by K'wan
“Well,” Phil said, not wanting to be left out, “in that case, when do we start?”
“As soon as possible. Scotty has already drawn up the paperwork. Each one of you will get a package containing the contracts, a mission statement, a rough floor plan, and a sizable cash bonus. All we need to do is cross the ‘T's and dot the ‘I's and we can get started.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Tony said.
“That's the kinda talk that I like to hear,” Poppa said, softening his demeanor. “Let's drink on it.”
The men picked up the glasses that were sitting in front of them. “To long life and big money.” The partners toasted it and sealed the deal.
After the meeting let out the men returned to the party. All except for Shai. Poppa asked him to stay behind so they could speak privately. Shai was very impressed by what he heard at the gathering. The cats that Poppa dealt with had real money. These were the kind of men that you couldn’t help but notice when they entered a room. Not because they were flashy or had big mouths; these men emanated power.
“So,” Poppa began, “what did you think?”
“That hotel and casino thing is a boss idea, Pop.”
“That's not what I meant, but thanks. I was talking about the meeting in general.”
“I would say it went well.” Shai scratched his chin, where signs of stubble were beginning to show. “A casino will bring in some long dough. And the way you railroaded those stooges was priceless.”
“What do you mean?” Poppa asked, faking ignorance.
“Come on, Poppa. This is your baby boy you’re talking to. You and Sol got some long paper, but you know if it looked like y’all was putting all the money up, it would only be a matter of time before the IRS came looking at you funny. So you call in the three stooges.”
“Why do you keep referring to them as ‘stooges’?” Poppa questioned.
“Because that's what they are. Poppa, you and Sol could’ve taken your proposition to anyone else, but you chose those guys for a reason. Antonio has been under the Mob's boot for years, but is still struggling to make ends meet. He sees you as a way to get on the map. His motivation is revenge. Your guy Phil, I read about him in the Times once or twice. Very few people know that it was the Italians who helped him make his climb through the unions. He sees siding with you as a way to establish himself as more than just a front man for the dagos. His motivation is insecurity.”
“Are you done?” Poppa asked.
“No,” Shai continued. “The glue that holds them together is greed. They actually think they’ll have some say-so over this whole project. You, me, and Sol know different. They’re nothing more than pawns in all this. Part of the reason you chose them is for their individual assets. The other reason is because they aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer. Those two guys are nothing more than scapegoats. The minute they get besides themselves or try to cross you, they’ll disappear and no one will miss them. This will leave you and Sol as the sole owners of the casino, legally. It's a win- win for you.”
“Spoken like a true Clark.” Poppa smiled proudly. “You’re learning.”
“I had an excellent teacher.”
“Indeed. I know you hear about my legal dealings, but I wanted you to see it firsthand. Do you see what kind of doors money can open up? Dirty money is cool, but this money here is the sweetest.This money spends anywhere, you know why? ‘Cause it's all accounted for. As long as the government gets their cut and you can prove where it's coming from, you’re good.”
“I know that's right, Pop. That's why when I make it to the League I’m gonna live just like you.”
“Never like me, son. Things always improve with the newer models. Remember it.”
“I will.”
“But realistically speaking,” Poppa said, sitting down, “what if you don’t make the League? I’m not trying to jinx you or say that you’re not good enough, but you know the odds just as well as I do.”
“I know, Poppa. That just means that I just have to step my game up.”
“I feel you, Shai, and I got your back. But nothing is promised to us. What I’m stressing is the importance of education. If you make it to the League and blow out your knee the first game, what’re you gonna do? At least if you have your degree, it gives you a second option.”
“I can dig it, Pop. Of course I’m gonna finish school, but I wanna be a ballplayer. If that falls through then I guess I’d have to find another hustle.”
“True indeed, Shai. I know you boys don’t think I’m gonna be around forever. Man, I’m about to give this all over to Tommy. I’m done with it, Shai. Once I get this casino up and running I’m out.”
