Masquerade
Part 5
Continued...
Realizing he had been gone longer
than he expected, he went back to Joey’s room and waited patiently another four
hours, all the while speaking words of love to his nephew, until his shift was
over.
Levon was correct. When Mike awakened him, so they could change
places he realized that he had not been awakened by any dreams that night. Life was looking up. The feelings weren’t gone by any means, but
they were becoming more manageable.
Moving to take his place near Joey,
he picked up a book and read as Mike prepared to sleep. In the background he could hear Mike
muttering what sounded like a prayer in Italian, followed by a list of
names. What stopped him from continuing
to read was hearing Lundy being said in the list. Taking a quick look at the man, he was rewarded by a quick wink,
before Mike pulled the covers over his head and fell asleep himself.
Well what do ya know. I think I was just cursed or prayed
for. The man isn’t all bad, at least if
you’re family. Returning to his book, the next few hours
passed rapidly, the only sound being a few broken moans as Joey moved in the
bed. With each moan, Levon knew that it
would not be any two days before he had a partner to work with, and he had to
go back tomorrow.
About four a.m. Joey awoke, and
winced at the light coming from behind Lundy.
“What time is it?”
“About four in the mornin’
sleepy. Want me to get ya anything?”
“Water,” Joey groaned.
“Sure thing, rest easy. Here ya go,” he said as he tipped the glass
up to his partner’s lips and helped him take a few swallows. “Do ya want me to get the nurse?”
“Think I can get another of those
shots if you call her?” Joey asked.
“Reckon ya could.”
“I think I’d like that. I’m really not feeling all that good.”
Pushing the call button, Levon stood
up and leaned in feeling Joey’s head. I
think you got a fever. You in pain?”
“Course I’m in pain,” Joey
groused. “My head feels like it is
falling off, or like I wish it was in any case.”
“Hi there, what can I do for
you? My names Sharon. I’m on duty right now.”
“Hi Sharon,” Joey said flashing the
cute nurse a winning smile. “I was
looking for another dose of that pain medicine. My head is killing me.”
“You just lay right there while I
call the doctor. I think you need
something else for the head. Let me
take your vitals before I go,” she added, reaching for his arm as he moaned. Soon she had the required information and
left the room.
As the moans increased, Levon spoke
soothingly to Joey, and Mike woke up.
He too, moved to Joey’s side and spoke softly to him, often lapsing into
prayer. Both men were praying the nurse
would return.
Their prayers were answered when
Sharon opened the door and barred one of Joey’s hips, massaged it, then saying,
“This may sting a bit,” proceeded to administer a shot. When she finished, she found herself greeted
by two sets of frantic looking eyes.
“Ya’ll said he was better. He don’t sound better to me.” Levon whispered forcefully, hoping to keep
his tone low so the noise didn’t increase his partners pain.
“He is better,” Sharon assured the
men. “This shot will help the pain and
allow him to sleep. This is normal
after a burr hole and the pain will decrease each day. In the meantime we have medicine to help him
with. Call me if you need anything
else, but I doubt you will tonight,” she finished, pointing to the now
slumbering LaFiamma.
“Reckon we won’t at that,” Levon
said. “Thanks.”
“My pleasure,” Sharon said as she
left the room.
“Well that was fun,” Levon
quipped. “Go on back to bed, I’m
enjoying this book.”
“Fine,” Mike said, knowing he would
need his sleep for the day after tomorrow.
Tomorrow would be his last day in Houston for awhile. Thinking about how much he would miss Joey,
he drifted back to sleep, determined that the next time he visited, Joey would
be assured of his love.
Morning dawned, and the two men, now
reluctant friends, ate a hospital breakfast together, then took turns taking
walks around the hospital grounds, until Joey woke up. Both wanted as much time as possible with
him before the demands of the real world called. Levon however grudgingly gave up some of his time to Mike, since
he was leaving.
It wasn’t until around noon that
Joey first opened his eyes. Immediately
he noticed that both his uncle and his partner were watching him closely. Turning to look more fully at Levon, as he
was easier to read than Uncle Mikey, Joey again winced. Moaning softly, he straightened out his
head, and keeping it very still, said, “Is something wrong? Why all the attention?”
“Ya gave us a scare this morning,”
Mike answered his nephew. “The doctor
said the headaches were normal, but I’m glad to see you awake just the
same. Got some news for ya Joey. Duty calls, and I gotta get back to Chicago,
tomorrow.”
At Joey’s crestfallen look, and
hurriedly downcast eyes, Mike continued.
“I was thinking how nice it’s been seeing you. What say I try to get some more o’ da family down here more
often, myself included?”
“Would you do that?” Joey whispered,
choking back the tears that threatened to fall. “I mean, uh..that would be....”
“I think I understand,” Mike said,
cutting him off, but not before he caught the , He’ll never understand,
look Joey flashed Levon. “I promise
Joey, things are gonna change.” he said, leaning over and giving his nephew a
big Italian hug while softly wiping his hair back from his forehead, taking
care not to hit the operation site in any way.
“I gotta get back ta work too, LaFiamma,”
Levon stated. “Joanne wants me there
tomorrow, but I’m not gonna hug ya cause of it,” He teased, enjoying the
fondness between relatives. Something
he now wished he’d had growing up.
“I can live with that,” Joey shot
back weakly, his innate nature reasserting itself.
“Good thing cause I ...........”
Levon started to respond when he noticed that Joey had once again fallen
asleep. “Well Mike, got any card games
I can beat ya at?” he finished.
“Doubt it, but we can try. I sure hate leaving him like this,” he added
softly.
“We all do,” Levon agreed, shuffling
the deck of cards and again preparing to wait.
