Albany Park

by Myles (Mickey) Golde

  Sitting straighter, Darlene folded her hands in front of her and cleared her throat. “Victor, putting aside my personal feelings and acting as your campaign manager, I’ve got an idea.”

  Vic squinted. “What kind of idea?”

  Darlene smiled. “I think we can swing this election if we just tell the truth about Shirley and David. It’s a sad story, but you responded in an honorable way. How can the public not respond in the same way I am? I mean, I’m your wife and I should be furious, but right at this moment, I’m proud of you for saving that boy’s life even though you knew it could kill your career.”

  A slow smile spread across his face. “Do you really think it will work?”

  Slowly nodding with her hand at her chin and a finger covering her mouth she said, “yes I do, and I think that I especially want to talk to that boy.”

  “Let me handle that.”

  “No, I’m your campaign manager. I want to make sure this goes the right way.”

  Vic stood and walked around to where Darlene was sitting. He knelt down in front of her and took both her hands. “What about us?”

  Darlene slipped out of his grasp and sighed, “Right now, let me be your campaign manager, okay?”

  “All right,” Vic said, standing up and smiling at her, “I like this idea of yours, so tell me what to do.”

  Tucking in her lower lip, a wrinkle formed above her nose as Darlene slowly said, “I want to talk to Frank; we have to get in touch with Shirley. First though, we have to talk to Jim Vogel about how to do this right so that the story will have the proper impact.”

  As she turned to go, Darlene touched his arm. “Do you know how we can reach her?”

  “I’ve got a private number.”

  Darlene rolled her eyes.

  Vic smiled. “I can see what you’re thinking, but no, I’ve never used it.”

  The next day’s Tribune ran a front page story claiming that the polls were shifting dramatically after the previous day’s article, with Eldridge Palmer taking a commanding lead in the District. Excerpts from South Florida papers reported that the well known madam and her good friend, reputed gangland banker Jack Brown had not been seen in public for several weeks and all attempts to get either of them to discuss Howie Rabin’s death or Victor Wayne’s relationship to them had been stonewalled.

  Calls cancelling rallies and campaign appearances started coming in later that day. Several of the volunteers called in sick or just didn’t show up.

  “This race isn’t over,” Darlene insisted, when Vic saw her later that day, fielding calls in the front office. .

  “Let’s just forget about it,” he sighed, sitting down across from her. “Nobody will talk to me and I’m embarrassed to face any of the people that contributed money to my campaign. If I resign now, we can at least put an end to this.”

  “God dammit Victor,” Darlene exploded, knocking the telephone off the desk as she stood up. “You can’t quit now. I won’t let you! I’ve worked my ass off for you and put up with all this crap about Sally Ray because I still believe in you. Now trust me, at least for another week or two. The election is still two months away.”

  “What do you want me to do? They’re killing me with all this crap.”

  Leaning forward with her hands on the desk, she set her jaw.

  “First, promise me you will not resign unless I agree. Then, every week day, I want you and as many staff members as we can get to show up to be at a busy train or bus station during the early and late rush hours passing out literature and shaking hands. On Sundays, I’m going to have Jim Vogel contact the ministers and rabbis at all the bigger churches and you and I are going to the services and shake as many hands as we can. In the evenings, you’ll go to the rallies we’ve scheduled or attend sports events and do the same thing. Do not talk to reporters. Just tell them you’re still running; and working to develop hi-tech industries and helping to fund education in the district”

  “C’mon Darlene, you must be kidding. We’ll be laughed at.”

  “Victor, your brother is on his way to Florida. If we play this right, we can win this election. Not a soul knows about this, except you, me and Frank. His first stop is the Waldorf in New York. The following day he’s going to LaGuardia, buying a counter ticket to Macon, Georgia and driving from there to Fort Lauderdale to see Shirley. He’s already made contact with her at the number you gave me.”

  “Wow, that’s some cloak and dagger operation.”

  “I don’t want anyone to have a clue about what we’re doing because if there is any screw up, we’re dead. On the other hand, if Frank gets David Rabin to come through for us and we wait for the proper moment, we’ll kick this whole election wide open. You’ll win a landslide.”

  “You really think so?” Vic ran a hand through his hair.

  “Victor, I can’t guarantee it, but after all the dirt, these bastards have thrown at you, you’re gonna’ make ‘em eat their words. And the public will remember that you pushed through on the issues and were willing to risk being humiliated in public.”

  “But, what about the female voters, won’t they just spit in my face?”

  “Women, especially love a story like this. Are your aware that David Rabin is a doctor and is doing important research work on in vitro fertilization”?

  “I know he’s a doctor, but not much more.”

  “Well, let me handle it. I may even make Shirley Rabin look like “mother of the year” by the time I’m through.”

  A wide grin broke on Vic’s face. “I can’t believe it. What about Frank?”

  “Don’t worry; you know how good your brother is with women. Shirley will get one look at him, be reminded of you and he won’t come home without David Rabin’s story. You know he’s a good salesman. He’ll be back in about a week, coming through New York, checking out of the Waldorf and then flying back. I don’t want anyone to have a clue about what’s going on.”

