What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas

Year 1 - 2017

Cadence

Vegas is known for its false realities. It was made for people who seek fantasy. People who don't have anything better to do than gamble away all their life savings.

Look at the couple sitting across from me; the woman is wearing a red flapper dress, and her boyfriend is wearing a black suit. Some won't even notice that the suit is fake. I don't know much about dresses, but with suits being my everyday attire, I would say I am an expert. Armani suits are prestigious; they are tailored to fit your body. Which, in this case, is a dead giveaway that it is fake. The cuffs are about two inches wide around his wrists, the sleeves are so long that the man has them rolled up his forearms, and the coat is almost to his knees. Do not even get me started on his trousers. The point is that this couple is here to get away from their brooding lives. Which then means gambling away all their money.

There are also others who seek comfort in Vegas. Similar to the men who just walked into the casino. Those are businessmen. Men who do not come here to gamble. Men who are much like me.

Made men.

I watch as they approach our table. Dutch—my right hand and best friend—stays slouched in his seat, appearing entirely unbothered. Nothing about the Dutch is professional. That is why he is my right hand. He is my voice. When I can't talk, he will. Particularly why Dutch is perfect for that position. He does not and will not ever shut up.

Out of the group of five walking up to us, two men continue. The others stay by the doors of this place. The only exit.

"Nice to meet you, gentlemen." Dutch addressed them with a happy tone. I don't get how he is like that. Always so happy.

I stand, extending my hand out to Marion Alphonso—an Argentinian gang leader—and his right hand and brother, Julian Alphonso.

Once we sat, we ordered some drinks and got to business. Marion needs help with rival gangs within their territory. My mafia, the American mafia, which is also known as the mob, is willing to help only if they pledge loyalty to us.

The difference between gangs and the mafia is practically nothing. The only difference is population and access to materials. Materials include drugs, alcohol, and weapons. Mafias are larger and have more access. So they can do more.

"Let's get this over with," I grumbled, wanting to end this miserable time for the whole of us.

"Okay, right to it then." Dutch jested.

"As you know, we need help with the rival gang issue in Argentina. These gangs have been raping and beating our women, but it seems that the individual gangs have started to band together." Marion confesses. "Due to that, it has been impossibly hard for us to protect our own. Nothing will cost us more than what has already happened, which is why I decided to contact you, Cadence."

I keep my mouth shut and allow Dutch to inform the men of our terms.

"We can help you if you do one thing for us." Dutch started. "Pledge allegiance to us. Not only can we help you this once, but if you go through with it, we can help each other for as long as the treaty stays."

Surprisingly, Marion seemed unimpressed. Usually, after we give someone an ultimatum like this, they freak out. Some will jump to be associated with us, and others not so much.

As Marion thought our terms through, I decided to gaze around the casino once again. Many people were enjoying themselves; lucky them. Not only am I here in a fucking business meeting, but I also have to get back to Indianapolis for the Indy 500.

Turning back to Marion, I seem to have discovered his secret. His woman, maybe along with others, was hurt by these rival gangs. He has genuine hurt flowing through his eyes. That is a big no-no in this world. Never get romantically involved with a woman. It is either heartbreak or heartbreak. Death or death.