by Tony Farraj
“Alright Hank, calm down. I want you to take ten for your self. I want you to put fifteen in an envelope that goes to Mr. Spinelli. Five goes to O’Malley and five goes to Vinnie and the rest goes to me.”
“You actually want me to have ten?” Hank was surprised by Anthony’s generosity.
“Of course, what did you think I was going to cut you out completely? Hank, I thought you knew me better than that.” Anthony smiled and headed to Mr. Spinelli’s table.
“Anthony, you did a great job with this place, except for the music. It’s a bit too loud. That shit gives me a headache. Next time why don’t you play a little Sinatra?"
“I’ll see what I can do, but in the mean time; this is for you.” Anthony handed the white envelope to Vincent.
“Thank you, Anthony. I’ll make sure this gets to Carmine” Mr. Spinelli took the envelope and quickly shoved it in his jacket pocket. “I don’t want to bring up bad news on your opening night, but whatever happened to our little rat infestation?”
“Oh, that? I took care of that earlier this afternoon. It’s no longer a problem, trust me.”
“I knew I could count on you.” Mr. Spinelli said firmly.
“Don’t ever worry about a thing, I have everything under control.” Anthony reached out and kissed Mr. Spinelli on both cheeks and shook hands with Paul Scarvitti and Joey Carbello. He then turned and began to walk back to Tina.
“Hey where you goin? The night is still young.” Joey asked.
“I think Tina is ready to go home.” Anthony sounded almost apologetic.
“So, let Vinnie take her home.”
“Joey, leave the kid alone, he’s tired. You did good kid, go home and get some rest.” Mr. Spinelli said, as he waved Anthony away.
“Thank you, sir. This is only the beginning; I have some more good news. I’ve asked Tina to marry me. “ Anthony paused for dramatic purposes. “She said yes!”
“Congratulations! So, when is the big day?” Joey asked.
“The sooner the better, I don’t want her to slip away.” Anthony replied.
“I’m not going to let you get away, either.” Tina stepped behind Anthony and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“I’m very happy for the both of you.” Vincent said, as he gave Tina a kiss.
“Thanks uncle Vinny.” Tina gave Anthony a pick on the cheek and began to walk to the front of the club.
Anthony watched, as she seemed to float on air. He thanked Mr. Spinelli one last time and followed his bride to be to the front. Vinnie already had the car waiting.
“Hey mister?”
Anthony turned to see the young lady and her friends that he snuck in through the back door.
“This place rocks! Thanks for letting us in!” The girl said animatedly.
“Your welcome. Come back anytime, but next time, you’ll pay.” Anthony said playfully.
“One of your fans?” Tina smiled as she pulled Anthony closer.
“One of many.”
The ride back to the house was a quiet one. All Vinnie could hear was the heavy breathing of two lovers. Vinnie kept his eyes on the road, not daring to look back in the rear view mirror. When they pulled in to the driveway, Vinnie cleared his throat and waited a few seconds, before looking back.
“Boss, we’re home.”
Anthony and Tina hurried inside, arm in arm. When they got to the bedroom, Tina threw Anthony on top of the bed and began to unbutton his shirt. Anthony reached around and unzipped Tina’s black dress, exposing her soft full breasts. Anthony kissed the small section under her ear and ran his fingers down Tina’s smooth back. As Tina began to unzip Anthony pants, there was a small knock on the bedroom door.
“What is it?” Anthony asked annoyed.
“Boss, I hate to bother you, but there’s someone here to see you.” Vinnie could hear the anger in Anthony’s response.
“Who?
”It’s Sonny.” Vinnie waited for a response from the other side of the door. “He says it’s important.” Vinnie took a step back, when he heard the doorknob turn.
Anthony stepped out and saw Sonny Mazellie standing in the living room. He looked tired and beat down. The sparkle that shined in his eyes was gone. His hair was bushy and tangled. The clothes he wore seemed wrinkled and unwashed. This wasn’t the Sonny Anthony had remembered. “Hello, my old friend. How you doin?”
