\u201cIt\u2019s just a day trip, Demos. What do you need all this crap for?\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos didn\u2019t look up from the suitcase on his bed, fully focused on the array of contents inside. Ferris\u2019 question wasn\u2019t worthy of a response. Everything in the suitcase was absolutely necessary, from the set of leather belts to the two different kinds of Swiss skin moisturizers \u2014 how could he possibly be expected to travel without them?<\/p>\n
\u201cLook,\u201d Ferris continued. \u201cYou can\u2019t even fit it all in there. We\u2019re going to be gone for one night, tops.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can either stand there and bitch all day, or you can help me arrange this,\u201d Demos said with a pointed glare. \u201cYour choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris groaned, pushing the slimmer man aside to survey the suitcase. Muttering to himself, he began to shift, refold, and stack until the contents resembled a Mondrian painting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew I kept you around for a reason,\u201d Demos said, lifting another set of dress shoes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you dare,\u201d his friend said, pointing back at the closet. \u201cAnd if it weren\u2019t for me, you wouldn\u2019t be going on this stupid trip to begin with. I can\u2019t believe I agreed to this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos frowned, first at Ferris, then at the shoes. Before his lips could curve into a full-fledged pout, he gave in, setting the leather oxfords down with a sigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you did,\u201d he said, shrugging. \u201cAnd it\u2019s too late to back out. You already made the appointment with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris only exhaled, lifting his glasses to rub his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not going alone, though,\u201d Demos continued. \u201cUncle Vic said we should bring one more, just to be safe. What do you think, maybe Sergio?\u201d<\/p>\n
The room was quiet as Ferris considered the question. Faces flashed through his mind \u2014 the Giorgettis had plenty of muscle and connections. Only one face, however, could possibly make any difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cGina,\u201d Ferris said, finally looking up.<\/p>\n
Demos gave a faint laugh, but the other\u2019s expression remained stern. It took a moment for Demos to realize it \u2014 the plain and awful truth that Ferris wasn\u2019t joking.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?<\/i>\u201d Demos spat, his face screwing up in revulsion. \u201cAre you fucking kidding me? This is a casino, not a dress boutique in Milan.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLook who\u2019s talking,\u201d he replied, gesturing to the pairs of designer socks in the suitcase.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Absolutely not. What about Nicky, or\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Marianis already tried bringing in a bunch of tough guys,\u201d Ferris said, folding his arms across his chest. \u201cLook how well it worked for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen what about Uncle Vic? What\u2019s he going to think when\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll say it\u2019s for the image. It\u2019ll be less suspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFerris<\/i>,\u201d he whined, his teeth clenching in desperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe bring Gina or I\u2019m not going.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos groaned, slapping both hands onto his face and dragging his fingers down his forehead. He looked physically pained. His perfect casino road trip \u2014 his one chance to show his stuff, was going to be demolished by his harpy of a cousin.<\/p>\n
\u201cArgh<\/i>,\u201d Demos said, tightening his eyes as if he\u2019d tasted something rotten. \u201cFine. Fine<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat. Why don\u2019t you give her a call?\u201d Ferris said, trying not to smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou<\/i> do it. I\u2026 I need a drink,\u201d the Italian muttered, slinking out of the room. The door slammed shut behind him.<\/p>\n
Ferris looked up at the ceiling before removing his phone from his pocket. At least Gina would probably have a lighter suitcase.<\/p>\n
#<\/p>\n
Miles of sugar maples banked the upstate highway, leaving dappled sunlight rushing over Demos\u2019 car. He was in his usual spot in the passenger seat, sucking on a dying cigarette and scowling at the scenery. He was making every effort to avoid the rear view mirror, not wanting to remember that Gina was in the back seat. She had apathetically agreed to accompany them, though Ferris had suspected she carried more enthusiasm than she was letting on.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere was understandably stale. It was unfortunate that Ferris, the least socially apt being in the vehicle, was forced to lighten the mood.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks for coming on such short notice,\u201d he said, his eyes fixed on the endless road markers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all right. I was wondering if American casinos are as terrible as they look on television,\u201d Gina replied, her eyes locked on her phone as she idly tapped the screen. Though she still carried an accent, her grammar had made progress over the years.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you ever even been to a casino?\u201d Demos mumbled before tapping his cigarette out the window.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly Ca’ Noghera, though I don\u2019t think that should matter. You\u2019re not bringing me along to play poker, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLike you know how to play poker.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDemos<\/i>,\u201d Ferris warned, reminding the other of the talk they had had prior. The Ghost had promised, in so many words, to behave himself. The Italian shut his mouth, but not before giving the other a healthy eye-roll.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook, there\u2019s a rest stop up ahead,\u201d Ferris said, making another attempt to distract the two cousins from their proximity. \u201cLet\u2019s get something to drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
