by Frank, S. W.
Alfonzo had their rapt attention, even the sea water stayed quiet to listen. His torso expanded, “I’m not an evil man, nor am I a Saint. A man cursed and blessed is what I am. There are many good people who have done evil deeds and vice versa; I lay somewhere in the middle.” He scoffed, “I consider myself the middle-man. –But I’m faced with a moral and business dilemma, one which requires immediate resolution. This drug Anarchy has negatively touched the life of people I know. Morally, I’m forced to wipe it out and send a message. Then, there’s the matter of obligation, a friend of mine was executed, shot dead because of his association with me. There’s an executioner out there without a face. My business dealings are affected by these things. Until, these issues are resolved, I’m in a state of limbo. I lose money, my reputation is maligned. The police circle my door, can you see my quandary?”
“We’ll set it right.” Vincent replied.
“Yes, we will. It will disappear, quietly and then we can get down to the business I mentioned earlier.”
“I’ll send some guys out to the Sunshine State to check out that lead.”
“You’re all responsible to keep your foot soldiers in check. Make sure they’re not chatting up the phones about business as if they’re talking to their girlfriends or mothers.” Vincent cautioned the top Lieutenants.
“What’s all this mother stuff? My mother was a whore and my father a pimp.” Crazy Nicky shared.
“You got issues, man. Make peace with you mother, whore or not, she deserves respect.” Vincent advised.
“She’s dead.”
“Then go find another mother and shut the fuck up!” Vincent barked, impatient with his companion. The man’s train of thought was worse than a two year-old.
The meeting continued late into the night, ranks and territories were assigned. Means of communication discussed and finally compensation. And when the men dispersed they did so with smiles on their faces. This version of the new and improved Don they embraced wholeheartedly. They pledged to protect him with their life if necessary. His legendary grandfather, Sergio Giacanti would be proud…he too was a man of vision.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Emilio hadn’t received one call from his boss in days. Having Jessica in his apartment, sniffing through his personals was beginning to irritate the shit out of him. He avoided unnecessary conversation, rejected her advances and basically kept her ass fed.
His anger was mostly disappointment. He hadn’t expected she’d lie. It was a big deal, maybe not to her but for him it was. He’d been lied to all his life. “We really want you to stay, but…” or, “this family is looking to adopt…they’ll love you, but….” A bunch of lies!
Caring about people came with a cost.
He heard the television inside the bedroom and was tempted to kick Jessica out of there. She lay in the bedroom watching one of those mindless reality TV programs in his large comfortable bed when he was sidelined on the hot sticky leather sofa. Little liar was nice and cozy in his room and why? Because he cared, had a cotton-ball for a heart when it came to her. He grimaced. He knew she’d get him in trouble one day and Eureka, the one day was now. Troublemaking, pretty little liar!
Emilio scowled, and then surfed the internet, looking for news on Victoria Liebowitz. He found video from a press conference held yesterday and pressed the arrow on the screen. He listened to the Miami Police Chief’s summation of the active investigation and sat forward when he heard the news Beth died.
Holy shit!
“Jess come here!”
She rushed in the room, wearing his boxers. She’s too comfortable, he thought then let it go, this was more important. He replayed the video.
“....we received an anonymous tip this morning and secured a search warrant. Taken into custody is a local pharmacist, Kyle Cohen. From what we’ve learned he’s been selling the pills out of this location for more than a year. We’re working with other law enforcement agencies to crack down on this illegal substance. Bethany Ericson, expired last night; adding another tragic page to this chapter of this notorious street drug.”
“Beth’s dead?” She whispered in disbelief. “She was alive when I left…they said she’d be okay, what…what…happened?”
“I don’t know,” he said softly, “I don’t know.”
She settled down in the corner of the sofa and began crying. The enormity of the situation finally sank in. Emilio decided to contact Lou. He didn’t get an answer and frowned. When Jessica got up he watched her scurry into the room and shut the door. He heard her bawling like crazy. He slumped on the sofa, praying Alfonzo contacted him soon because he wasn’t accustomed to sharing his space with anyone, let alone an emotionally explosive female whose presence stirred his groin!
Troublemaker!
The funeral ended quickly, or maybe he was busy reminiscing during the long eulogy. Kiki caught up to him on his way to the tinted car waiting at the foot of the cemetery plot. “Thanks for paying the funeral costs, Alfonzo. We’re extremely grateful.” She looked over her shoulder; the groups of people were slowly beginning to leave.
“Danté was worth much more.”
Kiki’s dark shades hid the outward signs of sorrow but the husky vibrato in her voice revealed an intense melancholy. “I feel responsible, it’s killing me. If he hadn’t come to New York, he’d still be here.”
His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Did she really believe that? “Don’t do that to yourself. You’re not to blame, a coward with a gun is.”
A summer wind blew. She inhaled, “I’m sick over this. Until, they catch the person I won’t rest at night.” She shrugged, “I guess I’ll be one tired ass because when it comes to young black men getting murdered, the crime usually goes unsolved. The negative stereotypes of black men as thugs or degenerates got many white people believing a black man’s life isn’t worth nothing, why bother.”
