by Wayne Block
Joaquin stood and motioned Steven to follow him into the living room. “Come, let’s go inside.”
Steven took one last look at the beach, lit only by a waxen moon. He could hear the wind moving the palm fronds. The island was beckoning him to stay forever and leave his past behind. But his memories of his wife’s laugh and the sweet bubbling squeals of his daughter forged his resolve into that of iron. The Scorpion would die not for him, but for them. He came into the living room and locked the patio door behind him, as if to ensure that he would not be changing his mind.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
After taking Steven to the airport, Joaquin returned to his apartment, went straight to the bar, poured himself a healthy glass of Cruzan rum, and moved toward the balcony, only to stop dead in his tracks. Seated on the balcony in Joaquin’s favorite chair was a man dressed in white slacks and a matching oxford shirt. His thick blond hair was brushed back off his face. He wore wire-rim eyeglasses and held one of Joaquin’s crystal glasses. He looked up at Joaquin and beckoned him to join him on the balcony.
“Sit down Joaquin and join me for a drink.”
Joaquin slowly walked to a chair and sat down, never taking his eyes off the man.
“Have you been well, old friend?”
“I’m getting old, James, much too old for your drama.”
“Did you enjoy your lengthy lunch with Mr. Capresi?”
Joaquin felt strangely calm in the presence of his old pupil. “I did. We had a pleasant conversation.”
“I certainly remember a day when you could hold your liquor, Joaquin. You both made spectacles of yourselves yesterday. Really Joaquin, you passed out at the table and required a lift home? Where is the nobility in such behavior?”
Joaquin shrugged his shoulders. “Too much rum. It happens to the best of us. Where were you sitting?”
James shook his head and laughed quietly. “It matters not where I was sitting. The only matter of importance is that I overheard your entire conversation with Steven Capresi.”
Joaquin looked doubtfully at him. “Your hearing must be superb, my friend. There was a lot of noise at the pub. Sometimes I could barely hear what Steven was saying and he was across the table from me. I doubt you heard anything at all.”
“Can you really take that chance? You think I am bluffing, but can you really afford to call my bluff and assume you know what I heard or did not hear?”
Joaquin looked away. “I taught you well, James. You were always an expert gamesman. You’re right, I won’t take that chance.” Joaquin stroked his chin and looked into the cold eyes behind the eyeglasses. “You are getting paranoid, James. You contacted me and I have nothing to hide from you. No one is more important to me than you. That’s why I’ve been your gatekeeper to the priest. Just because this is the first time someone’s come to me doesn’t mean that I’d break the promise I made to you so many years ago. I’ve never stopped loving you and I’ll always protect you.”
“Good. It pleases me to hear you reconfirm that.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Is he still intent on killing me?”
“Yes, he is. Why did you kill his pregnant wife and little girl?”
James bristled. “Do not judge me, old man! You have done far worse.”
“I know, my old friend,” Joaquin said, calmly. “But we’re discussing you, not me.” Joaquin studied James’ face, trying to discern any outward sign of emotion. “Something is deeply troubling you, isn’t it?”
James closed his eyes for a moment. “It seems I have lost the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The lines of demarcation you taught me after leaving the island have now become quite blurred. I regret my actions with the child and her mother. I made a terrible mistake. Can you understand, Joaquin?”
“I understand perfectly. I also see you are more tortured than when you were a young boy. I see a tragic saga written over your face, something you cannot disguise. The years of remorseless killing have finally caught up with you, as they did with me.”
“It is certainly not that dramatic,” James replied. “I have nightmares but I can still sleep. As you are well aware, I am used to having nightmares both when I sleep and when I am awake.” James continued staring at the ocean. “Did you tell him anything about the island?”
“I did not, although I wanted to. I did as instructed, and told him you were raised by nuns in the Amazon and then adopted by missionaries. I also told him of your parents’ untimely demise.”
James nodded approvingly. “And what of how we met?”
“That you were a cat burglar attempting to steal from my room.”
James laughed heartily. “That is very good. I love that fairy tale. It is so compelling. And he believed you?”
“He had no cause to doubt me.”
“Hmmm. Perhaps I will get an opportunity to enlighten Mr. Capresi about the island.”
“As we’ve always agreed, that will be your decision.”
“Do you think it is a good idea for me to meet him?”
“I don’t see why you should. It’ll likely be a very brief meeting and only you will come out alive.”
“Do you like him?”
“Very much. You and he are very similar. In fact, he’s exactly like you were many years ago. He’s driven by anger, hatred, and revenge. I don’t believe he’d have much to discuss with you.”
James took a sip of his drink and closed his eyes. “I disagree. I believe we have a great deal to discuss.”
Joaquin shrugged his shoulders and stared at the ocean. “Again, James, that is your choice.”
“Does the name ‘Capresi’ mean anything to you?” James asked, while carefully studying his mentor’s face.
“No. Should it?”
James continued staring at Joaquin. Satisfied that Joaquin was telling the truth, he relaxed into his chair.
“Do you remember Tomasso Capresiano? Perhaps the name ‘T.C.’ would better jog your memory.”
