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In his office at Caesars Palace, Tony DeMarco gazed out the large windows to the Las Vegas Strip below. A smoky haze in the air lingered from last night’s incident. He could see from this high distance the blacken corner of the Strip, still smoldering. Tony couldn’t believe how bad it looked. It made him angry to think the city he loved was attacked in such a vile way. There’s only one person who would do such a thing, Beckett.
Tony waited for those he had invited to this meeting. It was an unusual meeting with one topic, Jonas Beckett. It was also strange how these people all had ominous information to give him as if he had the answers to their problems. Each one thought they were meeting DeMarco alone. Tony decided to keep that a secret and didn’t let on to anyone who was attending.
After the destructive fires rocked the city, this meeting took on even more importance. Tony heard some disturbing news from his security team who worked closely with the police. His security chief Roger had just left after delivering his report. Tony mulled it over and spoke to himself as if he needed to hear it again.
“Preston Beckett actually turned on his father. Good for him. It’s about time that boy grew some balls and stood up to Jonas. I feel sorry for him though. Jonas is going to flip out. I hate to think what he’ll do.”
Everyone who knew Jonas also knew how manipulated Preston was by his father. If Preston turned traitor, there wasn’t anywhere he could hide from his father’s wrath. Tony could help the kid if he was sincerely turning over a new leaf. Trying to do the right thing despite the overwhelming odds was worthy of his support. Tony could only imagine what consequences Preston would face once his father found out he would testify against him. Tony paced as he tried to wrap his mind around such a situation.
“Did Jonas really step over a line to commit arson and attempted murder? It’s hard to believe even he would go that far. It’s a miracle no one was killed and more of the other Strip’s businesses caught fire. It would have been ten times worse if somehow the City Center construction site caught fire too.”
The buzzer on Tony’s intercom lit up, shaking him out of his deep thoughts.
“Yes, Stella?”
“Mrs. Graham is here, sir. Also, so is your other appointment... Councilman Graham. They came together.”
Tony hadn’t told the other about this meeting. They had contacted him separately, but now they were together. It piqued his curiosity.
“Show them to the conference room. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes, sir.”
Tony grabbed his suit coat and put it on before leaving his office. He stopped at his executive assistant’s desk. Stella had returned from seating the guests.
“Stella, when Dino gets here, send him in right away. Oh, and can we get some water and coffee?”
“Already done, Mr. DeMarco. And the bar is stocked just in case you need something a little stronger. Don’t worry, I will send Dr. Bertelli in when he gets here. Is there anything else?”
Tony grinned his approval. Stella had been with him for years like a second mother.
“Thanks. You’re the best, sweetheart.”
Stella winked. “I know. Now be a good host and don’t keep your guests waiting.”
DeMarco swung open the door and smiled graciously at Martin and Julia sitting at the conference table. They were holding hands. Tony couldn’t remember any time he saw them affectionate with each other. Now he was very curious.
“Julia, Martin, I guess you two must have talked to one another and found out you were meeting with me today. Good. Saves time with explanations.”
Tony reached out his hand to shake Martin’s and gave Julia a peck on the cheek. He sat at the head of the table after getting a cup of coffee. Julia already had gotten one for both her and Martin.
“So, we’re waiting on Dino Bertelli and Lindsay York.”
“Really? Lindsay didn’t mention it when I talked to her this morning,” Julia said.
“Well now that she and Dino are back together again this includes her too. I think we all had the same thought. After what happened last night, we need to talk. Don’t you think?” Tony asked. “I have some news you need to hear. I suspect there is more you two need to reveal as well.”
Martin and Julia glanced at one another. Thoughts raced between them, then Martin spoke.
“It’s funny how a tragedy can bring people together. For instance, Julia and I have also done a lot of talking since last night about our marriage.”
“Oh, what about if I might ask,” Tony said.
“My infidelity... it’s something we are facing together. I’ve given up that lifestyle and Julia has graciously allowed me to make amends for how I’ve treated her and brought shame to our marriage. It’ll take time for her to trust me again, but I’m committed to that goal.”
“Seriously? That’s good news.” Tony remained guarded. He leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee. “Please go on.”