“I dunno,” Shai said, scratching his head, “you’ve been on the grind so long, it's hard to believe you’re stepping off.”
“No bullshit, Slim. When I say I’m out I mean it. But I still need one of my own to look after things in the event something happens to me.”
“Sure you do. That's what you’re grooming Tommy for, right?”
“That was my original plan. Your brother is a good kid. He knows how to earn and he damn sure gets the job done, but he doesn’t have a head for business. Don’t get me wrong though. Tommy can take a kilo of dirt and bring you back some paper, buthe's no negotiator. His first reaction to everything is violence. He's in his element when he's in the streets. You’re a bit of a different case.”
“If you say so, Pop.”
“Listen, Slim, there's a lot going on right now and I need every
body to do their part, including you. In this game that I ‘ve chosen to play, tomorrow is a blessing.”
“Me?” Shai asked. “What do I know about anything?”
“Shai, you don’t give yourself enough credit. It's not that different than what you do on the court. You bring that ball across the half-court line and distribute it however you see fit. It's up to you who scores or not. Same thing in the boardroom. You call the shots.”
“Guess I never really thought about it like that, but this is your business. I wanna stand on my own, not live off of a handout.”
“Shai, I’m not planning on just handing you anything. Of course you’re gonna earn your way in life, but you don’t have to start at the bottom of the barrel to do so. I’ve busted my ass in the streets all of these years for my children. This,” he said with a sweep of his hand, “is for y’all.”
Shai just nodded.
“Never fear,” Poppa said, placing his hand on Shai's shoulder. “It's not something you’ll have to worry about anytime soon. You just focus on keeping your grades up and improving your game. When the time comes you’ll be ready.” Poppa smiled at Shai and left the room.
Poppa snatched the small hand radio from his desk and hit the TALK button, “Duce,” Poppa barked. “Have our other guests arrived yet?”
“Yeah,” Duce replied. “The last of the lieutenants arrived about ren minutes ago. I got them situated in the boathouse. Here is keeping their asses in check, but you know they’re gonna get antsy soon.”
“Tough shit. They gotta wait. I’ll send Tommy down there in a while, but we gotta wrap this party up first. Keep the drinks flowing,but don’t have them fools getting drunk. I’ll get wit’ you in a minute.” Poppa put the radio down and exhaled. Retirement was so close that he could almost taste it. His casino would be up and running in close to no time and he would be making an asshole full of money, even with Sol as a partner. Thinking of his friend made him recall their conversation from earlier.
Poppa had voiced his anxieties about leaving the hotheaded Tommy in charge of such a vast operation. He was a good leader, but his temper would be his undoing. And then Bill came up with a solution that both offended and puzzled Poppa.
When Bill had first suggested making Shai part of the operation, Poppa thought he was joking, but there was no humor in Bill's face. He seriously expected Poppa to bring Shai in. The suggestion was laughable. Poppa was not foolish enough to think that Shai didn�
�t do a little dirt here and there, but he was hardly in Tommy's league. No, he would be the good son.
Poppa would continue to encourage Shai to pursue his studies and dreams, but he wanted to ensure that he had something of his own. Tommy had the streets, but what about Shai? What would become of him were Poppa not around? Shai too would need something to call his own.
Honey pranced through the dimly lit club, wearing nothing but a thong and a pair of clear stiletto heels. There were a few men inside the club drinking, but they weren’t really spending any money. This was one of the main reasons that she hated working the day shift.
Honey had been stripping off and on for the past two years. When she first took up the trade, it was supposed to be temporary. She just wanted to hustle up enough money to take care of her daughter and put something away for college. It hadn’t worked out as she expected. She had money put away, but it wasn’t enough just yet. It seemed like something was always coming up to set her back. On more than one occasion she had considered getting a regularjob, but quickly pushed that idea aside. She had gone to high school, but didn’t have any real skills. The thought of working somewhere for a small paycheck didn’t sit well with her. Honey liked the independence stripping allowed her, so she continued to do it until something better came along. That was two years ago and she was still shaking her ass.
