Disclaimer: Im a massive Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola fan and i do not wish to degrade the brilliant work they did with The Godfather, I do not use this for profit i do it for fun.
This is an old story i wrote last year i am just uploading it now unedited.
Chapter 21: Dominic Abbandando
Dominic Abbandando was a direct descendent of Genco Abbandando the Corleone family's first Consigliori and now of course he was the acting Consigliori whilst Albert Neri was in hospital. Dominic was a Sicilian and looked just like one, he had jet black curly hair which was combed back and had the look of an opera singer almost. Dominic started of as working as the press secretary for Michael Corleone after he finishes a business degree at college. Dominic was very educated he spoke fluent Italian and fluent Spanish from his years in college, but opted to join the Corleone illegal operations after Michael past the reigns to Vincent. Dominic was just twenty-six and married now to a young Sicilian lady named Geneva who he adored.
Dominic almost lived in Vincent's office since Al's shooting and proved himself to be quite handy to Vincent, together they ironed out many wrinkles in Vincent's masterful plan and solved many problems, and now he was waiting in the office early in the morning to receive the mornings orders. Vincent walked into the office still in his pyjamas and took a seat, his wife Catherine brought in coffee for them both. Dominic made him self comfortable before speaking "So I hear Don Rizzo wants to speak to you," Vincent nodded whilst taking a sip of coffee before beginning to speak "and I suppose you already know what his topic of conversation will be Consigliori?" and this time it was Dominic's turn to nod whilst drinking "He has dug himself into a hole with the Giordano's and wishes to make an alliance with me," Vincent continued and from his tone of voice Dominic already knew the answer will be no so Dominic so no need to go further on this topic "The Hospital called Consigliori Neri has regained consciousness," Dominic knew his reign as Consigliori was coming to an end with this statement but was fully surprised with Vincent's reaction "Good, good, i have a few duties for you though Consigliori, today i am going to send you out to Florida, and when your business their is over you will handle some business for me in Nevada ok?" Dominic nodded excited by the fact he would have the chance to be the Consigliori for a few more weeks at least.
Dominic was briefed on what his tasks in Florida and Nevada would be by Vincent and was given an ample amount of spending money, he packed a small suitcase and was driven to the airport by a Corleone soldier. He got on the plane to Florida and tried to relax, he ordered a martini once the plane was in the air to settle his nerves as he had never gone anywhere alone as a representative for the Don and he knew that if he had any chance of becoming a full-time Consigliori in the future he would have to prove his worth on this trip. When he arrived to Miami he was picked up by a Cuban man in a bright red Cadillac and was driven out to a beautiful mansion covered with security guards. Dominic was sat down in the mansion dining room and was served with wine and some food whilst he waited for Don Jose Almeida. The Cuban Don arrived wearing an all white suit, he was a golden brown complexion from the tanning from the sun but was very handsome, he had a head full of curly hair which he fashioned into a pony tail and he wore a white Fedora on his head. Dominic stood up and greeted the man with a hand shake, "como estas, amigo," Dominic said in an attempt to use the Spanish language he hadn't used for so long, Din Almeida was impressed by Dominic's attempts and replied "I'm fine my friend," they both sat down at the table and took a sip of wine "Don Corleone apologises that he couldn't make it himself but I'm sure you have heard of all the misfortune he has faced in New York," Dominic said apologetically
"That is fine as long as he is ok i am happy," Don Almeida said "Now lets talk business my friend what is it that my dear friend Don Corleone plans?"
"Well Don Almeida my Don is planning on making an extension to the Corleone family and with your permission he would like to take some turf down here," Dominic looked up at Almeida who's face remained impassive "of course Don Corleone would consider this an act of friendship and would be only too pleased to return the favour when necessary in New York,"
Don Almeida inspected his own hand before looking up at Dominic and smiling "Tell him i would like three turfs in New York and protection from police and rival New York families and for this i will give him five turfs and one racket down here," when Dominic first heard what Don Almeida said he was surprised but soon realized after thinking it over that negotiations had bee so short because of the fact that Almeida himself was going through a rough time and would need as many alliances as he could get, "Well obviously i suspect you will be sending some of your men down to New York to set things up so just give me a call when you are ready to make that move," Dominic said handing a card to Don Almeida "and we will be in touch about the turfs down here," the two men embraced and Dominic was taken back to the airport within two hours of being picked up, as he got onto his next plane to Nevada it occurred to him that his meeting with Don Molinari wouldn't go as smooth as this one did.
Dominic arrived in Nevada and took a cab to a casino in Las Vegas where he played poker for a while before going up to his hotel room to sleep. The next day he showered had performed all his usual morning rituals including singer to Johnny Fontane songs over breakfast. His meeting with Don Molinari took place at lunch time however Dominic was made to wait until four pm before the Don showed up apologising for his tardiness they both sat down and spoke pleasantly to each other at first but when Dominic tried to push the conversation towards business Don Molinari was less than pleased, "I know your here on business kid but that can wait" the Don said with a fake smile
"With all due respect Don Molinari i have been waiting four hours, i need to sort this out so i can return to New York and report to Don Corleone," Dominic said keeping his voice courteous
"So the Corleone's want a stake in Las Vegas again?" Don Molinari said in an annoyed manner
"Well we already own two casino's and hotels, and we have put in a bid or a few new ones, Don Corleone wants to move some men out here to keep watch over them, but naturally he wanted to show you the respect of asking permission first," Dominic said in a cunning tone which had a sort of magnitude in it "after all he does consider you one of his friends," Dominic added in the sort of tone which implied if they were not friends they would become enemy's. Don Molinari stood up, furious at the fact he felt he was being threatened "You can move your men out here all you want but power out here is nothing without power back in New York," He turned away and stormed of the restaurant, Dominic sat back impressed with how he had humiliated Don Molinari with mere words and tone of voice. He finished his lunch before catching a cab back to the airport.