In the weeks and months that followed the confrontation over Howie’s arrest David had not called. Shirley had left several messages for him, but he didn’t respond. She considered driving up to Atlanta, however running SR Enterprises, attempting to maintain her real estate business and juggling her finances was keeping her busy seven days a week. A visit with David would have to wait; at least until after the trial.
Arriving for a Saturday afternoon visit at the lock-up, five months after Howie’s arrest Shirley was ushered into the small cubicle where they could talk separated by a heavy glass partition. He was led in moments later fishing out a cigarette and lighting it as the guard with him backed away. Sitting, he kissed his fingers and placed his hand on the glass to cover hers, pressed to the other side. She whispered, “I love you,” focusing her misting eyes on his. He looked around nervously as if expecting someone to pounce on him at any moment, then leaned back in the metal chair.
Under his eyes there were dark circles and he looked thin in the loose prison issue khaki shirt and pants. His black hair, cut much shorter, appeared to be turning grey on the sides.
Smiling she asked, “How are you?”.
He shrugged, “okay, I guess. Sam Petrillo tells me I’m scheduled for trial in two months.”
“Did he say anything else?”
“Yeah, he thinks I’m screwed. That son of a bitch, I think he’s sellin’ me out, always cryin’ about how the DA is usin’ me to get publicity for his re-election.”
“I thought he knew everyone in the prosecutor’s office and would get you off; or at least a light sentence like he did last time you were arrested.”
Jamming out his cigarette, he growled,” this ain’t last time.”
She waited before replying softly, “You’ll be alright, Howie, I’m sure Petrillo will come through with something.”
Looking away he sighed and reached for another cigarette, “How’s David, how you handling this with him?”
“He’s fine, I haven’t talked with him much, but don’t worry, I’ll take care of it with him.”
He placed the cigarette in his mouth, but didn’t light it. Looking at her; his eyes narrowing to slits, he let out a deep breath hissing, “how come you didn’t tell me all this time that you were runnin’ the whores? I thought you were selling real estate.”
Pulling back, her hand flying to her mouth, she sputtered, “who told you?”
“Just cause I’ve been locked up for five months doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s goin’ on. I hear plenty. What I want to know is why didn’t you tell me?”
Sensing the cold way he asked, sent a shiver through her. It took a moment to answer.
“Look Howie, what did you expect me to do, sit around and not do anything, when Sal was all over me because you owed him ninety thousand dollars, “ Her voice suddenly harsh as she glared at him.
“And what about Paul Freed, I understand you’re workin’ for him. You bangin’ him too?”
“Look Howie, I report to him and what I do for a living is not your concern. Freed and I do business together and I’m trying to pay off your debt, that’s all you gotta’ know.”
“Yeah, well I don’t like it. That four eyes bastard Freed was always screwin’ and doin’ kinky shit with those broads and any other bitch he could lean on. There’s no way he could let you get away with what you’re doin’ without somethin’ on the side.”
“Forget about Freed, I said. I got it under control…… What do you want me to do, deal with Sal Farina, who had his filthy hands all over me two days after you were arrested and wanted me to become one of his whores.”
“Look Shirley I know you’re tough, but what do you know about runnin’ a bunch of broads.”
“You’d be surprised, so let’s leave it like that and if you don’t shut up about it, I’ll stop paying down your debt. So don’t bring it up again,” she whispered through clenched teeth.
They sat, neither talking for several minutes. Abruptly he ground out his unlit cigarette and got up, “I won’t forget this Shirley. Just remember everything I did was for you and David and stay away from Freed I don’t like that smart ass bastard. “
She watched him leave; his shoulders slumped as he walked to the door, not turning back. Slowly she got up and waited to see if he might change his mind before walking out.
She wasn’t sure if Howie was concerned about David finding out about her or was jealous of her taking his place. Either way she chose to ignore his threatening talk and was relieved that he hadn’t mentioned Jack Brown. He probably didn’t know as much as he thought he did. Returning to the car she was glad the visit was over.
