by Tony Farraj
At that very moment, a black sedan pulled up next to them and came to a screeching halt. Frankie jumped out with a bat clutched in his hand. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear. If you had anything to say to the kid, you come and talk to me first. I’d be happy to answer all your stupid ass questions, but leave the kid alone.”
Detective William glared in Frankie’s direction. He wanted nothing more than to rip that Louisville slugger out of Frankie’s hands and put it where the sun never shines. “Look, if we wanted your input, we’d ask, but for now, shut the fuck up!”
“How would you like if I crack you over the head with this fucken bat?” Frankie raised the bat over his shoulder.
“Go ahead and I’ll put a bullet in your skull!” Detective William stepped back and reached for his gun. His action caught his long time partner off guard. Detective Johnson had grown up with William and knew he had a quick temper. He knew, if this got anymore heated, someone was going to wind up dead and that would mean they would have to answer to their supervisors, which meant lots of paper work and not to mention Lee Hong.
“Frankie, calm down. We’re leaving. Say hi to Victor and Carlo.” Detective Johnson grabbed his partner and backed away slowly.
“What the hell do those two want with me?” Anthony asked, as he wiped the sweat from his face.
“Get in the car and let’s go to the café. Mr. Sabbetini will explain the whole story.” Frankie opened the back door of the sedan and waited for Anthony to climb inside.
When they arrived at the café, Mr. Sabbetini was waiting for them in his office.
“Mr. Hong’s men paid Anthony another visit.” Frankie explained.
“They showed up at my apartment.” Anthony added.
Carlo leaned forward and removed the cigar from his mouth. “Anthony, did you say anything to those two?”
“No.” Anthony said firmly.
“Good. I’m going to tell you about those two pricks, but first you have to promise not to repeat anything I tell you. I trust you with this. If you betray my trust, I will personally hunt you down, chop off your nuts and feed them to you. Understood?”
Anthony could feel his right eye begin to twitch. That happened ever time he got real nervous. “I understand.”
“Good. All this crap started many years ago. When Victor and I decided to open shop down here, Lee was the only major player in the market. There’s a small timer, but he mostly deals with fencing. Anyway, at first things where going fine. Hong stayed out of our way and we basically stayed out of his. But, the more money we made from our ventures, the more our boundaries began to cross. Lee couldn’t stand the fact that Victor was a better businessman than he was, so he called for a meeting. We all sat down and tried to solve our grievances. By the time the meeting was over, things where worst than before. Lee Hong was furious. He was loosing his chokehold on all his ventures. I mean he still controlled China town, but that was all he controlled.”
Carlo stopped to sip his cognac and puffed on his cigar. “Victor started to make connections with elected officials. That was the last straw for Lee. You see, that was his stronghold. He liked to make big donations toward their reelection and they would push city contracts his way and overlook the fact that he runs a prostitution ring out of his Chinatown restaurant.”
Anthony sat and listened, as Mr. Sabbetini continued with the story.
“A couple of months went by and nothing had changed. Lee was still angry with Victor and I, but there wasn’t much he could do. He wasn’t going to start a war over this situation. Then one night, while we where having our weekly poker game, the doors swung open and two detectives come busting in and roughing up the clientele …”
“Let me guess, the two assholes that have been bothering me?” Anthony asked.
“That’s right, but that’s not the whole story.” Mr. Sabbetini continued. “Those guys had no way of knowing about the poker game. You saw the guys that come in here, they’re important people in our community, they don’t want their name or face plastered in the local paper.”
“So, how did they find out?” Anthony asked curiously.
“That’s where you come in kid. The guy that did the job before you, we thought we could trust him, but he ended up betraying our trust. He was the one who tipped off Lee, who tipped off the two detectives.” Mr. Sabbetini took a drag from his cigar.
“What ever happened to that guy, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Anthony, there’s two important rules one must follow in our thing. One, never rat out your friends…”
“And rule two?” Anthony asked hesitantly .
