Bound By Blood: The Rise of a Mafia Prince

by Tony Farraj

  “You did the right thing.” Mr. Mazellie finally calmed down. “If you’re going over there, I want you to take Frankie.”

  “Sir, they asked me not to mention this to anyone.” Anthony said, somewhat nervously. He had felt Mr. Mazellie’s wrath before and he sure didn’t want to feel it again.

  Before Mr. Mazellie had a chance to respond, Frankie walked over to the booth and glared at Anthony. “Lee’s people are here asking for Anthony.”

  “Ask them to come in, tell them it’s about the meeting.” Mr. Mazellie’s voice sounded tight.

  Anthony noticed Mr. Mazellie’s forehead, it was beginning to perspire profusely.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just hot in here, that’s all.” But he wasn’t hot, he felt like his tie was choking him. His chest became tight; his breathing was short and quick. The pain in his chest moved across the right half of his body like a steam- roller. Suddenly, Mr. Mazellie fell face forward onto the table.

  “Mr. Mazellie!” Anthony screamed in horror! “Frankie, oh my god! Frankie, call an ambulance, Mr. Mazellie is having a heart attack!” Anthony pulled Mr. Mazellie to the floor and began to undo his tie. He could see the agony on Mr. Mazellie’s face. “Where is that fucking ambulance?” Anthony began to pound on Victor’s chest.

  “They’re on the way!” Frankie screamed.

  Everyone gathered around Anthony and Mr. Mazellie. What seemed like an hour was only a short time before the howling of the siren made it’s way to the front of the club.

  “Sir, you need to step back now, and let us do our job.” The E.M.T. said, as they tried to move Anthony out of the way and rushed to Victor’s side. The E.M.T. began to work on Mr. Mazellie’s lifeless body. They exposed his chest and began to place several white circular patches against Victor’s skin. The E.M.T. connected the wires to a red monitor and quickly flipped the switch. The monitor flickered on and a white line appeared. The line was flat. Anthony stood helpless, as they pumped and pushed. He stood motionless, as they tried everything and anything to pump life back into Mr. Mazellie’s lifeless body. Suddenly, as if a miracle had transpired, there was a flutter of hope. They loaded Mr. Mazellie onto a gurney and into the waiting ambulance. Anthony stared at the faces around the room; he could see a blanket of mourning settle across the crowd. Then suddenly, without warning, Anthony felt a sharp jab strike him across the left side of his face. The pain rippled throughout his whole body. He fell backward onto the floor.

  “You motherfucker! You had something to do with this, didn’t you?” Michael stood over Anthony screaming. “I swear to god, I’m going to kill you!” He gave Anthony a kick in the mid-section with such force; you could hear the air exit Anthony’s body.

  Frankie pulled Michael off of Anthony and pushed him towards the waiting ambulance. Michael jumped in and rode with his father to the hospital. Frankie helped Anthony to his feet. As they made their way to the front of the club, everyone parted. They all piled into Frankie’s car and rushed to the hospital. The ride was quick. Frankie made no attempt to stop for any red lights.

  The minute they arrived, Michael pulled Sonny aside. Anthony saw his best friend turn white as a sheet and his legs buckle. Sonny turned and stared at Anthony. That one look brought a cold chill up Anthony’s back. He knew Mr. Mazellie had died. Whatever friendship he had with Michael’s little brother, was now dissolved. Both brothers blamed Anthony for their father’s death.

  A drizzle began to fall on the line of cars that formed behind the hearse. Anthony stood by the hearse, as Mr. Mazellie’s coffin was placed inside. The coffin was an off white, with silver polished handles. Anthony could see his reflection. His blood shot eyes stared back at him. He had only known Victor Mazellie a short time, but he felt a strong connection. Anthony enjoyed his company and they way he seemed to make him smile, when things didn’t go like they should. He liked the fact that he showed him respect and was there to kick him in the ass when things had to be done. To Anthony, Victor Mazellie was more than a boss; he was a mentor.

  “Why don’t you ride with me, Anthony?” Mr. Sabbetini said somberly.

  Anthony stared at the gray sky. “Why did you have to take him? Why can’t you give us some kind of warning? Who else are you going to take?” Anthony screamed at the top of his voice.

