“You mean — “
Savoli looked significantly at Borrango. The enforcer took his cue. Now was the time for him to make a proposal that would interest Mike Larrigan.
“Nick means this,” said Borrango. “Before now, it would have been difficult for you to work with us, because Schultz and Spirak might not have liked it. But now we can work together.”
“Pete Varona might like to move away from the South Side,” said Nick Savoli, in a thoughtful tone.
Larrigan caught the suggestion.
The South Side saloons and booze joints were divided in allegiance. Varona, as Savoli’s underling, controlled more territory than did Larrigan. In fact, all of Larrigan’s increase of business had been at the expense of Pete Varona.
It had been a battle between Larrigan’s gunmen, who frequently shot up places that bought booze from Varona. In return, Pete’s bombers had a habit of flinging pineapples into places that were supplied by Larrigan.
Until now, the Irishman had been making progress. One by one, booze peddlers had been showing preference for the liquor that came from Larrigan. But with Schultz and Spirak gone, the tide was sure to turn.
Larrigan was an Irishman who liked fights; yet he could yield to the lure of easy money. Savoli had spoken well. Already, visions of controlling the entire South Side were forming in Larrigan’s mind. He would pay tribute to Savoli, to be sure, yet his own profits would be tremendous.”
“That sounds good to me, Mike,” commented Borrango. “What do you think about it?”