She plopped down at the bar and ordered a mimosa. It was a little early to be drinking, but she doubted that anyone would raise much of a stink about it. She sorted through the wad of bills and sucked her teeth. She had been working for two hours and had barely made two hundred dollars. By the time she paid the tip out, it would’ve hardly been worth it. Something had to give.
Honey thought on her second encounter with Shai. It was weird the way she kept bumping into him. It was as if fate was trying to throw them together. She really dug Shai. He was cocky, handsome, and caked up. He seemed to be a good dude, but the reality of it was that Honey needed a come-up. She could see herself getting involved with Shai, but she had issues. Namely Bone.
Honey had been dealing with Bone for quite some time. He had been a factor in her life since her daughter was an infant. They weren’t officially a couple though, at least not to her they weren’t. Bone saw it differently when it was convenient. They both did their thing, but Bone tended to get crazy over her. One kid she had been seeing found himself the recipient of a pistol-whipping, courtesy of Bone. He was free to fuck whomever he wanted, but he tried to keep a leash on her.
Bone could be a sweetheart, but he was too damn possessive. He acted like just because he spent paper on her, he had ownership rights. If he wanted to act like her husband, he needed to put a ring on her finger. Until such time, Honey would do what she wanted. Fuck that, business was business. Honey was a chick that wanted to have the best of everything. Bone served a purpose, but Honey needed more. If she had it her way, Shai would be the avenue to get to it.
Shai walked back to the party trying to process the conversation that he and his father had had. It made him feel good to know that Poppa had a plan for him. He was never jealous of Tommy, but he sometimes felt that Poppa favored the elder. It wasn’t until he got older that he realized Tommy was being groomed for a greater purpose.
Midway through the party Shai was about done. He had shaken more hands and kissed more cheeks in one afternoon then he had all through college. Poppa invited all of the bigwigs to the party. There were models, athletes, and politicians galore gathered in the backyard. This had to be the networking event of the year.
Poppa called for the crowd's attention.
“Friends and esteemed guests,” Poppa began. “I would like to thank all of you for coming out and helping us to make this little gathering memorable. Most of you already know me, but for those of you who don’t, my name is Thomas Clark. Co-CEO of Clark, Lansky & Co. Realty. But this day isn’t about me. We’ve all gathered here today in honor of a stand-up guy. My friend and yours, Bill O’Connor. Come on up here, Bill.”
“Thanks, Tom,” he said, shaking Poppa's hand. “Thank you all,” he continued over the applause. “You know Thomas and I go back a long way. I remember when he was just a skinny kid outta Miami trying to make his fortune in New York. Back then I was just a sergeant with the two-two. Both of us still too green to know a stock from a bond. Now look at us. I’m fortunate enough to have a shot at a city office and Tom is one of the most savvy businessmen that ever took a crap between a pair of shoes. Thomas Clark is living proof that hard work and dedication can carry you a long way. I just wanted to say thanks to you all for coming out. When the polls open, VOTE BILL O’CONNOR FOR ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY!” The crowd applauded as Bill wrapped up his speech.
Shai looked at his father and nodded. One thing Poppa always knew how to do was pick a winner. From the looks of things O’Connor was a sure bet to win that ADA spot. With him in their pocket Poppa and Sol would be quite powerful.
Poppa had shaken hands and woven his way from the party to his private study. He had a few last-minute things to tie up before he at
tended the second gathering that was already taking place in the boathouse. The door slid open silently, causing Poppa to raise his head. Security didn’t radio ahead to notify Poppa as they were instructed to do with the other guests. He was used to this particular person coming and going unseen. Technically, he didn’t exist.