The day of Howie’s sentencing, Shirley sat in the first row of the court room directly behind Howie and Petrillo. She had worn a charcoal grey pants suit with a plain white blouse and little make-up, wanting to appear neat and sincere sitting behind her husband. Her wavy blonde hair was brushed back away from her face.
As the Bailiff called the court to order, David slipped into the seat beside her after reaching over and shaking his father’s hand. He took her hand in his, whispering, “Hi Mom, thanks for letting me know about today. I’m sorry about not staying in touch with you the last few months, but I wanted to be here for the two of you today.”
He looked different than when she saw him last. His hair was shorter and he had on a navy sport coat with a white shirt and tie.
Hearing the judge order the 15 year sentence, she closed her eyes and reached out to touch Howie, who turned her way, as he was quickly hustled out of the court room by a guard. David leaned into her as she buried her face in his shoulder.
Petrillo, turned to them. “I’m sorry, the DA was determined to get Howie and the evidence against him was just too tough to fight, but maybe I can appeal or get the judge to reconsider the sentence.”
“Please Sam, not now,” Shirley whispered. “Get me out of here, David.” Putting his arm around her, he escorted her out of the court room. In the hallway she sighed and stood up straight facing David, holding his arms. “Can we meet later at the house? It’s important we talk, but I’ve got a few things that are urgent at my office.”
He nodded, “we definitely should talk, I’ll be there at five.”
At the court house parking lot David waited until he saw Shirley get her car. He followed her up Route 1 toward Fort Lauderdale and was surprised when she turned west to Dixie Highway around the northern boundary of Miami. She proceeded north on Dixie. Curious, he followed, allowing some distance between them and he saw her pull into a parking lot and go around to the back of the building. He continued on and made a U turn at the next corner to a spot across the road about a hundred yards away from where she turned in. The cream colored stucco building was neat but very plain. A one story structure with six large windows extending on each side of the white awning covered entrance. The small black scripted letters on the awning read, ”Club Dixie”.
Four late model cars were in the parking lot. Forty minutes later six more had arrived and two departed. All of the drivers were men with the exception of one couple; a stout grey haired man in a white short sleeved dress shirt accompanied by a petite young redhead wearing a print dress and high heels. Each rang the bell and were admitted.
Right after that a tall dark haired woman wearing a tan pants suit exited with a stocky man in a suit and walked him to his car. They chatted for a few minutes and he started to drive away. She waved and blew him a kiss before returning to the main entrance.
David waited another twenty minutes with no sign of Shirley, then left. Arriving at the house he let himself in and called her office at the real estate company. They said she was out and would be glad to take a message. He declined the offer, but asked when she would be in so he could call back. They didn’t know.
A little before five she pulled into the drivew
ay. He was surprised by her change in appearance. The suit looked the same but she had shed the blouse. Her make-up was brighter too and her hair looked lighter and more stylish. As she got closer, he thought her finger nails appeared freshly polished as well. Rather dressed up he thought for a real estate agent.
“I’ve missed not talking to you,” she said softly as they hugged.
“I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry, but it was very hard for me to sort things out when I was here last time. I finally realized that I was taking my own anger out on you and Dad. It was wrong.”
“Don’t blame yourself, we were wrong too. You deserved the truth. It was not enough to just love you,” she answered. “Come let’s sit in the living room and talk. It’s been a long time.”
She sat on the corner of the couch near the large easy chair that he settled into.
“Can I get you something to drink?
He shook his head. “Let’s just talk. What’s next Mom, what are you going to do?”
“Well, I guess I’ll manage, the real estate business is getting better. I’m sure I’ll be okay.”
“That’s not what I mean, what about Dad, are you going to stay married?”
Shirley smiled, “Hmmm,” she said clasping her hands. “I haven’t thought about that yet. Much too much on my mind, with Dad and my business, it’s just been too much.”