  Chapter 48

  A black Lincoln Continental pulled up to the Hertz office in downtown Fort Lauderdale at two p.m. and stopped where Frank had been instructed to wait. The window glided down and the driver, a well-dressed black woman, smiled.

  “Hi,” she said, “I’m Jessie, you must be Frank. Hop in, Sally’s waitin’ for you.”

  Twenty minutes later, they pulled off the Dixie Highway and into a lot in the back of a Spanish-style, one-story motel.Neither had spoken the entire time except for when Jesse asked Frank if he needed more air conditioning in back.

  Entering through a small hallway, the tall woman knocked at a door on the right. “It’s Jesse, Miss Ray.”

  Opening the door, Shirley smiled, and held out her hand. “Welcome to Florida, Frank.”

  He returned her smile, removing his sunglasses and gently taking her outstretched hand. “Been a long time,”

  “Sure has,” she said, laughing. “Oh Jesse, please see we’re not disturbed.” Closing the door, she moved away from the desk, saying, “Let’s sit over here; it’s more comfortable.”

  The room was airy and not very large with a finely crafted French desk. A matching chair faced it. Lladro porcelain figurines and Baccarat crystal objects decorated shelves and tables throughout the office.

  On the left was a low oval wooden coffee table with wood-framed, fabric-covered designer chairs on each side. She steered him to one near the corner of the sofa looking into the room.

  Picking up a sterling silver pitcher, Shirley smiled. “Would you like something stronger, or will iced tea do?”

  “Tea is fine,” he replied, relaxing into the delicate but comfortable chair and looking around. “Nice place you have here.”

  She filled his glass and one for herself, before sliding onto the couch near him and crossing her legs. “Please excuse the feminine decor and lavender walls. This is the one r
oom here that’s almost always reserved strictly for women. The ladies and I like it. You’re one of the very few men that has ever been in here since I decorated it ten years ago.”

  Frank grinned. “I can see why the ladies like it.”

  “It’s also a place where I can be sure that no one will care who you are and why you are here. Secrets stay in this room.”

  “Thanks; I knew you would understand. And thanks for seeing me. I’m sorry it was on such short notice, but Vic needs your help.”

  “It’s okay, Frank; I figured as much. I get news about what’s going on in Chicago.”

  “Look Shirley, I’m sure you also have heard about all these new hi-tech companies that are developing new ways to do things, especially with computers and communication. Well Vic wants to lure them to northern Illinois. It’s a big deal for the people of Illinois and the universities in the state. If Vic wins this race he can be very instrumental in making it happen. Unfortunately many of his influential backers are losing interest in him because of the bad publicity he is receiving concerning you.” She nodded, placing her glass on the table and leaned back, waiting for him to continue.

  “You probably remember how determined Vic was as a kid to be involved with helping people; well this is what he wants to do now.”

  They talked for over an hour, with Frank giving her a rundown on the negative news affecting Vic and his sudden drop in the polls. She listened carefully, asking few questions.

  “So what do you want?” she asked when he finished.

  Frank sat back and sighed.

  She watched him carefully, noticing how he tilted his head and paused from time to time as he talked. She smiled thinking how much he resembled and sounded like Vic. The same wavy hair, and slow dimpled smile, only Frank’s eyes seemed lighter. His voice however and soft way he spoke, sounded exactly the same.

  Putting his hands together, he looked directly at her, hesitating, before speaking. “There’s only one outside chance we think can turn this election around.” He stopped and looked into her eyes, making sure she was listening, before going on. “We’ve got to go public with the true story of what happened with you and Vic and your son.”

  Tucking in her lower lip and knotting her brow, she placed a hand at her cheek. “I don’t understand. What does that have to do with him being elected?”

  “Look, Shirley, Vic had this thing sewn up until it came out that he had something to do with you. Now everyone thinks that Vic and you and your late husband are mixed up in all sorts of dirty business.”

  “That’s nonsense,” she answered, a note of irritability in her voice. “I’ve had nothing to do with Victor, except for what happened with David. I swear, I never even knew he was his father.”

  Frank stood and started pacing, then said in a firm voice, “Here’s the problem. No one knows the truth and unless we tell them and can prove what we say is true, Vic is going to lose. He’s already down in the polls and the numbers are getting worse and if we just tell the truth, without evidence or solid confirmation, he’s screwed.”

  “What about me and my son?” she replied, a vein bulging at her left temple, as her eyes followed his movements.

  Frank stopped and started to say something. She held up her hand.

  “All my life I’ve protected David. If this becomes public it could ruin his career and mine will be over, too. I’m sure my partners will not be happy about that.”

  Stopping with his hands out, he pleaded, “Shirley, I want to talk to your son. Please don’t make me go behind your back. I wouldn’t be here if my brother didn’t need the help. And David wouldn’t even be alive right now if it weren’t for Vic. So please, you can help him.”

  “I can’t do that, Frank; it’s too risky. Gritting his teeth, Frank slapped at his chair. Glaring at him she leaned forward and waited as he exhaled without saying anything.

  “And don’t try to contact David without my permission. There’s too much at stake here and he won’t talk with you unless I agree. He’s only known about Victor for a short time and I don’t think he is ready to risk his career.”

