With This Ring

 

By

 

Retta Michaels

 

Preface

 

Notes From Retta:

 

Dear Reader,

 

In a lot of my writing, I've never felt the need to write a preface. With this story, I want you to know what to expect. For me, the story is a mixture of a whole lot of truth and a whole lot of fiction.

 

For me to explain it, I must sit and tell you what my conceptual plans were for the novel

 

IN LIFE, we are not given a set list of directions and plans how to complete it. Some people don't like the unknown, so they don't take any foreign steps into different territories. With others, they know no structure.

 

Rather than having a nameless character out there who could sue the fuck out of me for even inferring they're a member of the mafia, I chose to go personal and use my own name. It's a lot less messy and a lot more friendly for my lawyer.

 

I am not a member of the mafia. I will not say I do not know a lot of the family members from several cities, but I am not a member myself.

 

I will state at one time I was with a man named Gino who headed a crime family. He's since passed and this story has been released with permission and editing done by his son who is still a dear friend of mine. (Thanks Dave.)

 

The names I've used in the story besides my own are ficticious. The names have been changed to protect everyone. Where names weren't important, I have not used them.

 

I have given enough references to who the person is so if you can read between the lines, you can see who they are. With that said, I will not say more about the characters.

 

 

 

The story is made up. It is totally ficticious. None of the incidents happened, and nothing of the sort ever occurred. If you choose to believe it did happen, and if you choose to believe it's true, then that's on you. I will state now if I receive an email asking me if such and such part is true, I'll be polite and refer you to the Preface and leave it at that.

 

The reason I'm writing this preface is because I want people to know when I write, I write fiction with an air of the style of writing used by the National Enquirer or the Sun. There's an air of truth in there someplace, but it's actually fiction. If you choose to believe it's truth, then do so...I've got about twenty acres of swamp land I'll sell you  and someplace on that land is a complimentary Iphone. If you can find it, it's yours.

 

With that said, I'll now state the characters of this story will probably be used time and time again. I think I've found a niche in this style of writing. I'll tell you now, it's done in the style of Mack Bolan “The Executioner”, James Bond, or Scarface.

 

“With This Ring” is the first book of the saga. It shows how someone can go from leading a normal life wanting to lead a normal life to being thrown into a complex cast of characters which require him to be more and more of what he doesn't want to be.

 

I hope you enjoy the story.

 

 

Disclaimer:

 

If you are dumb enough to believe this story is true, please stop, shut off your computer, and go to the nearest mirror to repeatedly slap yourself back into reality. You'll thank yourself afterward, I assure you.

 

IF you are below the age of 18, please don't read the stories on here. Your presence jeopardizes those of us who do so legally.

 

Personal Disclaimer:

 

People, places, events, and locations in this story are fictitious. If you believe them to be true, please go to the first paragraph up under the disclaimer section and do so thrice.

 

Now, please enjoy.

 

With This Ring

Chapter Twelve:

 

On the helicopter, I updated the guard and little Jimmy about where we were going and what we were doing. Little Jimmy looked physically ill.

 

“Little Jimmy, when we get to Lambert Field, we'll wait for my security and then we'll have a lot more protection. Them, combined with Little John's security, we'll have a friggin' army, no one's going to get to you.”

 

“I just didn't count on it coming this fast.”

 

“I know. Michael forced my hand, so rather than waste time, I'm taking care of a lot of things at once.”

 

He nodded and said, “Michael self destructed.”

 

“He appears to have done it.”

 

“Several in my family thought if he ever faced a take over he'd self destruct. I thought he was too calm, cool, and collected to ever do it, but I guess I was wrong.”

 

“I never thought I'd see the day either, but now we've got a problem with him and I've got to take care of it to show what muscle I have.”

 

He nodded and said, “You're ever the gorilla Gino was.”

 

“What's that mean?”

 

“Gino nixed problems as soon as they arose. He was lethal and he used the trial system to get rid of his enemies.”

 

“It's the way it's supposed to be. If we go to war out on the streets,  we're back to the old days. I could do it very easily, but I've got to make a point.”

 

He nodded and said to Beck, “You're not familiar with the trial system. What you're going to see isn't ever going to be forgotten. Rhette's about as lethal there as you'll ever see anyone. The things you'll see is going to be beyond how bad as it can get.”

 

“It probably made more of an impact with you because it was your family members who were some of them I was having to do those things to.”

 

“What made an impact upon me was you did it to people who were your own with a fierceness which made everyone talk about it since.”

 

“Wouldn't you! I mean, those people were traitors. They gave their word and they violated the trust and confidence of the code. If we can't live trusting our own, then who can we trust?”

 

“I know, but this time, you're taking people to trial who aren't a part of your organization.”

 

“True, but I think you're going to hear a speech by little John there which is going to rock the fucking planet.”

 

“What?”

 

“He's already told one person and me he's turning the US over to me. I think he knows I'm ready and have enough people behind me to not have to worry about things now.”

 

“Is he calling in all the other family members?”

 

“I don't know. With him, you never know what he's going to do until it gets done.”

 

“You know him more than anyone.”

 

“Even I don't know him all that well.”

 

Beck asked, “Am I going to be formally introduced there?”

 

“I'll formally introduce you to everyone. I imagine little John will second it. The way it normally goes is we do a vote, but the way things are going, there's not going to be a vote until everything's in place.”

 

“What do you mean a vote?”

 

“We normally do a black ball vote. If you get a black ball, then you're not in the spot. The thing about it is you've gotten my vote, David's, and little John's. You had Michael's, but his doesn't count now. The advantage of it is you'll surely have little Jimmy's and little David's.”

 

She smiled at little Jimmy and said, “Where's he going?”

 

“I don't know. What I'm thinking is we need him someplace where being gay isn't going to be a hindrance. The only places I can think are San Francisco, or Boston. I'm lead to think San Francisco because I'm going to save Boston for someone I've got in mind.”

 

Jimmy said, “Who?”

 

“If I said, it'd not be a total surprise as it is, but knowing the gay scene of Boston, I need a lesbian who has balls the size of elephants. The only person I can think who fits that bill is someone from up home who isn't even in the family yet.”

 

He looked at me strangely.

 

“Her name is Pam. She's black and she's one of the strongest dykes I've ever met, but she loves me and she can manage a business with a fine hand and guide it.”

 

He nodded and said, “What about the fellas up there?”

 

“Here's what I think. Pam is suave enough to think with her head and manage, but she's also strong enough to get in the ring with a guy and kick his ass by boxing.”

 

He smiled and said, “That'd put the guys down a notch or two.”

 

“Yeah, but here's something Pam will tell you is that she's tough, but years ago, I whipped the shit out of her.”

 

“Huh!”

 

“I was tending bar and there was a problem. Pam found her way into a problem which wasn't hers. I was in there swinging a bar bat like Babe Ruth when she thought she'd play the part of a big bad bitch and challenge me.

             The problem was I had been drinking Tequila and when I'm drinking that stuff, I'll fight anyone. She challenged me and I was standing up on the bar. I dove off and she thought she'd catch me. Unfortunately, I was swinging before I even landed on her and knocked her ass flying when I connected.”

 

“Oh jeez!”

 

“Yeah, I might've not been able to knock her out standing in a fight in front of her, but when that punch landed, it was with my entire weight landing behind it. It stunned her and then knocked her back against a wall. My weight landed upon her and we went sliding down that wall.

             I used the surprise and the fact she was really stunned to throw her back into that wall again and then drug her out of the bar by her hair. When we got out back, a police car was just pulling up and she tried fighting me again. I threw her into the police car and her face connected with the side mirror and broke out some of her teeth. She went down and we both got cuffed and stuffed.”

 

“What happened?”

 

“We were sitting in holding cells and made an agreement for her to pay for damages to the bar if I'd let her come back into the bar.”

 

“Any more problems with her?”

 

“No, but what's funny is all these years later, I saw her and she came around the counter where she was working gave me a big hug. I didn't mind because it told me she was letting things stay in the past.

             What's interesting is she turned around and told all these 'he man' guys working with her who were giving me a dubious eye  I was the only guy that had ever beat her ass. You should have seen the looks on their faces.”

 

“I bet.”

“You know that character on James Bond that had the teeth.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“She's got gold teeth like that and is just huge with muscles. I think she's using steroids, but that girl is bigger than a lot of guys.”

 

“Man!”

 

“Yeah, so for her to tell them I kicked her ass was a compliment.”

 

“So you're going to get her in?” Beck asked.

 

“Yeah, what I'm going to do is I'm going to make time to get up there to speak with her and use the tact that I need her and need her in a spot where she'll do the most good.”

 

“Do you think she'll work out there?”

 

“I think she's the best shot I've got. If I put a guy in there, they're all going to wonder if they can take him out. If I leave the current guy in there, then I'm going to be viewed as being weak and not knowing what he's doing. So, what I'll do is throw something so foreign at them they'll be shocked and then wonder how to take her down.”

 

“Do you think it's wise?”

 

“Let me say this. When Pam hits the streets running, she's going to draft a lot of the lesbians in and then, she's going to have an army who is going to take those guys out.”

 

“OK, that's a thought” said Beck. “I'm getting you now!.”

 

“It's going to take a whole new different way of doing things. Where my problem is now is I gave Michael my word about his son heading New York City.”

 

Little Jimmy nodded and said, “He's a good kid. Have you seen him?”

 

“No”

 

“He's every bit as cute as his dad was at that age.”

 

“Oh Lord.”

 

“He's got the genes of Michael, but his mom definitely played a part in him because he's got a nicer side to him than Michael ever had.”

 

“Michael's problem is he was raised thinking he was entitled to everything.”

 

Little Jimmy said, “He's always had it. The thing I can say about him is he's got a business head about him and he knows how to smell out when someone's trying to hold back income and hide it.”

 

“That's good.”

 

“Yeah, but where he goes with it isn't to trial, but he takes those people out.”

 

“That's not a trait I want.”

 

“Well, that's where he's at.”

 

“Do you have names and places?”

 

“Several. I also know several who assisted him with those people.”

 

“When we get there, I want those people's names and I'll need to get them brought in. I want the element of surprise so overwhelming when he sees what I'm dredging up, he's going to be wondering what all I'll drag out of the woodwork next..”

 

He smiled and said, “You're not going to believe the reception you're going to have to be the one who finally took him down. There's a lot of things he's done which everyone has felt like he could get by with it and never be brought to question for it. I know if my people were going to live, they'd fall in behind you for it.”

 

“Listen. Not everyone in your family is going to die. A lot of people I'm sure are good. I'm sure a lot of them aren't a part of what happened, but my anger is such I'm really not going to be interested in apologies.”

 

“I know.”

 

“So, whatever happens, be prepared for the unexpected.”

 

“I'll go with the flow. What I'm going to hear from my family is I've sold my soul and them out.”

 

“You were there through too much. I think it's why little John wanted to save you.”

 

“I'll tell you this. My papa saved me from a lot. He knew I'd seen too much at an early age, and rather than letting me have my own thoughts, everyone coddled me.

             When it happened, I wasn't so traumatized as I was shocked. I was standing there trying to figure out what happened, I wasn't thinking too much.

             Later, when I'd hear people talking, they'd be saying things about being afraid I would want to carry on a war with them. Personally, I was still trying to figure it out. Then, when I thought I had a grasp on everything, all the feelings I had about being gay came over me and I had to contend with it.”

 

“Do you think your being gay was because you felt emasculated by what happened?” I asked.

 

“No! My feelings were because I'd see a boy and I'd find myself attracted to him! I knew I was expected to grow up and be a certain way, but the thought of me settling down and getting married to have a bunch of kids just didn't appeal.”

 

“Ok, I understand that a lot. In Italian families, we're raised from an early age to do just that. It's bred into us and from an early age, our grandmothers are pullling us close to tell us how sweet of a father we'll be and how pretty of a wife little Mary Katherine over there will look as our wife.”

 

He smiled and said, “You've got it!”

 

“Yeah, but for me, I was always attracted to boys who weren't a part of the Italian heritage. My first boy I was attracted to was a red headed kid named John Clark. He was a sweet kid and just about un-Italian as they come.”

 

He laughed and said, “I bet that was funny!”

 

“It was, but then through growing up, I was friends with boys who I was attracted. What was bad was I'd have all those feelings and then, they'd get their little girlfriends and I'd be heartbroke.”

 

“Who was your first?”

 

“Tony. I was thirteen and he was twenty seven. He was a lifeguard at the pool and a blonde bronze God up there on that stand. Me, I was a little geeky Italian kid with the black hair and big blue gray eyes and apparently, he saw I was trying to get his attention and he saw something in me because we got together.”

 

Beck looked shocked. “You got together with a guy that much older than you!”

 

“Yeah, I didn't think it was wrong at the time, but now I look back on it, I really find a lot wrong with it.”

 

“How long were you together?”

 

“For six years.”

 

“My God!”

 

“Yeah. It wasn't domestic bliss, but through going around to parties and different bars with him, I met Gino and we found an attraction.”

 

“How old was Gino at the time?”

 

“Oh hell, he was in his late fifties.”

 

“You're telling me you were a teenager attracted to a man that age?”

 

“Oh hell yeah. He was perfect. He was a gentleman and he really taught me a lot about things and people.”

 

“And he reciprocated?”

 

“The way it went was he didn't let me know he was attracted. I went to his mansion without knowing I wasn't supposed to go there. His mom answered the door and I went in. She met me and we had a very nice conversation. Then, Gino came home and I believe it was her who kept him from raising a lot of hell with me.”

 

“Really!”

“Yeah, I think he found me being there a threat. You see, I might've been young but I sure thought I was a lot older than I thought. So, I was naďve to a lot of things.”

 

“I'd say!”

 

“But, she saw he was attracted to me too. So, she didn't say anything to him about it, but she told me what she saw and how to get him.”

 

“I'm surprised.”

 

“Her goal was seeing her son smile. She knew the stresses he was under and he'd lost a wife. She knew a normal woman wouldn't be good for him so she cultivated things between us.”

 

“So you went out?”

 

“Oh hell no. I was still with Tony, but what happened was we built up a friendship and I learned more and more about him.”

 

“And Tony allowed it?” asked Jimmy.

 

“Tony had no choice. HE was fucking anything and everything and knew if he dared tell me I wasn't allowed to see Gino as friends, his jealousy would have riled me and then I would have told Gino who would have brought out all the facts about whom Tony was seeing and screwing around with. So, he let me have the friendship and I relished it.

             When Tony died, the first person who got a call was Gino because I was catatonic and my friend Michelle knew I was in deep shit. She called and he came in swooping me up and getting the police off me and dropping the charges they had on me.”

 

“What charges!” Beck asked.

 

“When Tony got shot, I grabbed him and hugged him to me trying to put his head back together. The whole time, I was apologizing and telling him I didn't mean to do it.”

 

“What!”

 

“He sat in front of a shot gun that had a fishing line attached to the trigger. When I pulled open the screen door on the front of the house, it pulled the trigger.”

 

“Oh Lord!”

 

“Yeah, it was a shock. When I found him, Michelle had already called 9-1-1 because she recognized the bang I heard as a shot. She was trying to get me to let him go and I was losing it. The police came in and that's how they found me, so I was cuffed and booked for his murder.”

 

“Jeez” said Jimmy.

 

“Yeah, but by the time I was to the police station, I'd went catatonic and was just way out in lala land. I just stared into oblivion and that's how Gino found me some thirteen hours later when he finally got the lawyers down there and got me out of jail.”

 

“You poor kid.” Beck said.

 

“I really thought I'd killed him. Then, they told me we were going to the hospital because he was still alive, so that's when I came out of it thinking there was hope. What I didn't know was he was alive due to life support and was basicly brain dead. That doctor here was the one who was there.”

 

“Oh”

 

“Yeah, what the law states is life insurance won't pay if someone dies within the first seventy two hours after they attempt suicide. If they live longer, it's death attributed to a suicide attempt, but the insurance will pay, so Gino told the doctor to keep him alive so I wouldn't have to pay for the funeral.”

 

“Oh man!”

 

“While we were in the hospital, Meemaw came and she took over. She had me get prepared for his death and Gino began fighting Tony's family behind the scenes. The battle waged and sometime right before they were going to shut off the system, Gino and I went to the chapel and he told me his feelings for me.”

 

“Awe” said Beck.

 

“Then, the way it went was Gino took over protecting me and I stayed with him the whole time the battle waged against Tony's family and finally, they relented and started giving me everything Gino was demanding.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“They basicly had washed their hands of him when he came out to them. They were trying to take our house and everything. Gino told them not only was I going to get the house, but they were going to give me the life insurance policy and Tony's trust fund. Tony's dad thought he'd be a hard ass like you saw with those business owners tonight and Gino started letting them know how things would be.

             He was starting fires in paper mills, Tony's mom's real estate office, and finally, Tony's dad got told if he did anything else, he'd be burned in his office. The man thought his security would protect him and in less than fifteen minutes, he found out his building was on fire and his guards had been pulled, Before the fire department even got called, the man was calling Gino and telling him he'd meet with us and give us everything Gino wanted.”

 

Beck laughed and Jimmy said, “That's Gino!”

 

“The way things went was I got all he requested and still Gino couldn't get rid of me. The way I was, I was a fragile shell of myself and knew him to be the only source of security I had.

             I'd walk around and not say anything and finally, Gino was in a meeting with a high power executive with a major manufacturer of jets when Gino asked me a question pertaining to what he should do. He thought I'd not respond, but what I said to him basicly got us that business and was one of the smartest decisions made by our family.”

 

“You made that decision!” asked Jimmy.

 

“Yeah. Now mind you I had no clue what the fuck I was saying, but Gino ran with it and took up stock which got us control of the company. Then, the company released the new plane and suddenly they were getting orders. It was viewed as one of the best decisions ever made.”

 

“I'd say!” said little Jimmy.

 

“What are you talking about?” Asked Beck.

 

Jimmy told her the name of the company and she just sat there slack jawed. “My God!”

 

“Yeah, he's the one who made the decision. From there, they used it to pull in San Diego and from there, they've went straight up. It's why Kansas City is so awash in money now!”

 

“I had no idea!” said Beck.

 

“In the underworld, it's the upset of the century and now you've just heard the other side of the story! I had no idea.”

 

“David will tell you. Gino got the glory and he tried to give me the credit. That's why when word got back to the council, they knew to let David represent me at the meetings because when I came back, the reputation would get me a vote in immediately.”

 

“I didn't know!” said Jimmy.

 

“Yeah, but what sealed the deal was when I took over at the trial for Gino. That was when they knew the power would go to me.”

 

Beck said, “What are you talking about?”

 

“Ok, when we're in trial, here's how things are going to go. You're going to be seated over to watch the proceedings. Whatever you do, and no matter how bad it gets, you're to sit there and not do a thing. IF YOU DO, you will be killed.”

 

“Ok”

 

“When a person attempts to lie, we'll have evidence proving they're lying.

             The way it goes is I'll get up from the table I'm at and I'll pick up a sledge hammer. I'll walk over to the table where the person is and I'll call a witness who will prove them to be lying.

             I'll swing the hammer down and crush their left hand. They'll be given a sedative and I'll go back to my table and then ask them to tell me the truth. IF they persist with the lie, I'll get back up and grab and axe and come back over. I'll call another witness who will prove them to be lying and I'll whack off their left hand. They'll be given medical attention and then put back up to attempt to tell the truth again. IF they don't, I'll walk over and give the third witness the opportunity to prove them a liar and the axe will get embedded in their head.”

 

“Oh my God!”

 

“We don't take prisoners, Beck. We don't put up with getting lied to and we sure don't have a prison when they get sentenced. Usually, the person will retract their story and get the correct version out.

             What you'll find is if they tell the truth, we have sanctions. They're bad, and really are meant to strip the person of power. What we're doing is we're going up there to take Michael to trial and get his power.

             With what's happened, unless Michael sits there and suddenly has a revelation to tell the truth, he'll have a real problem because I'll have to kill him.”

 

“You'll do it?”

 

“Without a doubt. There's no choice. The only alternative I have is to put up with the schemes and the lies and eventually, he'll kill me and attempt to take over my power.”

 

“So there's no choice?”

 

“He was given a choice. He was told what I wanted and he chose to defy me..

             You know what he was told and you know he's defied those orders. Those weren't given for my health. They were given explicitly and he chose to be stupid and to challenge the authority.”

 

Jimmy said, “Beck, look at it this way. Most leaders never face trial. They lead and they have their cities. When an order comes down, they do it and they make it seem to their people it's the best thing which has ever happened.

             With Michael, he's not had to answer for anything because he's always been protected. Everyone knew if Michael's authority were ever questioned, Chicago would come in and there's be a war which would make anything Michael ever did to anyone look like what he did was light..

             Now, Rhette's in and he's took away Michael's protection of Chicago.”

 

He looked at me and asked, “Is Chicago going to be there?”

 

“I don't know. I've not called them because they're not mine.  If little John calls them in, it'll look strange because it'll look like they've still got authority over St. Louis, so I doubt if he will.”

 

“Ok, that's good.”

 

He looked at Beck and said, “Beck, you're fortunate. With Miami, it's big enough that you're not going to be looked over by a bigger city. The way it goes is with bigger cities, you'll be given a smaller city as a little sister arrangement which has you protecting them. Your ordinances will be used and you'll be paid a percentage of their funds for their protection.”

 

I said, “You're little sis is Tampa, so not only would Michael been under me, but he would have had was to be under you.”

 

“Oh, I bet he wouldn't have liked it.”

 

“No, but it wasn't his choice. I sure wasn't going to give him a big city where he could dictate to me and build things up so he could come at me with his ordinances and go to war. That would have been insane.

             The only way things would have worked would have been for Michael to gain my trust and to build it up to such an extent I would have thought him worthy of a bigger city status with the ability to protect himself.”

 

“And he fucked it up before he even got to Tampa!” said Jimmy. “He completely self destructed.”

 

“Yeah, but what's going to be bad is I've given my word about his son and before he dies, I'm going to call the boy over and pull him away from his mother so I can take him in and train him.”

 

Jimmy looked shocked. “You're going to be met with opposition.”

 

“Yes, but I gave my word and I'll be damned if I'm looking at a dead man and telling him I lied to him. All of my other leaders will be there and they'll see the lie as the basis of my foundation I'm building upon, so I've got to do it or I'm going to be fucked.”

 

Beck said, “Isn't there another way?”

 

“Not really. If he stays with his mom and their family, he'll be trained to hate me. Then, as soon as he takes New York City, we'll have a war to the likes no one's seen before.”

 

“That's tricky.”

 

“Yeah, so what I think I'll do is I'll have a talk with little John and tell him the position I've put myself in and beg him to take the kid and raise him and train him.”

 

“Ooh, that's going to be bad. If you do it, then to everyone, it's going to look like you've reached out to little John to save you and his authority will reign supreme.”

 

“Yeah, I'm fucked.”

 

“You're going to have to take the kid and raise him. As much as no one likes it, you'll have to face the dilemma.”

 

“What I'll do is I'll bring it up in front of everyone and lay out the problems I face. It'll be strange, but if I go that route, I think everyone will see what I've got as a problem.”

 

Beck said, “NO! Don't! If you do it, you're going to look like you can't handle making a decision when it's raging with adversity. I'd rather you look like you're ruthless than indecisive. What I'll do is in the upcoming months, years, and however long it takes, is I'll tell people you chose the only alternative you were left to decide.”

 

Jimmy said, “I think it's the only choice you've got. It's not popular, but if you don't, you've got a lot of problems. I'll second what Beck's said and I'll do it too.”

 

“If I'd not thought of Michael's ego and gave him my word....”

 

“You thought you were going into a good decision and making things better. I can see why you told him what you did..” said Jimmy.

 

“Well, it's what we're going to face. The other thing is Alex is going to be there and he's going to be in a weird predicament because he's technically over St. Louis now.”

 

“That's easy. Right now, you've only told Michael and little David and us that Alex is going to be over the city. Hold off on installing Alex until after the trial and make it look like you've installed Alex because you've stripped the city of a leader.”

 

“Ok, that'll be good.”

 

Jimmy said, “What's been done about my family?”

 

“I don't know.”

 

We were at the airport and got out of the copter. We went over to the jet and I fired it up.

 

Someone came running out and handed me a flight plan. “You've been pre-flighted and that's your flight plan. Little John's got me on it.”

 

“Who are you?”

 

“I'm your guy here at the airport.”

 

“You stand right there until I call to check this out.”

 

I called little John. He answered. “Hi, did you have someone preflight me and get my flight plan made out?”

 

“Yeah, I've been trying to call you.”

 

“We were in the copter. Is it jamming?”

 

“I don't know, but it has that ability.”

 

“Well, my phone's not been shut off.”

 

“I got that guy down there to do it because I knew you'd be pressed for time.”

 

“Ok, I decided to call to be safe.”

 

“Good. Now you know, so I'm glad you called.”

 

I hung up and said, “You're cleared. He was trying to call me and the copter was jamming any incoming signals. That's our bad.”

 

He nodded and I said, “Thanks. What's your cell number in case I need you in the future.”

 

He gave it and I said, “When I need you in the future, I'll give you a call myself.”

 

He nodded and I said, “Where are we in line for take off.”

 

“You can see we're about dead. Go ahead and get up there and I'll have them get you on up.”

 

“Ok, thanks.”

 

I shut the door and Beck was looking around. “This is nice!”

 

“It's probably yours since I'll be having to get a 737. If you don't know how to fly, I'll have to get you a pilot.”

 

“I don't know how to fly.”

 

“Ok, we'll get you a pilot until you learn. You'll find out it's really easy.”

 

“You have so many skills.”

 

“It's something which came with the territory up home. Gino taught me and I went to get the licenses. Fortunately, he got them all given to me at once rather than having to wait and build up hours.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Come up here and I'll explain it as I take off. As soon as we're up, I can put it on autopilot and then let it do the work.”

