by Joe Corso
Capra laughed and pointed a finger at Bernstein. “Oh no you don’t. Don’t go putting words in my mouth. I never said I would use her.”
Bernstein dismissed what he said with a wave of his hand. “Aren’t you making a picture with Jimmy Stewart?”
Capra smiled, knowing where this was heading. “Yes, I start shooting in two weeks.”
“Isn’t it true that you haven’t picked your leading lady yet?”
Capra ran his hand through his hair before answering. “Yes, it’s true. I tried to get Audrey Hepburn but she was making Charade with Cary Grant, so she wasn’t available.”
“Well, there you have it. This girl Ida would be perfect in the part. You even thought she would.”
“Okay, enough already. I’ll test her for the part and if I like her, she’s got the part. But only if I like the test.”
Bernstein smiled. “Great, Billy. That’s all I could hope for.” He buzzed his secretary. “Send the two women in.”
CHAPTER 12
Red set up a meeting with his captains for the following morning. “Tarzan, call Ernie. Tell him I need to see him right away.”
“Got it, Boss.”
Ernie showed up forty-five minutes later. “What’s up, Red?”
“Ernie, I need you to do something for me. Something very important.”
“If I can you know I’ll do it.”
“I need you to fly out to Vegas and check out some business properties for me. I’ll send Shooter with you to watch your back. I don’t expect any problems but I want him with you. And at least you’ll have someone to keep you company.”
Ernie smiled. “Instead of Shooter coming with me, how about sending a twenty-two-year-old beauty along to keep me company?” They both laughed. Ernie was kidding, of course. While he appreciated beautiful girls, he was all business. “Okay, what is it you want me to do out there?”
Red explained for the next hour what he needed done. When they were finished, Red opened his desk drawer, pulled out an envelope and handed it to Ernie.
“What’s this, Red?”
“Plane tickets and some expense money.”
Ernie and Shooter flew out of Idlewild and were met at LAX by Moose. Once their luggage was in the trunk, Moose drove them to his girlfriend Sophia Feldstein’s office in Anaheim.
Red had instructed Moose to let her know that his boss wanted her to look for a few Las Vegas casinos, and then take a few days off to accompany the boys to Las Vegas to check the properties out. Moose explained that Red was looking to either buy a small casino or buy a percentage in an existing casino. Sophia had researched the Vegas casino market and found three possibilities.
One small casino was listed for sale off The Strip in the less frequented part of downtown Las Vegas. When she inquired why the owner wanted to sell he became wary and refused to answer. Ernie and Shooter guessed he was being pressured by wise guys to sell, and rather than sell to them he decided to place it on the open market. Moose had come to the same conclusion, and the boys were discussing it during the four hour drive to the Emerald City.
Listening from the back seat, Sophia concluded that these men weren’t worried about mob people threatening this seller. In fact, Shooter rubbed his hands in glee.
“Let’s hope that’s the case. We’ll have a sit-down and let them know we’re interested in the place. I don’t even think we’ll need to see the other two places.”
Ernie, ever the negotiator, said, “Good thinking, Shooter. You may have hit on the solution to our casino problem. If the casino is operational and has growth potential we might be able to circumvent investigating the other two places.” Though he was quick to add, “On the other hand, I would feel remiss if we didn’t at least see what they look like before calling Red. We have to have all the facts. You know how he is, always analyzing anything he’s interested in acquiring. I suggest we first go see the two places we’re least likely to be interested in.” Everyone agreed.
When they arrived in Vegas, Sophia opened her briefcase and checked for the closest address. It was a rundown little restaurant-casino located on the outskirts of town, with a sign saying “Nell’s Silver Spur” over the door. Moose pulled over, but before Sophia got out of the car Ernie spoke to her. “We’ll come in with you but you do the talking. I want to hear what the owner has to say.”
