Mr. D. stood tall atop the underbelly of the city. He had risen to Caporegime so long ago no one remembered a previous era. Alberto DiSibio possessed a rare combination of grace and viciousness that his current position required.

I was fortunately connected to his gracious side for our entire tenure together. I came to him with an idea for The Topaz 4 years ago. I don’t recall how I got the meeting with him, but it came shortly after my failed trip to the bank.

Tonight though, with my cash strapped predicament, I feared that his grace may melt away far too quickly for me to reinforce my value. I think he knows that only I can run The Topaz and this single troublesome matter can be worked out. Hope is a very dangerous thing.

I stepped forward, bowed slightly and extended my right hand. “So good to see you sir! Come, please, your table awaits.” I was careful not to say his name aloud. Even though everyone knew him, he detested overexposure due to indiscretion.