The Savage Little Flea

by Steve Shadow

  “Jack is good you are here. Come and sit. I have to say to you what has happened.”

  I followed Chuey back to the patio. He poured himself some water from the pitcher Graciela had left. He was sweating and nervous. He gulped down the glass of water and poured another.

  “Hey, where’s Fabiola? Are you all right?”

  “Si, si Jack. I OK.”

  “Talk to me Chuey, what the hell is going on?”

  Before Chuey got a word out I saw Fabiola coming through the patio door with the hulking Luis right behind her. I leapt out of my chair and pulled the pistol out of my vest pocket. I extended my arm and pointed it at Luis.

  “Sit down, Jack” said Fabiola. “Luis is not the bad guy, we were wrong about everything.”

  I only lowered my weapon a little. “What is this? What’s going on?”

  Fabiola motioned for Luis to sit down. He was most definitely still the brooding hulk I remembered from Chicago. I only had a glimpse of him at the ruins before the gunfire started. He now seemed somehow shrunken and pale. All the “El Diablo” swagger was gone. He sunk into a patio chair and placed his hands between his legs. He was in an old t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. His long black hair was dirty and matted. He did not look well.

  Fabiola stood next to him. She put a hand on his shoulder. I looked from her to Chuey wondering when someone would tell me what this was all about.

  Fabiola poured a glass of water for her and Luis. She then sat down and began to speak.

  “Before Luis left me and went to Chicago to fight for you and Chuey his uncles in Ciudad Mexico made him take the drugs to the US. He did not want to but they said if he did not help them then they would kill his mother. I knew nothing of this. Luis told me nothing so as to protect me. They wanted Luis to set up distribution for them in Chicago. When Chuey refused to help him he did not know what to do. He told the other wrestlers that Chuey would not listen to him. That is when he found out that the three of them worked for his uncles and were part of the plot. In order to get all the money they could he and the others sold what drugs they had with them and returned to Mexico. The Gringa puta wanted to come with them. They were all having sex with her and Luis uncles said to bring her. They thought about some kidnap plan but soon realized she was useless to them. When Luis got back to Mexico and told them what had happened they were very mad at him. He told them that he had to sell the drugs cheap because they were afraid of the police after hurting Chuey. So they then made him go to Vera Cruz and get the relics from the Indians. They gave him money to show the Indians but they were only going to steal everything and pay nothing. As you know after the shooting in the jungle only Luis escaped. He has been hiding in the hills. They are coming here tomorrow, his uncles from Ciudad Mexico. They have told Luis mother that he is to meet them at La Quebrada at night to give them the relics. They think the deal with the Indians was done. We must do something. They do not know that the three others are dead.”

  She reached into her purse and took out a large envelope. “Here is 4000 American dollars. This is what Luis has and he wants to return it. He is sorry for what has happened but he had no choice.”

  This was a lot to absorb. “Chuey, do you believe all this stuff?”

  “Si Jack, I talk to Luis and his madre. They is very scared. I think maybe we get on airplane now and go away. These is bad men coming.”

  Chuey then repeated what he said in Spanish to El Diablo. Luis jumped up and started shouting. I looked to Fabiola.

  “No, that is no good,” she said. “If we run then they will kill Luis mother. I have a better idea. They do not know we are here. I think it is better if we meet them and kill them all. Then we can go.”

  I looked at her in disbelief. “Are you nuts? You want us to confront criminals, murderous criminals, in Mexico and attempt to kill them? To what end? You know these people are professionals. This is crazy. I have a better idea. Let’s all go back to Chicago. Or you can stay here and all get killed. I’ve had enough of this madness. This is all beginning to sound like a cheap Hollywood movie. I ain’t Bogie and you ain’t Bacall. Never mind,” I said when I saw the blank looks on their faces.