The visitor stood in the doorway and waited for Poppa to wave him in. His face sported new growth from lack of shaving for a few days. His head was clean and smooth except for the scar that ran from the center of his head over his patched left eye. He placed his hands inside the sleeves of the dusty black robe that he wore and stepped into Poppa's chamber. As he nodded slightly at his benefactor, the dingy white collar that lined his neck became visible. This was Priest, Poppa's friend and watchdog.
“Come on in and have a seat, Priest,” Poppa said calmly.
“Thank you,” Priest said. “Once again, thank you for inviting me into your home. I come to you a humble servant and avenging angel. Your will be done.”
“Can I offer you a taste?” Poppa asked as he poured himself a drink.
“No,” Priest responded in an almost sane voice. “Alcohol clouds one's judgment. If it's all the same to you I’d like to get right down to business.”
“Okay,” Poppa said, taking the chair opposite Priest. “Seems that we’ve got a little situation within our organization. This lil’ clown from ‘round the way has been getting light fingered. I don’t know how Tommy didn’t catch it. Probably all that damn weed he smokes. Good thing I count my own pennies, huh?”
“Indeed.”
“These kids think that because I’m getting on in years that I’m slipping.”
“Hardly, Poppa.”
“At first I was gonna let it slide and just kick the shit outta the boy, but in light of the way things are going in the streets lately, I think a message is in order.”
“You don’t have to say any more,” Priest said, standing. “I’ll handle it.”
“I know you will, Priest, but this is special. I want every one of these niggaz on the streets, whether they work for me or not, to know that the name Clark still means something.”
CHAPTER 7
THE BROWN BUILK SKIDDED to a stop on 125th and Amsterdam. The back door swung open and a body came rolling out. Be
fore the body hit the ground the Buick was off again. Harry lay on the ground suffering from a massive beating. His right eye was closed and his ribs felt like they were cracked. He had held out as long as he could, but the detectives used unique interrogation tactics.
“Are you sure?” Sol and Scotty asked simultaneously, looking at Poppa.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” Poppa said. “I’ve given it some thought and I’m sure. Get it done.”
“Poppa,” Scotty spoke up. “That's a big responsibility to put on him.”
“I know it, Scotty, but I gotta do it,” Poppa explained. “This is the right thi
ng.”
“If you feel that way about it,” Sol said. “I ain’t got a problem with it. I think you’re a cagey old bastard, but I’ll support you on this one.”
“Thanks, Sol. Make it happen, Scotty,” Poppa ordered. “But remember what I told you. Shai is not to find out.”
After conducting his business with Sol and Scotty, Poppa was ready to address the soldiers in the boathouse. The people that still lingered at the party didn’t even notice Poppa slide off. He was followed closely by Butch, who kept his hands near his .45s.
When Poppa walked into the meeting room, everyone fell silent. He was a large man, but hardly the largest in the room. Poppa just had a presence about him that made him seem larger than life. Each of the lieutenants looked at Poppa with mixed emotions. Some looked at him in awe, others in admiration, and some were not impressed. Whatever their feelings, they all gave Poppa their undivided attention.
“At ease, boys,” Poppa said in an easy tone. “I ain’t gonna take up much of your time. I just wanted to say a few things to you, then I’m gonna let Tommy have the floor.”
Poppa looked around at the assembled men before him, remembering each face and how they had risen to their positions. It had been a long and violent time for most of them, but they stood in those positions because they were willing to do what was needed to come up. They were ambitious and dangerous. This made them very efficient and very dangerous. For the most part, Poppa trusted his lieutenants, but there were a few among their number that would need watching.
“First off,” Poppa continued, “I want to thank those of you who were able to attend this gathering. Those who aren’t present, such as Angelo and a few others, are absent with my permission. Now, I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors about me retiring from the game. Allow me to confirm the rumor. Tommy has been the boss of this family in everything but name, for quite some time. Soon it will beofficial, but not just yet,” he said, glancing at his son. “Just because I’m not active on the streets, doesn’t mean that I’m not kept informed. Y’all keep doing like you’re doing and respect Tommy's words as if they were my own.”