“I’m hanging in there.” Sonny said somberly.
“Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything?” Anthony asked. “You want something to eat or drink? Vinnie, get Sonny some water or something?”
Vinnie walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water for Sonny.
“I just wanted to come here and say what I gotta say and then I’m catching a plane to New York.” Sonny gulped down the water and handed Vinnie the empty glass. “When I first meet you, I knew right a way you where going to be trouble. Michael knew it too, he use to tell me when we where alone, “This guy is going to bring down the whole family”. He’d say. And you know, he was right.”
”Sonny, I never wanted this to happen…” Anthony began, but Sonny continued.
“Please Anthony, let me finish. I never really listened to what Michael had to say. Michael was always running his mouth. I don’t blame you for what you had to do. I’m never going to forgive him for what he did to Helen. I’m sorry about that. As for Carlo, he didn’t deserve to die like a common hood; he was too good for that. Again, I know Michael probably had something to do with that, as well. Anthony I bare no ill will toward you. I know you did what you had too do and in a way; I respect you for that. My dad would have been proud. He knew you where a born leader and I imagine that’s one reason why Michael hated you so much. I guess that’s all I came here to say. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be causing you any trouble and that I know the truth.” Sonny stood up and made his way to the front door.
“Wait, please. There are things I have to say to you.” Anthony followed Sonny to the front door and prevented him from leaving. “Out of the whole crew, I respected you the most. You showed me what a real friend is, because of you I have this roof over my head…” Anthony could feel the tears swell up in the corner of his eyes. “You treated me with respect, with honor and like a brother. I will never forget that. If you ever need anything, I’ll be there for you, day or night. I don’t care what it is, you call me and I’ll be by your side.” Anthony said assertively.
“If you want to last as long as my father, watch your back. Your enemies may be closer than you think. Take care of yourself and if you’re ever in New York, I’ll show you the town.” Sonny said with a half smile. He gave Anthony one more hug, before he walked out the door, without ever looking back.
Anthony watched as Sonny drove away. He knew he was no longer a treat, but he sure hated to see him leave. Sonny could have been a valuable asset to his organization.
The following morning, Anthony woke up with Tina in his arms. He walked to the living room, where Vinnie was sitting and watching the early news, in horror.
“Last night, flight 209 from Houston bound to New York ended in tragedy. Officials report that the airplane’s landing gear malfunctioned, causing the plane to strike the barriers at the end of the runway and burst into flames, before skidding off and plunging into the Hudson River. Rescue officials are working frantically at this time searching for any survivors. We’ll keep you updated on this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families. Bill and Steve, back to you.”
Anthony couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The images that came from his television left him motionless. He knew in his heart Sonny was among the dead. He got down on his knees and began to pray for his long time friend.
Meanwhile, agent Shepherd received a phone call at his home about a brutal murder of a field agent. The body of Amber Thomas was found in an abandoned warehouse. “Call Eddie and tell him to meet me at the crime scene.” Agent Shepherd got up and washed his face. The reflection in the mir
ror looked old and worn out, gone was the smooth silky skin of years gone by. Agent Shepherd splashed more water on his face, as the water dripped into the sink, he stared deep into his reflection. His eyes where blood shot, his body ached and today his heart hurt. He walked to his living room, clipped on his gun and walked out to his car. The whole way to the warehouse all that crossed his mind was, what he told Amber the last time they spoke? He parked the car and stepped under the yellow crime tape and walked inside.
The smell of urine felled the dusty air. Agent Shepherd pulled out a handkerchief and covered his mouth and nose. The warehouse was buzzing with activity. The sun shined through the broken windows and reflected on the warehouse floor. The light came together like an abstract painting. Agent Shepherd walked around and noticed a bloody palm print on the North sidewall. As he made his way toward the palm print, a large gray rat scampered passed his shoes and entered a hole in the wall, no bigger than a half dollar. “Damn it, I hate those fucking things!”
“What things?” Agent Hill asked.
