Synopsis "Mafia Freedom: An Offer I Couldn't Refuse"
He looked at me, laid a '38 revolver on the table, and asked, "Does the company owe you any money, Tommy?" I said nervously, "No, why do you ask?" "If they do, we will make sure the president of the company hand delivers it to you here in Cleveland." I will never forget the paternal look on Tony's face. 10 Million Dollars was the number back then, but today it would be around Thirty Million or more. As we sat in his room, he continued, "We will be taking over the company, and you will be the new president." Wow, an offer I couldn't refuse. This was all happening in the mid-seventies, and my position with CCA was Sales Director for West Virginia. My thoughts were staggering. Then he asked, "If we loan CCA ten million dollars, what are you going to use for security, your family?" I don't remember my thoughts when he asked me the question, but I am sure the security of my family was not important. My lust for money was so overwhelming, I didn't think about his question. I think he made more of a statement than a question. While talking to the people about the loan, my most exciting and powerful time was staying at a Celebrity Hotel downtown. This was a party gathering place for celebrities of every profession and a meeting place for the Mafia. People like Frank Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, Muhammad Ali, President Jimmy Carter, Dean Martin and many more stayed there. The story you are reading is true, but most of the names have been changed or not included protecting anyone from embarrassment.
