ever seen. The only fucking person I kick up to, is my boss, Leo Capizzi. Anybody else thinking I owe them something is a fucking moron, and that includes you and your ugly fucking brother. I don’t even know your fucking uncle, but if he has a problem with that, he can fly his ass down here and take it up with Leo. You fucking kids have no respect. This isn’t how we do business in Our Thing. Now, you two fucking idiots are gonna get up and get out of my casino, and on your way, you’re gonna thank the Virgin Mary that your uncle is a boss in New York, because that’s the only reason I’m not having both of your bodies thrown in the fucking Mississippi River tonight. Now, get the fuck up, and don’t ever let me catch you on this street again. Consider this a restraining order. If anyone in your crew comes within five hundred yards of River City Casino Boulevard, we’re gonna have problems.”
Sammy’s jaw is tight and Alfonse just stares at my dad like he wants to kill him right here, but neither of them make a move. The last thing they want to do is have a problem in this casino, so they both stand.
“Okay, Donnie. I apologize. I didn’t mean no disrespect.” Like twins, the two of them turn around and walk towards the door together. Frankie gets up and opens the door for them, but just as they exit, I see Sammy glance at me. We make eye contact only for a second, then he steps out and Frankie closes the door behind them.
“Can you believe those little motherfuckers?” Frankie snaps. “If you want me to handle this, Donnie, just give me the fucking word. Those arrogant cock suckers need to learn a lesson.” Frankie is livid and pacing around the room. I know he’d love to get his hands on those two. Frankie would have no problem clipping them both.
“It’s okay, Frankie,” Dad replies as he sits down. He turns around in his seat and watches the Cestone brothers walk through the casino towards the exit. “They’re just young and ambitious. But it’s gonna get them killed if they don’t keep it in check. I’m in a good mood. We’ll give them a pass today.”
“Ugh, your mother is gonna fucking kill me,” Dad says as he looks down at his watch. “I didn’t even realize what time it is. Here Dominic, take the keys and go start up the car. I’m gonna wrap shit up here and I’ll meet you down there.”
I take the keys to the Cadillac and make sure I have everything before walking out.
“Later, Frankie,” I say as I open the door.
“Take it easy, Boy Wonder,” Frankie replies.
I make my way through the casino floor and the lobby and take the elevator down to the garage. It’s eleven at night on a Wednesday, so it’s pretty quiet down here. I can hear the echo of my steps as I walk through the concrete structure, and as I approach Dad’s car I pull the keys from my pocket, but I accidentally drop them.
“Shit.”
I reach down to pick them up, and as I’m reaching, I hear footsteps echoing, getting louder and louder as someone runs towards me. I go to look up, but before I can see anything, I feel the pain of a kick to my stomach.
I can’t breathe. I fall to the ground in the fetal position trying my best to get some air into my lungs, but it’s barely working. My eyes, however, are working fine, and I can see Alfonse Cestone standing over me. He has a small knife in his hand and the look on his face says he’s ready to use it. He wants to use it, and there’s no way he would’ve touched the son of a made guy if he didn’t plan to.
“Dominic Collazo,” he says, glaring down at me as I gasp for air. “Didn’t expect you to be down here alone like this. Was waiting for Frankie to come out so we could give him a little message, but since you’re here, it’s even better. I think Donnie will really get the point if it’s you.”
Alfonse lifts his foot and sends it crashing downward, stomping me in the head. My skull bounces off the concrete and my vision immediately goes blurry. The pain is intense and I feel like I’m about to pass out. My hearing is