Their eyes met for only a split second, but it was all James needed. “Ah, I see that you remember our old friend.”
Joaquin swallowed hard. “Of course I do, but what’s this got to do with Tomasso?”
“Tomasso changed his name to Capresi.”
“Is Steven related to Tomasso? Is that what you’re telling me?”
“Steven is his son.”
“How do you know this to be true?”
“Charlie told me,” James replied.
“How do you know Charlie wasn’t lying?”
“I believe Charlie because I had a pistol pointed at his head when he disclosed the information. I have found that a loaded weapon often brings forth the truth from even the most pathological of liars.”
Joaquin nodded with understanding. “That is most interesting. Does Steven know anything about his father?”
“Nothing. According to Charlie, Steven believes his father was in the food business.”
“Good. I haven’t thought of Tomasso for many years.” He smiled faintly. “We had wonderful times together in the old days, did we not?”
James managed a tortured smile. “We certainly did. I believe those may have been the best days of my life.”
“Mine, too,” Joaquin admitted, staring absentmindedly at his glass.
James lifted his glass slightly into the air and Joaquin clicked his glass. “To our good friend Tomasso. May he rest in peace and may we fondly remember the meaning of his true friendship.”
“Here, here,” Joaquin replied.
They sat in silence sipping their drinks.
“That would make the little girl Tomasso’s granddaughter.”
James nodded. “Do you still believe I have nothing to discuss with Steven?”
“Is this the reason you haven’t killed him yet?”
“Perhaps,” James answered, “among others.”
Joaquin was staring off into space when James interrupted his thoughts. “So you said you sent him to see our
good friend Pierre?” James asked.
“Yes, I am your trusted gatekeeper.”
“What do you think Pierre will do with our American friend?”
“I’m not really certain.”
“And did you tell Steven that you were an assassin having the same reason for revenge?”
“Yes, just as you wanted. His reaction left no doubt about his mission. But I’m curious about something. Why haven’t you killed him yet, James? You’ve had numerous opportunities. Why are you toying with him?”
James grinned. “I want to at least give him a sporting chance and he has come quite far. He may even be a worthy adversary, who knows. Besides, I want him to feel confident about his last mission on this unforgiving planet!”
Joaquin stared unflinchingly at him. “No, my friend, there’s more to it than that and we both know it. It’s neither the thrill of the hunt nor because of Tomasso. Tell me the real reason.”
James stood, and walked to the railing, then turned around to face Joaquin, brandishing his gun. “I have always respected you, Joaquin, and I always will. You were always there when I needed you, and I was there at the end when you needed me. You could always see the real me. Would you believe me when I say that I want to ask for his forgiveness before killing him?”
Joaquin’s attention was riveted on the gun. This was a man Joaquin no longer knew well and he did not know what kind of behavior to expect from him. “Yes, James, I would believe you. Absolution is good for the soul.”
James laughed. “You taught me that in another lifetime.”
“It’s not too late for you, James. Look at me. I’ve managed to make changes in my life even though I carry the sins of my past.”
“You said that many years ago. Maybe then you were right, but now it is too late for me.”
“I told Steven he must remain in Quito for at least forty-eight hours before venturing into the mountains to Tena. I warned him about altitude sickness. That should give you the additional time you may need.”
“That was very good advice, my old friend. I am going to Rio Di Janeiro. Since I know where Steven Capresi is heading and approximately when he will be arriving in Tena, I can afford to make a very brief detour to tie up a few loose ends.”
Joaquin nodded.
“I want you to know that I am indebted to you for your friendship and tutelage. You took me under your wing and gave me a renewed purpose when nobody else cared about me. I will be eternally grateful.”
Joaquin closed his eyes as James stood and approached him, gently kissing the top of his mentor’s head. “Goodbye my old friend. You were the father I wished I had.” James then placed an envelope in Joaquin’s hands with the last instructions he would ever give his friend.
James quickly disappeared out the front door of the apartment, leaving Joaquin to wonder what part of the monster he had created and what part of the man seeking forgiveness could be attributed to him.
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The Scorpion boarded the plane to Rio in a business suit, sporting a neatly trimmed goatee and short, light brown hair. He was traveling under the guise of a Brazilian import-export broker. He spoke fluent Portuguese with the flight attendants, who were taken by his charm. A beautiful brunette brought him a mimosa and flirted with him for a few minutes. As she moved on to the next passenger, he propped his head comfortably against his pillow and closed his eyes. It had been good to see Joaquin. He had obeyed his instructions and had been loyal to the end. It had not escaped his attention that Joaquin had been quite taken with Steven Capresi, as had Charlie and Billy. It did not surprise him that Steven had been so well received by the line of contacts he created years ago as an early warning system. Steven had all of his father’s attributes: charm, intelligence, good looks, and most of all, sincerity. He was not looking forward to killing him. He had truly hoped that Steven would have given up and returned to New York, but now he was on his way to Ecuador. For the first time in many years, the Scorpion’s world was threatened. It was an exhilarating sensation and it was up to him to raise the stakes of the hunt. For now, he could no longer think about Steven. He had an assignment to complete and this was a job he was eager to finish. His only pressure was time. He could not believe that he had allowed his obsession with Steven to delay his arrival in Rio and possibly jeopardize the completion of his assignment. He would have only one opportunity to accomplish his mission and he had to be perfect. Then he could worry about Steven Capresi. Nothing was going to dampen his mood. It had been awhile since he had thought about Nick Manzione. He had made a promise to Nick, and was looking forward to keeping it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Giorgio was mixing his third vodka tonic when the doorbell rang. When he opened the door, he was greeted by a revolver pushed up against his temple. Louie grinned as he grabbed Giorgio’s arm and twisted it behind his back. Giorgio moaned in pain.
