“Because my registration is expired?”
“Yes.” He started to write me a ticket using his handheld device.
“How much is that fine going to be?”
“It depends. How long have you lived in California?” he asked.
“Um, six months or so.”
“That’s longer than just a visit. Are you a student?”
“No, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be staying out here, but it looks like I will be. I can get everything transferred over. Please, if you can find anyway to not write me a ticket, I’d be forever grateful. I am so broke right now it isn’t even funny.”
“Mmmhhhhmmmm,” he said and started entering the ticket again. “Do you know everyone says the same thing? Here you are in a BMW and you’re broke. Nice try.” He printed out the citation and handed it to me along with my license and the other paperwork.
I just about cried when I saw the amount. I didn’t have $500 to cover it unless I used my credit card, but that was my back up for part of my rent money. With a heavy sigh, I shoved everything in the glove box and continued on to work.
Callie knew something was wrong when I walked in the door and asked me. When I told her what happened she gave me a hug and apologized for not being able to give me more shifts.
“It’s not your fault, Callie. Reality is just really biting me in the ass right now. I’ll be okay.”
“Well, if more shifts free up, you’ll be my first call.”
“Thanks,” I said and left to get ready. Collin was in the break room when I went in to stash my bag. We briefly acknowledged each other, but I knew the fun, easy going friendship we had before was long gone. Break ups sucked that way as people take sides. I was just glad Chelsea remained loyal and didn’t take Jason’s side since her fiancé was his best friend.
Fortunately Collin didn’t mess up any drink orders and I was able to bring in a little over $300 in tips. The next night proved to be just as lucrative. At least I could pay the ticket, but I still had to actually register my car. Plus rent was due in less than two weeks. There was going to be a lot of ramen in my future.
Chapter 36
DOMINIC
PHILADELPHIA
Funerals never get any easier and I’d been to a lot. When you had a large family and when your family was in the business mine was in, death wasn’t a stranger. Anthony’s funeral was more difficult than most. You’re not supposed to be burying someone your own age. It made me more aware of my mortality. The church was hot and wearing a suit made it more unbearable. When the service ended and it was time to carry the casket, all of the pall bearers already had sweat dripping off of their heads. Grant, Dante, Joey D., Anthony’s two brothers and I flanked the casket and hoisted it up on our shoulders. I could smell the polish on the brass rails, the metallic waxy scent clung to my nose. It was a solemn procession out into the blazing late afternoon heat. Thunderheads loomed in the distance, the increased humidity made it hard to breathe. We carefully loaded the casket into the back of the waiting hearse, which we followed in our own vehicles to the cemetery.
I was numb to everyone crying around me as we watched Anthony get lowered into the ground; the white casket swallowed up by dark earth. Anthony’s mother, overcome with grief, collapsed to her knees and wailed when the first shovel of dirt was tossed into the hole. Anthony’s brothers lifted their mom off of the ground and helped her to the car. That was our cue to leave. As I approached my Mustang, I noticed Agent Phillips leaning against the hood waiting for me. Jesus fucking Christ, I couldn’t even bury my friend without him fucking interfering? The nerve of this guy.
“Dominic, I’m sorry for your loss,” he said.
“Yeah, I’m sure you’re real choked up over it. What do you want?”
“Just letting you know that the DEA and I are collaborating on the investigation. Your friend had a lot of heroin on him. Know anything about that?”
I stared past his shoulder, fixated on the grave that the caretakers were already filling in using a backhoe to move the dirt. “No, Anthony and I grew up together, but I didn’t know what he was into,” I said, finally turning to look Phillips in the eye.
“We’ll see. It’s interesting that Demetrius’ man was the money guy. That’s a big drug deal gone bad.”
“How’s your wife doing these days” I asked. “Her new hair cut is hot…makes her look ten years younger - a real MILF.” Agent Phillips didn’t say anything, but I noticed when he clenched his fists that my comment had struck deep. “You got eyes on me and I got eyes on you. That’s how this game works, right?” I opened my door and slid inside. Phillips didn’t move from the hood until I revved the engine. We both knew he didn’t have concrete evidence connecting Anthony’s death to me. If he wanted to fish for information, I’d continue to bait him with mine.
As I pulled out of the cemetery, I saw Leo behind me in his Camaro. He followed me all the way to Anthony’s parents’ house where everyone was gathering to pay their respects. Leo met me at my car as I was getting out.
“What was that all about?” he asked.
“Fuckin’ Feds. Seems like I can’t take a piss without them knowing about it, but they still don’t have anything on me otherwise I’d be arrested.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah, but we still need to find out who killed Anthony,” I lowered my voice and looked around the neighborhood to make sure nobody was listening. “Whoever did it, had insider information.”
“Shit. Alright, Dom, I’ll let you know if I hear something,” Leo said. We bumped fists and walked into the house that was packed to capacity and smelled of sweat, floral arrangements, cigar smoke, garlic, peppers and onions. It was a distinct odor I was familiar with and always associated with funerals.
Dante pushed his way through the crowd when he saw me. “Where ya been?” he asked so I quickly filled him in before I was interrupted by Anthony’s mother who was sobbing and leaning on her son, Joseph.
