by S. W. Frank
He noticed the edge of a velvet box beneath the items and pulled it free. When he opened it, his mouth went slack and he exclaimed, “Holy shit!”
A jeweled crown and necklace sat inside the case with a stamped seal of the royal family and an indisputable provenance. An inscription read; ‘My love Semira, you will always be my true Queen.’
Is this what Alberti died to protect? Was this what the descendants of some adulteress Italian King were after?
Alfonzo found it humorously sad. “Of course this is what it’s really about.” He examined the piece of jewelry. “This is probably priceless to a greedy motherfucker who believes they’re the rightful heir!” He said out loud.
“That’s the same thing I said, kid!”
Alfonzo spun around to observe Nico approaching. He hadn’t heard the footsteps and that didn’t sit well. When Nico came into sight, Alfonzo’s mood shifted from anger to annoyance. Nico had chosen the wrong moment to appear. The Mohawk and earring produced a sarcastic question from Alfonzo. “What the hell. Are you going through a midlife crisis or something?”
Nico stopped and looked around. “Seems you’re having a crisis, too.” He quipped when he noticed the broken bottle and the open chest.
Alfonzo scoffed, “My heritage comes in a box, eh, Nico?”
“Your heritage is the Giacanti blood.”
“And this?” Alfonzo replied holding the shiny head wear fit for a Queen in front of him.
“That’s a bauble. You’ve inherited a shitload of them. The crown doesn’t belong to the royal family. The king commissioned the piece especially for Semira. I did some research and the artisan was considered the Picasso of jewelry. This is the only headwear made by the craftsman. He died after completing it and priceless is an understatement. His work is so rare; one ring went for one hundred and forty million at a Sotheby’s auction ten years ago. The Semira Collection is beyond priceless.”
Alfonzo dropped the crown on the table and sneered in disgust, “I guess Semira wore it when the King fucked her and then he went home to his wife. How unromantic is that, huh?”
Nico’s eyes narrowed and it’s the only give-away that Alfonzo struck a nerve. “It’s history.”
“I did well in the subject, although something’s never sat right about it.”
“Why is that, cugino?”
"I never liked history; you never know what version of the story you're getting. Non-fiction or fiction. In my opinion they're both exaggerations of the truth."
Their eyes locked as Nico answered, “There are always different versions of history. When it comes to matters of the heart, go with the account which spares the heart.”
“You know the heart’s a muscle and many people believe the dick is too. But the dick’s an organ and stupid idioms lead people to think otherwise.”
“But a smart person knows the difference.”
“There are many educated fools, you and I know that.”
“Where are you going with this, kid?”
“We’re back to the kid shit again. I haven’t been a kid for a long time, maybe, I never was.”
Nico remained impassive. Alfonzo was going through an inner-conflict. He chose the wrong day to visit the past.
“Did you know about Sophie and Luzo?” Alfonzo suddenly asked.
Nico grunt, “Sophie confided in me about it after Carlo passed.”
Alfonzo’s lip curled in derision, “What else do you know Nico?”
“I know there’s a woman upstairs who’s upset because she thinks you’ve bailed. Meanwhile, you’re sitting here like a motherfucking wino dissecting the past.”
“Then you don’t know anything you arrogant fuck!”
Nico studied his angry cousin’s face. Alfonzo was drunk. “You’re not your father, but if you sit your ass here and hurt Selange because of me or your DNA then you’re worse. You two didn’t survive hell for you to ditch her like this over a history you can’t change.”
“Nico,” Alfonzo said as he slowly rose to his feet, “my relationship with Selange is not open for discussion. I’ve revoked your motherfucking privilege for disloyalty, in case it isn’t clear, comprende?”
There was a shout, “Alfonzo are you there?”
Alfonzo rolled his neck to release the tension. His eyes never faltered from Nico’s face. He was angry at Nico, but not for the reason he thought. It wasn’t about Selange or his wounded pride. His anger stemmed from not having Nico’s counsel anymore. The Ari situation took him out of commission. Nico’s investigative expertise got results, but he couldn’t afford to pull Nico away from a pregnant woman who didn’t have a clue about staying low until her name and face were forgotten. He shouted out, “Yeah, Geo, I’m coming!”
Giuseppe bounded down the stairs to where Nico and Alfonzo were. He looked from Nico’s stone face to Alfonzo’s clenched jaw. They had undoubtedly exchanged harsh words before his arrival, but what did he care. He had an obligation to fulfill before the lynch mob led by his sister pounced. “Come fratellino, we have a wedding to attend. Trust me; if you miss it, we are both dead!”
CHAPTER NINE
Sergio peered out the window, breathing heavy breaths of frustration as he listened to an old hag’s incessant complaints to her husband about everything from the complimentary nuts to the small seats on the airplane.
The silly woman must think she’s in first class!