“Rats.” Agent Shepherd said, without taking his eyes off the hole. “Where is she?”
Agent Hill led his partner into a small area in the back. There lying on top of an old stained mattress was the body of agent Shepherd’s daughter, Amber Thomas. Her feet where spread wide apart. There where deep wounds on the inside of her thighs. Her arms where placed by her side and her stomach was slashed multiple times. The cut across Amber’s throat was so severe and so forceful, that her spine was visible.
Agent Shepherd turned away in horror.
“We found her clothes over here in the corner. They where neatly piled on this table.” Agent Hill said.
“Was she raped?”
“Initial investigation shows no sign of any sexual assault, but we’ll no more when the coroner does a full autopsy. I’m so sorry.” Agent Hill said somberly.
Agent Shepherd turned and stared long and hard into the eyes of his long time partner. “Tell him to make this his number one priority.” Agent Shepherd wiped a tear from his eyes and hurried out the warehouse. He jumped into his car and quickly drove to Anthony house.
The car barely came to a stop, before agent Shepherd was out and standing at Anthony’s doorstep. With one hard kick, the door swung open. Agent Shepherd pounced on Anthony and began to slam his head into the ground.
“What the fuck is your problem!” Anthony managed to break free and deliver a hard knee to agent Shepherd’s groin.
Meanwhile, Vinnie jumped out from the kitchen, with his gun cocked and aimed at agent Shepherd’s temple. “Should I blow his fucken head clear off his shoulders?” Vinnie asked as he pressed the gun hard against the agent Shepherd’s head.
“No, we don’t need that kind of heat.” Anthony said, as he got off the floor and checked the back of his head for blood. “What’s going on, Shepherd?”
“Don’t fucken play games with me! I know you’re the one who killed Agent Amber. She was getting to close, so you had to eliminate her.” Agent Shepherd lunged forward, but was struck in the back of the head with Vinnie’s gun.
“You came here and busted down my door, cause you think I had something to do with the death of one of your field agents?” Anthony bent down close to agent Shepherd’s face. “I didn’t know who she was. I just thought she needed a job. I was going to give her one at my club, but she never showed up. Besides, I would never kill a federal agent. I don’t need that kind of heat.”
“She wasn’t just a field agent, she was my daughter. I know you killed her and I’m not going to stop, until I prove it, or until I’m dead.” Agent Shepherd pushed the gun away from his head and stood up. “I’m not scared of you, but now; you better be scared of me. You made this personal. I’m going to do everything in my power, lawful or unlawful to bring you down.” Agent Shepherd pushed Vinnie out of the way and walked to the front door. “You better watch your back, bullets have no name.”
Anthony followed agent Shepherd out the broken door. “Are you threatening me, Shepherd?” Anthony asked vehemently.
Agent Shepherd drove back to his office, where he was greeted by agent Hill.
“The coroner just called, he wants us to come down to his office and take a look at what he found. Where did you go?”
“I went and paid Anthony a visit.” Agent Shepherd said, still fuming with rage.
“And?”
“He said he had nothing to do with her death. He said he didn’t know she was an F.B.I. agent”
“Do you believe him?” Agent Hill asked.
“No. I know he had her killed and I’m hoping that the coroner can find something that will link Anthony to her death.” Agent Shepherd said confidently.
The coroners office was only a mile or two away, but the drive seemed to take forever. The camel colored building stood separately from the surrounding federal buildings. To enter the facility, one had to go through a guard station and leave all hands guns in a metal box. Inside, the halls where painted a pale blue and there was a discriminating smell of copper and bleach that filled the air. The door leading to the autopsy room was pure white, with a polished silver doorknob. A small sign read, knock before entering. Agent Shepherd reached out and knocked on the white metal door, then quickly wiped his knuckles off against his paints. “I hate the smell of this place.”
”Come in.” Dr. Richard Light answered.
Agent Hill opened the door and entered the room. Dr. Light was standing over a young men’s body. A white sheet covered the young man’s lower torso, but his chest was visible to both agents. A large incision revealed that the doctor had just begun the autopsy on the young man.
