Page 12 of Loving the Enemy
“Then put me on the fence for this one.”
“Done.” I pause. “So did you get Laurel’s info?”
He hands me a piece of paper and says, “Yep, got it right here.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
“So Gallardi should be here any minute,” he says, changing the subject. “You ready for this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“So what are you gonna tell them?” he asks.
“I’m gonna listen to their proposal and then I plan on telling them I will get back to them,” I say. “One thing I know for sure is that I’m not making a decision today.”
Ricco nods. “That’s a good move.” I look at Ricco incredulously, in shock he is not fighting me on this move.
“Bravo! Something you actually agree with me on,” I tease.
“Aw fuck, give me a break, Michael. It’s hard being your best friend, your bodyguard, and your enforcer, and your go-to guy all at the same time. Sometimes I just need to separate myself.”
I smile. “I know, man, sorry. I shouldn’t have teased. I know I can always count on you to keep me in check. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ricco’s phone beeps. “That’s Augie. Gallardi just got here. He’s escorting them up.”
“Good, tell him to stay in the reception area with Laurel in case things don’t go well.”
“Got it.”
A few minutes later, my office phone buzzes. “Mr. Vitali.”
“Yes, Laurel.”
“Mr. Gallardi is here to see you.”
“Thank you, Laurel. You can send him in,” I reply.
Seconds later, Gallardi and five of his goons walk into my office. Damn, maybe I should have brought more guards. I rise from my seat, and Ricco and Sal follow suit. Reaching my hand out to shake his, I say, “Mr. Gallardi. I’m Michael Vitali. It’s a pleasure.”
He shakes my hand and says, “Mr. Vitali. We finally meet.” His English is well spoken for a man who has lived his entire life in Mexico. There is just the slightest hint of an accent. “I hope you don’t mind if my boys join us.” He gestures toward the entourage behind him.
“Of course not, as long as you don’t mind mine. And please, call me Michael.”
He nods. “Romeo.”
I gesture for him and his men to sit at the large oval conference table at the other end of my office. Once they are seated, I take my seat, and Ricco and Sal join me at the table. I was not looking forward to this meeting and now that it is starting, I want it over with. “So we have a proposal to discuss.”
Romeo smiles. “Yes, our proposal is this: We want your family and associates to move our product into New York City and the surrounding areas. Some will be sold to the locals, and some will have to be moved across the border into Canada. You have a lot of muscle in the state, and I believe the Vitalis could be a huge asset to our organization.”
“What type of product?” I ask.
“Cocaine… heroin mainly. We dabble in some other recreational stuff, but not much.”
“What type of timeline are we looking at for the runs?”
“Two to four runs a month,” he replies.
“Our cut?”
