Sitting in the luxurious carriage heading west, Niall met the powerful Italian mob boss, Charlie Luciano. This guy, who had a nine-month prison sentence, was released in just over four months after paying some money and using some connections.
Of course, he had originally planned to serve the full nine months, as it was part of a deal arranged by Dewey. Dewey promised the voters that he would punish criminals, and Luciano, as a figurehead, was used to demonstrate that to the public by going to jail.
However, after hearing Niall's speculation about the possible legalization of gambling in Nevada, Luciano decided to leave early. At worst, he could always steal some bread or an apple and get thrown back in for another six months. Anyway, once he was locked up, it was all over. Politicians would blur the charges, and voters would be happy to see a big boss go to jail. That was the end of it.
Niall and Charlie Luciano spent the whole day locked in the luxurious bedroom of the train. They were deep in discussions, with Niall being left mostly to his own devices.
The train, traveling from New York in the East to San Francisco in California, took over four days. By this time, flying was an option, but it seemed that the mob bosses weren't keen on the less secure option of flying.
The scenery along the way was constantly changing—mountains, forests, deserts, and barren lands—which Niall found far from boring. The train staff was all there to serve Niall alone, and the two mob bosses were deep in their discussions, making sure no one disturbed them.
After Niall had his fill of a big fruit parfait, enjoying the heat, he received a call.
"Niall!" Finally, after a whole day of discussions, the two mob bosses emerged from their room.
"Mr. Luciano," Niall greeted as he stood up.
"I personally think that the politicians, to avoid the reputation of endorsing gambling, might not be so easily persuaded," said Charlie Luciano as he took a bottle of cold beer.
"You're right to be concerned..." Niall acknowledged.
Politicians were all about pleasing the voters and creating their "good guy" persona. Dewey had built his reputation on being tough on crime, which helped him win the governor's office in New York and later, two presidential elections.
Therefore, politicians always presented themselves as moral, compassionate, fair, and just. And so, Luciano worried that the politicians would not be willing to support the legalization of gambling in Nevada. After all, to the voters, this was seen as a bad thing—tolerating gambling meant tolerating the mafia, which undermined the law and morals.
Losing voters' trust was worse than killing the politician!
"So I think, maybe five million isn't enough..." Luciano continued, not worried about the money, but about whether it would achieve the intended effect.
"Actually, you're overthinking this. I have a great idea," Niall said, finally finishing his parfait and pushing the glass aside.
"What is it?" they asked.
"Nevada has a lot of Native American reservations." As soon as Niall said this, both Luciano and Meyeranski's eyes lit up.
Historically, a key part of legalizing commercial gambling involved placing the blame on the Native Americans. The U.S. prides itself on being the most democratic and free nation, tolerant of minority rights. This was a perfectly fitting excuse to use.
When it came to tolerating gambling versus maintaining democracy and freedom, the latter was always seen as the higher priority. This was the best possible excuse to avoid attack.
"What? You're going to protect the gambling practices of the Native Americans?" Niall suggested, "We can push the legislation to make commercial casinos legal on Native American reservations. It's their cultural tradition, and we must protect it."
Of course, aside from allowing casinos on reservations, no one else, whether white or black, would be allowed to operate them. The casinos would have to be owned and run by Native Americans.
"You see? I'm only passing this law to protect Native American traditions!" Niall continued.
As for whether Luciano and Meyeranski could find a Native American ally to officially own the casino license, Niall didn't need to worry about that. If they couldn't manage that, then they had no business being in the mob. The world of the mafia was no place for those without the right means.
"Hahaha! I knew Niall would have a way!" Meyeranski laughed, opening a bottle of cold beer and enjoying a drink.
"This is a great idea, truly great!" Luciano nodded in agreement, indicating that this plan was the right one. Nevada's politicians would have no hesitation now.
In a much lighter mood, the two men shared food and drinks with Niall, who was more interested in watching the view outside, having had his fill. All their previous worries now lifted, they were ravenous. The train staff was busy delivering all kinds of delicious dishes, as the three of them indulged.
"Niall, would you consider coming to work with me?" Luciano wiped his mouth with a napkin and asked Niall seriously.