Bound By Blood: The Rise of a Mafia Prince

by Tony Farraj

  “Fuggettaboutit, I can handle Shepherd.” Anthony said confidently. Inside they room, there was a tuxedo hanging on the closet door. Anthony removed the plastic and slipped his arms inside the crisp white shirt. He removed the pants from the hanger and slipped them on , as well. Mr. Spinelli helped Anthony with the tie and cummerbund and finally helped with the jacket. Anthony opened the closet door and stared at himself.

  “You look good kid, but there’s something missing?” Mr. Spinelli reached in side his jacket and pulled out a small box, wrapped in silver and white.

  “What’s this?” Anthony asked, as Mr. Spinelli handed him the box.

  “The boys and I got you a small wedding present. I think it will enhance your outfit.”

  Anthony slowly unwrapped the present. Under the silver and white wrapping paper, was a small black jewelry box. Anthony opened the box, a large diamond ring twinkled and shined when the light from outside danced on the surface of the perfect diamond. Anthony slipped the ring on his right pinky and turned back to the full-length mirror. “You didn’t have to do this. You’ve done enough for me.” Anthony said gratefully. He hugged Mr. Spinelli and graciously kissed both cheeks.

  “Now Anthony, you truly are one of us.”

  The organist began to warm up with some church hymens. The wedding was to start at six thirty, but Anthony’s heart was already pounding like a jackhammer.

  “You nervous?” Asked Mr. Spinelli.

  “A little.” Anthony wiped the sweet from his forehead.

  “Don’t be. You’re getting a wonderful girl.” Mr. Spinelli seemed to drift off, thinking about his own wedding, many years ago.

  Time seemed to fly in that little room in front of the church. Vinnie popped his head in and gave Anthony his final queue. He escorted Anthony to the front of the alter. All the guests stood up, a hush fellow over the crowd, when Tina stood under the brass arches. Anthony could feel his knees shack. He wasn’t as nervous when he spotted his wife to be. He took a long hard look at Tina in front of the church. The vale she wore couldn’t hide her beauty. She looked stunning in her white sleeveless wedding dress. The train seemed to make her float to the brass archways. One of her bride’s maids fixed her train, before she proceeded up the isle. Mr. Spinelli wanted to make sure he didn’t step all over her dress. He deliberately walked a step in front of her. When they got to where Anthony was standing, Mr. Spinelli stepped aside and let Anthony take Tina by the hand. Anthony walked her up three tiny steps and stood in front of the priest.

  As the wedding ceremony was getting under way, agent Shepherd was burring his only daughter. A small group of close friends stood under a burgundy tent, while Amber Thomas’s casket was lowered into her final resting place. Agent Shepherd sat quietly and stared at the faces around him. The pain he felt wasn’t that of sadness, but of haltered for Anthony. The tears that fell from his hard worn out face to the ground, weren’t tears of sadness, but tears of regret, ultimately, he knew he was the blame for his daughter’s death. He knew she wasn’t ready to handle a big case like Anthony Sakakini.

  Meanwhile, the priest began the ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we gather together to join this man and this women in holy matrimony. If anyone knows why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The priest waited, maybe a half second before he continued. “Anthony, do you take this women to be your wife? To love, honor and cherish her until death?”

  “I do.” Anthony swallowed hard. The sound his throat made seemed to echo throughout his whole body.

  “And Tina, do you take this man to be your husband, to love honor and cherish him, until death.”

  “I do.” Tina stared through her vale.

  “Do you have the rings?” The priest asked Anthony’s best man.

  Vinnie moved in closer and handed the priest the rings. The priest, in turn gave Anthony one of the rings.

  “With this ring, I thee wed.” Anthony slipped the ring on Tina’s left finger. He could see Tina’s hand shacking as much as he was. “I love you.” He whispered softly.

  Afterward, Tina did the same for Anthony, the priest smiled at the happy couple. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Anthony, you make kiss your bride.”

  Anthony carefully removed the vale and stared in the eyes of his wife. “Thank you for making me whole, on this most important day.” He said, before he planned a kiss that rocked Tina back on her heels. Anthony took Tina by the hand and led her down the isle and back to the room. As they stood their locked in each other’s arms, there came a small knock on the tiny room door.

