by Tony Bertot
"Are you out of your freaking mind? Why would you tell me that?" she asked him.
"Cause it's the truth and you asked me," Theo responded. "Look, Nikki, I have no qualms with you. You invited me here for dinner and that's why I'm here. So please put the gun away, and let's sit down and eat. Won't the turkey burn if you leave it in the oven too long?" he asked her.
Nikki stared at Theo and then over to the oven then back at Theo.
"Do you have a gun on you?" she asked him, re-pointing her gun at him after she had begun to waiver.
"Yes, I do," Theo responded.
"Take it out real slow and put it on the table," Nikki ordered.
Theo stared at her, smiled and said, "No."
"What... What? Do as I say or I will have to shoot you," she ordered again.
"Why? I have no intention of using it and I feel safe with it. Ok, let me put it like this. If you don't want to have dinner with me, then I'm simply going to get up and walk out. I'll be gone by morning and you will never see me again," he told her as he calmly got up and started for the door.
Nikki stared at him and somehow could not bring herself to shoot him.
"Wait. Wait," she said. "You promise you are not going to shoot me?" she asked him.
Theo turned and smiled at her.
"I promise, I am not going to shoot you," he responded.
As much as she didn't want to admit it, she trusted this man; this killer in front of her.
"I can't believe I'm going to do this. Ok, we will have dinner, but one wrong move and I won't hesitate to shoot you. Do you understand?" Nikki said.
"Yes, I understand," Theo responded as he made his way back to the table and sat down.
Nikki nodded and placed the gun on the counter top opposite the oven. Reaching for two potholders she turned, looked at Theo, making sure he hadn't moved, opened the oven door and carried out the turkey. She gasped when she turned and found Theo standing opposite her.
"Let me help you with that," he said.
He reached for the handles and placed the turkey on the counter next to where her gun laid. He reached for the gun and handed it to her.
"I suggest you put this in a safe place," he told her.
Nikki took the gun and placed it back in the drawer, said nothing and began to peel away the aluminum that covered the turkey as Theo looked on. Somehow, her nervousness subsided and she began to relax.
"Can I help you with anything?" he asked her.
"Um... Could you pull out the potatoes from the oven and place them on the plate in the middle of the table?" she asked as she handed him the potholders.
Theo did as requested and, after placing the potatoes on the table, returned to her for further instructions. Nikki was slicing the turkey and putting pieces on a plate. When she was done, she handed him the plate and he took it to the table. As Nikki was dealing with some cut corn that had been simmering in a pot, Theo set the table.
"What would you like to drink?" she asked him.
"You have any root beer?" he asked her.
"Um... No, but I have cola," she responded.
"That'll do."
Nikki reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a can of soda and a bottle of red wine. She got some ice, put it into a glass, and poured the soda into it. She poured herself a glass of wine and walked over to the table, handed Theo the glass of soda, and placed her glass next to an empty plate. After their plates were filled, they settled down to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.
"This is pretty good," Theo commented.
"Thank you. Why do you kill people? You don't look like a killer," she blurted out.
Theo stared at her, finished the food in his mouth and responded with, "I am good at it and the people I kill deserve to die. Simple as that."
She said nothing and continued eating as she thought about his response.
"You think that judge you killed deserved to die?" she asked him.
"Yes, he was corrupt. It wasn't until his guilt was confirmed that he decided to work with the police; to save his own neck," Theo answered.
"Can you tell me your real name?"
"No. You don't need to know that. You can keep calling me Galahad."
Before the evening was over, Nikki found out just about everything there was to know about Theo Gresco, except for his real name. Nikki was fascinated with his story and the wine helped her relax. It was like two old friends just chatting away without a worry in the world. Theo helped her clean up the table and the dishes. For Nikki it was over too soon.
"Thank you for the dinner. It was really very good," Theo said as he came up close to her and looked into her eyes. Nikki looked up into his, swallowed nervously and nodded. As he began to slowly turn she reached up and kissed him on the lips.
She pushed him away and apologized with, "Oh, my God. I am sorry. I didn't mean to do that."
Theo stared at her and said, "Thank you. That was nice. It's been a long time since I was kissed by such a beautiful woman."
Instead of retreating, Nikki lunged at him and he responded by taking her in his arms and kissing her back.
They kissed for a long time before Theo gently nudged her away. "Wow. Is this how you treat all your Thanksgiving guests?" he asked smiling.
Nikki was embarrassed, nervous and excited all at the same time. "Um... No, you're the first," she responded.
"I see. How would you like to go to South America with me? We can get married, move down there, make love and grow old together," Theo told her. At first he said it in fun, but realized it was the truth and something he wanted more than he could comprehend.
"What... What? Did you just ask me to marry you?" she asked. "Are you crazy? I can't marry you. We just met. Besides you don't exactly have a good job," she responded.
Nikki couldn't believe she just said that to him. “What the hell was I thinking?” she thought to herself.
"But you kissed me. No, not that you kissed me, but the way you kissed me. Doesn't that mean that you care? That you would like to be with me?" Theo asked her.
"Well, yeah, I do like you. But we hardly know each other, and besides you’re a killer. You go around killing people. Duh, not exactly the American way," Nikki responded, not believing she was having this conversation.
