead of me to our next meeting. We go to the Peter casino, where Fontaine Fontalloro is singing and his dancers twirl around him. This is a sort of free performance that comes with dinner for each person here. Fontaine is our special entertainment for this month, with other singers, bands, and performers lined up for the next year. Cesare and I call our wives to watch his performance just as it’s starting. Cesare’s wife, Okazaki, has puffy blonde hair that’s partially colored pink with black stripes on it; she wears a pink dress, white stockings, pink heel boots, and a gold miraculous medal, a gold cross, and a gold St. Benedict medal. My wife, Marin, has straightened out blonde and purple hair, a purple and black shoulder jacket, a spotted purple dress, black pantyhose, purple heels, a golden belt, and seven golden bracelets, three on one arm and four on another, each blessed with particular Scripture and saint quotes on them.

Our wives have been dressing this way ever since we got the casino to show both their wealth and their business side to dazzle us and everyone they meet. Some people think it’s weird that we married seemingly vain women, but they’re more virtuous than they seem, despite their lavish sense of fashion. It all serves a purpose to get people thinking a certain way towards them. Before they sit down, Cesare and I kiss and hug our respective wives and tell them how the day’s been going so far.

“It’s been going. How are you?” Okazaki asks Cesare.

“As fine as I can be,” Cesare says while wiping his face as if trying to get the tiredness and stress out of it, and then lights a cigar to smoke.

“Don’t let Ronaldo and the stresses of work get to you, baby. We just need to keep him happy, so he won’t bother us, and trust me when I say that he won’t make any moves on Marin or me.”

“Good. I needed to hear you say that. How are things going with the Church and your contacts?”

“They like the readings I give them, and the members of the Church are careful not to let any bad influences corrupt them from doing their duty.”

“That’s good. I’m tired of all this talk of business. Let’s dance.”

Cesare takes Okazaki’s hand, and the two have fun on the dance floor.

“How are the kids doing?” I ask.

“They’re doing well. Just wish I wasn’t so busy so I could properly care for them, rather than having to bring them to work and have our friends help me take care of them,” Marin says.

“I hope we’re raising them right. We can’t let this business or any kind of business get between our caring for our family.”

“We’re doing the best we can, Vincenzo. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“There’s a lot to worry about, and you should know that better than both of us.”

“The resources and people we have behind us make those worries seem like nothing.”

“I thought that having this casino and all the money and backing of our family would make me feel less worried, but more responsibilities mean more worries.”

“We have mostly everything under control, unless you see a problem, I don’t?”

“There’s dealing with the Vorfahren. Our president said he’d deal with them in Cocodrilo, but he’s not exactly a good Catholic man, despite his being a Knight and trying to present the image of being a Catholic leader who is impartial to all beliefs. He’s a womanizer, and his more left-leaning beliefs could steer him in the wrong direction. I’ve even heard one of his mistresses is a Vorfahren infiltrator.”

“My people are watching him and trying to steer him in the right direction. If he doesn’t do what we want, well… you and Cesare did get your foot in the door of the family business by overturning a corrupt election.”

“Pfft. Cesare would like nothing more than to do that. Don’t give him an excuse until we get to that point. We also have to make sure our Israeli friends continue to be friends, and don’t backstab us in any way.”

“Like Okazaki said, as long as Ronaldo is happy, and the rest of them get their cut of the business. We’ll be good.”

“Yeah. The gambling board gets its cut, and so does the government, the family, our family, the police, the secret service, and so on. It’s no wonder that a casino needs to make so much money to stay afloat.”

“The debts will be paid. With Fontaine on stage today, we should be getting ahead of them. Maybe we’ll even have enough time to go on vacation, just the two of us.”

“So we can make another kid, I’m assuming?”

Marin gives me a sly smile. I smile back and wave at Fontaine, who sings one of our favorite slow-motion songs that he sang at our wedding. I take Marin’s hand and dance with her. We embrace without saying another word about business or the current state of our lives, and simply enjoy this moment together. After the slow song, Cesare waves at Fontaine so he can sing a much faster song, so we can swing around, laugh, and have fun like kids. It’s enough to make me both tired and feel rejuvenated at the same time.

At the end of the day, Cesare, Okazaki, Marin, and I head home with all our children. We’ve gotten a bigger house for our entire family ever since we moved up in the world. The house sits outside the city in the suburbs, with a great view, and fits all three of our families. The house is decorated with expensive gifts from the government, the Church, corporate allies, the family, and other groups who might be called honest criminals like us. Even though I had fun dancing, the best time of day for me is when everyone is talking with one another, enjoying each other’s company, and seeing them smile and laugh. It reminds me what this is all for, and with everything that needs to be set in place, all that’s left for me to do is simply watch and wait for what happens next, hoping and praying to God that it’s to my family’s benefit.