Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
Ace and Romeo defend Joey Moretti during a tense meeting with two aggressive New York security hopefuls, forcibly ejecting them after disrespect. Max DiMarco intervenes, assumes control, and removes Joey from risk. The episode underscores the Morettis’ dominance, Ace and Romeo’s loyalty, and lingering strain between Max and Romeo.
Summary
Ace narrates a last-minute meeting where Joey Moretti (Mrs. DiMarco) hears a pitch from two New York men pushing their casino security services. Joey dismisses their value, defending her current arrangement with Utopia Securities and her personal protection by Ace and Romeo.
Provoked by Joey’s refusal, the shorter man slams her desk. Romeo reacts instantly, breaking the man’s nose on the desktop. When the taller man shouts, Ace puts him in a choking headlock and warns him not to disrespect Joey. On Joey’s order, they release the men and remove them from the premises.
In the alley, Max DiMarco confronts Ace and Romeo for leaving Joey’s side. After hearing the situation, he demands the men’s names to look into them, then decides to take Joey home and releases Ace and Romeo for the day, signaling his control over security matters.
After Max departs, Romeo worries that Max still hates him for a six-year-old grievance. Ace reassures Romeo that if Max truly hated him, Romeo wouldn’t still guard Joey. They decide to change out of their suits and grab a beer, closing the scene on their friendship and ongoing tension with Max.
Who Appears
- AceNarrator and Joey’s bodyguard; subdues a disrespectful visitor and manages cleanup with controlled force.
- Joey Moretti (Mrs. DiMarco)Casino boss; rejects a security pitch, remains unfazed under pressure, and orders the intruders removed.
- RomeoJoey’s personal bodyguard; breaks a visitor’s nose, shows loyalty, and worries about Max’s lingering distrust.
- Max DiMarcoCosa Nostra enforcer and Joey’s husband; asserts control, takes Joey home, and instructs follow-up on the intruders.
- Taller New York security repPushy salesman pitching casino security; choked by Ace after shouting at Joey.
- Shorter New York security repHotheaded partner; slams Joey’s desk and gets his nose broken by Romeo.