  Crossing his arms while she looked away, Frank said, “You might as well know, Shirley, I came here to help Vic and I’m not going home empty handed. I’ll find David and that Dr. Fredericks and convince them to help us.”

  Looking up, Shirley’s eyes narrowed as she said in a quiet but firm voice, “Don’t do anything stupid Frank. This is serious business and your actions can hurt a lot of people here beside David and me.”

  “Is that a threat?” Frank replied.

  “No, but listen to me. I will think about it, but I need some time.

  “We don’t have time, Vic’s taking a beating and he’s gonna have to do something soon or drop out of the race. It will probably wreck his family too. His wife knows your son was conceived when he was going with her. I don’t know how she’ll handle it, especially if he just walks away.”

  Clasping her hands, supporting her chin with her forefingers, Shirley frowned and pursed her lips.

  He sat back and waited, neither looked at the other for several minutes.

  Shirley finally sighed deeply, still not looking at him; then looked up. “Whatever you do Frank, do not discuss this with anyone. Tomorrow, I’ll have Jessie pick you up at the same time and bring you back here.”

  “Look Shirley, I know this may be difficult, but I know and I think his wife knows Vic has dreamed about running for an important office his whole life and has worked especially hard the last three years to deserve the chance. It was Darlene’s idea that I come here. We both believe that the truth about your son will make it happen.”

  “I hear you. Come back tomorrow, Frank. We’ll talk more then.”

  He shrugged, finally shaking his head.

  “Would you like some company tonight?’ Shirley smiled.

  “I’m okay, but if you can get me a place to stay where no one will know me, I’d like that.”

  Speaking softly, she said, “Sit down,” and reached for the phone whispering into it. ”

  Jesse knocked and came in.

  “Jesse, take Frank to the apartment on the beach and set him up with anything he needs tonight,” she said smiling and held out her hand.

  Taking it, Frank winked with a smile. “Thanks,” he said and paused, adding, “you know, Shirley, Vic mentioned how good you looked when you met at Giannotti’s. I certainly agree. I’ve always admired my brother’s taste in women and you are one fine looking lady.”

  “As I recall, Frank, you were pretty good with girls yourself, weren’t you,” she said, returning his smile and shrugging slightly. “I know my sister Doris always had a crush on you.”

  With a relaxed grin, he made a small movement with his shoulder. “How is Doris?”

  “She’s good. I don’t see her much, but I’ll mention you asked about her when I talk with her.”

  “Yeah, do that, but wait until after the election,” he said chuckling. I don’t want anyone to know we’ve talked.”

  With a tight smile, she purred, “Sally Ray understands secrets. See you tomorrow, Frank.”

  As he turned to follow Jessie out the door, he heard Shirley say, “Jess, be sure Frank is well taken care of tonight. He’s an old friend.”

  Jessie nodded, taking Frank’s arm and flashing a wide toothy grin. “Don’t you worry Sally, this fine looking man is in good hands.”

  An hour later, Shirley rushed into Jack Brown’s office.

  Surprised at her ruffled hair and jacket askew, he closed the door and held her hands, guiding her toward the sofa,

  “What do you think I should do?” she said, pulling her hands away and crossing her arms, as he held her. They stood for a moment, then he helped her onto a corner of the couch.

  He brought her a glass of re
d wine and she took a quick taste, holding on to the glass and closing her eyes. Sitting next to her, he took the glass from her hand and placed it on the coffee table..

  “What’s the problem, you or David?” he asked.

  “Both, I’m afraid for him, it could hurt his career, and I owe a lot of my success to having a low profile. The last thing I want is to have my name all over the news.”

  “Yeah, it’s not good for either of us. I’ve had my share of calls and even though you haven’t said anything to me, I know you’ve had plenty of grief from news hounds trying to yank your chain. Every time something happens to your guy in Chicago, the news guys here start pumping me and my people for comments. You’re no longer just Sally Ray, now it’s the notorious Sally Ray.”

  He took her hand, holding it gently. Eyes still closed and head down, she sighed.

  “Maybe it’s time for a few changes, What does David say?”

  “He doesn’t know that Frank Wayne is talking to me.”

  His brow firmly knit, Jack’s lips formed a straight line. After a minute, he said, “Go see David and tell him what Wayne wants. If he wants to help, let me know and I’ll call my old friend Ira Cooperstein in Chicago. You remember Coop, we had dinner with him and his wife a couple of years ago. He’s the right guy to handle this story. If anyone can spin the publicity in a way that will make you come out smelling like a rose, he can. As far as here in Florida, I can handle it.”

  Removing her hand from his, she relaxed. “Are you sure it’s okay with you?”

  Nodding, he said quietly, “Go to Atlanta. Have Wayne stay here until you get back or he can meet you there if David agrees. Then call me so I can line up Coop if need be. If David doesn’t agree, send Wayne home. I’ll see to it that he won’t bother you.”

  Shirley wiped at her eyes, which smudged her makeup slightly, and sat quietly before saying, “I knew you would know what to do. Thanks, Jacob. I’ll call David and Frank and head out for in Atlanta in the morning.”