“Agent Shepherd, agent Hill. I’m glad you could come down to see me on such a short notice.” Dr. Light reached out to shack hands with the agents.
“No offence doc, but…” Agent Shepherd didn’t want to shack hands with the doctor.
“None taken. The reason I called is, I found something interesting inserted inside your victim.” Dr. Light walked to the other side of the room and opened one of several metal doors. He reached in and grabbed the handle to a cold metal rack and pulled. The tray sled out and made a loud crashing noise, when it reached the end of the opening.
Amber Thomas’s body was inside a black morgue bag. Dr. Light unzipped the bag and revealed Amber’s cleaned up body. Sitting on top of Amber’s maimed chest, was a small plastic bag.
“What it that?” Agent Shepherd asked with out looking directly at his daughter.
“As I was examining to see if she was sexually violated, I noticed, what seemed to be a foreign object inserted into her vagina. I carefully reached in and removed the foreign substance and placed it in a bag for your examination.”
”What’s inside the bag Dr. Light?” Agent Shepherd asked curiously.
Dr. Light picked up the bag and walked to a lab table and placed the bag on a large overhead projector. “It looks like money, hundred dollar bills to be exact.”
“Where you able to left any prints?” Agent Hill asked.
Dr. light turned and removed his glasses. “I was, unfortunately, whoever did this was smart…”
“Why is that?” Agent Shepherd quickly interrupted.
“The prints I removed, was that of your victim.” Dr. Light walked back to Amber’s body and zipped up the morgue bag and pushed her body back into the confine of her metal chamber.
“Is there anything else you could tells us?” Agent Hill did most of the talking. He could tell his partner wasn’t up too asking any questions.
“The toxicology report shows a high level of alcohol and chloroform in her system. She was drugged pretty intensely.”
“God damn it!” Agent Shepherd screamed at the top of his voice, as he stepped out into the hallway.
“What seems to be wrong with your partner?” Dr. Light asked confused about agent Shepherd’s outburst.
“I guess you didn’t know? Amber Thomas was his daughter. She didn’t want anyone to know her tr
ue identity, so she took her mothers maiden name.” Agent Hill said.
Dr. Light turned as white as his lab coat. “I’m sorry. I had no idea”
Outside in the hallway, agent Shepherd broke down and began to cry for his only daughter. “I know Anthony did this to you. I make you this promise my darling, I will make him pay with his worthless life.” Agent Shepherd wiped the tears from his eyes and headed towards the guard station.
CHAPTER 10
THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
Anthony stood in front of the same church where he had a funeral for Mr. Mazellie and his mother, but this time it was for a happy occasion. He stepped through the door, lit a small candle and made the sign of the cross against his chest, before continued inside. The velvet carpet was vacuumed and the florist, that Anthony saved, was putting the final touches around the alter. Anthony stood in the archway and gazed upward at all the saints that covered the church ceiling. There was one in particular that caught his eye. It was a portrait of Jesus, with the bluest eyes Anthony had ever seen. As he stood there, starring in the eyes of his maker, he hadn’t noticed Mr. Spinelli standing right behind him.
“That one means a lot to me. I had that dedicated to my mother. I called a guy from Italy to come and paint it for me. My mother had one just like that over her bed.”
“Where did he come up with that shade of blue?” Anthony asked, still fixed on the icons’ eyes.
“That’s the weird thing. He says he remembers painting them brown, but the next morning they where this shade.”
“It’s really beautiful.” Anthony whispered.
“Hey, would you look at the time, you don’t want to be late for your own wedding.” Mr. Spinelli put his arm around Anthony’s shoulder and began to lead him to a room off to the side.
Anthony took a quick look at Mr. Spinelli in his tuxedo. “You look nice.”
“Really, ‘cause I feel like a fucken waiter in this thing.” Mr. Spinelli pulled on his tie, before continuing. “ Vinnie told me about that agent paying you a visit.”
