by Joe Corso
It was a beautiful sunlit day. Trenchie had never paid attention to birds singing before except of course in a pet store, but today he heard them almost as if it were for the first time and they were busy chirping and chattering and flying about. Then he focused on the sounds of the city. He had dreamed of this for ten long years. He wasn’t rushing anywhere. Trenchie thought about his life and some things he’d done that he wasn’t real proud of. He killed men, but he never took pleasure in it, and he never hurt anyone who didn’t deserve it. Yeah sometimes he was ordered to do things he felt weren’t right but he had his orders. He was a soldier and did what he was told. The punks last night were different. He felt nothing when he hurt them. They deserved what they got and he could have killed them easily without remorse. If he hadn’t overtaken those guys, he would probably be a dead man right now. An eye for an eye. That was the way of the streets.
The streets tell a story to the man who listens. Trenchie had been a child of the streets. Something wasn’t right with those punks last night but he couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Is that what ten years in prison does to a man, makes him forget things he should know? It’ll come to me, he thought, as he adjusted the two suits hanging over his shoulder to a more comfortable position. He continued his walk towards his car, stopping occasionally to view merchandise in the numerous city storefront windows. He almost stopped to visit the New York City Fire Museum, but changed his mind. He wanted to get his new stuff to the car. He crossed the street and continued his leisurely walk.
Just as Trenchie crossed a merchandise delivery alley, he heard a scream. His eyes darted around trying to determine the source. Another scream. It seemed to come from his right toward the end of the alley. The alley was shaded in darkness, making it hard to see. A third scream. He decided to investigate. He turned into the alleyway, walking the length of it until he saw two men. It appeared that they were either trying to rape or rob a frightened young woman. Trenchie placed the bag and his suits neatly on the ground and walked toward the men.
“What in hell do you guys think you’re doing?”
One of the men, a big man almost the size of Trenchie said, “Mind your own business if you know what’s good for you. Take a hike.”
“I don’t think I can do that. I never did learn how to mind my own business. Now stop what you’re doing because it’s beginnin’ to aggravate me.”
“Listen punk, this is my wife and I’ve been looking for her for a long time so beat it.”
“Don’t think I can do that, bubb.”
The man had the woman by the neck. She couldn’t escape. The woman screamed again and managed to speak.
“I was married to him for a month three years ago. He’s sick in the head and I divorced him. He won’t let me alone and now he’s threatening me. I know he’ll kill me. Please call the police Mister, please.”
The big guy holding her was a well-built ugly bull of a man and for the life of him, Trenchie couldn’t figure out what the girl saw in him. He wasn’t a family counselor and really didn’t care about their domestic problems, but he did care about this guy abusing a woman. They didn’t do that where he came from.
“Hold on a minute,” he shouted to the woman. “I’ll get you out of here.”
The big man holding the girl shot back at him. “Like hell you will! I told you to take a hike, now I’m gonna make you sorry you just didn’t keep on walkin’!” The man let go of the girl and ordered his partner to watch her while he took “care of this meddler.” He took a few steps toward Trenchie. Trenchie readied his hands.
“You’re making a big mistake pal. I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
Julius kept advancing. He was now at a good distance, a good distance for Trenchie that is. Before he could so much as raise his fist, Trenchie clocked him! First, a quick, sucker right that staggered the guy, followed by a series of hard lefts and hard rights. The surprised man went down. Trenchie turned his attention to the second man. He raised his hands, defensively, almost in a cowardly way.
“I don’t want any trouble man. He’s my cousin and I drove with him from Maryland to keep him company. He’s a wild one and I warned him not to come to New York. We been following Mary for two days waiting for our chance to grab her. Julius wanted to bring her back with us so we followed her when she left her house this morning and watched her enter the dress shop. While she was inside applying for a job, that gave Julius the opportunity he was hoping for. We grabbed her when she left. That’s what we did. And I didn’t want any part of it but I went along with it and I’m sorry.”
