Page 66 of Kingpin
My smile in uncontrollable.
“Yes, Leo, I do accept it.”
“Do you pledge to think of The Family before anything else?”
My heart could explode.
“Yes, I do.”
“It’s your responsibility to keep this family on the path to prosperity,” Leo advises as he puts his hands on my shoulders. “Don’t let your age hold you back. Think big, and go with your gut in all things. We didn’t come to this decision lightly. We trust you, and we can’t wait to see how you carry the torch.”
My father would be so proud.
“Thank you, Leo. Thank you, Jimmy.” I hug both of them, and it has never felt this good to be me. I have everything I’ve ever wanted now.
“Now, as for the rest of you,” Leo says, addressing the rest of The Family. “Today is a new day. From now on, I am no longer the boss of this family, but I expect all of you to pledge your loyalty to your new boss. Let us all agree, any mutiny or disobedience will be punishable by death, as supported by The Commission and every made member of this family.Salute.”
Every member in the room repeats,Salute, and it becomes official.
I stand behind the head seat at the table as each member approaches, one by one, and gives me a hug and pat on the back. I hug them all, and I can feel the love and respect emanating off of them. When Frankie approaches, it’s no different.
“I’m proud of you, kid,” he says in my ear. “I really mean that. I’m sorry I gave you so much shit about the Russian. You did what you had to do, and you earned this. Your old man would be so fucking proud of you, too. The youngest boss in our history. Fucking Boy Wonder,” he says with a smile as he hugs me again.
The old nickname usually strikes a nerve and sends me on a tear, but the look in his eye when he says it makes it alright. He never mentions the beef we had in the hospital, and it looks like I was worried for nothing. We embrace and pat each other on the back, and in that moment, I know it’s real. He’s genuinely happy for me, and I’m thankful I have him around, because he’s the closest thing I have to my dad. So, I let go of the bullshit.
I have the whole family in my corner, and the woman of my dreams by my side. All the craziness I’ve been through all seems worth it now. I’ll never forget the day my dad was killed in the seat right next to me, but I know if he could see me now, his smile would be even wider than mine. I think even my mother would be proud of this moment. So, I pull out a Cuban cigar and light it up with a huge smile on my face.
It usually doesn’t happen for guys like me. It’s rare for anybody to actually get all the things in life they really want, but it has happened for me. I have everything now, and nothing can stand in my way. I’m on top of the world. I’m the fucking kingpin.
You better remember it forever. I’m Dominic Collazo.
