by Ethan Egorov
“Basketball? You don’t even watch that do you?”
“Yeah...now and again. I’m not an avid fan, but I follow enough to know who the team to beat is. This year it’s going to be the Celtics.”
“How do you know?”
“Market research.”
“Uh oh.” Trent slapped Tommy on the shoulder good-naturedly as they got in his Maserati. It was starting to grow on Trent. He thought to himself that he may eventually invest in a luxury item himself one day. He also knew that Tommy was headed for another folly. When he talked about himself like an expert in something he knew little about, Trent always had to either lend him some cash to help out with his gambling debts or sometimes he would act as a fixer for his brother offering fighters dive money and jockeys hush money to secure his winnings. “Why uh oh?”
“Market research means that you have no clue about the actual skill of the athletes involved. This means you just randomly picked your team to be the top team based on what? Jersey color?”
“Just so we’re clear, they did get a new uniform this year, it’s going to be a throwback to ones from the ‘40s I do believe. That’s not why I picked them though.”
“Spill it.”
“Fine. Their old mascot retired so there’s a new Celtic and they’re somehow given him the look of an actual Celtic…like a druid or something. It’s creepy stuff, I know if I were the opponent that I’d be freaked out about something looking like that watching the locker room before I came out to play ball. It’s the intimidation factor, Trent. Remember when you’re the least confident, you always have to act the most impressive. Straighten your shoulders, look your enemy in the eye, and remain as still as possible. These are rules you can use to survive in situations where you may not necessarily be the baddest person in the room.”
Trent rolled his eyes and chuckled at his brother’s philosophy. “Oh Tommy, you’re so full of shit, but I love you still the same. Come on, let’s go do this thing and then bring Kristina home. Maybe I can even talk her into staying with me.”
“See now that’s the spirit.”
“I mean… I may have to sit really strangely and not breathe for a while I stare at her, but ya know…whatever works.”
“God you’re annoying.”
“Yup.”
Trent turned up the music in the car while Tommy made a quick maneuver onto the freeway. They wouldn’t waste time by driving through town in the evening traffic. This was actually one of the biggest events in the city and Tommy knew that they would somehow get stuck behind the line of limousines and suvs that were heading in the same direction. Instead he took a back street and they entered the hotel using the same entrance the employees did.
“Hey Trent… ya know what? I think I’ll just park back here, what do you think?”
“I think that’s an excellent idea. I mean sure no one’s going to believe that anyone parking back here drives a Maserati, but at least leaving it here, we know exactly where it is and we don’t have to worry about a valet taking the keys or even someone else going through it while we’re away. Good call, Tommy. Just leave it parked here and we’ll slip in through the side if we can, if not, we’ll just go through the front.”
Tommy positioned the car cattycorner to the employee exit but fairly close to the back door. As they exited the car, they both looked around to see if anyone were waiting on them. There was no one to meet them at the back, thankfully. They were also lucky that no one seemed to be watching the security cameras and had bothered to ask why they were parking on the opposite side of the other attendees. Trent and Tommy walked to the side entrance and found that it was locked from the outside. It appeared as if once the staff exited they would have to either go back around front or have someone standing by the door to allow them reentry. Tommy and Trent didn’t want to explain their attendance, so they both walked around the building and slipped into the line that had gathered at the front doors of the hotel. “Oh God. Tommy, for fuck’s sake you didn’t tell me this.”
“What?! I didn’t know this was happening either.”
“Well a speech from the fucking mayor isn’t going to save us any time in finding Kristina.”
“We’re stuck here now though, look around. It’s true what they say, you can’t fight city hall.”
After waiting for what seemed like a lifetime they finally made it through the doors of the hotel. The mayor had congratulated all of the local business owners on another stellar year and thanked them for the service to their city. They were certain that their businesses were somewhere on that list, but at this point they really hoped no one would notice them. They especially hoped no one would as why they came to the event, since they never bothered to attend it in the past years. Their father on the other hand, he would make it a point to at least show up once every other year, just to ensure that anyone who owed him money knew that he was still in the picture should he need more than a few favors. Trent wished that they could call in those favors now and just hire someone to find Saul’s wife’s killer and also the person who kidnapped Kristina.
They meandered through the crowd smiling and nodding. There were a few people that Tommy recognized that immediately stopped to chat him up and Trent heard bits of pieces of their short conversations. The words poker and odds came up repeatedly. Tommy refused to get distracted through and made the discussions brief. On their way to the conference room that they had reserved for their faux business, Trent and Tommy picked up glasses of champagne and plates of hor doruerves from waiters dressed in elegant tuxedos. This is what Trent had always imagined the true gangster lifestyle to be. It was supposed to be Gatsby. It was all supposed to be popping corks and fireworks for every occasion. He, however, had seen far too many gravestones that went with it to truly enjoy the celebrations that came with being rich. He knew where the money came from because usually he was the one holding the gun when it was debated or a debt had to be collected.
