by Tony Farraj
“I will.”
Mr. Spinelli removed the needle from Anthony’s palm. “Stick out your trigger finger. With this needle, I poke your finger and let the blood flow over the mother of Christ…” Mr. Spinelli lit the picture on fire. “And now we burn the picture to symbolize a new beginning. May your soul burn for eternity if you ever betray your fellow brothers? Do you honor everyone in this room and promise to give your life to them?”
“I do.” Anthony clinched his teeth from the pain.
“Do you promise never to go after women and children?”
“I do.”
“Do promise never to lay with another members wife?” Mr. Spinelli asked firmly.
“I do.” Anthony could hardly stand the pain from the burning picture in his hands.
“With these words, I welcome you with open arms and an open heart. Your in for life.” Mr. Spinelli removed the blindfold and handed Anthony a towel to wipe his hands. He then led Anthony around the room, where the other members of his new family greeted him. Each one shook his hand and placed an envelope in his pocket.
Meanwhile back at the café, Michael and Carlo where sitting down for a bite to eat, when Sonny came rushing through the door all out have breath.
“Word on the street is, Anthony is being backed by Vincent Spinelli and…” Sonny paused. He knew the next bit of information was going to drive his brother nuts. “He might be getting his button sometime this week.”
“This changes everything. You know that right?” Carlo looked at Michael, who had a blank look in his face.
“This doesn’t change a thing.” Michael said calmly. “We’re not even sure if this information is true and even if it is, we can still take him out.”
“Michael, I know your hatred for Anthony runs deep, but is it worth an all out war?” Carlo asked concerned.
“Uncle Carlo, if blood has to be shed, then so be it!” Michael twisted his napkin and threw it on the table. “Call some of the boys and tell them to keep an eye out for Anthony. I want to know everything he’s up too.”
Sonny walked to the bar and started to make calls to a couple of their lower ranked soldiers.
“I want this motherfucker dead! He has become to powerful and to cocky, to quickly.”
“Michael, you need to calm down. Think with your head and not your heart. I have a way to bring Anthony down to his knees.” Carlo knew it was time to use the ace he was holding. “I’ll have a talk with him. He’ll listen to me. Trust me, he’ll listen.”
Anthony pulled Mr. Spinelli aside and thanked him for the opportunity to prove his loyalty.
“You showed us what you’re made of and now your protected. Any problem someone has with you now has to deal with this family. As for Michael and Carlo, tomorrow they’ll know you’re a made man. If they’re smart, they’ll back off.” Mr. Spinelli smiled. “Now, enough with the business. It’s time to celebrate!”
The group of men walked to the show room, where Mr. Spinelli had a large table set up with all kinds of food and wine. They all ate and drank and spoke of days gone by, while the music and the distinctive voice of old blue eyes blasted out onto the showroom floor, but Anthony’s thoughts where miles away.
“Something wrong?” Vinnie asked.
“I always dreamed this day would come, but I thought Mr. Mazellie would be standing here with me… No offence.”
“Fuggettaboutit. I bet if he was here, he would be proud of what you have accomplished.”
“That’s because of you and Bruno and Mr. Spinelli. You guys made me what I am today.” Anthony said sadly.
“Come on, cheer up. All this celebrating is for you!” Vinnie wrapped his large arms around Anthony’s head and pulled him back to the celebration.
As the night wore on and the men started to leave one by one, Anthony paid his respects to each one. He walked back into the showroom and sat down next to Vincent.
“It’s good to have new blood in our organization. It’s been awhile since we opened the books for a new member. Anthony, you happened to show up just the right time.” Mr. Spinelli gave Anthony a slight slap on the back. “Vinnie take’um home and make sure he gets in safe.”
“Thank you again for all that you’ve done for me in the past several months. I hope I can make you as happy as you made me.” Anthony hugged Mr. Spinelli and walked out into a waiting car. Vinnie drove Anthony home in record time and waited out in the car, while Anthony stumbled up the walk way and toward the front door. When he opened the front door, he was surprised to see Tina standing there wearing nothing but a large red ribbon. The ribbon wrapped around her whole body.
