Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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Roberto Pianas asked his cousin Antonio for a favor. Roberto's future son in law needed some information and Roberto was sure Antonio could help him. Antonio wanted to know more about Roberto's son in law before coming to a decision. Roberto told Antonio that Coldham Fintan Noose III was engaged to his oldest daughter Frieda for five years. He was a professional burglar and had been second in command in a successful big heist, robbing a museum in Taiwan. The burglary had gained international fame due to how many valuable pieces were stolen and the audacious manner it was carried out with.
As soon as Roberto had hung up, Antonio asked his PA to send Stefano Garcia up to him. Stefano was his right hand man. "Boss?" Stefano asked when he arrived. He was nearly 7 ft tall, very muscular and mostly underestimated. People thought he had strength but no brain. In reality Stefano was highly intelligent and had been instrumental in launching a money laundering scheme and helped Antonio grow into his position.
"Find out everything about Coldham Fintan Noose III." "Okay, boss. As soon as I have the information, I'm back." "Thank you, Stefano."

About a month later Fin, as Frieda's fiancé was nicknamed, arrived at the appointed time at Antonio's office. Antonio had read the information Stefano had dug out carefully. Fin was definitely interesting and maybe similar to him. While waiting Antonio stared out of the floor to ceiling windows and over the Potomac River.
Antonio turned around his executive leather chair for a more dramatic effect. The two men studied each other. Fin looked as on the photograph Antonio had seen - tall, light ash blond with blue grey eyes. Antonio on the other side was 5 ft 9 in tall, trim, light brown haired, had almond shaped black eyes and caramel colored skin.
Antonio was all business and accordingly behaved cold and calculating. He had gained the image of ruling his arm of the mob with an iron fist. When his father Zacarias died two years earlier he had to take over the leadership in the Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia area. He had been prepared, but Antonio didn't feel ready at all and feared also that some other members of the gang or the competition tried to over topple or get rid of him. Antonio purged anyone internally he deemed a threat to his succession. On the outside he behaved strong too, so nobody dared to interfere. Privately Antonio had a very different personality.
As expected Antonio was tough and cut a deal with Fin he would have done with anybody else. Stefano had found out who had engaged Fin and if the heist was successful Fin was going to earn 20 Million USD. The psychological assessment Stefano made was that Fin was a gentleman and wouldn't cheat, if he shook hands on a deal or didn't break his word, if he promised something. On the other side Fin was a narcist. When Antonio met Fin, Frieda's fiancé didn't make the impression of being one.
As soon as Antonio got the information Fin was looking for to blackmail a nephew of a senator, he handed over the document to Fin at the Round Robin Bar. Fin also had his payment ready, which surprised Antonio. He had expected cash only when Fin had stolen the desired item. At his office he counted the sum. It was exactly 500.000 USD. Fin had kept his word. If Fin had cheated Antonio, he would have sent Stefano to deal with the issue, and it would have been most unpleasant for Fin. Since there weren't any problems, Antonio thawed and showed his private side, very few ever glimpsed. When not on business Antonio was warm, caring and lively. Besides inviting Fin to his home, he and Fin shared a passion for jazz, so Antonio took Fin to the Blues Alley, his favorite club. They had a good time and developed a long term friendship, when Fin started to trust Antonio.



©2013

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