Roberto was led into a large room and saw Mr. Elio sitting behind a huge desk. He was whispering something into a man’s ear. About seven armed men were standing at alert in the room. Roberto saw the guns they had clearly.
“Father, Mr. Roberto Galante is here,” Diego called the attention of his father, and Elio looked at Roberto immediately.
“Roberto Galante!” He smiled widely and stood up from his chair. Roberto walked up to him and stretched his hand forth, smiling widely too. “It’s so good to see you, Mr. Elio. Happy Birthday, Sir.” Roberto congratulated him as they shook hands and embraced each other.
“It’s so good to see another Galante after so many years,” Elio said, pointing to the chair that was next to him. “I bet Giovanni is happy wherever he is that I'm present here today,” Roberto responded, and Elio giggled.
“He was my very good friend. We ruled this business world together. It's still very painful he is no more.” Elio responded.
Roberto sighed and bounced his head. “You are looking so young and healthy.” He said.
“Of course, my son, Diego, has taken up the business and has been running it well. I have time to rest.” Elio told him.
“That is good. I'm sorry I didn't bring any presents. I came here from Southampton. But I will make sure I send a present before I leave Mexico.” Roberto assured.
“You don't have to stress yourself, Roberto. I'm fine with you not bringing me a present. You honored my call, and that is the most important.” He responded. Before Roberto could respond, the door opened, and two English men dressed in black suits walked in. They carried a briefcase in their hand, and Elio exchanged looks with Roberto.
“Welcome,” Elio uttered. They got to the table and placed the briefcase on it. “Please sit,” Elio added, and they both sat.
“Good evening, sir. Here is your percentage of the money.” One of the English men with golden brown hair spoke. Elio looked at one of his armed men, and he rushed to them.
“Open it.” The armed man said to them, and they reached for the briefcase and opened it. Elio stared at his money with pride and watched his man count it in front of him.
“You said you were going to introduce us to someone. Can we do that now? We would love to be on our way soon.” The other English man with black hair uttered.
Roberto exchanged looks with Elio, and Elio grinned. “Yes. He is here already.” He pointed to Roberto, and Roberto looked at the white men. “Say something, Roberto,” Elio added, and he nodded.
“I am Roberto Galante, the son of Giovanni Galante,” Roberto uttered, feeling so proud of himself. “He is the head of the Mafia in Italy, it has always been in the family since day zero.” Elio butted in, and Roberto smiled faintly.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Roberto. I am Philip, and my friend here is Jonas.” The black-haired English man, Philip uttered.
“Nice to meet you too, Philip and Jonas,” Roberto responded, and Elio took over the conversation from Roberto.
“Why Mr. Galante is here with us today is because you have always asked me to introduce you to other Suppliers that would help you reach many people, and Mr. Balance is the only person I can trust with such work. I had worked with his father for so many years before he died. It is safe to do business with him.” Elio uttered, and the men smiled.
“Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Elio, we won't take it for granted. But we ask that we get to know Mr. Roberto Galante better before we sign any contracts with him.” Jonas uttered.
“Of course! I won't tell you to start signing up with him without carrying out your findings. Ask him whatever you want.” Elio looked at Roberto after talking, and they smiled at each other.
***
Martina became tipsy after four shots of tequila. She knew she was passing her limits, but she wanted more. This time, not for the game she had planned with Bruno and Greco, but for herself. She said to herself, “It’s been a long time since I had so much fun.”
“Martina... Martina, I think that is enough. I don't want Mr. Roberto killing you after the party. Remember, he…” “Oh please, Bruno! Stop being a joy killer. I'm yet to get drunk.” She butted in as she requested another shot of tequila.
Bruno looked at the man behind the counter, and he grinned. “You don't have to worry, Mister, she will be just fine.” He assured Bruno, making him scoff.
“You have no idea,” Bruno responded, looking at Martina, who seemed to be enjoying herself more than usual.
She took another shot, and immediately after her jigger touched the table, the Dj changed the solemn song into a hip-hop song.
“Hey... Bruno! Let's dance!” Martina yelled, and Bruno sighed. “I can't! I am the guard here, I would be killed in the twinkle of an eye if Roberto sees me dancing on duty.” He responded, and she rolled her eyes.
“You all are so dry. Fine, dancing is canceled. But, I need to pee!” She pouted her mouth as she talked. “C’mon, Martina. Can't you hold it until we are out of here? I have no idea where the restroom is around here. I haven't been here before.” Bruno told, and she shook her head.
“I can't hold it, or I will pee on myself. I’ll look for a restroom.” She uttered, standing from the chair she sat. She stood upright, but her eyes refused to open. “Martina, I can't leave here, okay? Sit back down.” Bruno said.
“No! I'll be back soon! You don't have to go with me.” She muttered as she staggered away from where he was. Bruno wasn't sure what he was supposed to do, follow her? Or stay put as Mr. Roberto always liked it.
“I need to fear, Mr. Roberto first. I hope she finds the restroom pretty soon.” He said to himself.
“You shouldn't care too much about her. She is no baby.” The man behind the counter spoke up, and Bruno looked at him and sighed. “My life is at risk if anything happens to her, okay?” He told.