Page 41

The average person wouldn’t understand his notes.

They’re coded.

Doing business with me is like getting in bed with the devil.

No changing your mind or going back.

No way in hell will I part ways with a man who knows where I hide my money. You end business with me, you cease business with everyone. I kill you, and your poor family spends the next week planning your funeral.

The casket will be empty, of course.

No body, no crime.

I grab my phone when it rings, answering a call. “Yeah?”

“Boss, we have a problem,” Franko, the head of casino security, tells me. “We have ourselves a card counter.”

Fuck.

Since Genesis is here, I hoped I wouldn’t have to get my hands dirty tonight.

Stupid of me to think that.

There hasn’t been a night in over a year that I haven’t gotten my hands dirty. Whether it’s violence or corruption, I always have blood on my hands.

I never take it easy on card counters. Who do motherfuckers think they are, coming into my casino and stealing from me? I’m the one who does the stealing.

I’ll cut off every one of their fingers and shove them down their fucking throat. Then, so they can’t count another card again, I’ll plunge out their dirty-ass eyes.

Though that tactic is growing old.

I like to keep my punishments creative.

It helps me from growing bored.

“Be right there.” I end the call and point at Caesar. “I want this done by morning.”

Caesar shoves his papers inside his briefcase. “Can you give me until tomorrow night? It’s my daughter’s high school graduation tonight.” Pride flickers on his face, alongside optimism.

I’m usually not one to give extensions. Normally, I’d tell someone it could be their birth of their daughter and I wouldn’t give a shit.

Though, tonight, I’m feeling somewhat generous. Blame it on Genesis.

“Julian,” Caesar says slowly, noticing my irritation, “you know I’m never behind. I’m telling you this: I can’t make it happen. I won’t let my daughter down.”

He waits for my reaction, anticipating violence.

“I want it done by tomorrow evening, eight at the latest,” I demand.

“Thank you.” He buckles and locks his briefcase.

I show him out, then head straight to the security room.

For a moment, I consider stopping by my office to check on Genesis.

I’ll do it after.

Card counters usually don’t stay in casinos long. They get as much cash as they can and haul ass.