The Legacy of the Assassin

by Tony Bertot

  "I ain't exactly living a life of luxury," Tyler responded as he walked out the door and headed toward Sheila and Sam. As he made his way to them, he noticed the bulletin board containing a picture of himself alongside those of Nick Costello, Felicia Giordano and his father.

  "Guess you guys been busy," he commented.

  "Yeah. Don't matter, we're both out of here," Sheila said.

  "Make sure you thank your father for us," Sam added.

  As Tyler walked with them he stopped by the bulletin board and pointed to the picture of Nick Costello. "Who the hell is that?" he asked.

  Sheila turned and looked at the picture, and responded with, “His name is Nick Costello. He was in prison under another name and was recently released. Just a matter of time before they catch him."

  All three got into the elevator together and when they got outside, Sheila turned to Tyler and asked, "What happened, Tyler? Why did you quit?"

  Tyler turned to her, smiled and said, "The scum of the earth got to me. We break our backs doing the right thing and the bad guys still win. They get away with shit because we have to follow the rules." Finally adding, "I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree."

  Sheila and Sam both nodded to him as Tyler watched them walk away. A few minutes later, Tyler entered the nearby parking lot where Nick sat waiting for him.

  "Well, what did you find out?" Nick asked.

  "Man, your ass is cooked. They know who you are. They know you posed as another person while you were in jail and they are looking for you with both guns. You pulled the wool over their eyes and they are not happy about it. Nice knowing you," Tyler said laughing.

  Over the last week Tyler and Nick had gone down the list of names of people to whom Theo owed money. As they made their acquaintances with these individuals, they were able to convince each that they were in the market to provide the same services. As a result, both managed to obtain a couple of driver’s licenses, passports and credit cards under assumed names.

  What both Tyler and Nick did not know was that Felicia Giordano had mobilized her network to track both of them down for different reasons.

  As they drove out of the parking lot a hot dog vendor spotted Tyler and called it in. Since he had not been notified about Nick, he only mentioned that Tyler was in a car with someone else.

  Theo Gresco, who was just about to call the Giordanos for the balance of payment, was caught by surprise when he overheard a broadcast over the hand radio he still possessed that Santiago was spotted on 53rd Street and Park Avenue in a blue 1968 AMC Rambler heading south.

  For another rare moment in Theo's life he felt a hot flash go through his body as he realized that his son's life was now in danger. "Those sons-a-bitches," he thought to himself.

  Theo, now on 34th Street and heading east, immediately gunned it. As Tyler and Nick reached 48th Street they turned west. They weren't spotted until they got to 8th Avenue where they turned south. By this time Theo was on Madison Avenue where he made a quick left and headed north, then turned left on 37th Street and was now heading west. A Giordano car that had been dispatched was shooting down 10th Avenue and just passed 53rd Street. Less than five minutes later, Tyler and Nick entered the Lincoln Tunnel heading for a hotel in Newark. No one saw them enter the tunnel and they were lost on the Giordano radar.

  Not knowing where they had gone, Theo parked his car at 37th and 8th Avenue and waited. The Giordano car continued south towards downtown Manhattan. After twenty minutes, Theo got out of his car and walked over to a nearby telephone and called the Giordano residence. It was Leo who answered the call.

  "Let me talk to her," Theo ordered before Leo got a chance to say anything. A minute later he was talking to Felicia.

  "Back off, or I promise you won't live to see another day," Theo said as he controlled his anger.

  "Fuck you! You killed my brother, now it's time for you to know how it feels," she said spitting venom into the mouthpiece.

  There was nothing but silence as Theo thought through his options. He realized that he could not be in two places at once, and it was only a matter of time before her goons got to his son. He probably could not get to her before she got to Tyler. He had to throw her off, make her rethink what she was doing.

  "I'll turn myself over to you if you let Tyler go," he said.

