Being at the Midnight Mayhem with Flavio to help him take care of a few things before the next race that he was also considering taking part in, he couldn't just up and go to check on Savannah. One - the Famiglia came first, second - he would hate explaining it to Flavio.
They were sitting down with Bootsie and the owner of the area, William Sanders to discuss further development of the races as well as to establish the percentage of the share the Las Vegas Famiglia would have in it. With the money they had given to renovate the place and elevate to current standards, it was more of the Famiglia's place now than anyone else's. However, they needed to up their scales as far as events being held here were concerned. The constant flow of money was necessary.
"We should consider exploiting other ways of advertising this place. The only days that the Speedway is packed are Fridays and we need more such events to bounce back from the renovation investment," said William, looking directly at Bootsie who was the main organizer of Friday nights.
Elio snorted at this comment drawing all the attention.
"What is on your mind?" asked Flavio, seeing as his friend didn't agree with the man. Quite frankly, Flavio himself didn't seem keen on the idea.
"The reason for Friday nights being packed is the simple fact that it's only one day. Something unique. Don't change that because you think it will attract people. It won't. Come up with other ideas and fill in the empty spots in the weekly program but leave the Midnight Mayhem Friday races as they are."
Flavio regarded him carefully, deep in thought about what had been said. He then cleared his throat, leaning slightly over the table tapping his fingertips against the wooden counter.
"I agree," he finally spoke out. "We should look at this as innovative marketing. Seek improvements rather than transfer one successful branch into a few of the same kind. Only then we might be able to gain a desirable net profit. We are looking to expand, not mimic our actions."
Understanding shone in the men's eyes. People were usually very skeptical when Flavio took matters in his own hands and chaired meetings instead of his brother. Even more that Capo dei Capi had so much faith in his seventeen-year-old sibling. But then he said something that completely eclipsed his young age and no one dared to disagree with his opinion. Until the next meeting where another older Made Man decided to completely ignore his authority over others. It was rather a love-hate relationship between soldiers and the ruling family. Many remembered the cruel end of their father's life and how he’d shaken the Famiglia to the core for his own personal gain. No one wanted to go through it again. And as much as Noah Falcone tried to separate himself from his father, they had many similar traits that couldn't be easy eliminated. And it bounced back on Flavio as well.
"We can make a once-a-month best of the best races, taking those who won in Friday night races. We don't necessarily mimic the Midnight Mayhem this way but only build upon its reputation," suggested Bootsie before he drew something on his iPad and slid it across the table towards the men to look.
"What is that?"
"It's something I've been thinking of recently. Each Friday night we hold at least five races. The last one being the biggest and most profitable because of the winners of the earlier races. I've taken upon myself to check the volume in certain hours and many people actually come there to see the end of MM. Which means they are interested in the winners. Setting something as a Las Vegas Race Cup would guarantee that people come and spend the whole night there to see all of the racers."
He sketched the statistics of the last month to showcase the results and what it could bring if they went through with such an idea.
"It's still not enough. Working each Friday and once a month on one more day is not enough to let it settle in," Elio chimed in.
Bootsie nodded. "Yes, but it's a start. We can try it out and see what profit we gain and go from there. We won't be able to focus on everything. Those are just legal races anyway. The illegal ones are still kept up to date. They bring more to the table."
"The double bookkeeping is hardly giving us a wide range of possibilities. They are to be expanded, too, because it's a slow process and Noah wants to see results. Millions invested in this are to turn out to be wisely used. We may go with Bootsie's idea but it's your job to think of something for the underground activity still."
Flavio appeared somewhat satisfied with the outcome. Elio didn't have to look closely to see that he thought that bringing Bootsie into the business was a wise move. He kept everyone on their toes and his creativity streak had the potential to go far when it came to car races. He had no doubt that the man would think of something for the illegal part of the venture.
He got up from his seat and others followed his actions to say goodbye to him. The meeting was over. They shook hands and Flavio along with Elio left the room. They were to go to the gym to work out afterwards, however, the thought of Savannah not picking up her phone had lingered in Elio's head.
He pulled the phone from his pocket, dialing her number. Straight to voicemail. She must have turned it off because before it had actually rung a couple of times before being declined.
She was deliberately ignoring him and it was giving him whiplash.
He sighed, debating on what to do. "Man," he began turning his head towards Flavio.
The man regarded him and shook his head. "Whatever you want to say, don't."
"You don't even know what