An hour into the card game, and one
nurses visit later, Mike and Levon watched as Joey started tossing in the bed,
twisting the covers around himself.
“Reckon he’ll be waking soon,” Levon
said, as Mike made his way to Joey’s bedside.
Moving to join Mike, Levon felt his
heart break as Joey clearly mumbled, “Please.
Please don’t go. Ya said ya
wouldn’t leave me. I don’t wanna be
alone. Please.”
Filled with worry that his partner
was back re-living fourteen, or perhaps it was later and he didn’t want to
leave Chicago, Levon looked up, directly into the ashen face of Mike LaFiamma,
Crime Lord. Everything he had couldn’t
help Joey, stop the nightmares, or make up for lost time. The man obviously knew it too. Levon hoped that he would be able to help
his partner as much as Joey had helped him.
Closing his eyes, Mike let his head
fall to his chest, as the belt of guilt that had been placed around his heart
just two days ago tightened another three notches. Reaching out to steady himself, he glanced at Levon, and noticed
pain there as well. Deciding he had to
do something, for himself, Joey, and Levon’s sake, he said simply, “I swear on
the grave of Antonio LaFiamma that Joey will not feel alone again. Until I can make good on this oath, I
release him to your care, Levon Elmer Lundy.
Take care of my boy, and I’ll take care of you and yours.”
Is it this easy to get into the mob, Levon wondered, swallowing hard
and looking at Mike with concern. “I’ll
do my best,” was his spoken answer. “I
think I’ll take a walk, clear some of the cobwebs outta my brain.”
“I know ya will, have a nice
walk,” Mike stated, settling down to
wait, thus allowing his brain to work
out Chuck’s death in meticulous detail. Soon, Joey, soon. I promise,
were his last thoughts as he closed his eyes.
Joey didn’t awaken again that night
and both men were re- assured time and time again that this was a normal
reaction and that he was steadily improving.
When Levon asked for a release date, the doctor became much more
hesitant.
“It was a serious accident, and
there are still many areas mending.
Under no circumstances will he be released until I feel he will not
endanger himself, and by that I mean resume working before he is ready.” Doctor Mahadavai said.
“Ya really understand my partner,
don’t you?” Levon quipped.
“I think I do, Mr. Lundy.
He’s already spent more time fighting then most people in his
condition. He will rest even if it
means he annoys us until we want to personally kick him out ourselves,” he
added, smiling , then said, “And I don’t think you’d be any better, so keep
yourself well. Okay?”
“I’m sure gonna try,” Levon
responded, his smile matching that of the doctors.
Joey finally awoke about an hour
before Mike was leaving for Las Vegas.
The car was probably already en route Mike figured, but at least he
would get to say goodby.
Seeing Joey look at him, Mike said,
“Hi,” very softly, and was thrilled by his nephews smile.
“How soon you leaving, Uncle Mikey?”
Joey questioned.
“Bout an hour, give or take five,”
he responded. “What say we whoop your
partner at poker?” he added, then as the word poker registered he changed
thoughts as he amended, “or at rummy instead.”
“Poker’s fine by me. I beat him at it regularly. Guess he didn’t grow up playing it like we
did,” Joey shot out, looking at Levon’s face for a reaction. He got the one he hoped for.
“What do ya mean, you beat me
regularly? We split the winnings fifty-
fifty.” Levon stated firmly.
“Only cause I let you take the small
pots so you’ll keep losing to me,” LaFiamma said back, a twinkle in his eye.
“Right,” Levon sighed. Joey was back to his old form at least for
the time being. For some reason that
scared him more than normal. He would
have to be on guard.
“So, Levon loses to you too, huh
Joey?” Mike quipped. “I spent the last
few days winning money from him as well.
Must run in the family, right kid?”
“Guess it does, Uncle Mikey,” Joey
replied, a smirk playing about his lips, “However I doubt we’ll have time for a
game right now. It’s been about twenty
minutes since we started talking and the ride should be here soon. Can I talk to Uncle Mikey alone for a few
minutes Lundy?”
“Right, I’ll be back soon,” Lundy
said, heading out the door.
“Ya wanted ta talk, Joey?”
“Uh, Uncle Mikey, did ya mean it
about the family visiting some?” Joey
asked.
“Sure did,” Mike responded, a smile
on his face as he thought about getting to see Joey a bit more often himself.
“I’d like that.” Joey responded.
“Everyone would like that. They ask after you all the time, we’ve just
been trying to guarantee your safety is all.
Better distant then dead.
Remember that the next time you get in a car wreck.” Mike finished.
Again looking at the covers, Joey
replied, “I will, Uncle Mikey. I will.”
Hoping that his uncle didn’t realize how close he was to going right out and
having a planned one this time.
Preferably over a cliff, but Levon would be watching him, so he’d have
to wait some. “Can I ask another
question?”
“Sure. Shoot.” Mike responded
quizzically.
“Okay two then,” Joey stated,
suddenly serious. “You’re here. Have been for days, if I’m not confused,
although I am a bit out of it on time frames right now. Why are you here, if you disowned me and
what did I do to lose my birthright?”
Knowing Joey was asking about the
ring, but not wanting to let on that he knew about Chuck, Mike weighed his
answer carefully, then responded, blankly, “I’m not followin’ ya? You aren’t disowned, and you could never
lose your first born status in the family.”
“Come on Mike,” Joey challenged, “you
sent the box, I sent the ring back. If
that isn’t disowned in an Italian family like ours, I don’t know what is. Playing dumb doesn’t become you.”
Refusing to rise to Joey’s barbed
bait, Mike counted slowly to ten, then replied, “I never sent any box. I never wanted your ring. I never got it. Truly, I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I’m sure as
hell gonna check inta it as soon as I get home. You’ll have your answer as soon as I get one. Guisseppe was to lose his ring, but not
you.”
