Page 39 of Memento Mori
“Do you know anything about the containers that were seized at your shipping company?” Agent McGuire inquired. “Although the paperwork states it was crates of fruit, it was Cold War Russian munitions. Something very difficult to come by,”
Not difficult for me when your father- in- law is the top gun trafficker in the world.
“Rizzo Imports and Exports handles thousands of shipments a week, gentlemen.” I looked between both men, leaning back in my chair, and steepling my fingers. “We are a multi-billion-dollar corporation with branches in twenty-seven countries, including a few territories. Yes, it is possible a shipment slipped through the cracks but it’s impossible for me to know about that one shipment. But trust me, I’m doing everything in my power to address this situation. Whoever is responsible will be found.”
“Apparently the shipment had been on the premises of Rizzo Imports and Exports for less than twenty-four hours and was scheduled to be shipped yesterday. Is that normal, Mr. Rizzo?” McGuire asked. “Is it normal for a shipment that size to ship out so soon?”
“Shipment times vary.” I shrugged. “Some shipments sit for weeks to months, others for hours. So yes, it’s normal.”
McGuire acknowledged with a nod as he jotted down notes, while Agent Grasso remained fixated on Aaliyah.
“Do you have a question for my wife, Agent Grasso?” I asked.
Reluctantly, he diverted his gaze from her and then smirked at me. “No. Just enjoying the view.”
Aaliyah let out a frustrated sigh and rolled her eyes, smacking her teeth in annoyance. Agent McGuire shifted in his seat when a smile crossed my face.
“Mr. Rizzo,” Agent McGuire called out before I could respond to Grasso. “Isn’t it your responsibility to make sure all these shipments are on the up and up?”
“My team is combing through all necessary documents related to this shipment, Agent,” I responded, ignoring his question. “When we have some answers, you will be the first to know. I have to find out how it was possible for this to happen first. Until then, there is nothing I can do to help.”
“We know about your family, Mr. Rizzo,” Agent Grasso said, his sneer even more visible as he glared at me. “We know you know more than what you’re saying. So, let’s drop the bullshit act.”
“I’m sorry about my partner, Mr. Rizzo,” Agent McGuire stammered, his pale face flustered.
I raised my hand. His apology was of no use. However, I was definitely eager to listen to the agent’s words.
“And what is it you think you know about la mia famiglia, Agent Grasso?” I tilted my head as his eyes narrowed at my use of Italian. “Other than me being a businessman who’s been more than gracious to the FBI by answering these questions without my lawyer present, what is it you think you know?”
“Well for starters, you’ve been head of the Rizzo famiglia since your father’s death. What’s it they call you now?” He tapped his finger against his chin before snapping his fingers, then pointing to me. “Capo di tutti capi, right?”
“What does that mean?” Agent McGuire questioned, looking at me, then his partner.
But Agent Grasso ignored his question. “The Rizzo’s are known arms traffickers, too. Right, Don?” Agent Grasso sneered. “It’s no coincidence there was a shipment of weapons found in your warehouse.”
He knew a lot of information to be some random agent. While it wasn’t a stretch, he knew about me being Don or what our family does, the contempt along with his knowledge that I was boss of bosses says there was more to him.
I wasn’t sure of his connections to Campania, but the way he looked at me spoke volumes. Something was there. Maybe I’d call Vincenzo De Maio, one of the Camorra bosses to see if he had any information on him. He owed me since I’d been lenient with the merger of the Scuderi family and the De Maio Clan.
I’d also have to make sure Aaliyah looked further into Agent Grasso, because he was not all he seemed to be.
I laughed making sure to maintain eye contact with Agent Grasso, so he understood exactly the person he was dealing with. With my gaze aimed at him after my laughter died down, I wouldn’t entertain him further no matter how true his statements were.
“No disrespect intended Mr. Rizzo,” Agent McGuire said before Grasso could respond. “We just wanted to question you aboutthe shipment and how you handle your paperwork. We’re just trying to cover all bases.”
“Like I said Agent McGuire, I’m doing all I can. You have access to the same documents I do.” They don’t, but they didn’t need to know that. “As soon as we can track down the shipment’s owner, you’ll be the first to know. Until then, there’s nothing I can help you with.”
As I stood, Aaliyah gracefully rose beside me. The two Agents looked at one another after getting the message this meeting was over. I reached my limit with this and pulled Chan’s card from inside the top drawer of my desk that I kept on hand for occasions just like this. I handed it to Agent McGuire.
“Here’s my lawyer’s contact information.”
Agent McGuire looked at the card, then passed it to Grasso.
“Your sister?” Grasso chuckled. “The one married to the former VP of Demons United is your attorney?”
He shook his head, continuing to laugh.
“Don’t worry, Agent Grasso. You’ll be meeting her soon enough. Can’t say it will be as pleasant as this meeting,” I said with a smile. “But if you would like to question me further by all means, contact her and she’ll set something up. But do not show back up to our home without a warrant. I’ve been gracious up to this point. I have my limits, and I’ve reached them. Thank you for coming gentlemen. Franco will see you out.”
