Chapter 125

Nico

“I apologize,” I say to Yashimoto-san. He nods and flicks his right hand.

“Women, they are the cause of all our problems. However, we cannot live without them it would seem. I understand, Nico. Your family they must always come first. Without family, we are not really men. We are beings in a man’s body. Family is everything.”

Wise words from a wise man. Yashimoto-san is in his late fifties, married since he was twenty-five apparently with four children that nobody knows who they are or what they look like. He is an exceptionally private man and I could learn a thing or two from a man like him.

I try my best to remain private but it’s not that easy when you have people constantly following you around. The engagement party with Lucky was too public for my knowledge. I’m grateful, however that she does not want an over-bearing, extravagant wedding.

“Thank you,” I reply. “Now, as I was saying. We have issues with the Petrov family. They have encroached on our turf and have stolen from us, hurting some of our men. It is not acceptable but they are talking about war and taking away my title here in New York. As you know they will extend to the other states too. The man is greedy beyond belief and needs to be stopped.”

Yashimoto-san does not interrupt me. His entire focus is on me. Instead, he nods for me to carry on.

“We require some assistance, Yashimoto-san. In the form of some of your men to provide back-up if things get out of hand. Tony has a plan here in place but as you know finding Petrov is not easy. He is mostly underground. All we want is to call a meeting with him, yet he remains elusive.”

I take a sip of water from my crystal glass. Yashimoto-san does the same.

“And what will I get in return, Nico? There has to be a two-way street here. I can’t simply let you have men. There must be a business arrangement in place. Otherwise, it could go against me and I do not want bad blood with Petrov or the other families. You and I, being here meeting in private is already against our syndicate agreement. We will piss off the other members if they find out.”

I nod; he is right. And I have kept it private for a reason. “We are losing members rapidly, Yashimoto-san. You must already be aware of this, correct?”

“Yes, I am aware. Petrov is promising them more than you are at this point. It seems to me that Petrov has you by the balls, Nico.”

Tony glares at him, Dario raises his eyebrows.

“I wouldn’t go as far as saying that, Yashimoto-san. The Santangelo family always has a flush hand, we will rat him out one way or the other. However, with your help it could be smoother and faster. Of course, we need the guarantee that your men will stand by my men.”

“What do you bring to the table, Nico? Why should I help you?”

“The Santangelo family will help legalize your money, Yashimoto-san. We know you have a few legal businesses but still have a long way to go. The Santangelo name is already legit, with only our few black areas. Let us help you and you help us. Together, I am sure we can build a bigger and better future.”

“And the syndicate, Nico? How is this going to look to them? Some will be jealous, you know how they can be. We could end up with a bigger war on our hands if they think there is foul play or favoritism.”

He has a point. A valid point because nobody is anybody’s friend in my game. Everyone man is out for himself.

“You let me handle them, Yashimoto-san. Now, do we have a deal?”