“Guisseppe I can see,” Joey said
contemplatively, the effort and the
topic of conversation leaving him drained.
“I’ll wait for your answer then.”
“You’ll get it kid.” Then Mike added
under his breath, “That much I promise you.”
“I guess this is goodby then,” Joey finished,
as his eyes closed and a small smile once again tugged at his lips. Maybe things weren’t as bad as they
seemed. He could play the waiting game
until he heard from Uncle Mikey.
“Bye for now, Joseph Anthony
LaFiamma, Joey” Mike whispered near his ear as he placed a light kiss on his
forehead. It was good to see Joey
relaxing even if it was only temporary.
“The family worries. I
worry. Never doubt that, Joseph.”
“‘Kay” Joey mumbled. “Lundy coming back in?”
“I’ll get him on my way out, Okay?”
Holding on to his Uncles hand for a
minute, Joey said, “‘Kay, Uncle Mikey, have a good trip home.”
“See ya, kid,” Mike said as he
gently removed his hand from Joey’s grip.
“Gotta go, I’ll send in that partner of yours.” Seeing Joey smile slightly at the mention of
his partner, Mike left, shutting the door,
knowing that Joey was in as good a hands as he could be right now. The only thing better for his Joey would be
Chicago, and that wasn’t gonna happen for a very long time.
Seeing Levon standing near a vending
machine, Mike said, “I’m leaving, you take care a him, and try to eat something
good for yourself once in a while. Get
Joey to cook if ya can’t manage it yourself.”
“Bye Mr. La Fiamma,” Levon said
smiling, and making his way back to his partners room. The day was almost over, and tomorrow he
would start back to work, short one irritating partner, who he would not want
to be without for anything under the hot Texan sun.
His partner was not that great of
company, when he really thought about it.
He spent more than three quarters of the rest of the day asleep, and
finally Levon, after spending the night, showered, dressed, and then woke Joey
to say that he was leaving for work.
“Can ya get me a lasagna dinner from
anywhere, and sneak it in tonight? I’m
sure I’d feel better faster if the food was palatable,” Joey uttered.
“Doubt it partner. That doctor is watching ya pretty
closely. Wouldn’t want me to risk his
wrath, just for some lasagna, would ya?”
“Course I would. I could blame you after I finished. Something like this; ya see doc, Levon was
forcing me to eat, no matter how hard I resisted. Something about my Uncle thinking it would be good for me. I said no, but he threatened to spoon feed
me. What could I do?” Joey ended the monologue.
“He’d never buy it LaFiamma. He’s already got your measure. Why don’t ya just go back to sleep, it seems
to be a hobby right now, and I’ll go save the world while you rest.” Levon tossed back.
“Guess I can always pester the nurses,”
Joey said, smiling. “Fore ya leave, I
haven’t heard any nightmares lately, is she likely to commit you, or are you
getting better?” He asked, real concern evident in his voice.
Blushing slightly, Levon replied,
“I’m doing better, thanks to you and time.
Gotta admit that the two of them being dead has helped a bit too. You don’t think your.....umn......”
“NO!, and don’t even think it
again,” Joey answered before he could finish his sentence. “I wouldn’t want you to be late your first
day back.” he added, effectively dismissing his partner.
“Fine,” Levon said, throwing open
the door, then slamming it behind himself.
That boy could certainly test a nuns patience. Bet he was in trouble the entire time he was in Catholic school,
Levon thought as he hurried to the Jimmy to begin work. Already he could see mountains of paperwork
piled before him. Joey was a wonder at
paperwork. He didn’t want to know how
he did it all, and he doubted that it would stand up to tough scrutiny, but at
least with LaFiamma as his partner, his paperwork time had greatly decreased.
While Joey spent most of the next
day sleeping, and the doctors spent many hours monitoring his breathing for
ARDS, Levon returned to work, and was enthusiastically greeted by his fellow officers. He was also bombarded by questions
concerning LaFiamma’s well being. He
answered everyone, elaborating as often as possible. These men had been by to check on them, and were usually denied
entrance. When they had been let in,
Joey was invariably sleeping, so they had been cut off from a fellow cop, and
that was never easy to take. Also the
longer he delayed, the less time he would have to do the paperwork he was
facing.
While he was explaining all about
LaFiamma’s uncle to Annie, he was interrupted by Joanne Beaumont calling,
“Levon, may I see you?”
“Comin’ Lieutenant,” he called back,
then telling Annie he would catch her later, he headed into his bosses office.
“Ya wanted to see me, Joanne?”
“You seem um..rested,” she
responded, while she took her time to look him over and assess his mood.
Cutting to the chase, Levon said,
“If ya want to know how I’m doing, I have to be honest and say that I feel much
better.”
“Glad to hear it Levon. Think Joey is gonna come around soon?”
“Yep,” he answered, while looking at
the top of her desk. Meeting Joanne’s
eyes would tell a whole different story.
He was still worried about Joey.
Not so much physically anymore, but mentally, well that was another
issue entirely. LaFiamma had been
through more than he could imagine, and the last case was a clincher. Hopefully spending more time with his family
would ease the loneliness he still saw in Joey’s eyes on occasion. Praying that this was the case, and renewing
his vow to keep a close eye on LaFiamma, he raised his head and said, more
strongly, “He’s gonna be fine, Lieutenant.”
He was. Levon would see to it.
“Well it’s only nine, I better go
hit the paperwork that has piled up.”
“Guess you should, Levon,” Joanne
agreed. “Welcome back, the force missed
you.”