  I took the envelope with the money and put it in my pocket. “Why don’t we grab Luis mother and all fly out tonight? At least in Chicago Chuey can look out for all of you. I may be signing my death certificate by returning but it’s better than staying here and getting sliced and diced by Mexican drug dealers.”

  I saw a flash of color approach.

  “Well look who’s here. I do believe it’s time for cocktails.”

  We all turned to see Lady Evalin descend from the living room. She was a riot of pastel colors. Her caftan swirled around her small frame. The gold threads woven into the fabric caught the suns rays and formed a shimmering halo. No one said anything.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. “Have I interrupted a business meeting? Well I will leave you to it. I will return soon and we can prepare for the evening.”

  She turned and went back up the steps into the house.

  “Look, this lady has been very good to us. We can’t get her involved. We have to get out of here.”

  “I think maybe Jack is say good,” said Chuey. “I think we go home. You and Luis come back and we put on new fights. You can change name, no one know who you is.”

  “See,” I said. “Chuey is right. You two come with us, bring his mother and we will be fine. You get new names, you fight in masks, no one will know who the hell you are. In any event Chuey and I are leaving. Make up your mind Fabiola. I thought you hated Luis and wanted to kill him. Now you are willing to do battle with the Mexican crime syndicate for him.”

  She looked up at me. “I know, I am crazy,” she moaned. “When Luis mother took us to him then I knew I really loved him. We must be together.”

  She leaned down and threw her arms around Luis. He kissed her cheek.

  I could tell from Luis turning his head to each of us with a puzzled look on his sallow face that he did not understand much.

  “Ask him if he wants to go with us. He has to decide right now. We have little time. I don’t want to put Lady Evalin into any danger.”

  Fabiola and Chuey began speaking to Luis. He looked befuddled. After a few minutes he nodded his head in resignation.

  “OK Jack,” said Chuey. “He and mother, they come with us.”

  PART THREE

  CHICAGO

  32

  I felt the surge of the plane leaving the tarmac. Chuey sat next to me with his usual smile creasing his round Indian face. Across the aisle Fabiola sat with her arm linked with Luis. His mother was against the window. She had a pillow tucked behind her wizened face. She had not said a word since we met at the Acapulco airport. I had to use the money from Luis to pay for all the tickets. She was befuddled by our sudden departure. I told her I would explain everything later. She waved me off and kissed us all goodbye after we promised to stay in touch. She said we were welcome anytime at her house even if she were away. I had never met such a kind, gracious and fun loving woman. My mind raced ahead wondering what we would find on our return to Chicago. Chuey had tried to call his house with no luck. We could not raise anyone at the theater or at his sister’s homes. I was worried but Chuey remained confident that all was well.

  Our plane started its landing approach as the sun was rising. The lake sparkled and the familiar skyline hove into view. Despite my fear at what awaited me my heart jumped at the sight of my hometown. Sure, Chicago was only a city but it was also a state of mind, a way of life with its own unique style. It was rough, dishonest and mean. It was my home and I knew that the only way I would leave it now is if I was six feet under. Screw the Irish mafia, the Italian mafia and the cops. If Chuey, a five-foot Mexican could handle it then so could I.

  The plane landed with a jolt. I gathered everyone together and we marched stiff-legged down the jetway. I cleared everyone through customs. We gathered our meager bags and found a taxi. I was afrai
d to go to my place. I had the taxi take us to Ron’s apartment hotel.

  As we entered the lobby Ron came rushing out.

  “Holy shit, what is going on? Where the hell have you been? We’ve all been worried sick.”

  “Look Ron, it’s a long story. You remember Luis don’t you? This is his mother and this is Fabiola, a female wrestler we have brought with us. Can you get them a place for a few days until I figure out our next move? I promise I will explain everything as soon as I can.”

  “Yeah sure, Jack. I still haven’t rented the place that they were using. Where’s Danny? Didn’t he come with you?”

  I hung my head. “Danny’s dead, so is Shelly. Fabiola can tell you what happened. Chuey and I have to try and find his wife and cousins.”