 

We went out and only had to wait for a JetBlue to go before we were up. It went and then we were given the runway. I got the take off done and then, as soon as we reached altitude, they handed us off to Tampa.

 

“Ok, here's how a pilot's license goes. Most people don't have jets. They have Cessna's or some single engine plane which is all they'll ever need. They get a single engine license and then, they begin to amass hours. If you have enough hours, you can get certified for a multi engine plane. You do it, and then after enough hours, you can go for a copter. You again amass hours and then you can go for a jet license. With it under your belt, you can go for multi engine and then you have to get license for bigger commercial planes.”

 

“You have them all?”

 

“I got them all at once, but mind you, I was flying everything up there before I had a license. I was taught by a pilot who was from the 'nam era and was both an excellent instructor, but he was also certified to test. He did everything and all I had to do was get the written tests passed and then I began to amass the hours.”

 

“How much have you flown?”

 

“Up there, I flew all the time. Kansas is really a huge piece of real estate and I could go up and do aerobatics in everything.”

 

“Aerobatics?”

 

“Flying barrel rolls, loops, and all sorts of tricks. I've done it with everything and am probably one of the best in this country. There's not many pilots that can do a loop with a copter, but I've got it down. I've also got the cork screw barrel roll down. What I was doing when Gino and I split was I was learning all the avoidance maneuvers which they teach out there at that Top Gun flight school.”

 

“So how much of that do you know?”

 

“Enough to keep us alive, but without any weaponry, we're a big sitting duck. My job is to find a place and get our asses down and us out of the plane before we're blown out of the sky.”

 

“Do you think it'd ever happen?”

 

“No. There's a few things the families don't fuck with and that's our planes. The dumb fuck from Tampa did, and because of it, he's now feeding some fish.”

 

“You killed him?”

 

“No, we put him up in a plane and did to it what he was going to have done to me. He thought he was safe, but our pilot took him out about three hundred miles and then set the plane on fire and jumped. Before he jumped, he set it so it'd go straight into the air so it'd gain plenty of altitude. That way if the man thought he could jump without a parachute, he was going to not make it.”

 

“That seems to be a lot better than what I would have done to him.”

 

“Dave's pissed about it being his plane, but we'll get him back in the air.”

 

“What was so special about Dave's plane. He was mentioning engines.”

 

“His plane was like this, but it had fighter engines attached to it. Rather than going about five hundred, it'd go about nine hundred.”

“Is all that power good?”

 

“The speed is. These jets can withstand the speed, but where you have a problem is those engines develop a lot of thrust. If they're not attached really well, you'll spool them up and hit afterburners and rip the ass off a plane. The engines will pass you and you'll become a huge fire ball because as they rip loose, the heat from them is going to ignite the severed fuel lines.”

 

“He risked that!”

 

“He had the best of the best develop the plane. Believe me, they tested the plane each and every way they could before they handed it over to him. But, with that added speed, he could fly across this country in nearly double the time a normal plane could have made the trip.”

 

“SO it was a considerable time savings.”

 

“Yes, but I'll tell you what that plane gave up so you don't think it was the same as this one. Back there, you had a cabin that was only half the size of this one. Behind that rear wall were fuel tanks because it sure needed them. He could fly from Florida to San Diego, but I'm sure he wasn't having too much left when he got there.”

 

“So this one won't go that far?”

 

“It'll go up home, but it's only going to go a max of 2,700 miles. That's if you have an ideal height of 37,000 which we've got and you're not trying to break speed records. As you can see, we're flying at about 517mph.”

 

“Wow!”

 

“Yeah, but get this because now you'll know why I'm begging for a 737.  First of all, that thing will fly about sixty three hundred miles and do it at a speed which will be a little faster, but you'll see a bedroom and enough room to put thirty people back there. We can have a boardroom, and really have some luxurious furnishings.”

 

“How much does one of those cost?”

 

“The cost? Huh! When you get into that realm, the sky's the limit. If I wanted gold faucets, it'd have them! So, it's whatever I wanted because they'd design whatever I wanted into it.”

 

“What do you want?”

 

“Personally, I want a bedroom, and enough room to seat all of my security and yours or whoever's who flies with me, so it's going to have to look like a well appointed plane, but have a nice toilet and bedroom.”

 

“That sounds nice.”

 

“With your city, you should be able to afford one easily.”

 

She smiled and said, “Let me get used to all this first.”

 

“I understand. What you'll soon find is you're going to be getting into the job a lot more.”

 

“You seem so normal. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if things had turned out differently for you.”

 

“I've thought it myself, but in this life, we're playing the cards we're dealt. Fortunately, I've had some bad hands which ended up good on the flop. With the one regarding Tony, Gino took a bad hand and made the bluffs I never would have had the courage to do.”

 

“It sounds like you needed someone at that time and he was kind enough to step in.”

 

“He was more than a lover. He as a friend first.”

 

“The age difference is what I can't get over.”

 

“The way I look at it is like this. If I look at the exterior shell instead of what's in their heart, then I've lost potential. Maybe that's what I'm doing with Michael is I looked at the shell and thought something would be good inside. It might have been at one time, but I'm finding it was probably bad before I got to know him.”

 

She nodded and said, “In my relationship with John, people see me and they see him and wonder what I see in him. Before him, I had boyfriends who were good looking and domineering as all get out. He's the first one who came along and was self confident enough to let me be me. He's given me encouragement and he's been there through my successes and failures. Through the years, it's built up our relationship and gained my devotion to him.”

 

“I understand. In our lives, we're given people we need when we need them. It's interesting because I think we're given these people and we're given someone else whom we have to make a choice. It's up to us to make the choice.

             I've got Steve at home who is everything I want, but then Michael was thrown at me to see if I would take him. I'm embarrassed because I did.”

 

“Hon, don't kick yourself over it. I see what you see in him and I probably would have done the same thing. He's not just attractive, he's so sexually charismatic it's scary. He knows how he looks and he uses it to get over on people.”

 

“It has me wondering what were lies and what weren't. He said so many things I'm going to have to question everything and do some serious embarrassing things in order to get my own confidence built back up.”

 

“What do  you mean?”

 

“He said his wife was a lesbian and she was begging him to let her out of the marriage. Is it true? Or, was it something to take down my guard so I would feel more towards him.”

 

“Oh man, I see what you mean!”

 

“What I think is I'm going to have a private talk with her and ask some pointed questions. Either she'll tell me the truth, or she won't. What I think is if she's been at home raising 9 kids for a man who's out behind her back slandering her reputation, I'm going to really go for the jugular on it.”

 

She nodded and said, “The man seems to say whatever whenever to get what he wants.”

 

“It seems that way. One thing I've learned is lying is a character flaw whcih can either get you out of trouble, or get you into it in a big way.              When I was little, I lied and it got me into a world of embarrassment and shame because it made my mom cry. Since then, I've thought about her crying over that lie and choose to take the road of honesty.

             What's interesting is someone might take a look at me and think, “Man, that guy's a world classed liar” because I write those stories which are fiction. I don't know.”

 

“No, that's different. You write and it's called fiction. People read books because they want to put themselves in that scenario and lose themselves. There's a big difference.”

 

“Yeah, but what's hard for me to write is pure fiction. I can do it and I have, but I find it's more believable if I put myself in that scenario and add airs of truth to the story to make it more believable. However, there are stories of mine which are almost entirely works of truth too.”

 

“I bet those were harder on you because you had to expose more of yourself.”

 

“No, what's interesting is it's helped me to resolve things in my life which I've had to work through. In my story “With Love”, I knew Kevin and I's love was on the rocks. I knew it was taking on water and probably would sink if I didn't go back to our roots and work through what was good there in the first place.   

             We were good together as a team and we still care, but what I came to realize is he's not into a commitment the same way I am. He wants me there, but he doesn't want me near. He gave space and it was good, but when he started reaching out for others, is where we had severe problems.”

 

“I think if John did that, I'd stay calm and sit down and tell him he was set free. There'd be nothing I could do, so I'd accept it and get on with life.”

 

“It's a lot harder than it appears. Until it happens, you don't know the violation you'll feel. There's trust which is violated and then, there's an over all sense of your personal security which has been violated. What was hardest for me was the amount of time which I viewed as a waste.”

 

“I'm getting what you're saying.”

 

“The way it is, when you're a couple, if things happen from the outside, you work together to overcome....say, for instance a hurricane hit and wiped out everything you have together. BUT, when it's something he's done to wipe out what you've got together, then it's something entirely different.”

 

“Then why did you flirt with danger and commit your self to Michael when you've got Steve?”

 

“I don't know. It makes me feel bad now but even then, I didn't do it on the side. I did it with the knowledge of it being only after Steve would happen to die.”

 

“That's a coward's affair.”

 

“Yes, and although you're blunt, which's what it was. I wanted my cake and to have a piece later.”

 

“Maybe it was the hurt you felt which put it off until later. I wonder if the hurt hadn't been there if you would have went ahead and had the affair.”

 

“Maybe, but fortunately now I've got to end it in the most cruelist of ways.”

 

“No, you're not. You're facing the reality he's threatening your existence and I think you're reacting as you should. He's the one who made those decisions and he's the one who's got to ultimately pay for them.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“No problem sweets.”

 

I put the plane on autopilot. We went to the back and I saw Jimmy and the guard were asleep.

 

“Let's go back up front. Or, if you want, you can grab some shut eye.”

 

“I'm not tired.”

 

“I'm not either. It's strange, but what you'll see is I'll be wide awake until tomorrow night when I get home and go to bed with Steve.”

 

“Do you do this often?”

 

“All the time. Lately, I've had a lot of times when I've been up several days at a time. It's strange, but I get a moment where I feel drowsy and then, I catch another breath of life and go full speed ahead again.”

 

“What do you do which requires so much time?”

 

“Write.”

 

“Really!”

 

“Yeah, it's interesting but concepts for stories hit me and I work on them. I get them started and then, I put them away in a file. I've only got about ten stories on the web now, but I've got about fifty stories which are in various stages of completion. For me, writing is a creative outlet which really gets my juices flowing.”

 

“When are you going to find the time to write now?”

 

“Well, here's what I've thought within the past hour. When you get your pilot, I'm going to have to get a pilot because a 737 has to have two. What I'm going to do is go ahead and hire the ones I need so I can sit in the back and take the time to work on the stories. It may not be much time, but it's going to be a lot more than I've given it in the past week or so.”

 

“Do you think you're writing is reflective of the amount of time you have to spare?”

 

“I don't know. When Kevin and I were together, I used it to stay away from him so I didn't have to face our reality. He'd be in one room feeling neglected because I was writing, but I was in another room typing away like an idiot knowing full well he was having an affair.”

 

I paused and said, “Would you remind me I need to hire a personal assistant?”

 

“Why?”

 

“Right now, I'm finding I am asking little John to do a lot of things for me which he shouldn't have to be doing. The man has enough on his plate without me adding to them. One of the things I've thought was I could get these stories told into a voice recorder and hand it off to that person to type up, so it'll work good for them too.”

 

She nodded and said, “There's a lot which needs to be done in running things, isn't there?”

 

“Yes, what we've got to do is we've got to start looking at this like a major corporation. We're running it lax now.”

 

She nodded and said, “It's called growing pains. At least you're smart enough to realize it's needed. Many companies don't and they lag behind or flounder until that decision is finally made. Sometimes, the company doesn't have the money.”

 

“We've got the money, but what we need to do for you is get the Clock Tower done up like an office. You'll have meetings there, but for more important people, you'll have them at the Port Mansion.”

 

“How will I know the difference?”

 

“It's going to be hard for your dealing with John, but you can have him at the Port Mansion and give him directions. However, anyone else in that position gets dealt with at the Clock Tower. Anyone who works in Miami gets dealt with at the Clock Tower. It's that simple.              For me, I'm dealt with at the Port Mansion as is anyone else who's running a city.”

 

“What if I don't trust them?”

 

“Then deal with that person at the Clock Tower. I'd rather have that apartment blown off the top of that building than the main one.”

 

“It's confusing.”

 

“Look at the Port Mansion as a corporate suite. Look at the Clock Tower as business operations.”

 

“What about security?”

 

“Security is going to be provided and built in. What you'll have in the way of computers is the servers being at the Port Mansion and the peripherals all being at the ClockTower. Each person will have their own log in and only have certain access to information which pertains to their job.”

 

“So what if I need a personal assistant?”

 

“That person is in your Port Mansion office. That person isn't trusted either. What we'll have on that person's computer is a keystroke replicator which will tell anyone what they'd done and where they've been in the computer. Not only that, they'll have more video surveillance camera on them than you've got no clue. Their phone will be tapped and you'll have complete access to those records.”

 

“So I'm not to trust anyone.”

 

“No and here's why. If you learn how to compartmentalize, you'll soon learn those you trust are those who have something equally to lose. Those under you can strike bargains and get lesser sentences should they choose to turn state's evidence.”

 

“How do we get employees then?”

 

“Through life long trust associations. Through our organization. And, through a learned gut instinct.”

 

“Can I make a suggestion for a personal assistant for you?”

 

“Sure, I'll listen.”

 

“I've got a best friend who is gay. He's someone that has a great personality and he's loyal beyond anything.”

 

“Ok, give him a call and have him be there on Wednesday so I can interview him. What is he doing now?”

 

“He's a nurse.”

 

“What's his name?”

 

“Will”

 

“Ok, I'll meet up with him. When you're speaking with him, tell him he'll have to travel extensively and this is a job which is one that's on the run. As time goes by, it's going to be on the run more and more.”

 

“I'll tell him.”

 

“Why'd you think of him?”

 

“First of all, I know he's burned out on nursing. Second of all, without me there, I know he's going to be prone to making mistakes which will most likely cost him his livelihood. The big thing is he's got a great personality, as I've said, which will be something you need.”

 

“Ok, but what he must understand is there are going to be things I direct him to do which aren't going to make much sense, but they do in the jigsaw puzzle called my mind.”

 

She laughed and said, “In that aspect, you're more like a woman. We have it put together in our mind, but what comes out as jibberish.”

 

“It's from running a lot of things at once.”

 

I paused and said, “If you look down, you'll see the lights of Atlanta off to our left.”

 

“It's still brightly lit even though it's late.”

 

“Yes, most major cities are that way. The lesser ones are less lit, but you'll find you'll be able to tell which is which by their patterns they make on the landscape. To an undifferentiated eye, they'll look all the same, but a part of my personal security is being able to look out a plane's window and knowing what a city looks like.”

 

“Why?”

 

“If you're ever kidnapped, they're going to move you at night. If they take you by air, they're not going to really pay attention to you looking out the window. Because I'm a pilot, I can tell when we're decreasing in altitude and when we're cruising. I also know most airports and the way they have us take off, so as soon as we take off, if we make a turn, I know we're heading a certain direction from that turn.”

 

“Ok”

 

“I'm not ever going to say it'll happen, but pay attention to details. It's what trips up the 'pros' from the 'shouldn't have beens'.”

 

She giggled and said, “How do I know the difference?”

 

“A pro will definitely be a lot more smarter and more cautious. They'll most likely not tell you a thing. A 'should have been' is someone who will brag and boast and really be sloppy.”

 

“What can I use as a way to get away from them?”

 

“Pain. A gunshot. You use whatever you can in whatever manner you can. There are so many things you'll learn it'll amaze you.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“We're going to have skills training. We'll have you outfitted with a lot of different things which aren't a part of a normal soldier's arsenal. You'll feel like 007 after you're through, but you'll have an instinct for survival which will really have you wondering how you survived without it.

             You remember when I got out of that limo and went back to your car?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“It's because alarm bells were going off in my head like you wouldn't believe. I just felt in my bones I was driving to that trucking terminal and rather than head there, I decided to stop the presses and get off the merry go round. You were the quickest out and I took it.”

 

“Oh man!”

 

“Yeah, I was wrong, but all the symptoms were there which had me alerted. I knew before I got back to your car I was wrong, but just the same, I was really paranoid. Rather than stick with it and ride it, I took the out.

             IF it had been a set up, they would have had a problem then because the mouse wasn't going to the trap. IF it had been a setup, they would have made a mistake because they would have been on the defense. And, if it were a setup, they would have had to regroup to get back on the same page as I was.”

 

“That was smart thinking.”

 

“Yeah, but what you'll learn is there's one thing that's more important than me in this and it's Steve's reputation. He didn't sign on with me to get a national embarrassment, and I'm sure as hell not going to give it to him.”

 

“What happens if something happens?”

 

“The thing about it is if there's something coming down, we've got enough eyes and ears all over we'll get an alert. When you get that alert, my advice is to have a back up plan.”

 

“What's yours?”

 

“Steve and I talked about it and what ours has us doing is I'm to get in a plane and get either to Argentina or Australia as fast as a plane will carry me. I'll tell you now, should you ever find yourself in a plane hauling ass for your safety, there are airports you can go which will get you refueled safely both here in the states and in other countries. However, there are countries you don't dare fly over because they'll do anything in their power to do what it takes to get a favor owed to them by the US by extraditing you back.

             The advantage I have is I've already done enough and ordered enough things to be done if I can get to a country which won't extradite back due to a death penalty, then I'm safe.

             Another thing I'm safe about is there's already an in for me to always have a ready supply of money.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“You know when I was talking to that man out in Vegas?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Each day, it was a new account that money was going into. I know David well enough to know that money most likely either rolled into a bank where the money is safe, or it's gotten to places where he can get them and he's got a ready supply of money.”

“How?”

 

“Ok, I'll give you a pointer so you can use it. If you go to Wal-Mart, or Wal-Green's, you can get those debit cards by buying one for less than ten dollars. The max one will hold is fifteen hundred dollars and right on the card, it will tell you when it expires. If you have a supply of them which are filled, then you've got a ready supply of cash which can't be tracked to your personal credit cards.

             IF you get in a position of having to get an out, then get yourself to an airport and you get a rental car rented with one of those cards. What you'll have is a false identity sometime which will get you a driver's license and all the documentation associated. You use those documents to get that car and you throw all your documents away.

             The life you had is no longer because I don't care if it's today, or it's twenty five years from now, if you use that name, you're going to find feds swarming where you are.”

 

“What if the fake one gets suspect?”

 

“Then you give a call to someone in the organization and they'll get you the help you need.”

 

“Won't they be arrested too?”

 

“The ones which are arrested won't be of help because they'll most likely be on the run too. Those who aren't arrested will help.”

 

“What happens if I see someone who's wanted?”

 

“If you're not on the run, then help them. IF you are, then you go on like you didn't see them because both of you are going to be spooked because you saw the other. Whatever you do, don't team up with them because two wanted faces together are a sure giveaway and will get someone to calling in your whereabouts.”

 

“Will we have safe houses?”

 

“In any given city, we've got what we call guest houses. They're safe houses which can be used for you to go to. What you won't be able to do is you won't be able to stay there indefinitely.”

 

“What do we do then?”

 

“I'll tell you, but it's going to sound so simple that you're going to be amazed.”

 

“Ok”

 

“At that safe house, you go buy a laptop. You scour the web for places where you would like to live and you get yourself a house bought there.”

 

“With what money?”

 

“Money from your offshore account and money from me.”

 

“What if you're caught?”

 

“If I am, then we're in a world of shit because the whole organization is in jeopardy. But, I'll tell you now if you're on the run and you call me, I'll get you hidden. I'll get you a new life and once that life is bought, I'm going to have to tell you it's all I'm going to be able to do.”

 

She nodded and said, “How do I get the money from the offshore account?”

 

“We've got banks all over the place. You go to one of those banks and you have the man running the place to get you the money wired to your new bank from that account. He'll do so in increments which are less than ten grand at a time.”

 

“So aren't you getting the government suspicious with the deposits which are more than that?”

 

“Yes, but I'm sure David has that arranged so there's no suspicion which get's alerts to be made.”

 

“It'd have to be less than twelve hundred dollars a day then.”

 

“Why do you say that?”

 

“When you go to a casino, if you win more than that, they have you pay taxes on it.”

 

“I know the casinos are covering the taxes on the money out there.”

 

“They do!”

 

“It's a part of their fee to have us in there.”

 

“I thought they were your hotels?”

 

“They are, but even then we've got to appear to be above board. Plus, that's another place you can hold up is out there. I don't advise you fly directly to Vegas because it'll get everyone looking for you, but what I'd do is I'd fly into Los Angeles and then drive up there. It's only a few hour drive and it'll definitely get you off the radar.”

 

“So the key to it is laying low.”

 

“Laying low and blending in. I'll tell you a story and then you can see what I mean.”

 

“Ok”

 

“When I was in prison, there was a guy I knew who got caught with a trunk load of marijuana. He'd drive from St. Louis to the border of Mexico and he'd drive back. The way it was, he was smart and he was careful, but what he didn't do was he let one moment of trouble bury him.

             He had cars...not just one car, but cars. He had a car in Missouri, one in Oklahoma, and one in Texas. When he'd come across the border of a state, he'd go to a house he had set up for just the switch overs and pull the car from one state into the garage and do the switchover to the car licensed for that state.

             What happened was he had a problem with the car licensed in Missouri and rather than driving it into Missouri, he drove the one licensed to Oklahoma.

             What you don't know and he did was the police are on the look out for cars from other states along that corridor in Missouri. Although he was careful, he sped which got him pulled over and arrested because the drug dogs alerted.”

 

“Oh shit.”

“That's what he said when he got sentenced to fifty years.”

 

“Oh man!”

 

“Yeah, he's a sweet guy and if the truth be known, he's Michael's uncle.”

 

“Couldn't Michael have helped?”

 

“No, and I wouldn't have let him if I knew. First of all, the guy is running drugs which is a big no-no for me. Second of all, he's not in the organization and I'm sure not going to let someone I'm protecting go out on a limb for someone who's not under my care. Third, he was dumb.

             What he should have done was take the drugs to the house and sat on them, mowed the yard, and lived while the car got repaired. With that sort of transport, he can't tell me he didn't have enough money to get the car repaired.”

 

“True”

 

“So, he let impatience get him locked away. IF he'd been more calm, he would still be sliding under the radar and making money.”

 

“Ok, so it's about sliding under the radar.”

 

“Hon, let me give you a pointer. If you ever have to go on the run, you take a look at growth patterns of cities and see which are the ones which are growing the fastest and you get there. The reasons are endless, but those citizens of those cities are seeing such a swell in their population, they're not going to know you from Adam, nor are they probably even going to want to know you. You can live there in an apartment for the rest of your life and not have a single moment's problem.”

 

“What do I tell people?”

 

“You retired. You got an inheritance which was enough you never had to work again, or whatever. It's not up to you to divulge a damned thing to those people except what you want. Just remember the safer you are, the more likely you'll be of not being found.”

 

“Where would you go?”

 

“Oh hell. Like I said, I've got an agreement with Steve to fly and not look back. He'll sell things and he'll follow. Then, we'll find a place we can settle outside of this country.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Look at my position. IF I showed back up, everyone would think I've turned and they're going to run away from me rather than help. They know the way the game's played and unless I'm asking for help to get to a bank, they're going to be suspicious as hell.”

 

“You're right.”

 

“SO, rather than put them in that position which isn't needed, I'm going to have to go where the money makes me secure and have enough of it that I'm able to live the rest of my life.”

 

“Ok, I'll get a lot of those things done up so if I need them, I'll have them.”

 

“I'll help you. It'd be nice if we could run and head the same direction. You're someone I'd like to meet Steve and have as a Godmother to my kids.”

 

She smiled and said, “You really going to raise Michael's son?”

 

“Yes, if it comes to that point. What I mean is I'm not going to take the kid from his mother if she's in the right. If she admits to being a lesbian and hating Michael's guts, then I'll have to have a talk with Michael's family and see who will raise him. One thing I know is then, I'll keep my word to Michael and make damned sure his son is a better person his dad was.”

 

“You'll hand over the biggest city to him?”

 

“It's not the size of the city. What you don't get is whomever gets put there has to have a head for business and have the management principles down so they're like a way of life for that person.

             I could put David up there and he'd have the city wrapped around his little finger. He's done it long enough that it's that second nature to him. To be honest, David would probably be a better teacher to that boy than I could ever be.”

 

“Would David do that?”

 

“I don't know. I know it'd be nice because David's never had kids and I know he'd be good with them, but I also know Rose is getting to the age where she's wanting to have less stress. Yes, she's said she'll be there for Steve and I with ours, but I think she'd be overwhelmed too.”

 

“Don't underestimate her.”

 

“I'm not because I know her story and what she's went through is enough to have me just shaking my head in awe.”

 

“For you to say that with what you've been through, it has to be something else.”

 

“Steve's dad was a horse's ass. A stronger woman would have beat his ass.”

 

She laughed and said, “That's not in our nature.”

 

“She's as strong as they come to what she's dealt with, but I have a feeling if she'd knocked him flying, he'd suddenly treated her with a lot more respect.

             I know I'm vocal enough both Steve and JT have made it clear I would have gotten the man lined out.”

 

“Probably.”

 

“With those sorts of people, it's the control when he knows they don't have anyone else. The second someone else walks in and takes away their power play, suddenly the game changes. In essence, it's what I'm going up here to St. Louis to do.

             Michael thinks the game's the same but he's got me over a barrel. What he doesn't know is I'm not the same person he thought he knew. He'll find out the gig's up and when it happens, it'll be too late for him.”

 

“You're serious about having to kill him, aren't you?”

 

“Hon, I never joke about it. For me to have to get to the point, there's a reason and it's because I know if I don't cut off the head of the snake, it'll come back and bite me, or will breed and there will be more for me to contend with later.

             I'll tell you I'll step into the snake pit to kill them once and not have to worry about doing it again. If I have to do it, I'm not going to extend mercy and then have to look over my shoulder forever after.”

 

“Ok, so don't show the mercy and any weaknesses.”

 

“Yes, because you'll get along better if you don't.”

 

“Do we always do things through trial?”

