Not sure if I was being paranoid or if it was just coincidence, I paid extra attention to my surroundings as I ran through the park. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but I felt uneasy when I walked back to my car and spied the sedan still parked in the same spot. A man in a suit was sitting inside reading a newspaper. When I reached my car I stretched and glanced casually back at the sedan, the guy still hadn’t budged. This wasn’t unusual though; a lot of people take lunch breaks and just sit in their cars.
I hopped into my car and took off back towards Center City. As I went around City Hall to continue south on Broad St., a blue sedan appeared in my side view mirror. Startled, I looked again and confirmed it was the same car and driver. This left me slightly unnerved. Determined to shake the guy, if in fact I was being followed, I made a quick right onto Walnut St., just as the light was turning red. I parallel parked a block away from Rittenhouse Square and waited. My car isn’t very inconspicuous so if I was being followed, they would be quick to spot it. Sure enough, a few minutes later, the same non-descript blue sedan appeared in my side view mirror as it drove up the street. The car pulled into a loading zone a few cars down and sat with the engine idling.
I called Grant on his cell phone, wondering if his overprotectiveness had returned with a vengeance.
“Nat, what’s up?”
“Are you having me followed?”
“What! No. Why?” He asked, sounding surprised.
I filled him in on the sedan that had been following me all morning. After I gave him the description of the car he identified who it was.
“The Feds. They’ve been tailing us for a few weeks; they might have been tailing you long before today. This is to be expected.”
“So, they just follow you around? For how long?” I was feeling violated.
“Until they can make an arrest.”
“An arrest!”
“Relax, Nat. It happens every time the body count starts to rise. They know it’s mob related and they need to make it known that they are watching us.”
“But why me? I’m not involved in any criminal activity.”
“I don’t like talking about this on the phone; it’s not secure. Where are you?”
“I was trying to lose my tail,” I admitted. “My life is beginning to sound more like a bad TV movie.” Grant chuckled when he heard this. “I’m right by Rittenhouse Square.”
“Can you come over to my place?”
“Sure, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I put my car into gear and pulled back onto Walnut St. Seconds later the sedan pulled out and fell in line two cars behind me. Grant lived at the Lofts 640 off of Broad St. and it was only a matter of driving a few blocks. Grant opened the door to his studio as I was still knocking.
“Were you followed over here?”
“Yeah, they aren’t really good at being inconspicuous are they?”
“They want you to know they’re watching…to shake you up a bit.”
“Well, it’s working,” I stated. Grant gave me a concerned look. “I don’t like the idea of being watched…it creeps me out!”
“You don’t have anything to worry about. It’s the Grabanos they want.” That revelation triggered something territorial in me.
“You mean Dom?” I clarified.
“Not so much, but definitely Uncle Marco, Rico and Al. They’ll try to pick off the lower ranks until they get to them.”
“Pick off?”
“Yeah, have them turn and testify against the family. The feds will build their case until it is solid. It happened with Scarfo. Many of his presumably most loyal soldiers and capos turned against him.”
“Why? That’s awful.”
“They were pinned. It was either them or Scarfo going to prison. They chose to save themselves. It was their way out.”
“Oh…and I’m Dominic’s girlfriend so I’m of interest to them?”
“Not only are you Dom’s girlfriend, but my sister and you work at Crimson. You’re probably considered Mafioso by now.”
His words shocked me. Sure most of my acquaintances were affiliated with the mob, but I never considered myself one of them. But, to the outside world, I must look like it.
“Nat, you alright?” Grant gave me the concerned look again.
“I think so. I just never thought that I would be…you know.”
Grant sighed and put his hand on my shoulder. “I know. I should never have gotten you involved.” I thought of Dominic and the love I felt for him. He made the sacrifice worth it.
“I can handle it. I’ll be fine,” I paused. “So now that I’m considered Mafioso do I get a gun too? Do I get to whack somebody?” I joked. Grant scowled at my bad humor.
