Viva Las Vegas

[saltinespike]

And I wanted to address the fact that Sterling now knows Jones betrayed him.

That's the problem, though. I don't think he would be in the right frame of mind to figure out something like that. You don't have to do flashbacks, but having him figure out everything in the car would be much better, in my opinion.

[Vercetti21]

Right, well, sorry about the confusion everyone. All you really need to know from chapter 4 is that Jones sets Sterling up, but later regrets it when he sees how hopeless Michael is. Sterling is also now aware that Jones and the gunmen are allied, but doesn't realize that the gunmen work for the Cosa Nostra.

Edited December 21, 2007 by Vercetti21

[saltinespike]

It's all good, crack.

[Vercetti21]

Finished the story outline today for this, and I have to say... it's golden! I think you guys are going to love how it all turns out.

 

This is good too because I didn't really have a story 'path' for my old project, "The Russian", which often left me clueless and without any idea of what to write.

 

But now I should be able to pump out new chapters on a routine basis.

 

Stay tuned, everyone, the story's about to get a lot more interesting: new characters, along with Michael's past background, which adds a whole new layer to the story.

 

I've got to say, I really am proud of myself for this.

[silviodante]

Can't wait Vercetti, I love reading your work. To bad about The Russian though because I liked the characters and storyline. Oh well, I get that same feeling "what is going on" in stories that I write.

[Vercetti21]

Chapter 5: An Empire Collapsed

 

Behind the wheel of his Bentley Arnage, Michael Sterling sped around the corner in front of his casino, where he turned right onto the Strip. Having one last look at The Royal, Michael bowed his head and remembered his now fallen empire with respect.

 

Now, his kingdom had collapsed, and everything he knew in his life had fallen beneath him. He would no longer be able to rely on good luck, for he had none. Not to mention, his wife hated him, his best friend had betrayed him, and somebody wanted him dead. But who?

 

Being the king of Vegas, Michael knew his life had always been in danger, though no one had ever attempted to take it before this. But Michael just couldn’t take it. Who would go to the extreme of completely obliterating the most popular casino in the entire city, and who had the power to do so?

 

Questions fizzled up in his puzzled mind, one after the other. It was obvious that Jones and the gunmen were working together, but how were they associated, and why did Jones betray him?

 

But the most horrifying of all questions came to his thoughts last: where would he go now? Claire would certainly not take him in, so he could not go back home. And knowing her hot-tempered nature, Michael realized that their marriage was basically over. It would be hopeless to attempt to revitalize it.

 

The only other connection Michael had in the city was his older brother Jack, who was not much of a ‘connection’ at all.

 

Michael and Jack Sterling had spent their childhood together. But in their teenage years, when their parents divorced, the two brothers were forced apart. Jack went on to live with his father, an alcoholic and had often beaten his mother, who Michael went to live with. From then on, as Michael’s parents never saw each other, neither did him and Jack.

 

The family had been torn apart, but their lives continued. Michael grew up on the nicer end of town with his mother, living off of the inheritance from her rich parents. When he was 18, Michael saw less and less of his mother as he began gambling more and more in the casinos. She died from lung cancer not too many years after that, but eventually, with his luck and skills in poker, he had made a name for himself, and his empire in Vegas grew from there.

 

God knows what happened to Jack. Michael’s father was a son-of-a-bitch; he refused to get a job and was never seen sober. Michael felt for his brother, but there was nothing he could do about it. Jack had been left behind in poverty at the authority of his drunken father with no escape.

 

The last Michael had heard from Jack was that their father was in prison, and Jack was barely making a living for himself in their old house. But his family was all a part of Michael’s past, which he dared not uncover. Besides, what would he say to Jack? “Sorry for abandoning you so many years ago, but can I have a place to stay for awhile?” No. Michael could not go back to that life.

 

Instead, he would leave town. He had money left in his bank account; all he had to do was retrieve it and drive as far away from Vegas as possible. He could retire early and lay low for the rest of his life, away from everything else. It was all too much to handle.

 

Michael’s thoughts were soon foiled by the pursuing line of black Mercedes-Benzes in his rearview mirror. Michael counted five of them, and they were all traveling parallel to each other, which only smelled trouble.

 

Michael eased his foot slightly harder against the gas pedal in an attempt to keep a good distance away, but was caught at a red light.

 

 

--------------------

 

“Pull up next to his car,” Benny Vitale commanded to the driver of one of the many black Mercedes-Benzes, “roll down the windows.”

 

As the two vehicles purred next to each other while they waited for the stoplight, Benny quickly loaded a clip into his automatic rifle. The light flashed green.

 

Sterling’s car nervously peeled out and sped along the Strip. “Keep up with him!” Benny flared.

 

Clenching the AK-47, Benny rose from the passenger seat and positioned himself slightly outside of the window. He steadily aimed at Sterling’s car and held the trigger, releasing a wave of bullets from the barrel of the gun.

 

Ahead, Sterling struggled to maintain control of his vehicle as the bullets rained down onto his car. The rear window smashed open and bullet holes smothered the end of the car. He rapidly spun the steering wheel and curved around a sharp corner before flooring the gas pedal and speeding into the abandoned, late night industrial district. The Mafiosi followed.