“You and I know different, though and that’s what counts. Time we start taking care of each other and not relying on some of the bigoted assholes to do their jobs.” He put his hands in his pockets, “Danté has a lot of friends. Trust me, his killer is going to get caught.” He said optimistically.
His mind turned to his family. Two days away from them and it felt like an eternity. He considered going home, unfortunately he had to personally visit Gregorio Pali, head of an influential family down in Miami. Afterward he was going to meet with Alberti on his yacht to discuss urgent administrative business.
He learned Nico was in town, which was a surprise. Then again Nico was full of surprises. He came and went like a chameleon, never sticking around like the others, always elusive, but one of a few he respected and trusted. He sent a message through Vincent requesting Nico utilize the jet, for a quick jaunt to Puerto Rico to double-check on security and his family. He called ahead giving the pilot clearance to fly Nico out today. He hoped Nico wasn’t put-out by the sudden request, but seeing Nico would certainly cheer his wife, especially on this solemn day. He wanted to be there, he told her that and she was understanding about it, but still…
“I really pray somebody does find the killer and cut his heart out for what he did to Danté.” Her eyes were following something or someone approaching.
Alfonzo turned. He recognized the pale, short woman in the plain black dress, sunglasses and simple black hat. She was a politician, a Republican to boot, whose seat in government was temporarily empty due to the sudden death of her only child. The suited men on her heels allowed her three feet of space when she stopped. They spun their heads in search of any possible threats. The biggest threat was coming here, Alfonzo surmised.
“Excuse me for interrupting; is it possible we can speak in private Mister Diaz?”
His blue eyes traveled to the men sitting behind the tinted windows of the car waiting, then to the politician, “One sec.” He gave Kiki a quick peck on the cheek and said, “I’ll check on you, from time to time, okay?”
She glanced at the arrogant woman with an air of
impatience. “Okay, take care Alfonzo,” then traveled down the grassy incline to a car beyond a row of tombstones.
Alfonzo’s attention came to rest on the Senator, “Do you usually visit people during funerals?”
Her thin lips were stern, “I’ve had to say good-bye to my only child. Something I never thought would happen, but it has. I’d visit the devil in hell to get answers.”
So, she considered him the devil. “What answers are you looking for?”
“Jessica was my daughter’s friend. I need to know what happened the other night.”
“My cousin is grieving. She’s lost a good friend and she’s wondering the same thing.”
The Senator’s expression was ice, “I’m in mourning, I recite kaddish each day. I did not see Jessica at the hospital or her friend’s funeral, why is that?”
“In keeping with Halacha, your daughter was buried in accordance to Jewish Law. My cousin would have attended, but the arrangements were private. She would have come if the information was shared with her.”
Alfonzo’s statement shattered her frozen features. He spoke a fact. Senator Liebowitz sat with her daughter’s body throughout the night, the image of her beautiful child seared like fire in her mind. She wanted answers, only Alfonzo’s cousin could provide.
“I would like to talk to Jessica, can you arrange it?”
“She’s devastated by the loss of her friends, this isn’t a good time.”
The Senator was undeterred, “Let’s walk a bit.” She moved forward, stopping her security with the gesture of a hand and led the way across the grass. Her heels dug into the earth of the scared burial ground. His stride was effortless and he was at her side instantly. He was curious to hear why she sought him out, here in Jacksonville.
When they were out of earshot from the suits, she spoke, “I’m aware your cousin had nothing to do with what happened to my daughter, however, she was at the nightclub. We just want to know if she can give us the name of the person who sold my daughter this stuff.”
Alfonzo put his hands in his pockets, “You mean snitch?”
“Her friends are dead, it’s not snitching it’s helping to find justice for her friends. I’m aware of your legal troubles in New York. Help me get the person who did this to my child and your minor problem goes away –and if you still want that contract it’s yours.”
She’d been busy using government resources for her personal agenda. She was ‘The middle-man’. Well intentioned, but in the position he found himself in many times. Senator Jillian Liebowitz’ request was unorthodox, immoral, unethical, perhaps criminal, however she was a mother first, and not a politician standing there in front of him. The cold exterior softened with her plea.
“Haven’t the police made an arrest?”
“The pharmacist, he’s the corner dealer. I want the bastard who put this garbage on the street!”
“The police are handling it, don’t you believe in the competency of the law?”
Her eyes held the same fire as his the day he swore to catch the person who killed his uncle, “I’m not a patient woman, besides, the legal system takes far too long.”
“Hmm, but it’s the same system schmucks like me are told works.”
She lifted her chin defiantly, “You have the means.”
“You tracked me here. I’d say you also have the means to find anyone you wanted.”
“If I knew who I was looking for, it’s probable –but I don’t. Then there’s the matter of what to do when they’re found. Isn’t this true?”
“I don’t know Senator,” he said ambiguously, “it depends on the motives of the seeker.”
The Senator gazed down at the grass, “Vengeance of a mother who will not see her daughter, or hear the laughter of grandchildren.”
“Grief is hard, isn’t it?”
“It’s harder when you’ve lost a child, believe me.”
