Saturday, September 19h
JORDAN
8:37 p.m.
I hadn't planned on doing much of anything today, aside from catching up in all of my classes. I had spent most of the day studying and turning in assignments. That was until I received a call from Franco about an hour ago, informing me that his boss, Renato wanted to meet with me and Vinnie at a place called Avalon Hollywood on North Vine Street. Not wanting to be rude, we accepted the invitation. We had arranged to meet there at 10 p.m.
Which now left us with the grueling process of getting ready. It was a good thing Vinceta suggested we go shopping for the necessary attire the day we arrived. Otherwise, we would be rushing around, trying to look the part. But then again, it's not like our fashion sense was far-fetched.
I decided to wear black Armani slacks with a white long sleeved dress shirt, along with my black form fitting leather jacket. Paired with Emporio Armani Patent-leather oxfords. Finishing the look off with my Jaxxon platinum Cuban link chain and a white gold Rolex with a diamond pavé.
Currently I'm waiting for Vinnie to finish getting ready. And from my experience of living with her these past couple of days, is it's going to be awhile. Which suited me quite fine, I'm not in a rush to go out. I would much rather stay in and read, but I can't let an opportunity to meet the infamous Renato himself slip away. The way I figure it, is this is all just reconnaissance.
As I waited for Vinnie, I decided to call my dad to let him what's going on. It was a short conversation, by the end of it, he finalized that we were going to have a security team to keep us safe, and he warned of me the dangers like any father would. I was in no mood to argue. Not that I ever would.
9:43 p.m.
When we were arrived at the Avalon, there was already a line around the block. Our all black Range Rover, with blacked out tinted windows pulled up in the front of the main doors. I texted Franco to let him know we arrive, he said he would meet us at the bar. One of the security guys, named Adrian got out and opened the rear passenger door. And once we both got out, all heads turned in our direction.
I know it couldn't have been me they were looking at, compared to how I normally dress, I felt extremely underdressed. Vinceta however, was looking every bit the lady-killer in her Dolce and Gabbana three-piece Acetate Blend all black suite, white Armani dress shirt, and to finish the look, Dolce and Gabbana black suede Derby oxfords with rhinestones strategically placed around the entire shoe.
We casually made our way to the front door, jumping the line. We gave our name to the bouncer guarding the doors, unhooking the velvet rope, he gestured with a nod that we could go through. As soon as the doors opened we were hit with loud music playing through the clubs stereo system. The place was swarming with people all over, hundreds of people on the dance floor. Others at the bar, while others occupied whatever space was left in the club.
The Avalon was dimly lit behind the bar, the rest of the lighting was dark, while different colorful flashing lights lit up the dance floor. From the main entryway, you could see a balcony with more private seating. I could see people leaning on the railing watching other party goers or conversing with random people. As we went further into the club, heading for the bar, people moved out of our way. The closer we got to the bar, I happened to look over to my left, and seen Franco with two other burly men walking towards us. I tapped Vinceta on the shoulder and pointed in Franco's direction.
"Good to see you ladies. Glad to see you could make it." Franco yelled over the loud music.
"Yeah, good to see you too. Thanks for inviting us." Vinceta said coolly.
"Mr. Ferrucci is waiting in the private VIP section. Follow me." Franco turned and began leading the way.
We ascended the black metal staircase with little difficulty. France continued to lead us down the surprisingly spacious mezzanine, with me trailing behind him. We came to a black wall with a metal door. He opened the door and stepped inside, holding the door open so we could enter. Leaving enough space for Vinnie to step to my right side, Franco approached the table that was placed in the corner of the room.
The dimly lit room was painted red with gold designs that reminded me of the Taj Mahal, the shape of the magnificent building in India. The black booth in the corner looked like it was incased in velvet. Modern sconces were placed on the walls around the room, as we moved further into the room, the tabletop appeared to be made out of black marble.
Vinceta and I watched Franco approach a man sitting directly in the center of the booth, with two women sitting on either side of him. The man who I now know is Renato, resembled someone that I couldn't quite put my finger on. He had piercing light brown eyes, his complexion was almond, his medium length jet black hair came down to the top of his cheek, it was parted neatly down the middle. And from what I could see he was dressed in a charcoal blue three piece suite, with a black shirt underneath.
He threw his back and roared in laughter as one of the men at the table said something. I got a good look at his chiseled jaw. His nose was angled marginally to the left, leaving me to believe he's been in his fair share of fists fights. Renato's high cheekbones were prominent but not enough to where it would be too noticeable.
