[Chapter 91: The New York Underground Godfather]
Three in the afternoon.
An 80-foot sleek white custom yacht quietly rested at a private pier in Lower Manhattan. This wasn't a crowded public ferry terminal. Orlando had chartered the "Emperor" through the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), which he had recently joined. The rental terms started at two weeks. Originally, he only intended to use it for the day. But two weeks was the minimum, a half-month lease. This was Daisy's advice.
Given the sensitive and high-profile nature of Gambino family and John Gotti, and Orlando himself being a rising star, any meeting caught by the media could spiral. Sailing out on a yacht was a more discreet way to meet. In fact, today's trip was more of a casual cruise. This yacht really wasn't necessary for such a short jaunt.
Most NYYC members were old money -- descendants of families like the Morgans, or the new Wall Street finance wizards, industrial and tech tycoons, and aristocratic heirs with generations of sailing tradition. The club's members mostly owned 30-foot racing sailboats costing between $100,000 to $300,000+, and comfortable cruising sailboats between 40 and 60 feet. Sailboats were cheaper but were favored by America's upper crust.
Orlando wasn't interested in sailing. Using sails required a crew working together quickly and skillfully. What Orlando wanted was a motor yacht. A yacht like this could be handled by just one or two people. A sailboat of this size would demand three to five times as many professionals.
The fewer people who knew about his meeting with the Gambino, the better. The luxury motor yachts owned by these wealthy or noble club members started at 60 feet and above. Custom luxury motor yachts from top brands often cost over a million dollars new, with many ranging from 3 to 10 million or more. Some of the wealthiest NYYC members owned superyachts over 200 feet long, with staggering price tags soaring into tens of millions. A vessel of that size symbolized status and serious wealth -- it wasn't merely for pleasure.
Even sailboats were more than just toys or practical vessels. According to the NYYC president, "Sailboats hold a unique charm in high society. They're more labor-intensive and less convenient than motor yachts but that very 'impracticality' underscores their value.
Firstly, it's the history. The Club was founded in 1844 with sailing as its core. Its legendary 132-year consecutive defense of the America's Cup was a badge of nobility.
Secondly, the mental challenge. Judging wind and waves, leading teamwork -- these show leadership more than just roaring engines ever could.
Finally, the social capital. In a world where few understand sailing lore, it's a social passport in itself."
Because the Club granted access to an elite social network, entrance was fiercely guarded. You needed strong recommendations from multiple senior members, rigorous background checks, and committee approval. Daisy and Hillary both recommended him, and Orlando's celebrity status and media influence made acceptance straightforward.
But membership was costly: $150,000 to join, with a $30,000 yearly fee -- more than a luxury car. For many in the club, sailing represented elite pedigree, courage, and elegance -- a blend of noble heritage, personal grit, and refined socializing. Mastering nature harnessed a true aristocratic spirit more than running machines ever could.
Orlando was somewhat dismissive of all this. He preferred motor yachts, valuing their service and comfort. Operating one required only a small team -- usually a captain, first mate, and a sailor. The extra space accommodated more service personnel and luxury amenities.
---
The sun blazed in the afternoon, while a gentle breeze blew off the Hudson River. The bow of the Emperor cut freshly through the water. Orlando held the railing with one hand; beside him stood John Gotti -- the tall, broad head of the Gambino family, dressed sharply in a white suit.
"It's really something to see Manhattan from a whole new angle," Orlando said.
"Isn't it?" Gotti replied with a smile, gazing out.
John Joseph Gotti Jr. was the Italian-American boss of the Gambino crime family -- the real-life basis for the Godfather movies. The Gambinos were the blueprint for the Corleone family, and Gotti's great-grandfather was the inspiration for Vito Corleone himself.
"No matter how many times I see this skyline, it still amazes me," Gotti chuckled.
Just then, the Statue of Liberty came into view.
The old mob boss whispered reverently, "There's Lady Liberty. For the European immigrants of the late 19th century, she and the Ellis Island immigration hall marked the turning point in their lives."
Given his background, it was surprising that Gotti spoke with such cultural nuance. Rising from the streets to the throne of New York's underworld gave him a deeper awareness. Orlando had no clue what Gotti meant. Luckily, his powers filled in the gaps.
Because today, Gotti and the Gambino family stood at a crossroads themselves. Like New York's Italian-American mayor, Rudy Giuliani, relentlessly pursuing them after taking office.
In Daisy's words, "Italian politicians want to prove something to their voters. Some in the Republican Party think Gotti's too high-profile."
