Johnny Rocco drank Stoli and tonic, looked at himself in the mirror behind the bar and admired the view. His jet-black hair was combed straight back, his dark suit was tailor-made and his black shoes were as shiny as the diamond stickpin on his lapel and the pinkie ring on his right finger. He oozed Mafia and didn’t mind because he had no doubts he would soon by in charge of the Las Vegas mob. Ambition drove him hard. He took a sip off the Stoli, looked to his right and saw Sal Marchese walk in the bar. Roccco stared straight ahead as Marchese took the seat next to him at the bar.
"I hope you are here with good news" Rocco said quietly.
"No" Marchese said.
"The opposite". Rocco took a slow sip of Stoli and continued to stare at his
image in the mirror. "This is I do not like Sal" Rocco said.
"I’m feeling good tonight and I do not wish you to spoil it".
"You wanna hear it or not" Marchese said. Rocco nodded. "Marchetti knocked off the Chinn Lee brothers" Marchese said. Rocco snapped his head and looked at Marchese hard.
"Already? Rocco said. "You sure".
"Course I’m sure" Marchese growled.
"In a meeting, right there, face-to-face".
"Who pulled the trigger".
"Dunno. Nobody is saying". Rocco closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them. "Damn" Rocco said. "Damn, damn, damn". Marchese said nothing but ordered a Moretti. "Sal, this is bad" Rocco said. "Marchetti ruined everything. I mean.. "EVERYTHING!. Rocco slammed his fist on the bar, then composed himself.
"I didn’t think he’d move so fast" Marchese said.
"Neither did I" Rocco said.
"Are we ready?
"No" Marchese said firmly. "No we aren’t. We only have your crew and
mine. Joe Scarpellis bunch are on the fence, the other two are in Marchetti’s camp. We cant make a move yet".
Rocco looked at Marchese long and hard. "Damn" he said.
"I’ve waited a long time for this. Do you hear me? A long time. Marchetti’s
been top dog for too long. He’s losing control. Its time for a change". Marchese
looked at Rocco.
"You mean you...".
Rocco nodded.
***********************
A few blocks down the strip, Bill O’Brien sat in his office, looked over his spread sheet and smiled. Business was indeed good, he thought to himself. The House of L
Palms Restaurant had been open only for three months but business was great. Favourable reviews in the local papers helped immensely. So did a few well-placed advertisements on the right radio stations. But ultimately it was word-of-mouth that brought a full house every night for Las Vegas newest five-star restaurant. Just about every patron agreed the decor was superb as was the atmosphere but the thick juicy steaks were the real attraction. The food at House of Palms was rated excellent by all. O’Brien knew he had made the wise decision when he closed up shop in Boston and put everything he owned into this establishment. The spread sheets were indeed good. A profit of $40,000 a month was outstanding. The intercom buzzer jolted him. "What is it? he asked irritably.
"There is a woman to see you" his secretary informed him.
"What does she want? A job?".
"No sir. She said she is a businesswoman here on business".
"Tell her I don’t have...".The door to his office swung open and a stunning young woman walked in wearing a gray and cream-coloured business suit. Her blond hair was wrapped up in a bun, making her look both sexy and serious at the same time.
O’Brien stood up. "And who are you?
She offered her hand. "Good afternoon Mr. O’Brien, I am Alexandra Marchetti".
O’Brien declined to shake her hand. "What is it you want Miss Marchetti. I am a very busy man".
Alexandra ignored his slight. Instead she sat in a chair opposite the desk and made herself comfortable, smiling at Mr. O’Brien as she did.
"Oh by all means" O’Brien said sarcastically.
"Thank you" she said. She pulled a long white cigarette from her purse and lit it.
"There is no smoking in my office" O’Brien snapped.
"Oh, I’m already smoking" she said, coolly blowing a stream of smoke in his direction.
He sat down and looked at her. "What is it you want" he demanded.
"Oh, merely to congratulate you on your business. I understand it is getting great reviews".
"We’re doing okay" O’Brien said.
"Oh my dear sir, there is no need to decry your industry. Your establishment is the hottest thing going here in Las Vegas".
"Thank you".
"I understand you are new to our city" Alexandra said.
"That’s right"
"And how do you like our fair city? Alexandra asked.
"Its fine" O’Brien said curtly.
"Yes, it is indeed a wonderful city. Yet it can be quite cruel"
"How so? O’Brien asked.
"Well, as you know, they call it Sin City, and for good reason" Alexandra said.
"How so".
"Well, along with the tourists and the gamblers, the scum of America has come to Las Vegas, all looking to get rich quickly" Alexandra said. "Legitimate respected businessmen like yours need to watch out and be careful".
"I appreciate your concerns" O’Brien said.