Martin took a deep breath. He glanced at Julia’s soft blue eyes for her support, then back to Tony.
“I’ve confessed to her what I’m about to tell you, Tony. Things you need to know about Jonas Beckett and what I have been a party to because of my alliance with him. I’m so ashamed of what I let myself get caught up in trying to pursue my selfish desires and political career. I have so much to get off my chest, I don’t know where to start.”
“It’s best to start at the beginning,” Tony said. “How did you and Jonas hook up?”
For the next thirty minutes, Martin rambled on and on. He spoke of deals he made; city ordinances he changed to benefit Jonas. The promises Jonas made to Martin about the governorship. The more he was involved, the more Jonas had on him, using it to blackmail him into doing illegal things. Tony and Julia listened in silence.
As Martin talked about his affairs, he kept glancing at Julia, afraid of how his confessions were hurting her. Tony admired the way Julia remained calm. But the worse confession other than the confidential files, crooked finances and bribery records were the sex party tapes. Jonas had set up ‘special’ parties to get damaging videos of business owners and political officials cavorting with hookers. He blackmailed them with the tapes into agreeing to his terms in any deals. Those terms were always in Jonas’ favor. Suddenly, Tony stopped him.
“Are you saying Jonas has this all on tape? Damn! No wonders he got what he wanted from people I thought would never do business with him. Where are these files and tapes now? At his office downtown?”
“Jonas never uses his business office for his crooked deals. The tapes are in a safe behind his desk, at his house. He has encrypted files on his personal computer. Think of it, Tony, all the lives those damn tapes and files could destroy. I know what it will do to my career.” Martin turned to Julia. “I know what it could do if Julia ever saw my tape. I never want that shame to come out. I couldn’t bear to see Julia hurt.”
“You should have thought of that before you took part in one of Jonas’ parties. Instead, you thought no one would find out. It’s just a little naughty fun and you deserve some fun. All men do it.” Tony’s tone was sarcastic and accusing. There are some flaws only men understand. “I’ve heard these flimsy excuses more times than I want to count. I admit I’ve even used them myself. It’s not a problem if no one gets hurt. Am I right?”
Humbly, Martin nodded his head yes.
“There is always a price to pay for sin. I learned that the hard way. If I’m going to live my life with honor, then I can’t make excuses for my bad behavior. I have to change it. It doesn’t matter how secret you kept it; God saw you. If you can’t do the right thing when no one is watching Martin, why should anyone trust you? Why should I?” Tony’s serious eyes glared at Martin.
Martin hung his head. “I know I should have never participated. I forgot all about the marriage vows I took. I have no excuse.”
“You’re right, you can’t give me or your wife any excuse to justify what you did. It’s all on you. You screwed up royally, Martin. The damage is done, but it’s not the end. You can start over. I did and I’ve never looked back. Now it’s up to you. Together, you and Julia can fix your marriage as long as there is mutual respect and lots of love.”
Martin glanced at Julia wanting to see forgiveness in her eyes. Julia gave him a tiny smile. She was hurt but she wanted to start over. Martin reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. They started down a long road to recovery, together.
Tony cleared his throat to get the couple’s attention back on track.
“Let’s move on. The reason we are here today is Jonas Beckett. I want to bring to light all the crooked deals he’s made. He needs to be stopped. His reign of terror in this city has to end. Do his secret files contain anything else besides sex tapes?” Tony asked.
Martin resumed his professionalism and answered with eagerness. He was on DeMarco’s side now.
“Yes, Tony, much more. He keeps a double set of books and he launders his money through other people’s businesses he has forced into giving him access. He’s got many shell companies and offshore bank accounts too. That way, if something goes wrong, there is no way to trace it back to him. It’s quite an ingenious way of making money without getting your hands dirty in crooked deals. Those men who are in his files also pay him blackmail money to keep the sex tapes quiet.”
“Did you pay him money, Martin?” Julia asked.
“Worse. I did his dirty work for him as a city councilman. When he saw what advantage it was to have me in his back pocket Jonas included me in some of his deals, paying me under the table. All the while taping everything in his home office. That’s why he always wanted me to meet him there. I’m up to my eyeballs in corruption as bad as a dirty politician can get. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m looking at prison.”