When they reached the conference room, Trent scanned the room to make certain they were alone and then quickly locked the room behind them. They sat their drinks and plates down on the table and Trent frowned as he took several long sips. “Tommy, this is bad. There’s got to be at least five hundred people here if not more. This is going to be too congested. I don’t like this…even if we can find the person who has Kristina, how are we going to clear out the room long enough to take business?”
Tommy plopped a raw shrimp from his shrimp cocktail in his mouth and chewed slowly. “You leave that to me little brother, if anyone knows how to create a distraction... I certainly do. I may have to take a small loan from our businesses, but I’ll make it happen.”
“Fine. You do what you have to. You haven’t seen any sign of her have you?”
“No. No sign of her. Listen I know you don’t usually go to these things, but here’s a quick rundown of events. After the introductory speech, which you just witnessed by our fine mayor, there’s a meet and greet session. Basically everyone mingles and kicks back a few drinks so they’re relaxed. This is pretty much where some polite chit chat takes place. Everyone butters everyone else up for a chance to ask them for money later. In the next half hour or so they’ll call for dinner and everyone will be sectioned off into separate tables. That’s all based on your registration number. We registered as a business, so chances are we’ll be a table in the middle of the room. The outside tables are typically reserved just for politicians or benefactors. Those are usually just for the people with deep pockets that make heavy charitable donations to the establishment or the city.”
“Well why didn’t Pop do that?”
“He has in years past. I don’t know why he didn’t contribute this year. I think the mayor wouldn’t forgive his parking tickets or something. You know how Pop is. It can be the smallest offense and he carries a grudge. Anyway, once dinner starts we can investigate further. With so much activity now, it would be very hard to pinpoint anything suspicious in the crowd.”
“So what
do we do until then?”
“We wait, big brother.”
“You know I can’t just sit around Tommy, not with Kristina out there. I have a much better idea. You remember that kid that got us the room?”
“Haha yeah, cost me a bit of cash, but he did well. He made a smart choice.”
“Yeah. I wonder if he’s working tonight?”
“Probably. Trent…what are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking we offer him a place at the table if you know what I mean.”
“Fuck, Trent. That’s dangerous. I think you’re a good judge of character though, so we’ll do it. I’ll go get him. You stay here and eat or something.”
“Hey bring me back some more of those shrimp things those were good.”
“Okay.”
Trent finished his glass of champagne and paced the room nervously. The room was hot and he was already sweating. He couldn’t believe so many people actually showed up to the gala. He knew the chances of finding Kristina here would be slim to none. For that matter, she may have already been on a different plane to a different country a victim of human trafficking, or even worse. He should have known that something was off with that job she was working. He should have never left her after they got shot at, but she insisted she could take care of herself in the field. It was a point of pride with her and he knew better to interfere with her career otherwise they’d all face her wrath, which normally would consist of radio silence for months at a time.
As he finished his glass, Tommy returned with the young man in tow. “Hey there, you remember us don’t ya?!”
“Yes, sir I certainly do. What can I help you with?”
“That’s a bit of a long story, one that we honestly can’t get into right now. Let’s just say that I’m looking for my long lost love and I need your help.” Trent flashed a picture of Kristina to the young man who then smiled up at him. “Wow. She’s gorgeous. Is she a model or something?”
“Something like that. Let’s just say there may have been some important people looking for her lately, did you see anyone talk to this woman?”
“No. I’ve never seen her here honestly. Trust me I would have remembered her.”
“Okay, kid. I have another question for you… well more of a story actually. Sit down.”
Tommy intervened and sat a full glass of champagne down by the young desk clerk. “You want me to go into it Trent?”
“Nah. You’re too long-winded sometimes and I’m not in the mood for you to go into story mode. After all, I’m sure the gentleman here only gets a certain amount of time for his break and we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves. So kid… basically we have an offer for you. We want you to be our liaison here at the hotel. It’s really quite simple. You keep an eye on the place for us. You know the drill. You’ll book us rooms and make sure that we have a standing availability in one of the conference rooms. We’ll pay you a weekly salary. This is just an opportunity for us to gather and have a chance to do our business, understand? There’s nothing illegal to worry about. I don’t know why people automatically think that.”
“Because you’re obviously mobsters and chances are if I say no, you’ll kill me.”
“Hah! You’ve watched too many movies, kid. No. You can turn us down if you want to, that’s not a big deal. We like you though, so we want you to have the chance to make the extra cash for as long as you’re working here. In fact that may give you a reason to stay on at least part-time. You did well for us tonight, we appreciate all the space we have here in this room. The privacy is nice too. I have a touch of social anxiety.”
“I do too. I hate this event, every year. I just look at all the snobs, drinking champagne that costs more than my college tuition. All they’re doing is fucking each other’s wives and paying each other off. These little things are all about who has the biggest bank account in the room. I can’t stand it.”
“Hah! Well you’re not wrong kid. That’s really all these things are. If you’re lucky you end up fucking someone else’s wife and walking home with a fat ass check. Tommy and I would have probably done that tonight, but instead we’re stuck looking for my girl.”