  Once again there was silence as Felicia thought about this prospect. But history taught her to be patient and not rush into anything, especially when dealing with this man. As strong as her lust for revenge seized her, she wasn't going to jeopardize her other plans, knowing they currently had priority over capturing either Tyler or Theo.

  "I like that idea. And since we are close to Christmas, I am feeling rather generous. Haul your ass in here on the first Monday after Christmas and we will talk," she said rather calmly.

  "That's a deal. But if I get any inkling that you have continued the chase, I will be seeing you a lot sooner... through the crosshairs of my scope," Theo said coldly.

  Felicia smiled and responded with, "Ok, then. Have a merry Christmas."

  "Eat shit and die you bitch," Theo responded and hung up.

  Theo knew he showed his hand by calling her. Now she knew he had been monitoring the radio, and that action would come to an abrupt conclusion. He had to find Tyler before she did. He had to determine where he might have gone. Realizing he needed help, he made a call to an old friend.

  Merry Christmas

  New York/Chicago

  It was the day before Christmas and creatures were stirring throughout the night. Sonny from Frisco showed his face, while Andrew from Vegas kept up the pace, with Costello from Fresno ending the race to the Giordano Christmas Celebration. Come one, come all and gather around for Felicia was hosting a party with tidings.

  These were the top crime bosses from all over the United States. Having personally invited each and every one, Felicia Giordano insisted it would be the last such gathering where all the great families would dine and share in the success of their endeavors. She promised glad tidings that would be financially rewarding. Though she had no influence or control over what they did within the framework of their organizations, each knew she had a sinister side no one wanted to personally experience. Her power came not from her own organization, but from those whom she knew and could influence. And so it was with trepidation that everyone accepted her invitation.

  The gathering, which would commence at 8:00 p.m., would be held in her ballroom. Tables were set in the form of a triangle with Felicia to sit at the bottom flat side where she could see every member's face. She would seat them with their backs to the door, facing her so their expressions would be clearly visible as she made her announcements. She would position her top lieutenants with Leo Russo and his sons to her left, and John De Luca and the rest of her crime family to the right.

  ***

  6:30 p.m.

  Ted Skowronski and the members of his group bid their wives goodbye as they got into a black van and headed out to write their page in history. The ladies watched as the van pulled away, each praying this was not the last time she would see her husband alive.

  An hour and a half later, the van was across the street from the office building where they were to honor their contract. They could see two men at the front entrance with two more men inside behind a huge desk. Under the cover of darkness, they slowly stepped out of the van and headed in different directions. Ted and Hal, carrying sniper rifles, made their way to a dark alley on the opposite side of the street, facing the entrance to the building where the guards stood. While waiting, they saw a number of limousines arrive, safely discharging the occupants. They also noticed a few approach on foot, and after chatting with the guards were allowed to enter. Dynamite was to approach from the left and Norbie from the right, pulling the guards away from the front of the entrance and out of view of the men inside.

  At exactly 7:45 p.m. both Ron and Norbie made their way toward the building. The guards noticed them and both auto
matically stepped away from the front to greet them halfway. Patiently they waited and watched until, finally, Ted gave the signal. "Fire," was heard in their headsets. A second later both guards were on the ground. Now Ted and Hal adjusted their sites to the guards inside the building, but only one could be seen clearly from their vantage point.

  "Hal, you need to take out the other guard," Ted ordered. As Ron and Norbie entered the building, the guards nodded to them. They waved back as they made their way to the right where the elevators were located. As the guards followed them with their eyes, Hal came in through the doorway and headed left. The second Hal disappeared from sight, Ted fired, instantly killing the guard. By the time the other guard took notice, Hal had pulled out his automatic with a silencer and blasted him away.

  "We're in," was heard over the headsets. Five minutes later the men lying on the street were dragged into the building and placed behind the guard’s desk. Ted looked around and then went outside to scan the area. "Ok, we're good to go," he said.