"We can watch out for ourselves". Alexandra took a deep drag off her cigarette.
O’Brien eyed her carefully, wondering which way this conversation would turn. The
woman oozed confidence. He admired that.
"I have no doubt you can" Alexandra said.
"But it is always good to head off trouble before it starts. That’s where my
fathers business comes in. We offer security to all the major businesses here in Las
Vegas, insuring that no trouble befalls them".
"I see" O’Brien said curiously.
"And who is your father".
"Frank Marchetti" Alexandra said, taking another drag off her cigarette for effect.
"Frank Marchetti? O’Brien said.
"You mean the...".
"I mean my father who owns five casinos here in Las Vegas" Alexandra said quickly. "But the family is also in the protection business". Alexandra looked O’Brien straight in the eye. "And I have no doubts" she said. "You could use our protection".
O’Brien shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "And how much is this protection going to cost me" he said.
"A mere $10,000 a month" she said directly.
"Payable by cash only".
O’Brien emitted a short grunt. "By cash huh? How convenient".
"Yes, it is much simpler that way, she said.
"This is extortion" O’Brien said.
"No, this is business. And I’m sure you understand the importance of
doing good business with the right people".
O’Brien looked at her. "You know, you’re too young and beautiful to be trying to extort money from honest businessmen. Shouldn’t you be modelling clothes or something".
"Mr. O’Brien" Alexandra said. "I am looking out for my fathers interests. I should think you would be looking out for your own interests".
"You mean you’re looking out for your fathers criminal interests" O’Brien said.
"Mr. O’Brien, I am merely here to provide you with options" Alexandra said.
"And what if I opt not to accept your fathers services" O’Brien said. "What then?
Alexandra shrugged and smiled. "That is your right. I make no threats here. I merely point out the wisdom of doing good business with the right people. All I can say is if you decline the offer, nobody can guarantee what might befall such a wonderful establishment like yours".
O’Brien looked at her. "Ill take my chances".
"Really?
"Yes".
"Then, perhaps you are not quite as smart as I thought" Alexandra said.
"No" O’Brien said.
"You nor your father are quite as intimidating as you think. I am afraid of neither
of you...or you mob. The Mafia is doomed. You should know that".
Alexandra smiled. "I don’t know what you mean by mobs or Mafia" she said. "I can just assure you my father and I are quite real. We only wish to help you".
"I don’t need your fucking help" O’Brien growled.
"Now get your ass out of here".
Alexandra rose. The smile never left her face.
"I respect your decision" she said.
"I wish you continued success in your business".
***********
The Las Vegas Mafia consisted of five crews. Frank Marchetti was the overboss and the five lieutenants who ran each crew reported to him. On a hot Las Vegas afternoon, those five lieutenants sat in a private room at a downtown restaurant waiting for Marchetti to arrive. Their weekly business meeting figured to be especially tense.
"What is it with you Rocco" Joe Scarpelli said, looking at the youngest but
most ambitious of the five mobsters present.
"Things are good. Business is good. Why you wanna upset everything with this talk of
change?" Rocco flashed his million dollar smile, fingered one his diamond rings and
looked at Scarpelli.
"Maybe things could be better" he said quietly.
"What" said Ralph the Butcher, a man with a fierce reputation.
"With you in charge?
"Maybe" Rocco said.
"Bullshit" Ralph said.
"I don’t think so".
"Look" Scarpelli said. "You think you gonna push Frank Marchetti around you wrong. He’s the man and He’s always gonna be the man. You cross him and you’ll find yourself buried in the desert like so many others".
"Like Michael Morris? Rocco said.
"Yeah" Ralph said.
Rocco said nothing. The door opened and Frank Marchetti walked in. The five mobsters stood out of respect and surprise. They stood out of respect because Marchetti was to be feared, even by an ambitious hood like Rocco. Marchetti was still the most powerful Mafioso in America. The Feds had never been able to touch him or lay a case on him. They were surprised because he was accompanied by his daughter Alexandra.
"Good afternoon gentlemen" Marchetti said, motioning them to be seated. They did. "Lets get down to business" he said.
"Don Franco" Marchese said.
"No respect but what is she doing here? This is a business meeting".
"Gentlemen" Marchetti said. "My daughter is now part of the business. From now on, she will be treated with utmost respect. When you talk to her, you talk to me".
There were looks of astonishment around the table. "Don Franco" Ralph the
Butcher said.
"Women are always treated with respect and your lovely daughter will be too. But
women have never been part of the business. Who ever heard of such of a thing".
Marchetti looked at each one of them gravely and in turn.
"You just heard me say so....did you not" he said. Nobody answered. "Then its settled". He looked at Rocco. "You got something to say? Marchetti demanded.
"Not about that" he said.
"About what?
