Page 26 of Wicked Truths
What’s the point of me being here if they aren’t going to answer a simple question?
“I need to know, so I don’t fuck up during interviews. We need to let the community know that we aren’t the hardened criminals they painted us to be.”
Once again, neither of them speaks. I grab another doughnut and try to resist the urge to get up and walk out of this meeting.
Changing tactics, I start with the businesses I know about.
“The shipping business is a legit professional company, and so is the apartment complex. You are trying to better the community and build a life for yourself outside of the one you left behind in New York. Also, you want to leave a successful empire for your children.”
Joey scoffs. “That’s a lie, and you know it.”
“You don’t think Daddy wants to build a life down here? You don’t think Daddy wants to leave his successful companies to you? To us? So that we can have great futures.”
He rolls his eyes. “Well, that part is true, but the rest isn’t.”
Glaring at him, I say, “Sure, we might dabble in some gray areas, but as a whole, the shipping company does legit business.”
“Maybe a legit criminal business that’s completely illegal.”
Of course, he’s being sarcastic. He always is. I glance toward Dad for answers, since Joey isn’t helping.
“Joseph, keep the jokes to yourself and let her do her job. She’s trying to ease the public’s concerns about our family.”
Dad gestures for me to continue.
Taking a deep breath, I continue. “We provide goods to the community. We deliver food and supplies to the restaurants in town. The apartments are a legal investment, and a way to build team morale.”
It doesn’t matter that part of the shipping business also sells and delivers guns and drugs.
It doesn’t matter that the Sharks are probably going to become part of a large money laundering scheme.
In general, all the businesses conduct legal transactions. The apartment has real renters. The Savannah Sharks employ not only the players but also the staff to run the events. And the shipping company transports cargo both nationally and internationally.
Joey interrupts my thoughts. “There’s also the club downtown.”
I sit up straighter in my chair. “What club?”
They haven’t mentioned a club before now. Is this a newpurchase as well or something they acquired a while ago and just happened to forget to fill me in?
Dad narrows his eyes and glares at Joey before turning his glare on me. “You don’t have to worry about that. My name isn’t listed on any of the paperwork for the club, so it won’t come up if reporters search for me.”
That doesn’t sound too convincing. There has to be more to this story.
“But you contribute to the club? Financially, I mean?”
Dad bounces his head from side to side while shrugging. “I guess you could say I contribute in a way, but it’s your Uncle Tony’s place. Let’s not dwell on that.”
Dad only acts like this when something serious is going on.
An awkward silence fills the air. The only sound is Joey chomping down on a doughnut.
They are keeping me out of the loop, again, like they always have. If the club truly belongs to Uncle Tony, then I’ll just ask him. He’s never lied to me before, so I don’t think he’d lie about owning a club.
Uncle Tony let me contribute and be a part of the team. Hell, the few times I came home over the past two years, I worked secret jobs for Uncle Tony.
Dad clears his throat. “There’s actually something I need to share with you, Francesca. There’s been a change in the ranks. We have added someone who has been extremely beneficial to the family since you’ve been gone.”
“Who?”