“I need to speak to you as a matter of supreme urgency.“
Frank dried his hands on the back of his pants and ushered Isaak into his room. With the door shut, Isaak spoke his mind.
“Mary Lou intends to have Nikolay Markov killed at the end of the peace conference.”
Frank eyed him suspiciously as though Isaak had spoken in Classical Armenian. He lit another in a chain of cigarettes and continued to stare at Isaak.
“How do you know?”
“Because Mary Lou asked me to do the killing. And now I‘m telling you because I understand that is not the course of action that has been agreed by you and the others in your family.”
Beat.
“I am in an impossible state. If I don‘t follow Mary Lou‘s instructions, she will have me killed. If I carry out what she asks, you, Alice or Bobby will kill me for breaking the peace agreement. On that basis, I am letting you know of my situation and seek your advice how you want me to proceed.”
Frank let out a slow whistle and considered matters for a moment.
“SHE WANTED ME to go to San Francisco tonight and whack him but I got her to delay the timing of the hit because if I had not then Markov would be dead by now and your plans would have been in tatters.”
“But at the peace conference?”
“It was the first thing I thought of that she might have agreed to. But it won't happen, right?”
“Correct: you are not to hit Nikolay Markov - or any other member of his family without my personal authorization.”
“Understood. Will you tell Mary Lou the hit is off because it‘s not my place?”
“Okay, Isaak. Leave that part to me. You go back to your business and everything will be fine. I‘m glad you came and told me: you did the right thing even if you feel as though you‘ve ratted out Mama. You have not at all.”
“Thank you for saying so, but it doesn‘t sit well with me. She is the boss after all.”
“You follow the orders you are given, but you are no fool and have shown you have commonsense. That is nothing to apologize for. Go back downstairs and I‘ll pop down shortly.”
Isaak nodded and left Frank‘s room relieved to have unburdened himself. He tried not to think what would happen now he‘d told Frank, but Isaak was all the better for having shared the load he was carrying. By the pool, Naldo appeared not to have moved a single muscle since Isaak left, but he must have shifted by an inch, surely.
True to his word, Frank sauntered poolside and then the three Lagotti members returned to the summerhouse. A light flicked on inside and drapes were pulled shut, leaving Isaak and Naldo to stand and stare into the half-dark of the evening.
“How long do you think they‘ll be?”
“No idea but even if they don‘t want to eat, I sure as hell do. Mind if you cover me for a short while and I grab a sandwich?”
“Not if you make me one and bring it back out with you.”
“Deal. Pastrami on rye for two coming right up.”
FRANK‘S FOCUS WAS only half on the planning taking place. The rest of his mind pondered over what Isaak had said. While he almost admired Mama‘s desire for violent and bloody resolution to the Markov problem, even he understood that whacking the guy was not practical - at least not now.
This meant Mama‘s ability to make rational decisions was flawed and so she needed to step down as head of the family. It was too dangerous to let her carry on as she was: the others were right. He dipped back into the conversation, unwilling to consider the implications of his own idea.
“Even if this deal only lasts a few months, we need a piece of their narcotics operation, especially if they have a New York side-deal already in place...”
But Mama wouldn‘t go voluntarily: she had no idea she had become unhinged. So there was no appealing to reason. And just pretend that somehow she was gone, who would take over?
Frank could imagine Alice wanting the job - her self-belief and arrogance would propel her into trying to run things, but that was not acceptable to him. At the same time, he could see Bobby leading the outfit well, although Frank reckoned Alice would always have Bobby‘s ear over him.
Deep down Frank knew the only person who should be boss of the Lagotti family was him. So how to achieve that outcome? Alice wouldn‘t step aside - she‘d need to be pushed. Same with Mama...
“We can‘t allow them free reign over prostitution either.”
“To sweeten matters, we could offer a percentage point or two from our lottery scam.”
Frank experienced a cold shiver down his spine just as he noticed a solitary drop of sweat trickle off his forehead. Pushing Mama aside only meant one thing: he was going to kill his mom. And maybe his sister too.
40
FRANK MENTALLY WITHDREW from the room, unable to believe what he‘d just thought. That even the idea had flashed across his mind. And, despite his own horror, he was still prepared to countenance her murder. He recoiled and focused on the conversation.
“They already have points on the Lucky Lady and they‘re not getting another red cent - not after the effort we‘ve put in building it up.”
“Could the Queen of Sheba be offered, if only as leverage?”
“Points on it, you mean?”
“Yes, of course. I‘m not suggesting we give away the family silver. The aim is to offer him enough treats, so he doesn‘t notice when he‘s getting screwed. Within twelve months he‘ll be buried in the desert anyway, but in case we find a use for keeping him alive, we must negotiate in good faith and carve out a solid deal.”
“Is there anything we could easily give up?”
”Our east coast interests.”
“You‘re only saying that to goad Frank. Ignore her, will you?”
Frank nodded but did not respond as he was still consumed by the idea of killing his Mama. “Alice would do it if she had the chance,” he thought.