Turning he said, “ Thanks
Lieutenant,” and shutting the door behind him, moved to his desk, picked up a
pencil, and started to fill in the blanks.
It was going to be a long day, and he still needed to find lasagna.
Mike LaFiamma on the other hand was
just getting ready to start his day. He
had arrived late the night before, checked into his suite, then gone directly
to bed so he wouldn’t have to see Chuck.
Looking at the backstabbing asshole would have been to much for his
stomach to take after a few days of that hospital food. Smiling to himself, he thought about the
meals he’d eaten on the roof of the hospital, delivered from the best
restaurants in Houston. Levon Lundy
would have wanted some, and Joseph could read Levon like a book, and that would
have caused Joseph to ask for special food, and he didn’t want anything to
interfere with his nephews recovery, so he had eaten alone, and in style, while
enjoying the Houston skyline.
It was nine a.m. according to his
watch, and he had two hours until Guido would be there. Two more hours til he could avenge
Joey. Two more hours until things would
be set right. Two more hours until he
would cut off Chuck’s balls and feed them to him. Two more hours before he ripped his head off and buried him in
the vast Las Vegas desert. Two more
hours.
Dressing in an Armani blue
pinstriped suit, complete with double breasted lapel, and cuffed pants, he
added a dash of Herme’s cologne and decided to have breakfast. Breakfast would
help him relax.
Chuck was still asleep in the next room after a night of carousing
and wouldn’t awaken until the phone rang with the message to meet him
downstairs in thirty minutes as an important business deal had just been presented,
and he wanted his right hand man in on the details. Chuck would buy every word, until it was too late.
His anger building by the minute, he
took the outside elevator down the Bellagio and entered the posh La
Trattoria. After being ushered to the
finest table he allowed himself to relax under the cool plants and columned
arches that gave the feeling of ancient Rome.
“May I take your order sir?” the
waiter asked.
‘I’ll have the eggs Florentine, with
a side of bacon, Scott.”
“Very good Mr. LaFiamma, and it’s
nice to be of service to you again.”
“It’s been to long. I’ll try to get back sooner next time,” Mike
added, as Scott left to fill his order.
One of the nicest things in life was being remembered when ya went somewhere,
which is why frequenting the same restaurants and tipping heavily were good
practices. He’d have a leisurely
breakfast, meet up with Guido and the others, take care a business and be home
by nine at the latest. A very
productive day, any way he looked at it.
“Here you go Mr. LaFiamma,” Scott said
breaking into his thoughts. “Roberto
said to give you his best, and he added a little extra, just the way you like
it.”
“Tell him grazie,” Mike said, as he
placed his napkin on his lap and began eating as Scott left to convey his
message to the chef.
He was just finishing up at ten,
when Scott re-appeared and placed a phone on his table. You have a call.”
“Thanks Scott,” he said as the
waiter quickly made himself scarce.
That was another thing he liked about this restaurant. They knew when to leave, then again their
clientele was adamant about privacy.
Picking up the receiver, he spoke
softly, saying, “Mike.”
“Guido, boss. The driver’s ready and da call should go out
on time ta Chuck. I gots everything
youse asked for and will be waiting out front at eleven exactly.”
“Perfect.” Mike stated, hanging up
the phone. Could a day get better. Perfect food, great ambiance, all details
going smoothly, and Chicago in under twelve hours. Picking up the phone again, he dialed Joey’s hospital room and
asked for an update. It was encouraging
to know that Joey had already been awake, and for long enough to eat something
this time. He’d been worried about his
lack of appetite. Italians ate. Joseph ate.
Joseph didn’t look good when he was too thin. The last time he remembered Joseph being to thin was when he had
mono and the entire family took turns nursing him. Before that Joey was fourteen, but now he understood the reason
for his lack of appetite. Dinner was
sounding better by the minute.
Deciding to just drink a glass of
water and remain in La Trattoria’s until five minutes til eleven, Mike paid his
bill handsomely, saying, “I’ll be here a few more minutes Scott, but ya don’t
need to do any fussing. I’m just
killing some time.” Soon he’d be
killing somebody. A good friend, or
at least someone he felt was a good friend until a few days ago. A short thrill ran through him at the
thought of personally killing Chuck.
Revenge would be sweet, plus he hadn’t actually killed anyone for over twenty years. It was time to get in a little practice.
His determined gaze kept Scott from
the table until Mike LaFiamma left.
As Mike stood to leave, he smoothed
out the creases in his suit, and Scott thought about how good looking the LaFiamma
men were. Every one he had ever seen
was far above average, and they had money to boot. He wasn’t interested in being involved in the family business,
but he did wonder how it would feel to be gorgeous and rich. Last time there were three LaFiamma’s in the
restaurant, they’d had a terrible time serving them and keeping the food
warm. Women swarmed the table, brought
them drinks from the casino, and in general made nuisances of themselves. The men hadn’t seemed interested at all, but
had put up with the attention until the nephew...what was his name......said
forcefully, “ENOUGH!” and stood up, leaving the restaurant, and the rest of the
clientele starring at him in shock. Boy
that had been one ticked off, gorgeous man.
Scott remembered being shocked that he would say anything in front of
the uncle who obviously ran the family, but he never knew if there were any
repercussions. Interesting, he thought
again, as he cleared the table of the hefty tip.
Unaware that Scott was making
observations, Mike made his way to the lobby, where he found Chuck, dressed
casually and looking for him.
“There you are, Mike,” Chuck said,
grasping his arm and giving him a big hug.
“Must have been tired last night, I thought we were going to party, but
I had a good time anyway. God I love
Vegas,” he rambled, unaware that Mike wanted to recoil from his touch.