  “What? Dead? Jesus, are you kidding?”

  “Please Ron, we have to go.” I turned to Fabiola. “Ron is a good friend, you can trust him. Stay here until we return. Everything will be fine.”

  She nodded. I grabbed Ron.

  “One more favor, let me have the keys to the truck. I can’t get to my car just yet.”

  Ron looked at me skeptically but threw me his keys. “Truck is out back in the usual spot. Whatever you two are up to please be careful. I can’t believe this is happening.”

  “Sure you can,” I said. “Chuey, let’s go.”

  We left Luis and his mother looking totally bewildered. Fabiola was explaining something to them in Spanish as we headed out the front door. Ron was looking around like he just lost his sanity.

  I drove north towards Chuey’s place.

  “Ay Jack, I hope is good. I am worried for Rosa. Maybe Luis familia have people here. You go faster.”

  “Yeah, don’t worry Chuey. It’ll be OK.” I tried to sound reassuring but I also had my doubts.

  We got to Chuey’s. The street was quiet in the early morning. It was a Sunday and the locals had not set out for church yet. Chuey got out his key and we entered his apartment. He called out Rosa’s name. He got no answer. In the kitchen he found a note on the refrigerator. It said, “Mi tia”.

  Chuey ran to the telephone and dialed rapidly. After a short wait he began a rapid fire exchange that I could barely catch a word of. After waiting impatiently for what seemed like forever Chuey hung up the phone and turned to face me. His usual smile was replaced with a frown.

  “Jack, is no good news for you. Rosa and mi familia is good. All are at mi Tia Josefina’s in Gary. They is afraid but is good.”

  “That’s great Chuey but what is the bad news?”

  “Is better you see.”

  Chuey led me out the door and back to the truck. “What’s going on Chuey?” I asked. “Tell me what happened.”

  “You drive to Roxy, Jack. You see.”

  “What? See what? You sure we should go there?”

  “Is OK, you see.”

  He turned away as I put the truck in gear. We headed down Irving Park Road and turned south on Sheridan to the theater. I was hoping we did not run into Malo and his boys. He was the last person I wanted to see. But instead of seeing him I saw something much worse. What I saw was a pile of bricks and blackened wood. My mouth hung open. I jammed on the brakes and pulled to the curb. I turned to Chuey.

  “What happened Chuey?”

  We sat in the truck parked across the street from what was once a theater and two small stores. All that remained were some bricks and charred timber.

  Chuey took a deep breath and told me the story.

  “Ernesto, he say men come to theater one night after is closed and have big fight with Bucky. They say Bucky is stealing money. He and Hector was cleaning and only hear the noise from the balcony. They come to lobby and see Bucky falling down stairs. The mens, they come and start to hurt Bucky. When they see Ernesto and Hector they tell them to go. The mens they have guns. They run away and wait near to Roxy. Soon the mens they come out and get into car and drive away. They is no sure if to go back or go away. They afraid to call police. While they is thinking what to do, is big noise and everything start to burn and it blow up. They run to EL train and go away. Next day they come back and see what we see. They is now very afraid and get family and Rosa and go to mi tia. They are wait for me to call. I am sorry Jack. What we do now?”

  I was still in shock. I looked at the burnt out ruins of my theater and stared while a huge part of my life faded to black. I had hid out there as a little boy to see double features and stay warm. I had worked there as an usher after going back to school. My pal Rory and I had carved our initials in the ceiling of the break-room behind the screen. I loved seeing them still there after all these years. I finally put the money together and bought the place. Almost my entire life had been connected to this crummy little theater. I felt empty, sad and betrayed. How did this happen? We were only gone a short time. What was I going to do now? I wondered if Jules was still after me.

  I needed more information. I got out of the truck. “Wait here Chuey, I have to make a call.”