"Renato." Franco said in an attempt to get his attention. Renato looked up and glared at Franco, clearly upset that Franco interrupted his good time.
"Yes, Frankie?" His said in annoyance.
"Alex Bird and Devon De Luca have arrived, per your request." At this news, Renato smiled and looked in our direction.
"Ahh! Wonderful!" Renato exclaimed. His Italian American accent thick. "I was hoping you two would be able to make it." He said as he gestured for one the ladies to move. Once he was away from the booth Renato came towards us and greeted us in a friendly manner, shaking our hands vigorously. "I'm Renato Ferrucci. But you can call me Renato." I could smell the alcohol heavily permeating from his breath.
"It's pleasure to meet you Renato, I'm Alex and this is my business partner Devon." I said, while naturally gesturing to Vinnie. With a jovial expression he guided us closer to the table.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. Frankie has told me good things about you." He admitted as he looked back in Franco's direction.
"Really? Well, thanks Franco," I said as I turned towards Franco. "That means a lot coming from him." I stated as I flashed Franco a lopsided grin. Then turned my attention to Renato.
"I couldn't agree more. By the way, thank you for extending the invitation to us for coming out here tonight." Vinceta interjected.
"Oh, don't worry about it. It's the least I could do for the two ladies who have come to an old man's rescue." Renato replied in a somewhat condescending way.
"I'm sure that's not true sir. If anything, you're the one helping us." I countered in kind.
"Well, whatever the case, I say this calls for a celebration. Everything is on me tonight, so, feel free to drink to your hearts content." Renato exclaimed as he raised his hands in the air then he exploded into a hearty laugh. "And I won't be taking no for an answer. Sit, sit." He motioned for us to take the chairs across from the booth. Renato took a seat on the edge of the booth this time.
"In that case Alex, I guess we have no choice." Vinceta replied as she looked at me.
"Indeed." I added as we both took a seat.
An hour later, we were still sitting in the private room laughing and having a good time. Or so it would seem to Renato and his group of men. The women had excused themselves to go out on the dance floor to the livelier atmosphere. Throughout the course of spending time with Renato, there would be moments when I would want to ring the guys neck, those thoughts and feelings would come and go. As fleeting as they were, I couldn't stop them from coming, it's been a little easier than I thought to hold back on them. All I had to think about is, this is for mom's safety.
"Excuse me? Would you like me to refill your drink?" My gaze drifting to my right where a beautiful blond headed cocktail waitress stood. Her voice was soft and sweet. Her nicely shaped breasts were in my view. I took in her appearance; she was trimly built and small in stature. She wore a black outfit with a cocktail dress. Her blond hair put up in a ponytail. She was bent low enough for me to hear.
If I were even a little remotely interested, and I didn't have a beautiful, smart, loving, sexy Egyptian goddess at home, she might stand a chance. My fate was destined elsewhere, however, this presented an opportunity that I can't pass up. Normally, I wouldn't use a woman as my own personal play toy or lead them on in any way. But in this instance, it wasn't below me either.
"Yes, I would like that." I replied as I smiled at her. "And if you could do me a huge favor, I would be in your debt." I propositioned her, adding my most charming grin, flashing my dimples. It's the very one I use to get most people to swoon. It's gotten me out of trouble more times than I can count.
"Of course, anything you need." She said sweetly. Clearly my subtle plan had the desired effect.
I leaned in a little closer so I could speak into her ear, "Could you possibly get me lemonade on the rocks, in a glass?" I asked in low and a somewhat sultry voice. "And I hate to ask, but could see to it that it looks like an alcoholic beverage?" I quickly added, she looked at me questioningly for an instant until I flashed her a smile.
I had been nursing my drink since we first got here, I didn't want to chance getting overly inebriated. I kept hearing my dad's voice, warning me to be smart, if not smarter. When we first arrived, I wasn't able to order myself a non-alcoholic drink. I also wanted to give the illusion that I was having just as many drinks as they were.
"Sure. Is that all you need?" She asked returning a smile with a flush of her cheeks.
"Could you keep this between us?" I politely added with a wink.
"Most definitely. I'll be right back with your drink." Her answer professional and perky. I turned in my seat and watched her walk away.
When I turned back around, I noticed all eyes were on me. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why. Not that it really mattered. "What?" Was all I managed to say.