“Mom there’s something going on, I can feel it,” he said softly. “Where were you today after we left the court? I tried reaching you and your office said they didn’t know where you were and hadn’t been around much lately.”
Rubbing her tongue across her upper lip Shirley hesitated. David cocked his head in her direction, his forehead creased, waiting.
Speaking slowly she said, “I had an appointment in downtown Fort Lauderdale and then went to the beauty parlor. Why do you ask?”
David let out a long breath and reached for her hand. “What about the stop you made in north Miami at the Club Dixie?” It seemed like some kind of private place.
Sliding back, both her hands at her face, she gasped. “How do you know?”
“I was following you when we left the courthouse and was surprised when you turned west off Federal Highway. It wasn’t on the way to your office or the house. And the neighborhood didn’t look like you belonged there. I couldn’t believe it, when I saw you pull into the parking lot. Were you meeting someone?”
Shirley’s hands moved to cover her eyes.
David leaned closer, “Are you alright?”
A full silent minute passed before her head bobbed up and down. “I’m alright, just give me a few minutes,” she whispered.
He waited, his jaw clenched, knowing he had said something that upset her.
Hands still covering her eyes, she finally spoke, “David, please get me a few tissues and pour me a glass of cabernet. Then sit next to me, I want to explain.”
Speaking in a low voice and pausing as she searched for words to explain as best she could the words tumbled out. He listened silently as she detailed the last several months of her existence.
Holding her in his arms an hour later, David shuddered and whispered, “I’m sorry, but glad you told me. At least I know the truth. No need to apologize. I love both of you and appreciate all that you have done.”
“Thank you,” she murmured not lifting her head from his chest. “I’m sure Dad appreciated that you cared enough to be there for him today.”
The following morning David left. Back at Emory he threw himself back into his work determined to make his parents proud of his achievements. He phoned Shirley every Sunday evening and wrote his father regularly.
Chapter 31
Darlene, with a large leather briefcase designed to look like a handbag hanging on her shoulder, rushed into the fund raising meeting of the Jewish United Fund’s real estate division. She kissed Vic’s cheek, “sorry I’m so late. Wasn’t that Mitzi Rubin who just walked away?”
The ballroom at the Palmer House Hotel had been transformed for the high-profile event. American and Israeli flags flanked by red, white and blue banners interspersed with blue and white bunting draped the walls and the head table that stretched across the front of the ballroom. Close to a hundred large round tables topped with crisp white tablecloths and blue Jewish star centerpieces filled the big room.
“Yeah, she’s at the luncheon as a guest of her daughter, who’s on the sales staff of the Hyatt Properties,” he said squeezing her waist.
Darlene slid her bag to the table and smoothed the lapels of her snug-fitting black jacket. “You like her a lot, don’t you?”
Vic nodded. “Yeah, she’s a terrific lady and she’s built a nice business.”
“Hmph,” Darlene said with a shrug, “you always have something nice to say about all the ladies.”
“You know she’s special. Whenever I think of her, I remember her waving the flag and singing “God Bless America” on the steps of Volta School the day World War II ended and that was, almost forty years ago…..Speaking of saying nice things about the ladies, you’re looking plenty good yourself today. Isn’t that the new outfit you bought last week at the Petite Shop?”
“Yeah, you like?” she said, stepping back and turning so he could get a good look.
“Nice,” he said, grinning as he nodded with approval.
She smiled back. “I guess I always forget how far back you go with Mitzi, but I can’t help being jealous when I see how she looks at you every time we run into her. She really likes you, but seems to avoid me.”
“Oh c’mon, we’re just old friends,” he said turning to shake someone’s hand and then looking back to Darlene. “Maybe she feels more comfortable around me because she’s known me since I was just a kid.”
“Well, I wonder how she feels about you now that you’ve got some gray creeping into your sideburns?”