Theo stared at her, wondering what she meant by that comment. After a few seconds, Theo nodded his understanding and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" Nikki asked him.
"Back to my apartment," Theo said as he continued toward the door. "Good night, Nikki. Thank you for a wonderful dinner and the kiss," he told her as he disappeared.
Nikki stared at the door expecting Theo to come back through it. "What the fu..." she said staring at the door.
She walked quickly to the door, opened it, and looked down the empty hallway leading to Theo's apartment. He was gone.
Nikki stepped back into her apartment closing the door behind her. She leaned against the door as tears escaped her eyes. "Go after him. Don't let him go," she thought as her legs were riveted to the floor on which she stood.
"Oh, God. I am so stupid," she said to herself.
She quickly recovered and walked over to her couch where she sat down. After a few minutes, she got up and walked over to the chair where Theo had sat, and touched it. She smiled down at it as she thought about him. Finally, she went into her bedroom and threw herself onto the bed, then began to cry. As she napped, she dreamt of Theo; of making love to him. Two hours later, she awoke. She got up, went into the kitchen and poured herself another glass of wine. It was then that she made up her mind. She didn't care; let the chips fall where they may.
Nikki went back into the bedroom and changed into a nightgown, put on a thick robe, grabbed her keys and headed out the door to Theo's apartment. She stood in front of his door for a few seconds before knocking. She waited, no one answered. She knocked again, waited and again no one answered. She tried the doorknob and found the door unlocked. Cautiously entering the apartme
nt, she looked around and found it empty. Nikki walked over to the chair in the kitchen area and sat down, and with a heavy heart realized Theo had left during the night.
The Cheektowaga Assassins
Friday, November 23/Cheektowaga, New York
Ted Skowronski arrived in Cheektowaga late Friday night after a final meeting with Felicia Giordano. Ted made it clear to Felicia that after this contract was fulfilled his obligation to the Giordano family would be concluded.
In a somber moment Ted turned to Felicia and said, "Your father was an honorable man, and he earned my respect. Though you are his daughter, it saddens me that your heart is as cold as ice. Your father would not have been proud." Felicia stared into his eyes as he spoke and remained quiet until he was done. His words could have been his death sentence, saved only by his loyalty to the Giordano family.
"You are correct. I am my father's daughter. But you are wrong when you say I feel nothing for those whose lives I choose to take. As you once said, it is our way of life. Such is the path we must take to ensure the integrity of the family. This life is not for the faint of heart, nor those who point fingers at others and take no responsibility for their negligence. And I disagree with you. I believe my father would have been very proud," Felicia told him as she stared into his eyes.
Ted Skowronski stared back at her and finally conceded with, "Yes, my dear child, you're probably right. Your father would have been very proud of you. My deepest sympathy to anyone who crosses your path without permission. Goodbye and good luck, Miss Giordano."
Now down in his basement, he extracted a thick manila envelope. Ted began to sift through pictures, as if in a scene from a popular television series, putting them into two stacks; individuals who would be accompanying him on this final mission and those to be discarded. Lori came down the stairs as he placed the last picture on one of the stacks. It was a picture of her brother. She stared at it for a few seconds and then turned to Ted.
"Does he have to go?" she asked.
Ted looked up at her and nodded. "He's the best at what he does. I really need him on this one," he responded.
When Ted was done he had the following list:
Ron & Chris Cironski: explosives. (Ron (aka Dynamite), had an uncanny reputation for being precise with explosives.)
James & Barbara Kruzinski: transportation. (James, nicknamed Kruzer (Cruiser), had an ability to drive that was rivaled by only the best on the tracks.)
Norbert & Joann Tatkowski: weapons. (Norbie, as he was referred to, knew all the best black market dealers, and would be able to fence the goods easily immediately afterward.)
Hal & Carol Fergon: location layout and assault planning. (Hal “The Hacker” was a former CIA operative who was best at hacking into mainframes, and securing building plans and security settings.)
"Lori, this is the last time, and you know what needs to be done," Ted said handing her the stack of pictures.
She stared at him as she took the stack and nodded.
"Ok, Ted. It's the last time. I'll make the calls and ask them to be here on Monday. Do you have a date yet?" she asked him.
"Yes, the day before Christmas," he responded.
"Crap, what a bitch!" Lori said, visibly upset about the day Felicia Giordano selected.
Over the next few weeks, Ted met with his team while Lori made transportation arrangements. Chris, Lori's sister, was in charge of finding an event that required tickets, thus providing an alibi should anyone question the whereabouts of the men. Though it had never come up, it was a precaution they took each time they went on a mission. Meanwhile, the others handled the packing, putting the weapons they would use into bags.
Finally, Ted met with Lori's brother, Jerry, separately to discuss his assignment in all this. Jerry earned the nickname "Mouse" for his ability to get in and out of places without leaving a trail. He was a ruthless, professional killer with the stealth of a cat burglar. His assignment would bring him into the lion's den with no room for error, or means of escape. He was never one to say much, and listened intently as Ted unraveled the plan before him.
"I don't trust her," Jerry told Ted.