MIDNIGHT AND THE planning was over. Bobby and Alice had figured out most of the major details although Frank had chipped in now and again. Alice walked straight up to her room and Bobby stayed in the summerhouse. Frank sat by the pool in the dark while Isaak remained nearby.
Frank lit a second cigarette off his first and stared at the stars. They looked pretty, twinkling away. Those miniature balls of light represented a tranquility Frank hadn‘t experienced on this planet, but he knew soon he would get the reward for his years of hard work and persistence.
“Isaak, come over here.”
“Sure thing.”
“On the day of the peace conference, I have a job for you to do. This is a special mission and is a secret that no-one else must ever know about.”
“Okay...”
“You won't be in the meeting but will be located in a nearby building with a sniper rifle. Your target is Mary Lou Lagotti.”
Beat. Frank wanted Isaak to soak in the news before uttering another word. When he saw Isaak blink, he knew the guy was processing his mission.
“If my sister gets hit too, that‘s a bonus, but the primary target is the most important. Any questions?”
“And I‘m doing this under your protection?”
“Yes. Once the deed is done then I will show my gratitude. Until then, you speak of this to no-one. Understand?”
“I do. What about Bobby?”
“There is no need to take him out, but I will not be upset if he died in the crossfire.”
“Who will protect you in the room?”
“Don‘t worry about me. I can look after myself.”
Frank chuckled and then checked himself because Isaak was staring at him stone-faced. He was seeing the enormity of the task he’d been given and had nothing to laugh about. They had conspired to murder the boss of the entire family and this was set to happen in a handful of days, not in some theoretical future but before the weekend. Frank dismissed Isaak, lay back and stared at the stars once more. He was on the cusp of victory.
AT ONE IN the morning, Frank realized he hadn‘t moved an
d was cold, especially his fingers and toes. He hauled himself upright and slinked indoors, hands in his pockets. Through the conservatory and into the main body of the house. The living room sure was warmer but something was missing. There was a fire in his belly and he wanted companionship: either to share his hopes for the next few days or someone to fuck and he wasn't certain which he needed more. The answer was simple: Sammy.
Frank found Isaak and got him to drive to the west side of town and an unremarkable condo which was one of the many real-estate assets owned by the Lagottis for use as safe houses and crash pads. As she wasn‘t part of the family, neither Bobby nor Mama were happy for Sammy to spend all her time at home, but Frank had insisted they protect her and that she was nearby for him.
He‘d had the presence of mind to call before he drove over - it was the middle of the night - so when he popped the key in the lock, Sammy stood waiting for him in the hallway. She had a bottle of French champagne in one hand and two glasses in the other, wearing only a dirty smile and a red G-string.
“Hi, baby. Figured you might fancy something with a bit of fizz.”
“Sure do. Put those things down and we can get started.”
SAMMY WOKE UP at four and wondered what the hell had happened. Her nose was next to someone's hairy shins and her crotch hurt and was bruised. She looked around, saw Frank and the recent past came rushing back into view. She‘d sashayed into the kitchen to put the champagne in the fridge and when she turned round, Frank stood there as naked as the day he was born wielding a semi between his legs.
They licked, sucked and squeezed their way around each other‘s bodies until she sat on the counter and he‘d forced himself inside her. Something didn‘t feel right, but he ignored her and kept ramming it in, only stopping when he‘d come.
Sammy pushed him off and limped to the bathroom to be apart from him for a short while. When she returned, he was sat in bed with two glasses of champagne poured, waiting.
“You hurt me.”
“Fuck-a-doodle-do. Sorry babe, I got carried away. Get under the sheets and I‘ll make it up to you.”
Sammy did as she was bid and Frank kept his promise with his tongue, smothering every inch of her skin with his salivary caresses. By the time he reached her groin, Sammy had forgiven him despite her discomfort and even reciprocated in kind.
The next thing she knew, it was four and she was lying the wrong way round in her bed. Rearranging herself took twenty seconds and after two sips of flat champagne, Sammy fell back to sleep.
IN THE MORNING, Sammy woke first and felt much better about herself. Frank lay sprawled out like a starfish and Sammy reflected how cute he appeared when he was sleeping. He built up a gruff exterior for most people, but she enjoyed being alone with him because he didn‘t bother pretending with her.
The sheets were on the floor. With goosebumps on her arms, she realized that was why she‘d woken up - and she cast an eye over his arms, torso and legs. She noticed his dick flop over to one side. With a finger and thumb, she propped it back to its earlier position, but it refused to obey her will.
Sammy tried three further times and failed on three more occasions. Because of the movement, he got harder, so she bent over him and licked him until his helmet pointed upwards. Frank was half awake by this point and Sammy massaged herself until she sat on him. His eyes widened, but he lay still, letting her do all the work. An intense judder ran up and down her spine ending in an extreme pain-pleasure pulse deep in her groin. She got off him before an arc of spunk hurtled around his legs, her body, the bed and every available surface.
“Good morning.”
“Sure is.”
“I‘ve missed you.”
“That‘s why I came a-visiting. I wanted you.”
“Glad you did. You able to stay long?”
“Not really. Things still aren‘t safe but in a few days‘ time it will be different.”