“Hi.” She said in a soft sexy voice.
Wow! What are you doing here?” Anthony asked, as he threw his jacket on the floor.
“Vinnie told me the good news, so I came to surprise you.” Tina said girlishly.
“My god, you look great.” Anthony stared up and down Tina’s gorgeous figure.
“Are you just gonna to stand there or are you going to unwrap your present?”
Anthony moved in closer and pulled on the bow. The red ribbon fell to the ground, exposing Tina’s soft smooth body. He picked he up and carried her to the bedroom.
“You now?” Tina whispered in Anthony’s ear. “I never made it with a real life mobster.”
“Really, me neither.” They both began to laugh. Anthony gentle laid her on the bed. Tina undid Anthony’s shirt and ran her hand down the middle of his back. Anthony meanwhile, sled his hand between her legs and caressed the inside of her thigh. He sled his pants off and with both knees spread Tina’s legs apart.
With one smooth motion, Anthony was deep inside her. Tina pulled him close and wrapped her silky smooth tan legs around his waist. Their bodies tangled and twisted like a New York pretzel. He lovingly pulled on her hair; she gently nibbled on his shoulder. Their passion consumed their desire. The sweet smell of their sweat enhanced their pleasure, until neither one could hold back. They collapsed in each other’s arms, exhausted, soar, but satisfied. Tina placed her head on Anthony’s chest. Anthony brushed back her hair and gazed at her beautiful face. “I love you.” He whispered, as they drifted off to sleep.
The following morning Anthony woke up and found a note on the pillow next to him. “I had a wonderful time. I hope you liked your present. I’ll call you later. Love Tina.”
Anthony folded the note and placed it on the nightstand. He felt awkward without Tina waking up beside him. He wanted her to be there every time he opened his eyes in the morning. He got up and walked to the kitchen. Vinnie and Bruno where sitting at the table, having breakfast.
“Hey, good morning lover boy.” Vinnie said without looking up from his paper.
“Why didn’t you tell me she was waiting for me?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t have been a surprise.” Vinnie glanced up quickly and smiled.
As Anthony sat down with Vinnie and Bruno, there was a quick knock at the door. Bruno jumped up and immediately reached for his gun. Vinnie jumped up and walked to the living room. He cautiously walked to the front door, his gun pointed at the peephole.
Who is it?” Vinnie asked. He swung the door open and found a note pinned to the side of the doorframe.
“What’s going on?” Bruno asked from the kitchen. His hand firmly gripped on his gun, while the other was on Anthony’s shoulder.
“It’s a note addressed to Anthony.” Vinnie yelled from the front door. He glanced outside to see if the author was lingering about. Vinnie closed the door and walked back to the kitchen and handed Anthony the note.
Anthony took the note and read it. “It’s from Carlo. He wants to have a sit down and clear the air. He must have found out about last night.”
“Whatta ya going to do?” Vinnie asked.
“I’ll talk it over with Mr. Spinelli, but for now let’s take a trip to our new club and see how Hank is doing.”
It had been just a couple of days since Anthony last stopped by, but it was appar
ent Hank had been busy. All the sawdust was swept away. The floor was mopped and most of the stains where removed. The tables where now covered with a table clothe and the bar was painted beige, to try and hide all the burnt marks.
“Anthony, what do you think?” Hank was seeking approval.
“You have done a great job my friend. I have a surprise for you.” Anthony walked up to the newly painted bar and laid down the cash he received from Mr. Spinelli. “This is money you can use to fix the place even better.”
Hank stared down at the money and smiled. “I could go crazy with this kind of cash!”
“I want you to spend it wisely. I’ll be back in a few days, have this place looking like a real nightclub. We’re going to have some important people as a cliental.” Anthony shook hands with Hank and walked back out to Vinnie’s car.
“Don’t worry about a thing! This place will look like a million bucks when you return.” Hank placed the money in a metal box and placed the box in a floor safe behind the bar.
Anthony drove to Mr. Spinelli’s dealership and walked inside, where he was greeted by Tina.
