Reading Sample - "The Riders Club" Prologue

Tony Levitt dispatched one of his top security specialists to San Jose to investigate an unacceptable business disruption. It affected one of his favorite suppliers–a gang led by a skilled thief named Jerry Williams. He was one of Tony’s favorites because he sourced the ideal product, highly profitable and marketable prescription opioids. Between William’s acquisition and Tony’s distribution, they quickly made a hell of a lot of money, and Tony wanted to keep the cash flowing. His security specialist contacted Williams’s group and found a potentially deteriorating situation. Two new players in the group had attempted a takeover and were demanding more money. The underlings, in full revolt, had brought the enterprise down to its knees. And then missed last week’s shipment.

Tony was in his corner office on the twelfth floor of an old but still beautiful casino in downtown Reno. He called his security specialist, a man who used the pseudonym of Joe while on assignment. Joe answered quickly.

“Good morning, Mr. Levitt.”

“Good morning. How is your trip progressing?”

“I have the situation defined. I’m glad you called. I’d appreciate your advice on a solution.”

“Alright. Bring me up to date.”

“Two of the newer gang members who joined six months ago are muscling their way into control. They roughed up Williams, but he is still here and part of the group. However, he is not happy, and he wants out. It is a typical money and control dispute that must be corrected quickly, or it will kill the business. The new guys are confident they can run the organization.”

“Do you think they can?”

“If Williams stays, possibly. If he doesn’t, it is unlikely.”

“The new guys, how would you size them up?”

“Cocksure of themselves, ruthless and volatile; I wouldn’t want them working with us.”

“Do you think Williams could continue the operation without them?”

“Yes, but he needs to learn stronger management skills to survive.”

“Is the rest of the gang intact?”

“Yes.”

“Are they going to miss another shipment?”

“It’s going to be a close call. I’m not sure.”

“Okay, my recommendation would be a Wine and Dine. I think it will put us in a position to get up close and personal, and then resolve these problems, one way or another.”

“I like that, Boss.”

“Good, I’ll send the jet up early tomorrow. I’ll reserve three suites, set up an entertaining evening with some of our loveliest ambassadors, and comp three open accounts. We’ll give them a special evening. Then, we will meet the following morning.”

_________________

As he waited for his guests, Tony wasn’t as hopeful about the outcome of their upcoming meeting. He sat in a private conference room in a secluded corner of the fourth floor. Joe was also seated at the table, and another employee was posted in the corner.

Tony was a middle-aged man, slim and trim, with dark hair, and a hawk-like, unreadable face. He dressed in all black: suit, pants, shirt, and tie. He was a cerebral individual who made tough decisions after a great deal of thought. Tony always balanced out the long-term with the short, which was a reasonable practice when you worked outside the law’s confines. One of Tony’s most exceptional qualities was his ability to think quickly and clearly. When he gave something a great deal of thought, a great deal could take five seconds.

He was proud of his distribution company; it ran with precision and had well-received false credibility. From laptops to diamonds to drugs, Tony sold his customers quality products at below market prices. His suppliers sourced stolen products, acquired through methods of burglary or robbery, activities that could get them arrested. And sometimes, the police did get involved, and sometimes internal issues would arise that could lead to an environment of severe risk. When that happened, Tony would have days like today, when he dealt with idiots who couldn’t understand reason.

Tony had received upsetting reports that his Wine and Dine had gone astray. The two new California boys couldn’t handle their liquor and had raised hell in the casino. The men had become abusive, first to their female companions, then to a blackjack dealer who had dealt them a king when they needed a six. Joe had to step in and quiet them down, which created a broader confrontation.

Tony had suggested the Wine and Dine. He planned to introduce the new men to the scope and benefit of working with his company. Often, after spending quality time at the casino, a new appreciation of Tony and his team would develop. When that happened, cooler heads would prevail, and positive discussions ensued. After the California boys acted out last night, Tony was less confident, and he felt disrespected.

Jerry Williams was the first to show up for the meeting. He sat on the far side of the table. Williams was an interesting man in his late thirties. He was tall, slim, and blonde with several tattoos and multiple piercings. He walked with a limp, had a nasty bruise under his left eye, and another on the left side of his long neck, all aftereffects of the attempted coup. Jerry was an intelligent and usually friendly fellow, but not this morning. He sat in his chair silently with crossed arms. He intensely examined the carpet weave.