 

Benny did not release the trigger until the gun clicked empty. He quickly retreated back into the car to load another round before rising again and firing.

 

 

--------------------

 

Michael’s Bentley raced along the narrow street, but all five of the gunmen’s cars followed his every move. He cut into sharp alleys, ran dangerous intersections, and sped through traffic like scissors slicing through paper. But it was hopeless. The gunmen’s cars continued to outsmart his dangerous maneuvers and constantly surrounded him, firing waves of bullets upon his badly beaten vehicle.

 

Michael’s car bounced against the rough street as one of his tires popped beneath him. The car went into a skid but he managed to gain control of the vehicle. As he neared the upcoming bridge, another tire fell victim to the gunmen’s bullets, and the back end of the car collapsed onto the pavement.

 

Michael shoved the steering wheel left and right in an attempt to keep the chaotic vehicle under control. But it was no use. The car swerved over to the left side of the bride and just barely squeezed past an oncoming truck, against Michael’s will. Before Michael could spin the wheel back to the right, the car sliced through the metal fencing along the shoulder of the bridge.

 

The car was once again pummeled by masses of rounds from the Mafiosi’s weapons as it bulldozed the bridge’s siding. The Bentley’s rear wheels spun outward, whipping the back end of the car around into the open air beyond the bridge. Michael turned the wheel accordingly in order to move the car back on track, but only fed the car more airtime.

 

And then Michael lost control of the car entirely. The weight shifted towards the rear, and the car flipped backwards into the stormy river below, splashing into the water like a meteorite colliding with the Earth’s soil. It was quickly consumed underwater as the now furious waves on the surface of the water collided into each other and dispersed.

 

 

--------------------

 

One of the five Mercedes-Benzes pulled to the shoulder of the road, next to where the incident had just happened. Benny Vitale stepped out of the passenger side and lit up a cigarette as he approached the broken end of the bridge.

 

Looking down into the polluted water, bubbles exploded to the surface as the outline of Sterling’s beautiful car slowly sunk to the bottom of the river.

 

“You think he’s dead?” a Mafiosi wielding an AK-47 inquired as he approached Benny from behind.

 

Benny glanced back at the man’s menacing face, and down to his smoking gun.

 

Benny freed his hands by resting the cigarette in his mouth, and snatched the weapon from the other man’s grasp. He fired the automatic weapon downwards into the river in the general area where the car had collapsed until it again clicked empty.

 

Chuckling, he casually handed the weapon back to the fellow Mafioso and inhaled a long drag from his sweet English cigarette, before tossing its remains into the river as well. Staring down one last time, Benny turned his back and walked away.

 

“The job is done,” he announced, “Sterling is dead. Now let’s get the f*ck out of here.”

 

 

--------------------

 

Nothing could be heard nor seen at the depths of the muddy river, where Michael had been trapped.

 

Along with the collision on the bridge, Michael had slammed his head onto the dash and temporarily lost consciousness.

 

As the blur in his mind slowly came to focus, Michael could see the surrounding, yellow water, swarming through the interior of the car through the broken rear window as the vehicle continued to descend.

 

The interior was almost entirely filled with water. After struggling to unleash his seat belt and free himself, Michael gasped for the little air that was left and submerged himself underwater, where he pulled himself through the open rear window of the car.

 

Michael quickly moved himself through the cool, February water as he uncontrollably washed along the river.

 

Beneath the surface, the tide swept him through the murky liquid as Michael continued to follow his instinct and swim upwards, where he would be welcomed with oxygen.

 

Staring upwards into the darkness, a dim light could be seen. A street light, possibly, but nonetheless it meant air. Michael fought his way through the water as he moved towards it, his lungs now starving for oxygen.

 

He was almost there. He just needed to swim a little further.

 

But he was a moment too late. The light slowly faded away, as did the brown water surrounding him, and everything became black once again. Losing consciousness once more, Michael allowed his eyes to shut and his mind to close as his weak smoker’s lungs deflated and tangled themselves inside of him.

 

And once again, nothing could be seen or heard underwater at the depths of the filthy river.

 

Michael Sterling’s empire had collapsed, and now Michael had, too.

 

 

--------------------

 

The door to Vincent Mariano’s office at headquarters was suddenly thrust open and Benny Vitale barged through, laughing and yelling.

 

“It’s taken care of, boss,” Benny bragged as he slumped into the chair across from Vincent’s desk, “Sterling’s casino is no longer in business, and now he is dead.”

 

“Are you sure of it?” Vincent nervously asked.

 

“I’m positive,” Benny grinned, “Sterling’s swimming with the fishes tonight, quite literally in fact.”

 

“You think anyone’s on to you? You guys leave any trace that the Cosa Nostra was involved in the raid?”

 

“No, not that I know of.”

 

Benny’s sinister smile faded when he saw the uneasy look on Vincent’s face.

 

“Don’t worry about it, Vince, it’s taken care of. Sterling is out of the way, and now we can control the streets again. The city is ours!”

 

Vincent glanced up at his crazed underboss.

 

“We won’t be able to take over if the cops know it was us,” he flared, leaning forward in his seat.

 

“Woah, woah, relax, Vince. Don’t be so skeptical.”