  “Who is it?” Anthony asked, in between kisses.

  “I’m sorry to bother you two, but the limo is here to take you and Tina to the reception.” Vinnie said, as he popped his head into the tiny room.

  “We’ll be right out.” Anthony said, with a smile. He didn’t want to leave the arms of his new bride. “Are you ready to face the crowd, Mrs. Sakakini?”

  “That sounded so good. Say it again?” Tina asked gleefully.

  “What? Mrs. Sakakini.” Anthony loved the way it flowed off his tongue. They both stepped out of the room and walked to the doors of the church.

  “I hope you two live happily ever after. I hope the good lord will shine his blessing upon you, forever.” The priest said, just before Anthony and Tina stepped out of the church. “It’s about time something good happened to you, my boy.”

  “Thank you father.” Anthony stopped and gave the priest a firm hand shack. “Oh, I almost forgot, this is for you.” Anthony placed a white envelope in the priest’s hand. “It’s a small token for all your help.”

  “You don’t need to do that, Mr. Spinelli took care of everything.” The priest said, with a slight Irish ascent.

  “I wanted too. Buy something nice for the church and dedicate it in my mother’s name.” Anthony grabbed Tina by the hand and stepped out the church doors.

  The priest placed the envelope in his back pocket, but not until he took a quick look inside. The site of all those hundreds looking back at him brought a large smile to his reddish face. He swung the doors open and thanked Anthony, as the limo pulled away.

  Mr. Spinelli arranged for the reception to be held at the finest hotel in Houston. It overlooked the beautiful downtown skyline and it didn’t cost a thing. The owner was in debt to Mr. Spinelli for a huge gambling debt. Mr. Spinelli arranged it, where all his losses would be wiped clean in exchange for the use of the hotel.

  The guests had their choice of veal Parmesan or prime rib for dinner. They where given a free open bar. As far as entertainment, the owner brought in a complete orchestra. The entire room was decorated in white and pink, that way it would match Tina’s wedding dress. Upon their arrival, Anthony and Tina where greeted with a standing ovation from the small group of friends. The happy couple made their way through the people and sat at the head table. All through the night, friends and family came and wished Anthony and Tina a good life together.

  “Before the happy couple take their first dance together, let’s get the best men up here to say a few words.”

  Vinnie stood up and made his way to the stage. “I’m really not good at making speeches.” He cleared his throat, before continuing. “I’ve known Tina for a long time and I ‘m proud to say that as far as her marrying Anthony, I don’t think she could have picked a better man. They both mean a lot to me. May your marriage last as long as time itself! Salute!”

  Everyone raised his or her glass. “Salute!”

  “It’s time for the happy couple to take their first dance as man and wife.” The music softly began to flow out of the instruments and onto the dance floor. Anthony reached for Tina and escorted her to the dance floor and pulled her close.

  “I love you.” She whispered in his ear. The warmth of her breath made Anthony blush like a schoolboy on prom night. “Tonight, I’m the luckiest girl in town.”

  As they both danced in each other’s arm, the guest placed envelo
pes where the couple sat. Vinnie picked up the envelopes and put them in a red velvet, draw string bag. The band played on and on, while the champagne flowed freely. Finally, the guest began to thin out and Anthony and Tina couldn’t wait to be a lone.

  “Mr. And Mrs. Sakakini, your honeymoon suite is ready, whenever you are.” The owner said proudly. He handed the key to Anthony. “Congratulations on your marriage from everyone here at the Galleria.”

  Anthony took the key from the owner and shook his hand. “Thank you for a great job.” He grabbed Tina by the hand and headed to the elevator. They both jumped in and headed for the top floor.

  The honeymoon suite was the last room on the right. Anthony unlocked the door and with one quick motion lifted Tina off her feet and carried her over the threshold. The suite was more like an apartment. The entrance was covered in marble tile. Anthony nearly slipped walking in, but he regained his balance. The room was decorated with freshly cut roses. Anthony put Tina down and glanced around the suite. The bedroom was off to the right. He walked in and stared at the large oversized bed. It must have had five large pillows scattered about. Tina made her way to a pair of French doors that led to a balcony overlooking the downtown skyline. Anthony snuck in behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. They both stared at the clear evening sky.