 

“Here's what I'll tell you on that. If you KNOW beyond all measures if you don't have the time to take it to trial, then don't. Kill them, and let me know and I'll trust what you say. IF you have a minor situation where you can get a trial together, then do so.

             In Miami, when we were dealing with the heads, I took little John with me to take them to trial. What I didn't know was there were a lot of violations which they'd done to little John, and others. When it came down to the decision, they made it and I'm glad because in my mind, I think I'd be wrong if I didn't take it to trial. However, with the soldiers who were killed, it's an entirely different story.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“They had the decision and it was either to pledge loyalty and go on, or refuse to do so and die. There's no alternative in it. If someone is cut loose, they'll feel embarrassed and they'll try to fuck you in little ways or a big way.”

 

“What about the business people?”

 

“They're even more susceptible to death. Their livelihood is dependant upon you. It's a judgement call, but the reason the one guy died was because he thought I was a pest to him rather than the source of the employees to his company. He wasn't going to budge and rather than showing weakness to my guys, I made the decision.

             With the Bismark guy, he clearly wasn't a big contender in the business world and fucking everything up for him was a better way out of that relationship.

             With Burton, he had something which was clearly good, but ran really lousy. If I give him a hand up, then he's going to be respectful and appreciate it.”

 

“So it's judgement calls.”

 

“Yes, now between  you  and I, I learned those decisions from Gino. He had those decisions to make and afterwards, we'd ride the city and we'd discuss it. Well, he'd talk about it and tell me why he made the decision and how he got to his conclusion.”

 

“Ok, so the second nature to which you're referring came from those previous decisions.”

 

“Yes. And, I'll tell you something else. If you and I were sitting with the same people watching David deal with the same people, you'd see the same results. That's what is uncanny. I know there's enough of his dad in him it carries through.”

 

I chuckled.

 

“What's funny?”

 

“I'm thinking of the way I do it verses David. Me, I'm like a mechanical robot going through the motions verses Dave being a well oiled machine. He's practiced enough he doesn't have to go through a lot of the questions because he already knows the outcome.”

 

“What's expressive about him is his eyes.”

 

“Those are Gino's eyes. What you'll see is a compassion which knows no bounds and an understanding of how to help people, but if they ever turn dark, then watch out because someone's going to die and it's not going to be pleasant.”

 

“IS that the way it was for Gino?”

 

“Yes, and what's bad was when Gino was dealing with Tony's dad, they got dark in a flash and he'd be on the phone ordering something else done. When all the options ran out, he finally laid out the order for the tower to be burned and got off the phone.

             His comment right after that was, “I think I'm going to have to kill that man in order for him to understand he's not messing with someone who will lay down for him.”

 

“What happened to the man after that dealing?”

 

“He went back and we left him alone. He died and his son is now running the business. That spot was to go to Tony. It's what he was trained to do. The thing about it is Douglas knows what we meant to each other and he's since visited Tony's grave.

             What I don't like is Douglas went to little John to get him to speak with me about moving Tony's body. I don't like it because if he'd asked me, I would have let it go.”

 

“It seems sort of spineless he'd do that.”

 

“Sort of? It's what a straight up pussy would do. But, that's what Douglas' management style is about rather than Tony's.”

 

“What was Tony like?”

 

“In a nutshell, he was a blonde headed version of Michael. He knew the charisma he had and he knew he had me where he wanted me.”

 

“Would you have been happy with him?”

 

“No. I was already outgrowing him. I was already learning he was a manipulator and I was learning how to call him on it and get the results I wanted. It was a matter of time before the box I had him in wouldn't have been enough and he would have strayed. It would have been the end.”

 

“How would you have gotten out?”

 

“That part was easy. Money wasn't ever kept from me. When everything was taken away from us, I found eight thousand dollars in my clothing and places I had it stashed in that house. Back then, a Corvette didn't cost much more. Neither did a Cadillac Eldorado, so it tells you what sort of money it was. I could have easily left and went on with life.

             The difference between he and I was I had lived poor with my parents and I'd lived rich with him. I could have easily went anywhere and gotten an apartment and had it furnished with a tube of super glue.”

 

“What!”

 

“A tube of super glue. What you do is you go get milk crates....the plastic ones and then you super glue them together so you've got a chair, sofa, bed, whatever you need...a dining room table and you set up house.”

 

“That's creative!”

 

“It's called making do with what you have and can get the cheapest way possible. I could have lived that cheaply and gotten by with some table cloths and bedding and a few plants hanging.”

 

“It sounds like it'd be nice.”

 

“Well, I was ready to do it for him. We could have lived that way and found jobs which would have supported us and made it fine. He chose to not trust and believe in me.”

 

“Your voice sounds sad and resigned when you talk about him.”

 

“It's a terrible decision he made. I understand the decision, but just the same, it's rather final.”

 

“He sounds like Michael. When he's threatened, he collapses.”

 

“Yes, but I'll tell you what. With Michael, you have a pride and inner strength Tony didn't have. With Michael, he'll have to be killed. With Tony, he completely self destructed and took himself out.”

 

“What Tony did was he damaged you too.”

 

“Yes, but there were reasons.”

 

“What were those?”

 

“For me to tell you has to be a real trusting thing. What I was doing was I was doing a lot of things which Tony either didn't know, or didn't care I was doing. Me, I was out playing, flirting, and being my own person and learning to spread my wings.”

 

“In what manner?”

 

“He would take me to a party and basicly, would leave me. At first, I was upset would sit over in a corner like a faithful dog waiting to be acknowledged by it's master. Then, I realized it was just the way it was going to be. Soon, I got up and started to become a social butterfly and meet people. That's how I met Gino.

             What's bad is Tony would be the one that would screw around, but the photos were being taken by his dad's private investigator which attempted to make it look like I was the one who was screwing around.”

 

“Were you?”

 

“No. I'd go off alone with people and would do some lines or toke up one, but as far as sex, it wasn't about that. Where I was emotionally at the time was I was identifying with the people who would be at the party who were getting shit on by their other. They'd have a dramatic moment, and I'd find a way of talking with them and making it so things were easier on them.”

 

“Like taking care of like.”

 

“Yeah, but I'd go out on a porch or a deck and would hug someone and talk with them and that photo would be taken. The photos of Tony were always with him standing there with someone bent over or him receiving head.”

 

“It sounds like Tony's dad was a piece of work.”

 

“Yes, but he's dead so I'll let him roast in hell.”

 

If you look out below us, you'll see Louisville, Kentucky. Up here, you'll feel the plane bank and it'll get us in a heading to St. Louis.”

 

“It doesn't fly directly?”

 

“You can do that, but I like to go over cities.”

 

“When you land, is it scary?”

 

“No, it's a part of experience. I take it down gently and pull off speed so it's not jerky. I can't say there haven't been some really dicey landings, but when those happen, it's not me, but outside forces.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“At certain airports, you have a thing called wind sheer. It's like a downward gust of wind which really will fuck with your landing. Or, you'll have a sudden gust from the side. Up in New York, you'll have a sudden gust of wind from off to the side and it'll really mess with you.

             In Kansas City, it's a total different scenario. They'll have you come over downtown with skyscrapers and in less than a couple of miles, you'll have to dive in and land. It can be unnerving if you're not used to it.”

 

“It sounds like it.”

 

“I have an aunt that had never flown before whose first flight was into Kansas City. Throughout the whole flight, she was doing fine, but she was really nervous about the landing. Unfortunately, they gave the pilot that heading and he had to do the swoop in and land. The bad thing was my aunt was on board.

             When she's nervous, she'll talk ninety miles an hour. She's got such a personality, she was friends with the whole area around her by the time they arrived. They all knew she was nervous and then, that guy did the swoop. She let out with an “OH SHIT!” loud enough that the whole plane erupted in laughter.” I said with a giggle.

 

Beck smiled and said, “I imagine! You know I'm nervous about flying, don't  you?”

 

“Yes, and all I can say is you'll get used to it. What I will say is this...those guys are asleep back there and with the landing I'll do, they'll not be woken up.”

 

“Ok, I'll trust you on that.”

 

“We'll get you a pilot that has that ability.”

 

“Where do you get the pilots?”

 

“We tend to find them right after they've been through the military.”

 

“Isn't that a bit like calling up the feds and asking them for a pilot?”

 

“No and I'll tell you why. With the military, there are secret operations all over the place. Those guys know how to keep secrets and they also know things are done every day which call in honor and commitment.

             The plus side of it is we pay the same as any major business and they gladly take it because for a large part, we're asking a lot less of them than a major business would.”

 

“You won't!”

 

“No, but I've got a pilot I'll be pulling over for me, I imagine if he'll take the job.”

 

“Why wouldn't he?”

 

“Helicopter pilots are a different breed. He could be offered a great job, and turn it down because he likes helicopters.”

 

“SO it's optional to work for you in that capacity.”


“Oh hell yeah. Look at the way things are for me. Right now, we're on our way to St. Louis. IF we weren't pressed for time, I'd be heading to San Diego and not be home until late tomorrow night. Later this week, I've got to go to Miami a couple of times and sometime, I've got to fly up to Dayton to do some scouting.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because I'm putting a guy into a situation there which is damned tough. Rather than doing it and hoping he won't get caught, I'm going in and checking out things for myself.”

 

“Ok, I'm getting  you now.”

 

“I'm not going to take risks when I don't have to.”

 

“What are all these gauges for?”

 

“Most of them are not used. They're there for you to see how things are going if there's a problem. What you have here is this screen which will call up everything and let you know how you're going.”

 

I pulled up the weather map and said, “This is the map of the weather. As you can see, there's a storm down there by the New Mexico/Oklahoma line. That storm is something we'll have to be concerned about because the weather pattern will push in over either Northeastern Missouri or here. If we're lucky, it'll go up north and my mom will get it.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Delays. All it takes is a delay and suddenly that taxi time goes from not long to hours and hours. Believe me, the thing I hate is sitting out there waiting to take off burning fuel.”

 

“It sounds wasteful. Why don't they keep you at the terminal waiting.”

 

“They get their money if you're out there waiting rather than clogging up the terminal. If your flight has left, they get paid. Then, if you're out there and you have to turn around, they can fuck you with an arrival fee.”

 

“That's stupid.”

 

“Yeah, but that's the price we pay for using larger terminals instead of smaller. There's a smaller terminal out in Chesterfield which this plane could land, but this terminal is where everything's located not some thirty miles further.”

 

“Ok”

 

“There are going to be times we'll use lesser known terminals, but not many. Up in New York, they're trying to get only commercial flights there and make the private ones go elsewhere, but I've got a real problem with it as a taxpayer. If my tax money as a citizen and a taxpayer is going to only benefit commercial airlines, then I think they need to take tax money out of the equation and let the airlines foot the cost of running the airport.”

 

“If we have a commercial airline, we can land there anyway.”

 

“True, but it still stinks. I'd rather wait in line to land and to take off and have the ammenities a larger terminal offers instead of going out to bumfuck to land.”

 

“That makes sense.”

 

We flew along and as we neared St. Louis, I said, “See all those lights?”

 

“Yeah”

 

“That's St. Louis.”

 

“It's big.”

 

“It's spread out, but in people, it's small. What you have with the Metro area is a small city but with all the burbs, you get a number whichs impressive.”

 

“What's those lights up there on the horizon?”

 

“Quincy. It's clear tonight so you can see a hundred miles. Those lights on this side of it are where I'm from.”

 

“Ok!”

 

“Sometime, we'll go up there and I'll give you the little tour.”

 

“You make it seem small.”

 

“It is. My thankfulness is I got out. It's big enough you don't know everyone, but small enough for everyone to know about you.”

 

“Seems like where John and I came from.”

 

“Probably. The pride I have is Kevin and I owned one of the most famous houses in the town. He's selling it tomorrow, but it was a dream of mine to own it.”

 

“Why give it up?”

 

“Without love, a house is not a home. I've got a house as equally impressive over in Kansas City, but with hope, we'll fill it with kids.”

 

“Is that the one you were talking about with David?”

 

“Yes. One was Gino's and the other was Meemaw's. Between the two, is an olympic sized swimming pool which's all under a glass conservatory which can't be seen from the street. That and the tunnel connect the two.”

 

“Sounds nice.”

 

“It is. The neighborhood is awesome. It's one of the original millionaire's rows of the city built back when they were building really huge mansions. Gino's is a brownstone which is Italianate. Meemaw's is a limestone which has a lot of Queen Anne influences.”

 

“SO high ceilings and big rooms.”

 

“Yeah, Gino's house is three floors. Meemaw's is two but the attic is converted for servant's quarters.”

 

“Sounds nice.”

 

“When Gino and I were together, he had an appraisal of eleven million to put it back up if anything happened. I'd hate to see what the figure is now.”

 

I took us in low over the Arch and in line to arrive. The tower led us in and I made a gentle touchdown and landing. I looked over and Beck was holding her breath with her eyes closed.

 

“Hon, we're already on the ground.”

 

“Really!”

 

“I told you it'd be gentle.”

 

She laughed, “Man, that wasn't as bad as I thought.”

 

“When we get in to the terminal. We've got to stay close to the plane until we get everyone together.”

 

I looked over and saw the 737 flying the colors of one of little John's companies. “There's my 737.”

 

“Where?”

 

“That big one there.”

 

“That's a private plane!”

 

“Yeah, it's a commercial plane which is converted over.”

 

“It's go a logo on it.”

 

“It's one of little John's company's.”

 

“I know that brand. I use it!”

 

“Yeah.”

 

I stopped the plane and dialed little John. “We're here.”

 

“Ok, I've got your guys and mine. Stay in the plane until we get the limos close.”

 

“Ok”

 

“The guy will open your door.”

 

“Ok, I'll wake the guys up.”

 

“They're to be awake!”

 

“They needed sleep.”

 

I got up and went in to wake Jimmy and the guard. “We're here.”

 

“Ok”

 

Jimmy got up and the guard took another shake. He got up groggily.

 

“We're here.”

 

Beck came back and I said, “We're waiting on them. They'll open the door when they're ready for us.”

 

I went up to the cockpit and shut off everything except for the cabin lights. Soon enough, the limos arrived and a line of guards formed. No one came to the door and then, I saw a line of about six Suburbans arrive. They drew up broadside and then, our door opened.

 

I got out and got hustled to the limo. Beck was right on my tail. Jimmy got out and he was hustled to one of the Suburbans. My guards all got in the limo with me and then all the other guards filed into the Suburbans. I looked over and little John was just getting in his limo.

 

We pulled off and that's when I got the call. “Where are we going?”

 

“Take us to the Gateway.”

 

Little John told his driver, “The Gateway”

 

“Why are we heading there?”

 

“It's got a good breakfast really early and it's got a conference room where no one is going to see anything.”

 

“Ok”

 

I hung up and Beck asked, “One of yours?”

 

“Now.”

 

She smiled and said, “It's good you know where things are safe.”

 

“There's a story there, but telling you would be to get into old history.”

 

We went down I-70 into the inter city. As we got closer, Beck was looking out the window. “I can see the Arch!”

 

“Yeah, it's tall enough you can see it for a long way. Just think about it. The World Trade Center Towers were another 2/3 taller than that.”

 

“Jeez, it tells you how tall they were.”

“If they'd been built out here in the Midwest, they could have been seen from everywhere.”

 

When we took the off ramp, we dove down into the streets of downtown St. Louis.

 

“IF anything happens down here, you dive for this car and I'll get us to safety. I know this city like the back of my hand.”

 

“Where's 'the hill' located?”

 

“You've heard of 'the hill'?”

 

“Yeah, my mama told me that's where she had the best Italian food she's ever eaten.”

 

“Well, she got the real stuff there. That's where the Italian section is located. It's on South a ways.”

 

“You've been there?”

 

“Yeah, but if I took you there, you'd be amazed to find out you were there because it's not much of a hill and the section is not what you'd think it was supposed to be like.”

 

We arrived in front of the Gateway. Guard got out and made a line for us to enter. We went in and as soon as we entered, the Mezzanine took Beck's breath  away. “My God it's beautiful.”

 

“Michael spent a lot of money having this restored.”

 

She smiled knowingly at me. “I'm taking him down where he started. Sue me.”

 

Little John came in and said, “You devious bastard!”

 

I smiled and said, “It serves him right.”

 

We went downstairs to the restaurant. The breakfast buffet was under way.

 

Beck said, “My God, this is beautiful.”

 

“Yes, and when I come to the city, I stay here. All he had to do in order to find me was have my name flagged and he would have known I was here. It's how his management style lacks details.”

 

A waiter came over and I said, “We need to speak with the manager. We'll need to use a conference room.”

 

“Today?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Ok, I'll go get him.”

 

“The manager is here at five am?” Beck asked.

 

“This hotel is used for a lot of military recruits. He's here because they stay and he's got to have a damage assessment done in case anything was done.”

 

“Ok”

 

We had just filled our plates when the manager arrived. He took one look at little John and said, “I wasn't told you were in town!”

 

“I just arrived. I'd like for you to meet Rhette Michaels. He is now over your city.”

 

The manager looked at me and said, “Your name sounds familiar.”

 

“Probably ancient history. What we'll need is a conference room in which there won't be any eyes. Then, without telling Michael we're here, I would like for you to call him down here and tell him someone famous is here demanding his personal attention.”

 

“He'll tell me to handle it.”

 

“You tell him Rhette Michaels told him to get his ass down there and handle it if he says that.”

 

He smiled and said, “Ok, I'll do so gladly.”

 

I smiled and said, “Here, bill everything to this card. We'll need a few of your suites to have people waiting.”

 

He nodded and said, “I'll get them billed right away.”

 

“In the conference room, I'll need about two hundred chairs set up with no tables. Up front, I'll need a lectern with microphone and then three tables set up. Other than that, I'll need two tables set up with microphones set up on them.”

 

“Ok, anything else?”

 

“IF you have a super 8 movie projector, I'll need that with a screen.”

 

“Super 8?”

 

“Yes, I don't know if you'll have it, but it'll certainly help me on what has to be done.”

 

“Anything else?”

 

“Directions to a hardware store.”

 

“Oh, I wouldn't know.”

 

“I'll find one. Thanks for all you're doing.”

 

He smiled, nodded, and said, “I'll have your card brought right back to you.”

 

When he walked off, little John said, “You've got it memorized. You forgot the water on the tables.”

 

“He's not going to talk long enough to get dry mouth.”

 

“Your eyes just told me you're really pissed.”

 

“He's defied my orders, and he's attempted to engage little David in a conspiracy to have me killed. Other than that, he's belittled me and just been a horse's ass.”

 

“What's the film projector for?”

 

“The Michaels bunch. That's what all the evidence was filmed on.”

 

“Ok. So you're going to do that today too?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Ok, I wasn't prepared, but I'm fine with it.”

 

“What I'm doing is I'm going to formally offer them retirement. If they so choose not to do it, they'll be killed. If they need to stand trial, we'll go right into their trial with execution to follow.”

 

“OK, the same goes for the others?”

 

“Little David's bunch is negotiating. I did tell little David we'll need Pete to come up.”

 

He nodded and said, “You won't be sorry.”

 

“I have a question and an apology to make to you.”

 

“Ok”

 

“What do you suggest I do with Pete?”

 

“Keep him close at hand and get to know him and then make the decision. Now, what's your apology for?”

 

“I want to apologize to you for making you my personal assistant on things. Just as soon as possible, I'll have someone hired who can do those things I've been asking of you. I realize they're menial, but you know who to contact and that's why I've been having you do them.”

 

“I know. I also know you're under pressure and you're not aware of who to contact. Don't apologize. Get someone hired and give them my number. I'll get you a printout of all the numbers I call and who they reach. It'll help you and believe me, it'll make my life easier if I know you're handling a lot of the things in the future with them.”

 

“Since we last spoke, I've decided to bring Beck up to be over Miami. Dave wants it and ot's fine with me. She's demonstrated her ability to be trusted as well as her loyalty.”

 

“No problems. I think it will do good under her direction.”

 

“Ok, with that said, The way I'm going to do it is I'm going to hold trial and then, I'll install Alex in. If I do it the other way, it'll be like I'm circumventing his authority.”

 

He nodded and said, “Alex is coming?”

 

“He was told to be here, so I imagine he's on his way, or is here someplace.”

 

“Give him a call.”

 

I called Alex. “Yeah”

 

“Where are you at?”

 

“Waiting at the terminal. No one was here.”

 

“Ok, we'll get someone out to you.”

 

“Where are you at?”

 

“The Gateway Hotel which is downtown.”

 

“I'll get there. I'll need to rent a car anyway.”

 

“Rent one and we'll get you one for  your use here.”

 

“Ok”

 

“When you get here, let the valet park it. You can tell them you're with the Rhette Michaels' bunch and they'll cover the fee with the room.”

 

“Ok”

 

I hung up and smiled. Little John said, “It's not a fuck up. We were in a hurry and never thought about him.”

 

“It's a slight to him.”

 

“He's aware we all make mistakes.”

 

“Well, what we've got to do is find him a place to live.”

 

“This hotel is going to be under his watch, let him live here until he can find a place.”

 

“I'm thinking something.”

 

Little John looked at me funny and finally I just said it. “The Michaels bunch is going to be gone, so we can let him have their house.”

 

Jimmy looked surprised and little John nearly choked on a piece of sausage. “Damn man! Don't do that to me when I'm eating.”

 

“What! I'm making a decision which isn't going to be popular, but it's a house which is clearly is secure and is coming open for the current occupants.”

 

Little John said, “From what I hear, it's clearly loaded with explosives too.”

 

“Jimmy, do you know where those explosives are?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Would you tell our people where they are, so we can get them damned things out of there?”

 

“OK”

“Problem's handled.” I said smiling.

 

The manager came back and handed me my card. “He said for you to keep your money and to give you everything you request. He's aware you're in town and why.”

 

“IS he coming?”

 

“He said he'll be here.”

 

“Ok, now, what I want from you is all the ways in and out of the ground floor, the basement, and the second floor. IF the mezzanine has a form of egress, I'll need my people to get someone there too. Once he enters this building, he won't be leaving. Are there any weapons in this building?”

 

“NO!”

 

“Good, then if he brings any, we'll have them taken from his men when they arrive. I do expect to be notified promptly wherever I am in this building when he arrives.”

 

“Ok”

 

“Did he happen to say when he was coming?”

 

“No, but he usually drags his feet when he has to come here.”

 

“He'll either pick them up and march down here, or they'll be dragging because he'll be unconscious. It doesn't matter to me how he gets here as long as we have him here.”

 

The manager nodded and said, “Which are your guards?”

 

I stood up and asked, “Which are my personal guards?”

 

They stood.  “You, you, you, and you stay close to me. All the rest of  you guys, when you're done eating go with the manager and get those entrances guarded. In the main arcade, I want four guys.”

 

Little John said, “My guys, you go with the manager and whoever isn't used, come back and we'll make sure that floor is guarded up there.”

 

I flipped open my phone and called little David. “Hello?”

 

“We're here. Did you get her?”

 

“She's sleeping here.”

 

“I'll have my limo come get you. It better be bulletproof.”

 

Little John nodded and I said, “It is. We'll have you brought here. Give a call to your family and tell them to come down.”

 

“Ok, they're expecting your arrival. I think things are going to be good.”

 

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

 

“Have you heard anything else?”

 

“Michael has about fifty guys. I know he said they were being outfitted with weapons.”

 

“OK, thanks for the heads up.”

 

I hung up and said, “He's got about fifty guys all outfitted with weaponry.”

 

“He'll have every fucking police officer in this town here!”

 

“Well, we'll deal with that when it happens. Personally, I don't think he's going to be willing to go to a full battle.”

 

“Just the same, you get more people here.”

“That's the next call. Watch what I pull out of my ass.”

 

I pulled out my phone and called Kansas City.

 

“This is Rhette, mobilize every man we've got into trucks and the helicopters and get them to Washington Street in St. Louis.”

 

“How fast?”

 

“As fast as those fucking things will move. My next call is to the Governor to get him to turn his head.”

 

“Ok, we'll have them there. Do you want us to cordone off the area?”

 

“Give me a call when you get here. Don't waste time and anyone who can't fit into a truck, is to meet at the airport with full weaponry so we can get a plane here pronto.”

 

“Ok”

 

I hung up and said, “We'll need a plane”

 

“Tell them to get to the airport and I'll have a plane there bought solid with directions to not leave until we've got them all boarded.”

 

“I'll call my people at the airport and tell them to disregard the weaponry.”

 

I flipped open my phone and called the airport. “Rhette Michaels....little Gino....we've got a lot of guys headed your way with full battle gear. We need nothing done to them. They're to be allowed to get on that flight.”

 

“Ok, where's it headed? I'll get that airport cleared.”

 

“St. Louis”

“I'm on it.”

 

Little John was on the phone. “American”

 

“Ok”

 

I dialed. “Tell the guys the flight is American to St. Louis. The airport and St. Louis' is cleared. As soon as you arrive, I'll have you transport to get here.”

 

I hung up and said, “Who in the hell in this city is ours for transportation.”

 

“Call Greyhound. Tell them we need a bus cleared and waiting at that airport.”

 

“Ok...what's their number?”

 

“I'll call them. Call Paparik down at the police station and tell him we've got a situation.”

 

“Ok”

 

I picked up the phone and said, “You got that number?”

 

“Easy 9-1-1”

 

I laughed and dialed it. “9-1-1, what's your emergency?”

 

“I need to speak with Paparik.”

 

“That's not an emergency.”

 

“Lady, if you hang up on me, a lot of people are going to die. Now get the fucking man on the God Damned line!”

 

“One moment please.”

 

“Paparik, who's this?”

 

“Rhette Michaels.”

 

“Who are you?”

 

“I'm over St. Louis now. Little John told me to call you.”

 

“Let me call you back. This line is recorded.”

 

“Ok”

 

I hung up and no sooner did I hang up, it rang.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Ok, we can talk. You're over St. Louis now?”