“I know ya do Chuck. I thought you deserved some fun. I hear ya did a great job on the deal,” he
continued, taking the lead to the waiting Limo, while Chuck followed.
“Just what is this great deal. Sound intriguing, Mike?” Chuck questioned.
“Let’s get in the car and secure,
before we discuss business. You know
that Chuck.” Mike snarled.
“Course I do, Mike. Don’t know what I was thinkin’. Guess I just lost my head in Vegas. Won’t happen again,” he added, pulling
himself together. Mike always looked
intimidating when he really dressed.
Mike must be really trying to impress whomever they were meeting.
Thinking of Mike, he experienced a stab of envy. It came often, but Mike was worth hanging onto. He was providing a life style that Chuck
couldn’t get anywhere else, and they had been friends since grade school. Chuck knew that he was a valued member of
the LaFiamma family, and Mike’s right hand man.
The only down side as far as he was
concerned was that Joey wasn’t around any longer. There was a looker, but since that night long ago, he was gone
more often then he was home anyway. Not
that that had stopped him from making Joey aware of his presence. Occasionally, about every two years he’d
corner him at a family function and threaten to tell Mike, then as Joey would
turn to leave he’d follow him and make a grab for his ass, before he got out of
the house. What he wouldn’t give for
another night like that one, having a LaFiamma, especially that beloved nephew
at his mercy.
Sighing, he thought, Oh well,
this wasn’t the time to let his fantasies carry him away. Mike was counting on him. The hit had been botched on Joey, so he was
still out there somewhere. He’d have
him again, either under him, humiliated, or just dead. Either worked, and that was something that
gave Chuck the power to feel equal to Mike.
He hated to admit it, but Mike was a natural leader, a great business
man, and a loyal friend. All things he
wasn’t, and still Mike allowed him to run huge chunks of the operation, and
treated him to weekends like these in Vegas.
It should be enough. It wasn’t.
Shaking his head to allow himself to
refocus on business, he noted that they were still in the car and headed away
from town toward the desert. Maybe that
was where the deal was to take place.
“Mike?” He questioned. “Where are we headed? Do they need a real secluded place?”
“They do, Chuck. This is so big that you will be set for
life, and so will I. In fact the entire
LaFiamma family will be set. They don’t
come any bigger than this.” Mike
finished, his face turned toward the window so Chuck wouldn’t be able to see
the malicious glint, he knew he was no longer able to conceal. Being in the car with the man was sickening.
Watching Chuck rub his hands
together in anticipation also grated on his nerves.
“Sounds almost to good to be true.”
Chuck said, a look of heavy longing in his eyes.
God, Mike berated himself, Chuck’s
not at all who I thought he was. He
isn’t interested in me, just in himself.
How could I have missed it?
A mere minute later, the car slowed
to a halt and Mike took two deep breaths, mentally preparing himself for the
task at hand. Just as he was about to
get out of the car, the rear dividing window opened, and Guido leaned his head
through, saying, “This place look good ta youse boss?”
Smiling, Mike answered, “Perfect
Guido. Remind me to thank ya later.”
“Forget about id. I got everything youse needs.”
Just as Mike started saying “Sounds
like..........” Chuck cut in, his voice
raised a notch, “Guido, what’re ya doing here?”
“Helping out da boss.” Guido replied
as though it was the stupidest question he had ever heard.
“But you only help out in disposal
cases,” Chuck replied, still not fully putting two and two together.
“Right,” Mike and Guido answered
together, as Dominico also popped his head through the window.
“You’re he..he.. here too.” Chuck
stammered. “Who ya got up front to
whack?” he asked, hoping for a positive answer, that would dispel the sudden
gnawing in the pit of his stomach.
“Nobody else in the car,” Mike
answered, looking Chuck squarely in the eyes.
Trying to bluff, Chuck said, “I’m
afraid I don’t understand.”
“I think ya do,” Mike said. “Come on, lets get this over with.”
Desperately wanting to change
destiny, Chuck clutched at Mikes sleeve, and whimpered, “Whadda I do wrong,
Mike. We’re best friends. I love ya like a brother. The deal closed perfectly. How have I let ya down. I’ll make it up to ya. I promise.” His voice raising even more as
panic set in. He saw that Mike didn’t
look ready to relent, in fact Mike looked even more disgusted by his pleading.
“What did you do wrong?” Mike parroted
back clearly enunciating every word.
“I’ll tell you so there is no misunderstanding.” This time he spoke as though he were talking
to an imbecile.
Then he hesitated, and looking at
both Guido and Dominico said, “First I
want to make something perfectly clear.
Anything the two of you hear today is to be kept to yourselves. Understand?”
“Perfectly,” the two men answered in
unison. Something was up if Mike
intended to off Chuck, and do it personally.
Guido’s eyes were large as saucers when it registered that his boss, Mr.
LaFiamma, was about to do his best friends since grade school. Thinking as hard as his brain would allow,
Guido realized slowly that what ever Chuck did, it was worse than bad.
Dominico on the other hand was still sitting patiently awaiting Mike’s
explanation. He’d worked for the man
for over fifteen years, and he’d never seen that level of hate in anyone’s eyes
before.
Chuck was looking at the eyes
too. He was going to die, but why?
“Why don’t you make a guess at it
Chuck?” Mike finally spat out, anger infusing every word.
Mike watched as Chuck desperately
tried wracking his brain. He saw the look of confusion, as well as the
dawning realization in Chuck’s eyes when the truth came up and smacked him
across the face.
“Uh, Mike, this wouldn’t have
anything to do with Joey would it?”
Chuck stammered
Deciding he deserved to be strung
along, Mike said, “Why? Should it?”
“Not that I can think of, but as you
were just down there, I thought maybe he had something to do with it.” Chuck floundered.
