开云体育

Los Muertos

Julio Cortinez stepped out of the Limousine and climbed the short steps of the First City Bank of Raconteur. For a small city the bank was well appointed. A giant flag pole held the US flag and below it the State flag of Louisiana. The Building was large with an obvious second floor and looked like a new construction. Nice large shiny bricks of stone made the exterior walls glisten as if they were wet with rain. Large bay sized windows looked out over main street.?

Inside the suggestion of wealth shined. A slick looking marble floor was spotted with the emblem of the State of Louisiana. Plush chairs and sofas occupied an obvious wait area. Nearby a full sized desk held neat stacks of paper to be used for deposits or other transactions. Other small embellishments around the large room were well designed and added to the sense of wealth.

In the short distance he could see the clerk stations behind clear glass. Only one other guest was in the building and they were being helped by a bank clerk.?

He was greeted almost immediately by a bank representative, a pretty blonde who expertly approached and welcomed him to the bank.?

She noted his exquisite suit and luxurious black hair. He was not bad looking for a latino.?

“Welcome to First City,” she beamed, “I’m Kelly, how can we be of service today?”

“I have an appointment to see the bank manager. I believe his name is Bill Sutton?”

“Of course, let me go notify Mr. Sutton that, I’m sorry I didn’t get your name?”

“Julio Cortinez.” He straightened his suit and tie and looked at his watch while Kelly scooted off for Bill.

In moments he was introduced and ushered into the Bank Manager’s office. It was overly large with a small conference table near the window, another couch on a far wall and a presidential desk of polished oak. A fancy green desk lamp glinted from one corner. Two nicely appointed chairs sat across from the desk and Julio took one of them after shaking Bill’s hand.

On the wall behind the desk was a diploma from LSU. Several other pictures hung in a pattern around the diploma. A photo of Sutton with Tiger Woods. A photo with Sutton and his family and a photo of Sutton with the governor of Louisiana. Sutton took good care of himself. Some hobby that kept him fit perhaps. His blonde hair and easy going smile was perfect for his line of work.?

Bill looked at his computer then at Cortinez. “You mentioned some new business you wanted to discuss? How can I help?”

“Here’s my card. It has a number you can reach me.”?

“Okay,” Bill picked it up. It just read his name and number. He put it down.?

“So where do we begin?”

“We are going to open businesses here in Louisiana. They are going to be everywhere, small but that doesn't matter.? We need you to take their money. Simple.”

Sutton frowned. “Did you want to open multiple accounts today?”

“My friend,” Julio smiled. “The money comes in and goes out. It’s going to be an easy thing. I will need your help. Several of these transactions will be suspect if viewed with the wrong eyes. It won’t be apparent.”

“I’m sure I don’t understand.”

“You Mr. Sutton will be rewarded handsomely. The house need a facelift? Son needs a college fund? Maybe a boat for weekenders? Whatever you want. The money will flow.”

“You are talking about illegal actions. I will not be, this bank will not...”

“Please, Mr. Sutton. We don’t have to speak of this today. Trust me, this is a great deal. Good for you, good for this little city and very good for the family.”

Sutton stood. “Whatever this is...”

“Sit down.” Julio’s voice was commanding. There was something special about what that voice did to Sutton. He sat down.

Julio held up his phone. “Your wife is very pretty Mr. Sutton. She is at the Target, see?”

It showed a live image of Beverly Sutton exit her car and walk into the Target.

“I have your address as 15001 Park Dale dr. That is a very nice house. A big house.”

Sutton looked pale. “You are threatening me? My family?” His voice held no anger, just fear.

“No, no...no Mr. Sutton. I just wanted to show you that in this business we do together your family will be safe. You see? Nothing is going to happen. You will make so much money. Your wife will be impressed. Don’t you want that?”

Julio pulled back the phone pushed a button then held it back up for him to see. “That’s George right? Your oldest? He is in your backyard. At the pool. You see him yes?”

“Who...who are you people?” Sutton gasped.?

Julio put the phone back in his pocket. “You don’t want to ask these questions. We need you to be successful. You are happy we are happy okay?”

Julio unobtrusively slipped a small object under the leaf of the desk.?

“Yes,” Sutton breathed deeply. His mind whirled, no words came.

“Can I have paper?”

Sutton struggled to pull paper out of his desk. He slid it over gently.

Julion wrote down several lines of text in beautiful cursive.?

“I need a property for a laundromat. Not too big. It doesn't have to be in a great place or on a big road. Just somewhere here in town. Find me this place and set up the rent payments. I will see to the equipment. Use a realtor if you wish. Everything will be paid for I promise.? A lawyer will contact you with terms of the business contract and how the funds will be delivered. We will do this many times, many businesses. They will all go through your bank. Money, money for you right?”

Sutton cleared his throat. “Yes, we can take care of everything.” He leaned against his elbow with his hand bracing the side of his face.

“Good. I want this to go very smoothly. We have much work to do. Many opportunities for great wealth.”

Julio stood up. He didn’t offer his hand.?

“Don’t be foolish Mr. Sutton. Don’t tell anyone. If you do, well it would be the end of our deal. A very bad end for you and for your family.”

“I understand.”

“Good, I don’t want to say these things again. Now good day to you. I will see you again tomorrow. That property, we need it moving okay?”

“It will be taken care of,” Sutton said. His face was still pale and his free hand was shaking.

“Okay, bye for now.”

Julio left the room. Sutton turned around in his chair and faced the wall. He put his hands on his head and considered what to do next. Then he turned back around and picked up the phone.?

“Stan? This is Bill Sutton at First City. Yeah, I need you to find me a property for a client. They need a building for a laundromat.”

[Tag] Any