  Suddenly, the light shower turned into a hard rain. The sky thundered in anger and the lightening flashed across Anthony’s eyes. The rain hit Anthony’s face with such force, he had to shield his eyes from the downpour. He stepped into the car and followed the hearse to the cemetery. At the cemetery, Mr. Mazellie’s family gathered under a burgundy tarp. Sonny sat on one side of his mother, while Michael sat on the other. Even under the veil Mrs. Mazellie was wearing, you could see the pain in her face. The black-framed glasses couldn’t hide her sorrow.

  Anthony stood at a distance. He didn’t want to cause a scene. He knew what it felt like not to have a dad. He knew the pain Sonny must have been feeling. Late at night, he felt that pain when he was alone. Anthony stood out of the family’s view, but there was something that caught his eye, a beautiful young lady sitting next to Michael. She was dressed in a black sleeveless outfit. Her long black hair blew in the breeze. Anthony stepped in for a closer look. He watched as she helped Mrs. Mazellie into the limousine. He wanted to introduce himself, but by the time he built up enough courage, the limousine pulled away.

  “Some of the guys are going to the café for dinner, you want to come?” Mr. Sabbetini asked.

  “Do you know who that girl was, sitting next to Michael?” Anthony felt funny asking. He was there to grief for a lost friend, not to pick up a girl. “The one that helped Marie into the limousine?”

  “You don’t know who she is?” Mr. Sabbetini asked.

  “No, I don’t know who she is.” Anthony said dumbfounded.

  “That’s Michael’s sister, Helen.” Carlo answered.

  Anthony didn’t know Sonny and Michael had a sister. They never mentioned her before. As they made their way back to Carlo’s car, Anthony paused. “Do you mind if I have a moment alone? I never really had a chance to say good-bye.”

  “Take your time, Anthony. I’ll wait for you in the car.”

  Anthony walked back up the hill and sat in front of the coffin. The polished handles, where now dull and flat. It was hard to imagine that Mr. Mazellie was lying under all those flowers. Anthony leaned down and picked up a rose that had fallen to the ground and placed it on top of the coffin. He knelt next to the coffin and listened. The cemetery was quiet and still. Anthony took a deep breath inward. The smell of flowers was overwhelming. The smell of roses and tulips made his nose itch. He leaned closer and pressed his lips against the cold, wet, metal coffin and gentle gave it a kiss. “I will never forget what you taught me, may you rest in peace…”

  CHAPTER 4

  AN ANGEL AMONG MOURNERS

  The bright sun warmed Anthony’s face as he made his way to the social club. It had been less than a day since Mr. Mazellie’s burial, but things seemed to be a whole lot different. He didn’t even want to go to the club, but out of respect to Sonny, he made his way there. When Anthony rounded the corner, he saw Chris and Sonny standing outside. They both had a strange look on their face. Anthony noticed a sign hanging on the door. The sign read: No one is welcome here again. “What’s this all about?”

  “It’s Michael, he’s not doing well. He’s been in there since we came back from the cemetery.” Sonny said, as he tried to pull open the doors for the third time.

  “How about you, how you doing?” Anthony couldn’t careless about Michael, but he hoped he could still be a good friend with Sonny. “I’m really sorry about your father. I just want you to know, I’m here if you need me.”

  “Anthony, I know Michael thinks you had something to do with his death, but I want you to know, I don’t. My mom kept telling him for years stop eating all that greasy sausage, but pop never listened.” Sonny wanted to clear the air b
etween him and Anthony.” I just can’t believe he’s gone. I just wish I had a chance to say good bye.” Sonny quickly turned his head to wipe away a tear, when the door of the club swung open, nearly knocking Anthony and Sonny to the ground.

  Michael was standing there holding an envelope. He forcefully presses the envelope against Anthony’s chest. “I found this in my dad’s safe. It’s addressed to you.” Michael said. “Don’t worry, I didn’t read it.” The hatred Michael felt for Anthony was stronger than ever. He wished it were Anthony lying six feet under.

  “Whatta you mean, it’s addressed to me?” Anthony asked. He could feel all of Michael’s strength pushing hard against his chest.

  “Are you deaf? It’s got your name on it.” Michael snapped back.

