Come at the King

by Sherilyn Decter

  Mickey leans forward, sitting on the edge of his chair. “I can’t do it, Edith. I won’t go back to that gray world. You have to know how sorry I am. Losing control like that was stupid. But I won’t take those drops and loose half my brain.”

  “Not even for me?”

  They are silent. The air is filled with the sound of birds. Neighborhood noises come and go. Such a normal day for such a life-changing decision.

  “No, Kitten, not even for you. I would take a bullet for you, but not that. I can’t do that. I tried.”

  “Then we’re done. You’ll need the rest of your things. You’re at the Ritz?”

  Mickey nods.

  “Then I’ll have them brought round. I’ll get the house of course, and you’ll look after the bills.”

  “Just have everything sent to me at the Ritz. But, Edith, please, don’t do this.”

  “I’ve been waiting for you to get better for two years, Mickey. I’ve got to get on with my life. After renovating this house, I understand how to build something from the ground up. I need to build my life on solid foundations, too. And if I have to start from rock bottom, then that’s where I’ll start.”

  Edith stands, shaken that he didn’t love her enough. “Goodbye, Bunny.” She walks into the house. Mickey cringes as the lock turns in the door.

  He sits for a few minutes, looking at the garden and the trees. If he stands, it’s over. If he sits, it hasn’t happened yet. He gives up, stands, and walks to his car. Time to go home to the Ritz.

  * * * *

  Eddie gets off the elevator at the Ritz. Gus and Fingers are sitting, leaning their chairs back against the wall.

  “Evening, boys. What’s up?”

  “Boss is in. Said to keep everybody else out.”

  “Oh? That doesn’t mean me, does it?

  Gus nods. “Everybody.”

  “He meeting with someone?”

  “Nah, he’s in one of his moods. He’s been drinking steady since this afternoon,” Fingers says.

  “Something going on?” Eddie asks. His palms are starting to sweat.

  “He keeps yelling about being tossed to the curb, all used up, over the hill kinda stuff. Don’t make much sense, but hey, it’s Mickey.” Gus shrugs.

  Eddie considers. Mickey must know about my power play. How’d he find out? I’ve been so careful. Christ, what if he’s found out about the Lanzetta deal with the drugs? I’d better lay low for a while. And I’d better get those Bailey schmucks on this. No way I’m taking a backseat anymore. I gotta act on this quick.

  Chapter 57

  The Club Room at the Ritz is a masculine oasis: dark wood paneling; small lamps on every table casting a discrete glow; silent waiters refreshing drinks and emptying ashtrays; a piano man in the corner setting the mood.

  Mickey had asked Henry to meet him here. He knew he couldn’t have him to the house anymore. The warehouse wasn’t the right place either. He didn’t think Henry would be comfortable upstairs in the suite—not wanting the bloody hallway memories to color their conversation. The Club Room was perfect.

  Mickey is glad he’s arrived before Henry; prefers to sit with his back to the wall. The paranoia is starting to creep back, but hey, is it paranoia if they’re really out to get ya? He looks up through hooded eyes, watching Henry cross the room to the bar. The bartender hands Henry a cold soda water and lemon, which he brings to the table. He sits.

  “Thanks for coming by, Henry. Things have been upside down lately, and I didn’t want to go by the house.”

  Henry nods. Edith’s told him all about the split.

  “How are things, Mickey?”

  “Not great. What can I say? I’m a schmuck.”

  “Won’t get an argument from me,” Henry says, tipping his glass at Mickey.

  “How’s your gal? She must be getting close.”

  Henry smiles, his face soft. “Sadie’s good. The baby’s due in August, so we still have a couple of weeks.”

  “She feeling good?”

  “Yup. Why’d you ask me here, Mickey?”

  “Just thought maybe we could shoot the breeze for old time’s sake. You know.”

  “How are you feeling?”

  “God, I hate it when people ask me that. I feel fine.” Mickey’s clenched hands don’t reassure Henry. He knows the signs.

  There’s an awkward silence. Neither man is much for small talk.

  “How’s business? You busy out at the brewery?” Mickey asks, taking a sip of his whiskey.

  “Yeah, pretty steady. So far, business is good. Hope this whole downturn doesn’t last much longer, though.”

  Both men nod.

  “Say, you hiring?” Mickey asks.

  “Ha. You looking?”

  Mickey smiles at the jest. “You remember that kid, Tom Barnes? Maggie’s kid?”

  “Yeah, sure. I know Tommy. He’s around sometimes when I pick Sadie up on her days off.”

  “Edith let it drop that he was looking to earn some dough for the summer. And you know what it’s like. There’s no work. Maybe you got a spot at the brewery? He’s a hard worker. Smart kid. He’s a straight arrow. You two should get along fine.”

  “Why don’t you find him something?”

  “Ah, his ma’s in a twist about me and what I do. But you’re more legit. I’m sure that she’d be okay with him working for you.”

