Chapter Thirty Two

Stephen

Trinity was now thirty weeks pregnant, and our little guy was growing perfectly. We had picked up a few things for him, but we hadn’t decided on a name yet. We had a few in mind, but nothing was set in stone.

I was at Capulet today, doing inventory. Dave and Felicity had a hospital appointment since she was thirty-eight weeks pregnant and could give birth any day now. With both our girls expecting, Dave and I had been alternating shifts. We wanted to be home as much as possible to help them out.

I was in my office, texting Trinity to see how the twins were behaving, when the intercom buzzed.

“Stephen here.”

WHAT THE HELL!

“No, they can stay put. I’m on my way.”

I headed to the front to see what was going on.

“Who’s asking for me?”

One of my bartenders pointed to a man in the corner.

“I’m Stephen Gotti, the owner. How can I assist you?”

“Mr. Gotti, I’m Ted Janson from the IRS. Can we talk privately somewhere?”

“Sure, Mr. Janson. We can go to my office.”

“Thank you.”

I led him to my office and we sat down.

“How can I help you today?”

“Mr. Gotti, I’m not going to beat around the bush. We received an anonymous tip about possible irregularities in your tax returns, specifically abusive tax schemes.”

“Based on the information we received, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division conducts criminal investigations into alleged violations of the Internal Revenue Code. Right now, we’re just auditing your books, but this could escalate to a criminal investigation based on our findings.”

“Okay, go ahead. What supposed schemes have I abused?”

“Abusive tax schemes usually involve numerous domestic and foreign trusts, partnerships, or nominees that haven’t been declared on your return. A question has been raised about the funding of Capulet and the income you’ve reported.”

“No problem, Mr. Janson. What do you need from me?”

“We’ll need to liaise with your accountant and lawyer during the investigation. We’ll also need access to your books and returns.”

“Sure, can you give me ten minutes? I can have all that ready for you. I’m happy to show you where everything is, Mr. Janson.”

“I appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Gotti. I know these things can be unpleasant. Often, anonymous tips like this turn out to be malicious, especially when someone is so willing to help. I appreciate your understanding that I have a job and a process to follow.”

“Of course. Here are the keys to the hard copies of the files. I’ll arrange an electronic copy for you through my accountant and get my lawyer for you. Can I get you a drink while you wait?”

“Just a water, thank you.”

“I’ll be right back.”

I stepped out of the office and quickly called Benji.

“I guess the vacation’s over. What’s he up to now?”

“No solid proof, but I think we both know who’s behind this. The IRS is here. Someone anonymously reported me for abusive returns.”

“Hahaha, do you ever stay out of trouble, mate?”

“You’d be bored without me causing you headaches.”

“Maybe, but don’t you have better things to do, like making babies with your wife?”

“Please, I’m still waiting for number three to arrive so I can start working on number four.”

“You’re such a slut.”

“I’m offended. I’m a family man, I’ll have you know.”

“I’ll see you soon, slut boy. I’m on my way.”

“You know, insulting your clients could lead to a reassessment of your retainer.”

“Reassessing my retainer could leave you without counsel.”

“Haha, you always have a comeback.”

“And that’s why you pay me the big bucks. I’ll see you soon, my highest-paying client.”

“Thanks, mate.”

I returned to the office with a water for Mr. Janson. I was pretty sure this was a setup from Peters, so I decided to kill them with kindness. As far as the books for my bars go, they wouldn’t find anything suspicious. Everything was above board.

“My lawyer is on his way. He should be here soon. In the interest of full disclosure, would you like the books for the other bar I co-own? As I said, I have nothing to hide, so I’m more than happy to assist you fully.”

“Thank you, Mr. Gotti. That would be a big help and save me from having to come back later.”

It wasn’t long before Benji arrived with additional files.

“Stephen, sorry for the delay.”

“No problem at all. This is Ted Janson from the IRS. Ted, this is my attorney, Benji Ramirez.”

“Ted.”

He extended his hand to Benji.

“How can we assist you today, Ted?”

Ted explained the situation to Benji, just as he had to me earlier, and outlined what would happen during the audit.

“It all seems straightforward. I don’t foresee any issues. I stopped by my client’s accountant on the way here and brought the relevant files for your audit.”

