Page 128 of Forgotten Sacrifice

“Yes,” I say quickly. “I know the operation inside out. Even have some ideas about how to modernize things to make the family more money.”

“Such as?” Romeo asks.

“One, mandatory smartphones for all bookies and their clerks. Uncle Joseph didn’t have a cellphone. He acted like it was because he didn’t trust technology, but that’s bullshit; he didn’t want to be bothered on his personal time. That was a mistake, as bettors will spend more if they have easy access to their bookies. Two, I would expand live action beyond one sports bar. The social club would be a goldmine. Bingo’s a form of gambling; those old folks can easilytransition to sports bets. Three, I’d hire more agents to bring in new bettors. And four, I’d reduce the credit interest rate by a percentage point.”

“Wouldn’t that lose the family money?” Romeo asks.

“No, because we’d have implemented steps one through three. With more action and a more enticing credit rate, I guarantee the bottom line will increase.”

Romeo turns to his father. “Let Vince run the books for three months. If he brings in at least as much as Uncle Joseph, he’s earned his place. If not, then he gets replaced. Permanently.”

“Yay,” Antonio declares, and I nearly jump for joy. “And what of Vince’s punishment for the unauthorized hit?” Antonio asks, and I realize my celebration is premature. “Men have beef, they need to take it to their capo, not take matters into their own hands,” Antonio tells his son.

“Vince should get a beatdown; a warning to the other soldiers there are always consequences for their actions.”

“So be it. Romeo, you’ll administer Vince’s beatdown,” Antonio orders his son, and Romeo nods. “This trial is concluded.”

The capos trickle out, and it’s just me and Romeo in the room. He walks over with a baseball bat, and I stand, ready to face the music.

“I would have done the same thing, and I’m an only child,” he quietly admits before taking the first swing, connecting with my ribcage.

“You’re right, boss. I wouldn’t be here today if not for you. And if you order me six feet under, I’ll know it was a fair decision.”

Romeo silently stares me down. It’s unnerving as fuck.

“Even if the boss considers this, what are you going to do? Go straight?” Sam snorts.

“That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

“Vince, man, this is crazy talk.” Sam shakes his head.

“Imagine going to work every day, knowing you’re sitting behind the desk of the oddsmaker who raped your baby brother. Think you could fucking live with yourself? Because I can’t; not anymore!”

I storm out of the boss’s office, past Valentina balancing a tray.

“Wait, here’s your coffee,” she calls after me, but I don’t stop.

Nobody disrespects the boss like I just did. Romeo could’ve called me back and ended me for that infraction alone.

Could’ve. Would’ve. Should’ve.

My headstone inscription.

Chapter

Forty-Eight

Vince

Entering the social club for what’s likely the last time, I walk down the hall, bumping into the janitor. “Morning, Vince.”

“Morning. You’re the first to hear the news: I’m closing my books. For good.”

“It’s the end of an era,” he says in shock. “What are your plans?”

“I’m opening a restaurant in Surf City.” I’m the one indelululand, because the odds of the family letting me walk are nil. But hey, I’m going to allow myself to dream, if only for a minute.

“Good for you. I’ve got some of the money?—”