When their eyes adjusted to the dim interior, they could see slot machines, a roulette wheel and two crap tables. Sophia walked over to the bartender, who was having a conversation with a tall, fat man wearing western clothing and a large western fedora. She asked to speak with the owner. The tall, fat man looked at Sophia with lust in his eyes. Then he caught the look on Moose’s face and suddenly became all business.
“Yes? What can I do for you? I’m Morris Shepshank and I own this gambling establishment.” He made sure to emphasize gambling.
“Mr. Shepshank, I called yesterday about a client of mine who might be interested in buying your restaurant. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”
A big smile spread across Shepshank’s face. He smelled a mark. “Why, no, not at all. Let’s step into my office. It’s right over there.” He pointed to a door near the rear exit.
Moose, Ernie and Shooter stood, while Sophia sat opposite Shepshank at his desk. “I’ll get right to the point, Mr. Shepshank. I’m a real estate agent representing these men. They’re looking to purchase a gambling establishment, or possibly buying into one. Why are you selling your business?”
He wore a phony smile as he scratched his chin. He looked like the cat sizing up the canary just before eating it. “You see, Miss Feldstein, I have other interests I must tend to in Texas. I really hate giving up this place but unfortunately I have no choice.”
“I see. How much land surrounds this place?” she asked.
“Five acres of desert land. I was figuring on making a parking lot, but business has slowed since The Strip has grown to what it is now.”
So there it was. Business was bad because of The Strip. The Strip was siphoning off business and he probably couldn’t hold out much longer.
Ernie added his two cents. “What are you asking for this place?”
Shepshank wondered whether or not to tell him. “I don’t like talking money until I know you’re serious about buying.”
Ernie nodded. “Come on, people, let’s get out of here. We’re wasting our time. He’s not serious about selling.”
Shepshank’s face turned beet red. “Hold on one minute. You can’t be treating people like you own them. Come on back in here and let’s talk.”
The boys closed the door and a nervous Sophia Feldstein sat back down.
“You want to know what I have to get for this place? All right, I’ll tell you. Two point five million. That’s what it’ll take to buy me out.”
Two and a half million was a lot of money back in those days. Much more than the place was worth.
Sophia leaned forward. “Is this place profitable?”
Shepshank couldn’t lie. The books would reveal the truth, if they weren’t cooked. Shepshank removed a hanky from his pocket and wiped his sweaty brow. “No. It’s not profitable at the moment. But there’s no questioning the potential of this place. Look, I’ll go and get the books. I’ll even go one better. Two and a quarter right now and the place is yours. What do you say?”
Shooter and Moose remained quiet. This wasn’t their game. They were the muscle, but Ernie was the brains and he was in his element. He lived for moments like this. Ernie reached over and shook Shepshank’s hand.
“Mr. Shepshank, I am interested in having further discussions. I will be back, sir, but first I must check out two other establishments. My associate insists on having all the facts. It may interest you to know he is a very wealthy investor who owns, among other properties, Starlight Studios, a movie production company. For all I know he may be interested in buying all three properties. Thank you for your time. We will be getting back to you shortly, you can be sure of tha
t.”
Shepshank was flustered. “Listen. This deal is only good until tomorrow and then it’s off the table.”
Ernie smiled. “I understand. But consider this for a moment. If this place is off the table then that would be your loss wouldn’t it, Mr. Shepshank?”
When they were in the car again, Ernie said, “I liked his place.”
The guys and Sophia couldn’t believe their ears. “You like that shit hole?”
“Yeah, I sure do. I’ll tell you why later. Come on, let’s visit the second place on the list.”
Sophia stopped in front of The Conquistador, a twenty-five story hotel and casino.
“What’s the story with this place,” asked Ernie.
“They want to expand, so they’re asking for twenty-five million for a ten percent interest.”
Ernie shook his head. “Come on. Let’s see the third place, the one we really came here to see.”
They drove past The Strip to a section of town in decline. But it was nearer to The Strip than many of the other, lesser known establishments in the area. They pulled around to the parking lot in the back of The Double Seven Casino, a two story structure, and parked close to the rear entrance.