 

Vincent knew Benny was right. There was nothing to worry about. He sighed and fell back into the comfort of his leather chair.

 

“You’re right,” he mumbled beneath his now calm breath.

 

Vincent fumbled his hands lighting a cigar and slowly fumed the heavenly substance in one, long drag.

 

“Excellent work,” he finally complimented as he met eye contact with Benny, “get some sleep. Starting tomorrow, I want our soldiers all over town, extorting businesses for protection money. We’re going to need assets before we rise into power.”

 

“Yes sir.” Benny rose from his seat and left the dim office.

Edited December 24, 2007 by Vercetti21

[Chickstick]

A good chapter. I liked the part where Michael was being shot at in his car, it was very well-written. This is fast becoming one of the most interestings things in Writer's Discussion- keep it up.

[Vercetti21]

Thanks, dude.

 

@thread: I know the story kind of got off to a slow start, and I think I lost a lot of the story's fans because of that. I'm picking up the pace now, so please bear with me. Tons more action and plot twists coming your way.

 

EDIT: Remember Aces' friends? Yeah, they'll be making an appearance soon. Can you say gang war, anyone?

[saltinespike]

Thanks, dude.

 

@thread: I know the story kind of got off to a slow start, and I think I lost a lot of the story's fans because of that. I'm picking up the pace now, so please bear with me. Tons more action and plot twists coming your way.

 

EDIT: Remember Aces' friends? Yeah, they'll be making an appearance soon. Can you say gang war, anyone?

It's actually the opposite for me. I really liked how you started, but as you progress, I feel myself moving away from the story.

 

As for fans, do not worry about them. I don't, and I still have them. Write for you. Look to family and friends for fans.

[Vercetti21]

I'm not worried about fans. I just want, like everyone else in WD, for people to read and comment the story in order for me to improve my writing.

[Vercetti21]

Updated the character list.

 

With the exception of Leon, Aces, and Benny, I changed everyone's picture. Also, a new batch of characters you will all soon meet have been added to the mix.

 

So, what do you guys think?

 

EDIT: Also added the flashy new "VLV" signature, which I created myself.

Edited December 30, 2007 by Vercetti21

[Vercetti21]

Chapter 6: Unfinished Business

 

Darkness. The cackling of a loud crow could be heard in the distance as the bright light from the blue, afternoon sky slowly flooded Michael Sterling’s blurred vision. A faint cough returned air to his lungs, and soon after, he gradually managed to pull himself off of the ground.

 

It was daylight somewhere on the bank of the muddy river which Michael had fallen into, along with his vehicle, just the night before. Michael couldn’t remember much from the accident, but knew he must have washed ashore sometime when he was unconscious.

 

Those bastards. The gunmen, that was. Michael’s life had been falling apart before, but whoever it was that wanted him dead had managed to destroy everything else in a single night. His casino empire was finished, his car had been sunk to the bottom of the river, and his life had been threatened. He had nothing.

 

Michael’s suit (excluding his jacket, which was probably floating somewhere in the river) was soaked and shredded. One of his shoes was missing, and the sock which remained had been torn open to reveal his bare toes. He had a headache and felt sore from the car wreck, and both areas where he had been shot on his back screamed with pain each time he moved.

 

He reached into his damp pocket to retrieve his wallet. Instead, his hand went all the way through and touched the flesh of his leg. F*ck. The wallet must have had fallen out sometime in his ‘underwater adventure’.

 

What was he supposed to do now? His clothes were ruined, he had no money and no place to go, and all he could do was just stand there like some poor bastard. And with no vehicle, he obviously could not leave town like he had originally planned.

 

Jack. His brother Jack was the only person in Vegas he could rely on now.

 

But Michael hadn’t seen Jack in at least fifteen years. How could he just show up at his brother’s doorstep and expect to be welcomed? Michael, in all his years of fortune, had neglected Jack entirely. And now that he needed help himself, he was completely depended on Jack for support.

 

But he didn’t have a choice. Claire was not an option, and the casino could not provide him with anything. So he would have to visit Jack.

 

Michael brushed the wet sand off of his drenched shirt and pants, and slowly crawled to the top of the riverbank. Looking past the dry desert landscape, he could see the eastern section of Vegas; the poor suburban area. That was where he had spent his childhood, before his parents divorced, and that was where Jack lived.

 

And so, Michael set off to uncover his past, back into the city which he, at one time, had controlled behind the power of his lurid casino. Back into the city which had rejected him just the night before.

 

--------------------

 

The shopkeeper fell to his knees in pain after the palm of Benny Vitale slapped him across the face.

 

“Get up, you son of a bitch!” Benny’s arm reached down and forced the man to his feet by his collar, only to be aggressively punched to the ground again by the same fist. Benny showed no mercy as he lifted the man over his head and launched him across the room towards a weak table, which shattered upon impact.

 

“I’m not going to tell you again,” Benny growled just inches away from the man’s trembling face, “this business is now under control by the Vegas Cosa Nostra.”

 

The shopkeeper’s sweat bounced from his forehead as he nodded in fear.

 

“Now, I’m going to pay you a little visit every week, and each week you’re going to pay up like a good boy. Got it?”

