The Vegas Transactions

By Jack Kregas

The Vegas Transactions

Set in the early 70s when Las Vegas was growing, Elvis, Sinatra, and Liberace were its star performers. The mafia-controlled casinos were fighting new laws to keep their illegal operations alive.

Jack Ross, a renowned mob boss ousted from his previous position of power following his release from prison, is exiled to Las Vegas after reluctantly agreeing to an unprecedented business transaction arranged by his friend Willie Shinronski.

Willie's brother, Albin Shinronski, a discharged Vietnam combat-chopper pilot is befriended by Jack Ross. A profound friendship and trust develops based on a 'do what you have to do' attitude.

Luca Lorenzo, the East Coast Mafia Capo, fears Jack Ross may return. He instigates a plan to retire Jack once and for all.

Two fictional families entwined in the history of one of the most unique places in the world, Las Vegas, is as much a study of individuals as it is a page turner.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jack Kregas
• Release date: Mar 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215687406

Jack Kregas

Jack Kregas was born in New England in the north east of the United States. After a stint in the US Army, he was discharged in Europe and the next forty years were spent skiing and living life to the max as well as creating several successful businesses.Winters in the Alps and summers windsurfing on Maui, Jack departed Switzerland for Maui full time with his Australian wife and small daughter. After five years he moved the family to Australia and became an Australian citizen.Jack now lives in Brisbane and plays golf and tournament poker. After having published his first book in 2015, an autobiography, It's All About Me and a few others of his adventurous life, he has written another thirteen books the latest being THE VEGAS TRANSACTIONS published in July 2021 and How to lose at Texas Holdem in September 2121.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Pasta Heaven was a large Italian restaurant in Beachmont near the beach five miles from downtown Boston. It catered to tourists in the summer. During the winter it closed as the beaches were more or less deserted. Tito Scardo was the owner who had once worked for Luca doing odd jobs before spending time inside working in the prison kitchen. Luca had advanced Tito the cash to start the restaurant on ‘friends’ terms. Since then, they had stayed in touch off and on over the years. The call from Luca asking Tito to open and prepare a private lunch for about fifteen people surprised Tito.

No problem my friend. I will serve up the best seafood pasta  on the  East Coast. Tito immediately calledinworkerswith onlytwodays to prepare for the lunch.

Some of the guests flew into Logan Airport and took the ten-minute taxi ride to Beachmont. Others arrived by car and had the drivers drop them off and park at a nearby shopping center. A parking lot full of limos, Caddies, and other expensive machines in front of a closed eating establishment would likely draw unnecessary attention. Luca arrived before noon to check with

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Titothatallwasinorder.Satisfied,hetookaseat at the head of the large rectangular table and looked over his notes before the others arrived. He had his ideas and only time would tell if the others would agree with him.

It was Luca’s turf. He was the host who shouldered the responsibility of calling a spur-of-the-moment meeting bringing these important and busy men together. Luca greeted each one as they arrived with handshakes, hugs, and pleasantries. This was repeated many times as each person arrived with a second-in-command or a bodyguard or both. It lasted far longer than a large family at Thanksgiving, greeting relatives they had not seen in years.

Finally, the meal and drinks were served with one and all agreeing that Tito had outdone himself with generous amounts of seafood in the risotto and pasta dishes. They shook his hand discreetly passing him a double sawbuck, a Grant, and in a couple of instances a C-note beforemovingtoaroomTitohadpreparedforthe meeting. Only the capos were allowed in the room. They took their places at a round table. Now it was all business.

"You may or may not have heard or read in the papers that Jack Ross has convinced them he’s sick enough to be released. That is scheduled to happen towards the middle of March. Jack is a good guy and deserves maximum credit for

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faking illness for three years." Luca looked around the room noticing the smiles.

As you all know in the years of his absence, things have changed. The world has changed. We have changed with the times making the right decisions which are reflected in the increased profits. I’ll do my best to ensure this trend continues. Nods of approval from around the room did not go unnoticed by Luca.