“I’m sorry I had to leave this morning.” She said sadly.
“It’s alright, I forgive you.” Anthony kissed her hard on the lips. “Is Mr. Spinelli here?”
Tina buzzed his office.
“Yeah?”
“Anthony is here to see you.” Tina’s voice echoed in the receiver.
“Send him in.”
Anthony made his way to Mr. Spinelli’s office. He knocked and waited to be invited. Mr. Spinelli was seated behind his desk counting a bundle of cash. Anthony reached into his pocket and handed Vincent the note.
“What’s this?” Mr. Spinelli read the short, but straight to the point note. “Carlo wants to have a sit down.”
“Yeah, that’s what it looks like, but I don’t trust him.” Anthony said leery.
“Don’t worry about Carlo.” Mr. Spinelli smiled. “Tell him you’ll meet him anywhere he wants.” Mr. Spinelli called Tina on the intercom.
“Yes sir?” Tina said from the other end.
“Have Bruno come back here for a minute.” Mr. Spinelli asked.
Moments later, Bruno was knocking on the office door. “You wanted to see me, boss?”
“I have a job for you.” Mr. Spinelli wrote a quick note and placed it in an envelope. “Take this to don Carlo and personally place it in his hand.”
Bruno took the note and headed out the office door.
“Now what?” Anthony asked.
“We wait.” Mr. Spinelli said calmly.
Minutes later, Bruno was parked outside of Carlo’s café. He slid out of the car and made his way inside. Bruno walked in and shuffled up to the bar.
“Can I help you?” Andrew asked firmly.
“I have an important message for don Carlo.” Bruno’s size intimidated Andrew.
“Why don’t you give me the message and I’ll make sure don Carlo gets it.” Andrew said curiously.
“I was told to give this message to don Carlo and don Carlo is the only person I will give this message too.” Bruno’s attention was drawn to the two-way mirror.
Andrew stared hard at Bruno. He wasn’t sure what to do. “Ill call him, but first I’ll have to pat you down.”
“No need.” Bruno removed his gun and set it on the bar. “I’m not here to cause any trouble. I just want to deliver my message and I’ll be on my way.”
Andrew removed the clip, before handing the gun back to Bruno. He walked to the end of the bar and placed a call upstairs.
A short while later, Carlo emerged from his office. A cigar hanging from his bottom lip, he walked up to Bruno and stood just outside his reach. “I’m Carlo Sabbetini, What do you have for me?”
“Don Carlo, I have come here with a message from Anthony Sakakini and Vincent Spinelli.” Bruno reached in to his jacket, when suddenly Andrew pulled out a large caliber handgun from underneath the bar.
“Slowly.” Andrew asked.
Bruno pulled the envelope out of his jacket with two fingers. “I will wait outside for your reply.” He slowly backed out the door, never taking his eyes off Andrew.
Carlo unfolded the note and read it to Andrew. “Don Carlo. It is time we settle the differences you and Anthony are having. We accept your invitation and are looking forward to clearing up any situation we have. Please inform my associate of the location and the time of this sit down. Sincerely, Vincent Spinelli.”
Carlo placed the note on the bar and walked out to talk to Bruno. “You tell your boss and Anthony here, tonight, 12; 30.” Carlo puffed hard on his cigar.
“Thank you for your time don Carlo.” Bruno stepped around to the drivers’ side and got in and headed back to the dealership. He walked back to the office and told Anthony and Mr. Spinelli exactly what Carlo had said.
“Well, we now know where and when, hopefully tonight we can settle this once and for all.” Anthony said. “Bruno, did you happen to see Michael Mazellie in the café?”
“The only other guy in the damn place was the bartender or maybe it was the cook.”
“So if Michael wasn’t there, Carlo might be having this sit down with out Michaels’ knowledge, which means…” Mr. Spinelli was interrupted.
“I can take Michael out, without any retaliation from Carlo.” Anthony had a deviant look in his eyes. The time had come to lay all the cards on the table and let fate play its’ hand.
Chapter 9
“I WILL DESTROY MY ENEMIES.”