  “Sure. I could find a spot for him. He got a way to get out to Camden every day?”

  “Yeah sure. I’ll loan him a set of wheels and make sure Maggie don’t find out.”

  “Then tell him to come by the brewery on Monday and we’ll set him up. Won’t be anything special, tho’.”

  “That’s great, Henry. Thanks. He’s a good kid.”

  “Maggie’s doing right by Sadie. I owe her,” Henry says.

  Silence.

  “How’s Edith? You see her much?” Mickey asks.

  “Some. She’s doing good.”

  “No doubt. Cats always land on their feet. Next time you see her, tell her I said ‘hi’,” Mickey says.

  “Sure. Look Mickey, I think I’d better go. I promised Sadie I’d pick her up and take her for a spin. If Tommy’s there, I could mention the thing about the job. That way Maggie doesn’t need to know that you’re involved.”

  “Sure thing, Henry. That’ll be great. Let’s try and get together for some pool sometime.”

  “Sure, Mick. I’ll call ya.”

  Henry stands and turns to go.

  “Henry?” Mickey says.

  “Yeah, Mickey?”

  “Would you ever consider coming back?”

  “No. No, I wouldn’t.” Henry puts on his hat and turns to walk away. He takes a step, and then turns back to Mickey.

  “Hey Mickey, watch yourself. The Baileys are out, and I saw them watching your house.”

  “Thanks for the heads up.”

  “Sure, no problem. ‘Bye, Mickey.”

  Mickey watches Henry’s retreating back. Seems everybody’s walking away from me these days. Their loss.

  Chapter 58

  W hile the Ritz is a swell place to hang his hat at night, Mickey feels the need to return to his roots during the day. The old brick warehouse down near the tracks will always be home for him. When he was starting out, Edith had found the place and made the arrangements, and it’s her connection to the place and those early bootlegging days that draw him back now. Them were the days, all right, when a fast car and a ton of moxie were all you needed to be successful. Well, all that and a trunk full of illegal booze.

  Mickey’s sitting at the long table in the middle of the warehouse. His feet are propped up on the table and he’s reading the paper. Around him, men are bottling booze, getting the trucks ready for delivery. The sounds are like a soothing lullaby to Mickey’s ears.

  The warehouse door opens and Leo and Ignatius Lanzetta walk in, closely followed by Gus who has the barrel of his gun trained on their backs. Immediately, the room’s on high alert. Hands are reachin
g for weapons. The Lanzettas raise their hands and keep walking.

  “We just wanna talk to Mickey,” Leo says.

  Mickey looks up from his paper. “You hear something, Fingers?”

  “Naw, couple of dogs barking maybe.”

  “Yuck, yuck, yuck.” The Lanzettas wait by the table for an invitation to sit. Mickey swings his feet off and folds his paper. Leo puts his hand on the back of a chair, hesitating. “Just parlay, Mickey. We need to clear up some business with you.”

  “Business? Now what business would I have with the likes of you?” Mickey leans back in his chair.

  “You gonna ask us to sit, or what?” Ignatius demands. Leo puts a hand on his arm.

  Mickey regards the two Lanzettas, then nods.

  The Lanzettas sit. None of the rest of the men in the room relax. They move closer, not crowding the table, but easily seen. Alert.

  “It’s about the first shipment. We wanna know how you wanna handle it. We tried finding your man, Regan, but he’s been scarce these past few days.”

  “I’m at a loss, boys. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “The shipment for the weekend. Regan said you wanted it by Friday, and we gotta know where to deliver, and how you want to handle payment.”

  Mickey shakes his head. “You’ve been into the product, boys. I don’t run drugs through this outfit. Never have, never will.”

  “I told you Regan was blowing smoke,” hissed Iggy. He thrusts back his chair and stands. Around the room, guns are drawn. Leo stays seated.

  “Appears so,” Mickey says.

  The silence stretches tautly.

  Leo stands. “I guess we made a mistake, Mickey. We’ll be on our way.” The two men leave, watched by dozens of eyes. The room stays on alert until after the door is closed. Gus walks over and checks. “They’re driving away,” Gus says, watching from the open door.

  Fingers leans forward. “What was all that about, Mickey?”

  “Damned if I know. You know anything about Regan talking to the Lanzettas about running drugs?”

  Back at the table, Gus shakes his head, but Porter Carter steps up. “I know something, Mickey.”

  “What do you know, Porter?”

  “Sometimes I drive Eddie. A couple of times we went to meet the Lanzettas. Eddie says that you were wanting to expand the business. Said you knew all about it,” Porter says.

  “Christ. Will somebody tell me straight? Know all about what?” Mickey shouts.

  “Working with the Lanzettas to sell drugs through the speakeasies. That’s the deal that Eddie was setting up,” Porter says, hands in front of him and taking a step back.

