by Tony Bertot
“Where is Mr. Gresco?” Lucia asked.
“He is no longer here,” Mrs. Gresco replied.
“Where is he?” Lucia asked with wide eyes.
Wiping the tears from her eyes with a white handkerchief, Mrs. Angelina Gresco got up and told Lucia she was to remain upstairs until tonight when she would return and explain everything. With that said, Angelina left and went back downstairs.
Lucia and Theo carried their bags to the back spare room. The strain of the journey from America had finally caught up with them and they both fell quickly into bed and slept.
That night when the store closed, Angelina returned upstairs where she found Lucia and Theo wide awake and refreshed from a long sleep and a hot bath.
“Mom, what’s going on; why are the Germans here?” Lucia asked her.
Lucia often referred to Sergio’s mother as her mother as she had known her all her life and was already like a daughter to her before Sergio and she got married. It was a happy day for both families when they announced their engagement. Both families were pleased when Sergio decided to go to America and start his own business.
“Lucia, you have to be careful what you say or do around here. Though we are supposed to be allies with the Germans they don’t trust us and watch everything we do,” Angelina explained.
“Some of the Italians have gone underground to fight the Germans and that is another reason they don’t trust us. War is terrible and men do terrible things they would not do during peacetime,” Angelina added.
“Well, I’m here now. I will help you downstairs in the store. Theo can also help,” Lucia said as Theo nodded his approval.
“I’m strong, Grandma. I used to help Papa in our store in America,” Theo said.
Mrs. Gresco smiled at both of them and nodded as tears once more welled up in her eyes.
“I can use the help,” she said to Lucia.
“And you too, Theo,” she said ruffling his hair while holding back tears.
A Witness
Queens/ New York
Fazio caught Captain Frances Dempsey completely by surprise when he called him.
“Captain Dempsey, I remembered seeing Michael O’Shea at the scene of the accident. There was blood on his face and he was running away. I’m sure it was him,” Fazio told him.
“Mr. Giordano, how can you be so sure? You were in shock. You just saw your grandparents and daughter in a horrific accident. You must be mistaken,” Captain Dempsey told him.
“No. I’m positive,” Fazio replied.
“Mr. Giordano, Mr. O’Shea has an alibi. He was upstate when the accident occurred. We questioned everyone and they vouched for his whereabouts,” the captain told Fazio.
“Well they’re lying. I’m positive I saw that son of a bitch at the accident,” Fazio insisted.
“Alright, Mr. Giordano, we’ll look further into your allegations,” the captain promised.
“Officer Gruelich, come in here,” shouted the captain.
Officer Gruelich had been reassigned to Captain Dempsey’s squad during this investigation.
“I just got a call from Mr. Giordano. He claims he saw Michael O’Shea at the accident running from the scene. Go find out where he is and pick him up. Tell him we have a few more questions,” the captain ordered.
“Alright, captain,” Officer Gruelich said.
Before Officer Gruelich could get out the door, the captain said,
“Wait. I had better go with you. Make sure we follow everything by the book.”
When they arrived at the Congressman’s home, Michael O’Shea answered the door. They asked him to step outside and come back with them to the precinct. His mother arrived at the door as they were escorting him to the car.
“What are you doing? You can’t come here and just take him like that,” she protested.
“Ma’am we have a witness that claims your son was at the scene of the accident and we are merely taking him in for further questioning,” the Captain told her.
On the way the captain asked someone pick up Mr. Giordano and bring him over to the station and put him in an interrogation room until they arrived.
At the station, they were confronted by Mr. O’Shea’s lawyer who tried to block their progress by protesting to the procedure.
Mr. O’Shea was placed with several other men as they prepared to participate in a line up.
The Captain, Officer Gruelich and Mr. Giordano prepared to view the line-up through a one-way mirror.
“Mr. Giordano do you see the man you saw running away from the scene of the accident?” the captain asked.
Fazio looked at each individual and when he spotted Michael O’Shea, he nodded and said yes.
“He is number four in the lineup,” responded Fazio.
The lawyer turned to Fazio and asked him is this the second time you have seen the man you pointed out.
“No. I saw him yesterday on television and that is when I recognized him as the man I saw fleeing the accident,” Fazio responded.
“So you saw him yesterday on TV and you recognized him as the driver of the vehicle,” the lawyer asked Fazio.
“No, I didn’t say that. I said I saw him at the scene of the accident and recognized him yesterday when I saw him on the TV,” responded Fazio.
“So you don’t even know if he was the driver, do you?” the lawyer asked him.
“No, I don’t, but he was there,” Fazio answered now getting agitated.
As they left the room, Congressman James O’Shea came rushing towards them.
“What the hell is going on here?” he demanded to know.
The captain explained the situation to the Congressman, telling him they had to bring in his son and place him in a lineup where Fazio made a positive identification.
“You are taking the word of a mobster over me and my family. Is that what I’m hearing?” asked the Congressman.
Fazio stared at the Congressman and said nothing.