Each man looking at me in confusion or curiosity. After a short moment of silence, Renato is the one who decided to speak. "I have been coming here for months trying to pick up that girl, without so much as a friendly smile and a complete disregard for my efforts." I tilt my head in questioning manner. Not quite getting where he's going with this. "And then you, you're only here for all of ten minutes and she's practically putty in your hands." Renato explained. He leaned back as a sly grin played across his face, reaching both of his eyes.
"Yeah, no shit. I've been here almost every weekend, witnessed countless men and even women trying to hook up with her. Not one of them has even came close to what I just witnessed." Another man spoke up, who I earlier found out was named Antonio. "What did you say to her?" He questioned as he leaned in further.
"Nothing really. I just gave her my order." It wasn't a lie. I did give her my order, with a little added charm. It was nothing major, really.
"Don't even try to figure it out fella's. Alex has always had that effect on women. It's like watching a master at work who doesn't even know that she has the skills. It's frustrating really." Vinceta spoke up making light of the subject, while brushing if off as if it were an everyday occurrence. I downed the remaining contents in my glass.
"Hmm. As much as I would like to discuss this topic further, there are other matters in which I wanted to discuss." There was a shift in the atmosphere as Renato straightened out his jacket. With a quick glance, I looked to Vinceta who was resting her arms on the table, one placed over the other. Her attention fully on Renato.
I turned my head in Renato's direction, allowing him my full attention. It didn't take long for him to continue. "I must admit that showing you both a good time is only part of the reason why I invited to you to come." Renato voiced. His tone taking on a serious undercurrent.
"Is that so?" Vinceta inquired shortly after, almost playful in her delivery. She leaned back in her chair, placing her right arm on the back of the chair as if to say she wouldn't be bothered by what would come next. I on the hand became curious as to where this might lead.
Renato smiled, this time it didn't reach his eyes. "Quite. Trust in this business plays an integral part in the people you choose to associate with." As he said this, I couldn't help but to feel a little uneasy. "In all of the years that I've managed to stay in this business, to put it quite simply, is trust is earned." He said as he took his time looking both of us in the eye. "In each of these business ventures, I always make it a point to gain the trust of my allies. Same goes for them. They do something for me," He said, gesturing to himself with his hand, "and I do something for them." He continued, gesturing with his hand directing it towards us. "It's a give and take relationship. Do you understand where I might be going with this?" With a slight tilt of his head and brows furrowed, his eyes scanning the both of us.
"I understand what you're saying." I answered, after taking a moment to let it all sink in. "What is it that you need from us?" I queried. I had this underlying feeling that whatever was about to be said, it wouldn't be good. My only worry at the moment is him have suspicions or any reservations about us.
"I'm going to be perfectly Frank with you. I have a bit of problem in my organization that I want you to take care of." He admitted. His mood darkened, his eyes a warning of the dangers that could be.
"What kind of problem?" Vinceta asked unfazed by his current shift in mood. Her sense of calm and resolve, helping me to remain steadfast. Just then the cocktail waitress walked in and handed me my lemonade. I thanked her, but before she left she slyly handed me a piece of paper. Most likely with her name and number on it. I put it in my jacket pocket without even looking at it. I knew I was going to throw it away later. I didn't have a need for it.
Seeing the exchange, Renato and the other men just shook their heads and smiled. Renato getting back to business, he started again. "It has recently come to light that there is an informant lurking in my organization." He revealed. Renato's demeanor changed back to its previous mood. However, I was relieved to know it had nothing to do with us. "I need you to solve it." Once he said this, I knew what had to be done. There's no way of getting around it. This could possibly be our only shot at getting him to trust us. Renato leaned forward, putting his arms on the table in front of him. "Do this for me, and I will double your payment." His voice was softer with a stern undertone.
I took a moment to think it over, seemingly as if I were thinking over the terms of the deal we already had in place. Money wasn't the issue, I could care less about that, but he didn't need to know that little tidbit. I shared a look with Vinnie. With a slight nod of her head, I asked, "Do you have a name and location?"
Renato perked up at the question. "I can do you one better. Franco will escort you to his whereabouts." He gestured for Franco to get up.
I guess this where the real work begins. Gaining his trust is going to be steep price to pay. I had to stay positive that this would all work out. "Consider it done." I stated reassuringly. Vinceta and I took this as our cue to get up. Franco walked over to the exit and waited by the door.
"Excellent. I will see you both in three days' time." Renato smiled victoriously. Vinceta and I walked towards where Franco was standing. With Franco leading the way, we left the building.