  “Michael, what’s your problem?” Anthony asked solemnly. He wasn’t looking for a fight.

  “You, you’re my problem. My dad died yesterday, so now you have nobody to watch your back.”

  Anthony could feel his reputation being challenged in front of his friends and that wasn’t going to happen. He kicked Michael’s ass before and he’d do it again, without hesitation. Besides, he was there just to support Sonny. “Watch what you say, it could get you into a lot of trouble, understand?”

  “I’m so sick of you two going at it all the time! Don’t you two have any respect?” Chris suddenly yelled. “You want to rip each others head off, fine, but do it somewhere else!” Chris was the kind of guy that never said much when he was in a group, so Anthony, Sonny and Michael where shocked when he raised his voice. It caught all three guys off guard. Michael slowly closed the door of the club and walked back in side.

  “I’m sorry.” Anthony said guilty.

  Chris said nothing and turned away.

  “Don’t worry about Michael. He was born an asshole and he’ll die an asshole. Anyway, are you going to open that letter?” Sonny asked.

  The small beads of sweat that formed on the end of Anthony’s nose trickled onto his lips. He wasn’t sure if it was from the heat or the heated argument he just had with Michael. Either way, it left a bitter taste in his mouth. As far as the envelope, Anthony contemplated whether to open it in front of Sonny and Chris. He slowly began to tear the seal. His heart pounded with such force, he could see his shirt moving. When he had the envelope nearly opened, the door of the club swung open again.

  “Mom wants you to find Frankie so he can take Helen to the airport. She needs to catch her flight back to New York.” Michael glanced at Anthony and went back into the club.

  “He’s probably at Carlo’s café.” Chris said. They both began walking towards the café, while Anthony stood there for a split second.

  “Wait up fellas, I’m coming with you.” He stuffed the letter in his back pocket. “Besides, there’s nothing for me to do here.” Anthony really didn’t want to read the letter in front of the guys, but he did want to get a better look at Helen. As he ran after Sonny and Chris, the letter fell out of his pocket and landed by the front door.

  At that every moment, Michael stepped out to see if his little brother had left. He glanced down and spotted the letter he had handed Anthony just minutes ago. He picked up the letter, torn open the envelope and read the contents.

  Meanwhile, Sonny Chris and Anthony stood in front of Carlo’s café. All the windows where covered with a black sheet. Inside, the tables where also covered in black velvet. Each table had a single red rose. Even the two-way mirror was coved up.

  “Is Carlo here?” Sonny asked Andrew.

  “In his office. I’m really sorry about your father. He will truly be missed.”

  “Thank you.” Sonny turned and headed toward Mr. Sabbetini’s office, with Anthony and Chris close behind. “Look fellas, I think it would be best if I talk to Carlo alone. You guys hang out here, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “Yeah, sure, whatever you think is best.” Anthony and Chris replied.

  Sonny continued toward Carlo’s office. He gentle knocked on the door and waited for a response.

  “Who is it?” Carlo asked from the other side.

  “It’s me, Sonny. May I come in?”

  “Please.” Carlo answered.

  Sonny walked in and found Carlo sitting behind his desk. His eyes looked puffy and red. The wastebasket was filled with tissues. The ashtray on his desk was overflowing with half smoked cigars.

  “How are you holding up, son?” Carlo asked with great remorse. He got up and hugged his godson.

  “Better than Michael or my mom.” Sonny replied.

  “I’ve been sitting here thinking about all the good time your father and I had together. Did you know when we first met; we couldn’t stand the site of each other. I bet you didn’t know I save your dads ass from going to jail.” Mr. Sabbetini’s eyes began to tear up. “He was there for me when I lost my wife to that drunk driver. It’s funny, nobody ever saw that guy again, after your dad had a talk with him.”

  Rumor had it, that Victor had the guy stuffed in an oil barrel and thrown in the Hudson River. “Sonny, I hope you’re lucky enough to find someone who would cut off his own arm to help you. Your dad would’ve for me.” Carlo removed his glasses and wiped his blood shot eyes.

  Sonny sat quietly and waited for Carlo to finish speaking. “Don Carlo, my father loved you like a brother. He will always be with us, here…” Sonny pointed to his chest. “That’s something no one will ever take away. It’s better that he died of natural causes, than killed like a dog. ” He got up and gave his godfather a hug and made his way back to the bar. “I almost forgot, is Frankie here?”