The sun warmed his cheek. It was much nicer than the weather back home and he considered never going back to New York. Unfortunately, he had to. That bastard Chip threatened his family and unless he paid his debt, the sucker just might go through with it. He squinted many times from the stinging in his eye. The pain eased considerably and that’s saying a lot. To hide the bruise he wore tinted Ray Ban’s, but the worse injury occurred to his pride. Dudes like Chip made a living from brawling; Sergio on the hand wasn’t the fighting type. Hell yeah, he could hold his own in a fistfight; however he preferred to bust a cap in a man’s ass and be done with it.
The plane finally landed and Sergio was the first passenger on his feet. He kneed past the annoying woman and her husband. Getting the hell up out of there for some fresh air was foremost on his mind. He tugged down the carry-on bag and hurried out of coach. After today, he pledged if he had to take another commercial flight, first class was the way to fly.
Set on a personal mission hadn’t stopped Sergio from hollering at the fine women he passed. There was an assortment of chocolate flavors. He licked his lips imagining tasting them all. Goddamn!
Outside the terminal he hailed a cab, settled back and gave the address.
The cabbie turned in his seat, “No can do senor.”
“What the fuck you mean, no can do?”
“You have to get out.”
Sergio stretched his neck back, “Are you serious?”
“Vete ahora!”
Sergio slid out the door, “What kind of crazy shit is this and I thought New York cabbies were psycho?” He slammed the door and the taxi sped away. The next one he flagged attempted to do the same thing, but Sergio refused to get out and the driver explained. “We are not allowed to bring passengers there. If we do, we lose our jobs.”
“So, how do I get there then?”
“If you know the family I suggest you call and have their car come for you.”
“I don’t have the number.” Sergio rummaged through his wallet and counted out the cash. “Can you get me close without getting in trouble for three bills?”
The man inhaled, undoubtedly thinking it over. Three hundred dollars was not enough money to risk his job, however he could drive him to the halfway mark and let him walk from there. He suggested this to the passenger and the
y struck a deal. The driver took the cash and stepped on the gas.
****
Alfonzo stood, hands clasped in front of him, looking back over his shoulder when the wedding march began. Under the glowing light of a tropical sun, Selange glided across the outdoor carpet in his direction. He did not see the faces of the guests. They were the background blurs in an abstract painting and the woman coming to him held center stage.
Swathed in a flowing cream fabric, gliding like the gentle waves of a calm lake was a vision. Selange’s gaze never faltered from Alfonzo and he swallowed, awed at her loveliness. Sal’s arm was interlocked with his mom’s and trailing behind them was his spirited daughter pulling a decorated wagon with the twins.
There were smiles and long, “Aw’s and oh’s,” from the guests as they passed. Alfonzo shook his head at the last minute change. Selange never failed to surprise him. The damn woman was creative.
Giuseppe whispered, “She’s brought her entourage. You’re in trouble fratellino –ha-ha-ha!”
Alfonzo ignored the best man, wondering what possessed him to consider bailing. Had he lost his mind or what? Look at the fruits of his love, marching like little soldiers to the front line with their mom. How the hell could he exist without them?
The miniature infantry halt when the music ceased. Maria and Anita were the second line support who hastily fetched the troop of children to allow the bride and groom to step inside the gazebo. Alfonzo glanced back at his children and winked. He and Selange were squad leaders, ready to fight and slaughter anyone who fucked with their clan. Geez, he grinned, I’m a lucky man. “Let’s get started!” He ordered the family priest.
The robed cleric began, “The groom has asked that I speak these words on his behalf…”
Alfonzo took Selange’s hand and it trembled. He gave it a reassuring squeeze to relay his apology for making her worry. The warmth and pledge of protection calmed the shaking and she looked upon him with such love, his heart spasmed. Alfonzo bowed his head as the clergyman began to recite his psalm.
“May the pain and blood of the past be cleansed away. Let old sins dissolve in rivers vast. Unto the Lord, repentance is asked for ancient acts and future deeds. A sinner beseeches thee, have mercy for the water’s red. ”
“Amen.” Alfonzo and Selange whispered in unison.
The priest squinted at the unorthodox prayer and took a deep breath, “Amen. The prayer is fitting for us sinners. We are all God’s children, be it beggar or thief. Our Heavenly Father is the sole judge and juror of our hearts and deeds and not fallible men. With that said, today we bring together Alfonzo Diaz and Selange Brown in affirmation of their love through a holy union.” He unclasped his hands and smiled at the couple and proceeded with a familiar wedding address. “We are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends…”
CHAPTER TEN
Sergio put his hands on his waist and panted several times. Winded and angry, he cursed at the distance he had yet to go, “Aint this bitch!”
He stared down the long road lined with foliage and sun. In the distance he could see the rooftop of Alfonzo’s estate and it looked really far. He trekked for miles already. The goddamn cabbie wasn’t kidding when he said he had a long walk. Factor in the hot sun and the wrong footwear and a simple hike became a torturous ordeal.