“Seriously, if any of the boys try to get you more involved, come talk to me. I won’t let you get any more involved than you already are.”
“God, I was just joking! Do you really think that I could kill someone?” Grant must have envisioned me toting a gun because his face broke out in a smile and he laughed. His hazel eyes sparkled and the smile broke away the tension that had taken up residence on his face.
“I’m starving. What do you have to eat?” I helped myself to his kitchen. The refrigerator contained a pizza box with one dried up slice, a carton of rancid milk, a dried up orange and something fuzzy in a microwave dish. A quick search of the cabinets revealed a can of tuna fish and a box of stale croutons. The sleek ultramodern apartment with all of the modern conveniences lacked one simple thing – food.
“Seriously Grant, how does Miranda let you live like this? It’s sad…no it’s beyond sad, it’s pathetic. Do I need to call mom?” I threatened jokingly.
Grant gave me a sheepish look. “I don’t stay here that much. I’m usually at Miranda’s. Actually, since you brought it up, my lease is up soon and Miranda and I are going to move in together.”
“Really? The commitment-phobe is moving in with a girl?” I teased. Grant and I were both known for being non-committal.
“I figured if you can handle it without a violent allergic reaction, then I can definitely handle it,” he joked back.
“Ouch!” I laughed. My stomach growled angrily not liking to be ignored. “Damn. Dominic has me used to regular five course meals. I really need to eat - you hungry?”
Grant smiled and said, “I could eat.”
“Wanna drive my car?” I dangled the keys out in front of him. He snatched them up eagerly. His lead foot was probably already twitching.
A week had passed since Grant and I had lunch and the VIP section was busy, busier than usual for a Thursday. I ran around at warp speed to keep the drinks flowing. Being busy caused the night to fly by and it was over before I knew it. I plopped down on a bar stool exhausted.
“You look wiped,” Dominic commented.
“I am.” I replied, stifling a yawn.
“Were we up too late last night?” he smiled mischievously. I blushed and smiled innocently at him while batting my eyelashes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” We both chuckled at our private moment. I saw Brittany in my peripheral vision pretending to gag – dramatically. I ignored her.
“You need to go home and get some sleep.” Dominic urged. “My dad and I have some stuff to deal with after work.” They were probably plotting the next hit on a Nucci boy. I didn’t need to know the details. Since I had learned that the FBI had an interest in watching me, I figured the less I knew the better. I may be considered guilty by association and that was as guilty as I wanted to be.
“I won’t disagree with you there.” I stifled another yawn. I leaned over the bar to kiss Dominic goodbye. He gently massaged the back of my neck as we kissed. “Love you.” I whispered.
“Love you too.” He kissed the tip of my nose. This time I didn’t see Brittany pretending to gag, but I heard her. I looked over at her and smiled gloatingly. She stopped and glared at me.
Joey B, escorted me to my car. It didn’t take me long to notice the non-descript sedan sitting in the shadow
s of an abandoned warehouse next door to Crimson. I fought the urge to wave to them, but Joey B. looked at me and shook his head as if reading my mind. “Don’t encourage them Nat,” he warned in his gruff voice.
“I won’t Joey,” I promised.
“You going straight home?” he asked protectively as he held the door open for me and shut it once I was in the driver’s seat. Grant’s bouncers had the same annoying need to watch over me.
“Yes, I’m exhausted.” He nodded in approval and tapped on the hood as I pulled out of the parking spot.
I passed by the sedan and, as per usual, it turned to follow me home. What wasn’t usual was when the car followed me up the driveway. The valet opened my door and I stepped out of the car overwhelmed by uncertainty. Were they going to approach me? The driver’s side door of the sedan opened up and answered my question. I inhaled sharply and braced myself as the agent approached. His partner stayed in the car.
“Miss Ross, can I have a word?” Shit, he knows my name. I nodded and tried to swallow, but my mouth was too dry. I followed him to stand over by his car, away from the lobby entrance.