“Never steal from them. He did both. We cut out his tongue and chopped off his hands and had them shipped to Hong.” Mr. Sabbetini said calmly. He could see Anthony swallow hard. “Relax, you have nothing to worry about, as long as you follow those two rules, you’ll be fine.”
“Mr. Sabbetini, I hope you and Mr. Mazellie know, I would never betray you.”
Carlo finished telling Anthony the story, then got on the phone and explained the situation to Victor. “We have a small problem. Two squirrels are harassing our acorn. I can have Frankie take care of our rodent problem.”
“No, I have a couple of exterminators that owe me a favor, I have them take care of the situation.” Mr. Mazellie said.
“Can they be trusted with such a delicate matter? We’re talking about two det… I mean, squirrels.”
Victor couldn’t believe what he was hearing, Carlo knew better than to discuss business over an open line. “What the fuck is some matter with you?”
“I’m really sorry.” Carlo said as he sank back in his chair.
“Let me speak to Anthony.” Victor said annoyed.
Carlo handed the phone to Anthony.
“How you doing kid?” Mr. Mazellie’s voice had a pleasant tone.
“I’m alright, just been busy here.” Anthony paused. He knew he was supposed to go to the club in the morning and work the café at night.
“Anthony, don’t lie to me. I know damn well that you and Michael can’t stand the sight of each other.”
“I can’t hide anything from you.”
“Carlo tells me you’re having a little trouble? Fuggetaboutit, things have a way of working themselves out.” Mr. Mazellie said again with a reassuring tone.
“I know, it’s just I never cared for people who thought they where hot shit. Guys like that seem to get under my skin.”
Mr. Mazellie knew Anthony wasn’t talking about the two detectives, as much as he was talking about Michael. They both felt like they where miles away, rather than just down the street.
“I’ll take care of your problem, you have my word.”
“Mr. Mazellie, don’t worry about it. It’s not that big of a problem. I can handle those two squirrels.” Anthony handed the phone back to Mr. Sabbetini.
“Victor, don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of everything. You just have a good trip. I’ll talk to you when you return.” Carlo hung up the phone and finished his fine cigar.
“Mr. Mazellie is leaving? I sure would like to say good bye.”
“Why not, he’d be happy to see you.” Carlo said.
Anthony stepped out into the mild afternoon sun, on his way to the club. He never noticed the dark sedan that had been following him since he left the café. The car kept just out of sight. When he was a block from the club, he finally noticed the car. Anthony thought it was Frankie watching his back. When suddenly, the sedan pulled in front of him and stopped abruptly. Anthony took a step closer to the car window. “Who’s in there? Frankie is that you? Stop playing games.”
The back window rolled down and Anthony was staring down a barrel of a 9mm.
“Holy shit!” Anthony jumped back on to the curb. His heart was pounding like a drum. “What the fuck is going on here? Who are you guys?”
Slowly, the gun was pulled back into the dark sedan. The passenger rolled up the window and the car pulled away. No one
in the car said a word to Anthony. That was the first time he had a gun pointed at his head. He tried to think, who would be stupid enough to pull a gun that close to the club. Michael? He had to tell Mr. Mazellie. After further contemplation, Anthony decided to wait until Mr. Mazellie came back from his trip to tell him what just happened. He swung open the doors and walked inside. He saw Sonny and Chris playing cards and laughing it up.
“Hey, how you doing?” Chris asked.
“How’s it going?” Sonny asked, as he switched cards with Chris, while he wasn’t looking. “Uncle Carlo must be working you like a cheap Mexican.”
“Hey fellas’, how’s it going? Sonny is your dad around?” Anthony greeted both guys, at the same time he didn’t hear a word they said. He just glanced toward the back.
Sonny leaned back in his chair and looked. “He’s in the back talking to Michael.”
Every time Michael’s name came up, Anthony got a bad taste in his mouth. He wasn’t here to make any trouble. He just wanted to say good-bye to Mr. Mazellie.
“Anthony, what a pleasant surprise!” Mr. Mazellie called him over to the booth.