  “He was, but your brother called him to the club. He said he had something important to talk to him about.” Mr. Sabbetini sat back down and stared at the picture on his desk of him and Victor, when they where young. Again, the tears of pain began to fill his already blood shot eyes.

  “How’s he doing?” Anthony asked when Sonny returned.

  “Not so good.” Sonny said with a heavy heart.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Anthony noticed someone sitting at the far end of the café. It happened to be the two detectives that worked for Hong. “What the fuck is you doing here?”

  “It’s a free country.” Detective William said.

  “Anthony, you need to calm down, they’re not hurting anyone, let it go.” Chris said. He could feel Anthony’s strength as he tried to hold him back

  “Fuck’em! They shouldn’t be here! They have no respect Chris, you motherfuckers have no respect!” Anthony shouted across the café.

  Sonny, on the other hand made his way toward the two detectives. They stood up and met him half way. He spoke to them softly, and then motioned for Chris and Anthony. By the time they got to his side, the two detectives turned and walked out the café.

  “What ja say to’um?” Anthony asked, as he regained his composure.

  “I asked them to take the business else where.”

  “That’s it?” Anthony asked again.

  “Yeah.” Sonny walked out of the café, with Chris and Anthony trailing close behind.

  Meanwhile, back at the club, Michael was sitting in his father’s booth arguing with Frankie.

  “I understand you’re having a hard time with the death of your father. But, I don’t think he died and left you in charge, did he?” Frankie was trying to keep his emotions in check. He had worked for Victor for fifteen years. Frankie started off as an enforcer for Jimmy "two fingers" Delicocca back in New York. When Jimmy passed away, he handed the family to Victor and Frankie was given a choice to either stay with the family or a one-time free pass. Frankie stayed. He was promoted from a soldier to a captain and was allowed to share in the profits. Now that Victor was died, he knew the family needed a new leader and he was hoping his time had come.

  In Frankie’s eyes; Carlo would move up to boss and he would move up to underboss, with his own crew.

  “Frankie, if you’re not with me and this family, then you stand against me, which is it?” Michae
l leaned back in his father’s booth and waited for Frankie to respond.

  Frankie didn’t appreciate the way Michael was speaking to him. “I have been loyal to this family before you where even born. Tell me what you want, but don’t ever question my loyalty!”

  “For now, I want you to take my sister to the airport. Then, you and I will sit down and talk.”

  “Whatever, Michael.” Frankie got up and walked to the front of the club. At the same time Anthony, Sonny, and Chris where walking in. Frankie pushed by them mumbling under his breath.

  “I wonder what’s eating him?” Sonny asked puzzled.

  “Michael.” Anthony said without hesitation. “I’ll go and talk to him.” Anthony walked outside and found Frankie leaning against his car, violently puffing on a cigarette. “Let me guess, Michael?”

  “I have been apart of this crew from the beginning. I’ve seen the good times and the bad. I was there when Michael was born. And now someone is going to start questioning my loyalty?” With every word, Frankie’s sadness turned into anger. “Not once, while Mr. Mazellie was alive did anyone question my loyalty.” Frankie took a deep drag from his cigarette and exhaled forcefully. “I understand he’s having a hard time with his father’s death. We all are, but for him to ask me about where my loyalty stands; what kind of bullshit is that?” Frankie took another puff from his cigarette and tossed it on the ground and stomped on it relentlessly. “If anyone had asked the same question, so help me god, Anthony. I would’ve put a bullet in their skull.”

  “Frankie, you know Michael is an asshole. Whatever he has to say doesn’t mean shit.” As Anthony was talking to Frankie, his attention was drawn to a beautiful girl coming their way. Her long black hair, waved back and forth. It was the angel he saw at the cemetery.

  Helen seemed to float down the street, rather than walk. Her perfectly shaped lips shined in the afternoon sun. Her beauty mesmerized Anthony. She had piercing hazel eyes, which seemed to look into his soul. She wore a pink sleeveless dress, which should off her firm, shapely breasts. Her matching high heels accentuated her well-developed legs. To Anthony, she was an angel; to Sonny it was just his sister.