 

The shopkeeper nodded again, raising his arms to protect his bruised face.

 

Benny clicked his tongue twice, and winked at the frightened man. “Good boy,” he grinned casually as he released the shopkeeper’s collar.

 

Benny rose to his feet and slowly made his way to the door of the empty store.

 

“I’ll be back in a week,” he noted as his hand clenched the cold doorknob, “I want at least one G ready for me by then.”

 

“But Mr. Vitale!” the shopkeeper protested, “I can barely manage to make one thousand each week! If I pay it to you, how am I supposed to feed my family?”

 

Benny carelessly laughed as he flicked open his silver lighter and lit the tip of the cigarette in his mouth. “Get creative,” he smiled.

 

Benny opened the door and glanced back at the shaken storekeeper one last time. “The Las Vegas Cosa Nostra is back, buddy, and we don’t f*ck around. Have my money in a week.”

 

Benny slammed the door behind him and stepped out onto the sidewalk, taking a long hit from the cigarette as he observed the quiet city around him.

 

It was around noon in downtown Vegas, and most of the city was sleeping – waiting – until the sun disappeared from the sky, in which the city would respond with the usual vivid lights, flamboyant appearances, and flashy casinos.

 

But the flashiest of all casinos, The Royal, would remain asleep tonight. The Royal, along with its owner, Michael Sterling, was dead, and was no longer a problem for the Vegas Cosa Nostra. Now they could rule the streets again, just like how it had been before Michael’s empire had risen to power.

 

--------------------

 

Jack Sterling snorted a line of cocaine and tilted his head back, allowing the substance to fall towards his brain and take affect. He closed his eyes and smiled as his body went numb.

 

The door to the bathroom he was in pounded twice, followed by the soft voice of his girlfriend, Lana, on the other side. “Jack! Are you in there? I have to take a shower…”

 

“Just a second!” Jack fumbled as he quickly gathered his drugs together and concealed them inside the medicine cabinet, just behind the bathroom mirror.

 

He opened the door to see Lana, half-naked and freshly awaken, staring up at him. “Good morning, baby,” she smiled as she lifted her head up and pouted her thick lips.

 

Jack slightly bent down and pecked them before moving past her in the narrow doorway. “Morning, babe.”

 

Her curious eyes followed his movements into the kitchen. “Is something wrong?”

 

Jack glanced back at her. “No, it’s nothing.”

 

“Jack,” she whispered as she moved closer to him, “your pupils are dilated.”

 

Jack only stared back at her, ashamed. They both knew what it was. Lana’s face quickly became solemn. “Where are they?”

 

“Where’s what, Lana?” Jack laughed in a failed attempt to reassure her concern.

 

“Don’t sh*t me, Jack, the drugs!” she yelled as she forcefully slapped him on the shoulder. “Where are they?”

 

Jack smiled idiotically as his distorted mind wandered into unknown places. Lana, angry and disappointed, stormed into the bathroom and aggressively searched the small room. Jack leaned against the wall as he watched her long, bare body stretch across the room in search of the cocaine. She bent beneath the sink and analyzed the contents of the cabinet below, her well-toned rear sticking into the air, restrained in the middle by her pink thong.

 

“Come on, babe,” Jack grabbed her arm as he attempted to stop her, “let’s just go have a quickie in the bedroom. Then I’ll make you some breakfast, how does that sound?”

 

“Get off of me, Jack!” she shoved him. And then she found them, in the medicine cabinet behind the mirror. Her hand held into the air a large, zipped bag of syringes, pills, and cylinders full of cocaine and other drugs. And all she could do was frown at him.

 

“Lana, I can explain–”

 

“Explain what!?” she snapped as she launched the bag of drugs across the room at him, which spilled all across the tile floor. “You’ve been doing this stuff behind my back after you told me you’d stop! Look what you’re doing to yourself, Jack. This is getting out of hand.”

 

“It’s fine! I have it under control…” Jack fell to his knees and hurriedly scooped the drugs back into the bag.

 

“No, Jack, you don’t! You’re going to kill yourself.”

 

The doorbell rang from the living room. “I’ll get it,” she scoffed as she moved past Jack, who was too occupied in rescuing his drugs from the floor to notice anything.

 

--------------------

 

Michael rang the doorbell again and waited on the porch. Soon after, a beautiful, young blonde came to the door wearing nothing but a wife beater and a pink thong, which both looked two sizes too small.

 

“Can I help you?” she questioned as she opened the screen door.

 

Michael mumbled beneath his breath as he struggled to find the right words. “Uhh… I’m sorry… I think I have the wrong house.” He turned and began to walk down the front steps.

 

“What the hell happened to you?” she stopped him.

 

Michael turned to look at her, noticing that she was staring at his damp, shredded attire. “Oh… car wreck.”

 

“Don’t you want to come inside? You look like you need some help.”

 

“No… I was just looking for someone. Thanks anyway.”

 

“Are you looking for Jack?”

 

Michael nodded and looked up at the attractive blonde, pleased that he was at the right place. He knew his childhood home from his memories, but he thought that maybe Jack had moved out.

 

She stepped inside the house, clearing the doorway. “Come inside.”