“Thank you for paying for the funeral and headstone, Dominic. Your family has always been there for my Anthony.”
“We grew up together, we’re practically family, it’s the least I could do,” I said and gave her a hug. She kissed each of my cheeks leaving them damp from the transfer of her tears.
“You’re going to find the person who killed him, right?” Joseph asked.
“Yeah, we’re already working on it.”
“Good. I want the fucker dead.”
“Me too, man, me too.”
I left about an hour later and went back to my condo with Leo in tow, but I sent him home since there wasn’t a need for him to hover outside my front door. It was a relief to step inside the cold, quiet space. The tie that I had loosened on the drive back was immediately removed and tossed on the counter. Next the dress shirt came off, leaving me in a wife beater and black pants. After grabbing a beer from the fridge, I sat down on the sofa and propped my feet up on the coffee table, but I was far from relaxed. Another shipment of heroin was set to arrive in three weeks and we couldn’t afford another incident like last time. Not only did Demetrius and I both lose good men, but we lost our asses in money and drugs. The short timeline meant we needed to figure out the problem and nip it, fast. My gut was telling me that Anthony’s death was just the beginning and something bigger was on the horizon. Using my burner phone, I sent a text to Miranda and asked her to call an emergency meeting with the other organizations.
Something tickled against my arm, feeling like a bug crawling on my skin, glancing down I realized it was one of Natalie’s hairs. Damn it, her reminders were everywhere and it brought the pain I had managed to suppress right back to the surface. I had to remind myself it was her happiness that mattered, not mine, and that’s why I pushed her away. Draining my beer, I got up and went into my bedroom to change into gym clothes. Besides sex or beating the shit out of someone, working out was the next best solution for getting rid of the tension that had taken hold of every muscle in my body.
>
Later in the week, the table in the kitchen at The Speak was once again crowded and everyone was agitated. Apparently Special Agent Phillips and his Organized Crime team had been busy paying people visits. Surveillance had increased making the 7:00 am meeting necessary. Switching up our schedules ensured less tails we had to shake. The Speak made an ideal location since the nearest traffic light or bank with any kind of camera was blocks away. We were as off the grid as possible in the city.
“Alright, we know the Feds are mainly targeting my organization and they are trying to rattle me by getting to you guys. They don’t have anything; otherwise I’d be in custody.”
“I don’t like it Dom, I can’t have those fucks digging around in my business,” Demetrius said.
“Yeah, if I had known it’d be like this, I’d have gone elsewhere,” Egan added and I didn’t like his threatening tone. He kept making these threats like he could find a more lucrative arrangement elsewhere. “Is this how you plan in running things?”
“No. Everything was all arranged for the drops, but someone talked and word got out. I know it wasn’t anyone in my organization. How about you all? Are your people clean?” I asked, looking around the table to check reactions. Nobody squirmed, everybody met my eyes. “I don’t like the extra heat either; it’s a pain in the fucking ass. Make sure your shit’s in order so the feds don’t have a reason to get a warrant or anything like that.”
Jin and Chan remained silent throughout this exchange so I turned to look at them. “You guys all set with this?” I asked.
“You’ve gotten us this far, Grabano. We’re still in,” Chan said. He straightened the sleeves of his suit jacket before clasping his hands on the table in front of him. “I’m willing to split some of my supply with Demetrius until the next drop. You can pay me at cost.”
Demetrius scowled, but eventually agreed. “That’s fair. I need the product.”
“I’ll give you some of our share too. Don’t worry about payment,” I told Demetrius and he grunted his approval. It was a good faith gesture so he didn’t get any ideas about blaming me for this setback. “For the next drop, only tell those directly involved and that you trust these people. The dates and times need to be kept close to the vest. Understood?”
Everyone agreed and the meeting broke up. Grant, Miranda, Dante hung back with me so we could recap.
“Has Johnny come up with anything on Giant’s shooting?” I asked Dante.
“Nothing yet. He hacked into the forensic database and test results aren’t back yet.”
“Fuck, we’ve got nothing.” I ran a hand through my hair and pushed away from the table to stand up. “We need to figure out who’s responsible and fast.”
“Dom, we’re doing the best we can. Johnny knows to check every day and to call me as soon as something pops,” Dante said.
“I know, man, it’s just usually someone takes credit for this shit. Whoever did this wants more heat on us. They want me to burn.”
Chapter 37
Natalie
LOS ANGELES
“I got another job!” I shouted when Chelsea answered her phone.
“Nice! Where?” she asked.
“It’s a server gig at the House of Blues. Not ideal, but I need the money, so...”
“Well that’s good. When are you going to settle down and get a real job?”
“Just because you have a real job and you’re getting married, doesn’t mean everyone needs to settle down.”
She chuckled and I heard a muffled voice in the background. “Oh, Derek just reminded me. We’re having a barbecue in two weeks. It’s on a Sunday so hopefully you can make it with your new job and all?”
“Sundays are good, that’s my one day off. Is Jason going to be there?”
Chelsea paused and let out a deep sigh. “Yes, but please still come. Ignore him and I’ll help run interference. I don’t want him to come between us,” she pleaded. “You’re my best friend.”
