The Architect of the Desert
The benefits of placing the executive branch under the jurisdiction of the Chicago Outfit weren't limited to just putting a leash on the syndicate.
Since this organization would eventually encompass the entire syndicate, its members would inevitably be a mix of all the families. The important thing was that they would all be gathered in Chicago.
The fact that I could recruit them now that they were permanent residents of Chicago, or at the very least maintain contact to consistently gather intelligence on other families, was a factor I certainly couldn't ignore.
And.
“Well, now that the uncomfortable talk is over, let’s get back to some interesting business.”
Now, it was time to give the leashed dogs a bone.
Clap!
As I clapped my hands, the five gazes converged on me. I continued with a smile.
“Our boss brought this up once back in Atlantic City, but since some of you weren't there, I’ll explain it again. To put it simply… it’s about building our city in the desert.”
I explained the city of pleasure that would bloom in the desert: Las Vegas.
There was no need to be long-winded. The point was simple:
1. The state of Nevada will legalize gambling.
2. Therefore, let’s build plenty of casinos and resorts in advance and reap the rewards.
“I’ve already aligned our interests with a few gangs in the West. But if we only divide the spoils of such a massive business in the West, wouldn't that hurt the brotherhood? That’s why I’m making this proposal to you, my brothers, right here.”
“Well… even if we set aside the possibility of that happening later, I’m concerned that if we truly invest, it might infringe upon the interests of the West.”
The one who asked the question after hearing my proposal was Tommy Lucchese, the underboss of the Lucchese family.
“I’m worried you might change your tune later on.”
“That won’t happen.”
If that were the plan, I wouldn't have made the proposal in the first place. If things went that way, the syndicate itself would become meaningless, which would be a loss for me as well.
Besides.
“This city will be a neutral zone for every gang.”
Pulling the center of the syndicate, which was currently skewed toward New York, out toward the West. That was the reason I had conceived the Las Vegas project.
“Any gang belonging to the syndicate should be able to participate in the investment, and no one should stop them.”
If someone tried to block the investment just to stir up trouble, it would obviously lead to annoying complications.
“Of course, the same goes for disputes between gangs. No matter what relationship you have with one another, there must be no conflict within this city. If there is, we’d be cutting open the belly of the goose that lays the golden eggs with our own hands.”
It’s already hard enough to get people to visit the desert; would customers come if gangs were shooting at each other?
These things need to be set in stone from the start to prevent problems before they arise.
“It will cost quite a lot of money. Our Chicago Outfit will also be pouring most of our resources into this. However, you will certainly be able to reap profits far exceeding your investment.”
“Hmm….”
Aside from Luciano, it didn't look like anyone else was particularly interested.
“Then, I would like the Chicago Outfit to set an example first. We will participate after that.”
“We will participate. As we saw last time, it looks like a pretty decent plan.”
“We are….”
In the end, of the five families, only Luciano, who had shown interest since Atlantic City, gave a firm commitment to invest.
“You can decide on the investment at your leisure. Just remember that the longer you wait, the less profit you will see.”
I had expected this much, so I moved on to the next topic.
“And, the Chicago Outfit would like to request one thing from you all.”
“A request, that’s interesting. What is it?”
“You are well aware of General Electric and Westinghouse.”
In our last meeting, the two companies had rejected my proposal to sell their shares of RCA. They were likely calculating that since the stock price had already hit rock bottom due to the lawsuits, they could sell for a higher price if they just held on a little longer.
In that case.
“If you all move the unions associated with those two companies, the Chicago Outfit is prepared to pay a sufficient price.”
We need to break the floor, don't we?
The meeting at the committee lasted for three days. Although only six families were gathered here, the syndicate would eventually bind every gang in the United States together. Because there was so much to handle in advance and so many businesses to conduct together in the future, the meetings were bound to be long.
“Then, we will conclude the meeting here. Next time, let’s not make it a committee meeting, but a gathering of all the organizations in the United States.”
With Luciano’s final words, the meeting ended after three days, but I still had work to do.
“Mr. Nitti, how have you been lately?”
It was time to move my golden boy, who had finished his mission in New York, once again.
“Things have been quite leisurely since the war ended. I’ve handed over most of the milk business to Luciano’s side as well. Thanks to that, I’ve been following our kid around to watch performances.”
“It seems you’re doing well.”
“From what I hear while going around, they say he’s talent on par with Louis Armstrong. How did you know, Consigliere?”
“Well, it’s a hunch.”
In truth, I have a tin ear and don't know much about music, but I couldn't exactly tell him I saw it on the internet in my past life, could I? Regardless, it seems he spent his time in New York quite well.
In that case.
“Mr. Nitti.”
“Yes.”