The travel plaza was crowded, making it difficult to find a proper parking spot. Ferris finally positioned the car behind a van with three children and two dogs, nearly hitting a man carrying a bag of ice as he opened the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou two hungry?\u201d Ferris asked, squinting past the sunlight at the main building and its shops.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not eating at McDonald\u2019s,\u201d both Italians said in unison, then glared at one another. Ferris groaned before walking away.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, you two can wait for the royal banquet or whatever. I\u2019m getting some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos hesitated, realizing that he could either tail his crabby friend, or stay behind with Gina. He swallowed, then hurried after.<\/p>\n
It was only when they were alone that Ferris\u2019 true crabbiness came forth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is the matter<\/i> with you?\u201d he said, using the tone of an exasperated parent as Demos sipped his coffee. They had found a quiet picnic table around the back of the rest stop, taking a moment to rest the shade.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know exactly what I mean. Victor gave you this job because he thought you were adult enough to handle it. But you\u2019re acting like a fucking kid whose mom won\u2019t drive them to the mall.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were the same way after dinner when\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cI was drunk<\/i>,\u201d Ferris said with a glare. \u201cYou\u2019re sober. At least I hope you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know Gina and I don\u2019t get along. She hates me \u2014 she\u2019s always hated me. She doesn\u2019t even care about this trip, she\u2019s just playing games on her fucking phone. Why the hell did you think this would be a good idea?\u201d Demos said, ashing his cigarette on the grass.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re right. I thought this would be a good idea,\u201d Ferris said, ignoring his coffee as he spoke. \u201cYou can either trust my decision, or continue acting like a child.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos exhaled, allowing the smoke to snake into the air. His gaze had fallen to the ground, tight as he considered his friend\u2019s words.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right,\u201d he finally said. \u201cI trust you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d Ferris said, sighing in relief. \u201cNow let\u2019s go find Gina. We have to be there in two hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
#<\/p>\n
The casino was massive, towering over the surrounding trees like a glass ziggurat. There wasn\u2019t a building around for miles that matched even a third of its height. A valet took the car and Ferris could see the dollar signs rolling through Demos\u2019 eyes as he gazed up at the structure. It certainly looked<\/i> lucrative.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho\u2019s this, some kind of chief?\u201d Demos said, gesturing to a bronze statue as they approached the doors. It depicted a tall, shirtless man in a complete feathered war bonnet.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a Canadian professional wrestler,\u201d Ferris replied as an attendant held the door for them. \u201cInternational heavyweight champ.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, right.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was also a chief,\u201d Ferris added with a smirk.<\/p>\n
Gina lifted her sunglasses as they entered the lobby, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dimmer light. The entrance was spacious; a wide stone fireplace sat across from the reception desk with a chandelier made of antlers glittering above their heads. The faint sound of running water drifted from a marble fountain behind the front desk.<\/p>\n
\u201cFerris, you\u2019re a bit early,\u201d came a voice from the side. A man in a gray dress shirt approached, reaching to shake Ferris\u2019 hand. His dark hair was combed smoothly back, adding a professional air to his smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi, Don. Traffic was better than we expected,\u201d he said. \u201cI hope it isn\u2019t any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course not.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are my associates,\u201d Ferris continued, gesturing to the two Italians. \u201cDemos and Gina.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can call me Don,\u201d he said, shaking their hands in return. \u201c Welcome to Six Pines.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure,\u201d Demos said, giving the man a perfect smile. \u201cAre you the proprietor?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAh, no. The chairwoman is Ellen \u2014 er, Mrs. Hill.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMissus\u2026\u201d Demos said, his voice trailing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, though she\u2019s a bit busy at the moment. We weren\u2019t expecting you until four. Would you like a tour while you wait?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be nice,\u201d Gina replied, slipping her sunglasses into her purse. \u201cHow old is the building?\u201d<\/p>\n