 

Michael hesitated before walking up the creaky steps and into the living room. The place looked like a dump; just as he had remembered. The wallpaper, or lack thereof, was faded and dirty. The old, recycled couch was filled with holes and tears, and looked as if it had been attacked by a jackhammer. The television appeared to be broken, and several DVDs had been spread out onto the floor in front of it, missing form their cases and left for dead.

 

As the blonde closed the door behind Michael, a man emerged from the bathroom, unshaven and exhausted. But Michael knew that face.

 

“Jack?”

 

The man stopped in his tracks and stared at Michael. “You look like sh*t. What the hell are you doing here?”

 

“I should say the same to you,” Michael grinned.

 

Jack shook his head and stepped over a pile of dirty clothes to the refrigerator. He peered inside, grabbing a beer for himself. “I thought you were living the good life up in your fancy casino. I thought you didn’t have time for nobodies like me.”

 

“Jesus Christ, Jack,” the blonde flared as she stormed over to Jack and snatched the beer from his hand, “it’s only one in the afternoon.”

 

Jack smiled casually and looked at his long-lost brother. “I guess you met Lana.”

 

Lana cheaply smiled at Michael and turned her head to Jack. “I’ll leave you two alone; I’m going to take a shower.” She stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind her, Michael and Jack watching her all the way.

 

“Nice girl,” Michael commented, feeling the thick stubble forming on the side of his face. He hadn’t shaved in days.

 

Jack opened the refrigerator and grabbed another beer, popping it open as he spoke. “Yeah, but she can be a pain in the ass at times.”

 

“Your wife?”

 

“Girlfriend,” Jack corrected him. “So, you never told me what you were doing here. Shouldn’t you be robbing people of their money, or soaking in a hot tub with women?”

 

“It’s not like that, Jack.”

 

“Oh really? I haven’t seen you in fifteen years, and you show up at my house looking like this.” He glared down at Michael’s torn clothes. “What happened?”

 

“Someone tried to kill me last night. They came into the casino and shot up everything. I was chased down by them, and my car fell into the river. Next thing I knew, I was waking up on the shore.”

 

“So you want big brother to help you?” Jack sarcastically smirked as he took another sip of his beer.

 

“Look, Jack, I have no where to go. I can’t go home because my wife is mad at me, and ‘they’ would look for me there. I would have left town, but I don’t have a car. And now that I don’t have my wallet, I have no money. I know I haven’t treated you the way I should have, but I’m asking you, as family, to at least show some hospitality to a man in need.”

 

Jack chuckled again, but before Michael could respond, Lana came out of the bathroom. Apparently she hadn’t taken a shower yet, but heard everything they had said.

 

“Come on, Jack,” she beckoned as she inched towards him, “he’s your brother. Let him stay.”

 

Michael looked into Lana’s eyes with thankfulness, while Jack considered the offer as he downed the beer.

 

After several moments of silence, Jack made eye contact with Michael. “I guess you can stay for a few nights, but don’t get comfortable. You and me got unfinished business, and I can’t just let that go.”

 

Michael grinned and shook his brother’s hand. “Thanks, Jack. You won’t regret it.”

[TubbyJ]

I've really gotta get around to reading this, it looks great.

[saltinespike]

I must say this is your best chapter yet, but alas, it does not go without complaints.

 

First, unless you are talking about an community pond or Lake Mead, which is 22 miles away from Vegas, there are no rivers, lakes, or ponds. So, as you may imagine, the muddy river played a small part, but was unlikely. Closest thing to it might be a flooded wash? If you are isolating someone here, you leave them in the desert (trust me, there is plenty of abandoned deserts, even within the city).

 

Secondly, the Las Vegas ghetto (downtown), like any other ghetto, is basically dead all the time. But you are not completely wrong, as downtown may also be considered around the Fremont Street area, but that is not in the east. To get a description of the east, see above.

 

Lastly, Lana's sympathetic episode at the end didn't seem right. I would understand if Jack was pushing him out of the door, and even then, I would have Lana consider it for a long while.

 

I really liked the portrayal you gave to Jack's home and neighborhood, but I see a much more upper class home, rather than a poor home. Henderson holds mostly lower to middle class, as Summerlin holds middle to upper class. I saw it as Summerlin. Check wikipedia if you have no clue what I'm rambling on about.

 

The descrioption is, as always, spectacular.

 

The argument between Lana and Jack was your greatest feat, in my eyes. It was so realistic that I was speechless. Very good job.

[TubbyJ]

I just read the first chapter, and I'm lovin' this story! Your chapters are very long-whinded, but that's all for the better. I'll give a true review when I get caught up.

[Vercetti21]

I figured the river thing would be a little off, but I went with it anyways. I wanted to find someway to 'fake his death', and drowning his car seemed like the best thing to me. I was fully aware that it probably wouldn't make sense, but I was hoping no one would notice. Damn you and your Vegas residence!

 

Secondly, Lana's actions are meant to be that way. She is the most mysterious character by far; and that's the goal - the reader is unaware of her motives.

 

Basically, being as she is a stripper living with a druggie, you'd think that she would be a lowlife. However, her moral compass is probably the most accurate of any character. Bottom line is that she wants what's best for Jack. On the other hand, I tried to indirectly show an attraction between her and Michael, as it adds a little more tension between the two brothers.