  Kruzer pulled the van up to the front of the building and waited as the rest of the men went up in the elevator.

  6:45 p.m.

  Leo Russo, his two sons and his daughter-in-law were getting ready to leave for Felicia's estate. Only ten minutes away, there was no hurry as Felicia insisted they arrive no earlier than 7:00 p.m. Though Leo found it strange, he knew she was under a lot of stress and was used to her moments of anxiety every now and then.

  Leo's son Encino went out and started the car so that it would be warm when they got in on this cold Christmas Eve. Leo, accompanied by his daughter-in-law, stepped out into the cold while his other son lagged behind as he locked the door. As Leo approached the car, he noticed that Encino was slumped over on the driver's side.

  "What the fu..."

  He never got a chance to finish his sentence as a bullet ripped half his head off. Jimmy, Leo's other son, was halfway down the path, gun out, when another shot hit him just below the neck, sending him into the nearby bushes. His wife began to scream as Yvonne came from around the car and shot her in the head. Jerry then walked up to Jimmy, who was lying in the bushes, and fired three shots into him.

  Without a word, the three walked down the block to a parked car as lights from nearby houses began to go on. They pulled out and headed toward Felicia's estate. Ten minutes later, they were at the front gate where the men Felicia had personally brought in met them.

  "I believe she is expecting us," Jerry told the guard.

  "Yes, sir, she is. Please follow me," the guard responded as he led the way to the back of the house. A few minutes later they were inside, waiting for further instructions. All three had placed masks over their faces.

  7:50 p.m.

  "May I have your attention please," Felicia said as she tapped a glass with one of the forks. As the guests quieted down she asked, "Do we have Luis Ruiziano on the conference call?"

  "Yes, Felicia, I am here. We're all here in our office in downtown Chicago as you requested."

  "Good. Good," Felicia responded and added, "Well, here at my home I have the bosses of most of the families in the United States."

  "What? Hey, why wasn't I invited?" Luis asked.

  "Sorry, Luis, but it would be impossible to allow you to leave Chicago. It would fall apart without your presence," she said laughing. The room erupted with laughter as others joined in with sarcastic comments about his importance to the organization.

  Felicia looked up at the clock and watched as the minute hand hit the twelve mark; it was now 8:00 p.m.

  Felicia raised her hand and everyone became silent."Listen, my friends. Listen carefully," Felicia said as she pointed to the speaker phone. The place became silent as everyone was transfixed on the phone. Suddenly, they heard the all too familiar sound of gun fire and screams.

  "What the..." someone said.

  "Holy shit! What's going on down there?" someone asked.

  The phone fell silent. Through all this, Felicia stood motionless staring at the faces of these men as they realized what was happening. Behind her stood three figures with automatic weapons aimed her guests. Then a voice came over the speaker phone, "It is done."

  Felicia recognized the voice of Ted Skowronski and she smiled. "Thank you," Felicia said into the phone, ending the call.

  "Gentlemen, today you witnessed what happens to those who betray me. The Giordanos have never, never let anyone of you down and how were we repaid? You allowed my brother to be killed. I almost lost my life because of this Chicago ignoramus. He allowed someone to infiltrate his organization and use our process for hiring an assassin to have my brother and me killed. How fucking stupid do you have to be to allow this? Today I settled the score," she said.

  More fired up, she continued, "But I cannot put all the blame on him, for I too share in it. Well at least my organization should share the blame. So today I eliminated my top lieutenant, Leo Russo, and those connected to him. It was his responsibility to protect me and my family, and twice he failed. He allowed my father to be killed and I forgave him, thinking he could not prevent it. But it was his sons who were guarding my brother's room the night he was killed, and he took no action against them. I have always wondered if he would have preferred that I too had died that night. So this evening, he and his fucking family are visiting with my brother and father. Does anyone have any questions?" she asked now standing.