“You probably already know that we’re monitoring the activity of the Grabano family,” the agent began. I nodded again.
“We’re also investigating the suspicious disappearance of Carmine Bruno, Vincent DeMateo and Joe Benucci.”
“Who?” I asked, confused.
“They were part of your boss’ circle until a few months ago. They all disappeared the same night.”
“I don’t know who they are.”
“We thought that since you work at Crimson and who you’re associated with, that you may have heard the names mentioned?” The agent suggested.
“Sorry, I haven’t. Agent?”
“Oh, right. I’m Agent Phillips.” He held his hand out. I shook it, briefly.
“Is that all you wanted to talk to me about Agent Phillips?” I asked and stifled yawn. I was so tired I wasn’t even nervous any more.
“Uh, yes. That’s it for now. Thank you for your time Miss Ross.”
“Goodnight.” I dismissed myself and walked to the lobby. The doorman held the door open for me and eyed me curiously. I schlepped across the lobby willing my feet to carry me to the elevator.
As soon as I was inside the condo, I started undressing not caring that my clothes were being left on the living room, hallway and bedroom floors. I scrubbed the make-up off of my face, brushed my teeth and crawled into bed.
Sometime after dawn Dominic curled up beside me. He kissed my shoulder and I grunted to acknowledge his presence, too tired to do anything else. Dominic chuckled as he drifted off to sleep.
The brightness of the room woke me up. The blinds were up and the sun was pouring in through the picture window. Dominic’s arm was draped across his eyes in an attempt to block the light. I got up to shut the blinds and looked across to the Camden waterfront, even the murky Delaware River managed to sparkle. With the room much darker, I crawled back into bed to get some more sleep. Dominic pulled me up next to him.
“Thanks for getting the blinds,” he muttered in a sleepy voice.
“No problem, it was so bright.”
“How was the rest of your night?” he asked.
“Fine, I pretty much went straight to bed, except for the FBI wanted to talk to me.” I could feel Dominic tense up behind me.
“What did they want?” His voice was more awake now.
“They were asking me about these three guys, Bruno, Benucci and someone else…I can’t remember.” Dominic tensed up even more when I mentioned the names. “I had never heard of them before.”
“And you told them that?”
“Yeah, I didn’t have any information. Even if I did I wouldn’t say anything. Uncle Marco would have my head, remember?” Dominic still hadn’t relaxed. “You know those names, the guys the FBI are looking for, don’t you?” He didn’t answer right away.
“You know them too.”
“I do?”
“Yeah. Those are the guys that Grant killed last spring at The Speak.” Now it was my turn to tense up. I rolled over to look at him, neither one of us was going to go back to sleep anytime soon.
“Are you serious?” The bodies on the floor had been nameless until now. Now that I knew their identities it made the crime so much more real. An involuntary shudder shook my body. “I didn’t want to know that.”
Dominic hugged me close and kissed my forehead. “You’re handling all this amazingly well,” he whispered. I guess he was right. Aside from the occasional nightmares, FBI surveillance and first - hand knowledge of a triple murder, life was great. I was in love and made good money, which enabled me to pursue my creative side. If I kept my nose out of the mafia’s business I could get used to this life. I had no other choice. I thought back to Marco’s threat and how menacing the expression on his face was when gave me the ultimatum. Another shudder shook my body and Dominic held me tight, his naked body, tan from the summer sun, contrasted against my fair skin. I could feel the familiar warmth stirring deep in my core and I pressed even closer. Yeah, I could definitely get used to this life.
Chapter 26
Miranda was barking out orders like a drill sergeant when Dominic and I arrived a few minutes late for work. We had spent the entire day in bed and it was difficult to tear ourselves away. She glared at us and continued her rant. Employees were bustling around Crimson obeying her every command.