“I’m going to give you some free advice. You take your cousin and get out of New York and if I ever see you or that punk cousin of yours again, I’m gonna’ kill ya both. I’m gonna’ give this nice lady my telephone number, and if she ever calls me and tells me that you two retards are bothering her, I’ll find you, no matter where you are, and I’ll kill the both of you, do you understand me? That’s what I do. That’s my business. I take care of people like you. Take this as a warning and consider yourself very lucky. Don’t ever let me see or hear from you again. Do you understand what I’m sayin’, do you? Nod your head and tell me you understand.”
He nodded. “I understand,” the frightened man stammered. “I understand.”
The man knew that this guy, whoever he was, would do what he said he would. He’d kill them for sure - he had no doubt. He had never seen a man who looked more like an animal than the man standing before him, and he believed what he had told him and it scared him half to death. He sure as hell wanted no part of him. He just wanted to go home and never see this guy again, not ever.
Trenchie led the girl by the hand to where he had laid his new clothes. He picked them up and they began to walk to his car. Once inside the car, he introduced himself and asked her name.
“Mary,” she said. “My name is Mary and I was married to Julius for one month. I don’t know what I saw in him. I guess he was my way out of a bad situation. There was no future for me in the small town we lived in and Julius, who I met at a bowling alley, said he was moving to Atlanta. I was excited about moving to a big city and we eloped without really knowing one another. I realized my mistake when he got drunk one night and beat me. I hoped it wouldn’t happen again but it happened every time he came home drunk. I couldn’t take any more of it so one night when he was drunk, I ran away. I got in a bus and came to New York City. I figured he would never find me in such a big city but I was wrong. He hired a detective who found me pretty easy, but I had no idea he was so close. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t know what I would have done. How can I ever thank you for your help?”
“Well, I sure could use some company for dinner. How about joining me? I’m gonna’ go back, take a shower, and slip into my new clothes. If you’re up to it, we could have a nice dinner at a friend of mine’s restaurant - just the two of us. And when you feel like going home, just ask me and I’ll drive you. How’s that sound?’
“It sounds great. Wow! For a day that started off so bad, it looks like it’s going to end nice.”
Mary looked to be about thirty years old. She was blond with blue eyes, nice curves and what seemed to be a good personality - wholesome, effervescent, genuine, that’s gen u wine woman. Trenchie noticed immediately how she was different from his normal gals. He knew there were two kinds of women - the ones you played with and the ones you married. He thought all she needed was a good man for her to marry. She just didn’t know that. In the short time Trenchie was with her, he felt alive and he liked that feeling. Maybe she was the one that would bring him back to life. He smiled as he thought about that but he wouldn’t place any bets on it. Still, it was a nice thought. He looked forward to the two of them enjoying each other’s company even if it were only for this one night. He was happy for the first time in ten long years because he planned on enjoying small talk and good music over a fine dinner with a beautiful woman - something he never dreamed would happen when the day started.
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br /> Trenchie offered to drive her home so she could change her dress. She looked down at her hands, embarrassed, and then she looked up at him almost apologetically with tears in her eyes. She told him she didn’t own a good dress. With his hand, he gave her a “not to worry” look - they’d stop somewhere and pick up something. Nervously, she said that wasn’t necessary. She was concerned - new outfit meant putting out. He might expect something in return. She wanted him to know that she wasn’t that kind of a girl. He just laughed and reassured her he wasn’t expecting anything. He just wanted someone to have a nice dinner and to enjoy the evening with, that’s all, and if she felt uncomfortable at any time, he reiterated that he’d happily take her home. She listened to what he said. Somehow, she felt she could trust him. She nodded her head as she accepted the stranger’s offer.