  The air became rancid with the smell of fear. Silence overtook the room as everyone fully grasped what had just occurred. It was the San Francisco crime boss who finally stood up and said, "Miss Giordano, we understand your course of action. We have all been down these very same paths. I know this execution was conducted with a heavy heart and I, for one, salute you. It is the road we have chosen to take, and there isn't room for mistrust. Leo was a good man and a good friend, but he fucked up and he wasn't willing to take responsibility for his mistakes. He probably assumed you didn't know, or would not remember. A sad and fatal decision. So be it." He finished by raising his glass and toasting her.

  Others in the room remained quiet, still digesting what had happened and what Sonny had just said.

  "What happened in Chicago?" someone asked.

  Felicia watched their faces as she began to describe in detail what occurred in Chicago. "In the end, the entire first and second tier of the Ruiziano crime family has been wiped out," Felicia said and concluded with, "Are there any other questions?"

  "Who carried out your orders if Leo didn't?" someone asked.

  "Friends," she responded.

  An uneasiness fell over the room as they all realized that no one knew beforehand what was going to happen to Leo, or what had just occurred in Chicago. The fact Miss Giordano had "friends" that could efficiently complete such a task without any of them knowing was unsettling.

  The effect Felicia wanted was clear on their faces. "Let them be afraid," she thought to herself. Felicia said, raising her glass, "Now that my brother's murder has been avenged, let us enjoy this Christmas Eve celebration." Slowly they all stood up and raised their glasses as one after another shouted out "Salute."

  Within minutes they were all chatting, and after a short time laughter once again rippled through the air. Someone was overheard saying, "Marone, don't fuck with her." Before long, many were coming up to Felicia, kissing her hand and nodding before her. A few actually received a smile and hug in return.

  Almost an hour later, she turned to the three masked individuals standing behind her with automatic weapons and nodded. "Give Mr. Skowronski my best," she whispered to them as she handed them a briefcase and added, "A special bonus for a job well done."

  The three left the way they came in, and within four hours were on their way back to Cheektowaga. The very next morning Ted, Lori and the rest of their team joined the folks who had come with them, and boarded the tour bus that brought them to Chicago.

  Two days later, Ted and the others sat around Lori's kitchen having a drink as Ted disbursed the money they ha
d all earned. It came to roughly $35,000 each. There were smiles all around as Ted got up and left the kitchen, then returned with the briefcase Felicia sent with Jerry and his team.

  "May I have your attention? Come on, shut up already," he said as he remained standing, holding the briefcase with a huge smile on his face.

  "In addition to what we have already earned, Miss Giordano felt we deserved a bonus, and so she also sent this briefcase," he said as he opened the briefcase and showed them. It was filled with hundred dollar bills.

  "Holy crap, how much do you figure is in there?" Ron asked.

  "Must be close to half a million." Jerry said.

  With a big grin on his face, Ted began to hand out the small stacks of bills. As he removed the last stack from one of the rows, Ted heard a click, and in a flash realized he had sealed their fate. A second later, an explosion triggered by the release of pressure rocked the entire neighborhood.

  The Skowronski organization had been completely obliterated.

  In Breaking News

  Chicago/New York

  Three days after Christmas, Felicia listened intently as the broadcaster reported the news.

  "We have new developments on the explosion that occurred on Christmas Eve at a downtown Chicago office building. It has been determined that the incident was a mob hit, as family and friends of the Ruiziano crime organization confirmed that members have not been seen since Christmas Eve. They were supposedly attending a function at the downtown office building that was affected by the explosion.

  “The hit on Leo Russo and his family, also on Christmas Eve, is no longer being ruled as coincidental. Experts are now saying that both incidents are tied to the murder of Fabio Giordano. Felicia Giordano, Fabio's sister and the head of the Giordano Empire, was also critically wounded. She has recovered and continues her therapy at her home on Long Island. There has been speculation as to whether or not she would seek revenge for the murder of her brother and the attempt on her life.