Knowing Jack Ross as I do, there is no question in his mind that he thinks he will come out and return to the position he once held. Luca waited for the last line to sink in before continuing.

"We all know that is not possible. It will not happen. In my mind we should have a welcome home party for Jack and send him into permanent retirement in Florida. And I do mean retirement! Unfortunately, we all know that is not Jack’s style. He has been in contact with Willie Shine over the years and knows what’s going on. Our job is to ensure that the way business is being done continues without interruption or interference. Some of you are or have been close to Jack. I am myself. However, if retirementisnotonhismind, wehavea problem.

"There is no reason to discuss what he knows, what he might do or the threats that will be offered up. We don’t need any of that shit stirring up those on the streets or pitting one against

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another. Jack Ross’s time has come and gone if you know what I mean."

Luca glanced around the room looking at each person, reading their body language. He knew Jack Ross had friends but how would they react was the question on his mind.

At the same time, I have a plan in mind that includes Willy Shine. Listen carefully. To make it work, we all have to agree. Luca had the attention of the room. Luca was the man of the moment.

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The phone rang and Willie picked it up.

Kid, it’s Jack. I am out of here about the fifteenth of next month. You need to come up here. We have things to discuss. You know I am very sick and have not long to live. My family, it’s my family that worries me. Please come up tomorrow.

I’ll be there in the afternoon, Jack. You take care. It’svery goodnews.I,all ofus,will behappy to have you back. See you tomorrow.

Willie knew exactly what Jack meant. Jack wanted him to smooth the way for him to take overwhereheleftofforatleasttell himwhathad to be done. He should be worried about the Organization, thought Willie. There is no way in

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hell they will ever let him run the show again. What they will do is the more important question.

Willie pushed back from his desk. This is not good for me. I’m caught in the middle. Although I have a working relationship with Luca and the others, they still think I’m Jack’s boy. They tolerate me because I make them clean money. They would bump me without a thought if I was of no use to them or a threat. It is the nature of the business that I’m in. I have to prepare and be on the safe side. With this thought, Willie closed his eyes.

The phone rang. Then it rang again. Willie rolled over in bed reaching out for the phone half asleep noticing that it was 1:20 am.

Yeah.

Willie, it’s Luca. Sorry to disturb you at this hour. Something important has come up and it could not wait. I’ll pick you up in front of your place at 8:00 in the morning. Go back to sleep. Luca rang off.

Willie sat up in bed. His head cleared of sleep as he grimaced knowing exactly why Luca had called at this time. It’s Luca’s way. Make it important, disturb you at an inopportune time, and put you off balance to give him the slightest edge. This meeting was to be all about Jack. Willie went to the kitchen for a glass of water but drank a Pabst beer instead. Walking into the

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living area and slouching on the leather sofa, his mind was now going into race mode. The big boys have had a meet and decided. Whatever that is will be relayed to me in the morning. They have tipped me to do the dirty work. The question is just how dirty. Many scenarios flashed through his mind. None were pretty.

The light coming in the windows woke him. He took a minute to realize where he was. Then he looked at his watch. 6:45. He had fallen asleep on the sofa. Willie got to his feet heading to the shower recalling Luca’s call. He had dealt with Luca many times over the years concerning business and at events where his attendance was required. They were not friends but had a trust between each other. They had often been at loggerheads, argued, walked away mad but eventually agreed to a solution. It was never personal, only business. Luca was a peacekeeper, fair, and disciplined. He was also ruthless when need be. Everyone said they liked him. Everyone was scared of him which was just as Luca liked it. It gave him the advantage.

Williewasstandingoutsidewhenthecararrived. Luca’s driver left his position to open the back door for Willie so he could get in beside Luca. The car sped away as Luca handed Willie a coffee.

I know you like the coffee from the place down the street. Just what’s needed for an early start.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

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I called you last night so we could talk this morning. A clear head is needed for a delicate situation. I thought the car is private and we would not be disturbed.