“But you have faith; many people find it comforting in dark hours.”
“And it is, but I’m human.”
“We all are.”
Her eyes were on his face, “Do this for me. Bring me peace and you’ll have made a new friend.”
“Favors shouldn’t buy friends. Trust and Loyalty are more valuable in friendships.”
“Then you would have made yourself a trusted and loyal friend.”
Alfonzo smirked, “I hold my friends to their word Senator Liebowitz, walk away and it’ll be as if this conversation never happened.”
“I deal with men in the Senate who lack scruples; you’re a saint in comparison. Bring solace to my heart and to those losing children to this man-made epidemic. Loyalty is a small price for me to pay for this.”
Alfonzo nodded, “As a sign of good-faith, I’ll need you to extract my cousin from the police investigation. She cannot provide any information because she doesn’t know where or when her friends copped the drugs.”
“Okay.”
“And when I get a call from my criminal attorney telling me the summons has been dismissed then I’ll deem you a woman of your word and return the favor.”
“Fair.”
Alfonzo turned and walked swiftly to his car. Inside, he reclined in the backseat next to Lou and the driver pulled away.
“Was that Senator Liebowitz?”
“Yep.”
“What did she want?”
Alfonzo removed the phone from his pocket and played the conversation he recorded.
“Hot damn!” Lou exclaimed when it ended.
Alfonzo nodded his sentiments exactly. Hot damn!
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The last time Nico set foot on a yacht it almost got him killed. This was a different set of circumstances, he wasn’t here to whack anybody, but to see Alberti.
Alberti waited onboard the main deck of the luxury yacht, smoking a cigar, as usual.
“It’s beautiful, when you get this thing?” Nico asked.
“I’ve had it for some time. I take it out here and there.”
Nico sat down, stretched his long legs out and looked at the Miami skyline. “Nice view, too.”
Alberti chuckled, he thoroughly enjoyed Nico’s company. “Is everything in order, are our guests comfortable?”
Nico’s eyes remained on the shore; a sneer to his lips at the question. “Yeah, it’s five star.”
“Such arrogance, sending me the head of one of his babbos.”
“A diversion to buy himself more time.”
“Of course, it was. What is it with greed; must it always consume everything in its path?” Alberti asked.
“A weakness in a man’s character.”
“A weakness or a man’s character?”
“Both.”
“Hmm.”
“There are others with Dominick’s delusions of grandeur and omnipotence.”
“You speak my language well, Nico. Luzo made no mistake trusting you with protecting his son.”
“The man is no longer a boy.”
“I know.”
Nico’s head turned slightly to view the elder man’s profile. A smile was on the sun-tanned face. Of course, he did. “Alfonzo’s come into his birthright a tad late.”
The smile disappeared, “Why do you say this?”
“Giuseppe let the American bosses roam free without supervision for far too long. Dominick’s gained important allies. He’s tapped into their greed. With this new drug and the abuse of prescription pills, he’s made them all rich. They’ve cut ties with the Italian’s. Removing Dominick will not solve the bigger problem; an uprising of free men is coming.”
Alberti puffed lightly on the brown paper, thinking aloud. “Like the British who settled in America and rebelled against their homeland.”
“This drug, Anarchy is for us a version of the Boston Tea Party.”
“Britain could not squash the taste of free men.”
“They took up arms.” Nico filled in history’s course.
“Declared their independence from British rule
.” Alberti replied.
“Later, America and Britain formed a truce.”
“They are friends, great super-powers to this day.” Alberti enunciated.
Nico stared out at the shiny buildings as the sun cast a soft glow over the horizon. “Only one man can lead on these shores, though. There has to be a President for the illusion of democracy.”
“Alfonzo, has to choose either Italy or here.”
“His base is Puerto Rico, you know that.”
“America, nonetheless.”
“What about Italy?”
Alberti pondered this question. He wanted his nephews to lead the way to the future, but Giuseppe became a disappointment and Alfonzo would side with his homeland. It’s the way of the young to stay with what is familiar.
His nostrils flared, breathing in the cool salt-water air, “We will first assist in taking care of this problem in America. Alfonzo requires our assistance, after I will deal with my other nephew. He flies here as we speak.”
“Hmm.”
“The meeting is tomorrow evening. Everyone should arrive as expected.”
Nico’s dark head nodded. “Okay, I’ll be back by then. Alfonzo’s jet is waiting to fly me to PR.”
“He worries about his family?”
“Secretly, don’t we all?”
Alberti scoffed, “True. Go.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Selange held onto the inflatable doughnut, smiling at her daughter as they glided across the water. “See, fun.”
The child laughed her cheeks rosy beneath the filtered sun. The sound of the vacuum cleaner could be heard outside where they frolicked in the pool. A cool breeze blew across her face and she welcomed it. The temperature was heaven compared to the scorching heat of New York. She’d come to love the island and its people. The tropical trees in the distance made it feel like paradise. At weird hours, she believed she could hear the singing of birds outside the bedroom window. Also, at weird hours she thought of her mom and dad. She wondered what they’d think of the choices she made, especially her dad. Would he be disappointed or proud? She’d never know because they were gone!