 

“Yes. What we've got is Michael with a group of guys heading to the Gateway hotel to start a war. I've called in reinforcements from Kansas City and I've got an army here. When we start dropping people, I don't give a fuck if they're friendlies or not.”

 

“I'll get the streets barricaded.”

 

“Let him come in. He's got to be taken out.”


“Ok, and I'm to assume your guys are to be allowed to come in.”

 

“I've got a flight arriving at the airport which is going to unload into a Greyhound bus. It's coming down and they're not to stop it, but to let it sail on through.”

“Tell them to take the off ramp from 70 and we'll make clearances.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“I expect to meet you.”

 

“It'll happen and while I'm at it, you'll meet the man I'm appointing to be over the city.”

 

“You're not over the city yourself then?”

 

“My position is parallel with little John's.”

“Ok, thanks for the heads up. If you're that high up, then we've got a situation.”

 

“I'll be at the Gateway when this is over. We can speak then.”

 

“No, because the second the feds hear those shots only being a few blocks away....”


“.,..They've been called. They'll disregard.”

 

“Damn. You're moving hell and earth then.”

 

“It's war. I don't want people hurt, but I'm not going to let him fuck with my authority either.”

 

“We've had a good relationship with you. If you're doing it for the good of the city, we'll look the other way.”

 

“That's what it is. You'll see a lot of your problems dissolve.”

 

“You getting rid of the infighting?”

 

“Today.”

 

“Damn!”

 

“I mean business.”

 

“Ok, we'll have all my manpower protect yours and stand down.”

 

“When the bullets start flying, you keep them out of the way.”

 

“IF anything happens, we'll look the other way.”

 

“I'll take it as a done deal then.”

“Good.”

 

I hung up. “The police are on the same page.”

 

Little John said, “That man there is a damned nice guy. I went to high school with him.”

 

“Then he's about to retire. I'll have to meet his replacement.”

 

“YOU! I'm not old enough to retire!”

 

I smiled. Beck giggled  and then little John started laughing.  He said, “I've got everything lined up. You have your bus.”

 

“When does their flight take off?”

 

“They'll have it take off just as soon as the men arrive. The plane suddenly had problems and they're pulling all the people from the flight off it.”

 

“Ok”

 

My phone rang. “Hello?”

 

“I hear you've got a welcome wagon waiting for me.”

 

“If you've heard, I've got a problem which will be resolved rather soon. Get  your ass down here and leave your army at home unless you want them to die.”

 

“They say they will.”

 

“Ok, then bring it on.”

 

“When I'm ready.”

 

“We'll wait.”

 

I hung up and said, “I want the personal phone number to Michael's wife. I want all his household staff pulled and all brought down here.”

 

“Let me get the number.”

 

He gave me the number and I dialed it. “Hello”

 

“Is this Michael's wife?”

 

“Yes.”

“This is Rhette Michaels. What I need is for you and the kids to come to the Gateway Hotel. Michael's about to stand trial. Certain things have been mentioned about your character I need to ask you, but I don't want it to be over the telephone.”

 

“Ok.”

“He's planning war, so the sooner you're here and safe, the better because if I have to wait long, he'll be taken in that house.”

 

“I understand. I've heard him making plans.”

 

“Yes, and if there's any evidence you have about him, I'd appreciate it.”

 

“I'll have to get it, but I've got to get the children.”

 

“Take your time. He's got to mobilize his men and that's going to take a bit.”

 

“I'll be in a white Escalade”

 

“Ok, I'll let them know.”

 

“You'll have to have your guys carry in all the files. Once my kids see the hotel, they're going to think it's time to eat.”

 

“Ok, we'll have them bring things in.”

 

“Rhette is your name?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“From Kansas City?”

 

“Yes”

 

“You were involved in the trial with Gino against the Michaels family, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Ok, I'll bring what evidence I know there is about it too.”

 

“I appreciate it. Is there anything about little David's family in those files?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Bring it too.”

 

“There are too many.”

“Ok, I'll have men retrieve them once you're safe.”

 

“I'll be right down. The kids were just getting up and getting ready for school, so we'll eat breakfast there.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

I rang off and said, “When she's safe and Michael is gone, we'll have to get guys to bring the files down because there are too many.”


“You're shrewd. That woman is handing everything over.”

 

“When she hears what he's said about her, I have a feeling she'll gladly stand up and testify.”

 

“Probably. Make sure she's given immunity.”

 

“I will.”

He smiled and said, “This city was easier to take down than I imagined.”

 

“I think he's got files on everyone like Gino did. If that's the case,  we'll have a lot of things we're going to have to sort through fast.”

 

Beck said, “What I'll do is I'll have everyone take a file and start using notepads to get the damaging things flagged. We'll need some Post-It notes.”

 

“I'll get the manager to get us a case of them.”

 

Little John said, “Rhette, the speed you're doing this and the amount of time I know you've had it planned, this is like a super take down. This is going to be up and done in no time.”

 

“I think he'll take his time about getting down here. One thing I'll do is I'll call the Cardinal and have him let me know when Michael leaves. I know he'll call the Cardinal for a private Mass before he does anything.”

 

“Ok, that's probably true.”

 

I picked up the phone and dialed the number from memory. “Hello?”

 

“I'll need to speak to the Cardinal, please.”

 

“Who may I ask is calling?”

 

“Rhette Michaels.”

 

I waited but for a moment and then heard the distinct voice of the Cardinal. “Rhette, what a pleasant surprise! It's been a long time!”

 

“Yes, but I wish I could say it were pleasant. What I need to know is if you've been called to go over to Michael's house for a private mass.”

 

“No, why?”

 

“He's got some things with the family today which are going to be rather stressful. I thought I knew him well enough to know he'd call you to request a private mass.”

 

“No, not yet.”

 

“Would you do me a favor and as soon as you finish that mass, would you give me a call?”

 

“Providing there is one, I will.”

 

“I have a feeling you're on that list of people to call. I'm just making the calls a little faster than he.”

 

“What's this in regard? Can I be of any assistance?”

 

“Yes, you could, but I doubt if he'd listen. I'm now over the city and am going to take him to trial today. He's forming an army and when he comes at me with one, I'll have one prepared to take them all out.              He thinks he's going to go shoot fish in a barrel, but he has no clue what I've got as my defenses. Please, whatever you do, tell him to tell his army to stand down. A whole lot less people will die that way and it'll be on his soul if they do.”

 

“I'll tell him. I had no clue.”

 

“I know, that's why I'm calling. Please, if you will call me when the mass is done, I'd appreciate in knowing if he's coming alone or if he's insisting upon a war.”

 

“Ok, I'll do that. You really need to get time so we can talk.”

 

“I promise that time. It'll have to be next week.”

 

“You're sincere.”


“Yes, I don't give my word unless I intend to keep it. Besides, if I have an understanding with you, things will be a lot better here in the city.”

 

“Ok, I'll anticipate that meeting.”

 

“You still in the same building?”

 

“The only thing which has changed are my vestments.”

 

“Congratulations on that by the way. I know it's been years coming from me, but just the same....”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Do I call you Father now, or what?”

 

“You can.”

 

“Ok, when this is over, if you would be so kind, I'd like you to ask Dick if Jeff can be there.”

 

“Why I'll do that!”

 

“Jeff and I have a history which I think I could help him in a lot of ways.”

 

“He needs it. I'm afraid he's went back down that road.”

 

“Meth, or Crack?”

 

“It's all the same. I can't rightly tell you. What I do know is he's not getting better.”

 

“Ok, what I'll do is get him off the stuff. You tell Dick when I come in, I'll be taking him with me and the next time he sees his son, he'll be a total different person.”

 

“You'll have my blessings because I've prayed more over that one child than I have any other in this city.”

 

“I know. Tell Dick what I'll need from him is permission to take him from the city and a form stating I'm his guardian conservator.”

 

“I'll have him get it. Why a grown man needs a guardian, I'll never know.”

 

“Because he's turned his life over to drugs instead of God.”

 

“You're entirely correct.”

 

“Well, I'll give you a call when I'm back in the city next week. We'll go out to lunch or do something. I expect an afternoon of your time.”

 

“How about Thursday?”

 

“I'll do it for you. Normally, it's my day off, but I'll get up here for you.”

 

He chuckled and said, “Your vocation is like mine. There aren't days off.”

 

“I'd like to think you were wrong, but it's proving otherwise.”

 

“You care. That's why it's as it is. Those who don't, can find plenty of time.”

 

“I realize that. Well, I'll ring off. Please let me know. Ok?”

 

“Sure”

 

I hung up and said, “Next week, I'll be taking Jeff out of this city. We'll be getting him off the drugs.”

 

“You want to put him in rehab?”

 

“No, he did it in prison before and didn't need rehab, so he can do it the same way. What he needs is a lot of hard work and someone who believes in him. His dad isn't going to give him it here.”

 

Beck was looking at me strangely and little John made a motion with his hand to quiet down. I looked around and saw Dick seated not three seats away.

 

I got out of our booth and went over. “Dick!”

 

“Hi! How are you! I see you got out fine!”

 

“Yes, but interesting enough, I was just discussing you and Jeff when someone told me you were over here.”

 

“Who were you discussing Jeff with?”

 

“The Cardinal.”

 

“Oh, well you know the story.”

 

“Yes. Now, what I know is I've told the Cardinal next week I'll be up here and I'll take Jeff to get him treated.”

 

“Really!”

“Dick, the only way he'll get treated is if someone either steps in or he goes back to prison. You and I neither one want him to go back, so what I'll do is I'll get him and then, I'll get him treated.”

 

“Thank you. You do know how much of a handfull he can be.”

 

“Yes, and I know what a total different person he can be when he's off the stuff.”

 

“You're not going to recognize him. He's but skin and bones.”

 

“Is it crack or Meth?”

 

“Crack.”

 

“Ok, I'll have the treatment facility I'm associated with be prepared for it. What I'll need for you to do is get me his guardian conservator papers in order and have him expecting an appointment with the Cardinal on Thursday afternoon.”

“I'll have to take him personally because if I count on him remembering an appointment, he'll forget or get side tracked along the way.”

 

“Ok, it used to be the only the Cardinal who could get through to him.”

 

“Yes, but that was a long time ago and now, he's to the point where no one can get through to him.”

 

“Ok, well....if you need help getting him there, let me know and I'll get him.”

 

“Rhette, how are you doing?”

 

“I'm doing well. Now, what I'm going to tell you is I'm now over the city. We're putting in someone else and those who are in, are going to be out.”

 

“Michael's out?”

 

“As soon as he can get himself down here, he'll be replaced.”

 

“That's a shock. Have you talked to anyone else?”

 

“I've contacted about everyone I can think. I thought I'd give you the scoop so if you happen to hear about a lot of this area being barricaded off later, then spin it in the news for me as someone thought they saw the building ready to collapse. That way, it'll spin it as the police doing a public service and you'll appear to have the scoop.”

 

“What's the real story?”

 

“Michael's putting together an army. I've got mine in the building and on their way. When it happens, we'll have a serious problem, but we sure don't need it put out on the news.”

 

“Ok, for the favor you're doing for me, I'll call everyone and get them onto the story of the building. We take care of our own and they'll do it for me.”

 

“I appreciate it. Tell Mark I love him and I'll get Jeff back on the  straight and narrow. Now, I'm going to ask you a question for after this happens.”

 

“Ok”

 

“When I get him off the stuff, can I get him a job where I know he'll be doing good?”

 

“As much as I want to say no, I'll say yes. We've tried everything else, but that, so I'll give it a shot.”

 

“I won't let you down.”

“I know. Just get me my son back.”

 

“I'll do it. It's not going to be fun, but these things never are.”

 

“I've been down this road all too often. I know how it's paved.”

 

“Well, let's hope it's got a better result this time.”

 

He gave me a hug and I said, “I've disturbed your breakfast long enough. Have a good day and give your wife my love too.”

 

“I'll do that. She'll be relieved when she hears you're going to help.”

 

“No problem.”

 

I went back over to the table and sat down. Little John said, “you have a way with that man which just screams to me I need to learn what you do.”

 

“Everyone puts him up on a pedestal because of his money. He knows I know where his weak points are and rather than exposing them, I'm helping him with them. His kids are that man and that whole family's downfall.”

 

“You're probably right. I'm lost in his connections and the ability that man has of telling a story whether it be in print or on the camera.”

 

“True, but you know as well as I if it hadn't been for the Cardinal, his son would be on death row. Instead, Mark got life in prison without a chance of parole.”

 

Beck looked shocked. “What did he do?”

 

“I'll try to find a nice way of saying it, but he kidnapped a woman, raped her, robbed her, duct taped her to a chair, and then, right before throwing her off the Chain of Rocks bridge, he slit her throat.”

 

Beck cringed and I said, “Just because they come from good families doesn't mean they're not capable of some heinous shit.”

 

“I'd say!”

I smiled and said, “I come from a good family.”

 

She smiled and knew she'd been had. “You're different!”

 

“I sure am!” I said laughing.

 

She laughed and I said, “Beck, with my sense of humor, you're going to see I'll throw you a curve ball occasionally.”

 

Little John laughed and said, “We're all capable of things. It's the line of business we're in. If someone were working for us and did it, we'd be telling them they did their job.”

 

I nodded and said, “Beck, far be it for me to say I'd not do some of it....except rape the woman, but last night, I had a man handcuffed and drowned while stealing his business from him. For me, it's all a part of my business day and in the eye of the beholder what they say I am at the end of it.”

 

She nodded and said, “I understand, look what I did. It makes me no better or worse.”

 

“That's how we have to look at it. I love you all the more for it, but others might look at it and just judge you all to hell. Now, I'm not saying what his kid did was right, but what I'm saying is it looks like the Catholic church became a prostitute when money got the Cardinal up there to testify. That's what bugs me.”

 

“Was he paid?”

 

“Let's just say a generous contribution got made. Now, is it wrong? Probably, but if my ass is on the line, I'll probably be contributing a lot to get the Pope up there to testify on my behalf.”

 

She said, “You're not going to get caught.”

 

Little John said, “Can we switch the subject.”

 

She looked hurt and said, “I'm sorry.”

 

He smiled and said, “Babe, you're everyone's little sister. We love you and what you do for us. Your perspective is so fresh it makes us think and it's not something we're wanting to do when we're about to go to war.”

 

“Just the same, I apologize. I'll be in there in the thick of it with you.”

 

He nodded and said, “You can stand next to me. I hear you're a pretty good shot.”

 

She smiled and said, “It was reflex action.”

 

“If those are reflexes, then when you aim, I'm standing clear!” I said.

 

She laughed and said, “We need to think of strategy.”

 

“What do you suggest?”

 

“If it were me, I'd do a scene from that one movie Clint Eastwood was in where they riddled that bus full of bullets.”  [The Gauntlet]

 

“That's fine, but the bus has our people in it!”

 

She laughed and said, “Oh hell, I'm not winning. You know what I mean!”

 

I said, “Yes, and the strategy is good, but here's the problem. If we take posts upon any rooves, the cops are going to be all over our asses. If we attempt to go on this roof, we're too far up for any use.”

 

“Ok, so we let them walk in and start blazing away?”

 

“No, because if they made if that far, the battle is going to be bad. What I think is we take positions at the entrances and up in those windows on the floors above the mezzanine and if they come out wielding weapons, we start dropping them.

             They know it's going to sign their death warrant if they get out with weapons. There are some things you do and don't do and going to trial with weapons drawn will get you killed for sure.”

 

“You need to get that axe and sledge.” said little John.

 

“Yes, but what I think I'll do is have Alex get them on the way down from the airport.”

 

“What's our weaponry going to be like?” asked Beck

 

“Coming from Kansas City, I'd say we're going to have some pretty high tech stuff.” Little John exclaimed. “Those guys over there are developing a lot of things which will seem like it's way out there until it's battle tested.”

 

“I just want to get myself psyched for this.” she said.

 

“Beck, you see those guys over there?”

 

“Yeah.”

“They've been through this a few times if they're my men. If they're little John's, then they've been through it too. Me, I've been involved in a lot of things, but never a war. For me to psyche myself for it, I'm already there. You're a winner if you have it in your mind you've won.

             Right now, I can see you heading Miami and doing it with grace and ease. What I can see is you about thirty years from now wearing jewels and a nice evening dress and walking into a dinner with John in a tux and everyone's looking at you thinking 'she's a tough old broad and she's paid her dues'.”

 

She smiled and said, “you think I'll have jewels?”

 

Little John began chuckling and several of the guys started laughing. I had tears in my eyes I was trying to keep from laughing so hard. “Far be it for me to say diamond's are a girls best friend.”

 

She laughed and said, “Was I that out there?”

 

Little John started laughing harder and said, “Sis, you're a breath of fresh air. You'll do fine.”

 

My cell phone buzzed. “Yeah”

 

“He just called and requested his mass. I told him I'd be there at nine am. He said that would be too late. I told him that was the only time I had available and he said he'd wait.”

 

“Ok, I appreciate it. Could you be about seven or eight minutes late?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“It helps his wife clear out and get the kids to safety.”

 

“I never thought of them. You're thinking good.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“I'll get off here and let you know when I leave there.”

 

“Ok”

 

I hung up and said, “The Cardinal just called. The appointment for the mass is at nine am. He'll be a little late.”

 

“Ok, how long does it take to say mass?”

 

“I've no clue, but the drive time from Kansas City is going to be cutting it close.”

 

Little John said, “You told them to speed. They'll be here in a flash. Did you call the Governor?”

 

“Shit, I forgot. I'll get on it.”

 

I flipped open my phone and called. “Hello?”

 

“Hi, it's me.”

 

“How are you doing hon?”

 

“I'm doing fine. I've got to ask you a favor.”

 

“Ok, shoot.”

 

“Get the highway patrol and all the police in all the towns between St. Louis and Kansas City off the highways.”

 

“Ok, but why?”

 

“There's about to be a war and Kansas City is trying to get to St. Louis ASAP so it can be averted.”

 

“They're moving all those trucks!”

 

“Yeah”

 

“Oh Lord.”

 

“Yeah, so what we need is them not to get caught for speeding.”

 

“I'll call. Who's acting up?”

 

“Michael in St. Louis.”

 

“Big shot there. Who's taking him down?”

 

“Me. I'm in St. Louis.”

 

“You!”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“You need help kid?”

 

“I've got it coming if they don't call and say they've been picked up for speeding. Besides, St. Louis PD has got our backs.”

 

“Ok, you had to promise something pretty big to get them on with it. He's got a lot of people on their rosters.”

 

“Yeah, I've got them promised I'll get rid of all the in-fighting.”

 

“Ok, it sounds like enough to get them on board. Let me get some of my people from the Highway Patrol there just in case.”

 

“Tell them my guys are the ones wearing white hats.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“It's a joke. We'll be in the building. If they want to be in here with us, tell them to give me a call. It has to be before 9 am because that's when the Cardinal is going over there to say mass for Michael.”

 

“You think of all the angles. That's a good one.”

 

“It helps.”

 

“Ok, we'll do what we can to help with traffic and get you some support. Do you want the national guard?”

 

“No, them guys can't shoot as good as us. You might get a call one of them accidentally unloaded a machine gun while it was aimed at us.”

 

“I'll have them block traffic too.”

 

“Ok, but whatever you do, make sure Michael gets through as do my trucks.”

 

“Your trucks?”

 

“Yeah, I'll explain it to you sometime.”

 

“You're back in?”

 

“In a big way.”

 

“Ok, give me the call when this is over so I know what's happening.”

 

“OK”

 

I hung up and said, “Well, the highways are cleared because he's going to have them blocking traffic here. He wanted the national guard and I told him no. He's going to put them on traffic detail.”

 

“Jeez” said little John.

 

“Yeah, but...”

 

“But hell. You're wanting to hold trial and this place is going to be crawling with cops of all sorts.”

 

“And I'll hold my fucking trial. They've got word to leave us alone. They'll do it.”

 

“You sure?”

 

“The second they arrest me, you know how fast they'll be reassigned? It's word coming down from the Governor. They'll leave it be.”

 

“Call and tell them I don't feel comfortable with them being in here. They can stay outside.”

 

“Ok”

 

I called and Matt answered. “Tell the highway patrol and the national guard to stay out of the hotel.”

 

“Where are you at? You didn't say.”

 

“Gateway Hotel.”

 

“Ok, they don't come in.”

 

“I'm holding trial here. When this is over, I'm still going to hold trial.”

 

“Get a freezer truck in the kitchen entrance. I'll give whatever is in it immunity as long as this is cleaned up by rush hour this afternoon.”

 

“Ok.”

 

“Rhette?”

 

“Yeah.”

“I'll need to speak with you. “

 

“I know.”

 

“You're sounding stressed.”

 

“I'm about to go to war.”

 

“Ok, I imagine it's stressful.”

 

“Yeah, kind of.”

 

“What all else do you need for help?”

 

“You might order us some muriatic acid by the gallon.”

 

“Why?”

 

“It breaks down blood.”

 

“I'll have them bring it. I'm sure we've got some someplace. You'll have to clean up after yourselves.”

 

“Ok, we'll do that.”

 

I hung up and said, “As long as we're cleaned up by afternoon rush hour, we're clear. If we put a freezer truck at the kitchen entrance, it'll have immunity for whatever's in it.”

 

Little John smiled and said, “Damn!!!”

 

“It helps to have him as a friend. I do have to explain to him what's going on with me afterwards, but he's not going to ask questions.”

 

“Ok, we've got to get things prepared. Call Alex!”

 

I flipped open my phone and called Alex. “Yeah”

 

“Where are you at?”

 

“I'm just now hitting 70.”

 

“Ok, stop at a Lowes or Home Depot and get an axe and a sledge hammer.”

 

“Fiberglass handle this time?”

 

“Yeah”

 

“Ok, I'll get it. Anything else?”

 

“Drop cloths and a rug shampooer.”

 

“Ok. Anything else?”

 

“They've got vacuums here.”

 

“I'll stop. I just passed a Home Depot.”

 

“Alex, you need to be here before 9 am.”

 

“Ok, that's no problem.”

 

I rung off and little John asked, “Are you Suzie Homemaker?. Drop cloths?”

 

“Well, I've got a deadline!”

 

He smiled and said, “You could have asked for a first aid kit!”

 

“Man, I forgot. You planning on patching them up?”

 

He smiled and said, “Ok Superman, bullets bounce off.”

 

“Hey, we might have some heavy duty body armor which will keep us safe.”

 

Beck laughed and said, “You're funny.”

 

The guys started chuckling and I said, “You know, when he asked if I needed something else, I nearly said White Castle until I remembered we had a really good restaurant here.”

 

Little John chuckled, “Ok, here's what we've got to do. We've got to get a glass man down here so when it's time for clean up, any broken glass is repaired. If they're going to give us time to clean this mess up, I want them to wonder where the hell all the evidence went.”

 

I nodded and said, “We need to call a florist and get some ferns. That way any marble that gets chipped by bullets gets covered.”

 

“Beck said, “They've got that one kind of glue for putting back on chips.”

 

“Ok, I'll call Alex. Does anyone else have anything they want to order?”

 

I flipped open the cell phone and Jimmy said, “I'd like a cordless screwdriver.”

 

“Why?”

 

“So when I get told by my family to go screw myself, I'll pull it out.”

 

I chuckled and said, “Ok, power tools too.”

 

Alex answered. “Yeah.”

“We've got another couple of items for the list.”

 

“Ok, go ahead.”

 

“There's glue which they have for marble if it gets chipped. Get a bunch of those tubes and one cordless screwdriver.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Jimmy is into power tools.”

 

He laughed and said, “You're joking, right?”

 

“No, get it. We'll have it as part of that list to tell our grandkids about.”

 

He laughed and said, “Ok, but that's out there!”

 

“Alex?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Hurry.”

 

“I'm driving like a madman. You're forgetting I'm facing traffic here.”

 

“Ok.”

 

“You sound like you need me.”

 

“It's just that...”

 

“Rhette, I'll be there.”

 

“Ok”

 

I got off the phone and said, “Ok everyone, I'm calling Steve.”

 

Beck smiled and said, “I've got to meet Alex.”

 

Little John said, “He's loyal to Rhette like you wouldn't believe.”

 

I got up and walked away to speak to Steve. “Yeah babe.”

 

“What you doing?”

 

“I'm on my way to a news conference.”

 

“Ok, well, I wanted to tell you I love you.”

 

“I love you too. You sound like you're lonely.”

 

“Yes and the fact I'm preparing to go to war. So, I thought I'd call you.”

“War?”

 

“Michael is putting up a fight. He's bringing an army to his trial. Rather than do that, I've got everyone from Kansas City mobilized and have calls in to have all sorts of law enforcement here.”

 

“The police are helping you?”

 

“They're doing traffic control so no innocents get involved.”

 

“Ok, that's smart.”

 

“David is back awake.”

 

“Good!”

 

“Your mom was with him when I left.”

 

“I've not had a chance to talk with her.”

 

“She said she has clothes, so all I've got to do is get to the Galleria here and find something.”

 

“Ok”

 

“I'll be in later. I've not been in my new plane yet, but it looks really nice.”

 

“Another new one?”

 

“Yeah, they're making me have all my security and in order to do so, I've got a 737.”

 

“When you get home, I'll have to come out there and pick you up.”

 

“Ok, that sounds like a plan. It'll sure be nice to see you.”

 

He laughed and said, “Babe, I hardly slept last night.”

 

“I know. I've still yet to be to bed.”

 

“You need to get rest.”

 

“I will when I get home and can sleep with you.”

 

“Ok”

 

“Well, I'll get off here and give you a call later. Remember today is the day Andrew is supposed to be talking to you.”

 

“I remember. He and I have it planned.”

 

“Good.”

 

“Babe, I'm here. I'll talk with you later.”