"I know, but I do. You have my word that no harm will come to you," Ted replied.
"Nonetheless, I want to bring in a couple of people. Just in case. You understand?" Jerry said.
Ted stared at Jerry knowing full well he was right; there was no reason to trust Felicia Giordano, especially after what she was planning. He conceded and nodded his approval.
The money was a good incentive for Jerry to accept the assignment, and this time it was more than any of them had seen on a single mission. He would be set for life.
That night Jerry confided in Yvonne, his sweetheart, who had been on several of his previous assignments. He decided that they would take along Jimmy Mostallic, who was an accomplished sniper in Vietnam; just in case anyone got any ideas about eliminating Jerry.
So after weeks of planning, everyone except Jerry, Yvonne and Jimmy, would board a tour bus along with twelve other couples (unaware of the true nature of the trip) for a three-day, fun filled Christmas holiday. Two days after that, Jerry, Yvonne and Jimmy would board another bus headed in the opposite direction for their Christmas vacation. The unsuspecting drivers of both buses will have delivered hired killers who would change the face of organized crime in two major cities.
The Setup
Monday, November 26/New Jersey/New York/Chicago
New Jersey
Sipping on a cup of coffee, Tom happened to be looking up at the television located at the far end of the restaurant when he was shocked to see his and Kathy's faces on the screen.
"Jesus. What the..." Tom muttered as he stared at the screen. Kathy followed his eyes, now transfixed on the unfolding story.
"Can you put that a little louder," Tom yelled to the person behind the counter.
"This just in; A police officer was critically wounded when he interrupted an attempted robbery of a convenient store here in downtown Chicago. The suspects, a married couple identified as Tom and Kathy Diasparra, were seen running from the scene, driving a black 1973 Dodge Challenger. The store owner, who witnessed the incident, told us the couple also shot at a family as they ducked for cover, almost hitting their seven year old daughter. The pictures, which were provided from an unknown source, are said to be recent. A reward is being offered for anyone having any information that would lead to the apprehension of these dangerous individuals," the anchor concluded.
Tom and Kathy could not believe their eyes.
"It's a setup. They are trying to flush us out," Tom said.
"Oh, my God! What are we going to do? How can they get away with saying we committed a crime when we were here in New Jersey?" Kathy asked.
Tom stared at her and then back at the TV. "You're right, Kathy. They can't. We have to prove to the police and the press it's a lie," he said as he looked around the restaurant. Finding what he was looking for he grabbed her hand and walked over to four people sitting at one of the tables.
"Excuse me, my name is Tom Diasparra, and this is my wife Kathy. How would you like to make a lot of money and become famous?" Tom asked the stranger.
"What? What are you talking about?" the stranger asked them.
"I want you to take our picture, and call the local newspaper and tell them you have a picture of us," Tom said.
"Who are you again?" the man said now getting up.
"We are the ones they're looking for on that news channel," Tom said pointing to the television where the broadcast was once again being repeated.
One of the occupants at the table, a young girl, had seen the broadcast and was now standing. "Holy shit, you are the two on the television," she said.
"We are innocent and you can prove it for us," Kathy said almost pleading.
"How do we know you are innocent," the man asked.
"Cause it happened in Chicago less than an hour ago, and we are standing right here in front of you now," Tom
said.
"It's a setup. We are being chased by some corrupt officials and they are trying to set us up. Can't you see that?" Kathy told them. She moved closer to them begging, "Please, help us."
Realizing that what they were saying had to be true, the man put his hand out to Tom and said, "I'm John Harrington, and this is my girlfriend April, her mother Sandi and my daughter Emily. I would be more than happy to help you. What do you want us to do?"
"Can you take our picture, call the local paper and police and tell them what we told you? I'm sure they would make it worthwhile for the information and pictures," Tom told them.
"Sure, why not?" John responded.
Instead of one picture they actually took several pictures; some with just Tom and Kathy, a couple with all of them together and then another with a local newspaper in front of them so people could tell they were no longer in Chicago. Tom paid for their breakfast before leaving, asking for an hour head start, but not before telling them they were headed to Ohio. Four hours later, after taking what they needed from their Woodbridge apartment, Kathy and Tom headed for Long Island. They had read in one of the tabloids that Felicia Giordano had left her New Jersey location and was headed for her place on Long Island just before Thanksgiving Day.
***
New York City
A couple of hours after Tom and Kathy left the restaurant in New Jersey, both Sam and Sheila were called into John Connolly's office.
"I just got a call from a friend in New Jersey about something you two might want to see," he said as he turned on the television in his office.
They all watched as the local network news was rebroadcasting the incident that occurred in Chicago. When it was over, both Sam and Sheila turned to Connolly and were about to question the significance of the news when he raised his hand to cut them off. He then handed them a paper that had been faxed to him. It was a picture of the two suspects holding up a current New Jersey newspaper.
"This incident happened in Chicago this morning, and this picture was taken one hour later in New Jersey. And guess who they say is after them," John dared them to answer. Before they could respond John said, "Miss Felicia Giordano," with a big smile on his face. Both Sam and Sheila stared back at their captain with wide eyes.