What will you do? Russo was openly challenging, trying to appear confident in his power. I’m Vincent Russo. In this city, no word is listened to except mine. Your daughter is beautiful and I just said she’s beautiful. What’s the crime in that? We live in a free country. The crime, Dean’s voice came out sharp as a knife.
Each word emphasized separately, is bothering my family, disrespecting my daughter, and now you’re going to leave here. Laughter poured from Russo’s mouth, but there was no real joy in his laughter. Dean, I think you’re confused. You’ve forgotten who you’re talking to. This is Las Vegas, and as everyone knows, I do whatever I want here.
I say whatever I want. No one can give me orders. I said your daughter has grown up. Is that wrong? I told the truth. Dean said nothing. He just signaled to restaurant manager Marcel. Marcel came running immediately. Beads of sweat on his forehead in anxiety. He didn’t know how to handle this situation. Yes, Mr. Martin. Marcel. Mr.
Russo is leaving now. Immediately. Marcel was stunned. Bewildered. Kick out Roose. This was unheard of in Las Vegas history. Mr. Martin. I Mr. Russo has the right to stay here. He has a reservation. Marcel Dean’s voice was now heard throughout the restaurant. Cold but determined. Either he leaves or I leave this hotel forever with my family never to return again.
I’ll cancel my 15-year Sans agreement. I’ll cancel Rat Pack shows. I’ll take Frank, Sammy, Joey, and work at another hotel. You’ll lose Sansa’s biggest source of revenue. Now decide Vincent Russo or Dean Martin. This ultimatum shocked everyone in the restaurant. Was Dean Martin threatening a mafia leader with an open ultimatum. This situation had never happened in Las Vegas history.
Marcel was soaked in sweat. For Sans’s hotel management, Dean Martin’s value was many times greater than Russo’s value. The hotel’s most profitable shows were Dean’s Con. The Rat Pack was the locomotive of Las Vegas tourism, the city’s golden goose. Russo was a powerful dangerous man. But Dean Martin was both the prestige and main source of income for Sans. “Mr.
Russo!” Marcel spoke in a trembling, desperate voice. “I beg you, please, for tonight.” “Who are you to give me orders?” Russo shouted angrily at Marcel, slamming his fist on the table. Then he turned to Dean, his eyes blazing with fire. “Who are you? You You’re just a singer, a stage monkey.
No one can kick me out of here. No one.” Dean didn’t react at all. Maintaining his dignity, he just turned to his family, calm but determined. We’re getting up. Pack your things. We’re leaving this hotel. Dean, no. Please. Marcel was completely panicked. This situation meant disaster for the hotel. Please, let’s find a solution. Let’s While Dean was taking Diana’s bag from the table, his voice was ice cold, but every word was weighty.
Vincent, if I hear you open your mouth about my daughter again, you’ll leave not just this hotel, but this city, too. There are so many people in Las Vegas who owe me. Dean stopped. Look directly into Russo’s eyes. Even the people who protect you are my friends. These words really surprised Russo. Dean Martin’s connections and influence in Las Vegas were very, very deep.
From the mayor to the police chief, from other casino owners to state politicians, even his FBI contacts, everyone loved and respected Dean. And what Dean said was true. There was almost no one in this city who didn’t owe him something or hadn’t seen his kindness. “Are you threatening me, Kuner?” Russo asked, but the previous confidence was no longer in his voice.
“There was some hesitation, some worry.” “No, Vincent,” Dean replied with great calm, almost slightly smiling. I’m just telling you the truth. I won’t stay under the same roof as a man who disrespects my daughter. This is a simple matter of principle. Marcel was now completely panicked. He urgently called hotel general manager Jack and Tra.
When Entratter arrived running a few minutes later, he immediately grasped the situation and turned to Russo without hesitation. Vincent, please let’s arrange another beautiful reservation for you for tonight. Let’s show respect to Dean’s family’s special evening. Russo under Sans’s management had chosen Dean Martin’s side. He looked around the whole restaurant was watching them.
Witnessing a drama followed table by table. If he tried to stay here by force, he knew his authority would be shaken. But if he left, he would be defeated in front of everyone. This business doesn’t end here, Dean. Russo grumbled and muttered, but was already starting to back down. Dean turned to him, his voice now rising for the whole restaurant to hear.
Vincent, I’ve been living in Las Vegas for I sing songs. I entertain people. I make them happy. They love me. You only spread fear. If you’re wondering which of us has more real friends in this city, we can test it if you want. This open challenge practically mesmerized everyone in the rest. Dean Martin was courageously standing up using his authority in the heart of Las Vegas.
Looking behind Russo, there were several tables full of familiar faces in the restaurant. Some were casino owners. Some were local politicians. Some were businessmen. Most were close friends with Dean. They only showed respect to Russo out of fear. Dean’s words were true. In the face of real friendship and real influence.
Russo’s authority based only on fear was shaking. Marcel tried desperately one last time. Russo, please, let’s arrange a much more beautiful, more special table for you in a section. Russo had completely understood now. He couldn’t win here. Dean Martin’s place in Las Vegas was solid, while his own was based only on fear.
But before leaving, he tried to make his last mistaken move. Dean, your daughter is really very beautiful. Maybe sometime. Dean’s hand immediately went up, making a stop sign. His voice radiated danger. Stop. If you say one more word, you won’t find anywhere to set foot in this city. Do you understand me? Russo stopped. Dean’s determination in his eyes.
The threat in his voice convinced him. This man could really do what he said. Dean Martin’s social, political, and economic influence in Las Vegas could be much more effective than Russo’s brute force. “This conversation isn’t over, Dean,” Russo said, but was now clearly backing down, accepting his defeat. “It’s over, Vincent.
” “Clet over,” Dean turned to his family as if nothing had happened. “Let’s finish our meal, Princess.” Russo left the restaurant with heavy step. Several of his men followed him silently. His reputation was shaken, but at least he had avoided a bigger confrontation. After Russo left, spontaneous applause rose in the restaurant.
