Straight Man Richard Russo Novels & Stories

With a wide as sunshine grin, she says, “I’m Madonna, and who are you, sir?” He wiggles on my back in laughter. There’s something about shaking hands that he finds so fun. He’s been known to mimic me at headquarters when I’ve brought him around. Taking her hand, he shakes it hard. “I’m Cullen Russo, son of legend Joemar Russo.” Oh shit. I chuckle this time with my hands out. “I swear to God, I did not teach him that.” “Uh-huh. Sure you didn’t.” Rubbing her bicep, she plays along. “Wow, you are strong. Thought you were about to take my arm off there.”

And, yes just after I said that he sat up straight, and he looked at me curiously before he realized his abrupt reactions. "Who is Alexander?" He frowned, now looking at me intently with eyes burning with curiosity. "He's just Alexander Russo. A dashing Italian billionaire, who owns chains of bars and restaurants," I chanted with an overly sweet tone. I sounded a bit giddy to make it even more believable, but still watching him closely. His hands are clenched, but his expressions are emotionless.

"Martini? You bet on the classic." "The classic is best, isn't it?" he looked at me. "I agree, Mr. Someone." I smiled. I hated pretending to be nice when I wanted to smash his face right now. "My name is Richard. Richard Valentino. Won't you tell me your name?" I smiled. "Not yet, Richie." I surprised him again. "I definitely haven't seen a woman like you." he said. "Are you telling this to the all other women?" I laughed. And he laughed, too.

I finally let it out, releasing a long breathe after I did. "Hmmmm..." He smiled without a teeth out. "You sound like a fan girl right now. Don't tell me you have a crush on whom I'm thinking. You know, it'd be quite difficult to make the right guess as almost every man in the Russo family are very established. But then, my best bet would be Francisco! It's him isn't it?" He grinned at his supposed discovery, making me fall in love with his perfect dentition. How was I going to tell this man I had no idea who this 'Francisco' guy was? I was about asking who he was when Manuel spoke up. "It has to be Francisco who would have a full grown lady fan girling over him this way. That's what he gets

Another screams, pouring a bottle of tequila on his chest. Lyon finds a plastic chair and sits backward on it, wearing a sly grin. Russ and I appear to be the only ones not smiling or doing something foolish. Russ walks toward me. He has a couple of inches on me, probably 6’5, and he is muscular and bulky. His deep brown skin glows naturally, with sweat lingering on it. “You the boss?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest. “Why are we celebrating?” I ask, trying to sound as professional as Russ or at least come close. Now I wish I had paid attention to the lessons my father tried to instill in me about looking and acting professional.

"Three nights ago, two shipments were stolen from me.. twenty of my men dead, a very pissed father on my neck.. I haven't had the best week. " Santo leaned back into his seat and looked at the man opposite him, Russo... Russo was supposed to be his partner, he was supposed to be loyal, but you know the saying; 'when you give a kid a ladder he aims to build a castle' that's exactly what Russo was trying to do and Santo saw right through his fake smile and false obedience.

the man tried to pull Anna's hand to force her. "Let go!" Anna rebelled. "Don't be shy. I'll make sure we have a good time tonight." The man grinned as he continued to force Anna. "Let her go!" came the baritone voice, warning the man. Anna and all the bar patrons immediately turned their heads towards the entrance. Their eyes widened when they saw who had arrived. "It's Richard Anderson! The richest business owner in New York!" "This is the first time I've seen his face in person. My God, he's so handsome."

he yells out, looking at Russeell menacingly. But somehow, it works. People are cheering for the other guy, and maybe it was ok... It was who they were used to seeing fighting. He was famous. But they have never seen Russell. They've never heard of his name, and they surely will remember it after tonight. Russell somehow manages to squeeze an arm in and gets out of the headlock the guy had him choked on. He manages to flip over, and is now behind the guy, grabbing him by the torso and flips him, slamming his body behind him. The guy goes down with a loud thud, and Russell takes advantage. He begins pounding his fists on him, slamming one fists after another on the guy.

is the initial of Papa Ben’s construction company. So, that means it’s either the Russos own this bar or they personally know the owner. That explains why Cicero didn’t bother about the repercussions of taking someone’s life here. The Russos are neck-deep in wealth, and their money is their answer to so many things. Which is understandable because you don’t have to be the bad guy everyone knows. You just have to have enough money to pay for the services of that bad guy. And the Russos… they have several of those “bad guys” on retainer.

he asked curiously. Well, me being me, I laughed. "Why not? That man is unreachable, he's the famous foreign singer from the west, Shawn Mendes!" Did someone even expect me to say that? It's funny for me though. It doesn't look like he did enjoy my joke tho. What now? "I thought he is rich and you're not. I thought he's someone you really know. Tsk!" That's what he replied. He replied with monotone but somehow after saying those words he smiled.