Bound By Blood: The Rise of a Mafia Prince

by Tony Farraj

  “Anthony, I would like you to meet an old friend of mine from New York. Sal, this is Anthony Sakakini.”

  Sal stood up and turned toward Anthony’s direction. “Hey, how you doin?” Sal’s voice was deep and rough. He had a heavy New York accent. He had jet-black hair, which was slicked back and receding. Sal was a short man, with a protruding nose and a double chin. Around his thick neck hung a large gold rope chain, with a diamond stud crucifix. Sal shook hands with Anthony. His fine Rolex timepiece fit snug against his wrist. His hands where rough and callus, that of a shipping yard worker. Anthony noticed Sal’s grip, which was strong and powerful. With one hard squeeze, Sal could have broken every bone in Anthony’s hand.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Gaganti.”

  “Please, all my friends call me Sal.”

  “Well then, it’s an honor to meet you Sal.” Anthony could hear his voice break. Sal made him extremely nervous. Maybe it was because what Frankie said to him, but Anthony didn’t move a muscle, until Sal sat back down.

  “Anthony have a seat. Sal and I where just discussing the situation of the past week.”

  “Carlo tells me you and Victor where close. He says Victor respected and admired your loyalty to this family. He also tells me that you got a good head on your shoulders, that’s good. In this business, you better have a good head on your shoulders or you might just find it laying right next to you!” Sal let out a laugh that could be heard throughout the whole café.

  “It’s an honor to work for Mr. Sabbetini and Mr. Mazellie. They’re two great men.” Anthony replied.

  “Anthony, why don’t you hang around for a while, we’re waiting for the others to arrive.” Carlo smiled and gave Anthony a wink.

  The sound of a busy kitchen filled the air in the rear of the café. The bus boys filled and emptied the industrial size dishwasher in perfect harmony. Andrew wasn’t only a great chef; he had his crew running like a fine oiled machine. His food never sat around, it was brought to the table piping hot. Anthony stood and watched, as the waiters buzzed around the restaurant like worker bees. Each waiter had a duty to perform. Anthony noticed that no glass was ever empty at any of the tables. He also notice a familiar face, Michael was pushing his way passed the people at the door and heading to Carlo’s office. Sonny and Chris where right behind him. Moments later, there was a small knock on the door.

  “Come in fellas.” Carlo said with a pleasant gesture.

  Michael stepped in first. The look of pain still attached on his face from the last time he was in Carlo’s presence. Next came Sonny, and then followed by Chris. Carlo stood up and greeted each one, while Sal retreated behind Carlo’s desk.

  “How you doin?” Sonny asked.

  “Can’t complain.” Anthony said softly.

  Everyone found a seat, while Sonny walked to the two-way mirror and stared out at the people enjoying their dinner.

  “Has anyone seen Frankie?” Carlo asked as he stuck his head out of his office door Sonny pointed toward the bar. “He’s having a drink downstairs.”

  “Chris, run down and ask Frankie to join us.” Carlo said. “Sal, you remember Michael and Sonny?”

  “I’m sorry to hear about your father…” Sal reached into his jacket pocket and handed Michael a yellow envelope. “The families back home send their condolence. He was a good man. He’ll be missed.”

  Moments later, Frankie and Chris where seated in their chairs and everyone waited for Carlo to start the meeting.

  “Now that everyone is here, we can start. For those of you who don’t know, the gentleman sitting behind my desk is Sal Giganti, the under boss of our family back in New York. He was sent down to handle our affairs. Now that Victor is no longer with us, Sal will be running the family, Sal.” Carlo sat down and yielded the floor.

  “First, let me say it’s an honor for me to be down here. I haven’t been down here in years. You guys have a good boss in Carlo. I’m not the kind of guy that likes to beat around the bush. I’ll tell it like it is. You don’t like my ways, tough shit. Some of you are going to feel betrayed, get over it. You treat me with respect, and we’ll get along fine…” Sal’s demeanor was changing with each sentence. “You fuck with me and I will bury you alive! Believe me, when I tell you, alive. I hope we all understand each other.”

  Everyone nodded in unison.