"The Chinn Lee Brothers" Rocco said.
"What about them?
"We heard you whacked them" Rocco said.
"So, what’s it to you? Marchetti said.
"They could have brought us a lot of business" Rocco said.
"Is our business with the Bamboo Curtain not been quite lucrative" Marchetti demanded.
"Sure but...". Rocco said.
"But what?
"Don Franco, no disrespect but I have something to say" Rocco said.
"Say it then" Marchetti said.
"You have done well" Rocco said. "You are respect and admired. You have also grown powerful in the casino business. You have other legitimate enterprises that are doing well".
"So".
"So this other stuff is beneath you" Rocco said. "Why you want to stay involved in the drug business. You’re bigger than that. Let us handle it".
"Us? Marchetti said. "You mean you".
"Us" said Sal Marchese.
"Don Franco he is right. You still get your cut. You always will. But heroin,
cocaine, let the younger guys handle that. You need not involve yourself in that".
Marchetti looked at them quietly. "You are right" he said.
"It is for the younger people. That’s why we’re here".
Rocco felt better. If Marchetti would just step aside gracefully, he could take care of the other four lieutenants and take control of all drug trafficking on the West Coast. It would be a choice responsibility and a lucrative one. His power would grow.
"From now on" Marchetti said, "My daughter Alexandra will be in charge of all drug operations. That includes the Bamboo Curtain, the Colombians and our friends in Mexico. You wanna deal in drugs, you deal with her".
"What!!?? Rocco said.
"You gotta be kiddin’ me". Others were just as astonished although not as
openly brazen.
"You gotta problem with that" Marchetti said, looking Rocco in the eye.
"Don Franco.....what does your daughter know about the business?" Rocco asked.
"Enough" Marchetti said.
"You deal with her or you deal with me". Rocco shut up but he looked at Sal
Marchese. His ally looked back and nodded. The silent understanding was received. Frank
Marchetti had to go.
"Mr. Rocco I understand your concerns" Alexandra said. "But I assure you things will not change. In fact things could get better".
"How" Rocco said.
"Frenzy" Alexandra said.
"What’s that" Ralph the Butcher wanted to know. Alexandra lit a cigarette and smiled.
"It is a most lucrative opportunity for all of us" she said.
"Explain" Scarpelli said.
"Frenzy is a drug developed in Russia" she said. "Very powerful. Very addictive. It is only now starting to show up in America but it will soon be here in full force".
"What" Marchese said.
"Heroin and cocaine not enough for you".
"My dear Mr. Marchese" Alexandra said. "Heroin and cocaine have served us well. But the family has always been slow in reacting to new changes in the market. Ecstasy, Meth, Crystal, all these new drugs get bought and sold without our approval. Why? Because we have never acknowledged their existence".
"Yeah" said Rocco.
"But it was the family, why the very people in this room that seized the opportunity
with crack. Otherwise the Bloods and the Crips would have run us out of business.
"We did well with crack" Alexandra said. "We will do well with Frenzy. It is powerful stuff. Junkies will love it. Its popularity will soar quickly, just like crack. Our profits will be quite lucrative, I assure you".
Frank Marchetti spoke up. "Gentleman, this drug was developed by the Russian Mafia. We all know that the Russian mob is pushing onto American soil. If we don’t fight back, we could be in trouble".
"He’s right" Ralph the Butcher said.
"Its a matter of pride and honor as much as money".
Alexandra smiled. "Gentlemen" she said. "Once you see how many junkies get hooked on this shit, I can assure you our profits will be quite substantial". Rocco liked that part. He just didn’t like the part about dealing with a woman.
"Whoever heard of a woman in crime" he muttered to himself.
**********
The House of Palms was having another great night. The room was packed with wealthy patrons enjoying sumptuous meals. Bill O’Brien smiled as he surveyed everything. "Fuck the Mafia" he thought to himself. "I can handle Frank Marchetti". He smiled confidently.
Outside in a black corvette, Catwoman smiled as well, taking a long drag off her cigarette. Angelique did the same. "This is going to be fun" Catwoman said to her ruthless partner in crime.
"Indeed it is my love" Angelique said.
"Especially since Mr. Marchetti assured us there would be no trouble from the
police".
"I know" Catwoman said.
"How delicious". She fingered her 44 Auto Mag, its silver barrel glittering in
the darkness. Catwoman wore a long white coat over a short skirt and long black-leather
boots. The desert sun had set but she still wore Raybans. Angelique wore a black leather
coat and leather pants with calf-high boots and sunglasses. Both criminals wore their
trademark leather gloves.
"What about the doorman? Angelique asked.
"Ill take him my love" Catwoman said.
"Why should you have all the fun" Angelique teased with a smile.
