American variety show: The Godfather, the Peace Ambassador, what the heck?

Chapter 94 The Godfather and the Gunshot

Having dealt with Gallo's troubles, the next few days passed peacefully until the mass rally.

Pro kept his promise and opened up a few cities in New Jersey to Luca's gasoline company, allowing local gas stations to operate. Truck drivers traveled between New York and New Jersey, and the gasoline tax business was able to spread.

But this guy was secretly investigating the true nature of the gasoline tax business, asking truck drivers if Luca's gasoline had been tampered with in any way, to make money by producing substandard gasoline.

Seeing his "curiosity," Luca subtly revealed his business the night before the public meeting, stating that his weekly profits in just two boroughs of New York City were in the seven figures.

This feigned indifference completely whetted Pro's appetite, making his eyes practically green with envy.

This is incredibly profitable!

A week of his work is almost equivalent to several months of mine!
We absolutely have to get involved!
Luca didn't refuse. "When the business expands to New Jersey, we can cooperate more deeply. New Jersey is such a vast market with thousands of gas stations. Pro, just wait and see how much money you make!"

The two sides reached a cooperation agreement in a very pleasant manner. Faced with Luca's enthusiasm, Pro was overjoyed and successfully raised the bond to the superficial "friends" level.

For a greedy person, bonds that can be bought with money are not worth Luca's effort to cultivate.

That evening, after leaving the club, they hadn't driven far when Pro excitedly started talking to Fitz about the gasoline tax business. "Fitz! This is a golden opportunity to make a fortune! We absolutely must take over the pigeon business!"

Everyone else is just trying to get a piece of the pie, but you're directly stealing business. Fitz said with difficulty, "That Pigeon guy isn't exactly a soft-hearted fellow."

"I don't care about New York State, but in New Jersey, on my turf, I have to dominate the gas station business!"

Pro sneered, "Only by controlling the truck drivers can we have the power to speak! Anyone can open a gas station? Anyone can register a gas company? But without truck drivers who drive tanker trucks, no one can do this business! Fitz, our union is the key!"

Fitz didn't want to offend anyone, so he whispered, "We can do what we want, but it's best not to block Pigeon's path. He's willing to share his business opportunities with us."

"Of course, we'll leave him a little soup; after all, I'm not a heartless person."

Pro spread his hands nonchalantly, "Such a big business is beyond the control of Pigeon and Marigio; it needs a senior like me to take charge."

Fitz: "."

The next day.

In early November.

Lincoln Center, New York.

The public rally that all of New York City was watching arrived as scheduled.

This was a celebration for the Italians, but also a farce that gave the authorities a major headache.

Early in the morning, David and McLean arrived at the conference venue with their brothers to set up security measures in case of any unexpected situations.

With so many gangsters and civilians mixed together, who knows what kind of accident might happen?

The orders from above were to prevent the meeting from causing riots, and to use violence to suppress the gang members if necessary.

"Did you have a good time traveling with your wife and kids?" David asked Old Mai with a smile.

Since the initial reconciliation that day, McLean took a few days off to spend time with his wife and children, and only returned to work yesterday.

"Not bad," McLean chuckled. "We went to Miami, the weather there is warm, much more comfortable than New York!"

"I really envy you." David sighed. His wife was pregnant and resting, so they hadn't been on a long trip in a long time.

The two men walked around the conference venue, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

"What exactly is the Mafia trying to do? They've made such a big fuss and attracted so many citizens. Do they want to run for councilor?"

David observed the bustling scene around him and grumbled, "It's hard to imagine what New York will be like if Colombo really becomes a member of parliament."

"He has so many supporters, if he really wants to run for office, he might actually have a chance."

David gazed at the stage in the distance. The conference had not yet begun, and the stage was empty, but a "leader" would soon appear.

"What if it's a pigeon?" David asked with a smile. "He's also a member of the Mafia, and he's been elected as a member of parliament."

“No one is good enough.” McLean shook his head. “The Mafia has already interfered in a lot of things, but if a Mafia member has to come to power, I’d rather it be the Dove. The Dove is definitely better than Colombo.”

David thought so too; if that situation really occurred, pigeons would undoubtedly be a better choice.

While the two were chatting and patrolling, a Black photographer with a camera swaggered past them and walked into the bustling conference venue.

The scene was filled with advertisements and signs from major sponsors and suppliers, and reporters from various media outlets set up their cameras to record this world-renowned moment.

Celebrating Italians paraded through the streets, holding signs or banners and shouting how wonderful it was to be Italian.

One after another, Mafia bosses arrived at the scene. These were all people who were close to Colombo, such as some gang leaders and second bosses of the Colombo family, the second boss of the Gambino family, Pro of the Genovese family, the big boss of the Bufalino family, and so on.

But there are very few big bosses in New York families.

Some older Mafia bosses dislike such high-profile and ostentatious gatherings, and even more so, they prefer to remain hidden in the shadows. They won't appear in public at these events, but they will attend the private banquets that follow.

"Oh, so many familiar faces."

Inside a black sedan parked on the street, Luca, holding binoculars, observed the situation around the stage. He even spotted the mastermind behind the original plot of the gasoline tax business—Mike Francis.

He's still a young, fresh-faced guy, and hasn't even taken the blood oath to join the Colombo family yet, but he's got good relationships with a lot of Mafia members because his dad is the second-in-command.