 

 

I just read the first chapter, and I'm lovin' this story! Your chapters are very long-whinded, but that's all for the better. I'll give a true review when I get caught up.

 

Awesome! Always glad to have new supporters. And don't let the long chapters scare you away; the pace of the story picks up at around Chapter 4 and the chapters, I have found, actually get shorter as the story progresses. Another tip: Pace yourself when reading them. Read a chap, come back later, and read another one.

 

Thanks again! Can't wait to see your review once you get caught up.

Edited January 9, 2008 by Vercetti21

[saltinespike]

Let me clear that up, Henderson houses people of all classes. So you could also use Henderson. Seeing as you want to use ghetto housing, use gritty details. Rotten sink below a dirt-stained mirror. I would definitely recieve the poor image better that way.

 

By the way, nice sig.

[silviodante]

Sorry I haven't commented much between the chapters, but I would like to say you have done an excellent job at writing Viva Las Vegas. I guess I should now consider myself a loyal fan of yours seeing how I like all of the writing that you have presented in Writer's Discussion.

 

I found only 1 problem though and that was the way you used Cosa Nostra way too much. Besides that, great job.

[longkissgoodnight]

Hey Vercetti I have a question for you. Please explain it to me. I understand that Mike Sterling had a huge empire. But how did he get that empire? How did he rise into power? What was his "origins"? How did he get there in the first place? What was the "beginning"?

[saltinespike]

 

I found only 1 problem though and that was the way you used Cosa Nostra way too much. Besides that, great job.

They are the main antagnists of the story. They have to be there or there would be no "Viva Las Vegas".

 

 

But how did he get that empire? How did he rise into power? What was his "origins"? How did he get there in the first place? What was the "beginning"?

I'm guessing that as ther story progresses, more about his past will be revealed. You just have to be patient.

[silviodante]

 

I found only 1 problem though and that was the way you used Cosa Nostra way too much. Besides that, great job.

They are the main antagnists of the story. They have to be there or there would be no "Viva Las Vegas".

I meant the Italian saying "Cosa Nostra" was used too much, not the mafia itself. Vercetti could use many other names for the Mafia, like if the characters were to refer to it as their 'Family'. And of course the "Cosa Nostra" or the Mafia is the main antagonist of Viva Las Vegas.

 

Besides, anything with the Italian - American Mafia automatically gets my thumbs up, since that is my biggest thing to read about besides World War II.

[saltinespike]

Ahh. In that case, I agree with you. It gets tacky the 4th god damn time in a row.

[Vercetti21]

 

Hey Vercetti I have a question for you. Please explain it to me. I understand that Mike Sterling had a huge empire. But how did he get that empire? How did he rise into power? What was his "origins"? How did he get there in the first place? What was the "beginning"?

When Michael's parents split (when Michael was a teenager), Michael went on to live with his mother while Jack had to stay behind with his father, who was basically a drunken bastard. As Michael got older, he started going to the casinos - gambling and such. As I stated in the first chapter, Michael is a guy who is dependent on his luck, and that's how he rose to fame. He learned to play poker well, worked his way up the chain, and eventually started his own casino.

 

And that's the whole premise for the story - Michael is a guy who is used to living off of luck, but when it is suddenly taken away from him, he must learn to survive.

 

I think I went over the rise of Michael's empire briefly a few chapters back, but it'll go more in depth when Michael and Jack catch up on lost times, which will be in the next chapter in fact.

 

@silviodante: I'll try to cut down on the 'Cosa Nostra's. And for the record, that's just what I wanted to call them. These guys are like God in the Bible: there is no specific name, just 'the' God, as in the only one. It was meant to show that the Vegas mafia sees itself as 'number one', if you will. If I were to call them a 'family', they would have to be the (insert italian name here) Family, and I didn't want to do that. They are 'the' mafia, simple as that. Like I said, I'll cut down on using the term, but I wanted to explain my reasoning behind it.

Edited January 10, 2008 by Vercetti21

[silviodante]

Well now that you put it in that perspective, I guess it seems right to put Cosa Nostra instead of 'Family'. I just think that other people, as Saltinespike said, might think that it would be a little tacky. My bad V.

[Vercetti21]

It's cool. And in this case, there isn't really any other name to call them but 'the mafia', so I'll use that term a little more often to substitute 'Cosa Nostra'. Only thing is, the actual Mafiosi themselves don't see themselves as a mafia, so the term 'mafia' can only really used by outsiders. It's hard to balance that, but I'll definitely do my best.

[Chickstick]

Entertaining as always, Vercetti. Your description is your strongest point, and continues to improve with every chapter. I'm interested to see how Michael's relationship with his brother evolves.

[Vercetti21]

Chapter 7: Ambition

 

“The vehicle of casino tycoon Michael Sterling was found earlier this morning in a creek, south of the city. Police believe this discovery to be related with the events of last night’s casino shooting, which killed 37 people and wounded 22. Police are still investigating who was involved in the shooting on the popular casino, The Royal, but its owner, Michael Sterling, is presumed dead. His body has yet to be found.”