“Mr. O’Shea, this changes everything so we will need to formally document the statements made by your son’s alibis,” The captain advised.
“What for, we told you the truth,” the Congressman shouted.
“Then how could your son be at the scene of the accident. The only logical answer is you and your family is nothing but liars. Is that the kind of people you are, Mr. Congressman?” Fazio asked.
Before the Congressman could react and before it became a shouting match, Fazio turned and walked away as the Congressman began shouting obscenities at Fazio.
“You bastard, no one calls me a liar. You don’t know who you’re messing with,” he screamed.
As a result, an intensive investigation began by the district attorney’s office while the press was having a field day with the rumor and speculation created by the press. Fazio and his family came under attack as part of an organized crime family trying to ruin the Congressman.
During the investigative process, Fazio was forced to close his business when unexpectedly a building inspector found the shop had never submitted a formal business permit. Before Fazio could retrieve all the papers with the appropriate licenses, a mysterious fire destroyed the shop. A fire inspector pointed to bad wiring in the wall as the cause of the fire. Fazio knew in his heart it was the Congressman pulling strings in the background.
Michael O’Shea’s lawyer was present as they questioned each witness of his whereabouts. All witnesses, except Fazio, declined to take a lie detector test and by law, it was not mandatory nor was it admissible in court. Though it at the end, it was Fazio’s word against three witnesses, a Congressman and his wife, The news media grabbed the information and ran with it, bringing pressure on all involved. However at the end, the case remained unresolved.
To avoid reporters, Fazio took Felicia and her Grandmother to their home in the Hamptons after their release from the hospital.
Sitting on the back porch Fazio thought long and hard before picking up the phone and calling Ricardo Gallo.
&nb
sp; Long Term Planning
Long Island/New York
It had been over a month and half when the heads of two of the San Francisco families (Eric Russo and Joey Costa) joined Sal Manetti and Ricardo Gallo in a limo ride out to long island.
On the drive from La Ristorante to Long Island, Eric Russo and Joey Costa could not conceal their amusement when Sal Manetti and Ricardo Gallo shared the story about their two men, John Battanio and Ray Spandoza, visiting Bolnaldo and getting the grand tour.
“The man is an clumsy jerk.” Joey Costa commented.
The mood was light and the laughter could not be contained as the story unfolded before their eyes. The champagne they were sipping contributed to their mood. Finally, they were able to contain themselves as the ride out to Long Island became somber. They remembered why they were there, why they came to New York.
“Anzio Giordano was a good man, a good capo. He taught us to be patient, to wait and think before we act. He was one of the first to actually retire from our line of business; leaving it all intact,” Eric Russo said.
“Salute!” They all raised their glasses.
When they reached at the Hamptons, they exited the limo and went directly to the study. Both Eric and Joey stayed at the Hampton location for a few days before returning to Chicago. During their stay, they discussed the long-term plans for expanding their business in New York City. Eric Russo cautioned Manetti and Gallo about being too aggressive and advised them to let John Battanio and Ray Spandoza return with them to San Francisco as a matter of caution.
“Bolnaldo will not let this go. He will come after John and Ray sparing no expense getting his revenge. I promise you, he is no man to anger,” Joey Costa commented.
Ricardo Gallo and Sal Manetti agreed but were reluctant to let two of their best men go. As a result, Eric promised to send a few of his men in their stead. “I have a few men who miss the streets of New York and they would be more than happy to return to their native soil,” he said.
Though both Ray and John were not happy with the news, they agreed it would be in everyone’s best interest. Both had stationed men at their homes for protection knowing it was only a matter of time before they would be found. There was an unwritten understanding between the families that relatives were never harmed, hits were contained so no innocent relatives were caught in the crosshair. Nevertheless, that would not stop anyone from attacking them at their own home provided the innocents were left untouched. In the history of their wars, this rule had never been broken. If violated, a contract with prejudice would be placed upon the transgressor’s head. It was the way of business.
So when Sal Manetti received a call from Fazio Giordano and agreed to meet with him, he was concerned whether he was about to make the biggest mistake of his life. After all, Giordano was not a member of their organization.
It was a cold day in early September, where Fazio Giordano, Sal Manetti, and Ricardo Gallo sat in a little deli on Long Island and discussed the events that led Fazio to seek their help.
“That bastard killed my grandpa and almost killed my daughter and grandmother. To add to this insult I have lost my business, and many friends have turned their back on me. They think I’m part of your business; whatever it is you people do. This… this Congressman and his family think they are untouchable, they can break the law and get away with it,” Fazio told them in a controlled voice.
Both Ricardo and Sal could see the pain and anger in this man’s face.
“What do you expect us to do Mr. Giordano?” asked Ricardo.
Fazio stared at both these men.
“I don’t know,” was Fazio’s response.
“We can’t just go out and whack them you know or grab the little shit and hang him by his balls,” said Sal.
Fazio stared at them as they spoke and realized what they were saying made sense.
Fazio got up, looking down at the two men.
“I’ll be in touch. I just want to know that when the time comes, I can depend on you to help me,” he told them.