Willie glanced around the car. The window separating the front from the back was up. The driver could not hear a word unless Luca wanted him to. The doors were locked. Willie thought, this could be my last ride. I hope it’s not to a land fill. He then heard Luca speak.

You know that Jack is getting out which puts us all in this delicate situation. He has been away for a while, and you know as well as I do that things have changed. We are all very pleased that he has managed to secure his release, but it iswhathappensafter thatthat hasusconcerned. You two have a special arrangement, friendship, whatever you want tocall it. Therefore, it falls on you to talk to him and give him some solid advice.

I can do that, but you know Jack. He listens to only what he wants to hear. He seldom takes notice of what I say.

"Willie, we know better than that. You have his ear. He will listen to you where no one else would havehisattention.Jackiswell respectedandhas done wonderful things with the business, the community, and his family. It has been made clear to me that it’s time for Jack to take a vacation. Retire to Florida. Play golf. Go to the

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track. Amuse the grandkids. You know the sort of thing."

You think I can convince him to retire. That is the last thing on his mind. He has not said as much but he thinks his old position is his. Probably expects more.

That’s your job. Make him understand that retirement with a festive sendoff is his future. We’re counting on you.

That’s well and good but we both know he will never do it. Let’s cut the bullshit and get to the point. What’s the real story? You know, after he tells me and you to go fuck ourselves. Willie was now alert, ready for what he knew was coming.

There is no place for Jack Ross any longer. One way or another he is not in the picture.

Willie turned towards Luca cutting him short. You want me to whack him. That’s what this is really about. What method have you in mind? Shoot him in the head? Take him on a one-way fishing expedition and feed him to the fishes? Willie had raised his voice and was now regaining control staring at Luca.

No one wants any violence. Everyone knows Jack is sick, bad heart, stomach problems, trouble walking. Accidents happen at his age however careful one is.

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Luca continued speaking in a low even voice as if talking to a child. After the incident at Club Cargo the dicks put the blame on a couple of nobodies who were smart enough to blow themselves up. Those in the know never thought they were behind it. Soon after, if my memory is correct, a couple of people disappeared. I believe you knew Connor Tully very well. Sort of like a father to you after yours met with a tragic accident. He gave you your start. Then there is Frank Murphy. Jack Ross’s most trusted man. You also knew him from being around Jack. Strange how both of these men vanished, evaporated, never to be seen again.

Where are you going with this Luca? What does it have to do with me?

That is a good question, perhaps for another day. Now the more important task is to convince Jack that retirement is his only option. The key wordhereisONLY.Thinkaboutthatandallthat we talked about. We have faith in you Willie.

Luca let down the dividing window. Mr. Shine is getting out at the next corner.

Willie watched the limo pull away. He pulled up his coat collar against the cold Boston winter air deciding to walk the distance back to his home. He needed to clear his mind and think. He could worry about Jack Ross later. Now was the time to focus on his own existence and survival. Luca and the mobsters wanted him to whack Jack.

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Thentheycouldholditoverhisheadtakingaway any of the powers he now had with them. At any point, for any reason, they could decide he was expendable and never to be heard of again. The only thing he knew was that he was too young to die.

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CHAPTER 2

Jakub Shinronski died when Wilus was only ten. It had been an accident. A postal department truck that he was working on fell off the jack. Zofia was left a widow with her two boys Wilus and Albin, two years younger. A small insurance settlement kept the family afloat. Willie now felt he was the man of the family and took it upon himself to find work as well as go to school.

Jakub ran numbers and used to do odd jobs for the local mob. Willie often went with him on his rounds stopping at betting parlors and gambling halls. During this time, Willie got hold of his first used deck of cards and with constant practice became a cardsharp and junior magician.

Following his father’s death, his ability to amuse and astound adults got him a job after school running errands for Mr. Tully. Connor Tully was a club and gambling operator he met when out with his father. From the age of twelve, most of the people Willie knew or was acquainted with were either Irish or Italian mobsters.