Heck, at this rate he wouldn’t get there until nightfall. Prior to today’s stamina test, he considered himself in good shape. Guess, bench-pressing weights are great for muscle tone, but doesn’t help with endurance if you’re not accustomed to these marathon walks. The afternoon heat baked his skin and sweat poured from his head. Today is when his Yankee baseball cap would’ve come in handy and sunscreen. Yeah, he wore skin protectant. Brown skin didn’t mean skin cancer isn’t a health concern. His mom told him that. Her parents were Dominican and Panamanian. Everybody’s blended with something, besides it didn’t matter in America. What he discriminated against was poverty and not people. Brokism is far worse than racism. Everybody accepts money, even racists.
“To hell with this!” He exclaimed and took off his shirt and shoved it inside his bag and then sat on the side of the road to call his sister.
“What, Serge, I’m working?”
“I’m calling to see how my baby sis is doing.”
“You have a lot of nerve. I swear if you weren’t my brother I’d lock your ass up!”
Sergio frowned at the anger coming through the phone, “I apologized ten times.”
“Mom’s life insurance was meant for both of us, you selfish bastard and you used it on what, a new car, clothes and your schemes? But, you know what; I hope you choke on the money. I have a job and I’m not so desperate I have to swindle people for money, including family!”
The line went dead and Sergio shook his head. “Damn!”
Sergio stood and wiped the dirt from the seat of his pants and resumed his walk filled with remorse. One day he’d make it right with his sis. Yeah, she’d get every dime of what he took and then some, real soon.
****
The reception was underway. Guests streamed to the table to congratulate the newlyweds. Alfonzo leaned over to clasp Raul’s hand. He hadn’t seen the dude in a while and it was cool having his old crew together. He was taken aback for a minute when he saw the woman at his buddy’s side.
Xenia bent and gave Alfonzo a kiss on the lips that brought an instant scowl from Selange, “Are you serious?”
Alfonzo wiped the lipstick from his mouth, “Not cool Xenia.”
The woman laughed. “That’s how we do, tú sabe?”
“Well Xenia, how will you like it if I bitch-slapped your ass?” His enraged wife responded as she leapt to her feet. Amelda and Lucia were up from their table to run intervention before Selange delivered on the threat.
Alfonzo gripped his wife’s wrist as she sought to pass, “Babe, come on, take a seat. Today’s not about drama and shit.”
Amelda and Lucia promptly escorted the woman away and Raul apologized to the couple, “Sorry about that Alfonzo and Selange. Xenia plays too much.”
“You’re damn right she does!” Selange hissed as she tried to calm down and not make a scene in front of the other guests.
Alfonzo nodded as Selange returned to her seat and cut her eyes in Xenia’s direction. He fixed Raul a cautionary look, “Tell Xenia to chill with the games, it was funny back in the day, but this is the present and what she did is disrespectful, alright bro?”
“Sí, lo siento.”
Giuseppe was laughing. “You should have let my sister-in-law slap her,” he said when Raul retreated.
“For once we agree on something Giuseppe,” Selange responded between clenched teeth.
“Don’t incite a riot.” Alfonzo advised his brother who was on his third glass of Patrón. He took his wife’s hand. “You okay, babe?”
“I’m fine,” Selange answered, still watching the brazen woman. But her frown became a sly smile when Crystalia accidently spilled her drink on the bitch and ruined her dress. Fake apologies spewed from Crystalia as Xenia dabbed at her clothes. The playful mouth twisted in disbelief. She caught a glimpse of the bride’s steely gaze and her smirk and deciphered Selange’s telepathic message, ‘Act up
again hussy and I’ll ruin more than that Ninety-Nine Cent Store dress!’
The tension cooled when a pretty woman clad in a sequined dress entered the tent followed by a suited guy. There were gasps and loud whoops from the youngsters when they recognized who she was. This was Kiki, one of the hottest singers whose music was at the top of the charts. She waved at the tables and stepped on to the makeshift stage with the band and said something to the musicians. When she turned to face the wedding party, she had a movie star smile. “How’s everyone doing?”
Selange poked Alfonzo. “You’re full of surprises today.”
He leaned over and took her hand. “You’re welcome.”
Kiki waved at the newlyweds with the microphone, “Mister and Missus Diaz, congratulations and it’s an honor to perform for you guys today.”
Selange nodded graciously. The past was forgiven; she had Alfonzo and Kiki didn’t.
“I’ve written a song for the couple,” she pointed to the guitarist and he began strumming, “this is entitled, I’ve Found Paradise.”
Alfonzo led Selange to the center of the dance floor and took her waist and everyone applauded. This was their first dance and as Kiki began belting the sultry lyrics, Selange smiled. The singer had super talent. Kiki did her thing.
“Like it?” Alfonzo asked as they swayed in step.
Her hands moved from his shoulders to his neck, “She’s good.”
The song was theirs; it was beautiful poetry set to music. Selange placed her cheek on Alfonzo’s chest and inhaled. She felt his heart pounding and smelled his wonderful cologne. She was happy and the silent tears were a sign of her joy.
Kiki sung her heart out and the words struck home.
‘…you came into my life,
Calmed the pain and strife,
Gave me what I need…Ooooh baby,
Your love has set me free,
It’s paradise I’ve found –my soul’s become unbound,
I’ve found paradise forever in your arms,
…Ooooh-Ooooh-ooh baby…’