 

Michael and Jack watched in horror as pictures of the ramshackled casino flashed onscreen during the catastrophic newscast. The shooting from the previous night had apparently caught the attention of the nation, as it was one of the worst shootings in history.

 

The two brothers sat on the couch in the living room, while the sound of running water echoed on the other side of the wall, where Lana was taking a shower.

 

“They think I’m dead…” Michael gasped.

 

“Why don’t you go to the cops?” Jack coughed, lighting up a cigarette for himself and leaning back into the comfort of the torn couch.

 

“Because I still don’t know who it was. Someone is out to kill me, Jack, and as long as they think I’m dead, I’m not in any danger. Besides,” Michael lit a cigarette for himself as well, “what the hell are the cops going to do for me?”

 

Jack sighed, taking a long drag from his cigarette and turning the television off via the remote control. He leaned forward again, resting his elbow against his knee.

 

“Michael, how did it happen? What happened?”

 

Michael made eye contact with his brother, puffing on his cigarette and taking a deep breath. “I don’t know, Jack. One night I lose a high-stakes match against some hotshot, and the next, I’m fighting for my life. How it’s all connected; I don’t know. But whoever’s out to kill me–”

 

“Not that, Michael,” Jack interrupted him, “I know a rich guy like you might think so, but the world doesn’t revolve around you. I mean us – how did it happen? We were best friends when we were kids, and now look at us. We’re two different people.”

 

Michael sat in silence, someone insulted by his brother’s accusation. “It was mom and dad. Their divorce brought us apart.”

 

“But what happened to you? You’ve changed.”

 

“I grew up, Jack.”

 

Jack chuckled, puffing on his cigarette as he shook his head. He stared forward into the abyss, sorting through lost memories. “I still remember the day you and mom left. Mom and dad were having a fight, and we were in our room…”

 

 

--------------------

 

Fifteen Years Ago

 

"SLAP!"

 

“Get off of me, you f*cking prick!”

 

Alison Sterling was shoved to the ground by her drunken husband, Floyd, who climbed on top of her and dragged her across the tile floor by her hair. He pulled Alison to her feet by her neck and threw her against the wall, which left an imprint before she fell to the ground again. He stormed over to her, pressing his sneering face against hers.

 

Fourteen year-old Michael quietly peered out of the doorway, watching his parent’s fight in the kitchen. He was restrained from behind by Jack, who was three years older than him.

 

“Michael, stay back.”

 

Apparently, the whisper was loud enough to be heard by Floyd, who glared over at his two sons in the doorway. He stood to his feet and marched over to them, his eyes red with anger.

 

He clenched his fist and laughed maniacally as he watched Michael curl into the corner with fear and hide his eyes from the towering giant.

 

Jack stood fearless in front of his brother as he faced his father with disgrace. “Get the f*ck back!”

 

Alison pulled herself up from the ground and screamed as she ran full speed at Floyd. “Don’t touch my kids!” She jumped onto his back but he responded by elbowing her nose, which exploded with blood as it twisted into her face. The cracking noise was enough to make the two teenagers cringe. Alison fell to the floor again, holding her crimson face while glaring up at her husband in tears.

 

Floyd cackled as he turned away from Alison to focus on Jack and Michael again. But his laughing quickly ended when Jack delivered an unexpected blow to his face.

 

Floyd felt at the drop of blood, which poured from his lip as he turned his head and looked into Jack’s eyes. “You’re going to regret that, boy!” He squeezed Jack’s wrist, twisting it enough to make Jack squeal.

 

“You’re going to break his arm!” Michael yelled, grabbing at his father’s leg. Floyd glanced down at little Michael and kicked him in the stomach, which sent the boy back against the wall and to his knees.

 

As Jack and Floyd continued to forcefully struggle against each other, Alison quietly motioned for Michael to follow her. When Michael noticed this, he cautiously crawled along the floor and fell into the warmth of his mother’s open arms. She put a finger up to his mouth to gesture for him to be quiet, and grabbed his hand as she led him to the door.

 

“Where the f*ck do you think your going!?” Floyd beckoned from behind. Michael and his mother looked back at Floyd, who had apparently been watching them. He pushed Jack back against the wall and began to storm over to the two.

 

“No!” Jack came from behind him, jumping onto his back and hitting him as hard as he could. Floyd turned, flailing his arms in an attempt to release the boy’s grip. He spun in circles, shoved his back against the wall, and even tried to flip Jack over his shoulder, but it was no use. The boy held on with all of his power.

 

Meanwhile, Alison and Michael were able to squeeze through the front door and make it to the car outside.

 

“Mom, what about Jack?”

 

“Don’t worry about him, Michael, just get in the car!”

 

 

--------------------

 

Michael stared down at his weathered shoes, ashamed, as he barely managed to breathe the cigarette he had been smoking.

 

“You and mom – you just left me there. You didn’t get the cops or anything.”

 

“I never understood, Jack. I mean, I remember a few court cases after that, mom trying to get custody of you and everything, but dad was always able to beat the system.”

 

“That’s because dad was a crooked cop,” Jack added. “After that day, I spent a year in the Juvenile Correction Facility.”

 

“What!?” Michael gasped.