Tony rubbed his chin, thinking. This was an amazing tale, but one he wasn’t surprised at in this town. Often the center of backroom deals, organized crime and shady characters, Las Vegas had its share and more. Tony hoped once the corporations moved in and bought up the casinos, things like this would stop. Instead, it went underground and out of sight. The wicked of Sin City flourished still. He had been involved once but pulled himself out before it became a lifestyle. Tony worked hard to live down his tough, hardcore guy facade that hid a sad and lonely life. He changed into a respectable, honest businessman with a loving family.
Martin Graham and others like him looking for a quick money-making deal and cheap thrills in a town where anything goes, fell victim to the snake in the grass... Jonas Beckett. It was time to capture that snake and take away its fangs.
Tony spoke after several minutes of quiet. “Prison is most definitely in your future Martin unless you cut a deal. I’ve just learned our new district attorney is looking to open a full-scale investigation into Jonas Beckett. If that’s the case, your testimony could be quite helpful.”
“No kidding? I’ll do whatever the DA wants.” Martin turned from Tony to Julia. “I just don’t want to do anything to hurt you, darling.”
Julia patted her husband’s cheek. “Don’t worry about me. I’m a strong woman. Isn’t that what you love about me. If we can put an end to Jonas Beckett’s empire, I’m all in.”
Tony slapped his hand down on the desk. “Good! I’ll contact the DA’s office and set up a meeting.”
Martin looked scared. Tony told him not to worry because the councilman had his support and would go with him to the DA. Julia vowed to be right by her husband’s side.
There was a slight rap at the door and Stella peaked in.
“Sir, Dino and Lindsay are here.”
“Good! Send them in.”
“Why are they here, Tony?” Julia asked.
“Because they have their own story to tell about Jonas Beckett. I think you’ll find this quite interesting.”
Tony rose from his chair to greet Dino and Lindsay. They were surprised to see Julia and Martin already here. Tony explained why and reassured them everyone was on the same team.
Over the next hour, Dino told his side of the story about Preston. Lindsay talked about her father and the deal she made to marry Preston. Julia and Martin were in awe at what these two people had been through.
“So, you see, all of you, including myself, have felt the strangling hold Jonas has on us and our city. It’s time to end that hold, but we must do it together. I might be able to take him on, but not you guys. We’re stronger together,” Tony told the group.
DeMarco grabbed a folder and opened it. “I have some more news. I just got this report from my security chief. He does all my research and background checks. I insist on it. Roger was in touch with his connections in the police department and found out what happened with Preston Beckett after they arrested him.”
“I think Lindsay and I already know,” Dino spoke up. “But please proceed Tony. Let’s hear what you have.”
Tony looked sideways at him. “Yes, you would know since I got this from Sergeant Monroe. Roger included your statements to the police. Like I said, I make it my business to know.”
“What is it, Tony? What did Preston do?” Julia asked.
“He grew a pair of balls. Preston finally found the courage to break from his father.”
“Really?” Lindsay asked. “I hope so and it’s not just a vain attempt to get his father to approve of him.”
“I don’t think his father will ever forgive him for this. No, Preston made a very sincere and mature decision,” Tony said. “He told the truth. As you know, the truth shall set you free.”
Tony read the report to a captive audience hanging onto every word. When Tony mentioned Mad Dog Lucius, Martin jumped out of his chair.
“Holy shit! I know that bastard!”
Tony stopped reading. All eyes turned to Martin.
“Care to explain, Martin? How do you know him?” Tony asked calmly. He leaned back in his desk chair, putting one leg over the other.
Graham resumed his seat. He had only told Julia about his experience with Lucius and the boot licking humiliation Jonas put him through. Martin glanced at his wife and she gave him a go-ahead nod.
“Tell them, Martin. Tell them what Jonas and that despicable thug did to you.” Julia looked around the room at wondering faces. “I’m sure no one will condemn you or think less of you. We’re among friends.”