 

“Ok, tonight, I want to go somewhere after the visitation and have a nice dinner.”

 

“It'll be late.”

 

“Yes, and if it's home, or wherever, I want to have candle light and you.”

 

“Ok, I'll find a place and ask them to stay open late.”

 

“I love you.”

 

“I love you too.”

 

I rung off and went back over to the table. “Beck, you might call John.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Just do it.”

 

“Ok”

 

She looked at me strange and I said, “Beck, nothing is for certain in this world. Don't take it for granted.”

 

“Ok”

 

I sat back down and said, “We need to go up and look at the conference room.”

 

Little John said, “Ok, what's going on?”

 

“Nothing, it's just that I'm getting tired and when I'm tired, I get sentimental. I'll be out of it in about fifteen minutes as soon as I catch my second wind.”

 

“You really shouldn't let your self go down so.”

 

“I'm hiring pilots and I'm hiring personal assistants. It just takes time.”

“I know. I've never been there because I make sure I get rest.”

 

“Ok, but when you're an insomniac, you don't feel tired. Either that, or the moment you feel tired is so fleeting by the time you get ready for bed,  you're wide awake again.”

 

“I've had it a few times. I didn't know what it was called, but it's exactly as you described it.”

 

“Ok, but that's the way it has been for most of my life. Within the past few months, it's been that I've been up for upwards of two days at a time.”

 

“You should get something to take so you can sleep.”

 

“I take medicine when there's something wrong with me. This isn't something that's wrong. I'll go home tonight, and when I get in bed with Steve, I'll sleep. Interestingly, when I sleep with him, I sleep the whole night.”

 

“Good”

 

“Look, my mom got this after she went through the change. She can only take naps and that's it. She's tried all the sleep aid medicines out there, camomille teas, and that herb that is supposed to make you sleep. All of them work for about the same amount of time as if she hadn't taken them.”

 

He nodded and said, “I just worry about you. It's something I didn't know. It's just as if I found out you were having seizures or something else. It's not going to stop me from worrying.”

 

I hugged him and said, “Thanks. It tells me we're getting closer as friends.”

 

He smiled and said, “Yes, we are. I like it and to be really honest, I've let you in closer than I have anyone.”

 

“Good. We all need someone. Now, here's what I need help with. I can do it myself and it'll probably take months, but you seem to have a way to cut through the bullshit and get results. What I need is three pilots. One for Beck's plane as she can't fly and two for that 737.”

 

“The 737 has pilots now. They'll do whatever and they'll work the hours needed.”

 

“Ok, then what we need is one for Beck.”

 

“She going to be flying all the time?”

 

“Yes, but after a while, things should settle down.”

“I'll tell that to a pilot and he'll probably sign on.”

 

“If one of the guys in the 737 wouldn't view it as a demotion, he could go over to her and I could fly it.”

 

“No, let's get you situated so you've got them.”

 

“They are aware I'm going to be flying quite a bit. Right?”

 

“Yes. They're my pilots and that's my plane. What I'm doing is getting a smaller one like yours. I've only got a few guards right now, so that's all I need.”

 

“Ok, hopefully things will settle down to the point I can do without a whole bunch of them.”

“You're going to have to realize things are tense and are going to be tense for about ten years. Anytime we have a changeover in power, they get tense. It's not something you have done, or can help. It's the nature of people.”

 

“So there's going to be a changeover in power?”

 

He smiled and said, “Rhette, it's like the ugly monster I've allowed into my mind. I look at things and say how much they'd be better if I weren't handling them.”

 

“Ok, so what we should do is we should work together. We go around and you teach me things, but you hand over power. That way, they can see the power has shifted, but you're teaching me how to do things so the power is shifting smoothly. Then maybe, we'll have less unrest.”

 

“How long do you think it will take?”

 

“Hell, I don't know. How many cities do we have?”

 

“Oh fuck, I don't know. Too many.

             Some of them are still considered to be big when they're not. Some are still on the map because they were once prosperous and now, they're not. Like right up in the heart of Chicago, we've got Cicero which is it's own which it shouldn't be.”

 

“Ok, so what I do is I go in and make sense of it all and get rid of them.”

 

“If you do it, you'll start a war.”

 

“No, if I do that, I'll bring in reinforcements like you wouldn't believe and they'll see I'm about getting shit settled one way or another. Have you ever met up with them and just said, “Hey, this is a problem. We've got to get rid of it and my advice is to cut out Cicero.”

 

“No, because if I did that, they'd start jockeying for positions and starting up a war.”

 

“These are grown men. What we'll do is we'll go in and I'll lay it out. Then, I'll point outside and say, “Out there is my army. Should you think about doing anything, I'll have whomever killed who kicks off the bullshit. You can either decide to live in harmony, or you can retire, but the bullshit is ended before it started.”

 

“Do you think it'll work?”

 

“We've got to try. The way I see it, Chicago isn't someplace which needs a little sister. It has me looking at Chicago now like it's a friggin' donut.

             Personally, if I were going to take over Chicago, I'd start nibbling at the edges until I got a sizable bite out of it and then, I'd go make that offer to Cicero and take them over. Then, I've got a huge part of the city and it's looking like friggin' Pac-man and I'm one of the munch monsters.

             They'll die because I'll start going to all their outer flanks instead of where my zone meets up with theirs. They'll be so concerned about where they're going to be hit next, they'll kick off the war. By then, I'll have it pegged where those leaders sleep, eat, fuck, and play that they'll be taken out.”

 

He smiled and said, “That's the old way of doing things.”

 

“Yes, and it's the way someone would do things strategically. You always keep the opponent wondering what you're going to be doing, but don't ever hit in the same area more than once until you've got a sound defense in that area. Use up their defenses while you make steady offenses.”

 

“You're good at this.”

 

“A whole lot of it is coming from books I studied from the library while in prison. The only person in this organization I'd hate to go up against is Beck and it's because she's got that same sort of mind. With her, you think you're getting an ice pick but what you're getting is a corkscrew.”

 

“Man!”

 

“Yeah, so don't ever underestimate her because I imagine she's got tricks up her sleeves which is going to have Miami wondering what in the hell hit it. We'll be lucky if she doesn't go in and sign on women while they're at PTA meetings!”

 

He laughed and said, “Well, we'd have a new bunch of soldiers getting trained right at home, so that'd be a thought.”

 

I smiled and we went into the conference room. The chairs were set up and so were the tables. The microphones were set up all wrong, but I got those to where they needed to be in very little time.

 

“When we begin this, I'm going to have a cooler brought up with diet Coke in it. If you want some canned soda, let me know.”

 

“Why not just get pitchers?”

 

“Because up in Kansas City, one of the men who had their hand cut off had a spurt of blood that shot  up and hit Gino's water pitcher. I don't know if it got in it, or not, but I'll definitely tell you it was on the outside of it. Since then, I've cringed whenever I've drank out of a pitcher. I'd rather have a small hole of a can of soda than a huge opening on a pitcher.”

 

“Ok, I remember that. You took that pitcher out of the room and brought back another.”

 

“Yes, what's messed up is Gino said he would have kept drinking from it.”

 

“He probably would have. You get to a point when you've got blood all over you and all over the place, a little more isn't going to matter.”

 

“To me, blood born pathogens and diseases matter. I don't think I could handle it if I found out I'd gotten AIDS from someone and took it home to Steve. It'd kill me.”

 

“Rhette, our guys aren't going to have AIDS.”

 

“You don't know that! Some people are honorable and tell, but others don't tell a thing.”

“If they're going to our doctors, I know.”

 

“Well, probably, but just the same, I'm not going to put anything past them.”

 

“Where are we going to put the drop cloths?”

 

“They're going to go anywhere in a thirty foot radius of those tables. Those tables will have table cloths on them over plastic.”

 

“Ok, so what we do is we grab the table cloths get the to the laundry and....”

 

“No, they get burnt. You can still pull blood traces out of a laundered piece of material. Have someone take them to the back dock and burn them.”

 

“Ok, the same with the drop cloths?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Ok, we'll have that done. It makes for a good clean up.”

 

“What I'll do is I'll fly the bodies out with me and will have them all taken care of when we down that boat.”

 

“SO that's what you're doing?”

 

“Yeah, I'll buy a boat which is good sized and then we'll grind up the bodies and take it out to sink it. The fish are fed and no one can prove a thing.”

 

“Ok, that's a good clean up. We have an incinerator here at the power plant, but if you want to do that, you can.”

“The power plant is ours?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Won't my mom be happy when her power bill isn't any more. She's living in an all electric house.”

 

He smiled and said, “Pay her bills out of the St. Louis accounts.”

 

“She won't let me do it. The only way I'll be able to do anything for her is if I first get permission and then, do it. Otherwise, she'll tell me they're doing fine and won't allow me to help.

             If the power company tells them up there to take her off the grid and to stop charging her, then she'll call them and she'll know there's not a thing she can do to stop it.”

 

“Ok, your mom's got pride like mine.”


“Yes, what I did in order to get her that Rolls was I gave everyone one. That way, no one judged me and no one thought I was treating mom better than they would.”

 

He shook his head and said, “I was lucky in the fact my sis and I know she's going to give mom things that I can't and I'm going to give her things she can't. We look at it as mom's the one benefiting and she's what matters.”

 

“It's probably the same way with us too, but rather than have disharmony between us kids, she'd rather not take a thing.”

 

“That's being too prideful.”

 

“I think so, but apparently something got said once and she's not forgotten it.”

 

“Who would say something?”

 

“I don't know. Probably Brent saying something when he was drunk. His personality when he was drunk is totally different than when he's sober.”

 

“He still drinking?”

 

“No, if he drinks again, he goes to prison for life. He's young and has already screwed up that much. The good thing now is he knows he can go out and have a good time and get laid without it.”

 

“IF he starts to have a problem, get him locked down and dried out. Then, what we'll do is we'll have a lot of video tape of him when he's drunk and embarrass him with it.”

 

“Ok”

 

“I had that situation once with a man who was a rising star in our organization. He was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I did it and the embarrassment has kept him off the booze.”

 

“Some people can't drink. Me, I am the sort who needed the drink to open my mouth and put a smile on. I did it all the way up to prison where I didn't have it.

             The good thing is Kevin worked through it with me and prison taught me a lot about being able to say no to a man and also speaking to a man and having a smile without a drink. Now, I can be around the stuff and not have one bit of problem. Since I've been out of prison, I can count on less than ten fingers times I've went out and drank. Only once did I ever get drunk.”

 

“I bet that made you feel bad.”

 

“Yes, and the day afterwards, Kevin and I talked about it and tore it apart to see what caused it.”

 

“What was it?”

 

“I was doing a drag show last Halloween and people kept buying drinks for me. I kept drinking them. Rather than telling the bartender to stop sending the drinks, I kept drinking them.”

 

“That's not being in control.”

 

“That's what Kevin and I came up with. There was a sink not five feet from me, and yet, rather than splash it with them, I drank.”

 

“Don't do it in the future.”

 

“In the future, I'm going to have a deal with a bartender. When a drink gets sent to me that has alcohol in it, I'll go to that person and trade it in for a drink which has pure fruit juice. It looks like I'm drinking, but in fact, I'm not. I do the same with diet Coke when I'm out. People think I'm drinking when I'm not.”

 

“Ok, that's a sound plan.”

 

“It's what it takes. I'll be damned if I let it control my life again.”

 

He nodded. “Let's go see what we've got for a security perimeter.”

 

“Ok”

 

We walked around the building and saw where the men were. He asked for a tape measure and got the manager there to the front windows. Telling him he wanted all the windows measured so if any were broken we could have them replaced fast. The manager nodded and got to measuring.

            

What we did was we moved ficus trees to the windows. If the view was hampered inside, it could save someone's life. Little John ordered some bed sheets brought to the windows and told the manager to get them tacked up to block any chance of flying glass from hurting someone. The manager got some people on it.

 

“The floor in front of the doors had tile. The doors swung inward which clearly was a fire code violation. I got a maintenance man there and said, “We need some 4”x4” pieces of wood nailed into the floor so the doors will only open so far. Make it so a man can squeeze through, but not swing wide to allow a whole army.”

             He looked at me strangely and I said, “Dude, when they come in, they're not going to care who they shoot and don't. If you're in the way, you're gone. Help us make it so we can mow the fuckers down when they're slowed at these doors.”

 

“I'll get on it.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

I went over to the main desk. “Can you all not be here and get all these machines and things laying about down so nothing gets ruined by bullets?”

 

The girl looked startled and I said, “I'm trying to save your life and money here. If we're dumb about this, we're dumb. But if we can make things so it's less clean up later, we will.     

             Also, when you put those machines down, don't put them where they can be tripped over. I'll probably have people back here as a rear flank on the defense, so give us all the help you can now.”

 

“Can I go home rather than be here?”

 

“We'll send all un necessary people home. We'll have to keep some clean up staff here and we'll have to keep some maintenance, but you'll be allowed to go home. We will need to call people back in by three. If that's when the next shift comes on, then consider your work day done. We'll pay you for the full day.”

 

I went to little John and said, “We need some men on the roof. If they drop them by copter, we're not thinking of that potential.”

 

“I'll get four guys up there and two on the stairwell. Speaking of stairs, we have some windows over there on that supply alley which could be gotten in. We'll need some guys over there.”

 

“We need to make a list of where to send people. We're out of men and we've got more locations than men right now.”

 

“Thank God he didn't decide to start this off early.”

 

“He's trying to make a statement too. I'm sure he feels at a disadvantage and wants more men, but I'm also sure he's attempting to rally his troops and get more than what he has.

             Our disadvantage is we've not had someone out there telling everyone we're taking over.”

 

“I think the Michaels bunch will probably side with him. They know you're going to get rid of them. Little David's bunch want to retire out and they'll stay out of it in order to get the.deal”

 

“It's a gamble. If they thought I was going to lose, they'd side against me in order to keep the alliance with Michael.”

 

“I think you giving them Dayton made the difference. They've not been given a city before and I don't think they're going to fuck up the opportunity.”

 

“Do I let them retire out to Dayton?”

 

“Tell them they can retire where they want but the moment you find them anywhere in the running of the city, you'll take them all to trial and then rip the city away.”

 

“Ok”

 

“See, I'm coming around to your way of management!”

 

“Good. It's not that hard, is it?”

 

He smiled and said, “It's a lot harder than the old way, but it's got a lot of benefits. Gino knew what he was doing when he started the trial system.”

 

“It makes sense to keep people secure. The old way of not knowing if they were getting summoned to get their head blown off was stupid. You might be calling them down to get promoted and they're not wanting to come.

             Now, you're seeing our offices with men in there just hoping we're there and take notice of them. That sort of “desire” on their part to go up is where it's at. Before, they could be there and catch the rath of what the latest mood was.

             Gino knew it and rather than do it to people, he set up the safeguards for the men.”

 

“It makes sense. I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone who was innocent catch shit for something someone else did. But of course, there were no apologies which made morale sink further.”

 

“Yes, and that's why we have a declining rate of membership. We ask for better working conditions for our workers than we do for the ones who work with us. It's stupid and it's downright wasteful.

             Where we get into trouble is when we get someone who just doesn't care about the men and the business owners realize it. That's when the men get treated like shit and there's no one there to protect them.

             We had it in Miami and we had business owners who thought they could speak to me however they please and not suffer consequences.”

 

“But killing them?”

 

“If it takes that, then yes. I don't care if it's a man who runs a business or one of my men, the moment the man thinks he can speak to me in the manner that man did, then things have went too far down. What you don't realize is that man probably talked to his workers the same way. He probably talked to his suppliers the same way. Everyone was getting treated like shit and he thought he wasn't ever going to have any grief over it.

             Personally, if someone came up and told me my employee's break room had six inches of water in it, I'd be calling in all sorts of people to find out why. Then, I'd have housekeeping and maintenance down there with pumps and ShopVacs so that when the person was pumping fifty cents into a snack machine it wasn't a death penalty. This fucker didn't care!”

 

“That's ridiculous! He was told?”

 

“He was told and did nothing. His union was told and couldn't get anything. He was called at his house by me and hung up on me. He was drug out of his house down to speak with me and then still attempted to speak to me like I was going to take it.

             He should have known when my men arrived at his house he was in a world of shit, but when he got to the apartment, he still acted like I couldn't take his business.”

 

“You did the right thing.”

 

“Hell yeah I did because the second that man went to a Chamber of Commerce meeting or to breakfast with other business owner's and told them what he'd gotten off, I'd had workers all over Miami bitching.

             Instead, I now have a reputation which tells other business owners I'm not going to take shit and they better tow the line. You know as well as I what would have happened in the old days and the man's lucky I wasn't unforgiving.

             I attempted to give him the chance to rectify the situation, but he didn't. Instead, I ended up with a business instead of the man ending up with a pile of embers and finding out his insurance was cancelled.”

 

“We're doing things better, it takes someone like you to get it done.”

 

“It takes our sort of management. Look at what we're doing here. We're coming in and we're doing a 'shoot'em up', but we're doing it in such a way we're showing these people we care about the aftermath. I have a feeling when this is over that we'll have Alex down here telling them we had no alternative and it was up to Michael to decide his fate.”

 

“Have Alex come down and dump some money into this place. Get the exterior restored and then, get a major hotel chain to sign on. This place is beautiful, but it's got a dated look.”

 

“What I think is we need to market it as the way it was in the by-gone era with a new fresh appearance. The outside needs restored, but what money he spent on the inside is awesome.”

 

“Yes, but he did that because he thought the place would be bought and he could sell it for more. You see who got stuck with it, and now, we've got to see it has a lot of updates. This place is God awful tall and I bet there's not one fucking sprinkler head in it.”

 

“That will be changed. We'll get those installed and while we're at it, we'll have the rooms remodeled. What I can see is 4 poster beds and a  lot of soft colors which make it look like a bed & breakfast even though it's a hotel. We'll work on things, but it's going to take Alex overseeing it.”

 

“Have him empower the manager to get things done. What I want to see is a part of that long assed counter down there double up as a site branch for one of our banks. It's not going to take a lot and it'll really make the place more useful.”

 

“Ok, we'll get it done. Something I'd like to see is a sort of coffee cafe up here with a few tables having complimentary frozen coffee drinks, and hot coffee. People could stop in and take their break, eat their lunch out of office, or whatever, but the good will in the community isn't going to cost us much.”

 

“If you do, go with the bigger style of outdoor tables rather than the ice cream style. You won't get as many seated, but the people who are seated will be comfortable.”

 

“It might help sandwich sales downstairs. Who knows? But, anything isn't going to hurt it. The way I see it, the best thing about this whole place is the restaurant. What we need to do is to get people to talking to make it more widely known.”

 

“What are the ordinances for sidewalk signs here?”

 

“The ordinances are stupid. If you have a sidewalk sign, be prepared to pay a lot for the license, however if we have a guy walking with a board on the front of him and the back, then he only pays a $25 fee.”

 

“Ok, so what about a marquee?”

 

“Well, the thing which goes out over the sidewalk isn't original to the building, so we could do a period style which would light up and be able to offer something, but what that would cost, I don't know. I think it'd make it look like a movie theater.”

 

“Let's hit the paper with an advertising blitz. Advertise in all the areas which we know people pass coming in to work at the offices down here and get them interested.”

 

“The meals downstairs aren't expensive at all. That breakfast buffet was $4.99. We had almost seventy people and got them fed breakfast for around three and a quarter.”

 

“Not bad. What are their lunch specials like.”

 

“Here's the deal. They have a lunch buffet which is awesome and includes the grill. What you can do is come down and have a half pound cheeseburger grilled and eat off the buffet. It's the same $4.99.

             I don't know what they have for evening meals, but if they had a buffet which offered a lot of the same items and got a cheap cut of steak like a Kansas City strip directly from a butcher, we could get it for the same. I'll tell you now it would draw in people.”

 

“Bump it up a dollar and offer the steak. The people will think they're getting a steak for a dollar.”

 

“Ok, so we'll get Alex in on it and get him to looking hard at this building. What we're going to do is we're going to look at that power plant and see what it needs.”

 

“Why?”

 

“My cousin can do things with power generation you'd not believe. If the plant hasn't had turbines updated in this century, then it's probably only working at about 20% of what it's capable. If we can up the output, we can sell it off and not have anything but the costs of updating.”

 

“How much do those cost?”

 

“The latest figures I've heard were about ten million a piece. I imagine they've got a bunch of them all whirring away at their peak capacity which is the way it usually is. If we can get them all updated, we'll have a helluva moneymaker.”

 

“We'll update twenty of them at that cost. Pull the money in from your Kansas City money. From the money you make, then replace the rest.”

 

“Ok, that sounds like a decent plan.”

 

“I'm calling shots here like it's mine!”

 

“No, I appreciate it.”

 

“Rhette, I'd not be doing it for someone else.”

 

“We're friends. Anytime you think I'm taking advantage of the friendship, let me know. You've got management experience which we can call into play and so do I.”

“Call your cousin and see if he'll get someone on it.”

 

“One second, I'll have him called.”

 

“Where's he at?”

 

“Las Vegas.”

 

“It's 5:30 there. Will he be up?”

 

“Well, I'd leave a voice mail, but I'd hate to get that call right in the middle of a firefight.”

 

He smiled and said, “It doesn't have to be done right now.”

 

“It'll bug the hell out of me until I get it done. Let me call him. I think his thought of having something big like this will be something he'll overlook getting woke up for.”

 

I pulled out my phone and dialed. He answered. “Hello”

 

“Norman?”

 

“Yeah.”


“Rhette here, I've got a favor to ask.”

 

“What's that?”

 

“In St. Louis, we've got a power plant which needs updating. I'm not sure what we've got, but I want the best and I know you specialize in those sorts of things.”

 

“When do you need me to come out and look at it?”

 

“The sooner the better, now how much does something like that cost?”

 

“A lot.”

 

“Well, we're putting two hundred million into the budget, can you get a lot done with that?”

 

“How many turbines?”

 

“I have no clue. All I know is the power plant is now under me and from the looks at the place, I'd say they've not been updated forever.”

 

“Let me make some calls and see what they've got and how many. It's going to cost a lot to get the old tore out. The new going in won't cost as much, but the new style isn't like the old. You'll have a real savings. Do you want the same number going in as coming out?”

 

“What we're wanting is two hundred million worth done this year if possible. From what we make off them, we'll install the rest next year.”

 

“You don't really need that many, but I can see why you want to use them to generate excess power. In the Summer time, you'll make up for it. We probably won't have it done before September, but if they're as old as you say, you're probably looking at a considerable output of power.”

 

“Ok, know you've got that much of a budget and know the man down there hasn't been spoken with yet. It's a corporation which has the ownership of the plant, but know I'm over it.”

 

“What do you have yourself involved in?”

 

“IF I told you, you'd be amazed. Just know I'm going to be over a lot.”

 

“When you can, get out here and we'll talk.”

 

“I'm heading out there sometime. I've got some hotel/casinos out there under me and I need to get things done so I have an income coming into a normal account rather than a bunch of them.”

 

“That tells me it's under the board.”

 

“Yes, but before this is over, the whole city will be under me.”

 

“They're powerful people.”

 

“They'll be working under me.”

 

“Ok, look me up when you get out here.”

 

“I'll be out sometime next week. I don't know when, but it'll probably be on Friday.”

 

“Ok, I'll make time to be able to be with you.”

 

“Ok, we'll look everything over and get you some checks cut.”

 

“Are you going to contact the man and get him to let me on the premises?”

 

“Later this afternoon. I'm in the city, but I've got to be in South Carolina by five.”

 

“That's pressing it.”

 

“Yes, and it's going to be a real chore to get everything done. I'll speak with you later.”

 

“Ok, take care.”

 

I rung off and said, “Well, that's done. Now I've got to get the guy down there aware.”

 

“Call him and get him up here before this kicks off. You might be able to get it done by phone, but it'd be nice if you could speak with him directly.”

 

“Ok, you have a clue what that number is?”

 

“You're going to need a pocket computer by the time we're done.”

 

“This thing has 8 gigs of memory. If we have to go beyond that, I'll have to carry around my laptop.”

 

He gave me the number and I called. “Hello?”

 

“I need to speak to the manager down there.”

 

“This is he.”

 

“This is Rhette Michaels. I'm over St. Louis now whereas you were under Michael.”

 

“Ok. What can I do for you?”

 

“What we're doing is we're going to be updating your power plant. I'm not sure what you're working with, but we're going to put new turbines in which are some which are made in Germany.”

 

“You're going top of the line then.”

 

“Yes, now my cousin is pretty astute in the installation of those things, so he'll be contacting you. What I need is for him to have permission to call you and to get on the premises to see how massive the tear out will be and what they have to work with in regards to installation.”

 

“We're going to have to totally tear down this building. We've got fifty five turbines and they're all grandpas. What you need to know is only twenty one are now running. We've had to tear the others apart for parts.”

 

“Ok, so a tear down is in order. Is there any way we can do a partial tear out and get those up and then tear out the others?”

 

“The concrete is so old if we start shaking it too much, I think it's going to knock the others off line.”

“Ok, so if we go with something with the new ones, and you've got twenty one spooling, that means we'll need six of the new ones running to pull it up to being the same.”

 

“IF you can get me eight of them, we won't have to buy power this Summer. They can do the tear out and have it back to running with these as spares.”

 

“My question is if we get you the full fifty five, what will you be able to sell off?”

 

“Oh hell...that'd be a dream come true. You'd be able to have everything fifty could put out on off peak and everything thirty could put out during peak.”

 

“What's the pay back?”

 

“If you updated totally, you'd have a payback in less than two years. More like fifteen months.”

 

“How many other power plants do they have?”

 

“Six.”

 

“All the same age?”

 

“All in this bad of shape. There's one that's older and the others were built in the forties.”

 

“Ok, they running the same number of turbines?”

 

“No, but they could. The buildings are all real comparable.”

 

“Ok, so I need three hundred and thirty of the things.”

