El Baleen stood there panting, skin glistening in the fluorescence of the restaurant. Carmine had just released his grip, his warm body drawing away from the mayor.
Miguel turned slightly, thanking the burly salesman for his quick thinking and action, grateful that the swelling in his pants was hidden from view.
More memories for lonely nights.
He smiled slightly.
"I guess I won't be trying that again" he half whispered.
"I'd suggest you don't" responded Carmine. "You O.K. to continue the meal?"
"I'll be fine. I'll just take it a little slower" Miguel said, licking his lips as he slid into the booth.
The Mayor drank a little water, the liquid cooling the bile parched tissue. 'The pleasure was worth the discomfort' he thought.
"So, I'm proposing a land swap; the house I pointed out to you for your parking lot next to my dealership. Even up. No money to exchange hands."
"Both properties are assessed at two hundred fifty thousand so there won't be any tax implications" he added.
"But that home has to be...."
"...worth a helluva lot more? Yeah. But not based on the last valuation Mayor. A lot has changed in five years."
"My lot won't bring you anywhere near what that house would bring me should I decide to sell it."
"Well, two things Miguel. First is, you're gonna sell it. I already got a buyer l lined up for you. A cash buyer. Five hundred grand. So, you walk away in a couple of months to the good of three hundred large. Second is, I'm not selling the lot. I'm keeping it. I need to expand my business."
"Yes but I hear your business..."
"...is doing well? Yes it is, and it's legitimacy is no longer your concern. But I do need a bit more cover, if you get my drift. So, there's a third thing too."
"The head of the city council, just recently voted into office, you might know him, Carlos Santino Campana, is gonna be making a proposal to award Orange County Auto Used Car, Towing, Parts & Repair an exclusive three-year no-bid contract valued at 1.35 million to become the city's sole service provider for Santa Ana's fleet of 753 vehicles. As a voting member on the board I'd like to be assured of your support."
El Baleen paused, but then the thought of cleaning up his debts and still having enough cash on hand to provide him years of gambling entertainment mollified any concerns.
"Well, it sounds like a great way for the city to streamline deliveries and reduce costs?" he offered.
"Yes. Yes, it does" agreed Carmine, raising his glass of Vang Dalat, the go-to table wine of Vietnam. The mayor lifted his glass and the two clinked.
At a nearby booth a young Frankie Hopeless rose from his table, threw down some money, nodded in the direction of Carmine LaFrenza, and, withdrawing his phone from his back pocket, exited the restaurant.
Carmine caught Miguel's eye.
"Another goi cuo?"
The Mayor was taken slightly aback but returned the gaze.
"Oh yes" he said, reaching for the translucent hefty package.
"Oh yes indeed."
YOU ARE READING
Neil Knight Private Dick
Mystery / ThrillerHe's relaxing in a hotel with his two dogs and a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon when she knocks on his door looking for help. For the next two months he connects with a hip hop record producer, a genius hillbilly coder and his MBA stripper wife...