In the alternate timeline, two years later, Gotti would be headed to prison, sentenced to life, later succumbing to cancer behind bars. The Gambino family had reigned arrogantly through the '80s, only to fall into silence.
Through Daisy and the alternate future, Orlando understood things hadn't looked good for Gotti and his clan lately.
That's why, when the Clintons asked him to connect with Gambino's men, he called Gotti to say hello.
This New York underground king, usually arrogant in the media, now spoke humbly. Gambino wanted to choose sides.
The Republican Party couldn't stand them; so they turned to the Democrats. Moderate New Yorkers didn't want an open conflict with the Republicans. There was some hesitation in accepting their surrender.
That's when Bill Clinton extended an olive branch to them.
Who were the Gambinos? They controlled the votes of tens of thousands of construction workers in New York, plus their sway over old Italian communities. All told, they held at least half a million votes in the city -- and they were wealthy.
Bill, who dreamed of being king himself, happily accepted their submission.
Knowing this, Orlando grew suspicious. No way those later violent attacks by this couple were the work of guys like John Gotti. But who knows?
Before they became a couple, assassination was used in American politics -- but never so frequent or so overt.
All this explained Orlando's risky meeting with Gotti today. Otherwise, he wouldn't have exposed himself to meet the Italian-American boss.
He was thinking about how to complete the first real task the Clintons gave him.
---
Suddenly, Gotti broke in softly. "Mr. Keller, what do you think of this boat?"
Orlando blinked, then smiled, "It's impressive."
"This boat you're on is a display model by Feadship, a top Dutch shipyard with royal clients. It's considered a semi-custom or VIP base model among custom yachts, price tag $2.92 million."
Gotti added, "But that's just the base factory price. It doesn't include buyer's design fees, brokerage, delivery, taxes, or the first few years' maintenance, insurance, and mooring. To own it for five years would cost at least $4 million.
But Mr. Keller, I had someone buy it just now, and it's now registered to you. Of course, everything is above board. No one will trace any link to us. They'll only find it was sold to you by a European leasing company for just one dollar. What do you think...?"
Orlando stayed silent. Of course, he wouldn't believe it.
He was stunned by Gotti's generosity. Right from the start, he wanted to gift Orlando this multimillion-dollar yacht.
In the minds of people like Gotti, not even a new superstar like Orlando -- a second-tier celebrity -- or the likes of Michael Jackson and Madonna, or top Hollywood directors, mattered enough to deserve such a gift.
Don't think it's like in the movies, where the Godfather leaves a horse's head on a Hollywood director's bed as a "message." Twenty or thirty years ago in California, that kind of thing was normal. Part of Hollywood was controlled by these guys in the '20s and '30s.
The yacht Gotti wanted to give for real was reserved for the Arkansas couple.
Did Orlando want to accept?
Of course. Otherwise, Bill wouldn't have arranged this meeting.
"I love it," Orlando smiled. "In that case, I'll take it."
"That's fantastic!" Gotti laughed.
He understood that accepting this yacht on behalf of the Clintons meant representing Arkansas, perhaps even the Democratic Party. To some degree, they accepted this underworld king, scorned by New York Democrats, hunted by New York Republicans, and currently in a tough spot.
John Gotti was pleased.
Orlando wasn't downhearted either. He saw his own advantage.
"Mr. Gotti, I heard you have influence among New York's construction workers?"
"Absolutely!" Gotti replied.
"And what about neighboring New Jersey?"
"Even though there are two governments, for many New Yorkers and Jerseyans, it's basically one city. We're influential in New Jersey's Builders Association too. Mr. Keller," Gotti grinned. "Do you need me to send some messages?"
"Yes, actually," Orlando smiled. "Have you heard of Charles Kushner?"
Gotti thought a moment, then teased uncertainly, "Real estate guy?"
"That's him," Orlando nodded. "I recently started a real estate company and need construction workers. I've heard Kushner Properties has great crews. I want to bring them over to work for me. But I'm short on a middleman. Now that I'm meeting you, I hope you can do me a favor."
"Of course!" Gotti agreed right away.
Even if deep down Gotti didn't think much of Orlando the actor, his bosses wanted this guy as a bridge, so the Godfather played nice on the surface.
"I just wonder, Mr. Keller, how far do you want to go with this?"
"I expect they won't have any workers available for at least a month."
"Got it."
---
Later, when Charles Kushner, who was getting involved in Brooklyn's industrial docks, heard the message from his contacts, he was furious but couldn't fight back much.
What could he do? At most grit his teeth and refuse to budge.
Now, that Orlando found a big boss, he could leverage the Gambino family's New York power for real.
No wonder so many people wanted to be loyal dogs of bigshots.
*****
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