“Bon Giorno, Giorgio,” Louie said. “Nice to finally meet you.”
Realizing it would be in his best interest to remain in his apartment, Giorgio resisted as much as possible. Braulio subdued Giorgio by striking him on the head with the butt of his gun. Blood streamed down the side of Giorgio’s face as the men dragged him into a waiting limousine.
Nick was seated in the limo with his back against the driver’s compartment. Pete sat next to Nick along with his precious black leather bag. Louie entered the car, followed by Giorgio and Braulio. Giorgio was sandwiched between them, sitting directly across from Nick.
“Where are we going?” Giorgio asked.
Nick grinned. “I thought you could take us for a scenic tour of the city. We’ve been stuck in the hotel and you haven’t been very hospitable. Personally, I take great offense. By the way, how the fuck could you be so stupid to think we wouldn’t know you were taking a stroll on the beach with Gia?”
Giorgio said nothing and his reticence annoyed Nick.
“You made it very simple for the boys to follow you from the beach. That was your undoing. Otherwise, we would have had no way of finding you.” Nick let Giorgio think about his mistake for a moment. “It probably tears you up knowing that I’ve been banging your delicious cousin. I know you had your time with her so you know how awesome she is in the sack. But believe me, Giorgio, I’ve taken the word perversion to a whole new level with her.”
Giorgio suffered in silence as Nick tortured him.
“Let’s talk business.” Nick produced the jewelry box and showed Giorgio the severed finger. “This is the ring finger of my man, Eddie. Who killed him?”
“Honest, Nick. I have no idea. I had nothing to do with this, believe me.”
Nick pursed his lips together. “I would very much like to believe you, but you’ve already double-crossed me with Renaldo. You’ve hurt my feelings. I thought we were friends.”
“Nick, I swear I never double-crossed you.”
“I spoke to Renaldo, you dumbfuck. He said you cut a deal with him.”
“I didn’t cut any deal with Renaldo.” Giorgio did not want to protest too much. The less he said, the less chance he might get tangled in his own lies. In his alcohol infused state of mind, he was having difficulty keeping track of everything he had said. The most logical approach for Giorgio was to deny everything.
“Okay, we’ll see. I’m really pissed about Eddie. He was a good friend. When I find the person responsible, I’m going to cut him up myself, piece by piece. For now, just relax. Close your eyes. You’re going to need your strength.”
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Steven waited for his flight to Quito. He had been struggling with how to handle Nick. He was upset about Nick’s blatant lies, but didn’t know how to broach the subject. Now he was determined to come clean with Nick. He didn’t script the conversation in his mind because he was going on instinct. He dialed a number and Nick answered as if he’d been expecting Steven’s call.
Nick had almost fallen asleep when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Nick confirmed it was Ste
ven’s number. “Steven, are you back in New York?” Nick asked playfully.
“No, but I’m boarding a plane to a new destination,” Steven answered.
“I’m in a limo with the boys. We’re taking a little ride together. Where are you going?” Nick wanted to keep the conversation light and not arouse his companions’ suspicions.
“Shut the hell up and listen to me!” Steven yelled without any forewarning. “I’ll ask the questions, not you!”
Nick was taken off guard by Steven’s unexpected fury. “Okay, Sport, that’s fine with me. Shoot.” Nick made the “loco” sign to his men.
“I’m getting on a plane in a few minutes. I know you lied to me when you told me you were in New York. I know you’re in Rio and that you’re with some woman named Giovanna from San Remo.”
Nick’s forehead became moist, but his phony smile remained pasted on his face.
“Are you listening to me?”
“Yeah, I’m listening.”
“I also know there’s a contract out on both you and your girlfriend and that the Scorpion is on his way to Rio as we speak.”
Nick’s heart was pounding in his chest. “How do you know that, Old Buddy?” Nick was trying desperately to remain nonchalant.
“Trust me, Nick. I know. And I also know that Pablo Munoz has evidence you killed Carlo.”
“And you believe him?” Nick asked, rolling his eyes at Braulio who was now the only person in the car paying attention.
“I didn’t say that. But you and I have a lot to discuss.”
“It seems so. Let’s talk now. I miss you, Buddy.”
“Sorry, Nick. Save your bullshit for someone else. I’ve got a plane to catch. If I were you, I’d get the hell out of Dodge, and fast! I need to take advantage of the time while this psycho hunts you instead of me. I’ll call you tomorrow.”