 

“In ideal circumstances, yes.”

 

“Thanks, I'll get on it.”

 

I got of the phone and looked at little John. “I'm pulling money in from Miami. We're talking about a several billion dollar investment. I could do it with Kansas City money, but I'm not going to do that to them. Miami has a hundred billion dollars in that account and there's no way we can get that much spent. This will give us a huge control over the market for electricity and will get us up to modern times.”

 

“Call your cousin and tell him to go with a blank check for  them all. You're talking about a huge corner on the market.”

 

“With the increase in production, I'm going to lower costs in three years. They'll be paid off and we can start taking this up against the natural gas markets. I don't have any of those, do I?”

 

“No, but you're going to be hitting me in the head.”

 

“What are your costs with that?”

 

“I'm cleaning up.”

 

“You're breaking the backs of the American people. Roll back the costs.”

 

“You sound like you're paying the bills!”

 

“I was when I was up home. We went with a wood boiler and one of his boilers to defray the costs. In the meantime, I have a electrical generation unit up there which is big enough if I kicked it up to high, they couldn't buy the power fast enough from me.”

 

“What did it cost you?”

 

“A little over a hundred and thirty grand. He got it to me at cost.”

 

“Jeez. You thought about spooling it up?”

 

“It runs all the time. It generates hot water for the house. From that heat, it gives me the hot water and enough power to power the house, but Kevin sold the thing.”

 

“Damn.”

 

“The Kansas City houses will have it. I know Kansas City Power & Light will get everything I can get them bought.”

 

“They're yours, right?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Ok, consider this one yours and then we'll get you Chicago's and New York's. You update with those dollars down there and we'll have you looking really good.”

 

“You over New York's?”

 

“New York's power grid is unlike any other in the world. I've got one.”

 

“Who has the rest?”

 

“If you want them, I'll get them bought from your Miami funds.”

 

“Don't bankrupt it.”

 

“No, they're old and if we can demonstrate we can update like you're doing here, they're going to have a hard time telling their board you're not sincere with an offer and then, they'll start asking them how come they've not done the same.”

 

“It's financial.”

 

“No, it's greed. They don't update because they want their shareholders to have a return every year. Rather than telling them no for a year, they don't do a thing.”

 

“With those on the national grid as well as these here, we'll have more power than we can use.”

 

“Yes, but we'll find ways we can optimize the usage.”

 

“Lower the cost and people will put more electric appliances in their homes. It's economic for them too. What you're failing to realize is the consumer is going through hard times. They've got food costs, mortgages, and fuel costs for their vehicles. Everyone wants to make a profit from them, but no one wants to raise a wage to give them the ability to pay. I'll lower electrical costs and give them a break.”

 

“Ok, let's roll back the rates in these markets.”

 

“I'll be rolling them back wherever I go. It doesn't matter if it's you I'm gouging or someone else's natural gas, but something's got to give and  I think it should be us.

             If not, we're going to have a revolution on our hands in this country and it's going to be a lot of homeless. I'd rather have them feeling a little relieved and thinking they got a break than pissed off wanting to find the source of their woes.”

 

“Ok, I'll get in contact with the people and agree we'll lower the rates twenty percent. You're going to have to compete with me on it as I'm not going to let you take my market.”

 

“Ok, I'll do the same. You've got a two year head start before I start lowering the rates. When I do, you're going to find me neck in neck with you again.”

 

“That's fair. Now, wasn't that easy?”

 

“Get something done about gasoline costs and I'll be peachy.”

 

“Out of my hands.”

 

“It shouldn't be. We should have them.”

 

“We can, but they're really head set they're in control.”

 

“IF so, then maybe we just need to go into competition against them. I'm sure there are better ways to refine which will get us more for the buck.”

 

“No one wants a refinery in their back yard.”

 

“It's got to change. What would it cost to take a pipeline to the middle of the desert and get some built which would be more than enough to produce for the country?”

 

“You don't have enough money.”

 

“For the pipeline or the refineries?”

 

“The refineries.”

 

“Why?”

 

“They cost a lot. Those things don't sprout up because of all the hoops which have to be gone through.”

 

“Ok, so we get a government man on it for us and have him make it so it's easier and more clear cut.”

 

“You're sincere about this!”

“I'll tell you something and you'll hear it as soon as I say it. In this world, the difference between the haves and the have nots is money. To make more, you've got to align yourself with what is in demand.              If we can't get those producers under us, I'll have a whole country full of Rhette's Go Go Juice Stations all over. Believe me, when the money rolls in, they're going to be screaming because I'll go to a good old fashioned gas war on them to get the business.”

 

“Let's look into it. You're talking about a huge investment.”

 

“Let's put a deadline of five years on it. By then, I'll have the money we need.”

 

“You sure?”

 

“If it takes me out there pimping a car company which will only run on my product, I'll have it. It's not something which can't be done, it's something they make difficult on purpose.

             I'll go through the hoops, but once I'm through, you better believe I'll have so many cookie cutter refineries which are exact duplicates, they'll wonder how in the hell they got out of business.”

 

“Let's get a government man on it. I want to know the ins and outs now too.”

 

“If you put your money up from your gases, and I put my money up from the electric, we'll have enough. I can feel it. Let's give ourselves a timeline of five years and not be told we can't do it.”

 

“What's our goal?”

 

“Our goal is to have the most and get the costs down so the consumer flies right on by theirs to get to ours. For it to happen, I want at least a twenty cent cheaper gallon of gas. If our costs are a lot less, and our production is more automated, we'll have it.”

 

“I'll see what we can get for engineers and designers on this. It's going to be something we'll have.”

 

I smiled and said, “I'm not trying to be a bitch about this.”

 

“No, I'm seeing it as a way of getting around the obstacle we've not been able to do. Now, I've got a way of doing it and I'll see them pay for not letting us in.”

 

“Ok, is it going to take an ok from your people?”

 

“Not as long as we stay stateside.”

 

“Good, then there's no problem in it.”

 

“You know with the way things are getting made easy around you, I'm going to like this.”

“We've got a lot more cities yet to get under us. IF they're all this lengthy in transition, we're going to be in trouble.”

“Why?”

 

“By the time we're done, the first ones are going to be wondering if I was lying about teaching them the new management styles. The only other alternative is to take them with me and teach them as we go.              What we need is for you to call a national meeting and get them there so we can get the whole bunch of them turned onto the new way rather than all having to be taught at separate times.”

 

“Let's call a meeting for a month from now. The ones which give us headaches will be the ones we'll go after, but I think the rest of them will be able to work with things and deal.”

 

“Let's hope it's easier than not. Fighting battles like this is going to really get me down.”

 

“We'll get it working right. What I will say is some of your expectations aren't going to be met.”

 

“If not, I'll deal with it, but at the same time, I'm not going to deal with laziness.”

 

My phone buzzed. IT was Alex.“Yes”

 

“I'm here.”

 

“Ok, we'll be right down.”

 

I got off the phone and said, “Alex is here.”

 

“You jumped like you were anticipating seeing him.”

“There's not many times or many people whom I find that attractive. Alex is one of them. He knows it's not possible, but he also knows the esteem I have for him. Part of keeping him aboard is letting him know.”

 

“Do you think I've had guys who were attracted to me?”

 

“I don't know. You're not a bad looking man.”

 

“What don't I have the others have?”

 

“Alex has a body and a personality which is like a magnet for my eyes. Michael has looks and a bod. Both have a way of dealing with me which is respectful and sensual.”

 

He smiled and said, “Maybe it's why I don't have any guys hot for me.”

 

“You want some? I can get you some!”

 

“No, fuck no!”

 

“Ok, it sounded like you were a little jealous.”

 

He laughed and said, “You deal with the people who find you attractive a lot different than others.”

 

“Not really. I anticipate seeing them a little more, but would you want to go see a hot babe who has the hots for you, or big Bertha?”

 

“I get your point.”

 

“Well, to me, Alex is hot. Michael is so fucking hot he's beyond sizzle. He's got a problem though and it's going to be he's a hot man who will have a closed casket service. What a pity.”

 

He smiled and said, “I'm glad it's not affecting your judgement.”

 

“It did and I won't lie about it. BUT, it will only do so for so long before I snap back to reality and then, watch out!”

 

“Do you think there were others who had the charisma Michael has?”

 

“One immediately comes to mind. Bugsy Moran. That man had sex appeal. Fuck, the man looked hot laying there dead in those photos. I know he had the charisma because he got people to do things for him which only someone with it could have.

             For that matter, look at your dad. If he'd used it to his full abilities, he could have fill the roles with the women who were hot for him. Instead, he got caught up in something which he sure didn't need to be.”

 

“I understand.”

 

“Look at what he did and look at yourself. If you want to be seen as totally hot, then go get the haircut and get the clothes. Carry yourself wearing that tan bought from a booth and then, go out and get your ass in trouble so you can be seen going in and out of court. You'll get the publicity and you'll get the reputation. The problem with it is the reputation draws heat and when it happens, I'll tell you I've got to go on down the street because you're too fucking hot.”

 

“You'll distance yourself from me?”

 

“IF you start pulling stupid shit, believe me I will. Right now, we're flying under the radar. We're achieving what he either couldn't, or wouldn't. Maybe he never had the balls, but what he didn't get, we are. Look at the difference and judge yourself by the achievements and I think you'll see you were more successful than him.”

 

He smiled and said, “You know how to build me up. Thank you.”

 

“It's the truth! Have I lied? No, because I'm not going to. I can't help but to think if your dad had someone there who actually spurred him on a little and told him he had done good but he had oh so much more to accomplish, he wouldn't be sitting around planning on someone's death. He would have ordered it done and been out looking like Donald Trump with the successes.”

 

“That man is a complete and utter total ass.”

 

“Trump?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Bullshit. That man is on fire. He probably realizes he's a sows ear, but he's got a silk purse which keeps on keeping on. He knows how to publicize himself and he knows in order to keep going, he's got to manage AND to delegate the authority.”

 

“He's a prick.”

 

“He might be, but you know what? If I ever get the chance to shake his hand, I'm gonna and then, I'm going to let him know what he's meant to those of us who look at him and use him as a mentor. Believe me, I'm nothing to look at with a scarred face and a little tiny puny fucking body, but if he can go out there and get, then by God, so can I.”

 

“You think that low of yourself?”

 

“You think otherwise?”

 

“You're little, but you're taller than most guys I know. You pull yourself up to levels with your attitude. Your face, well, most people can't see it.”

 

“Because I hide it.”

 

“Yes, but it's not an issue to me.”

 

“Trump can't hide the hair. I think he could do better, but he doesn't. He wears the suits and he oozes success. I don't wear the suits and it's because I'm not about to think a dark power suit isn't going to make this little body look smaller.”

 

“You're telling me something here and if you want an apology of what I think of the man, you're nuts. What I'm seeing though is you and obviously I've hit a sore spot.”

“It's not him. What it is, is you attacking a management style which is an “I can” which is what I'm trying to get people to sign onto.

             The difference between Trump and me is I'm more direct. He lays it out there and counts too much on his people to do. I count on them to need help. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think normal people are going to need help.”

 

“Ok, so what I think we should do is have them get together and have regular meetings.”

 

“We're doing that. Remember the teleconference meetings?”

 

“No, you're not getting it. Without holding their hands all the time, I think you should set them up in little groups to decide things. If they can call those little meetings together, they can get an idea of what you want without running to you.”

 

“Ok, let's make it seven to a group. That way there's an odd vote. If they can take those votes and manage with them, they'll choose the better way, but I'd like to see a list of those votes or videos of those conferences. If we can see those happening, I won't have a problem with it. I doubt if they're going to those meetings with problems, they'll have anything overt which they're hiding.”

 

“Good, then your job will be easier and you can have those meetings and use it to guide them along rather than having a whole lot of issues with individual cities.”

 

“Let's get the conference together. It's the off season, so we can get them into a place which will be big enough to hold them all, but isn't going to be anyone's turf like Las Vegas.”

 

“What are you thinking?”

 

“Maybe Old Faithful Inn, or the Grand Canyon Inn, or someplace like that. It'll be a scenic place where we can all meet and not have to worry about our cities. One thing I want them to do is to leave the cell phones at home and not have them interrupting the fellowship we'll be having.”

 

“Ok, so a week?”

 

“If you can get the place booked for that long.”

 

“What about Disney?”

 

“It's a thought, or a cruise ship where we can each have our own room.”

 

“No, because some will get lesser class rooms than others and it wouldn't be right.”

 

“You and I can bunk up in steerage. Then, they can see we took the worst bunks and if they want to let those petty trivialties ruin their trip, we'll call them on it and find replacements.”

 

“Let's go with a place like Old Faithful Inn.”

 

“I'll call and see if we can book it. Do you have the number.”

 

“Believe it or not, I don't have that one.”

 

I smiled and said, “Well damn!”

 

We got to the arcade (main lobby) and met up with Alex. I told Alex, “Just a moment, we're going to book a conference so everyone from the cities can meet up.”

 

I went over to the desk and asked the girl. “Would you get me the number for the Old Faithful Inn up at Yellowstone please?”

 

“One moment and I'll have it for you.”

 

She had a laptop hooked up where there was a large computer screen earlier. “Good plan on the laptop, by the way.”

 

“We have a lot of bookings we still need to do. Ok, here you go.”

 

She wrote the number out on a piece of paper and I took it. “Thanks”

 

“No problem.”

 

“Hey, if there are any lost bookings over this, let me know. Ok?”

 

“Sure. So far, we're still moving along and nothing's been amiss.”

 

I was about to dial when my cell phone rang. “Hello”

 

“We're at the airport and boarding the bus. We'll be there in no time. Anything a problem?”

 

“No, where are the choppers?”

 

“ON their way. They had to refuel.”

 

“Ok, get them to circling overhead and over Michael's house. If you can do infra red, I want a count of what we have there.”

 

“Will do.”

 

I turned to little John and said, “Have you thought about getting his vehicles and his chopper grounded or working for us?”

 

“Let me make the call.”

 

He pulled out his phone and began talking. I called Old Faithful and got someone. “HI, I need to book a conference.”

 

“We're booked up until Spring of next year..”

 

“SO there's nothing in about a month available?”

 

“No sir.”

 

“Ok, well, it was a thought.”

 

I hung up and then dialed my guy over Kansas City. “Hello?”

 

“Rhette here.”

 

“Hi, the guys are on their way.”

 

“I'm aware. Where are the trucks?”

 

“They're cleared of Columbia.”

 

“They're averaging damned good time.”

 

“Those trucks are moving. They're averaging a little over ninety miles an hour.”

 

“Damned fast. Let's hope they don't run over traffic.”

 

“We're coming in 40/61.”

 

“Tell them to come in 70. 40 is a construction zone and most of it from the loop is shut down due to construction. Tell them to take 70 to 370 to 270 to Halls Ferry and come down it. They'll bypass a lot of the parking lot out there on 70.”

 

“I'll get them rerouted.”

 

“Halls Ferry will take them down to 70, but it'll be towards the inter city. If they come on across and hit Martin Luther King, they'll be able to come on down when it turns into Washington and come right to the building.”

 

“I'll tell them that.”

 

“The reason I called is I need a conference set up for a month from now thereabouts at a national park hotel. I tried Old Faithful Inn, but they said they're booked.”

 

“How many people.”

 

“Probably a hundred, but rent the whole place so we don't have any difficulties.”

“What about our place out in Vegas?”

 

“No, it can't be on anyone's turf.”

 

“Ok, I'll find a place. Have you thought of Disney?”

 

“It was brought up and it was also brought up about a cruise ship. Whatever it is, we need the whole thing for an entire week.”

 

“I'll get on it. Any regards to cost?”

 

“No, don't worry about that. Get it booked. By the way, find out what we have in our accounts and get back to me on it.”

 

“I can give you that total if you've got an ink pen.”

“No, just round numbers.”

 

“Rounding up, or down.”

 

“Don't give me pennies.”

 

“Right now, we're looking at approximately seven hundred million in liquid assets and in long terms which we can liquidate, we've got about four hundred billion.”

 

“You're telling me we've got that much in cd's, and treasury bonds?”

 

“Municiples, and stocks too.”

“Ok, most of those stocks in our companies?”

 

“No, David told me to never count those as a part we could ever liquidate.”

 

“Ok, so those are things we can sell and we'll have money.”

 

“Yeah, but with the economy, selling them wouldn't be advisable.”

 

“Ok, it's a good amount for what I have in mind. I've been told we'll need more than that in order to get what I want.”

“Let me know when you need money. I can borrow against those which would be better.”

 

“Let's not and keep us out of debt. I'll find out what it costs for what I want and I'll get a number we need to achieve.

             While you're at it, look into what the assets are for some of these airlines which are going under. If they're lower than a couple hundred million, get me a call by three this afternoon.”


“I'll get on it.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

I hung up and little John looked at me. “The choppers are off him. I told them I'd have yours shoot them from the sky if I saw them up next to them. They said they'd ground and find mechanical difficulties with their whole fleet. In regards to the trucks, they've got seven of them over at Michael's, but the rest suddenly got parked and they can't get them started.”

 

“Ok, when this kicks off, I want those truck rolling and getting me the Michaels  bunch down here and little David's people.”

 

“Let them drive.”

 

“And have a parking lot full of their Cadillacs which have no owners in the immediate vacinity? That's going to really cause a lot of eyebrows raised when this is over.”

 

“Ok, I'll have them picked up.”

 

“Are there people working for us out there?”

 

“A lot of them are. When this is over, we'll have to do a shake out.”

 

“No, they don't know they're not supposed to be with us. The word hasn't gotten down to them, so we've got to blame it on Michael.”

 

Little John queried, “Speaking of Michael, where's his family?”

 

“I'll give a call.”

 

I pulled out my phone, dialed, and listened. “Hello?”

 

“This is Rhette, where are you at?”

 

“Traffic. We're on Manchester Road headed down. It's bumper to bumper.”

 

“Ok, I was worried.”

 

“When I get there, we'll get the kids down to eat and then, I'll need to get you a diagram of our house so you know where everything is located.”

 

“Does he know you're gone?”

 

“ME? You give him too much credit about caring about us.”

 

“I'll ask you a question over the phone and you can either answer it, or not. I'm doing it this way so you're not embarrassed in front of a bunch of witnesses.”

 

“Ok”

 

“Are you a lesbian having an affair and using that as a way of getting out of the marriage?”

 

“What!”

 

“I was told by Michael last night you were caught in a lesbian affair and you begged him to let you out of the marriage. He said he wouldn't let you and that's why he was propositioning me.”

 

“That motherfucker!”

 

“That's not a yes or no answer.”

 

“No!”

 

“Ok, you'll get survivor's benefits, but I've got to talk to you about your oldest son.”

 

“What about him!”

 

“When you get here.”

 

“Ok, if you need me to testify to it, I will.”

 

“I will, but don't be surprised to hear a lot of damaging things about him when this happens.”

 

“I've always knew he wanted you if it's what you're getting at. He'd go up there to follow you at your college. I nearly called you once to let you know you were being stalked, but I knew he'd see it on the phone bill and I'd have a world of problems.”

 

“That's ok. I knew. I'll tell you I was attracted to him too, but I knew he had a family.”

 

“He propositioned you last night!”

 

“Yes, and we made an arrangement. I'll be honest because there's no other way. I told him if my lover should ever die, he'd be the one.”

 

“You want your lover dead!”

 

“I think Michael said it last night to attempt to get a hold over me. Later, before he left, I put the conversation we had out in front of witnesses and he got pissed. It told me he was already counting on my letting him have power he didn't have coming. Do you know he was ordered to give up his post here and to head Tampa?”

 

“No, he's pissed and telling everyone you're coming in and taking his city and he's being thrown out into the cold.”

“Let me get him word that he'll be taken to trial on those lies. He'll have a problem thinking it's someone in his faithful is calling me.”

 

“He's got ninety guys. That's the latest number.”

 

“Ok, thanks. I'll get prepared for that number.”

“He's saying you're a sitting duck and he'll burn that place down.”

 

“Ok, we'll get prepared. Drive safe.”

 

I snapped off the phone and said, “He's planning on burning us out. Now, how do we prepare?”

 

Little John said, “Call the manager and housekeeping We've got to move fast.”

 

Alex went running and brought back the manager. Little John said, “He's planning on burning the place down with us in it. What I need you to do is get upstairs and take all the bedding and linens and put them into the bathtubs and clog them motherfuckers. Flood the rooms and get anything flammable to the central hallways. I'll get my guys to doing the same thing. Is your power to the floors able to be shut down on each floor?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Get it shut down and take fire hoses and get those hallways wet.”

 

He looked at me and said, “I'll take the fifth floor, you take the seventh. You do the sixth and I'll do all the ones below.”

 

He looked at the manager and said, I need your people up in the upper floors watching windows. If any fire comes through the windows, I want them to have the hoses ready to fight the fire. Ok?”

 

“Ok, but it will ruin the rooms!”

 

“Fire will ruin the rooms. We can clean up water. If those carpets and this old wood catches, you won't have to worry about it.”

 

“Can I get the carpets wet and not keep the water running. It'll soak through the ceilings and we'll have them collapse.”


“Ok, do whatever so there aren't any flammables. If the carpet can't catch, it's not going to get out of control.”

 

He looked at me and said, “Take some guys and get the fire hoses going. Have some guys strip beds and nail the sheets up over windows. Wet them down and that way they'll not catch. We've got to plan for a whole lot more than bullets.”

 

“He knows there's no sprinklers and he's thinking he'll collect on the insurance.”

 

“Don't worry about it. We've got to move. I want to know when that Cardinal calls you.”

I looked at Alex and told the manager, I need three people from housekeeping. How are you on hammers and nails?”

 

“We've got plenty. Let's go get them.”

 

He took me down to their maintenance room and I saw a whole bunch of tools and equipment. “Get your maintenance men on doing the same thing on the upper floors.”

 

“Ok”

 

He made a call and got the maintenance staff....all three of them....down to the room. They took a box of nails each and a hammer. He told them what to do and we went up in the elevator with Alex, I, and three housekeepers all running to separate rooms.

            

I stripped the bed and threw the sheets and bedspreads over to the windows. The bed and the dresser were bolted to the walls and couldn't be moved. I made a mental note of being sure to wet them down and then thought about wetting the sheets and the bedspreads in the tub. I pulled the mattress into the hallway and then began pulling the box springs up.

 

When I got to the hallway, Alex looked at me and said, “What are you doing?”

 

“They're flammable. I'm getting them to the central hallway. Take the bedspread and sheets and wet them. Put them on the dressers. It'll get it wet so if anything flies through, we'll have them protected and unable to catch fire.”

 

“Smart move. Call little John and tell his crew to do the same thing.”

 

I did and he said, “Good thought. You moving the mattresses and boxsprings out?”

“Yes.”

“Good, I don't know if they're going to do the same thing up above, but I think ours is where they'll most likely be able to reach if it's molotov cocktails.”

 

“They'll do it from the roof of the building next to us.”

 

“I'll have anyone up there shot. We'll have to have fire crews ready to fight that fire.”

 

“No, we'll have some guys up here with fire hoses. Shooting them and the roof. We should go ahead and wet down those rooves. That way, we're not in a problem.”

 

“Ok,”

 

“Do we have sharpshooters which can shoot those bottles in their hands?”

 

“Yeah, if they can get a bead on it while they're running.”

 

“We'll do that. I'd rather have those men alive. I think we only need to do the side towards that roof.”

 

“You're right. I'll have my people concentrate on it first.”

 

I rung off and got to Alex. “Let's do the side towards that roof over there first. What we need to do is completely wet the roof so it's wet. IF we shoot them, they'll drop it and then the building's roof will be on fire.”

“Smart thinking. I heard you say we could shoot them with fire hoses. I think we need to have our guys aiming at that door over there to get a quick stop to them getting close.”

“Don't flood that building though.”

 

I won't. Help me get this window open. I'll begin shooting water over there.”

 

Getting the window open was a bitch. It was nailed so it would only open six inches. Our last resort was breaking the window.

 

Alex said, “I'll go get the hose. When I yell, you turn it on. That pressure is going to be a real bitch when it kicks on.”

 

“Ok, use that window frame to help”

 

We ran to the hose and he reeled it out. It reached and then I heard him yell. I turned the valve and water began flowing. I ran to the room and saw he was doing all he could to hold the hose. Aiming it was another chore.

 

“Let's get it to the window like you said. IF we can control the up and down movement, then we'll have part of this won.”

 

WE did so, but the  water stream hitting the frame really made a huge splash. Both of us were soaked in an instant.

 

When we got the hose positioned. He said, “I can get it. IF you go get another hose to do the same thing, we'll have two aimed.”

 

“What I'll do is get the hose over there and get it pumping water directly onto the roof.”

 

I went to the sixth floor and got the hose out. I took it to the window and this one opened easier. I put the head up to the frame and saw the nozzle could be shut off and opened up. I shut it down and then, went to turn it on. When I got back to the room, I turned the nozzle and it came on with a huge whoosh of the water. We began spraying and soon, we had quite a bit of water laying around the roof. I kept the hose in the room and began moving the bedspreads and sheets and pulling the mattresses and box springs.

 

Someone cut the power. It being daylight, there wasn't a problem, but I saw the lamp go off. My hope was in them shutting the power down, we didn't lose the elevator.

 

Alex saw me shut down my stream, so he cut his. I went down the hall pulling bedspreads and sheets. The rooms were spotless without a lot of clutter, so there wasn't a problem with unnecessary things.

 

When I got to the hallway once, I saw a maintenance man. “Don't worry about wetting the floors. Concentrate on the windows towards that roof. They'll come at us from there.”

 

“Ok, good thinking. We're  not wetting anything up there yet. We decided to wait until the last moment so there was minimal damage.”

 

“Good. If we focus on that roof, we'll have it handled. I'll get some shooters up here and pick them off when they come out.”