“Why would you think that?” Mike
pressed. “Do you have something you
want to tell me?”
“Actually Mike, I do, and it’s kinda
funny, but I promised Joey I’d keep it a secret. You know how kids are.”
“Joseph is no child, Chuck.” Mike
pointed out flatly. “Joseph is a
gro............”
“Uh, boss, did he hurt Joey? Cause da accident maybe? If he did I wanna kill him myself cause
Joey’s somethin’ special. Always has
time for us underlings. He listens,
youse knows what I mean?”
“I do Guido. I agree, Joey’s
special.”
At that point Chuck cut in, “Well,
well, if it isn’t the Joseph Anthony LaFiamma love fest. Let me tell you a few things about that
little liar. Joey’s a menace, Mike. I know ya don’t wanna believe it, but it’s
the truth,” he said desperately.
“You’ve always done everything for that boy. He shouldda been killed for the raid he was involved in, but you
got him off. That’s not the way it’s
done, Mike. He has lied about what he’s
been involved with. Remember him at
fourteen. Maybe you don’t remember but
he was arrested, hung out with a gang, stole a car, skipped school, etc..... In other words he didn’t uphold the LaFiamma
name. He let all of you down, and still
you stick up for him.”
“Finished lying,” Mike asked, his
words soft as butter.
Watching Chuck gulp, gave Mike
supreme satisfaction.
“Uh...boss, I don wanna get in da
middle here, but Joey did raise a lotta hell when he was younger.” Guido said,
still confused.
“True Guido, I’m not refuting that
Joey caused a lot of trouble. What I am
saying is that now I know why.” he said looking directly at Chuck. “Care to elaborate, or are you calling Joey
a liar?”
“Guess I’m calling that good for
nothing nephew of yours a liar. If he
told ya I raped him, he’s lying,” Chuck said, as defiantly as he could without
messing himself. “He was asking for it,
Mike. Wanted to know what being with a
............”
CRACK! The sound of Mike’s slap drew everyone’s attention, as Chuck’s
head bounced off the door of the Limo.
“I think I should tell you something.
Joey never said a word to me, he.......”
“Then how did you find out? Rico?” Chuck questioned, knowing that his
only option was bravado at this point.
“No, but I know about his
involvement, and who the others were as well.
I overheard Joseph talking with his partner, the rest was fact finding,
and verification. Guess you know by now
that your hit wasn’t successful either.
The nurse sang like a canary, when the right pressure was applied. Who did that for me Guido, Pietero? He deserves a bonus as well. Also there is a little matter of Joey not
having the family ring anymore. Want to
explain that as well, or should I just stick to what I know?”
“Now Mike, ya got it all wrong. I sent the box to Guisseppe, just
like...........EEEEOWWWW!” Chuck
screamed, as Guido hurled himself over the seat and forcefully twisted his arm
behind his back, lifting him fully off the seat.
“Is youse telling me boss that our
Joey got a black box from dis here snake, and thought he was cut off sos to speak?
Also, you saying this pervert raped Joey? I’ll kill him,” Guido spat, as Dominico said in a controlled
voice from the front seat, “Not if I beat ya to it.”
Raising one hand for silence, Mike
looked into Chuck’s panic stricken face and announced, “I said that he was
mine, and I’m doin’ the honors, but he’s gonna sweat like he made Joey. Hell like Joey still is. Chuck, I can only take your life, not
terrorize you like you terrorized Joseph.
He was fourteen, and gang raped.
You make me sick. What I want to
know is why?”
“At this point I can see no reason
ta tell ya anything. I’m gonna die
today, so why help ya?”
“Maybe to save yourself some pain,”
Dominico responded. “If the boss wants
to know why, I’ll find out why no matter how many days it takes, capish?”
Paling, the sweat standing out on
his brow, Chuck whispered, “Yeah I got ya.
I did it Mike and I enjoyed it.”
If Mike wanted to hear details he’d give them to him, and enough to
cause nightmares for life. “Hell we all
did. Joey was your favorite. He could do no wrong. This was all of ours
way of gettin’ back at ya. You had it
all, but I could eat lunch, or dinner wit ya, knowing that I had something more
precious ta ya then all your power and wealth, and you can’t get back what we
took. Wanna know how he screamed
Mike? Wanna know how we left him? Wanna know how many times we did him? I can supply the answers.”
“Bastard!” Mike spat. “Guido,
Dominico, bring him outside and get me the knife.”
Grabbing Chuck by the collar, Guido
beat Dominico to the punch and bodily threw Chuck from the Limo, spitting on
him when he landed in a heap on the ground.
Then both men picked him up, one taking each arm, and marched him in front
of the waiting Mike.
“Crying, Chuck sobbed, “You can’t do
this to me. I love ya.”
“You seem to forget that I’ve done
this plenty, just not recently. I think
that once a skill is learned it’s never truly forgotten. You also don’t seem to
realize that I want to see your face as you die by my hand. Get the rope, Dom, and tie his hands behind
his back.”
“Sure thing Mr. LaFiamma,” Dominico
said, hastening to do his bidding. Mikes words were a good reminder that this
was not a man to cross. “Here’s the
rope,” he added, as he securely tied Chuck’s hands together, taking immense
pleasure in tying them so tightly that they were already causing blood to drip
to the desert floor. He was good at
inflicting pain, and had wanted a chance to beat what had happened to Joey out
of Chuck, but he’d have to settle for this.
Mike then moved forward, asking “You
got the camera, Guido?”
“Yep. I’m ready.”
“Any last words, Chuck?” Mike said,
smiling as he allowed the sun to glint off the slim blade, causing a large stain
to appear at the crotch of Chuck’s pants.