  I ran across the street and into the EL station. I stepped into a phone booth and closed the door. I dialed the Sun-Times newspaper and asked to speak to Chuck Kelly. He was a reporter friend of mine from Northwestern.

  “Kelly here, speak to me.”

  “Chuck, this is Jack Sennett. No time for catching up, I’ve been out of town for awhile and come back to find my theater burned down. What the hell happened? Are you on this story?”

  “Jack, I’ve been trying to get hold of you. This stuff is normally not my beat but I knew this was your place. You’ve got to fill me in on what was going on over there.”

  “Sure Chuck I will but now just tell me what you know.”

  “Well, I don’t know if this is all connected but the after the fire, which was arson, the head of the union you had your problems with was found shot dead in his home. It was the usual .22 slug to the back of the head. The body found in the fire at your place still hasn’t been identified. What the hell are you up to?”

  Jesus, Jules was dead. Maybe I was off the hook. I guess handling all that cash was too much temptation for Bucky. I guess the higher ups had lost faith in the job Jules was doing. He must have had a hard time explaining the missing two goons.

  “OK Chuck. The body is most likely that of a John Bucky Bavasi. He was working as an off-the-books projectionist. He was running things until I got back. I can’t say anymore about this stuff now. I’ll get back to you. Thanks.”

  I hung up and ran back to the truck. I told Chuey what I had learned. He certainly wasn’t sorry to hear about Jules or Bucky. I could only hope that Jules was as far up the mafia chain that I went. Maybe now we were in the clear. All I could do was wait and hope. I took one last look at the charred ruins of my dream. No more movies. The Horatio Alger-like dream that I had realized had become a burnt out nightmare. Chuey gripped my arm. I would cry later. There was too much to do now.

  33

  Chuey and I went to my apartment. We circled the area a few times but saw nothing suspicious. I parked a block away with a view of the entrance. I told Chuey to wait and look for my signal that everything was OK. I told him if he didn’t see me in five minutes he was to drive away. I went cautiously into the building. I walked upstairs. I unlocked the door and went inside. Nothing had been touched. I quickly returned to the truck and got Chuey to help me empty the place. We got everything together that I needed. It didn’t amount to much. All I really wanted were my clothes, records and stereo. It only took a few trips to get everything loaded into the truck. I would have to wait until Monday to call the rental agent and tell them the place was theirs.

  I followed Chuey back to Ron’s in my car. I moved my stuff into an empty studio that Ron had available. I thought it best if we all stayed together. I told Ron a quick version of what had gone on, filling in the parts that Fabiola had not known. He said nothing and only shook his head. After getting some food for everyone I drove us all to Gary to Chuey’s aunt. It was a big happy re-union except when Ro
sa first saw Luis. She ran up and slapped him. She started screaming at him for beating Chuey. Chuey held her back and explained that Luis was only doing what he had to in order to save his mother. Rosa finally calmed down. She and Luis mother, whose name I discovered was Salome, sat and talked and ended up crying in each others arms. After that the fun began. Chuey’s aunt turned out to be another great cook and one more Mexican fiesta rolled into high gear. Everyone was so happy to see us safe that the relief bubbled over into a lot of laughing and dancing. Someone turned on the radio and the music poured forth. Fabiola was dancing with Luis, Chuey with Rosa. I held my hand out to Luis mother.

  “Por favor, senora Salome, tu baille con me?”

  I had asked her to dance in my broken Spanish. She laughed with her hand in front of her face. She slowly arose and curtsied. I took her hands in mine and we spun around the floor.

  It was a wonderful reunion. At least for that afternoon we forgot our troubles. We ate and drank and laughed until we all fell out with jet-lag, exhaustion and relief. I sat and looked at all these Mexicans whose warmth, loyalty and generosity put Americans to shame. If this was as close to a real family as I would ever come then I was satisfied. I was half drunk and stuffed with food. My eyes closed as my heart filled. I felt at home.