Of Empire and Illusion: Or the Manuscript as it Sat August 27, 1987

At the outset of 1973, Alphonse Giordano is the unquestioned king of the New York underworld, supported by a secret society of enforcers, earners, and influencers who manipulate the city conditions to their own ends. Foremost on their mind is the construction of a Manhattan high-rise, a project they hope can provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime score, if only the right buttons are pressed. And press them Al does, no matter the risk or cost of human life. However, his actions draw unwanted...