 

“Good thinking. I can shoot if you want me to.”

 

“We'll see. We broke a window on the fifth to hose the roof.”

 

“No problem. I'll get someone on it.”

 

“Wait until this is over. I have a feeling we'll be repairing a lot of glass.”

 

“You have someone called in for it?”

 

“Yes, little John got someone called so the clean up is going to be minimal. By the way, the place looks wonderful and your housekeeping is great.”

 

“I'll let them know.”

 

“When this is over, we're going to update this building. I'll need window sizes so we can get them replaced and this place is more efficient.”

 

“I've got a list of things I can tell you needing updated.”

 

“Ok, we'll get them done. I want this place to be a huge draw. If you can, I want to get dimensions of rooms so I can get Ford's to sell me room packages. With them doing the work, you'll have this place back up in no time.”

 

“The outside is good. It just needs some care. The tuckpointing has been redone, but it's old brick.”

 

“Do you think painting it will make it look better?”

 

“If we do that, we'll have to paint it every ten years.”

 

“If it makes it look wonderful, I'll get that in a budget for you.”

We nailed bedspread and sheets. He had a staple gun which made things really fast.

 

He helped me drag mattresses and box springs out and when we were done on that side, he said, “Let's leave those. Close the doors and if there's a fire, it'll be contained until we can get up here.”

 

“If we have people on each floor, we'll know if there's any fire.”

 

“Michael has absolutely lost it. He loves this place and he's wanting to burn it.”

 

“It's me who he hates. I know too much on him and threaten his being. What he doesn't know is I've already told his secret to his wife and she's madder than a wet hornet. She's going to give me evidence in abundance to take him out.”

 

“You going to do it?”

 

“It has to be done. Alex will replace him and believe me, when I tell Alex this building has priority, he'll get it handled for me.”

 

“This building is cheap to heat as our hot water comes from the power plant. Most of these building down here heat this way.”

“That's a good thought, I never thought of that!”

 

“They charge us for the hot water, but it's not more than a few hundred dollars a month.”

 

“I'm surprised. That would make this building a whole lot better to deal with.”

 

“Our problem is the internals are a hundred years old. Having one of those lines break is a nightmare.”

 

“Has it happened?”

 

“Not yet, but each year I know it's going to happen sooner than later and when it does, we could have someone scalded bad.”

“Where are those lines?”

 

“They're all along the edge in the floors.”

 

“Any easy way to get them replaced?”

 

“NO, but when we do, I suggest going with PEX tubing which is a lot better.”

 

“Ok, let's find a way we can do it. If we need to do it, I suggest repairing plumbing and waste water pipes while we're in there. We might as well do electricals too.”

 

“And sprinklers.”

 

“Yes, of course. Whatever code is, get me twice as many. I want to have this place ready for the next two hundred years instead of a hundred.”

 

“It'll cost, but I think it will be worth it.”

 

“We're going to do it. Money isn't an issue.”

 

“Don't tell me that. I can come up with all sorts of things.”

“Tell me what your dream list is, because when we do it, I'm wanting it to last.”

“The roof needs redone so it slopes and isn't flat. If we do it with heavy gauge metal, it'll last and not need to be redone for a hundred years.”

 

“Ok, we'll get someone on that. Whatever we do, I want the structure strengthened.”

 

“The brick is solid. Our structure is good. Whomever had run this building hasn't jeopardized it like other buildings I've seen where they've cut floor members to put in plumbing.”

 

“Good, let's get this floor done and then, when we're through today, I'll introduce you to Alex. He'll see your wish list is made out as his 'to do' list. What we'll do is we'll shut down a floor at a time and get things done starting from the top. What I want up on that top floor is a suite which is mine while I stay in St. Louis.”

 

“I'm sure there's not going to be a problem.”

 

When we were through, I went to other floors and checked. The elevator was working and the old style of it was absolutely captivating. Instead of buttons, there was a crank which you pushed down if you wanted to go up and pushed up if you wanted to go down. It was really speedy.

 

After the floors were checked, I went to the arcade and saw our troops entering. Little John was telling them where to go and I said, “I need six of them.”


“Here, take them.”

 

I took the guys up to the windows and said, “I want you to watch that roof. One of you man the fire hose and the other shoot anyone that you see come up. Wait until you see if they're police, or not, but there shouldn't be police up there.”

 

“Ok”

 

“Do NOT let them get a molotov cocktail thrown. Head shots if you have to, but I'd prefer if you shot the things out of their hands. Whatever you do, drop them if you need so this building stands.

             As soon as the things fall out of their hands, YOU shoot it with water. I want them doused so that building isn't set ablaze.

             When this is over, it's going to be your jobs to clean up the bodies. We'll get helicopters to come down so you're helped, but hopefully, the body count won't be too high.”

 

“What about that parking garage over there?”

 

“I doubt if anyone could throw a molotov from there.”

 

“Have you considered a flame thrower?”

 

“Can one shoot that far?”

 

“No, not unless they're using a gas truck with a real high power pump.”

 

“Do you think they'll do that? I'll call and tell them absolutely no gas trucks allowed through.”

 

“I doubt if they're that smart. They'll probably stick to molotovs.”

 

“Ok, now, can you think of any other tactical mistakes we're making?”

 

“You've got it covered if you have the roof watched.”

 

“We're having it watched with four men and two on the door. From the air, we're having it watched by chopper. Their choppers are grounded, so we're free there.”

 

“Ok, then I'd say you've got bases covered.”

 

I went down and saw we had two men per window in the arcade. Rather than questioning, I went to the basement and asked a cook to cook me two Rueben sandwiches. She smiled and said she'd get right on it.

 

When she had them cooked, she handed them to me and I said, “Could I get some pickle spears?”

 

“Dill or bread and butter?”

 

“Bread and Butter, but if you do that, then I'll want probably six of the things.”

 

“You're sure hungry for being so little.”

 

“Your Rueben are that good. I remember them from eating them here years ago.”

 

“How long ago?”

 

“Oh sheesh, probably 1990?”

 

“Hon, you don't look that old.”

 

“Thanks, but I'm 34.”

 

“You look like you're in your early twenties.”

 

“Thanks. It's good genes...Levis” I smiled “When the shooting starts, do you have a safe place to go?”

 

“Shooting?”

 

“No one's told you?”

 

“What hon.”

 

“A war is about to take place upstairs. Michael is coming down with an army and we'll be fighting it out.”

 

“No one's told any of us!”

 

“Gather everyone and we'll get you a plan together.”

 

She gathered everyone in the kitchen and I said, “As I told her, Michael is on his way down to have a war with us. He's got 90 guys and I've got an army upstairs. All the entrances and every means available is guarded. If there's a way into this building you don't know about, then I'd like to know so I can get people guarding it.”

 

“Do you have the back kitchen entrance guarded?”

 

“Show it to me. If there's not someone on it, there will be. Now, is there a safe room you can go where any bullets that fly won't get to you?”

 

“The walk in cooler.”

 

“Ok, when you hear gunshots, you all head there. I'll come get you myself when this is over. You might go shut the power off to it so it's warming and not so frigid in there.”

 

The head cook said, “If you don't mind, I'll call the manager to make sure.”

 

“If he won't speak, I'll go get him myself. He should have thought of you down here.”

 

We went to the entrance and I saw two guys manning the spot. “Good, glad to see you here. No one told them!”

As I was walking through the kitchen, I got a call. “Hello?”

 

“They just turned onto Halls Ferry.  You want them to take it all the way to Martin Luther King which turns into Washington?”

 

“Yes, they'll take it all the way to Martin Luther King. It's a blvd which is pretty decent sized wide. They'll take a left there and head to the river. Martin Luther King will turn into Washington which runs right by this building. I'll let the police know you're on your way.”

 

“Ok, I've got the directions right.”

 

I rang off and called Paparik. “Hi, this is Rhette, our guys are on Halls Ferry and bringing it in on Martin Luther King and Washington. They'll be driving black military vehicles. Let them through.”

 

“Ok, we've got more help here than we ever imagined. You must know some pretty important people.”

 

“I do. Now, if Michael's group attempts to bring through a gas truck, I don't care what you do, I want it stopped. He's talking about burning us out. I've got all other bases covered in case they throw molotovs, but if they bring a gas truck with a flame thrower attachment, we're cooked and you've got a mess.”

 

“He won't be allowed to bring it through.”

 

“I'll give you a call when he's on his way.”

 

“Do you have enough men?”

 

“Too many with more on the way.”

“Ok, any other help you need?”

 

“I'll probably have to pull bodies off the building next to ours. I've got snipers aimed at that roof so when the molotovs are seen, they'll shoot and douse them with water. Keep your people off rooves because I'm shooting anyone up there.”

 

“Ok, no one gets on rooves.”

 

“When my people get here, I'll be ready. We'll make this short and simple. By the way, let anyone from the Michaels family through and little David's family.”

 

“I'll get word out.”

“We're holding trial here after the war. We'll be cleaning up our dead and they'll be flown out so it's not on your soil.”

 

“Where will you be heading with them?.”

 

“Out east. I'm flying to South Carolina. Then, the plane is heading on.”

 

“Do you promise me the problems are over when this is done?”

 

“If there's any other problems, I promise you there won't be enough of them to worry about. What you will see when I get my people in here situated is the amount of drugs will decrease to a trickle and, we'll start mopping up the gang situation.”

“Good luck, it's beyond our control.”

 

“Yes, and it's what we're here for. As far as I know, you've never asked for the help. I'm offering it, but where it encroaches upon our territories, I'll be putting a stop to it whether you ask, or not. I'm here to restore a sense of balance instead of upsetting it. You'll see a lot of improvements to the city under my watch as well as improvements to the infrastructure under my command. Already this morning, I've spent three billion in improvements to the power plant as well as others.”

 

“Man, it must be nice having that sort of money to throw around.”

 

“It's being invested. Our money makes money. The trucks you let through are a part of our guard, we protect what's ours. Michael had the option of following but thought he could control.”

 

“I've got word contrary.”

 

“The word you got was I was throwing his lying ass out.

             Let me tell you I had him put over Tampa. He was being moved because a real manager would have had control of this city and not allowed the infighting to occur. A real manager would have had people heading in the right direction and had his bank accounts in a position to where he could invest in this city. A real manager wouldn't be needing to be thrown out because of insubordination. He would have viewed the promotion up as being a blessing and went to the warmer climate to live in peace the rest of his days.”

“I was told you were throwing him out. I've had problems with him lying to me before, but nothing I could prove.”

 

“What I'll do is as soon as I get told he's clear of the house out there, I'll get in and get the files. Whatever he's got in the files which implicates him or anyone who is gone, I'll hand over to you so you can close your files. It should help you to understand more of what's going on in this city.”

“So you're not going to hand me over anyone?”

 

“The Michaels bunch is going to die today. What ones which are left  are because they've not lied at a previous trial.

             Little David's bunch is being transferred or retired.

             Michael's family is going to be decommissioned and his wife is going to be given survivor's benefits. Other than that, I'm not going to hand you anyone. It's not how we do business.”

 

“I'd like to have someone to pin this on.”

 

“If I do that, it'll be someone who everyone will seen is an underling. Most everyone knows who runs things and they'll see them all mysteriously vanish. What you'll see is a new person installed and he'll be in contact with you.

             What I will say is when he calls you with a favor, he's going to expect the favor granted. Most likely, it will be to have your officers pick someone up for drug trafficking, or sales. You'll get plenty of arrests from us, but at the same time, I expect a blind sighted force when it comes to our trucks and helicopters.”

 

“So you'll be coming in and taking out the dealers and the manufacturers?”

 

“And the buyers as well as your little salesmen. One is bad as the other to me and I won't let it happen in my city. You can look at Kansas City and see I'm for real. It's under my watch and now I've got the entire state of Missouri under my command.

             I'll be upfront with you if you stay upfront with me. The moment I can't trust, or I'm told you've stopped working with us, you're department has issues which I'll get cleaned up from higher than your city will ever want.”

 

“I'll trust your word and will work with you. I'm in a meeting now with the chief. I'll lay everything out with him and we'll get to the commissioner so we've got a complete understanding.”

 

“Ok, give me a call if there's a question. If I'm not manning a gun, I'll take the call.”

 

“That's fine. You're upfront with us. From your cell phone number, I know exactly who you are.”

 

“I imagine, but that's on you. I'm not pretending to be what I'm not, but don't think about wrapping me up with bullshit which is petty.”

 

“It states you've done time.”

“Yes, and if you want, I'll get you all the files on it as well as the person involved down there to lay out the truth your paperwork doesn't show. He and I aren't together any longer, but it doesn't mean we don't stay in touch.”

 

“It's a long time ago. I'm not worried about that.”

 

“There's a whole lot more than him under the bridge. I'm doing business now and that's how it goes.”

 

“My perception of your line of business isn't so favorable.”

 

“I imagine you're not caught up to date with what's going on now. A huge part of this is new management styles. A huge part of it is throwing out the old and saving what can be salvaged and retrained in manpower. We're going mainstream and what you'll be seeing is a modern day growth which includes a lot more legitimacy.”

 

“And strong arm tactics.”

 

“Don't be so sure about that. You've got it ingrained in your mind it's all about racketeering and extortion. You've got the old way of things and not the new. A part of this is me getting Michael out now because he's not choosing to follow our code of doing business.”

 

“Can I have him?”

 

“No. If it were possible, I'd give him to you, but unless he turns on me, I'm not giving him to you or anyone else. He's getting what he's got coming and you'll have him gone period.”

 

“So he's dying no matter what.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“You killing him?”

 

“I'm promising you he'll be gone. He's facing a trial and he's going to be found to be in default of honor, loyalty, and to be blunt, a sense of decency. If you want to put anything upon him, try him in absentia for human slavery and bondage.”

 

“What!”

 

“Yeah, it's one charge he's being tried under me. I've got plenty of witnesses on the counts I've got so far without his files. There are enough his death warrant has been issued.”

 

“Ok, I'll want to meet up with you.”

 

“We'll meet. I'll be up sometime next week. Let me do what I've got to do today and we'll have a clean sheet to start on.”

 

“I'll give it.”

 

“What I'm specifically asking for which the Governor didn't give me on with the immunity he gave is taking people off that roof. We've got the street and we've got the right to take the dead away. I do not have that roof because I didn't know at the time he was planning on burning us out.”

 

“I'll give that immunity.”

 

“I appreciate that. Your favor will be returned.”

 

“Give me live bodies I can convict in the future and I'll appreciate everything.”

 

“You'll have them with evidence which is irrefutable. The drug lords will think you've got a whole new police force when we're in there getting them taken down.”

“Can you get me anything done with the gang activities which are going on under your noses?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Under you, we've got gangs which are using your old style tactics and really tearing into your turf as well as terrorizing our citizens.”

 

“Jesus Christ. Yes, we'll get those for you. As I said, we had bad management in this city. I apologize for those headaches.”

 

He chuckled. “You don't know how many times I've apologized for things happening. It's made the police look bad, but Michael wouldn't even speak to me about it. I was under the assumption he was fine with it happening.”

 

“He might have been, but I sure as hell am not. It was only a matter of time before they figure it out and put it together to rise up and take us out. What a dumb ass.

             Well, I'll get Alex on it and get you some convictions. I had no idea.”

 

“I'm gathering that. I'm glad to see it's a concern of yours.”

“It has to be a priority. I'll be up front with you, we're going to be recruiting. We're not sticking with Italians. You'll see everyone is going to be welcome, but at the same time, you'll see us running it like a major corporation in this city.”

 

“Under what heading?”

 

“Services. What we'll be doing is we'll be getting them under our umbrella and we'll be getting them benefits so they'll be paid better and not pulling down on the welfare roles.”

 

“That's a lot of people.”

 

“We'll be doing that. We'll also be forming our own insurance company and buying hospitals so the cost of health care in general goes down.

             In that division, we'll have our own malpractice insurance which costs doctors less. We'll have our own nursing so more people have jobs. We'll be working for better education of those who desire to make a difference are taught, but taught at a level they can pass and succeed.”

 

“Why not police on that?”

 

“You offering to teach? I'll get it done.”

 

“What do they owe you?”

 

“Not a damned thing. What they owe you is five years of work under your force so you're not getting a new officer who decides to haul ass just as soon as he finds out there's more money to be made elsewhere. He owes you that five years.”

 

“How long does it take to train people under you?”

 

“How long is your schooling now?”

 

“We require a hundred and twenty hours of schooling. Then, we put them into police academy.”

 

“Ok, that hundred and twenty hours is two years. What we do is we slow down the schooling. Rather than carrying a full load, we break it down so our students have classes and alternating off days which we have a training regimen which teaches them how to study and forms study groups so the things taught are sinking in. It takes longer, but the drop out rate is a helluva lot less.

             Right now, with nurses, the success is 10% of those who enter. I'm not sure what it is for police officers, but what we're looking at with the nurses is a succes rate that's climbing to 10% failure and 90% successful completion.”

            

“All because you slow things down” 

 

“Because we slow things down and then give them those study skills.

             Another part of it is financial. We foot the bills so someone who enters isn't saddled with the debt when they come out. Our corporations foot those bills as a matter of goodwill. It gives us the write offs we need and it give our companies loyal customers.”

 

“Let's talk about it for officers. I'll find qualified instructors.”

 

“Ok, that's a deal. It'll be for this city, but what you're going to need to do is get your commissioner to sign off on allowing felons to be officers.”

 

“He won't go for it.”

 

“I realize he won't, but it's pure lunacy. Do you realize there are 70% of the male population in this country who have felonies? It's the rate and it's climbing. To me, if someone has a felony and has walked it down for seven years much less ten, it should be a thing a man can get a job. He's demonstrated he's learned his lesson and he's gotten above what the issue was which got him there.”

 

“I'll ask.”

 

“He there in front of you?”

 

“The chief is. He's listening to this call.”

 

“Ok, what's his take on things?”

 

“About the schooling?”

 

“About it all.”

 

“He's in agreement with you about getting someone in this city who can manage the underworld better.”

 

“Good. I've got him coming for you.”

 

“In regards to the schooling, he's just passed me a note and said what he'll do is he'll make a special training class with felons in it so he can see if they'll work out.”

 

“Ok, I bet you they will. What I'll do is I'll get a classroom and I'll get you the recruits with felonies and I'll attempt to get a class of a hundred men who don't have felonies. I'll tell you now getting the class full will be a helluvan issue.”

 

“Why?”

 

“You don't pay enough. They know they'll get higher paying less dangerous jobs which offer better working environments if they apply. The only way I can even imagine someone will apply to get into that class is if it's their lifetime ambition of wanting to be a cop.”

 

“What's your take on things?”

 

“In regards to the police training?”

 

“Yes.”

“I can get them for you and I'll get you them to completion. I'll foot the bills myself so you're not having a dollar come from your budget.”

 

“How long do you think it'll happen?”

 

“Let's give it three years. I'll get advertising out there, and I'll have a class opening of felons by June. By September, I hope to have the non-felon class running. I'll slow down the curriculum and it'll be three years.”

 

“That's not slowing it down by half.”

 

“No, but once we teach them the learning skills and have those study groups, they'll speed up. Those skills are what it takes and once they have them learned, they'll complete with higher abilities and scores.”

 

“You really hit something on the head. I'm understanding it better because I remember when I was going through school, I was concentrating more with worries of failing than I could on the classes I was taking.”

 

“Yes, and yet, if you had it mandatory which you show up to go through those skills lessons and have those study groups, you would have had an insight from more than your own perception. You would have had others perceptions of what the instructor was teaching and it would have helped to get you better test scores.”

 

“You're right.”

 

“That's what it takes. If you can get me the felon class, I'll get you a bunch of officers. now honestly, what's your percentage of them which will get hired?”

 

I heard another voice speak. “We need every one of them you can get us. We're so starved for officers now we're having to really work the ones we have.”

 

“Which leads to burnout.”

 

“You're correct.”

 

“Nursing is the same way. It's a shame because both professions need good qualified people. Just think of what it'd be like if you'd had plenty of officers trained all along.”

 

The other voice said, “This is the chief here. I'm looking at what you're saying and what's very interesting is it took a felon to show us where we were doing things wrong.”

 

“If that's what I am to you, then I'll take the compliment still. You have a good day, I've got a war to fight.”

 

“No...no...no....no....don't hang up.”

 

“He needs to get on what we spoke about. I've got time.”

 

“Ok, I'm speaking. He's on the radio speaking with them now.”

 

“Tell them to let through Michael's wife if they've got the streets blocked now.”

 

“Ok, I'll let him know.”

 

“She's on Manchester heading in. Why they ever shut down 40 is beyond me, but I realize it needed done.”

 

“The city is growing and like yourself, we have to get rid of the old in order to get started with the new.”

 

“True. What you'll see is a whole new way of us going about thins. Do you think an old timer would have sat with you and laid out the plans I have to you?”

 

“I think you're a bit on the sociopathic level.”

 

“So I'm a felon who has sociopathic tendencies. Let's see...you're probably right. Let's have you get in here and manage a hundred thousand men and see how far you get with it.”

 

“My God, is that how many you have under you?”

 

“So far. Next month, I've got another state coming under me and soon after that, I've got another two states. Right now, I've got Florida and Missouri. What you're going to see is a drug lab being given to the feds in the next few days because Miami was doing it. WE just blew one up in South Carolina and that was also from Miami with love.”

 

“SO you blew it and it didn't just blow up?.”

“For the press, it blew up. The feds know we blew it and we know we blew it. Miami sure as hell knew we blew it, but that man never stayed alive long enough to go to trial.”

 

“You killed him?”

 

“You keep trying to pin murders on me. For your information, the man from Tampa did it. He also tried killing me by burning my plane with me in it in Miami. I found out and the man went on his last plane ride. You won't find his body, but I did order it.”

 

“That's a contract hit!”

 

“Let's see. If someone were trying to take out your family and then, your car caught on fire with you in it and you found out who it was, would it matter to you if he was legal or not? Or, would you pull his ass in on trumped up charges?”

 

“I'd get him in off the streets.”

 

“And beat him personally until he confessed. Believe me I know how St. Louis police works. You did it to Kevin. You did it to Timothy Bellew. You did it to Reggie. And Lord knows who else you've done it too.

             Who is the sociopath? Just because you have a badge on doesn't mean shit doesn't happen in that station. Where you guys fuck up is the people whom you beat get out of that beating and they tell everyone about it. Mine don't. So don't be beating your breast at me and telling me you're better.”

 

“Who can prove these beatings occur.?”

 

“Kevin's beating happened with a film crew documenting him going into questioning. Then, while still under your detective's care, he was led out to take you to the crime scene. The kid's face was battered. He had black eyes and a busted lip. There were bruises on his neck from where he was strangled. His wrists were broken from where he was handcuffed to a chair and knocked over in it.”

 

“I didn't know.”

 

“I've got the videotape. It's all there.”


“What about this Timothy Bellew?”

 

“Same thing. He confessed to a murder he didn't commit. He was actually in prison when it occurred.

             What you don't know about that crime was the detective you had on the case's nephew was involved. Also, another person was involved who didn't get arrested. That man is walking this earth saying he was the one that actually killed the person.”

 

“Is this able to be proven?”

 

“Your detective stood trial over it. It seems to be a way of doing things with your detectives.”

 

“Ok, I'll look into it.”

 

“I'll get you actual testimony as to what happens when they're questioned. What I want from you is you to speak with the prosecutor and you go ask a friend of mine who was in bed with him that night Reggie Clemons was supposed to be up there killing that girl.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“First of all, a gay man isn't going to rape a girl. Second of all, it's damned hard to rape a girl, when you're in bed with your boyfriend when it's happening. You were told he went out and you were told he was late coming in. You were told he had an alibi and then, you took the word of a man who was supposed to have fallen off a bridge in April who had dry clothes, dry hair neatly combed, and said he had the flashlight of a man who was laying in bed with his boyfriend.”

 

“So you're saying the man was innocent?.”

 

“I'm saying he was innocent. I'm saying the cousin was lying through his fucking teeth. Yet, your detective beat the cousin and couldn't get a confession so he beat the black kid a little harder and got that confession. Jesus Christ it doesn't take a blind man to see what happened there.”

 

“Let me look into it.”

“Ok, but if I have an axe to grind with the St. Louis PD, you take a look of where that axe has fallen. You've got dirty detectives and I'm catching shit because you want to judge me for being a sociopathic homosexual running a crime ring.”

 

He chuckled and said, “Do you have the video tape?”

 

“I've got both tapes. The one from earlier when he was taken in to questioning and I've got the videotape afterwards. Who did I get them from? The news anchor covering the story. She sat with me and she talked to me and told me the injustice which went on. She burnt me copies of that videotape and she told me she was asked to testify and at the last minute, she was told not to show....by that detective.”

 

“Do you know the detective's name?”

 

“It starts with an M. Mettzinger, or something like that.”

 

“Oh Lord.”

 

“Yeah, a bad seed.”

 

“He's been accused of it before.”

 

“He's on all those cases...every one of them. He's a go getter is what you were quoted when you were asked to describe him. Well, he sure is. He's got me thinking your department is corrupt and none of you are to be trusted.”

 

“Some of us are different than that.”

 

“I'd like to think so, but I've seen all too often the results you've gotten done when it comes to those sorts of things. The man has led a career of abusing people to get confessions. Not just a year. Not just a few years, but over twenty fucking years. Kevin's case was in 1986. Reggie's was 1991. Timothy Bellew claimed the beating in the early 2000's. That says to me it's an epidemic of blindness.”

 

“What can I do?”

 

“Nothing in Kevin's case. He was exonerated by the Governor after 16 years of prison. Sixteen years of a crime which he DID commit, but wasn't premeditated or anything which it wasn't.

             If you want a statement from him, he'll give it. BUT, the moment he steps into that police station, I'm drawing a howitzer in front and threatening to blow the place to kingdom come if you lay one finger on him.”