“Come back to Chicago.”
It’s about time I put him to work.
“…Wasn't I supposed to stay here until I died?”
“The East is no longer our jurisdiction. In such a situation, remaining in New York could unnecessarily cause misunderstandings with the New York families.”
It wasn't our jurisdiction to begin with, but it’s only natural that if we want our rights to the West to be recognized, we must also recognize the territory they hold. Having a high-ranking executive of an organization like ours—my golden boy—remain in New York to conduct business could be interpreted as encroaching on their territory.
There’s no need to stir up trouble for no reason, not yet.
“…Then what about the kid?”
“I’ve already talked to them. The current business will be maintained on the condition that we take a portion of the profits. Of course, there will be the inconvenience of traveling back and forth between Chicago and New York.”
“That’s a relief.”
By the way, seeing him worry about the kid, he seems to have grown quite fond of him. Was he always this kind of person?
“Then, what will I be doing in Chicago?”
“Among the items decided by the committee, there is something called the Executive Branch.”
I explained the Executive Branch briefly, then continued.
“Please take charge of the operation of the Executive Branch.”
“…Me?”
“As I explained earlier, the committee is what moves the organization. What Mr. Nitti needs to do is manage the resources of the Chicago Outfit so that the Executive Branch can be maintained.”
“…Even so, it doesn't sound like an ordinary job.”
“This is a safety device to ensure the organization’s rights to the West are guaranteed. Do you understand what that means?”
“I’ll need to create a few loopholes, so that the committee’s enforcement can be suspended for reasons of force majeure.”
“Good.”
As expected, I love that he’s quick on the uptake. Even if he does have a foul temper.
“Then, I’ll see you in Chicago.”
“…Thank you for calling me back, Consigliere.”
I left the hotel, leaving the golden boy bowing behind me.
“Let’s head to the station.”
“Yes, Consigliere.”
Now, it’s time to go home.
Life after returning to Chicago from New York was quite peaceful. It was enough to handle the company work that had piled up while I was traveling between the West and New York, and at the same time, check on the status of the National Assembly, which was acting as our organization’s laundry, to ensure there were no problems with the organization’s cash flow.
Of course, the most important task was separate from that.
“Kyaaa!”
“Jay, is it fun?”
“Baba.”
“Oh my, our baby. How can you be so pretty?”
Seeing Jay nodding his head while watching the giant tropical fish in the arms of Rita, a smile naturally formed on my lips. Jay certainly inherited Rita’s looks; he really is handsome.
“Honey, why don't you tell me I’m pretty?”
It was then that Rita made a pouty face.
“Rita, you’re always pretty. If I keep complimenting you, you’ll get tired of it.”
“Well, that’s true, but….”
“Oh, a shark!”
“Where, where?”
“Da-da-da!”
Fortunately, as I pointed my finger at the shark that had appeared just in time, Rita and Jay’s gazes moved away from me. Thank you, shark. You saved me, so I’ll make sure to contribute to the aquarium’s feed budget.
By the way, they said this was the largest aquarium in the inland region, and it really is huge.
The place I was visiting was the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, which had opened its doors last month. To the people of Chicago, who were used to seeing only the freshwater fish of the Great Lakes, this massive aquarium—the newspaper said it contained a million gallons of seawater brought in by train from Florida—was a new hot spot.
Perhaps because of that, even now, less than a month after opening, it was so popular that people were coming from states other than Illinois to visit. If I hadn't donated a thousand dollars to the aquarium as soon as I returned and received a sponsor badge, I would still be standing in line outside in this scorching sun.
As I was wandering around with my family, looking at the fish in the tanks, we entered the deep-sea fish exhibit.
“…Huh?”
Why is that person here?
An old man was peering into a tank filled with glowing jellyfish, standing next to a man who appeared to be his secretary. I was already acquainted with him.
“Rita, I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Yes?”
“I know someone, so I’ll be right back. Keep looking around.”
I left Rita, who had a puzzled expression, and approached the old man.
“Hello, sir.”
“The master is currently concentrating.”
As I approached the old man and offered a greeting, the secretary tried to stop me, but.
“Hmm?”
The old man, wearing an ear trumpet—a manual hearing aid—in one ear, looked at me with a pleased expression.
“Who is this? Isn't this the young man I met in Florida?”
“Chicago is my hometown. I didn't expect to meet you here.”
“Ah, I see. When you get old, your memory gets fuzzy. Regardless, it’s good to see you.”
Toward the old man who was offering a handshake, I smiled and grasped his wrinkled hand.
“It is a pleasure to see you here as well, Mr. Edison.”
Thomas Alva Edison.
It was the name of the old man who was called by various titles, including inventor, businessman, and con artist.