The group moved through the lobby \u2014 as Don and Gina chatted, Demos fell purposely behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cFish<\/i>,\u201d he whispered in irritation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Ferris replied and he attempted to listen to the conversation ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could have told me the owner was a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy does it matter?\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos couldn\u2019t think of a proper reason, only clearing his throat and fussing in his pockets. After a moment, he scoffed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I thought,\u201d Ferris murmured as they moved through the casino floor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the gaming floor,\u201d Don said with a brief gesture. \u201cThere are over a thousand slot machines, as well as a wide range of table games. We host three to six tournaments per month in blackjack, three card poker, and let-it-ride. It all started as a bingo hall in the nineties, but as you can see we\u2019ve expanded quite a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite,\u201d Demos said, eyeing the machines as they walked past. Ferris could see that his friend was impressed. This worried him \u2014 the more Demos wanted a piece, the harder this was going to be.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a hotel, as well?\u201d Gina asked, making mental notes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have two hotels, both with four diamond ratings, as well as five restaurants and two bars. Do you like Italian food?\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos opened his mouth, but was immediately interrupted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey had Italian for lunch,\u201d Ferris lied, fully aware of how nitpicky Demos could be of anything that claimed to be \u2018Italian.\u2019 He had no desire to listen to his friend criticize the authenticity of an entire menu until the sun set. \u201cI think they\u2019d like to see the steakhouse, Don.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course. Right this way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once again, Demos fell behind, tugging Ferris\u2019 sleeve to whisper against his ear.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want in on this,\u201d he said, his eyes focused on the reflections of slot machines on glass. \u201cAll of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I was afraid of,\u201d Ferris murmured.<\/p>\n
The more of the casino they saw, the more Demos\u2019 desire grew. A dread began to grow deep in Ferris\u2019 gut, wishing he could think of a way out of this. Why hadn\u2019t he asked Don to give a less impressive tour?<\/p>\n
After a quick glass of wine and a look at the spa, Don\u2019s phone rang.<\/p>\n
\u201cAh,\u201d he said, covering the mouthpiece with his hand. \u201cShe\u2019s ready for you now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The chairwoman\u2019s office was on the top floor, offering a view of the surrounding forest and the casino\u2019s golf course. The decor was understated, with a few polished plaques on one wall and an oil painting of a bear behind the desk.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, have a seat,\u201d Ellen offered after their introductions. \u201cNow what brings you to Six Pines? You mentioned this wasn\u2019t related to Sterling.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ferris said with a nod. \u201cI apologize for contacting you for extraneous matters, but my associates had something they wanted to discuss with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that so?\u201d she asked, setting aside some papers on her desk. Her gray hair was tied neatly at the nape of her neck, her features accented by a pair of silver chevron earrings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe won\u2019t waste your time, Mrs. Hill,\u201d Demos said, sitting upright in the leather seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, call me Ellen,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEllen,\u201d Demos repeated. \u201cI wanted to ask about the men who visited a couple of weeks ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have many guests at Six Pines. You\u2019ll have to be more specific.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course. They may have offered some kind of deal, perhaps in a share of your business \u2014 in protection.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe you are referring to \u2018extortion<\/i>.\u2019 And why would you be interested in such a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris shifted uncomfortably. This was already going downhill.<\/p>\n
\u201cCall it what you will,\u201d Demos said, clasping his hands. \u201cBut please, satisfy my curiosity. You turned them down, if I heard correctly. Why is that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ellen gave a sudden laugh, slapping one hand on the top of her desk.<\/p>\n
\u201cA gang of white men comes in here making promises and you want to know why we said no?\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos struggled to keep from frowning. The chairwoman looked thoroughly amused, though her eyes carried hints of impatience.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese men \u2014 the Marianis,\u201d Demos continued. \u201cI\u2019m sure you know how stubborn they can be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yes. They\u2019ve already come twice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what will you do when their negotiations become\u2026 more aggressive?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll contact the police, of course. And if I didn\u2019t know any better, I\u2019d say you sound just like one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos swallowed, his fingers suddenly tightening against one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cActually,\u201d came a voice from his side \u2014 it was Gina. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s going to happen. I\u2019ve read about your experiences with the police.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh?\u201d the chairwoman said, turning a curious eye to Gina.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t rely on them and you know it,\u201d Gina continued. \u201cSooner or later, you\u2019re going to find yourself in a difficult position.