They paused inside and waited a moment for their eyes to adjust to the dark, soothing atmosphere of the casino, which was larger than both Ernie and Sophia had expected.
Sophia asked a security guard stationed near the rear door where the manager’s office was. He looked at her then at the other three men a little suspiciously.
“Can I help you with anything, ma’am?”
Sophia smiled. “Yes. We need to see the owner. He’s expecting us. We have some business to discuss with him.”
“I see. Follow me, please, and I’ll take you to him.”
They arrived at a door opening on a hallway leading to a staircase. They followed the guard up the steps and walked a short distance down the hall to a door. The guard knocked once, opened the door and popped his head inside.
“Mr. Webber, there are some people here who say they spoke to you yesterday about a business matter.”
“Show them in, Sam.”
The suite was a large, well-furnished corner office with enough seats for them all to sit comfortably. The room was obviously chosen for its two-sided, panoramic view of downtown Las Vegas. Allan Webber introduced himself, and Sophia in turn introduced herself and the boys to him. Webber was in his mid fifties. He wore an expensive suit and a fittingly expensive watch. He was slim, sported a nice tan, and had black hair with white feathering his temples. He appeared in excellent condition for his age, indicating a heavy fitness regime. The man reeked of class—and money.
“Can I get you folks a drink? Possibly some coffee?” At the close of a long day, they all agreed on coffee.
After some small talk Ernie guided the discussion to the subject of the hotel. “Sophia informed us that you might be interested in selling your hotel and casino. My associate is looking for just such a property.” Ernie looked around before continuing and motioned with a sweep of his hand. “From what I saw downstairs, it appears to me you have enough business to keep you profitable. So, if you don’t mind me asking, why do you want to sell this casino?”
Webber looked uncomfortable. He sat back heavily in his chair and was silent for a long moment, as if deciding how to answer Ernie.
“It’s not that I want to sell.” He stopped talking and shook his head. “I’m probably shooting myself in the foot but I can’t be a party to deception.”
Ernie, who had made his bones years ago, was aware there was something Webber wanted to share with them, but he was either frightened or couldn’t decide how much to tell them. Ernie sensed what might be troubling him. He gambled and said, “You obviously love this place. Who’s forcing you to sell?”
Webber lifted his eyebrows in surprise and looked at Ernie curiously. Ernie had nailed it. Webber, still in shock, could only nod.
“Yes, you’re right. If I sold you my casino, I can guarantee you’d get it for the right price; but along with the casino you’d also inherit my problems.”
“What problems are you talking about?”
“I’m being pressured, Mr. Zundel.”
Moose didn’t like what he was hearing and asked the question they all wanted answered. “Is someone putting the bite on you, Mr. Webber?”
Webber sighed. “Yes. I was told if I didn’t sell my hotel to a certain party, my life could be at risk.”
Sophia asked, “Did you go to the police?”
“I was warned that if I went to the police, my family would be in danger.”
“Do you believe them?” Shooter asked.
Webber looked at Shooter as if for the first time and studied him with a trained eye before answering. “Yes. Yes I believe they’d do whatever it takes to get me to sell to them. I can’t prove what I’ve just told you. I have nothing in writing or on tape. I was threatened by some very serious people and they frightened me. And I don’t frighten easily.”
Ernie stood and walked over to Webber. “Do you mind if I call my associate? I want to talk to him first, then I’d like to put you on the phone with him.” Webber agreed, so Ernie made the call to Red.
Ernie talked to Red in mob speak for a few minutes, then handed the phone to Webber. After a few minutes Webber looked at the group.
“He wants to speak to Shooter. Who’s Shooter?”
Shooter took the phone and listened for a minute without saying a word. “Okay, Boss,” he said at last, and hung up.
“That was fast.” Ernie looked at both Webber and Shooter, then addressed Shooter. “What did he say?”
“He told me to stay with Webber and not to let him out of my sight until he gets here tomorrow.” Shooter patted Webber on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about nuthin’, because I’m gonna be your shadow until Red gets here.”