“I just wanted to stop by and say hello, you know before you left.” Anthony said, without looking at Michael.
“So, you said hello, now leave.” Michael mumbled under his breath. The anger he felt for Anthony hadn’t changed.
“I’m sorry Michael, did you say something?” Anthony asked calmly.
“Michael, go and talk to your brother. I need to speak to Anthony, alone.”
Michael stared at his father in disbelief. He was having a pleasant lunch with his father and now he was being asked to leave. He could feel his hands tighten around the napkin. Oh, how he wished it was Anthony’s neck.
“You heard your father, go and play with the other kids.” Anthony said merrily, as he added fuel to the fire.
Michael knew he was being insulted. He stood up and walked away, throwing the twisted up napkin at Anthony’s feet. Anthony picked up the napkin and sled into the booth.
“I’m really sorry. It’s just…” Anthony apologized.
“I can’t believe you two can’t be in the same room together.” Mr. Mazellie said sadly.
Anthony looked down at the half eaten food. “We’re like oil and water, we don’t mix. Anyway, about your trip, are you going back to New York?”
“No, Nevada. Las Vegas, to be more specific, have you ever been?” Mr. Mazellie asked, as his face lit up like a Christmas tree.
“No sir, never have, but you seem happy to go.” Anthony could see the bright glow in Mr.Mazellie’s face.
“It’s so beautiful out there. When I was young and times where different, we use to own that town. Wise guys ran every casino, now it’s all incorporated. You used to see all the greats star in Vegas. The people there are a different breed. When I’m in Vegas, I don’t have a care in the world. For me, it’s like time stands still. I get to see some of the old timers, that still live around there.” Mr. Mazellie said passionately. “One day, I’ll take you and you’ll see for yourself.”
Anthony hated to see Mr. Mazellie go, but he was happy he had a chance to say good-bye. He made his way back up to the front of the club, when he happened to glance out the window. Parked across the street was the sedan that followed him. Anthony pushed passed Michael and stood just inside the club.
“You alright?” Sonny asked, as he stood next to Anthony. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Anthony started to say something to Sonny about the dark sedan, but thought twice. “I think I did see a ghost, but don’t worry, it was only Casper.” He grabbed Sonny in a headlock and messed up his neatly combed hair.
Meanwhile at a restaurant on the other side of town, an elderly Asian man sits behind a long Italian marble table. The whole room is completely spotless. The reflection of Mr. Hong stares up from the marble table. “Are you at the club?”
“Yes. We believe he is inside.” Mr. Hong’s henchman replied.
“Very well, when he come out, escort him here. I am very interested in having a conversation with this gentleman, but do not make a scene, understood?” Mr. Hong said sternly.
“Yes sir.”
The evening blanket began to cover the blue sky. A small party was held in honor of Mr. Mazellie. There was wine and food from Carlo’s café. The atmosphere was cheerful and pleasant, but Anthony was drawn to the sedan that was still parked on the other side of the street. As the night dragged on, it was apparent that the sedan wasn’t going anywhere. Anthony felt a hallow feeling in the pit of his stomach.
“Anthony, are you alright? You’ve been acting weird tonight. Is there something bothering you?” Chris asked.
Anthony knew something wasn’t right. He excused himself from the party and walked out the door, toward the dark sedan.
“Anthony, don’t leave, the night is still young!” Frankie yelled drunk.
“It’s late, I need to go home. I’ll talk to you, tomorrow.” Anthony screamed back.
“Do you want me to take you home?” Frankie asked. He had a glass of red wine in one hand and the other supported his weight against the social club doorway.
“You got to be joking, I’m going to get in the car with you? Frankie, you drive like shit when you’re sober, god knows how you drive when you’re drunk!” Anthony just shook his head and waited for Frankie to return to the festivities. When Frankie walked back into the party, Anthony turned his attention back towards the dark sedan. Just then, the doors opened and two Asian men stepped out. They both glared at Anthony. For a moment, Anthony felt like he was in the old west. The showdown in the middle of the street, while on lookers watched from a safe distance.
