Bloodcaine

About the Book

I had no dreams of ever joining the United States's 1.66 million prisoner population, nor a vision of being a notorious drug kingpin or a recruited hitman (when I was honorably discharged from our powerful US Navy). Yet in my own lust for a better financial life status, I put myself in what I call today "the devil's playground." My new job as a chauffeur and bodyguard led me almost to death row. In the pursuit of riches, I tangled myself in a net filled with violence, shoot-outs, betrayals and murder. My life was spared, thanks to the fervent prayer of my dear mother, from numerous contracts on my life. As I stood before the justice tollbooth, seeking justice, mercy was granted and after serving 12 years in the Bureau of Prisons, I returned to society with the knowledge of the true riches of this life! Then the material things that I wanted were granted through my two successful businesses, "The Gifted Cutters Barbershops." To GOD be the glory! This is a true story. Over fifteen murders are mentioned and the names have not been changed. Warning: this book will inspire you to never give up. "God's help is within you." SAY NO TO DRUGS OR DRUGS WILL SAY NO TO YOU! - Robert Vidal.

A Great Inspiration
After reading this book, I wanted to share Robert's experiences with my seventh grade students. Robert writes that he wants to 'save [schoolchildren] from the life that [he] lived and warn them of the dangers of drugs.' Robert accomplished this goal by speaking to 160 of my seventh grade students and making them realize that a life of drugs and violence is not as glamorous as they might believe. My students were so amazed by Robert's speech that they wrote him letters to thank him for sharing his story. I look forward to having Robert speak to more students, in hopes that he can help influence them into choosing the right path in life.

Vidal 's story=A blockbuster motion picture!... The book was recommended by a good friend of my--who Knew Vidal during those scarface days, and who still keeps in touch today with him.(He told me after reading the book-- that Vidal left out more than sixty percent of other crimes and related stories.) Vidal's story is a rollercoaster ride in the world of crime, power, sex and $money. WOW! This story belongs in the big screens. ASAP!

An insider's view of a so-called glamorous life It was a quick and interesting read, and really showed the nasty insider view of a so-called glamorous life. I'm happy that Robert was able to survive all of that and turn his life around. He is truly blessed to be alive. His story should be turned into a screenplay and get some big screen exposure. It is a life lesson that would hopefully help others to steer clear of the wrong path in life.

A MUST READ! HIS STORY IS SHOCKING, MOVING, INSPIRATIONAL... A REAL LIFE TONY SOPRANO MEETS HIS DESTINY AND RETURNS TO SOCIETY WITH ALL THE GOOD HUMAN NATURE HAS TO OFFER. THIS WILL MAKE A EXCELLENT MOVIE! This book is a must read- for anyone who is caught-up in the world of crime and violence--that there is a way out.... Reading Vidal's story of complete transformation of where he "was" and where he is "today"--is a true miracle! EXCELLENT!! GREAT JOB! GREAT READING!

I first met Robert in East Side High school,in Newark NJ. We got along but weren't close friends then. Our neighborhood was called the Ironbound. As the name suggests,that section of Newark was separated the rest of the city and other towns by rail and the Newark Bay. So we for the most part had little interaction with the rest of Newark, and neighboring communities. This forged bonds of friendship and personal loyalties that went beyond casual. As we got older we often met socially at Discos and dance clubs. Once getting into a serious bar room brawl in aberdeen townshipin which we inflicted serious physical damage on the bouncers... All of us from the Ironbound knew where our loyalty stood. We all went to Robert asistance.

Robert later joined the Navy and I went to the police academy and became a Newark Police Officer. While an officer I made many good arrests, and received numerous commendations, which hang on my wall to this day. However the Newark Police department is plagued by internal politics, blatant nepotism, and lack of recognition of individual merit. So every officer who would walk into a neighborhood bar, and Robert would buy us drinks, it gradually let some of us who were becoming disgruntled into, a relationship with Robert, and his crew that would eventually lead to more than just drinks. Many of us started using Cocaine recreationally, and to entice girls at dance clubs. Robert also benefited from the relationship. It was definitely a plus to be surrounded by "legally" armed men , police officers. Contrary to what some later claimed that some of us were actually transporting and selling cocaine under Robert's employ, we, at least those of us who worked in uniformed, were simply enjoying the mutual friendship for personal useand the allure of arriving at a dance club in a stretch limo, with cocaine and money. It did wonders for my social life . But I was descending into an abyss that would caused me major grief and embarrassment, not just tome but to my friends and family. Eventually some of us officers became targets of state, and Federal probes and though those probes let to few arrests, it did tainted all of us permanently. I escaped discipline by my department by getting a permanent disability early retirement. I still get a check and benefits from Newark.

Robert mentions me in his book with my full permission.What I became, from a highly decorated cop, to one who's reputation isn't worth two cent in law enforcement circles is an example to those who seek careers in law enforcement.I'm an example that should not be followed.

Today Robert is my haircutter, and friend, andwe are friends not because of what he can do for me, or I for him. But we are friends because we both fell for the allure of easy money and extravagant lifestyle, and today we are both very aware of thedestructive consequences that such mindset can bring about.

About the Author

Robert and his family left Cuba for America in 1969. In the 1980s and 90s he spent 12 years in prison on charges related to drugs and murder. Robert trained as a barber in prison and turned his life around. Upon being released, he became a successful business man with two barbershops, The Gifted Cutters 1 and 2. Robert believes that he was chosen in God's grace to remain alive and speak through this true story on behalf of the murdered characters in the book and on behalf of himself. He wants to share his story so that others can learn from his experiences and "say no to drugs."