Trenchie pulled the car to the curb near a pay phone and called big Red. He asked if Red knew a place where he could buy a pretty dress for a pretty lady. Red recommended a friend of his. Trenchie wrote down the address of Rene Dumas on a slip on paper - Eleven Hundred Broadway, Suite 600. Trenchie parked the car at a meter, loaded it with coins, and together, he and Mary took a cab to Red’s recommendation. An elevator door opened onto the sixth floor. Immediately facing was a door displaying a large Rene Dumas sign. Rene Dumas’s reputation stemmed from the custom-made clothing that catered to a very select clientele - the woman who would settle for nothing but the best. The receptionist motioned to a fellow who was giving instructions to an employee holding, what looked to be, invoices or order sheets. After a short conversation, the man with the papers nodded, apparently having understood his instructions. He turned and called for another man. The two of them started methodically plucking boxes from a large shelf secured to the wall on the far side of the warehouse. Together, they placed them on a dolly, carefully checking off numbers on the sheets of paper, matching them to the numbers on the boxes. At the end of this exercise, man number one walked over to Trenchie and introduced himself.
“Good Afternoon. I’m Marco. What can I do for you?”
Marco was a polished looking man about the same age as Trenchie. He looked to be Italian with a full head of dark hair going grey. He reminded Trenchie of Cary Grant. He wasn’t a big man but he apparently kept himself in good shape. He didn’t appear to have an ounce of fat on his body. .
Trenchie introduced himself, and then Mary, and told Marco that Big Red had referred him. Marco smiled and asked about Red, how he was doing.
“It’s been a while. I’ve got to make a note to get to his place one night for dinner. You know, I keep a line of fine women’s clothes especially for emergencies like yours, because of him, and he gave a knowing smile as he said it. ”Come on. Follow me.”
Marco led them into his office which was just what you might expect a busy man’s office to look like. It was a modern office with chic furniture, fitting for someone in high-end fashion. Papers were strewn about on his desk and dresses on garment racks lined the room in neat little rows, all requiring his approval, his final input. This office was different from most. One wall was made entirely of glass. This was the ‘looking wall’, the one that was his eyes into the showroom, the place where he displayed his dresses to visiting buyers from around the world. He pressed a button on his desk. A woman’s voice answered.
“Yes.”
“Monica, could you have the girls slip into some of our finest dresses for our guests? Thanks, Monica.”
“Give us five minutes for the girls to get ready. How about some coffee in the meantime?”
“Do you have espresso?” Trenchie asked.
“Absolutely.” Marco pressed the button again. “Monica, please have someone bring us espressos, a bottle of Sambucca, and some biscotti for our guests.”
Trenchie leaned back in the comfortable sofa opposite Marco’s desk and in an effort to make small talk he asked, “So how do you know Red?”
“I met Red at his restaurant in Queens. I’m always looking for a good place to eat and Red’s place was recommended to me by one of my customers. Red always makes it a point to greet new faces personally, so when we met, we talked for a while and we found we had a lot in common. We’re both about the same age, we’re both from New York City, we’re both businessmen and get this . . . both of our parents came from the same town in Sicily and they knew each other. Our people come from a little town called Caltabellotta near Schiacca in Sicily. Our fathers knew each other from the old country and they never knew the other was here. It’s unfortunate because both of our fathers died before they found out. But Red and I keep in touch.”
Trenchie liked Marco.
Just as Trenchie was about to comment, Monica gave Marco the nod that the dresses were ready to be modeled. Marco led the way, guiding them into the showroom and seating each of them on an Italian sofa, luscious leather as soft as butter. The buyers had to be comfortable and Marco’s place was all about class and comfort. Class and comfort meant moneta. Attractive girls walked in a well-rehearsed line, the way models are trained to do, and glided into the room all sporting Marco’s beautiful dresses. Trenchie instructed Mary to write down the number of any dress she liked using the paper Marco had supplied. Five girls sashayed and spun around displaying the dresses to their full advantage. No sooner had one completed her turns than another would enter donning an even prettier selection. The girl who exited the room would make a thirty second model’s change and the line would continue with the girls never missing a beat. It was like watching a chorus line - absolutely wonderful because no matter how quick they changed their dresses, when they re-entered the room to demonstrate a new dress, their look never altered. It was as if they were performing for themselves. Trenchie really enjoyed their act appreciating the professionalism and the time it must have taken to master. When the girls finished demonstrating the dresses, Marco asked Mary which dress she really liked.
