Excerpt:
They spread-eagled the corpse on the limbs of the tree. Huicksi yanked his slipknot; the tree snapped upright, hurling the body over the edge of the cliff.
Breathing heavily, Florio helped Huicksi with the second body; then they sat on the boulder to rest.
'Sorry about this, said Huicksi. 'It's not pleasant, but it's necessary.'
'Won't they attract buzzards?'
'Anyone investigating will head for the canyon. We'll head out in a couple of days, and be gone well ahead of them. Let's get the other two.'
Gruesome task finished, they made their way back to the cabin. Huicksi brought the clothes he had stripped from their would-be assassins.
'We'll wash these and leave them in the cabin for the next pilgrims.' His face was grim, that of a soldier.
Florio couldn't get over the calmness of his companion. They fell into their bunks, exhausted.

Synopsis
A chilling and suspenseful tale of Mafia life drawn from characters the author knew as a child in the Sonoma Valley of California. Others were drawn on relatives in San Francisco, Berkeley, Petaluma, and Pittsburg, California; including the Northern California Coast. Having spent thirty-five years in Las Vegas and other parts of Nevada, he became familiar with the settings and people of that unique state to write this book.
Professor Florio Treponte is told he has inherited his deceased Mafia uncle's Empire. Jolted, he refuses to believe the executives who bring the news to him. Despite his protestations, he is advised "it's an offer he can not refuse". His uncle, Don Quattro has had him under protective surveillance for the past two years. He must now move to his uncle's Villa on the edge of Las Vegas.
Attacked at the Villa; dodging assassins; avoiding arrest on false charges of murder, Florio flees to the mountains with his aide Huicksi, a Hopi, who protects him.
Florio undergoes a painful epiphany. A change occurs in his perceptions and character while grappling with the challenges and obstacles he's faced. He skillfully masterminds and puts into motion events crushing the Families who have sought his demise. He emerges from being an idealistic professor to a tough, decisive, Draconian, but compassionate Godfather who earns the "respect" of all other Mafia Families.