American variety show: The Godfather, the Peace Ambassador, what the heck?

Chapter 151 Who will be the master?

The television was also showing an interview with Jimmy Hoffa, the former chairman who, unable to find any help, resorted to the power of the media to attack his rival, Fitz.

Of course, this tactic wasn't entirely unusable, but he shouldn't have dragged the Mafia into it, as he touched a raw nerve with many people present.

The group argued about the matter for a long time, and finally, the fat Tony made the decision to have Frank warn Hoffa to shut him up!

Of those present, the painter and Hoffa had the best relationship.

Luca had no objections.

Since these big bosses haven't shown any murderous intent yet, there's no need for him to rush into action; he can simply prepare in secret.

Frank had no choice but to agree, as he couldn't afford to offend any of the people present. However, since this matter involved his old friend, he decided to give Hoffa a stern warning this time, telling him not to cause any more trouble.

After discussing Hofa, the conversation drifted to other business matters, filled with casual banter. During this time, Matilda and Frank's daughter, Paige, arrived at the club. Matilda casually approached Luca, while Paige, seeing this group of suit-wearing tycoons, cowered and dared not get close.

Luca understood, got up, took Matilda's hand, and walked away, while giving Frank a look that signaled him to follow.

The two girls went to the restaurant next door together. Luca led Frank into the corridor and said in a deep voice, "Hoffa's slander of Fitz on TV has a huge impact on me! Because I am the union president! His slander of Fitz is his slander of me! Frank, you are also the president, I think you should understand how serious this matter is!"

Frank softened his tone: "He did say something wrong. He was too reckless and spoke without thinking. I'm sorry, Pigeon, I will warn him and let him know your attitude."

"He already knew my attitude."

Luca stared at Frank. "Wasn't I clear enough in the last meeting? You were there, you know my sincerity. I was trying to mediate our conflict. As long as he withdraws, we can meet all his conditions."

Frank's smile was somewhat bitter.

It was precisely because he understood Luca's "sincerity" that he felt increasingly helpless. According to his plan, Hoffa should have just competed with Fitz honestly; the Mafia, out of consideration for past relationships, wouldn't have stood in his way. But now, Hoffa had said such hurtful things in the interview.

Frank couldn't imagine what would happen if he angered the Mafia and those bigwigs got involved.

"Pigeon, give me some time, I need to talk to him." Frank was anxious; if he didn't do something soon, Hoffa might really be doomed. As a friend, he couldn't just stand by and watch him die.

Noticing the struggle in Frank's eyes, Luca knew exactly why the painter was in such a predicament. Throughout his life, Frank had only two close friends: Russell and Hoffa.

When his two friends stood on opposite sides, to the point of life and death, Frank's soul, already wounded by war, was torn apart once more. It was as if the bullet he had fired at the enemy on the battlefield had struck him again decades later.

Luca suddenly relaxed his tone, "Frank, go see your daughter. I hope you, and Hoffa, can all live out the rest of your lives in peace. Hoffa says we in the Mafia are selfish and don't know how to back down, but this time we've made a compromise that benefits everyone. Hoffa has his principles and ideals, I understand, but this time it's him who should back down."

He can't abandon so many of us just for his own pursuit. When he said those things on the show, did he consider the friendships we've built together?

After saying that, Luca took out a membership card from his pocket and handed it to Frank. "This is a lifetime membership card for the club. No matter how this matter is resolved, our friendship will not change. Peggy treats me like a brother, and I love her very much. Frank, Hoffa doesn't care about his friends and family, but I know you do care."

Frank accepted the membership card somewhat bewildered. "Thank you, Pigeon. I cherish our friendship."

He knew that this card was more than just a lifetime membership; it was a gesture of goodwill from Luca—just like when he first met Russell, his truck broke down on the side of the road, and Russell, a big boss, came over to help him fix it, and that was simply out of goodwill.

Frank gripped the thin card tightly, a sense of invisible expectation weighing on his shoulders, and he felt the need to shoulder some responsibility.

This time, he wants to safeguard peace.

Hopefully, Hofa will listen to me.

[Bond: Friends]

When leaving the club, Frank personally drove Russell away; the two had been together for many years, and this was how they always did it.

"What did Luca talk to you about?" Russell asked, his small frame sinking into the passenger seat.

Frank gave a brief explanation, and after listening, Russell said calmly, "Luca just talked to me about the gasoline business. He wants to cooperate with me to expand the business to Pennsylvania. Frank, you've been working with him for a long time, so perhaps you can give me some advice."

Frank then objectively recounted the cooperation over the past six months. Thinking of the membership card in his pocket, he added, "Luca is quite generous to his partners; all the truck drivers who work for him have made money."

Russell nodded: "He is indeed very generous. I've heard from Angelo that he made a lot of money with Luca."

Angelo – full name Angelo Bruno, the head of the Bruno family of the Philadelphia Mafia, who was brought up by Gambino and nicknamed "Gentle Don".

Even its nickname is similar to Gambino's.

When Luca's business expanded to Philadelphia, he inevitably had to deal with Angenio, a local bigwig. Cooperation became a mutual choice for both parties, aiming to make money amicably.