“What’s going on?” I asked her. Miranda could run a tight ship, but I’d never seen her on a tear like this. She gave me an exasperated look. “Didn’t Dom tell you?”
“Tell me what?” Now it was Dominic’s turn to get the look.
“The five families are coming here tonight!” she hissed.
“The New York five families?” My eyes grew wide. “Why?”
“There’s going to be a meeting. The Commission doesn’t like what the Nucci family has been doing and wants to set them straight.”
“The meeting is here?”
Miranda gave me another look. “No, they’re going to meet at the fucking Holiday Inn. Of course they’re meeting here.”
“You’re in VIP tonight Nat, I don’t want Brittany in there interfering. Go set up,” she ordered.
“Dom, Dad wants you up there tonight behind the bar as an extra set of ears.”
“I’m on it.”
We walked to Miranda’s office and Dom unlocked the door. I set my purse on the desk chair. Since Dominic and I had gotten serious, I didn’t have to use the employee lounge. We walked over to the VIP section where Grant was going over the security detail with some of the boys.
“This is closed tonight for the private party. If they aren’t with any of the families, they don’t get access.” Wow, it must be a big deal if they were closing down VIP.
“Babe, who all is going to be here?” I asked Dom.
“Dad, Uncle Marco and Uncle Al, the top members of the five families, they make up The Commission and top members of the Nucci family.”
“The Nucci family and the Grabano family under one roof again? This can’t be good, especially after the big shooting in the Italian Market last week.” I responded, feeling a little panicky. The Grabanos were out for blood after that shooting that took out two of our soldiers.
“Don’t worry, they won’t do anything while the five families are here,” he reassured me. I was feeling on edge and hoped Dominic was right.
Crimson started to fill up, except for the VIP section. Several people tried to gain entry, but were blocked by Anthony, one of the largest bouncers on staff. I heard he tried out for the Eagles offensive line. With his bulk, that was easy to believe.
It was close to midnight when I saw Grant parting the crowds to make way for a group of men who were following close behind. I recognized the Grabanos and a couple of the Nucci boys so it was easy to pick out the New York contingency. They carried themselves with an air of superiority. All wore expensive, well tailored suits. The
men ranged in age from early forties to late seventies, one of whom looked more dead than alive.
They all filed into VIP and I went to work collecting drink orders. At first everyone stood around chatting amicably. After a few drinks everyone sat down and the meeting began. I hung back in the corner and only went to the table when I was gestured to. Dominic barely paid attention to the drinks he was mixing as he was focusing on the conversation at the table. It was rather genius, actually, because the music was so loud that they didn’t have to worry about being overheard outside of the section. There were a few moments when the conversation heated up and hands slammed down on the table. Overall everyone seemed to behave themselves and treated the New York families like they were gods.
One of the Nucci boys waved me over to the table. I stood next to him prepared to take his drink order. His cheeks were rosy and his eyes glassy from the alcohol. Too bad I wasn’t allowed to cut this group off, because they needed it. “Hey, you’re that girl,” he slurred.
“Excuse me?”
“Yeah, you’re the ballsy little lady that broke up the fight a month or so ago.”
A couple members of the five families were suddenly listening. Marco was quick to jump in and capitalize on the attention.
“Natalie and my daughter, Miranda, waltzed in between my boys and Rocco’s boys. It was right here in fact. Nat got us to cool off before we did anything stupid. It was Miranda’s idea, but Nat pulled it off,” Marco gloated.
One of the men in the New York group kept staring at me and it made me anxious. He sat away from the others, on the end of the booth, as if uncomfortable with close contact. His gray hair was slicked back and his skin, even the whites of his eyes, was yellowish, probably from the chain smoking. I had observed that the entire night he always had a lit cigarette in his right hand. The man leaned over and whispered in Marco’s ear. Marco’s expression changed from slightly arrogant to vacant. This made me uneasy. He looked at me and his eyes were cold.
The Beautiful People (The New Mafia Trilogy) Page 15