In 1963, at the age of eighteen Willie started college and dropped out a year later to work fulltime at his part-time job with Tully. He also

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was chasing a dream of opening a night club. Tully was against his plans as he had invested time and effort teaching Willie the various aspects of the business. Tully had started at the bottom and worked his way up with his own aspirations of taking over the territory if the chance presented itself. He did not want to lose a trusted and hard-working employee who got alongwitheveryone.Goodmenwerehardtofind. WilliewasunabletoconvinceTullytosupporthis idea and went over his head to the capo of the area, Jack Ross.

Ross was well-known to everyone in the Irish areas of Boston, the police, as well as the Italian gangs. He was the capo, the boss. Crimes attributedto himneverstuck.Witnessesfailedto appear. Some were never seen again. Jack had swagger and respect. He was Irish Catholic, generous within the community, and a family man with a daughter and son. Nothing happened within his terrain without his knowledge and consent. Willie knew Jack Ross was the one to talk to if he had any chance of opening a nightclub at the location he had in mind.

Willie had an option to buy an unused warehouse in a neglected industrial area with huge potential. There were river views, buildings that could be bought cheaply and turned into apartments  and  cafes.  The  proximity  to universities made for instant clients. Willie had

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teamed up with Hank Wilson, a realtor and the brother of his casual bed partner, Sandy. They had listened to Willie’s dream and supported it. Hank had found the property and put together the deal to buy it. The three of them decided to pool what savings they had and take the risk. Willie had to get Jack Ross onboard to have any chance of making it work.

That kid has balls, was all Jack Ross could say after Willie arrived unannounced, convinced Jack to see him, and then demonstrated how by working  together  Willie’s  club  would  be successful. He did not ask for money only that Jack allow it to happen. He asked for Jack’s permission. In return Willie would clue Jack on properties to buy and develop in the area. Jack had his men look into Willie, the location and if there was really the upside Willie had enthusiastically promoted. When it all checked out, Jack Ross could be heard yelling at his second in command Frank, ‘Frankie’ Murray, Fuck, why don’t I have five or six guys like that kid working for me!

Club Cargo opened in January 1967. It was named after the street where it was located and soon became the in place to be seen in Boston. Property values soared and the nearby buildings became condos and shops. Jack and Willie developed a business understanding and respect for each other. Jack always called Willie, Kid.

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In October of that year catastrophe struck. A drive-by shooting killed Sandy and seriously wounded Willie’s new love Lin and a couple of clients. All were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The event devastated Willie. He lost his close friend Sandy. It ended the affair with Lin who suffered mentally as well as physically. She moved to Arizona for treatment. The Club closed. Two men were found blown up in the car a short time later the same evening. The car was identified as the one driven by the shooters. Intense investigations by the police did not uncover the motive or who might have been behind it.

Thenextmonth,afteryearsofinvestigation,wire taps, and a crime taskforce working fulltime, Jack Ross was charged with tax evasion and racketeering. A worked-out plea bargain had him going inside the big house in January 1968. This forced Jack Ross to put his affairs in order. He called on Willie because he was not involved in the mob as such, and had a keen mind for business,but mainlybecause Willie wassomeone he could trust.

Willie would be in charge of his legal business interests in real estate, trucking, oil distribution and other enterprises under a new company called  NIND  Inc.  (New  Ideas  New Developments). NIND also bought Club Cargo whichreopened andbecame a successasa dinner

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club and entertainment venue. Willie was paid out for his part in the Club as were his partners, Hank, Sandy, and Lin. A generous package was set up for Willie as managing director of NIND. He also had the use of a penthouse with river views in one of the properties that NIND developed near Club Cargo.

Hank Wilson had met Jack’s daughter Maria at the Club and become involved. Jack had Hank checked out and liked him. Jack Ross, Luca and others were investing to build a casino in Vegas. The Global Hotel and Casino was a huge project. Jack told Maria and Hank to