Page 64 of Degrees of Power
“Katarina, some people won’t think very much of the business I’ve invested most of our capital into. I can only hope that you’re good with it,” he says.
“It has to be better, tell me,” I urge.
“The money will be invested in two large casinos on the Las Vegas strip this year and with two more anticipated the following. We were able to find prime property and will soon be in the process of building what will be known as Larussio Lane.”
“Wow! So, maybe I should share a little bit of information with both of you at the same time,” I say, watching Chase who raises his eyebrows in question.
“You know Jenny hasn’t been well lately and that her business means the world to her. It was started with money that her father left her and it will be the legacy to her future family. Dad, it means as much to her as your legacy does to you. She financially takes care of her parents, siblings and their children much of the time. Unfortunately, she’s not well, and I’ve been overseeing her accounts and plan to continue to do so until she’s better,” I say, averting my eyes from Chase’s gaze.
“You’re aware of the consulting work for the demolition of the other properties and design of The Larussio that I’ve requested of Torzial?” my father asks.
“Not only aware, but will be in charge of all of the accounts until she returns,” I say, feeling proud of Jenny’s trust in me.
“I’m not sure what to say. The firm came highly recommended, obviously Chase can’t say enough about your work, and the Houston outcomes have caught the country’s attention. Torzial is making a name for itself in consulting circles outside of design, as well, so I hired them. I hope you realize I wasn’t aware you would be personally responsible,” he says.
“No, I realize that. I just needed to get this out there, make sure you don’t have any issues with conflict of interest or anything else,” I say.
“I don’t have any issues except that you already have more than a full time job. How are you going to manage both?” my father asks.
“In all honesty, I’m hoping that I don’t have this charge for very long. I’d like nothing better than for Jenny to get well and be able to take back the reins very soon, but until she can I need to do this. She’s my best friend and I’m going to be there for her, until she can,” I say.
“Chase, you’ve been pretty quiet. Any conflicts or issues we need to discuss related to Katarina’s involvement with Torzial and our buildings?” Carlos asks.
“Outside of the hours that Katarina will need to work? Carlos, it sounds as though she’s given this a great deal of thought and is committed to ensuring Jenny’s legacy remains in tact while she’s ill. I can’t think of anything that she doesn’t have the capability to manage and would be delighted for her to handle both The Larussio and Prestian Towers accounts,” Chase says.
“So a couple questions that I have. Have you shared this with Mom and how are you intending to work through your uncle and brothers’ reluctance in selling?” I ask.
“Katarina, I’m going to be honest with you. I didn’t anticipate any aversion from my uncle. The families have always been close, but kept the various businesses separate. I need to pull a family meeting together and let them know the intent is to ensure they have the income they are accustomed to, but far richer and legitimate. I’ve worked years toward that goal. Don’s father took that path many, many decades ago and while I appreciate the life that my father left for us, I want part of the legacy for my future family to be legitimacy,” he says.
“Dad, I think it’s wonderful and I’ll help in any way that I can with the designs and you’ve got Torzial Consulting backing you. You haven’t shared any of this with Mom though, have you?” I ask.
I can hear the heavy sigh. “No, I haven’t yet. I was hoping to have it all sealed up before I told her but we need to get through the family’s aversion first,” he says.
“So for the record, Mom and I have never kept secrets and this is going to be a strain for me. Do whatever you need to do to fix this and tell her. I can’t even imagine how ecstatic she will be to learn what you’ve shared with me today. I don’t understand why you’re leaving her out of helping,” I say.
“Katarina, she left, walked right out, disappeared from the face of the earth carrying my child because of my lifestyle. There’s no part of me that wants to bring her remotely close to this until I can look her in the eye and tell her that we live legitimately. I just need a little time,” he says.
“I understand, Dad and I’m glad that you cared enough to share it with me. Do what you have to do and let me know how I can help. In the meantime, I saw your email and have been researching the property for The Larussio. I have several lean consultants that will be assigned to the job and will begin identifying key stakeholders. They will identify the ultimate customer experience, and then we’ll lay plans for design around that,” I say.
“You don’t know how happy it makes me to have you working on this project,” Carlos says.
“Last thing Dad, why sell to Vicenti instead of your uncle?” I ask.
“Katarina, if I sell to your uncle my younger brothers will align and they will continue the cycle of criminal activity. Our families can have greater prosperity through casinos and the legal businesses associated with them. If I sell to Vicenti, it’s done. I want to take all of the money and reinvest in the casinos to ensure our future,” he says.
“One last question. Does Alfreita have anything to do with your plans, Dad? I mean he and Uncle Tony wanted to take over the entire market. He’s still out there,” I say.
“Katarina, Chase may be in a better position to answer your questions,” he says.
I look at Chase and his eyes are hooded and controlled, not giving anything away. “Chase, tell me,” I say, squeezing his hand.
“Thanks, Carlos. I appreciate you allowing me to share the story, but there are pieces that you may need to fill in,” he says, watching me, his eyes never wavering.
“You sure you want to do this now?” Carlos asks.
“Yes, I want Katarina to know everything, no secrets, right or wrong, good or bad. She needs to know. Jay and I had a long conference call this morning.
“It would seem the indictment last year was just another contrived way to bring shame to the Prestians. The night on Alfreita’s yacht last year was not what it appeared. Jay has reason to believe that my presence was a preplanned and a well-laid-out attempt to indict me for the largest drug seizure in the area. Tony and Alfreita thought it would serve both of their purposes. I would be in prison and my father would be devastated, and Tony would discredit Vicenti’s product in an effort to take over the market,” Chase says.