  Mickey thrusts himself away from the table. Standing, his chair toppling backwards. “That bastard. I’ll kill him,” Mickey roars. “We do not sell drugs. Period.” He glares around the room. “Everyone understand?” There’s some low murmuring and feet shuffling. He shouts louder. “Anybody here got a problem with that?”

  “No, Boss.”

  “Good.” He grabs his chair and rights it, sits, and looks to Fingers. “You and Gus, find me Regan.” The two men turn to leave. Mickey slams his fist onto the table and roars, “And get me a drink!”

  * * * *

  The folks at the grungy speakeasy next to the Bailey’s rooming house recognize Eddie, Frankie, and James as regulars. They don’t need to order. The bartender just follows Eddie to the table and brings over their usuals.

  “He’s on to me.” Eddie slides into the booth where the Bailey brothers are waiting.

  “What?”

  “Duffy. He’s on to me. I gotta lay low for a while. You guys still have the hotel key?”

  Frankie taps his pocket.

  “Then I think we gotta do it now. I’m not going to be able to tell you when he’s in the suite, so you’re going to have to watch the hotel. Can you do that?”

  “Sure. No problem. There’s a café across the street, if it’s still open. We can watch from there. Who’s driving him?”

  “Probably Gus or Fingers.”

  “Okay. We know ‘em. Where can we find you when it’s done?”

  “Not sure. I’ll let you know later today where I’m at.”

  Eddie slides out. “We good here?”

  The Baileys look at each other and smile. “Sure. We’re good.”

  Chapter 59

  S tanding in her front hall, Maggie bounces from one foot to the other, the telephone crushed to her ear. “Come on. Come on, Henry, pick up.”

  The front door is wide open. “Maggie, we gotta go.” Dick and Archie are guiding Sadie down the front steps. Tommy is trailing behind with her small bag. Sadie stops and moans. “Now, Maggie. We gotta go now,” Dick cries.

  Henry picks up the telephone. “Henry, it’s Maggie. It’s time! Meet us at Mt. Sinai.” Maggie slams down the phone, bangs the front door shut, and runs to the car.

  * * * *

  “I’m sorry, sir, only fathers are allowed past this desk. Now, go sit down.”

  “But I am the father.” Henry slams his hands down on the counter.

  The nurse taps her clipboard. “I have her registered as ‘Miss’ Sadie Bloom. Now, go. Sit. Down.” Each word is punctuated with a jab of her pencil.

  Maggie comes around the corner. “Henry, thank goodness you got here. They just took her in.”

  “They won’t let me in, Maggie. They won’t let me see Sadie.”

  “I said, fathers only beyond this desk.” The nurse points to the sign above her head.

  “Come. Sit down here with me. The doctor told me that he’d let me know as soon as the baby is born.”

  Henry paces. Maggie flips through magazines. The hands of the clock inch forward.

  “What’s taking so long? Does it always take this long?” Henry is pacing back and forth, never taking his eyes off the double doors beside the desk.

  “Henry, relax.” She glances at the clock behind the desk. “It could be hours yet. First babies can be slow,” Maggie answers, trying to sooth him.

  Maggie gets up to phone home and let the boys know how things are going.

  She’s just back in the waiting room when the wide double doors swing open and a doctor comes out, pulling down his mask.

  “Mrs. Barnes? I’m Dr. Weiss. Miss Bloom just delivered a healthy baby boy.” Henry grabs his arm, his face beatific.

  “A boy? I have a son?”

  “You’re the father? Henry? She’s been calling for you. Come with me.” The doctor takes Henry’s elbow and ushers him through the double doors.

  “Doctor. He’s not—” the nurse calls after him.

  Maggie, all smiles, hurries to telephone everyone. Good news should be shared.

  * * * *

  “Isn’t he the most handsome thing?” Sadie says, smiling at the tiny, red face. Henry looks stupefied with joy, and can’t stop grinning.

  “Absolutely precious. And a boy. See, I told you.” Maggie has sneaked past the empty counter to take a peek at the baby.

  Frank is with her, drawn by the momentous occasion. “I take it that, with him in her arms, she’s decided against adoption,” he says for Maggie’s ears alone.

  Sadie shudders. It’s as if she can hear Frank’s words. “No one is going to take my baby.”

  Henry leans down and kisses her forehead. “Hush, sweetie. Nobody is doing that.”

  “What’s his name?” Maggie asks.

  “Henry. Henry Junior. We’re going to call him Harry,” Henry says, beaming.

  Maggie smiles at Henry. “I can only stay a few minutes, or the dragon lady at the front desk will hunt me down. How are you feeling, Sadie?”

  “Fabulous. Exhausted. So very happy, Maggie.” She reaches out and squeezes Maggie’s hand.

  “I hope it’s okay with you that Sadie not come back to stay with you, Maggie,” says Henry. “When Sadie and Harry are ready to be discharged, they’re going to come home with me.”

  “Tell her.” Sadie coaxes Henry.

&nb
sp; “I’m converting. Sadie and I are getting married. Harry will have two parents.”