  “I want to make love to you out here. Right now.” Tina turned around and faced Anthony. She unbuttoned his shirt and ran her fingers through his hairy chest. He reached around and unzipped her wedding dress. The dress fell to the balcony floor. Anthony slipped off her lingerie strap and gently kissed her exposed breast. The cool air, mixed with his salvia made Tina’s nipples hard. She unbuttoned his pants and wrapped her legs around his waist. He pushed her up against the wall, passionately kissing every inch of her neck. They had made love before, but this time it felt more intense, more pleasurable, much more passionate. When they where finished Anthony carried Tina to the bathroom, where they both jumped in the shower together. He pressed up against her and helped wash her firm tan body. Afterward, he dried her off and carried her to the bed, where he held her, until they both fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  Early the next morning, there was a knock on the door. Anthony was already awake. He was standing on the balcony watching the world around him go by. “Who is it?” He asked as he approached the door, cautiously.

  “Room service. I have your complimentary breakfast.” The voice on the other side of the door answered.

  Anthony cracked open the door and stared at the hotel employee, before letting him in.

  “Where would you like me to put this?” The young man asked.

  “Why don’t you take it to the balcony. It’s such a lovely morning, we’ll eat out here.” Anthony followed the young man out on to the balcony. “That’s fine right there, thank you.”

  “Hope you enjoy your breakfast and have a nice day.”

  “Same to you kid.” Anthony reached into his jacket and handed the young man a fifty.

  When the young man quickly glanced down to see the amount of his tip. His face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Oh, thank you sir! If there is anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. My name is Jimmy, I’ll be happy to bring it to you.”

  “Alright Jimmy. Thank you.” Anthony said, as he literally had to push the young man out the door. Meanwhile, Tina stepped out of the bedroom wearing a white terry cloth robe, with the hotel initials etched on the right side, above her breast.

  “Who where you talking too?”

  “Oh, that was Jimmy. He brought us breakfast.” Anthony stared at his new bride. “Wait. Don’t move.”

  “What’s wrong?” Tina stopped, just before entering the balcony.

  “Have I told you how lovely you look this morning? They way the sun dances off your beautiful hair.”

  “Stop it.” Tina felt her face flush with embarrassment. She tucked her chin into her chest and began to fidget with her blonde hair. “That’s sweet, but will you be saying that when I’m old and wrinkled?”

  “By then you will be more beautiful to me, then you are right now.” Anthony walked over to his wife and lifted her off her feet and spun her around. He softly kissed her gorgeous face. He led her to the balcony and pulled out her chair and placed the white cloth napkin in her lap. “Would you like me to pure you a cup of coffee?”

  “Please.” Tina said softly. “What a beautiful view.”

  When Anthony flipped Tina’s cup over, he noticed an envelope inside.

  “Who’s it from?” Tina asked curiously.

  “I don’t know.” Anthony opened the envelope and read the content to his new bride. “Hey you two, I hope your first night together was a memorable one…”

  “It’s from Mr. Spinelli and the guys. It’s looks like we’re going to Las Vegas!”

  “Las Vegas?” Tina shouted.

  “Yeah. We leave this afternoon. Mr. Spinelli charted a private jet for the two of us.”

  “But I don’t have anything to wear. Do you think we’ll have time to run to the house so I can pack?” Tina began to get up from the table.

  “Listen, forgettaboutit. I’ll buy you a whole new wardrobe when we get there.” Anthony was excited. He remembered how Mr. Mazellie looked when he was on his way to Las Vegas.

  “Does it say where we’re staying?” Tina asked.

  “Some where on the strip. One of Mr. Spinelli’s associates gave us a suite for the whole week.” Anthony sat back down and sipped his freshly squeezed orange juice.

  Moments later, there was a knock on the door.

  “I hope that’s not Jimmy.” Anthony said as he walked to the door a bit agitated. “Who is it?”

