Page 59 of Wicked Lies

Across the room, he spotted Carlos dressed in tapered black pants, probably Gucci, and a crisp white button-down. Euro-Miami cool. His black, close-cropped hair, deeply tanned skin, and trim build made him appear much younger than his forty-five years. Nick respected the man and enjoyed their shared bond of heritage and friendship over the years.

“So good to see you, Nick,” Carlos said in Spanish.

They embraced, clapping each other on the back.

“Same to you, my friend,” Nick returned, also in Spanish.

Carlos extended his arm and led him to the back of the club and into the private elevator. They ascended in the glass-enclosed car, and the club grew smaller beneath them until the doors reopened into Carlos’s fourth-floor office. Its white furnishings, white marble floor, polished brass bar, and wall-to-wall ocean view were very South Beach.

“The place looks great.” Nick gravitated toward the floor-to-ceiling windows that showcased the wide beach and glistening water. He geared himself up, knowing Carlos would waste no time getting to the point.

“Hard work pays off.” Carlos motioned for Nick to sit.”I know this business, and I love this business.” Carlos motioned between them. “We’ve both put in our blood and sweat. You in New York, me here in Miami.”

“Exactly, and it’s time to take full advantage of our combined talents.”

“Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Nick appreciated Carlos’ directness. “Things in New York are sensitive.”

“You’ve come up against some resistance?” He pointed to Nick’s bruised face.

Although the swelling went down, his eye was still shadowed by a dusky blueish green. Nick raised a hand to his cheek. “It’s important you understand this won’t be easy.”

“Nothing worth having ever is.” Carlos spread his hands in front of him. “I always put the club’s success first, but Frank gives nothing back. Only takes.”

“It’s the same in New York. That’s why Samson and I are breaking out on our own with the new club in Midtown.” Nick filled Carlos in on all the particulars before he made the trip.

“And Samson feels the same way?” Carlos asked.

“Yeah.” Nick kept Samson’s apprehension to himself.

“Independence from Frank is worth it.” Clear determination shone in the older man’s eyes as Carlos remembered how his family struggled to leave Cuba and come to the States.

“I hoped you’d agree.”

“You have our support. My people down here have been waiting for this day.” Carlos paused. “I’ve wondered how long before you’d see the same thing.”

“It’s been a long time coming, but I think the time is right. I can’t deny Frank’s help, but we’ve all paid our dues ten times over.”

Frank helped many of Carlos’s family come to the US, providing them with housing and jobs, then used those favors as leverage when Carlos asked for his share of the club. Frank sucked them all in with the dream of success, then pulled it back when it came time to pay up. He made sure every favor had a price tag, and nothing was for free.

“I arranged for Channel Ten to interview you and City Manager Juan Martinez tomorrow. Explore the parallels between your assets to the Cuban business community, creating jobs and honoring heritage.”

“Nice.”

“We held Juan’s campaign party here last month and matched his donations. Since he’s thenewcity manager, I would say he’s very grateful.”

“Politicians.” Nick curled his lip. “They’re all the same.”

“True, but I know what the people want, and whose word means something in this town.”

“Publicity is good. The more people who know what we’re doing, the better. That way, if things get shady, they can’t hide.”

“I’ve also invited Jared Klein from the Delano.They’re opening another club in Vegas, and he wants to share ideas.”

“You got a lot together in a short time.”

“I believe in this, Nick. I believe in you.” Carlos clapped his shoulder. “Graciela is downstairs. Should I have her come up?”

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