“While these files pertain to the business component of Mr. Gotti’s income tax, his accountant has kept his personal and business taxes separate to avoid any aggressive deductions or write-offs that could be seen as borderline serious.”

“These files should address the personal aspects and prevent any costly or messy tax disputes that could arise from mixing business and personal write-offs.”

“Thank you. Can you provide any information on why someone would call us to investigate and believe there’s cause for an investigation?”

“As you can understand, we’re happy to assist with the audit, and we believe the evidence provided today should clear my client. However, if there’s still a chance this could be referred to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, I would have to advise my client to invoke his Fifth Amendment rights under the US Constitution.”

The IRS officer smiled, understanding that Benji was hinting at the criminal proceedings of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, which operates like the FBI.

Benji - I’m not suggesting, Mr. Janson, that you’re singling out my client for an investigation. I understand you have a duty to look into the complaint you’ve received. We’re more than willing to help from an administrative standpoint. But I’d appreciate it if you could direct any questions to me first.

IRS Officer - Of course.

Benji - Mr. Gotti is ready to cooperate fully, as long as you’re okay with directing your questions through my office.

IRS Officer - Can I be frank, Mr. Ramirez?

Benji - Please, call me Benji. And yes, I’d hope you would be.

IRS Officer - I’ve been doing this job for a long time. The accusations we’ve received are serious enough to warrant an audit. But my experience tells me your client has been nothing but open and forthcoming, just like you. If everything checks out, I’d be comfortable saying this was nothing more than a personal attack against your client.

Benji - I’m confident that’s what you’ll find. We’ll leave you to start your investigation. Don’t hesitate to find me if you need more information.

IRS Officer - Thank you, Mr... Benji.

We head back to the bar, careful not to say anything while we’re still inside. I pull out my phone and see a text from my wife. She’s coming down for lunch with the twins.

Stephen - Shit, Trin’s on her way here.

Benji - Tell her to meet us at the café down the street. I’ll let him know we’re stepping out for lunch and to call me if he needs anything.

I dial my wife’s number, knowing she’s probably driving.

Trinity - (Phone call) Say hi to Daddy, babies.

Olivia - (Phone call) Hi, Daddy.

Nathaniel - (Phone call) Hi, Daddy.

Stephen - (Phone call) Hi, babies. Are you and Mommy coming to see me?

Trinity - (Phone call) Yes, baby. We should be there in about ten minutes.

Stephen - (Phone call) Sweetheart, meet Benji and me at the café, okay? I know you have questions. Just trust me, and I’ll explain everything when I see you.

Trinity - (Phone call) Okay, baby. Love you. See you soon.

Stephen - (Phone call) I love you too. Drive safely, please.

Benji and I head down the street and find a table. It’s not long before Trinity arrives. I see her car pull up and excuse myself to help her with the kids. I walk over to her and see she’s bent over in the car, unfastening Nathaniel’s car seat. I take the opportunity to press myself against her.

Trinity - Mmm, that feels great. But you better stop soon. My husband will be here any minute.

Stephen - You’re joking, right?

She bursts out laughing.

Trinity - Of course I am. As if I didn’t know you’d take any chance you get.

Stephen - Can’t help it. You’ve got a fine ass, Momma. Now, hand me my baby boy.

Nathaniel - Hi, Daddy.

Stephen - Hi, buddy. Did you miss me?

He gives me a big hug and a kiss. I wait for Trinity to get Livy out of the car. As she walks around with Livy, I lean over to give both my girls a kiss and rub Trin’s belly.

Stephen - How are my favorite girls?

Olivia - Hi, Daddy.

Stephen - Hi, princess.

We head back over to join Benji. I’m curious to see how my wife will react to this latest round of cat and mouse with the detective.

Benji is greeting Trinity. As I go to sit down, I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out and see it’s Phil calling from Spain.

Stephen - Sorry, I need to take this quickly.

Benji - No problem, mate. I’ll keep your wife company.

Stephen - Asshole.

Benji - Hahaha.

Stephen - (Phone call) Phil, how are you?

Philippe - (Phone call) I’m good, mate. But you all need to get back to Barcelona.

Stephen - (Phone call) Why? What’s going on?

Philippe - (Phone call) Sergio came back tonight.

Stephen - (Phone call) So, he has some information?

Philippe - (Phone call) Better. He has Chad.