“Mike, I’ll....”
“Exactly, it’s to late. I was gonna cut off your balls, but instead
I’m just gonna kill ya cause I really don’t want to dirty my hands touching you
any more than necessary. Bye Chuck,” and
with that he plunged the knife deep into Chuck’s abdomen, then began applying
an upward pressure, taking great pleasure in the strangled scream of terror and
pain that burst from Chuck’s throat.
Not wanting to intrude on the
sanctity of the moment both button men stood silently to the side while Mike
LaFiamma finished the job of thrusting the slim knife into Chuck’s belly and
ripping it upward, toward his heart.
The knife lodged briefly somewhere around mid sternum, and they watched
Chuck spasm, blood pouring from his mouth as he whimpered, “Please no, don’t do
this.”
“But I want to,” Mike responded,
twisting the point upward into Chuck’s heart.
As Chuck pitched forward, Mike moved backward to avoid getting blood on
his expensive suit, his eyes still as cold and hard as an iceberg.
“Good riddance,” Mike said, breaking
the silence. “Get him buried then let’s
get home to Chicago. Oh and I want those pictures yesterday,
understand?” he said as he moved toward the Limo to relax in the controlled
environment. The desert was hot. Guido and Dominico were younger then
him. The clean up wouldn’t take long.
“Got ya boss. We’ll just finish up here then Chicago it
is,” Guido responded.
“I’m gonna add some extra prayers for
Joey, if it’s okay wit you boss” Dom added as he continued to shovel sand,
enlarging the grave by the minute.
“We all need them. Feel free.” Mike replied, pulling the car
door closed behind him. He still had
Rico to go, but there were many ways to deal with him. Finding the right one would take time. Sinking back into the leather seat, Mike
LaFiamma offered up yet another prayer to the saints, and anyone else who might
be listening at that moment, that this would in some way ease Joey’s pain.
He allowed himself to relax. It felt good knowing that Joey was safe from
Chuck. He was completely unaware that
the button men had taken care of the cleanup and gotten him to the airport
until Guido leaned over the seat and woke him, saying, “Were at da airport. Plane leaves in tirty five minutes. Dominico’s checked the luggage. We better get goin.’”
“That was fast, let’s get home,”
Mike agreed leading the way to the first class seats aboard Continental
Airlines flight 176. As soon as they
were seated, he said, “Drinks are on me,” then grinned as Guido and Dom both
looked like they had just gotten a pay raise.
As he relaxed in his seat, he could hear them talking softly,
occasionally, about what had occurred, and once he even heard Guido say that he
would never forgive himself for not protecting Joey. He had forgotten that one of Guido’s jobs was to look after Joey
while he was living with Mike. Numerous
times, Guido would come in late at night and tell Mike a story about Joey
allowing Mike to get to know his nephew even better with out seeming to
pry. Until fourteen the stories were
always good. Guido must be kicking
himself as hard as he was right now.
Turning slightly, he motioned Guido
and Dominico closer and said, “Last words on the topic. Guido, we all feel like we let Joey
down. Get over it. Joey doesn’t need any odd glances, I happen
to know he hasn’t dealt with this the best.
Also I get to tell the family members that need to know. Nothing passes your lips, got that you two,
or I can make another trip to the desert.”
“My lips are sealed, but my anger
needs an outlet,” Dominico stated. “Got
anyone you need questioned?”
“Not now, but maybe you should
exercise some,” Mike teased. All
Dominico did as work out. In fact if he
recalled Dom taught Joey much about lifting weights, something Joey still did
to this day.
“I’m sorry boss, but I can’t help
thinkin’ bout Joey and how...how.......well, how he musta felt, but I won’t be
talking. That’s a promise.”
“I know Guido,” Mike said, reaching
out to squeeze the bigger mans shoulder.
“Things’ll be okay.”
“Right, boss,” Guido responded then
settled back in his chair to get some rest.
Chicago would feel good.
As soon as the plane touched down
and the men were home, Mike was greeted by the LaFiamma clan, all clamoring to
know how Joey was doing. He asked for a
few minutes to change, then entered his private study. Enjoying the deep mahogany wood of the book
filled bookcases, the rich black leather of his favorite chairs, and the scent
of his personal space, Mike relaxed.
The day had been a good one, and necessary, but it would take time to
rid himself of the sense of betrayal and to stop looking for Chuck around every
corner. Closing his eyes, he remembered
Chuck asking to help with Joey. Abruptly
changing his line of thought, he got up, went to the concealed closet and
changed clothes. Turning he saw the
blinking light of the answering machine.
How did that happen. Someone
always answers the phone, and virtually no one has this number. Lundy!
He’d given the number to Lundy.
Quickly pushing the play button, he
listened to the now familiar Texan drawl come clearly across the distance.
“Mike, Levon here. Just thought you’d want to know that Joey is
fine and the doctors while no where near ready to release him, are no longer
concerned about ARDS. Also, if you are
alone I have something to say. I’m
gonna wait ten seconds in case the room isn’t clear.”
Smiling, Mike waited the ten seconds
then heard Levon say, “Okay, I’m counting on this being a safe
transmission. Joey needs the info
soon. His body is better, but.......
. Let’s just say I saw this a few months ago, right after he
sent the ring back. I’m trying, but
this one is yours. Take care.”
He’d have the pictures tomorrow and
could help Joey out, in the meantime he had to meet the family. Opening the door, he emerged looking
refreshed. No one would have guessed at
the turmoil he was undergoing at that moment.
Where the hell was that damn ring.
He had to have it, and he wanted it now. Striding purposefully out to the well manicured lawn and back
patio area, he looked around at his families faces. These were the faces he loved.