Martin put his head down, unable to look at anyone. He explained how he knew Lucius and what Jonas did to him. The room was eerily silent as everyone imagined in their own minds how they’d feel if that happened to them. Tony sat up in his chair and leaned forward. Speaking only to Graham, he broke the silence with his baritone voice.
“Martin, look at me.”
Martin raised his head. For a few moments, his eyes stared into Tony’s. It was hard to look away, an almost mesmerizing hold. DeMarco had a way of using his commanding look to convey both trust and fear.
“Martin, I didn’t hear a word you said. Neither did anyone else in this room. What Jonas did to you is appalling and cruel. As they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well, the same goes for my office. Now put it behind you and go on.”
Martin pursed his lips together and nodded his head. No one would speak of it again.
Dino felt awful for Martin, but it wasn’t as if Graham hadn’t put himself in that position by working for Jonas. Still, no one deserved that. Dino cleared his dry throat as if he wanted to speak.
Tony’s eyes shot over at him. “Yes? Got something to say, Dino?”
“Well, I was just wondering what we should do for now?” Dino asked. “Jonas will not go down without a fight. We all could be in danger.”
“Oh, trust me, he’s going to fight with everything he has. It’ll be hell around here. Once we start talking to the DA, he’ll go after us no holds barred. I’m sure all our dirty laundry will be on display for the whole city to see. I hope you’re prepared for that because it won’t be pretty. My advice is not to deny it. It’ll only make matters worse. What you have to convey, and I include myself in this, is how you have changed. You want to do the right thing now. In the meantime, take care of those near to you.” Tony pointed a finger at Dino. “I’m counting on you to watch out for Hank and Lindsay. Keep them safe.”
“Will do. Mark and Peter will want to help too.”
“Fine, the more the better.” Tony turned to address Martin and Julia. “You two need to show a united front. Show this city you condemn the actions of Jonas. It’s the only way you survive this with some shred of dignity.”
“Will do Tony. You’ve got my word,” Martin said. Julia nodded her head in agreement.
“It’s my opinion our best hope is the new DA’s investigation. I met Raul Martinez at a cocktail party celebrating his win. He ran for office on a law-and-order platform, vowing to end the corruption in Vegas. I told him I’d help anyway I could. I hope that wasn’t all talk on his part.”
“I don’t think it was a phony political promise,” Martin said. “I’ve heard excellent things about Raul too. A smart, young guy, Harvard grad and eager to make a name for himself. Busting Jonas Beckett’s empire would be quite a gold star on his resume. I know what it means to be hungry when you’re starting out in politics.”
“If we can contact some of those other businesses Jonas has his hooks into and get them to talk, that’s even better. Martin, can you work on that end of it?”
“You bet, Tony. I know some of them, not all but those I do know they hate Jonas with a passion. They might be willing to talk if they have some protection from him.”
“I bet that could be arranged. Go for it. Contact them. If you need my help, let me know. I’ve probably done business with most of them.”
“If they think you’re all in on this Tony, they might be willing to help. They respect you,” Martin said.
“What about Preston?” Julia asked. “He lit a fire when he talked to the police. If I know Jonas and if he knows what his son did, I guarantee Preston is in real trouble. I’ve never liked the guy, just a spoiled kid, but we have to help him. He’s going to be as lost as a lamb in the woods without Daddy.”
“Preston’s change of heart and willingness to come clean on what he knows about his father is the most crucial thing we have going for us. I want to talk to Preston. I have a feeling he needs direction right now. He’s never been without someone controlling him. He needs our help and support. Preston is the key to this entire investigation. We all have some part in it, but he knows it all.” Tony said.
Lindsay answered him. “Preston is no dummy. He’s smart but lacks any confidence to be his own man. His father will get to him, scare him into doing what he wants. It won’t be pretty either.” Lindsay then addressed Martin. “What Jonas put you through is a walk in the park to what he will do to Preston. I promise you that. Preston will take back everything he said to the police and blame you instead.”
“I agree with her. Jonas has no heart and Preston is weak,” Martin said. “The sooner you talk to him, Tony, the better. Give Preston a safe place and do it soon.”
Immediately, Tony picked up his desk phone’s receiver. “No problem. I’ve got the safest place in town. What’s his number?”