  “Michael, you will be my conceiligre, we are going to expand our operation. Frankie, you will be my under boss. There’s a small timer on the north side, I want to know what he’s doing. Whatever it is, I want a piece of his action. He can give us a slice of his pie or we’ll just take it from him. I also hear, that we’re having a little trouble with Hong, Sonny that’s your problem. Either he sees things our way or we’ll have him eliminated. You will also be responsible for reopening the social club. Chris and Anthony will work under you.”

  Anthony looked over to see Michael smiling from ear to ear. He knew that his life was in danger, now that Michael could have him killed. Anthony stood up. He could see the horror in Frankie and Mr. Sabbetini’s face. “Mr. Giganti, I don’t mean any disrespect, but the situation with Hong, well Mr. Mazellie wanted me to handle that.”

  “You got something to say?”

  Anthony could hear the anger in Sal’s voice. He felt weak in the knees. The room got deafly quiet. He could feel the blood rush out of his head and straight into his heart.

  “Anthony, what the fuck do you think you’re doing? I told you, don’t fuck with this guy.” Frankie tried to pull Anthony back into his seat, but he knew it was to late. “Your own arrogance is going to get you killed.”

  Anthony knew he had made a grave error in judgment. He had stood up to an under boss and now all he could do was apologize. “Mr. Giganti, I can’t tell you how sorry I am for ever questioning your authority. I truly beg for your forgiveness.”

  “Hey, I’m a reasonable guy, I understand you don’t like the situation your in, but so help me god, if you ever talk down to me again, I won’t hesitate, I’ll put a bullet in the middle of your fucken skull. Now I’m willing to give you another chance, just because Carlo tells me you’re a good worker and you where close to Victor. But, don’t ever pull that shit with me ever again.” Sal sat back down and turned his back toward Anthony.

  “Well, I guess that’s everything, you guys can go.” Carlo grabbed Anthony by the arm as he made his way out the office. “Hang on a second, I want to have a word with you.” Carlo’s grip was firm, as he held on to Anthony’s bicep. “Sal, why don’t you go down to the private dinning area and have something good to eat. I’ll have Andrew fix you something good, Andrew.” Carlo called out, still gripping Anthony by the arm.

  “I’m sorry…” Anthony began, but Carlo put his hand up and motioned him to be silent. He watched as Carlo turn toward the two-way mirror and stare at the patrons in the café.

  The minute Sal was out of the room, Carlo began. “I know you feel like I let you down.”

  “No sir, I’m the one that fucked up. I should have kept my mouth shut. I didn’t mean anything by it, I’m so sorry.”

  “Please Anthony, let me finish. You’re an important part of this organization. Victor trusted you, so I trusted you as well. You’re one of the smarts guy I have ever met.” Carlo said sincerely.

  “Thank you, Mr. Sabbetini.”

  “But, what you just did, that wasn’t very smart. In fact, it was fucken dumb! And do you know why it was dumb? ‘Cause it’s a reflection on me and I don’t like to look bad!” Carlo began to change, just like he did with Michael.

  “I’m sorry, I know I made a mistake. But, you got to believe me when I tell you, I didn’t mean any disrespect. I don’t know what made me stand up and confront Mr. Giganti.” Anthony respected Carlo, but he wasn’t going to be tossed around the office like a rag doll. “The thing is, I saw Michael smiling and right then I knew I was a dead man. You gotta trust me when I say Michael will kill me, when he gets a chance.” Anthony was hoping Carlo would se
e his point of view.

  Carlo turned and faced Anthony. “The point is, you made me look like I can’t handle my own people and for that, I have no choice but to send you packing.”

  ”What? Whatta mean? I’ve worked by your side for months and now you just want to let me go?” Anthony couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

  “Your disrespect could have gotten us killed! Who the fuck do you think you where talking to, one of the guys? Anthony, I’ve seen this guy kill people for less than what you just pulled! You just better hope he forgives you! I’m sorry; you just don’t know how mad this guy can get. You’ll work tonight and then I never want to see your face around here again.” Carlo finished his speech and turned away from Anthony.