“Anthony Sakakini?” One of the men asked.
“Yeah, that’s me.” Anthony responded. His eyes shifted between the two men.
“Mr. Hong would like your company this evening for a short meeting.” One of the Asian men asked.
“What does he want with me? If he wants a meeting, he knows the protocol. Go back and tell Mr. Hong that Mr. Mazellie doesn’t want to sit down with him.” Anthony turned and began to go back to the celebration.
“I don’t think you understand the situation. Mr. Hong wants to meet with you, not Mr. Mazellie.”
”Me?” Anthony asked puzzled. “Why does he want to meet with me?”
“Please, Mr. Hong will explain when you arrive at his establishment.”
“I’m not sure I feel comfortable going with you guys. This could be a hit.” Anthony took one step back from the dark sedan.
“I assure you Mr. Sakakini, if this was a hit, we could have done it earlier.” The Asian men smiled.
“Alright, I’ll meet with Mr. Hong, but not now. You come back around one o’clock and then I’ll go see Hong.” Anthony said.
“Very well Mr. Sakakini. Please don’t mention anything about the meeting, Mr. Hong asked for you and you only. Understand?”
“I can’t say yes and I won’t say no.” Anthony threw up his hands and backed away from the dark sedan slowly. He watched as they drove off into the night. He walked back to the club, when he saw a figure emerge from the dark.
“Why are you speaking to Hong’s men?” Chris asked suspiciously.
Anthony didn’t realize that Chris had followed him outside. He wondered how long he had been there. Did Chris hear the whole conversation or just bits and pieces? “How long have you been out here?”
“Long enough to hear you ask those assholes to come back. What the fuck is going on?” Chris asked with hostility in his voice.
“They wanted to talk. I told them to fuck off.” Anthony felt like he had to defend himself in front of Chris.
“Then why are they coming back at one?”
Suddenly it hit Anthony like a ton of bricks. “You’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking, are you?”
Chris had known Anthony for a short while, but in that time they had become very good friends. He knew Anthony wasn’t a rat;
he just wanted to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.
“Chris, I would never betray Mr. Mazellie or Mr. Sabbetini nor would I betray anyone else in our family. You should know that by now.”
Chris could feel his face flush with embarrassment. “I know you wouldn’t, it’s just I came out here and I saw what I saw…”
“If I came out here and saw the same thing, I would have reacted in the same manner. Fuggettaboutit.” Anthony put his arm around Chris and escorted him back to the party. “Listen, let’s keep this between you and I. We don’t want to upset Mr. Mazellie, whatta say?”
“Sure, Anthony.” Chris answered.
As the party began to thin out, Anthony felt funny not telling Mr. Mazellie about the meeting tonight, he didn’t want to spoil the mood with business. On the other hand, if he went to this meeting without Mr. Mazellie’s permission, he knew what the consequences could be; just the mere thought brought back the stinging feeling in his face. Anthony thought it would be best to discuss the situation. “I need to talk to you, but before I do, you gotta promise not to change your plans.”
“What is it, Anthony?” Mr.Mazellie’s voice was stern. There was one thing that he didn’t like and that was his people telling him what to do.
Anthony took a deep breath. “Earlier this evening I was approached by Mr. Hong’s men about a mee…” He never finished his sentence.
“Hell no! I would never sit down with that yellow-bellied motherfucker! Fuck him! I can’t believe he had the balls to even ask!” Mr. Mazellie was hot; he pounded the table with his massive fist.
“Mr. Mazellie, you didn’t let me finish. He doesn’t want to meet with you, he wants to meet with me for some strange reason.” Anthony tensed up and waited for the second thunder to roll through the club.
Mr. Mazellie grabbed Anthony by the arm and pulled him into his booth. “Let me get this straight. He wants to meet with you at his restaurant?”
“You’re not going to slap the crap out of me, are you?” Anthony covered his face. “I know I should have said something earlier, but I didn’t want to bother you.”