Webber looked a little embarrassed. “Thank you for offering to help, Shooter, but I have enough protection here in the casino.”
“You don’t understand, Mr. Webber. I was ordered to protect you and that’s what I’m gonna do. Look, I don’t know who your people are and I really don’t give a fuck. Because as far as I’m concerned they may be on someone else’s payroll. But what I know for sure is that as long as I’m protecting you, no one—and I mean no one—will hurt you.”
Webber sat back in his plush chair and nodded grimly. “Red told me not to worry about anything. That nothing was going to happen to me. He said he’s taking the red eye tonight and he’ll see me tomorrow.”
Moose smiled for the first time since the meeting started and pointed at Webber. “My boss told you not to worry and Shooter’s watching your back. With him watching over you, you can relax, ’cause nothin’ will happen to you.”
Webber melted into his chair, relieved. Maybe, he thought, there was still a glimmer of hope. Then he looked at his guests with a questioning look. “Just who is your boss? And how can he be so sure he can handle my problem?”
Shooter spoke up. “If Big Red told you not to worry, then don’t worry about anything. I was ordered to stay with you tonight, just in case these guys show up. As long as I’m with you nobody is going to touch you or your family. Tomorrow Moose will go to the airport to pick up Red. Then, after Red gets settled in, we’ll meet here tomorrow morning.” Shooter turned to Ernie. “You gonna be all right without me, Ernie?”
Ernie smiled. “I’ll be all right, Shooter. Moose is here. He’ll be with me.”
Shooter turned to Webber. “There’s one more thing I’ll need that I know you can get for me out here in cowboy land.”
“Sure, if I can. What do you need?”
“A Colt Single Action.”
CHAPTER 13
The Starlight Club
The weather was terrible. It had rained all evening and into the pre-morning hours, until the rain slowed to a drizzle. It finally stopped, and steam seeped up from the wet pavement, creating a misty shroud that permeated the stre
et, making it difficult to see the three steps leading into the Starlight Club.
The man stepped out of the cab and looked up through the mist at the low hanging clouds that threatened more rain. He pulled up the collar of his top coat. After paying the cab driver, he walked up the three steps and entered the Starlight Club, where Tarzan was busy wiping down the outer bar, getting the place ready for business.
The man walked over to him and asked if Red was in. Tarzan looked at him suspiciously.
“Could be. Who’s asking?”
The rest of the men in the room all took notice of the tall, dark, rough looking stranger talking to Tarzan.
“Tell him Johnny Downs is in town and would like to have a few words with him. He might remember me as Johnny Eight Fingers.”
Johnny Eight Fingers was the guy in Florida that Yip called, after Red told him that while on the lam, he and Jimmy the Hat were almost assassinated. Once Yip heard there was a contract on his nephew Red, he called Johnny Downs. Unbeknownst to Red and Jimmy an invisible Johnny Eight Fingers shadowed them wherever they went. His job was to make sure a second assassin didn’t try to kill them.
Tarzan buzzed the intercom and gave Red the message. A few seconds later the door flew open and Red came bounding out. “Johnny! Man it’s good to see you. Glad you took me up on my invitation to come to New York.”
Johnny broke into a wide grin. “I had to leave Dodge in a hurry, so I came up north until it cools down. But before I left Miami I looked for the card you gave me, found it and decided to take you up on your offer. I took a room in a hotel by the airport, but to be honest I’m too exposed, and I don’t feel comfortable staying there.”
Red looked over at the tables and saw Piss Clam sitting with Petey D. He motioned for him to come over. “Piss Clam, meet a friend of ours, Johnny Eight Fingers. As the two men shook hands, Piss Clam looked him over, trying to get a read on him. He wondered why Red called him over to meet this guy. This was something Red rarely did. A few seconds later he had his answer.
“Piss Clam, Johnny’s going to give you the address to his hotel. It’s near the airport. You’re gonna go there and pick up his suitcase and bring it here. Johnny will be staying with us at the Starlight Club for a while.”