  Anthony stood up and walked to the office door. He should have walked out and not looked back, but his short fuse made it hard to leave without saying a word. “So, that’s it? Get the fuck out of my office, that’s all you have to say to me? Mr. Sabbetini, you and I have been through a lot together and now you want to through me out like a cheap five-dollar whore? I don’t get it, whatta you, afraid of this guy?” Anthony stood erect, waiting for Carlo to look him in the face and answer his question.

  Carlo sunk into his chair. “Yeah, I am afraid of him and you should be, too. You don’t know this guy, Anthony. He can be ruthless.”

  “Fuck him! You want me gone, fine! I just have a couple of things to say; I cared for you like an uncle, I respected you like an equal, and I would have given my life to you and the saddest thing about this whole situation is, if Mr. Mazellie was here, I don’t think you would be acting in this manner.”

  Carlo didn’t dare to look into Anthony’s eyes, because he knew Anthony was right, but on the other hand. Keeping Anthony around meant that he approved of his outburst and that was dangerous to his life. “I’m doing what’s best for the family. To him, you’re nothing but a piece of gum stuck to the bottom of his four hundred dollar shoes.”

  “Carlo…” That was the first time Anthony used Mr. Sabbetini’s first name. “I don’t know how many times I could say I’m sorry. The sad thing about this whole mess is, you stabbed me in the back. Sal, he doesn’t scare me. One day he’s going to fuck with someone bigger and tougher than he and I hope I’m there to see the fear in his eyes.” And with those words, Anthony walked out of Carlo’s office and passed the front door. He spoke to no one as he exited.

  That night, he never showed up for the weekly poker game. He knew that was pouring gasoline on an open fire, but he didn’t care. He sat outside his apartment and thought about Mr. Mazellie. Anthony could feel the tears gathering in the corner of his eyes. He bowed his head and began to weep.

  “Anthony, why you cry?” His mom asked. She thought she heard someone outside her front door.

  “I’m fine, get some sleep.” Anthony walked into the apartment with his mom and headed to his room. He fell on the bed and stared at the neon lights from the convenient store dance across his textured ceiling. As he laid there lost in his own thoughts, he heard what sounded like a cat scratching on the window screen. Anthony pulled up the shade to scare it away, but wasn’t prepared to see Helen kneeling there, motioning him to step outside. Anthony lay there stunned. Helen tapped on the window once more. This time Anthony quickly jumped out of bed and stepped out. “What are you doing here? A good looking girl like you shouldn’t be walking around in this neighborhood alone.” Anthony couldn’t help notice how gorgeous she looked bathed in the moonlight.

  “Don’t worry about me. So, you think I’m pretty?” Helen asked in a playful tone.

  Anthony could feel his face flush. He swallowed hard; the sound seemed to echo through out his whole body. He leaned over the railing, trying to disguise his embarrassment. “I… I mean you really shouldn’t be out here this late. I’d hate to see something happen to you.” He could hear his own voice quiver. He was intoxicated by her bravery.

  “I’m a big girl, plus I have you to protect me.” Helen gave Anthony a flirtatious nudge.

  He felt her skin rub up against his. “You shouldn’t be here; especially after what happened tonight.”

  “What happened?”

  “It’s a long story, I don’t really want to talk about it.” Anthony said softly. “Besides, I thought you left for New York.”

  “I was going too, but I felt guilty leaving my mom by herself to deal with the death of my father.” Helen sat down and hung her feet over the railing. She patted the space next to her. “Why don’t you sit down?”

  Anthony sat down next to her and stared out into the darkness. He couldn’t believe Helen was sitting next to him. “How’d you know where I lived?”

  “I asked Frankie. So, you really liked my dad.”

  “Your father was a great guy. I really respected him with all my heart.” Anthony said as he placed his hand over his chest.

  “I know you did.” Helen said as she gazed into Anthony’s hazel eyes. She had met a lot of her dad’s associates, but Anthony somehow felt different.

  “How’d you know?” Anthony asked puzzled.

  “My father wrote to me and told me about you. He told me how he really trusted you and admired the way you handled yourself, especially after Michael tried to frame you for the hold up. He thought that one day you would be the perfect guy to run the family. That’s why I wanted to come here tonight and meet you. I wanted to see for myself, to make up my own mind.”