“Well I hope you find her. If I see her I’ll let you know. I’ll take you up on your offer by the way. I want to have a little nest egg and the money makes sense. Plus, I have to say, you’re different. You’re not like them at all are you?”
“Not exactly. Thanks kid. I’ll let you go back to work. One last thing though. Is there anywhere here that could be used for I don’t know…like a hiding place? Is there a part of the hotel no one goes to or anything?”
“Well there’s always been this story of there being a false bottom of tunnels under the wine cellar, but I don’t believe it. I’ve been down to the wine cellar before and as creepy as it is, I’m pretty sure it’s just because of the dampness and of course the lack of lighting down there to keep the wine fresh. It’s always chilly I hate it, I have to put on a sweater to go down there.”
“Hmm. Interesting. Thanks, kid. You go back to work. Tommy will settle up with you at the end of the evening and give you some of our information.”
The desk clerk exited the room and Tommy smiled at Trent. “Well-played, Trent. Here I thought that I would have to do all the talking this evening.”
“He has a point you know? It is all just everyone fucking everyone else’s wives out there.”
“Yeah. Think it about it Trent…you could have any of those cougars out there. You’d make a mint that’s for sure.”
“Oh my God are you trying to pimp out my services?”
“I’m just saying if this life of crime gets old, or your trigger finger gets rusty, I could definitely use you to bring some cash into the businesses.”
Trent drained the rest of his champagne and playfully punched his brother in the shoulder. “I can’t believe my own brother is trying to pimp out my services. Anyway, we better head that way for dinner. After dessert I’ll slip out and try to find those tunnels that the kid was talking about. We can’t afford the time to leave any stone unturned.”
“I understand, Trent. Hey….we’ll find her. Don’t you be giving up on this now. We’ll find her and you and Kristina can finally settle down like you’re meant to do. I always thought you two should have ended up together. I think she’s only playing tough because she thinks that you’ve moved on. So she’s trying to distance herself. It’s all just really reverse psychology.”
“So why aren’t you married yet, since you’re the love expert?”
“Simple. I haven’t found my ‘one’ yet. I’m holding out for a real winner. The right one will come along, I just haven’t had the patience or the luck yet to find her.”
“What’s that you’re always saying… what if luck is a lady? If that’s true you need to find her fast, because if anything we need some luck tonight, Tommy.”
“We will. We’ll find her Trent.”
The crowds began dispersing from the bar area to the large banquet area which rows of tables set up. They were immaculately set with gold-colored tablecloths made from a delicate silk. There were lavish centerpieces all with gold and silver embellishments to commemorate the passing year. It was after all a New Year’s Eve gala and the hotel centered the affair on that theme. The plates were already set and of course water goblets and wine glasses lined each table as well as the best sterling silver cutlery that was available. Trent watched as waiters and waitresses came out from the kitchen area and began filling each glass with water as well as portions of wine. After each table had their liquids filled, they watched as staff came out with large bowls of house salad and began plating it on every single table as well. This wasn’t a meal that would be served family style, much to Trent’s disdain. “Well… I guess we better go find our seats, Tommy. You know I hate this, don’t you?”
“Yes. You’ve told me that every five minutes. Now would you just sit down and enjoy a nice meal for once in your life? I mean, we did get dressed for th
e occasion. All you have to do is eat. Don’t you dare talk to anyone about our business ventures either. The last thing I need is for you to stick your foot in your mouth and end up costing us money in the long run.”
“Fine. I’ll leave the finer points of conversation to you. I honestly don’t see how you and Pop do it. I’m content with how things are.”
“I am too, but there’s a certain amount of shop talk necessary to keep the status quo. You’ll understand years down the road.”
“You’ve always been a bigger picture kinda guy.”
“Oh look! Here comes Mayor Walker. That guy, now he’s a piece of work let me tell you. I’m sure that his shoelaces cost more than your suit.” Seeing Mayor Walker approach the table, both men stood up and Tommy extended his hand to the older man. Of course he wasn’t much older than Tommy, but Tommy still believed that age demanded a certain level of respect. “Hey, Mayor Walker! How are you?”
“Ah! Tommy Salvatore! How have you been?! It’s been a long time since we’ve chatted.”
“Yeah, you know how it goes, it’s always so busy these days. Has the wife been keeping you busy?”
“She keeps me busier than my campaign trail, I’ll tell you that much. She’s been using this app on her phone and sees all of these decorating ideas that somehow I have to make happen. Here’s the thing though… she insists that I do it. I wasn’t born to be a carpenter, but somehow this year I’ve managed to build twin beds, several bookcases, a loft, and a corn hole board.”
“Hah! That’s hilarious. I really didn’t expect you to be a corn hole kinda guy. I guess your constituents are getting further south these days!”
“Oh, that’s rich! I’ll have to use that in a speech or something. Yeah busy doesn’t even cut it. I saw you and just thought I’d stop in for a minute. It’s always good to see one of our locals doing well in business. It’s just good for the community to see that you can stay local and be very successful.”