"Love, there will be plenty of fun for both of us tonight" Catwoman smiled. Angelique laughed.
"Murder and robbery, how much more fun can it get than that" she said, her hot criminal blood boiling in her veins.
"Indeed" Catwoman said, taking a last drag off her cigarette.
"I don’t think it can".
"Lets fucking do it" Angelique said.
They got out of their car and looked around. The coast was clear. With confidence and malice, they walked slowly to the main entrance of the restaurant. The doorman eyed them suspiciously. "Can I help you? he asked as they approached.
"Yes" said Catwoman, drawing her weapon. She aimed quickly and pulled the trigger twice. Both bullets ripped through the doorman’s heart and he was dead before he hit the floor.
"Nice shot" Angelique said, pulling open the door. They walked in to the sounds of soft music and the clinking of glasses, plates and cutlery. Catwoman aimed at a mirror on the wall and fired. The glass exploded and patrons screamed in astonishment. The two criminals had the attention of the entire room.
"EVERYBODY FREEZE!! Catwoman yelled. "NOBODY FUCKING MOVE!!!
"THIS IS A FUCKING ROBBERY" Angelique yelled. "NOBODY MOVE AND NOBODY GETS HURT!!!".
A waiter looked at them and started toward them. "Who do you think you...".
He never finished his sentence. Angelique fired her gun and the bullet ripped through his heart. "I SAID FREEZE!! the Angel of Death repeated. "ANYBODY ELSE WANNA FUCKING DIE????".
Bill O’Brien watched from across the room, frozen in horror. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing but he now understood he had made a huge mistake. Please" he stammered. Nobody move. Do what they say".
Angelique smiled, the waft of smoke still seeping from her gun. The palms of her hands were moist with excitement as she looked over the room: men in black suits and formal wear, women with rich furs and long flowing gowns, jewellery glittering from their ears and fingers. Catwoman saw it too and the greed pulsated through her body, that and the power of the moment, the ultimate criminal fully in action, helpless victims waiting to submit themselves to her commands. The feeling was as powerful as it ever had been. She pulled out a black sack. "All right, you heard the man" Catwoman said, her weapon outstretched before her. "We want it all...wallets, jewellery....cash...everything. Hold back and you’ll be dead".
The two criminals went to work. Angelique started at a table with two middle-aged couples. They were stunned, the women crying. "Lets go..hand over the fucking loot" she said.
The men both handed over the wallets. One lady took off a diamond ring and placed it in the sack. The other lady pulled off her earrings and handed them over. A pearl necklace hung around her neck. Angelique grabbed it and ripped it off. "Thank you sweetie" she said.
Catwoman moved swiftly from one table to another, her leathered gloves working quickly as she gobbled up wallets, jewellery, purses....everything she could get her greedy hands on. While one woman took off her jewellery, Catwoman rifled through her purse, seizing a huge wad of cash. Angelique stopped at a table where a distinguished looking man with a well-dressed wife were dining with their two teen-age daughters.
"All right" Angelique snapped. "Lets have it all. NOW!". The man
complied, handing over his wallet. The woman was too shocked to move. Angelique grabbed
the two girls purses and looked inside. She smiled as she pulled out two vials, one from
each purse. "It never fails" Angelique cackled.
"Everytime we pull a heist among the rich we always come up with a little
cocaine".
The two girls were flushed with embarrassment. "Mister, did you know your two darlings were coke heads" she cackled.
"Fuck you bitch" the man said.
"Oh sir, I think you should have shown a little more respect than that" the Angel of Death said. She looked at the two girls who were crying." I hope you two enjoy your inheritance" Angelique said. Then she aimed her gun and squeezed the trigger. Two bullets ripped through the mans heart. One of the girls screamed in horror. Angelique swung her weapon and cracked the girl across the mouth, and she tumbled to the floor, blood flowing from her mouth. "Shut the fuck up bitch!! Angelique said. The wife of the dead man fainted to the floor, her lifeless body sprawled n the carpet." Good" Angelique said." That makes it easier". And she promptly reached down and ripped her diamond necklace from around he neck.
"I hope" Catwoman said. "We shall avoid any more unpleasantness during this heist". They did. Silent as lambs, the patrons did what they were told, meekly handing over their valuables one by one as the two criminals moved quickly around the room. Nobody was spared their criminal wrath. The sacks were filled quickly with money and jewellery. Catwoman looked at Angelique.
"Satisfied? she said.
Angelique nodded with an evil smile. Catwoman walked over to where Bill O’Brien
was standing. She placed her weapon underneath his chin and looked at him in the eye.
"Just remember motherfucker" she snarled.
"Don’t ever fuck with Alexandra Marchetti".
O’Brien nodded helplessly. And Catwoman and Angelique disappeared into the night.
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