 

“Dad got me in for assault, and I had to spend time. When I turned eighteen, I had to be trialed again as an adult. I spent six years in prison. After I served my sentence, I came back here. I was able to tolerate dad being around for awhile, but one night he went out to drink and didn’t come home. Police picked him up, took his badge, and threw him in jail. I haven’t seen him since.”

 

“Jack, I had no idea…”

 

“F*ck it. It’s in the past, right?” Jack stared down at the cigarette in his hand, twirling it around in the ashtray before him. After several moments of silence, he spoke up again. “So what about you? How’d you get to the top?”

 

Michael cleared his throat. “Well, after that day, mom and I went to live with grandma and grandpa. They didn’t live very long. So mom inherited their money, their house, everything.”

 

“What about your casino?”

 

“When I was old enough to gamble, I started showing up at the casinos more and more. I played everything, mostly Heads-up Hold’em. I was good at it – real good. So I started making some money, eventually made a name for myself, and a few years later I was able to establish a casino myself.”

 

“And then all of this happened… I mean, the shooting and everything.” Jack gulped.

 

“Right. I don’t know who’s out to get me or why, but if I can lay low for awhile, just long enough to get back on my feet–”

 

“Look Mikey, you’re my brother. Stay here as long as you need to.”

 

Michael grinned. When they were kids and their father would beat them, Jack was always the one to stand up to him. He was the family savior, and would always forgive and forget. And now that Michael needed help, Jack was there for him. Even if the brothers hadn’t spoken in years, Jack was there for him.

 

Lana opened the door from the bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel. She quietly stepped past Michael and Jack and walked into the bedroom. Moments later, her head peaked around the corner and impatiently looked at Jack. “What time is it?”

 

Michael glanced at his Rolex, but suddenly paused. The watch was broken.

 

“Uhh…” Jack stared over his shoulder at the clock on the wall, “almost seven.”

 

She retreated back into the bedroom, answering from the other side of the wall. “I have three hours!”

 

“Three hours till what?” Michael curiously asked.

 

Jack made eye contact with Michael, and answered for Lana. “Three hours till she has to work.”

 

“Where does she work?”

 

Jack hesitated. “Pink Flamingo.”

 

“The nightclub? What is she, a bartender?”

 

Jack shook his head and sighed, looking as if he were embarrassed. “Lana’s a stripper.”

 

 

--------------------

 

“I told you, Vince, the cops aren’t on to us! They have no idea it was us who shot up the casino last night.”

 

Vincent Mariano glared from the newscast on the television over at Benny Vitale.

 

“The anchorman,” Vincent began, “he said Sterling’s body wasn’t found.”

 

Benny chuckled as he tried to reassure Vincent’s concerns. “He also said that he is presumed to be dead. Look Vince, I was there last night. I saw the car accident, and I’m telling you, there’s no way he could have survived that.”

 

Vincent looked away, sweat dripping from his forehead. Benny could sense the skepticism in his voice.

 

“Don’t worry about it,” Benny consoled him, “Sterling is dead. I’m sure of it. Look, the Cosa Nostra has got an ambition to fulfill. We got to take over the city now while we have the chance.”

 

Another Mafiosi opened the door to the room and stepped inside. “Uh, Mr. Mariano…” he interrupted.

 

Vincent rudely glared at him. “What is it?”

 

“There’s someone on the phone for you. He won’t tell me his name. He’ll only speak to you.”

 

Vincent sighed, standing up from his seat.

 

“Hey, Vince,” Benny stopped him, “you going to be alright?”

 

Vincent shook his head in disgust. He always hated being ‘babied’ by his underboss. He wasn’t a child. “Mind your own f*cking business.”

 

Benny was speechless as Vincent left the room and walked down the corridor towards his office. When he stepped inside, he slouched into his leather chair, lit a cigar, and answered the phone.

 

“Who is this?”

 

The voice on the other line spoke in a deep, threatening tone. “Mr. Mariano? Mr. Vincent Mariano?”

 

“Who wants to know?” Vincent puffed his cigar carelessly.

 

“I am a friend of Eddie’s, and a representative for the Gambini Family in Brooklyn.”

 

“Brooklyn? I don’t know anyone from Brooklyn, pal, and I especially don’t know no ‘Eddie’.”

 

The man on the other line cleared his throat. “Forgive me… maybe you know him better as ‘Aces’.”

 

Vincent’s eyes bulged from their sockets and his cigar fell to the floor. “Who the f*ck is this?”

[Chickstick]

Another good chapter, with some aspects of Michael's past finally revealed.

 

The only thing I noticed that was a bit off was the description of the casino as "ramshackled". For some reason, that didn't seem right to me. Perhaps "ransacked" would fit better?

 

That doesn't, however, detract from the story at all. I'm really enjoying this.

[Oxidizer]

Only read the last two parts you've done, and I'm not sure if I've read a couple before those, so if I'm still lagging, I'll come back and leave more feedback.

 

Love the complexities of Jack and Michael's background. Especially the storyline with Michael and the faking of his death.

 

So far I like Lana best - there's something enigmatic about her.

 

I'll be keeping an eye out for further updates.

 

Wicked stuff mate!

[saltinespike]

Holy sh*t, what a great f*cking turn! That last line really attached me to the whole story. I definitely will not miss another chapter. Wow, great work!