by Ieva, Bob
Mr. Palermo said, “I just have a few questions to ask so I can determine what to do with this case. First, Mr. Toranetti, Do you have a permit for your gun?”
“Yes I do. Would you like to see it?”
“Yes Please.”
My father opened his wallet and gave him his permit.
“Great, this is a big help. Now, Why didn’t you call the police?”
Mr. McDonald said, “We did Mr. Palermo and when I told them my daughter was missing they said they could not do anything until 24 hours passed. They also said she probably ran away with her boyfriend. I told them she wouldn’t have done that.”
“I see,” the D.A. said. “Why did you people go out to find her?”
“If it was your daughter or son wouldn’t you start to look, if the police wouldn’t?”
“I guess I would. What I don’t understand is how did you find her?”
I said, “I had a problem with these two boys from a long time ago. They had a grudge against me. I saw Pete coming out of a diner and called to him to ask if he had seen Joanna. He ran and I knew he had something to do with her disappearance. The rest is in the report.”
The D.A. said, “Well I can see how and why. What I can’t see is any way of winning this case. So, we will not prosecute. You will be free to go on with your lives. Joey, I do suggest that you seek some help from a psychologist to help you get through this. All our officers involved in shooting must do this. I believe that you should also.”
My father said “I already have a doctor set up for Joey to talk to.”
“Great, go home and celebrate because we will not prosecute any of you. There is the matter of Joey using the gun without a permit, but due to the circumstances we will overlook it. Have a great day.”
We all said, “Thank you.” to Mr. Palermo and left.
When we were outside my father invited everyone out to celebrate. He picked his favorite Italian restaurant and said to be there at 7:00 p.m. He gave them the address and said to Detective Callahan, “You too detective and bring your wife also.”
He said, “Thank you, but due to the situation I will have to decline.”
“Why?” My father asked.
“I don’t want people to think there was a conspiracy going on. We know there wasn’t but people are funny.”
My father said he understood and he didn’t want the detective to get into any trouble.
When we got home my father told my mother and brother the good news and we all cheered and hugged each other. My father then announced the celebration would be at The Trivolotti Restaurant at 7:00 p.m. He then called Arthur and my Uncle Tommy and invited them all to the celebration.
We heard the doorbell ring and my brother Rocco answered it. It was Carlos Barone. My father said, “Please come in Carlos.”
He came in and said,” I want to thank you for finding the person who shot my nephew. If you need any help in fighting this problem I have many connections.”
My father told him what happened and he put a big smile on his face and said, “Congratulations.”
My father then invited him and his family to the restaurant.
Carlos said, “Can we speak in private, Antonio?” My father said, “Come into my office.”
“I want to say yes for dinner, but cannot. I have to pay a visit to Luke tonight. I understand that this Eric Bitterman worked for Luke, so I have to clear this up. But I would like to see you and Joey in the next couple of days.”
Carlos then said, “I will talk to you in a few days. Good night everyone and enjoy your dinner.”
Carlos left and my father called The Trivolotti Restaurant to make sure they had room for a party of 20.
They said, “No problem Mr. Toranetti. We will see you at 7 oꞌclock.”
We went out to dinner and had a great time. Now everything could get back to normal. I could go back to work without worrying. My father could go back to his shop and Joanna and her family could rest easy.
31
Meeting with Mr. Barone
The next day Arthur called and spoke to my father. I heard my father say, “Okay Arthur, I understand. I will tell Joey.”
My father called me into his office and said, “Arthur just called me and we have a meeting with Carlos Barone at 3:00 p.m. today. I will tell you what Arthur told me.”
Last night Mr. Barone went to Luke Campoella’s house to confront him about Eric Bitterman and found that Luke had disappeared with his wife. They are looking for them.
I said, “How did they find out so fast? How could they have disappeared on the same night? I don’t understand.”
“I can’t answer those questions at this time.” Mr. Barone is very upset because he found out that Eric Bitterman worked for Luke. It seems that Eric and Gino got into a big argument and asked Luke if he could go after him. It seems that Luke said okay without telling Mr. Barone. Mr. Barone would have said no, that’s my nephew and he would have invited them both for dinner and smoothed things over. But Luke didn’t have the respect for Mr. Barone that is expected. So then when he found out what his son did he left town with his wife. He must have been prepared for this disappearing act.
I said, “What about Larry and Pete?”
“Well, they will probably go to jail for 25-30 years for kidnapping. That’s a felony. So, my guess is that Luke figured it was a lost cause to help his son and friend.”
“I am glad I have you as my dad. You wouldn’t leave me alone like that, would you?”
“Definitely not, your mother, you, and your brother mean way too much to me. I would do everything in my power to help you guys.”
“Thank you Dad.”
“You’re welcome son. Now, stop getting into these situations.”
“I will certainly try.”
“Great, now let’s get ready for our meeting with Carlos. I want to tell you something first. I do not know what Carlos wants to talk about but if he should ask you to work for him do not accept. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, I already have a job that I like.”
We started getting ready to meet with Carlos Barone. I was wondering why my father said not to take a job with him. My father came into the kitchen and said, “Are you ready Joey?”
I replied “Yes” and we left to meet Carlos.
We arrived at his club in south Brooklyn. The name of the club is, CBSC. I assumed it stood for Carlos Barone Social Club. My father said I was right. We were stopped at the front door by the same man that stopped us at Arthur’s club. He said “Are you the Toranetti?”
My father answered, “Yes we are.”
“Okay, he is waiting for you in the back office. Someone will take you back there.”
Another person who was huge, to me, took us back to Carlos Barone’s office. We went in and Carlos came to meet us and said, “Welcome Tony and Joey. I am so glad you were able to come. Please sit down. I just want to thank you both again for finding the killer of my nephew Gino. We were very close and I miss him. I need to tell you that I knew Bitterman had worked for Luke, but Luke said he had left his employ. Now I know Luke lied to me. All I want to say is that I am in your debt. If there is anything I can do or help you with I am at your service.”
My father said, “We were only too happy to be able to get Bitterman, but we did it for all of us. He was a very dangerous person with no regard for life. We do however appreciate your offer. Thank you.”
“What about you Joey?”
“I feel the same way as my dad. I think we did a great service for your neighborhood and our neighborhood.”
“You are a very smart young man Joey.” Carlos said.
Carlos then said, “I don’t want to keep you so have a great day. I really meant what I said.”
My father and I said, “Thank you” and we left for home.