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it.”
    “Correct. Make no mistake; this casino isn’t being financed by banks and billionaires. Domani handpicked this group of investors. The deals he made weren’t done with lawyers. I’m talking handshakes and titty bars, and for the last few months there hasn’t been a Bonatelli here to keep the cash flowing. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
    Caprice nodded her head. She knew how Nico and Domani handled people who didn’t keep their word.
    “We’ll go see the site and go over the contracts we actually have tomorrow. Tonight, we get these jackasses in line. Capiche?”
    “Got it.”
    Despite Pamela’s bluntness, Caprice liked her. The more she listened, it became evident that Pamela knew her shit.
    Caprice and Pamela walked side by side to the back of the restaurant to a private dining room. In similar black suits, they resembled mother and daughter. Pamela opened the door to the dining room and allowed Caprice to enter first.
    Gathered around a long table were fifteen of the wealthiest criminals in New Jersey, ranging from mid-thirties to practically Fausto’s age. They were already working on their appetizers after deciding not to wait for the women. There were no empty seats and none of them offered Pamela and Caprice a seat or a glass of wine. They continued to talk like the women weren’t even there.
    “Good evening, gentlemen,” Pamela said loudly. “Sorry we’re late. I had to get Ms. Bonatelli acquainted with the build site and the work that isn’t being done because of you all.”
    “Get over yourself, Pamela,” one of the older men said while reaching for a basket of bread.
    “Leo,” Pamela said, “carbs aren’t good for your heart. We can’t have you dropping dead before the casino is built, now can we?”
    “Where is Domani?” the old man asked.
    Pamela eyed Caprice which Caprice took as a signal to speak up. It was time for her to sink or swim. She took a few steps towards the table group of men and cleared her throat. She stared at the group of men until the silence became uncomfortable and they were forced to pay attention to the young lady standing in front of them.
    “To answer your question, Leo, my father isn’t here. But I am and that’s the extent of what you need to know. The Capri is getting built and you committed to finance this project. I expect that you will keep your word.”
    “Young lady,” the dark haired man sitting next to Leo said, “we gave our word to Domani. When he gets back from wherever he is, we’ll honor it.”
    Caprice smiled politely. “I’m sorry; I didn’t catch your name.”
    “Sergio Peretti,” he answered.
    “Nice to meet you, Sergio,” Caprice said sweetly. “What were you saying about my father?”
    “I said, our word was given to Domani, not two girls in suits. When he gets back, we’ll cough up the dough.”
    “Well, Sergio,” Caprice said, “that’s not the way it works, now is it? You gave your word to a Bonatelli and you will keep it now, not when my father returns.”
    “Tough talk coming from a broad who didn’t know who her father was until a few years ago. Word is Domani is on the run from the IRS. He may never come back.”
    Caprice stopped smiling. “My name is Caprice. You can call me whatever you want outside of this room, but it will be better for everyone if you stick to Caprice when I’m around. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter where my father is or when he’s coming back. I’m the captain of this ship now. You don’t want to play with me.”
    Sergio and a number of the other men laughed. “Is that a threat? Coming from you? A girl barely out of diapers?”
    Caprice took a deep breath and steeled herself. She was getting angry. There’s no way in hell any of them would have spoken to her father like that.
    “I don’t make threats,” she answered. “I state facts. And here are the facts. One, construction on The Capri will resume within the next seventy-two hours. Two, I will have your agreed