“Did you write the numbers?” Trenchie asked her.
Mary showed him the slip of paper Marco had given her. On it, she had written three numbers.
“Good.” He handed the paper to Marco who in turn gave it to Monica.
Marco took Mary by the hand. “Mary, would you be so kind as to follow Monica into the dressing room? You’ll need to try them on to find the right one and we’ll need to see if it needs any alterations. If so, it won’t take long. Let’s get going. Very shortly you’ll be our next model.”
Mary eagerly followed Monica through the curtain and into the dressing room. This was exciting to her. Approximately ten minutes later, the curtain opened and Mary entered wearing a stunning blue dress. She now had on makeup and someone had loosely styled her hair. She was wearing matching shoes and on her shoulder was a coordinating handbag. She looked absolutely beautiful!
Trenchie rarely showed emotion, but on this occasion, the muscles around his mouth seemed to involuntarily break into a wide smile. He lifted his head while softly laughing and clapped his hands in approval.
“Wow! You look great and I honestly don’t see where it needs any alterations. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself if that person looking back at you isn’t the most beautiful girl in the world.”
Mary tried on the other two dresses and they looked just as beautiful. It was a difficult decision.
“Trenchie, which one do you like? Which one do you think I should I get?”
“I like all of them but I think the blue one would be perfect for tonight.”
“Oh, thank you! That’s the same one I was thinking of.”
When Mary left the room, Trenchie told Marco to wrap all three dresses. She’d wear the blue one tonight, but the other two, he wanted put into a box. There was no way they were leaving with just the one dress. The dresses and Mary were a perfect fit, Trenchie thought.
Trenchie had a thought. After he had completed the purchases, he turned to Marco, “Why don’t you call your wife and ask her if she’s free tonight. Join us for dinner. That way you can see Red like you
’ve been planning.”
“If she doesn’t have any plans, I’d love to join you.” He dialed his wife.
“Karen, do we have any plans for tonight? No? Good. Get dressed and meet me at my office. We’re going to Red’s place. We’re meeting some friends. Be here by six, okay? Good. See you then.”
Mary had never in her life worn a dress as expensive or as beautiful as the one she was wearing now. All she had ever owned were hand - me - downs and blue light specials. Trenchie tried hard not to let it show, but he was getting a kick out of Mary’s happiness. He especially enjoyed her reaction to things that were new to her. Mary never dreamed that she would be standing in a fancy showroom with beautiful women modeling expensive dresses - just for her. She could never afford a dress like the one she was wearing. It would cost her three months of her normal salary, if she was working, which for the moment she wasn’t. Trenchie was eating this up. He couldn’t remember when he had a better time. He was just released from prison and here he was shopping for a dress in a nice store, with a beautiful girl and about to have dinner with a new friend named Marco. He had a good feeling about Mary and a good feeling about Marco. He seemed trustworthy and Trenchie didn’t trust many people.
On the drive back to The Starlight Club, Trenchie kept glancing admiringly at Mary who was also sneaking looks at him. She liked his rough good looks and found him charming, down to earth and he seemed low key. Nothing seemed to bother him. He didn’t appear or feel threatening to her and that made her comfortable. She felt safe being with the big man.
When Mary and Trenchie arrived at the Starlight Club, Trenchie parked the car in the lot across from the bar. The lot was owned by an auto mechanic who repaired cars in his garage at the other end of the lot. Red always made it a point to take care of the mechanic. They had a mutually beneficial arrangement - the mechanic used it during the day and Red and his customers used it at night.