  “So, was your father right? Am I all that he said?” Anthony could barely control his urge, he wanted to grab Helen and pull her close and kiss her perfect ruby red lips.

  “I’m not sure. I’ll have to see you a couple of more times to make a better judgment.”

  Anthony was taken back by Helen’s forwardness. He had never met a girl like her. It seemed like she spoke straight from the heart. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Your brother and I don’t get along. I can’t imagine what Michael would do if he saw us together.”

  “You’re worried about my brother? I can handle Michael, all I have to say is four little words and he’ll turn to Jell-O. I really want to get to know you. What’s the harm in that?” Helen asked.

  “The harm is, Michael. If he saw us together, he’d go through the roof and I’m not going to subject you to his bullshit.”

  “Stop worrying.” Helen said, as she tried to hold back her laughter.

  “Your brother can be a real bastard.” Anthony continued.

  “You don’t have to tell me, I lived with the guy. He’s the reason I left home. If I brought anyone over, Michael would run them off with his content questions. I was so sick of his crap.” Helen said.

  Anthony got up and stuck his head inside the apartment to check and see if his mom was still sleeping. He turned back to Helen and offered her something to drink. Helen politely nodded and Anthony tip toed back inside and brought out an old bottle of wine and two glasses.

  “Are you trying to get me drunk?” Helen asked playfully.

  Anthony didn’t say a word. He popped the cork and poured the wine. That night, they sat out on the balcony and talked for hours. She found out about his dreams, he found out about her hopes. She stared into his hazel eyes and he loved the way her perfume smelled in the evening breeze. As the night turned into day, Helen stood up and gave Anthony a passionate kiss. She through her arms around him and pulled him tight against her firm body. Anthony could feel her firm breast against his chest.

  “I really enjoyed our evening together. I hope we can do this again.” Anthony asked, still clutched in Helen’s embrace.

  “It’s all up to you, Anthony…” Helen answered, as she ran her fingers through thick black hair. “It’s all up to you.”

  Anthony watched as she got into her car and vanished out of sight. He picked up the empty bottle and started inside, when the door swung open.

  “Anthony, you go back out?” Mrs. Sakakini asked. “Why you have a bottle of wine? Who was here?”

  Anthony turned back and
stared down the quiet street. Helen’s car was nowhere in sight. He turned back to his mother and smiled. “An angel, I was with an angel.” He kissed his mom on the forehead and went inside. Mrs. Sakakini looked around, and then followed her son into the apartment.

  “Let me ask you something, how would you like to have a place of your own? A place we can really call home. Some place with a yard, so you can start your own garden, grow your own tomatoes. Whatta say?”

  “Anthony, you’re a good boy, but it take lot of money to buy a home. We don’t have that kind of money. We only have a dream.” A sad expression settled on Mrs. Sakakini’s weathered beaten face.

  “Ma, don’t worry about the money, we have the money. I’ve been saving money for a while now, and now that I started working for Mr. Sabbetini, I have a lot more.”

  “How much you save, Anthony?” His mom asked with a smile.

  Anthony took his mom by the hand and led her to his room. In the back of his closet, there was an old metal box. Anthony opened the box and poured the contents out onto the bed.

  “How much you have?” Mr. Sakakini asked, with eyes wide open.

  “Twenty thousand.” Anthony said with a smile.

  “That’s not enough, Anthony.”

  “It’s a start. Soon, I’ll be making so much money, you won’t be able to spend it all.” Anthony stuffed the money back into the metal box and locked it, then returned the box back into the closet. “You start packing, I have to take care of some trouble I had last night.”

  “Are you sure you want to do this? You could always spend it on that angel you saw last night.” Mrs. Sakakini asked with a smile.

  “You’re my only angel.” And with that, Anthony gave his mom a kiss and headed out the door, to confront Sal Giganti.

  The cool morning breeze felt refreshing against Anthony’s olive color skin. His thought raced back and forth between Helen and what he was going to say to Sal; he hoped it wasn’t to late to make a sincere apology. He stepped out of line and in his world that could mean instant death. Men like Sal where from the old world; they killed in a drop of a hat. Anthony hoped Mr. Giganti would give him a chance to redeem himself. He also hoped he could live that night he had with Helen again and again.