Frank let the idea hang in the air. He yearned to show off in front of his woman, but knew this was a mighty dangerous plan.
“How so?”
“We will sort out all the family business. And when that‘s done, I‘ll be on top of the world.”
Sammy giggled and snuggled into Frank, the thought of wallowing in the shadow of his glory a major aphrodisiac. She ran a hand over his chest and dug her nails into his skin enough to feel him but not to cause him discomfort. She wriggled until her lips were touching an ear and whispered.
“And I‘ll be on top of you as long as you want.”
“It‘s going to be a great ride.”
“You sure are.”
They fooled around more until Frank got hungry and wanted to stop. Sammy hopped out of bed and prepared breakfast for both. Once he‘d emptied his plate and glugged back his coffee, Frank made an announcement.
“Gotta go. Keep yourself hot and I‘ll be back as soon as I can.”
He whipped out from under the sheets, threw on his clothes and hustled out the door and into Isaak‘s waiting car. Sammy lay there for fifteen minutes, then she showered, cleaned up the chaotic mess they‘d created and carried on with her day.
41
ALICE WOKE UP and had breakfast in the kitchen, pleased Frank was nowhere to be seen. They were getting on better these last few days than ever before in their lives, but Alice thought they were just on their best behavior due to the Markov trouble rushing toward them at high speed. Once that moment passed - if it did - chances are they‘d revert to past patterns. It‘s what people did.
She crunched her wheat toast and sipped her orange juice in silence, the sounds of her munching echoing around her skull. Irma breezed through and offered to make her a coffee, but Alice declined: she‘d wait a little today.
Breakfast downed and OJ slurped, Alice heard a dragging sound from outside: a terrible screeching of plastic or metal. She popped outside to investigate although she knew it was nothing serious: the sentries would have taken care of any external threat.
Mama was hauling a sun lounger from one side of the pool to the other - for no real reason Alice could surmise.
“Let me help you with that.”
“Thank you.”
“Where do you want it?”
Mary Lou pointed to a shady spot that already had a lounger only ten feet away. Alice smiled but felt ill at ease with the illogical decision Mama had made. She picked up the lounger - none of them were heavy - and brought it past the diving board and over to the other side of the pool.
“There you go.”
“Thank you.”
Mary Lou shuffled over and placed her towel on the new seating, then she sat down and Alice watched as her body relaxed in the shade created by the summerhouse. Alice took advantage of the calm and rested next to her Mama using the lounger she‘d recently spotted. The two women remained silent for a spell until Alice broke the moment.
“I‘m worried.”
“What about?”
“The Markov situation, of course.”
“You don‘t need to be concerned, Cindy. Everything will be fine.”
Alice froze and gripped the armrests of the sun lounger as she heard the name of the long-dead housekeeper: Mama had no idea who she was.
ALICE UNCLAMPED HER hands after three deep breaths and turned her head to face her Mama. Mary Lou was scratching at her elbow, idling the morning away. Her skin was red with the attention it was receiving.
“Don‘t scratch: it‘ll only make things worse.”
Mary Lou acknowledged with a nod, but carried on gouging her nails into her flesh. Alice did her best to ignore it.
“Do you think we‘ll be able to get a deal with Markov?”
“Who?”
“Nikolay Markov.”
“Oh, you don‘t need to worry about him. He will be dead soon. You can be sure of that.”
“We‘re not killing him, we are negotiating a peace with him.”
“If you say so, dear. But he‘ll be in the morgue within a week.”
Alice ignored this outburst because it made no sense. Even Frank had come round to the idea that they diffuse the Markov clan now and only attack when all the heat from New York was off. Wasn‘t ideal by a wide margin, but it was the most pragmatic solution and was the surest way to save Mama‘s life.
Bobby walked past to get to the summerhouse and Alice looked up at him as he journeyed by. When she glanced back at Mama, a red river was trickling down her arm and she kept on scratching, regardless. Alice sprung up and rushed over, pushing Mama‘s hand out of the wound and holding the elbow up.
“Oh, Mama. I told you not to keep doing that.”
There was anger in her voice, partly aimed at her mom and some at herself for not taking care of her better. Of allowing Mary Lou to harm herself right in front of Alice‘s eyes. She ran to the kitchen to get a towel and instructed Irma to bring a plaster. Five minutes later and everything was calm again - on the surface at least.
ALICE LEFT MAMA with Irma and returned to the house to find the number for the twenty-four-hour nurse. The time for talk was over. Her Mama needed to be cared for and watched over at all times. Since her reappearance at the Palace, all had seemed to settle down and they had become complacent. But no more.
Even though they needed someone over immediately, Alice accepted they‘d have to wait three days before anyone reliable could be sent. This was not what she wanted to hear, but she knew she had to accept their fate. In the meantime, Naldo would stand guard around the clock. When he slept, one of the other fellas would take over. Alice would ensure Mama had the best care available and would stay safe.
A quick walk along the outskirts of the grounds and Alice found Naldo to issue him his instructions as a trusted compatriot. Then she went back to the pool to check on Mama: all was good, so she spoke with Bobby in the summerhouse.
Mama’s Gone Page 23