“Sure, Mr. Giordano. As long as it doesn’t come back to bite us in the ass,” Ricardo told him.
“Mr. Giordano, if you are having any financial problems, we can help. There is a trust fund put aside by your grandfather in your name,” said Ricardo.
“What are you talking about, I never heard of any trust fund,” Fazio said.
“I’ll make sure we send you the details,” replied Sal.
A few days later Fazio received the details of a bank account with his name. The account had an approximate balance of $25,000+ dollars under his grandfather’s name, with him as the benefactor. Fazio’s concern how this money was obtained was put to rest when an accountant and lawyer confirmed it was through legal means.
A week later Fazio called Ricardo Gallo and Sal Manetti and asked to meet with them once again.
A Spy Among Us
Palermo, Sicily
Harold Kaiser was the Head Community Leader assigned to keep order in the town of Palermo. It was he who first noticed the woman with the child in tow entering the corner bakery. He was responsible for knowing as much as there was to know about the community and its occupants. Therefore, it was not out of his jurisdiction to go to the bakery and question who the attractive woman and child were; it was, after all, his duty.
It had been a few days since Lucia and Theo arrived in Palermo, and they quickly adjusted to the daily routine, helping Angelina with running the bakery.
While waiting in line, Harold Kaiser watched Lucia as she filled the orders of those in front of him. Her beauty captivated him and at once, his need to know this woman consumed him. As he reached the front of the line, he returned her gaze with a broad smile.
“May I help you?” Lucia asked him.
“Yes, you may by first telling me your name,” he said.
“That is not on the menu,” she replied.
“Oh, but I must insist,” he told her.
Angelina quickly moved in front of Lucia.
“She is my daughter-in-law, Herr Kaiser,” she told him.
“Ah. I don’t remember meeting her when we went about meeting all the people of the community,” he responded.
“She just arrived from the southern part of Sicily where she lived with my son,” Angelina added.
“Really, well let me be the first to welcome her. I see your son has not joined her,” Kaiser added.
“He is with the military preparing to defend us from the Allies. We thought it would be safer if she moved in with us where we are protected by the German army,” Angelina said smiling.
“Yes. That was a smart move. We do not expect that the American or British forces could ever get this far into Sicily. After all we are the superior army and they would not stand a chance against us,” Kaiser said in a superior manner.
There were a few supportive comments and laughter from the other German soldiers in the shop confirming Herr Kaiser’s words.
“Herr Kaiser, may I take your order?” Angelina asked him.
He stared at her for a few seconds with a big grin on his face and responded with,
“No. I want your daughter-in-law take the order. If you don’t mind,” he commanded.
“But I do mind. It is time for her break now. So be a gentleman and stop holding up the line and give me your order,” she demanded.
There was a sudden hush as heads turned toward the counter taking notice of the conversation between Angelina and Herr Kaiser. Soldiers and civilians alike quietly assumed a position to respond to or prevent an unfavorable outcome.
“Of course, madam,” Harold Kaiser responded with a half smile knowing how touchy the situation was between the Germans and the Italians. The relief of the patrons was tangible. It would not be in the occupation forces best interest to cause an incident over a trivial thing like having Lucia serve him, Harold Kaiser thought to himself. Leaving with his purchase, he bid all a good day and walked across the street to the German headquarters where he w
ent up two flights of stairs and positioned himself near the window with a favorable view of the bakery. He was determined to see Lucia again under more favorable circumstances.
Harold Kaiser was watching when a few hours later Theo came out of the shop with another kid about his age. They were playing with a stick and a ball and he noticed Theo instructing the other boy on how to play some game. He watched as Theo threw the ball up in the air and then tried to hit it with the stick. Now curious, he went downstairs and got closer to the two boys to listen to what they were saying. At first, he did not understand what Theo was telling the boy. It was in broken Italian and obvious to Kaiser that Theo was not a native. Nevertheless, what was fascinating was the boy was speaking in sentences that were a mixture of Italian and English.
Now where would he have learned to speak English, thought Kaiser.
After a short time, he called to the boys and asked them if they wanted some chocolate. The boys stared at the German soldier and ran towards him.
“Si, Herr Kaiser,” the other boy said.
Theo remained quiet and said nothing.
“And what about you, young man?” Harold Kaiser asked in plain English.
Theo stared at the man as if he did not understand.
“Che, che l'ha fatto dice?” Theo asked him in Italian.
Harold Kaiser stared at Theo for a few seconds.
“Don’t you speak English?” Kaiser asked him straight out.
“Si, un po. Mia madre mi ha insegnato,” responded Theo indicating he knew a little his mother taught him.
Before Herr Kaiser could question the boy further, he heard his grandmother calling him back to the shop. He looked up to see Angelina standing at the shop entrance waving at them to return. She smiled at Kaiser and waved as he smiled back giving her a makeshift salute as he turned, entered the building, and returned to his chair next to the upstairs window. Angelina watched after him and stepped back into the shop where she watched from behind the door. She saw him position himself at the front window on the second floor.