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen what exactly are you proposing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can work with us instead,\u201d Demos said once he rediscovered his voice. \u201cThe Marianis wanted thirty percent \u2014 we\u2019re only asking for twenty.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAbsolutely not.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder no circumstances. We run a clean business here. I\u2019m sure Mr. Levinstein has made this clear to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris shrunk in his seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThreaten all you want,\u201d Ellen continued, her tone firm. \u201cWe will not be bullied into corruption \u2014 not by the Marianis and not by you. Perhaps this is just profit to you. For us, this is our livelihood \u2014 our schools, homes, and clinics. If you want to kill us to take it, then so be it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201dBold words,\u201d Gina said, lifting her head. \u201cBut words won\u2019t protect you from the Marianis. Perhaps there is another way we could help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos shot his cousin a tense look \u2014 he did not enjoy being in the dark.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what way is that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour security officers and tribal police are armed, but not as well as us. We could even the odds \u2014 for a price.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to sell us guns,\u201d Ellen said, folding her hands on top of her desk. Her eyes were focused on Gina; it was the first time she seemed to be taking any of them seriously. Demos\u2019 eyes flickered back to the chairwoman. He was struggling to keep quiet \u2014 he knew this might be their only chance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right. Weapons, protective equipment, and a few men until you\u2019re properly trained. The best offense is a good defense, I\u2019ve heard.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd how much is this going to run us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can negotiate those terms once you\u2019ve decided on the goods,\u201d Gina replied, crossing a leg over her knee. \u201cThis would be in both of our best interests. Neither of us want you falling to the Marianis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI could make it clean,\u201d Ferris added, his tone even. \u201cIn the books.\u201d<\/p>\n
The chairwoman leaned back in her seat, taking a moment to consider her guests. Her eyes trailed over the two men, eventually settling on Gina. Demos took in a careful breath, afraid anything louder would offend the woman\u2019s senses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll need to see the goods before I make a decision,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I want to discuss this with the council.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d Gina agreed. Her expression remained stoic, effectively hiding the elation that was rising in her chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re meeting tonight. I can have a tentative answer for you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the morning?\u201d Demos asked. He didn\u2019t want to return to Southport empty-handed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to stay in one of our hotels for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re very generous,\u201d Ferris said. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho said it was free?\u201d Ellen said. A terrible silence followed her words, broken only by a sharp bark of laughter. \u201cHa! A joke. Just a joke. You need to relax. Why don\u2019t you try the spa? Go on, Don is waiting for you in the lobby.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris didn\u2019t exhale until they left the office, the door shut firmly behind them. His breath came out in a shudder and he placed a hand on his chest to steady himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cJesus Christ,\u201d he muttered. The elevator was quiet as the lights flickered from one floor to the next. Gina folded her arms, gazing out the glass to the parking lot below. After a moment, Demos spoke up.<\/p>\n
\u201cGina,\u201d he said, his voice barely audible.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m\u2014\u201c he started to say, then changed his mind. \u201cThat information about them, their history. Why do\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was reading up on them during the car ride,\u201d she replied, holding up her phone. \u201cWhat did you think I was doing, playing games?\u201d<\/p>\n
The elevator chimed and the doors opened, revealing the warmly lit reception hall. Gina stepped out to greet Don who had, as promised, been waiting for them. She explained quite adamantly that she would be needing a separate room from the other two as he led them past a restaurant.<\/p>\n
Demos\u2019 eyes were locked on the floor, uncharacteristically soft as he studied the pattern on the carpet.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you know?\u201d he whispered. \u201cHow did you know she\u2019d be able to pull that off?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause,\u201d Ferris answered, looking ahead. Gina had stopped to examine the menu of the Italian restaurant, giving an unimpressed scoff when Don turned away.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s just like you.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cIt\u2019s just a day trip, Demos. What do you need all this crap for?\u201d Demos didn\u2019t look up from the suitcase on his bed, fully focused on the array of contents inside. Ferris\u2019 question wasn\u2019t worthy of a response. Everything in the suitcase was absolutely necessary, from the set of leather belts to the two […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fishbones-book-02"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4oWx8-4I","jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=292"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":584,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/292\/revisions\/584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}