The faces he’d kill for. Joey’s
should be here, along with Paolo and the Texan, he thought smiling. Time to get this over with. He’d take care of the easy business first,
then Mamma Rosa, Teresa, and his
brother, Giorgio would need to know the rest. He’d leave it at that for now.
Taking a deep breath he said, “I’m
sure you are all anxious to know how Joseph is doing......”
“This can’t be good,” Isabella said
loudly, beginning to sob. “Look at how
he’s waiting to tell us. When Michael
does that it is never good news. Oh
Holy Mary Mother of God, I ...........” she said as she buried her face in
Mike’s shirt front while he put his arm around her.
“Isabella, Isabella, there
there. He’s fine. Really, now just let me get a few words out
so I can tell everyone at once, Okay?”
Mike said, again thinking of how overwrought his families females could
become.
“Really?” she asked, drying her eyes
on his shirt, leaving a trail of black mascara behind.
“Really. Now as I was saying, Joey
is gonna be fine. It was a messy
accident, both his lungs collapsed, his head had a swelling of some sort and
they operated to relieve the pressure, and for a bit it looked touch and go,
but you know how we Italian’s are.
Nothing is going to keep us down for long, and Joseph is one stubborn
Italian LaFiamma.” He finished amid
nods of agreement, and a lightened mood as the topic shifted briefly to how
hard headed some of them were, other hospital stays, and in general, good
natured bantering as the tension was reduced.
Finally breaking into the chatter,
Mike cleared his throat, bringing instant silence once more. “There are some
things you need to know. A few things
came to light while I was down there that I was not previously aware of and I
want to share them with you. As you all
know, Joseph has had a hard time adjusting to the Texan life style, being away
from family, and his Chicago. I know we
all feel the same. This was recently
made worse. Joey was sent a black box.”
“The hell you say. Who’d do a thing like that,” Rico
exploded. “We voted Guisseppe out. This mistake must be dealt with.” he
finished.
“Exactly,” Mike responded as the
hubbub increased, while his mind pondered the stupidity of his inept brother
Rico, who was all concerned for Joseph now, but sold him years ago. His time would be short. “Anyway, I needed answers, and I got
them. Chuck will not be living here any
longer. He sent the box to Joey.”
“No way!” Rico again
interrupted. “Chuck’s a great guy and
your best friend.”
“Chuck messed with a LaFiamma.” Mike
said, his eyes again hard, as Rico instantly quieted, the rest of the
family following suit. “What we
need to do is find where he put the ring, and get it back to Joey. He’s missing everyone and feeling a little
cut off. I think the ring’ll help.”
Giorgio spoke up, “We’ll find the
ring. I’d be glad to deliver it to him
personally.”
“I was hoping to hear that. I think Guido would like to go too. I’ll have Chu.....Renaldo arrange it.” Mike stated. “Now while the rest of you look for the ring, and I’d start in Chuck’s
room, I’d like to see Mamma Rosa,
Teresa, and you, Giorgio for a minute in my office.”
“What do we do with Chuck’s things?”
Isabella questioned.
“I’m having them boxed up and sent
to him. Someone will do it later
tonight.” he finished, then turned and escorted the ladies, Giorgio trailing
behind, into his office and firmly shut the door.
Over the talking, embracing, crying,
gesturing, and shouting, came the sound of a knock at Mikes door. “Who the hell,” he muttered. “No one disturbs me in here. It’s the only spoken rule we have.”
“Well answer it this time, Michael,”
Teresa said. “See who it is and send
them away.”
Muttering under his breath, he
opened the door to see Giorgio’s son, David, standing outside holding out one
of the prized LaFiamma family rings.
“It’s Joseph’s Uncle Mike. It’s
got the J. A. L. engraved inside. See.” He said, offering the ring to his
uncle. “We found it in Chuck’s closet
along with a lot of other stuff. Ya really
might want to take a look at some of it later. Looks like photos, videos,
names, etc... Sorry to disturb you.”
“That’s okay this one time,
David,” Mike said, making it perfectly clear that this was an exception that
would only be tolerated this time only. “ I’ll see everyone for a late drink
and a dip in the pool.”
“Sure thing Uncle Mike. I’ll tell everyone who’s staying that the
LaFiamma family party is here tonight.”
David said, grinning, now that he knew he wasn’t to be killed. He had been elected by the short straw
process to be the one to knock on Mike’s door, and he was still shaking as the
adrenalin left him.
“We’d better get ready, if there’s a
party here tonight, Mike,” Giorgio said as he rose to leave. “Set things up. I’ll go see Joey and take him the ring.”
“I’ll do that. Now lets get back to
the family,” Mike said, as Giorgio exited.
“Just a second Michael,” Mamma Rosa
stalled him, by laying a frail hand on his shoulder.
“Yes, Mother?” he questioned softly,
closing the door on the two of them one more time.
“Are you sure about this, Michael
Emmanuel LaFiamma?”
His bowed head was enough to assure
her that her grandson had indeed been abused, and that Mike was blaming
himself.
“Michael,” she said standing and
placing her arms around her son. “He’s
my Antonio’s only son. My only
remaining child from his genes. We’ll
see to it that he gets through this. The prayers have already started. I want Joseph home, at least for a visit.”
“I’ll see what can be done,” Mike
stated flatly. Joey was suffering and
needed help, but so was he, and Guido and Teresa, and Giorgio and that
Texan. They all needed healing. Mamma Rosa was right. Tomorrow was Sunday. He would be at church, front and
center. What tore him up the most was
wondering what other secrets Joey may have hidden from him. Rico was next on his hit list.
Back to fic page – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5 – Part 6 – Part 7 – Part 8