So much had happened since the last time Anthony saw the interior of the café. Today he walks in not as a friend, but as an adversary. He couldn’t help but remember the first time he ran through those doors. The strong smell of roasted garlic felted his nostrils, the large bundle of money that felled his pockets and the first time he saw Sal up close. A sense of awe covered Anthony like another layer of skin. He didn’t know what awaited him this time, but he knew it wasn’t going to be good. The voice in his head told him that.
Bruno walked to the other side of the car and opened the door. Anthony stepped out and looked around. Besides a street sweeper, the street was deserted.
“Anthony…” Mr. Spinelli’s voice echoed off the empty buildings. “No matter what happens in here, I want you to stay calm.”
Those same exact words where spoken to him by his mentor, Mr. Mazellie. Anthony took a deep breath, before opening the door to the café. Inside, the place hadn’t changed. It was as if time had stood still. Anthony and Mr. Spinelli stood just inside, while Bruno waited out front.
“Gentlemen, don Carlo is waiting for you in the back room. If you would follow me please.” Andrew led both Anthony and Mr. Spinelli through the kitchen to the poker room. “I don’t mean any disrespect, but if I could get you to raise your arms to your side, please.”
Anthony raised his arms up, while Andrew ran a hand-held metal detector across his body.
“Thanks, now you don Vincent?” Andrew asked politely.
Mr. Spinelli did the same.
“Thank you gentlemen.”
Anthony and Mr. Spinelli walked into the poker room, where they where greeted by Carlo. He looked like he had lost a lot of weight. His face looked tired and beat down. The toll of loosing Frankie and Chris seemed to have weighed heavily on his shoulders. The fine suits that used to cover his thin frame now looked wrinkled. He no longer seemed to be the man Anthony used to look up too.
“Anthony…” Carlo’s voice was now harsh and scratchy. The fine cigars that he had smoked for years, affected his voice box. “It’s good to see again. I’m glad you could make it.” Carlo extended his nicotine stand hand in a friendly gesture.
“How you doin, Carlo? I would like you to meet my associate Vincent Spinelli.” Anthony said calmly. He looked around to see if there was anyone else in the poker room. “Where’s Michael?”
“He’s not coming. This meeting is about us, I know how you feel about Michael, and so I didn’t ask him to come. Th
is feud between us has to stop. I never wanted this ever to get to this point you have my word on that. You and I where close at one point and I would like to renew our friendship.” Carlo stared profoundly in Anthony’s eyes. “Please, have a seat.”
All three men sat around a table covered with a silk red tablecloth. In front of each man was a black cover booklet.
“What’s this?” Anthony asked curiously.
“It’s my olive branch to you. It will explain everything that’s happened in the last year or so.”
“Like how you tried to kill me?” Anthony interrupted. He wasn’t here to make nice. He wanted the truth.
Carlo took offence to Anthony’s off the cuff commit. “Let’s get something straight, I never ordered a hit on you. I don’t care what Frankie told you. And as for Frankie, that wasn’t necessary to have him killed like a stray dog in an abandon building. He deserved better.”
“Then why? I did nothing to anger you. I did nothing to threaten your life. I did nothing, but treat you like my flesh and blood.”
“Anthony, you know you have done more than what you’re claiming.” Carlo said unsympathetically. “Have you forgotten what happened in this place? What transpired inside these hallowed walls? What tribulation you have caused?”
Suddenly, from the other side of the door Anthony could hear loud voices screaming at one another. The door of the poker room swung open violently, as Michael stood there. The catastrophic losses had taken its toll on him, as well. Gone was the bully that pushed everyone around, standing in his place was an angry boy looking for revenge, a shell of a man grasping at straws, trying to make sense of all that he lost. His blood shot eyes scanned the poker room, until they fixed their glare on Anthony. “What the fuck is going on here?” He screamed at the top of his horsed voice.
“Why don’t you just calm down.” Carlo insisted.
“How could you betray me like this? How could you let this motherfucker back into our lives?” Michael pulled out a high caliber gun and pointed it at Carlo’s head.