Ron and Larry, the California boys, arrived next. Their bloodshot eyes and disheveled appearance did not impress Tony. Both men were a little shy of six feet, somewhat overweight, and looked to be in their early thirties. They had long, greasy hair and heavily tattooed arms. They both eagerly poured their coffee from the carafe on the table.

After brief introductions, the meeting began.

“Gentlemen, I hope you had a pleasant evening,” Tony said.

“I turned in early,” Jerry Williams said without lifting his eyes.

Ron and Larry both snorted in contempt.

“We had a hell of a good night with those ambassadors of yours. What babes,” Larry offered.

“Well, I’m glad you had a good time, but let’s get down to business,” Tony said. “I have two main issues to discuss. First, I understand there has been a change in leadership in your organization, and second, you have missed a shipment.”

Ron and Larry both snapped their heads up like a couple of deer on alert.

“Yeah, Ron and I are in charge now,” Larry said. “There is also a change in our split. It used to be that Williams got the lion’s share of the money, and we got the scraps. We’ve corrected that. I don’t see where it is any of your damned business.”

“Missing a shipment is my business,” Tony calmly replied.

“Well, about that, if you want us to keep the drugs flowing, we need to correct our split with you too. At this point, you get half. That is too much.”

“It isn’t too much; you will never find a better deal. Don’t forget a couple of things. We have the customers; you don’t. Our product turnover is fast, and our payout is quick. With us, you’ll make more money than is possible anywhere else.”

“I don’t think you get it,” Larry said. “We are doing the dirty work, and you aren’t. You don’t deserve half. So, this is how it is going to go. Your share is changing from half to ten percent. If you want the shipments to continue, that’s the deal.” Larry puffed out his chest, and Ron snickered.

“Please take a moment to think about risk. There are two critical times in every transaction–the procurement of the goods, and their sale. At both times, you are subject to the possibility of criminal risk. When you work with us, you cut that risk in half.”

“You and I both know that is bullshit, don’t we, Tony? But since you are so good to us, putting us up last night and all, we are willing to continue with you. But your cut is going to be ten percent—final offer.”

Tony let a smile tug on the corners of his mouth, then he allowed Larry to feel his icy stare. Larry looked back with a smirk.

Tony was silent for five seconds while he looked down at his finely manicured hands. He then asked, “Before continuing, I’m curious why Jerry Williams is still working with you. Obviously, he didn’t agree to this change willingly?”

“He’s still with us, just in a much lower capacity,” Larry smiled.

“Can this organization run without him?”

“He’s with us, so it doesn’t matter,” Larry replied. “And again, who works for us is none of your business.”

“Jerry, can it?” Tony looked at Jerry Williams.

“Don’t ask him! We don’t understand why you even want him here. If you want to make a deal, talk to us,” Ron spoke up for the first time.

Tony ignored them and asked again, “Jerry, can the business operate without you?”

“It is doubtful,” Jerry replied, allowing his eyes to finally meet Tony’s.

“And can this enterprise still run without Ron and Larry?”

“Bullshit!” Larry snapped.

Tony rose to his feet, and he stroked his temples with both index fingers. He looked at Jerry. “Jerry, if you wouldn’t mind waiting outside for a moment.”

Jerry quickly stood and moved toward the door.

Ron, face red with anger, yelled, “What the hell is going on?”

Jerry opened the door and stepped out.

“You wanted the opportunity to make a deal—now is the time,” Tony replied.

To the California boy’s surprise, Tony turned and followed Jerry out of the room, securely shutting the door behind him.

Jerry raised his eyebrows when he saw Tony followed him into the hallway.

There was a startled scream, muted popping sounds, and what sounded like crashing furniture. Jerry’s face illuminated with understanding, but a flash of horror crossed his eyes.

Tony walked very close to Jerry, invading his personal space. Once face-to-face, he spoke clearly and calmly, “Mr. Williams, as of now, you are back in charge of your enterprise. Please give us a call if there are any other problems. We expect the shipments to resume immediately.”

That concluded the Wine and Dine.