“Fine, I’ll be there,” I promised. I could be an adult and ignore Jason.
We hung up and I sat down on the futon to go through the stack of mail that had been accumulating on the coffee table, the growing pile I’d been ignoring because it consisted of bills. My electricity bill was double what it had been the month I was gone. I groaned at the triple digit amount owed. Next up was for my cell phone and the envelope behind it gave me pause. The deferment period on my student loans had expired and my first loan payment was due. That was another $300 a month I didn’t have. Hanging my head and closing my eyes, I focused on breathing. It was hard because I felt so buried and trapped, but this was life, right? This was all about putting on my big girl panties and living on my own without asking for help. After a few deep breaths, I felt better and set about organizing my bills by priority.
I was staring at a seemingly insurmountable pile of debt when my phone rang. Instead of hitting ignore when I saw the phone number that appeared on the display like I normally would, I answered.
“Hi Mom.”
“Natalie, are you getting settled back in?”
“Yeah, I’m trying,” I said with a sigh.
Being her new perceptive self, she asked me what was wrong. “I don’t want to burden you with my problems, mom.”
“Try me.”
I tensed up, a reflex action because in the past she liked to pick at my flaws and weaknesses. Also, I knew she lived paycheck to paycheck and wouldn’t be able to help me, not that I’d ask her for help.
“Natalie, talk to me. We were doing really well rebuilding our relationship, but I feel you pulling away now that you’re in California and it’s not just the physical distance. What’s going on?”
There was a long pause as I debated whether to take the chance and tell her. Finally, I decided to give it a shot so I told her about my financial problems and how overwhelming it was trying to stay on top of everything.
“I know what that’s like. After your father left and took all of our money, I didn’t know what to do and didn’t have anyone to help me. Trying to keep a roof over your heads became my number one focus. I refused to let him win by losing anything else. That stress contributed to my depression and my behavior.”
“How did you get through it?” I asked. I was still getting used to her being calm talking about the past and my father. Usually her tone was laced with bitterness, but she was more candid this time. I leaned back on the futon, crossing my legs Indian style, settling in for the conversation instead of trying to be in a hurry to end the call.
“I worked as much as possible and even had to file bankruptcy. That hurt my pride, let me tell you, but it meant we kept the house. Work was also an escape for me. The house even you and Grant were reminders of what I once had. I know I was partly to blame for your father leaving, but to have him just walk away without looking back really hurt. I was envious of him too. Many times I wished it was me who had the chance to leave all the responsibility behind.”
“What made you stay?”
“You and Grant, of course. It might not have seemed like it, but beneath the depression and my horrible behavior, I never stopped loving you guys. You’re my babies, my blood and that kind of love is unconditional. I’m sorry I withheld it during your formative years – I know I’ll never get that time back.”
“I’m sorry too,” I said and wiped away a stray tear that had streaked down my cheek.
“Let me help you now, Natalie. I don’t have much, but I can loan you $500.”
“Mom, I can’t accept money from you.”
“Yes you can and you will. What’s your address? I’ll mail a check tonight.”
I started to refuse and she cut me off. I eventually accepted her offer and gave her my address. “Thanks for letting me do this, Natalie. You’ve had to fend for yourself for so long.”
“Well, Grant helped me out a lot.”
“I know he did. I’m glad you had each other. Okay, so I’ll send the check out tonight. Please don’t hesitate to call
me if you need to talk. Do you feel better now?”
“I do. Thanks, Mom.”
“It’s the least I can do, sweetie. I’m glad we talked. Miss and love you.”
“I love you too.”
We hung up and I set my phone down on the coffee table, staring at it like it was a foreign object. I’d just had a normal conversation with my mom where she didn’t judge me and I didn’t snap at her. She wanted to help and I’d accepted. Maybe she really had changed? It made me long to be closer so we could continue to forge this actual mother/daughter relationship. I never thought I’d be homesick for York.
The next morning my phone chiming, alerting me that I had a new text message, woke me up. I flopped over on the bed, reaching for the phone without opening my eyes. I’d only fallen into a fitful sleep a few hours before. I struggled to make out the image in the message Grant had sent and it took a few minutes to register what I was looking at since I was still half asleep. “Oh my God!” I shrieked out loud and then another text from Grant came in.
Ur looking at ur nephew!
Any aggravation at being woken up at six in the morning was forgiven. Instead of texting, I called him and he answered on the first ring.
“Oh my God, you’re having a boy!” I squealed and Grant laughed.
“Yes, we just left the doc and the baby’s developed enough for us to find out the sex.”
“Holy shit, this is so exciting! How’s Amanda? Have you picked out a name yet?”
“Miranda’s great and the baby is healthy. We did pick out a name. Want to know it?”
“Well, duh,” I said, rolling my eyes even though he couldn’t see.
“Roman James.”
“Roman James Ross. I like it.”
“Glad you approve,” he said with a chuckle that was interrupted when his phone skipped out. “Oh hey, that’s Mom calling, I’ll call you back.”
Endings & Beginnings: Book Three of The New Mafia Trilogy Page 25