  “It’s me boss.” Vinnie yelled from the other side.

  Anthony swung opened the door and greeted his large associate.

  “I believe this is for you.” Vinnie handed Anthony the red velvet bag that was stuffed with envelopes. Anthony walked back to the balcony and handed the bag to Tina, who began to tear open the envelopes. Most of the envelopes, that Tina opened where stuffed with hundred dollar bills. All in all, there was a total of fifteen thousand dollars. After Tina had finished opening the white envelopes, it was time to head to the airport.

  “Our plane leaves in an hour.” Vinnie said.

  Tina stopped just inches from her bedroom and glared back at Vinnie. “Our plane?”

  “Yeah, I thought you knew.” Vinnie could hear the irritation in Tina’s voice. “Mr. Spinelli didn’t tell you I was coming along? If you don’t want me too, I’ll understand.”

  “No, that’s fine, but you’re not staying in the same suite with us. You now what they say; two is company, three is a crowd.” Tina turned and walked into the bedroom to change.

  Vinnie waited for Tina to disappear, before he turned back to Anthony. “I have something for you.” He reached into his pocket and handed Anthony a wrinkled, partially opened envelope.

  “Vinnie, you didn’t have to get us anything.” Anthony said with out looking down at the envelope. “Your friendship is enough of a gift for the both of us.” Anthony glanced down at the envelope in his hand. He had seen this particular envelope before. He remembered it was the one Michael had pressed up against his chest the day after Mr. Mazellie had passed away. He remembered he stuck it in his back pocket, but that was the last time he saw the letter. Anthony could tell it had been opened and resealed. Anthony reopened the envelope and removed the three pages.

  Anthony,

  I found this while I was cleaning out Michael’s room. I wish I would have found it a lot earlier, but that’s how fate works, I guess. I hope you don’t mind, but I read it and I couldn’t believe it. I know you are going to find this amazing, just like I did. I’m sorry about the misfortunes you and I have suffered, maybe one day you and I can sit outside a New York café and talk about it. Well, I guess that’s all I have to say. The next couple of pages are from my father. Take care.

  Sincerely,

  Sonn
y Mazellie.

  “What is it?” Vinnie could see the worry in Anthony’s eyes.

  “It’s from Sonny.” Anthony paused. “It’s actually from Sonny and Mr. Mazellie.” Anthony took a deep breath and flipped to the next page. It was written on totally different paper and in different handwriting.

  “Anthony, if you are reading this, it means that I am no longer among the living. First let me say that I’m proud of you. You have grown up to be a fine man. What you are about to read, no one knows about, except for your mother and I. In 1964, I came to the U.S. from Sicily. I met a lovely woman and we immediately fell in love. Two months later, we were married. She brought me so much happiness and joy. Thing between us where moving in the right direction and then just like Texas weather, it all fell apart. We began to drift in different directions. She didn’t like what I was becoming and I didn’t want to change. One day I went to work, I had gotten a job at a packing company loading boxes. A friend from the same providence in Sicily owned the place, anyway, he pulled me aside and told me he was having a small problem and that if I took care of this problem I would be greatly rewarded. The problem my friend was have was; his daughter’s boyfriend was filming them have intercourse, then showing it to all his friends for a small fee. My friend’s daughter was allowing this to happen and doing nothing to stop it. I told him not to worry, that I would take care of the problem and as payment I would require a partnership in his packing company. He agreed.

  Needless to say, the job went fine. I got the film, I got the partnership and the boyfriend was never seen again. Soon after that, everyone was coming to me with a problem they wanted me to fix. The people in our tiny neighborhood began to respect me. They began to love me. They began to fear me. Everyday, someone needed my help, from barrowing money, to taking care of cheating husbands. I began to be known as “the fixer.” But, sadly the women I cared for the most packed up and left without warning. I had no clue where she moved. Then one day, I got a letter from her, telling me she had moved in with her brothers and that she was pregnant. I knew right then and there, I had to see her, but she never told me where she had moved and there was no forwarding address. I loved this women and vowed I would do everything in my power to find her and find my child. Unfortunately, I couldn’t pack up and start searching, so I waited.