“C’mon Dearie, it’s nothing. We’re just old friends.”
By the way, what took you so long to get here? I thought you were only going to make a few calls and come right over.”
“Took a little longer than I thought, getting through the secretaries of some of these top executives is getting harder these days, especially when they know I’m calling to raise money for the United Fund. One other thing, I hope you won’t mind, but, I have to leave in a few minutes. I’ve got a meeting I was lucky to set up this morning with the president of Carson Pirie Scott for this afternoon,” she said looking down, knowing he was peeved at her for being late and now running away.
Quickly recovering she looked up. “How is everything going here; Mister Committee Member?”
Scowling and shaking his head, he shrugged and looked past Darlene at some of the guests getting up to leave, before turning back to her.
“Well, as you can see, there’s been a great turnout but it’s just about to end, so come help me shake hands with people on their way out. And Jim Vogel’s here; you’ll get to say hello to him.”
There had indeed been a large enthusiastic turnout for the speaker, Ari Goldenberg, an Israeli diplomat who had served in Golda Meir’s cabinet. He was in the country to meet with President Reagan later in the week, but had agreed to speak in Chicago prior to the meeting as a personal favor to local Congressman Sidney Yates. They met when Yates visited Israel the previous year with a group of Jewish businessmen.
Crowds of men and women in dark business suits started slowly filing out, maneuvering around gatherings that were congregating to talk. At the same time, a small army of wait-staff, hustling amid the retreating guests, was methodically clearing the crumpled napkins and tableware.
Moving away from the table, Vic and Darlene started shaking hands and thanking people for attending, as they slowly moved toward the exits. After a few minutes, Jim Vogel, bespectacled, balding and carrying an extra twenty pounds since
his high school days stopped and kissed Darlene on the cheek, “Nice suit, “ he complimented with a wink and a grin. Shaking hands with Vic, he got close to his ear to say in a low voice, “Gotta talk to you privately for a minute, got time?”
“Be right with you, but I want to say good bye to Darlene; she’s on her way to another meeting,” he answered turning to Darlene, who kissed him on the lips and pecked Jim’s cheek as she grabbed her bag before heading out the door.
As soon as she left, Jim led Vic to one of the empty tables. “I swear, Wayne, you’re six months older than me but you still manage to look ten years younger. And Darlene looks fantastic. I need to start jogging or something.”
Adjusting his bulk in a chair he pushed his glasses up on his nose. “How’s your new house in Highland Park?”
“It’s not so new, we’ve been there almost eighteen months, but it’s quite a contrast from our place in Morton Grove. And when both Ben and then Jeff came to work at Wayne Construction and each got an apartment in the city Darlene and I were rattling around in the big old place. We figured it was time to get something newer and smaller.
“I can imagine. We saw the new place just after you moved in. My wife loved the area. We were surprised at the size of the houses and all the swimming pools.”
“Yeah, and big as they are, almost all the houses are empty nesters, hardly a kid anywhere.”
Smiling Jim shook his head. “Can you believe, living in Highland Park? It hardly seems possible for one of us to live there. It’s so upscale.”
“Hey, pal, you’ve got that big place in Northbrook; that’s plenty nice, too.”
“But Highland Park is different. I remember going with my folks on a Sunday for a ride up Sheridan Road to Highland Park and Lake Forest to see all the mansions along Lake Michigan. That was way out in the country when we were kids and only really rich WASPS like Chuck Percy lived there.”
“You got that right. It sure isn’t like the old neighborhood. Anyway, what’s up?”
Jim’s smile disappeared as he looked around and leaned closer, adjusting his glasses. “You know Vic, being in the Advertising and Public Relations business I’ve been getting more involved in politics the last few years and gotten pretty close to some of the important Democrats, both locally and nationally. I guess you know some of them too; being married to Darlene. These people need sharp guys and I’ve been thinking about you and something that could lead to important things, if you’re interested.”
Albany Park Page 38