This is a true second-generation black kid.

Luca smiled faintly. This guy was probably the most money-making mafia boss, but unfortunately, he had taken over the business ahead of time, and he wouldn't have such an opportunity again.

Without the gasoline tax, perhaps this guy won't go to jail for betrayal? Or will he discover other new ways to make money? I wonder if, in the distant future, he'll still have the chance to share his experiences in the Mafia with netizens online.

"Jimmy, let's go back to the club. We still have to go back and entertain our guests," Luca said to Jimmy in the driver's seat. On the day of the conference, many gang leaders chose to hold their banquets at the SSR Club.

This was at the request of the Lucchese family boss, and Gambino agreed. Many gang members who had visited the club also felt that SSR Club was a peaceful place where they could sit down, chat, and drink.

SSR Club is temporarily closed today to cater to various mafia members.

Carlo Gambino, who rarely appears in public these days, entered the club's doors accompanied by bodyguards and Victor.

As soon as he entered, Gambino noticed that the atmosphere here was so peaceful and beautiful that even his gradually weakening heart felt a sense of comfort, relaxation and joy.

Victor helped Gambino along slowly. "Am I right? This place is more suitable for you to retire than your home."

“Not bad, why don’t you give it to me?” Gambino laughed. “I’ll trade you an estate.”

“This is not my property, it belongs to Luca the Pigeon, he is a member of our family.”

“Luca? I know him. I’ll bring him over to meet you later.”

Gambino said.

Gotti's death was related to Luca, who of course knew this renowned peace ambassador.

The group arrived at the banquet hall, where a large screen was broadcasting live footage of the mass rally.

Along his journey, Gambino had to earn the respect and admiration of all the Mafia members, regardless of their status.

Other people's nicknames are all over the place, like fat guy, skinny guy, big chin, but Gambino's nickname is "Don".

When Luca arrived at the club and learned that Gambino wanted to see him, he was somewhat surprised.

Opinions on Gambino, this legendary figure, are mixed, but no one dares to object to the achievements and glory he has brought to his family.

Even a madman like Joe Gallo has to bow his head in humility and even use Gambino as a source of pride.

Luca only knew that Gambino barely appeared in any of the original movie plots, merely serving as a background character. He also knew that Gambino would die of heart failure, passing away from illness, and not in prison—a relatively peaceful end for any Mafia boss.

Without the camera, there's no skill involved, but Luca, whether out of status or out of respect as a junior, still had to meet this legendary godfather.

As Luca walked into the hall, many Mafia members greeted him warmly, and even the wives or sisters of many Mafia members looked at this excessively handsome young man with great admiration.

Under the watchful eyes of many, Luca walked to the innermost table and stood in front of Gambino.

"Your Excellency Gambino, it is my honor to have you attend the banquet at the SSR Club."

Looking at Luca's young face, Gambino put down his glass, nodded slightly, and said in a gentle voice, "Sit down, Luca."

Sitting at the same table as the Godfather surprised many people present.

Gambino sat next to Victor, who was watching Luca with a smile as the young member of the family sat down across the table.

The ensuing conversation was not thrilling, but rather filled with mundane family matters. Gambino drank his wine while asking Luca about his family and daily life, without mentioning gangster conspiracies or the deceased John Gaudi.

This left Luca completely baffled as to what Gambino truly wanted to do.

"Luca, are you a member of the Civil Rights League?"

"No."

"Oh, I thought you would wear that little Alliance badge."

Gambino's gaze fell on the screen, watching Colombo deliver a speech on the stage. "You have always defended peace and helped everyone resolve conflicts and contradictions. Your ideals are in some ways in line with Colombo's."

The Colombo Civil Rights Alliance brought together Italians to advocate for justice, fight against government injustices and discrimination, and demand more rights.
Colombo's current influence is unmatched by any previous Mafia member. He has exposed himself to the light of day and even revealed many secrets of the mafia to gain the trust of the public and the media, becoming a leader of Italians in the United States.

Do you know why he did that?

Gambino turned to look at Luca, his deep gaze filled with wisdom, as if he saw through everything. At that moment, Luca felt as if Gambino was not only talking about Colombo, but also questioning him.

Why do you defend peace?
The world suddenly became quiet.

Luca heard what Colombo had said during the live broadcast:

Colombo: [I thank God! I am proud of my Italian heritage.]

The FBI deliberately spread the terms "Mafia" and "our cause" to cover up their incompetence in the investigation; these terms are a smear against all Italian Americans.

The stereotype of equating Italians with crime in films, television shows, and news reports must stop. This infringes upon our civic dignity.

The federal government excludes Italian Americans from public office; we must fight for equal employment rights.

I am happy for our organization and for our unity.

Colombo's words attracted the attention of many people at the banquet, while Gambino slowly sipped his wine.

Luca looked at the old godfather, who smiled back at him. “A leader must learn to transform his own desires into the desires of the people. For an individual, his desires may be despicable and dirty, but once they rise to the level of the collective desires, they will inevitably be great and righteous!”

Luca, I hope you can bring peace to more places.

Gambino raised his glass, his smile carrying a deeper meaning.

Luca nodded earnestly: "I will heed your teachings."

boom!
The gunshots were deafening, echoing across the square where the people were gathered.

Joe Colombo, a former Mafia boss and leader of the Civil Rights League, was shot in the head, his blood staining the League's emblem.

(End of this chapter)