Russell and Angelo had a very good relationship and had been friends for many years. Back then, Frank got into trouble and almost blew up Angelo's laundry business. In the end, Russell stepped in to vouch for him and saved Frank's life. Otherwise, the painter would have been killed by Angelo.

Russell also had a good relationship with Colombo – he was a staunch supporter of the Italian Human Rights League and attended its conference last year, witnessing Colombo being shot in the head.

The Colombo family is now in decline, its power far less than before; the Bonano family is in disarray due to the ostracization of its owner, Galant, and its influence is also shrinking; the Genovese family is similar to before; the Gambino family is the head, but it relies heavily on Gambino's personal prestige. Currently, the truly thriving and vibrant family in New York is the Lucchese family.

Within the Lucchese family, Luca Greco is currently the most prominent figure.

Russell saw it clearly: members who combined being cash cows and gangsters had a bleak and unpredictable future. The Bufalino family, now just a small Mafia family, had lost Colombo's support, and Russell needed a new, powerful ally.

He was on good terms with Angelo, but Angelo's power was not much greater than his, and he was also constrained by New York. Now that Gambino's health was deteriorating, Russell could foresee that once Gambino died, Philadelphia would be in great turmoil.

Angelo's ability to maintain his position is entirely due to Gambino's support, but it doesn't mean that all of Angelo's subordinates are truly devoted to him. Those hidden dangers will inevitably erupt sooner or later.

Russell was having trouble seeing the current situation clearly. It seemed that all the major families were facing hidden crises, and undercurrents were flowing throughout the East Coast. Compared to that, Hoffa's situation was a minor matter.

In this chaotic world, who will ultimately rise and fall?!
Russell closed his eyes and thought for a while before opening them again. "Frank, what do you think of Luca? Besides his generosity, sitting next to him just now, he gave me a very special feeling. His words were reasonable and convincing, and his voice was so powerful that I couldn't ignore him. I find it hard to believe that he is only in his early twenties."

"Want to hear what's on my mind?" Frank turned to look at him, then looked back at the road. "I like him quite a bit. Maybe it's because he's good to my daughter, good to those truck drivers, and of course, I also really like his club. It's the most comfortable place I've ever been to."

Russell pondered for a few seconds, then smiled and said, "The interview environment he arranged for everyone was indeed excellent, and I look forward to meeting him here again next time."

We need to get to know them better before we can find a reliable long-term ally for our family.

Detroit.

Frank, acting as an intermediary, once again approached Hoffa to persuade her, "Don't be angry with me for what I said earlier. I was with a group of people, you know who they are, and they said..."

He remembered what those big shots said, relayed their words verbatim, and removed some of the unpleasant words, trying to make it acceptable to Hoffa.

Hofa dismissed the question with a sneer and casually asked, "Who said that?"

"Who said it is not important."

"Russell?"

Frank shook his head, and Hoffa guessed again, "Still that kid Luca?"

"It's Tony." Frank's expression turned very serious as he emphasized Tony's full name again. The big boss of the Genovese family, his name was quite convincing.

"Jimmy, I'm trying to help you. I want you to understand some things!" Frank said earnestly. "Everyone here is doing this for your own good! You should pay attention!"

Hoffa said nonchalantly, "Oh, Frank, don't even think about it. I won't shut up for anyone! That's just who I am, that's my personality, and I'll continue to do so!"

Frank's eyes flickered. "How could I not know who you are? But can't you back down just this once? Why do you insist on letting those people resist to the very end?"

“Frank, that’s my union!” Hoffa emphasized again. “They stole my things and now they want me to shut up?! No, I will never agree to that!”

Frank sighed, feeling a wave of helpless sorrow.

Pittston.

This city is located west of New York, only about 200 kilometers away, not far at all. Luca came here to discuss business with Russell.

Russell opened a curtain shop here as a front, but many of his private, shady deals and exchanges took place here.

Russell was a landowner here, with connections extending from the police to the judges, and he knew exactly how much it would cost to bribe each judge.

Just like Luca, who is based in Little Italy, Russell is also the "guardian" here. Everyone comes to him for help when they encounter trouble. Even when some gang leaders are unsure which subordinate to promote, Russell can give accurate advice.

He has a knack for judging people.

After their meeting, Russell invited Luca to a well-known local Italian restaurant to discuss the gasoline business. Having already learned a great deal from Frank, he readily agreed to the partnership with Luca.

The two then discussed other business areas, such as casinos in Atlantic City—gambling is legal in Atlantic City, and Philadelphia tycoon Angelo Bruno was looking for partners.

Luca, however, sensed something unusual about it.

This isn't a simple collaboration; there are pitfalls.

Angelo is backed by Gambino, but the Genovese family also has its sights set on Atlantic City—two major New York families are vying for control of the Philadelphia Mafia, and Angelo's family is not as peaceful as it appears on the surface.

Luca knows that sometimes people need to unite, take sides, and express their stance.

It seems that the Bufalino and the Bruno families of Philadelphia are looking for new partners?

Lukas needs to think about how to deal with his "new ally".

(End of this chapter)