 

“Do you think he'd do it?”

 

“I know he'll do it. He wrote and asked the prosecutor to do it while he was in prison and not one word came back as a reply. Not one word.”

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

“Wrong words said to the wrong people. You need to find them and get them justice.”

 

“I'll look up the cases. I'll look at the videotape and I'll take statements. If I can do anything, I'll do it.”

 

“All I ask is not to let Reggie die in prison. Let him get out and lead the life he's got coming. Do it so the guy can get some justice instead of playing the system so you bargain with him his freedom and not get a dime.”

 

“He said he as innocent all along.”

 

“You remember. He was. Now, I've got a war to fight. I'm taking you at your word. I'll tell you right now if you go back on that word, you'll be amazed at what my organization will do to get me out of there. P             lease don't think all of my men are in that building and please don't think they won't mow you down to get me out of there. You're aware we've got armor plated trucks and blast proof vehicles.”

 

“I'm keeping my word. You'll have your war and I'll get the morsels at another time.”

 

“I'm not saying I won't throw you a big fish or two, what I'm saying is you can't have Michael.”

 

“Ok. If you can, give me enough to hold a big public trial and get some dignity for our boys.”

 

“I'll try. Who knows, I might give you the whole fucking Michaels clan wrapped up in a ribbon.”

 

“If you can, then I'll appreciate it.”

 

“When I do, it's about public humiliation. You get me a bond which is set so fucking high they don't ever have a chance to post it. I want them to admit publicly they don't have enough money.”

 

He chuckled and said, “You're about burning them.”

 

“I'm about justice which should have been done a long long time ago with them. They attempted to take over my city. They paid off people. That evidence I have. Then, they got taken to trial and Michael held the evidence. He knew it and he knew the evidence would convict them and yet, he let a man go who was under him so he could watch a man be humiliated in his own organization.”

 

“You're talking about Gino.”

 

“Yes. They tried to take it over and Gino fought them. Then, when he took them to trial, they gave him what he needed to convict his own, but walk away. Now, Gino's dead and I'm here to get that justice.”

 

“And you're going to give them to me?”

 

“I really want to exterminate the whole fucking bunch back to birth. I really want to take their children and raise them to hate their family name so whenever they hear of Jimmy Michaels, they spit at the mere name. I want it and I want it so bad when they come up in front of me at trial, my axe splits their heads. But, if you can use it and I can gain a favor or two, I'll hand them over.”

 

“What about little David's bunch?”

 

“With them, I'm going to go through the files. Those who have things I can prove, and there's enough evidence to be found which lead you to convict, I'll give them. If not, then I won't. They'll have to either retire, or die. Those who don't have anything against them in the files, get to move on and go to the city I'm going to have them running.”

 

“Where's that?”

 

“I'm not going to say because this is business. You'll easily find out, but I'd appreciate it if you leave them the hell alone. It's going to be hard enough with them getting a foothold where they're going and I'd personally like to see them fail where they go...on their own merits.”

 

“So you don't really want to see them make a go of it.”

 

“No, I really don't. I owe a favor and I'll give them a shot, but it's all they're getting.”

 

“I'm not asking you a thing about Michael's bunch. I owe a favor there and I've agreed to leave my hands off.”

 

“Ok, that's a fair shake. I've not promised and believe me, I've had to play with fire to get his sister brought to me.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Why is she going to testify? Or why did he want her dead?”

 

“Both.”

 

“He wanted her dead because she is going to testify. He knows she holds pieces of evidence which proved him being disloyal to this organization and another family. That's not all the evidence against him, so don't worry. There's more than enough to convict.”

 

“So he dies.”

 

“He will die, yes.”

 

“Are you going to let them bury him?”

 

“No. When you're a traitor, you don't get the priviledge. You roast in hell and you go the way where no one can find you.”

 

“You say it with such finality it has me wondering about your system.”

 

“Look at it this way. In our system, there aren't prisons. If you were in a justice system where you either die, retire, or you get killed, and you find out someone is guiltier than hell, what do you do? Do you let them go so they can amass an army which will take you out? Do you try and convict them and get rid of them? Or, do you strip them of what power they have and publicly embarrass them?”

 

“Are those options you have?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Ok, so when you try someone, you decide their fate yourself?”

 

“What it takes to convict someone is three pieces of evidence. It's not one person's word something happened. It's not two. It's three. That way, you can't have someone just make something up and get someone killed.

             With Michael, what I've got is multiple counts of people both alive and dead who can prove to me he's done things. In order to get the proof, I have to have his sister. He's tried to get her to kill her and I managed to get her. But, it doesn't stop there with him.”

 

“Ok, I'm trying to understand your trial system. What if people lie at this trial. I mean, if I knew I was going to die, I'd lie through my teeth to  you.”

 

“What we do is this. If you lie, I bring a witness who refutes your testimony. Then, I whack your hand with a sledgehammer and you get the option of either telling the truth, or lying again. If you lie again, I bring forth another witness who gives testimony you've lied. At that time, I take an axe and cut off your hand. You're patched up and we continue the trial. You're given the option to finally tell the truth, and I deal with it and strip you of all your power and your public honor. You go out and you're banned from ever contacting anyone in our organization again. If you so choose to lie, I call in that third witness and when that testimony is given, you're dead. It's that simple.”

 

“You kill them?”

 

“They are killed. Their head gets split with an axe. There's been one death where the person doing the killing got confused and went with a sledgehammer and cracked the guys skull with it instead of the axe, but only once. I can't say Michael probably wouldn't deserve it, but I'll make sure they're not confused.”

 

“You sit as judge and someone else does the killing?”

 

“They get killed.”

 

“You're not answering.”

 

“And you won't get an answer. You're attempting to get me to confess to a murder which I'm not.”

 

“Ok, I think I've gotten my answer.”

 

“And, I think I've given you an answer.”

 

He chuckled and said, “I probably wouldn't answer the question either.”

 

“What I'd appreciate is for you to give me total immunity on what you'd see at that trial so you could see it for yourself, but your job doesn't give you that option.”

 

“Are you offering?”

 

“Are you giving me blanket immunity for anything you see?”

 

“Oh man, this is tough.”

 

“If you go back on your word....”

 

“I better not.”

 

“Trials don't come often. Usually, words and threats are enough to get people to tow the line. When trials come, it's because there's enough evidence to convict. In our world, if you and Joe Smo go out and are alone and you kill him, then Joe died.

             Now, if you come home and tell three buddies you killed Joe, and I can get those buddies to give me evidence? Well, you're brought to trial.”

 

“So keep it to myself.”

 

“Don't be so stupid as to ever put yourself in the position.”

 

“It'd take someone dumb to do that.”

 

“Michael is there.”

 

“And you have multiple counts which you can convict on.”

 

“So far. Once I get into those files, I'm going to find out all sorts of things. I'll find out what he's got on cops. I'll find out what he's got on business owners. I'll find out what he's got on fellow people in this organization. And, I'll find out what he's got on himself.”

 

“Will you give me a call when you get to anything involving me?”

 

“Is that why you can't touch him?”

 

“He's got something on my daughter.”

 

“Enough to let him get by with anything?”

 

“Enough to send her away for a long time.”

“Ok, what I'll do is I'll get you those files. You just told me these lines aren't being recorded.”

 

“No, they're not.”

 

“I never trust. I'd like to think I can trust, but I never do. I'll get you the file or files. Then, you sleep a sound sleep and know the favor I did.”

 

“Am I going to hear about this again?”

 

“Am I going to be arrested on some fucking trumped up charge in this city?”

 

“NO!”

 

“Then, let's leave it alone. My hopes some day are to live a life where I have children. The difference between you and I is if someone threatened a child of mine, or threatened me with something my child did, the man would die.”

 

“I've wanted to do it so many time and he just smiles like a jackal.”

 

“Take the afternoon off.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Just do it. Call my cell phone and I'll personally come by and pick you up. We'll go have a talk and then, I'll go back to my trial.”

 

“How long is this war going to take?”

 

“Hopefully, not long. Hopefully, he'll see the opposition he's facing and he'll back off and come in and face trial. Then, we'll take care of business.”


“He won't do it.”

 

“No, he's a gambler. The odds are slight to slim that he'll see me and he'll pull that trigger and his problems will go away. I don't think he'll get it done because I'm a damned good shot and the moment he steps out of the limo, he'll be in the line of my fire the whole time. The second he pulls his weapon to aim at me, I'll drop him injured so he can be drug physically up to be tried.”

 

“What if he gets back in his limo?”

 

“First of all, that's the last time that limo will be driven. I've got deuce and a half. I've got fives and I've got a lot of other trucks. When he exits the vehicle, that car is getting crushed. It will be disabled and it will be hauled off never to be used again.”

 

“That's rather wasteful.”

 

“Wasteful is my time. I've got a lot to do today and then, I've got to be on a plane back to South Carolina for a funeral visitation. I'm not going to be late and I'm not going to fuck with him so much he's going to mess it up.”

 

“You sound determined.”

 

“Yes, but I've got a lot of cities to run. This one is but a thorn in my side now, but I'm here to get it aligned so it's not a problem any longer.”

 

“You're talking rather candidly.”

 

“I'm telling you upfront how this organization runs. I want you to see we're changed and we're coming above board.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I'll tell you and you'll understand immediately.

             In my organization we invest money. Under my control, I've got hotel/casinos and I've got enough factories putting out enough stuff we're making money so fast we can't get the money laundered fast enough.

             Either we ditch it in some foreign bank where I can't touch it, or I come above board and I use those dollars to go legit. I'll tell you I'd rather go legit and use those dollars than to ever let it sit idle and make me a fraction of what it does in the bank.”

 

“You've thrown around some impressive figures.”

 

“Listen to this and you'll hear. Yesterday, I found a bank account which had a hundred billion in it. That's with a b and followed by illion mind you. That money is impossible to launder because I'm making so much in other things that it'd be nearly impossible to get it done. A million here, a million there, and I'm making more interest on the stuff than I'm hiding.

             Now, I managed to get three billion gone this morning. To me, I'm thinking I'm hot shit, but then later today, I'll get a phone call we made a hundred and some thousand from one frigging casino and I'll have a few more of them and that total will add up to what I managed to get hidden. So, I'm back at square one.”

 

“You could do a lot of good with that money.”

 

“Oh yeah. Believe me, there are a lot of things I've got in mind. I'll waste money getting people educated because it fits in with the plan of gaining respect. I'll waste money buying a few airlines because it will haul my people to Las Vegas. I'll waste money to get hospitals and an insurance company which hopefully will give some people some sense of security so they don't owe a hospital a lot of money. I'll even waste money to build some refineries so I can get some relief to people who buy gas.”

 

“That's a lot of money gone right there.”

 

“Yes, but you know what? When this life is over, it's not about the amount of money I wasted. It's not about the time I did. It's not about the relationships I've had. It's all about the people I've helped and the number of people who had a better life because of me.”

 

“So you're doing it to help people.”

 

“If there wasn't a payoff, I'd not be in it. It's not a lot of fun and it's a helluva lot of hard work. I'm going to face some bullets flying around and it sure isn't a fun thing. BUT, tell me I can help some people and I'll sure try to do it.”

 

“Let me get permission and I'll take the afternoon off.”

 

“Ok, give me the call and I'll come by and pick you up. Be prepared for anything. I might be driving a city bus, or I might be driving a rental car, or whatever, but I promise to leave you in one piece if you'll promise your immunity you're giving me is legit.”

 

“It's above my head. You've got it coming.”

 

“I know, but it doesn't mean you can't try to get my arrest out there in the press and it doesn't mean you can't try getting me in there to be beaten and confess to a lot of shit.”

 

“You have my word.”

 

“You have my cell phone number. Now, I've got to go fight a war and I'll be expecting your call.”

 

“How will we know the war is over?”

 

“You'll get a call one way or another. Either the bodies will be stacked so high I can't drag them all away, or mine will be in the heap.”

 

“Let's hope not.”

 

“If I die, know that I did it for those reasons.”

 

“You don't sound real optimistic.”

 

“I know he's only got 90 guys. I know I've got way more. Flukes happen and who knows? What I know is I'm going to give it my all. I'll hang up now.”

 

“Ok, I'll give you a call.”

 

“I'll give you the all clear too.”

 

I hung up and Beck came over. “That was a long conversation.”

 

“The police chief.”

 

“He understanding things?”

 

“A lot of favors got shuffled back and forth across the table.”

 

“Man!”

 

“Beck, call me totally stupid, but I'm going to let that man come to the trial and see Michael die.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Call it justice served. He wants to see Michael dead so fucking bad he can't stand it. Michael has something on him and he's told Michael he'd leave his hands off of him over it.”

 

“So Michael was blackmailing him!”

“Yeah.”

 

“So he's a dirty cop!”

 

“I'd probably be a dirty cop to if I thought a child of mine was going to be put in prison for a long time over what Michael had for evidence.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“I don't know. As soon as we get those files, I'll know, but my deal with him is to give him a file.”

 

“Just hand it over!”

 

“Hon. In this world, you give people the ability to sleep soundly at night. In return, the moment they have you in their gun sight, you hope they remember those favors and don't pull the trigger.”

 

“Oh man.”

 

“I'm doing it to preserve the peace for the future. In return, he's going to give me something which really should have been done a long time ago. When that comes, I'm going to be a happy man.”

 

“Care to discuss it?”

 

“When we're flying away from this city, I'll tell you, but until this is over, I've got a problem and it's how I'm going to get this war wrapped up and this trial done and then get back to South Carolina in time for this funeral visitation and somewhere in that time, I've got to find clothes to wear.”

 

“Fuck!”

 

“Yeah, so when that plane is hauling ass and I've got the throttles wide open, I'll tell you now I'm going to be doing it so Steve's not publicly embarrassed. “

 

“What I'll do is I'll take your measurements and get out to get you an outfit.”

 

“I need either a skirt suit for tomorrow, or a dress. Tonight, I'd love to have a pant suit, but if we can't find one in black, then I'll take a dress.”

“In black.”

“Yes, and because they wear gloves, I've got to have gloves for tomorrow, a pair of black pumps, a purse, and a black hat with a veil.”

 

“Damn, do they still make those!?”

 

“I don't know, but what I want is a pill box hat. Nothing big and floppy, but something stately and elegant.”

 

“Jeesh.”

 

“Yeah, a tall order and I've no idea if the Galleria would even have one. There's a Neiman Marcus here, but who knows?”

 

“Where are they located?”

 

“The Galleria is out at the intersection of 170 and 40/61, but you'll have to take 70 to get to 170 and take it over since 40/61 is under construction.”

 

“Where is Neiman Marcus?”

 

“You go out 40/61 and you take the N. Lindbergh exit. You'll drive until you see the Plaza Frontenac shopping center on your right and it's there.”

 

“None of the other places would have anything?”

 

“I don't know. I know the best shops are there and nowhere else in this city.”

 

“Ok, let's go take a look online.”

 

I went over to the main desk and asked if we could see their computer. The girl put up the laptop and I pulled up Neiman Marcus' website. Immediately, under black dresses, I found two. Both were under their elegant wear section.

             Beck saw my selections and thought both were great.

“Hon, those are nice. What size do you wear?”

 

“I believe in a woman's size, it's a size 3. It's all over the map, but I can wear up to a size 6 in some things.”

 

“I understand, but look there, they even have hats!”

 

“Good. That one there.”

 

“It's beautiful.”

 

“Now, if you can find me some pumps and some black hosiery, then get it and I'll really be thankful.”

 

“Do they have gloves?”

 

“If you can find them, great. If not, then don't worry.”

 

“This is prom season. I'm sure we'll find some, but black is a hard color to find.”

 

“Would you look at the prices on those clothes? That purse is $1400!”

 

“Hon, how much would you pay to see Steve has someone there who is looking as gorgeous as you'd look in it.”

 

“Ok, but let's see if they have gloves.”

 

“If not, we'll find some. Can you go to the visitation without gloves?”

 

“Yes, but when you're out there, get me that Flap bag and that other clutch. Both that Dolce Gabana and that St. John's collection. As far as shoes go, let's go over there and I'll see what they've got.

             Would you look at those prices!”

 

“Hon, don't look at the prices. See which ones you want and I'll get them. You've got to do this and you getting sticker shock when it comes to clothes isn't going to help.”

 

“I've never worn a pair of $575 shoes in my life!”

 

“It's Neiman Marcus, the good thing you have in taste is you go for a classic look which will look good on you and will last for a long time.”

 

“Ooh, look at those pumps. I want those. And, ooh, look at those Mary Janes. They come in black....good, I want a pair of those.”

 

“You worn heels before?”

 

“Yeah, that's not an issue, getting a run in my hose will be. Get me some good quality hose.”

 

She smiled. “What I'm going to do is order these outfits online and they'll have them ready.”

 

“I have no idea what size I wear.”

 

“We'll pull a size 4. If it's a little big, then it's big. If it's a little snug, we'll take it back.”

 

“Ok, if it's a little snug, I'll suck in my gut.”

 

“Like you have one! I've not seen a size 4 since grade school!”

 

“Lucky you. Well, that's a chunk of change gone for this piggy bank.”

 

“Money well spent. Steve's going to adore you in them.”

 

“When you're out, would you get me some maxipads?”

 

“Why?”

 

“In that black dress, every bump down below is going to be seen. The nearest I can do is to duct tape things down and hope nothing shows.”

“And a maxi pad will.....?”

 

“Keep the tape from sticking.”

 

“Oh” she said giggling. “I'll get you something.”

 

We signed off and as I was walking across the arcade, my cell phone buzzed.

 

“Hello?”

 

“The police have me stopped at a road block”

 

“They told me they were going to let you through. Where are you at?”

 

“Down the street on 8th.”

 

“I'll be right there.”

 

“I walked towards the door and Alex let out with a yell. “Where in the hell are you going?”

 

“Down to the roadblock to let someone in.”

 

“Why don't you call?”

 

“Because I gave that woman my word and Lord knows how many roadblocks they have. They'll let me in if I'm there in person and they're forced to call it in.”

 

“Let me go with you.”

 

“Alex, sometimes I've got to do things myself. BUT, come with me so you're introduced properly to the police.”

 

He came along and we walked down the street together. When we got to the roadblock, I went to the police officer and said, “She's to be let through.”

 

“Who in the fuck are you?”

 

“Didn't your mama teach you manners punk. I'll tell you who the fuck I am when you pick up that God damned microphone and call my name in to Paparik.”

 

“Ok, but your ass is going in.”

 

“Promises promises. I bet I'm not.”

 

He picked up his microphone and pulled his service revolver out and aimed it at me.

 

“Listen up. The last police officer who pointed his weapon at me got punched in the mouth. I promise it's about to happen again.”

 

Alex pulled his pistol and put it in the cops face. “You will put that fucking pistol away, or I will blow your brains out all over this squad car.”

 

“Who in the fuck do you think you are!” The cop yelled.

 

His partner came up and said, “Vic, put that pistol away. The little guy is Rhette Michaels. He's king of the underworld. “

 

“And the asshole that has his pistol in my face!”

 

I said, “The king of St. Louis' underworld. He'll have your ass roasted alive and then feeding it to the gators at the zoo.”

 

Vic lowered his weapon. I reached out and slugged him. “Vic, that's a present from me to you. I promised it and I delivered it.”

 

The look on his face was pure shock. “You just struck me!”

 

“And....!  Let the woman through this fucking road block, now!”

 

Vic's partner turned around and said, “Ma'am, obviously you have permission to enter.”

 

I turned around and Vic said, “You've not heard the last of me.”

 

I turned around and said, “Vic, I want your badge number. I want your last name. And, I want your fucking precinct. I'll make a call right now and I'll have your ass pulled off this and any other beat until a review board can oversee that threat I'm taking very personally.”

 

I stood in front of Vic and said, “See this cell phone? It's the most powerful weapon I have. See that number I'm dialing? It's to the police chief. Hear this conversation? It's about to get you transferred to Siberia.”

 

“Hello?”

 

“Yeah, this is Rhette. I'm standing here in front of Vic Underhill. His badge number is 7945. He's just threatened me after failing to let Michael's wife through a roadblock. His partner is rather cool, but Vic's just promised me our conversation and dealings aren't done. He's implied a threat against me and can't seem to get it through his head this is some serious shit we're dealing with.”

 

“Does he know who you are?”

 

“His partner told him. Alex was introduced to him in his official capacity, and still Vic just doesn't understand life can get pretty hateful towards him.”

 

“Would you mind if you put him on this phone?”

 

“Sure!”

 

I handed the phone to Vic and said, “Here, he wants to speak with you.”

 

Vic took the phone and I said to his partner. “Vic's about to get a call over that radio which is going to pull his ass from duty. I've given you a compliment and not him. I hope it doesn't cause you any grief your partner should've ridden the short bus.”

 

He smiled and said, “I tried telling him.”

 

“Well, he's got a hearing problem.”

 

“I can't believe you slugged him!”

 

“It happens with police that pull a pistol on me. Once last week, and once this week. I can hardly wait for next week.”

 

He smiled and I said, “Alex, that cop's nice. See what you can do to get him pulled up through the ranks.”

 

“There's no need to do that.”

 

“Really! Well, let me just say I'd like to see someone who has a smart bone on their body doing better in this world.”

 

“You don't recognize me, but I recognized you.”

 

“Where from?”

 

“New Year's Eve.”

 

“Ok, I know where I was and that told me where you know me from.”

 

Alex looked at me and I said, “Alex, get the man's name. We definitely want him promoted.”

 

The guy smiled and Alex looked puzzled. I went around the patrol car and said, “He doesn't know.”

 

“Ok, I'm not letting it out.”

 

“You've not heard a word said by me. He is. I am. And you are. Otherwise, you'd not said a thing.”

 

“He single?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“When this is through, here's my cell number.”

 

“Ok, I'll need your badge number, your first name Officer Johnnes.”

 

“Matt.”

 

“Ok, I'll give him this. Officially, he's not been appointed to the position. It comes later today. He's not violated the law because we're given immunity today. So, you're within your right to seek a date should you so want it.”

 

“Would he?”

 

“I'll ask and give you a call.”

 

“I imagine we'll be someplace other than here just as soon as our relief arrives.”

 

“Ok, but I'll call and if it's a yes, I'll say yes. If no, then I'll say no. One way or another, you'll have an answer.”

 

“Ok”

 

I went back around the patrol car and said, “Alex, we're not needed here. Vic's about to get off the phone. I have a feeling he's getting a good old fashioned ass chewing and the police chief's blood pressure is sky high. So, let's do old Vic a favor and the police chief too and get them both out of each other's hair.”


I held out my hand and Vic handed me the phone. “Thank you Vic.”

 

No reply.

 

Alex and I walked down the street and he began chuckling. “You're something else. You know that!”

 

“Fuck, I got to punch a cop in the mouth. I got to get Michael's wife out of a jamb, and I got you a date if you want one.”

 

“What!”

 

“The other cop.”

 

“Really!”

 

“I did drag on New Year's Eve. The only way he could have known who I was is if he was there. He let me know what he was and that's why I said I definitely want him promoted.”

 

“He's interested?”

 

“Yeah, so are you?”

 

“Yeah!”

 

“Ok, let me call his cell and say yes. Then, I'll give you his number and you'll have it to arrange a time.”

 

“Rhette, you're doing so much for me.”

 

“Alex, I owe you so much in so many ways. It's the least I can do.”

 

“No, I'm the one who owes you.”

 

“Ok, consider it a fair trade. We've got favors paid and now, you're about to embark upon a new path in your life.”

 

“Ok, this is awesome.”

 

I pulled out my phone and dialed Matt's number. “Hello?”

 

“Yes”

 

“Really!”

 

“Yeah, that's what he said when I asked him. I'm giving him your number so he can call you. Is that ok?”

 

“Oh yeah it is!”

 

“Then you're seeing me hand it to him now.”

 

I reached out the paper to Alex and said, “There you go hon. Treat him good.”

 

Alex said, “I will.” about the same time I heard the same answer through my phone.

 

I snapped it shut and said, “Alex?”

 

“Yeah”

 

“When we get back to the building, I've got to have a meeting with her. She's got a hard decision to make, but if she makes it, I want you to be close by so I can get that boy to the safest spot in the building.”

 

“What?”

 

“I made a promise to Michael someday his son would run New York City. He's here now and I've got to keep my promise. It's up to her to give him to me, but when the decision is made, I've got to keep it.”

 

“Oh man.”

 

“Yeah, but I keep my word and know it's a tough fucking question to ask, much less a decision to make.”

 

“This is insane.”

 

“Yeah, but the decision got made when Michael and I were on good terms. Just because he can't keep his word doesn't mean I have to break mine.”

 

“That has to be harder than hell on you.”

 

“Me? Think about being a mother being asked to give up her son?”

 

“I know, but...”

 

“Alex, I hate the fact I've got to ask her. If I could, I'd not, but I gave my word and now, I've got to do it.”

 

When we got to the building, I went in and saw her standing in the middle of the arcade. I went over and hugged her.

 

She smiled and said, “I guess I need to go up and talk with you.”

 

“Have you had breakfast?”

 

“Yes. I was in the middle of preparing it when everything happened.”

 

“You don't have servants?”

 

“No, he wanted our kids raised the old fashioned way.”

 

“He had them!”

 

“Yes, and I did too. He wanted them to be raised without them.”

 

“What a ....”

 

“Dumbass? Hon, he is. He's also the man I thought was so wonderful I had to say yes. He's also the father to my children. And, he's also the source of the most pain I've ever had in this life.”

 

“I know.”

 

She looked at me and I said, “I loved someone once and knowing it was over ripped my heart out too.”

 

“What's going to happen to him?”

 

“He's going to die.”

 

“You've got that much evidence?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Ok, now what about Robert?”

 

“Robert?”

 

“My oldest son.”

 

“Ok, I never knew his name. Here's what I've got to ask you, but before I do, I want you to know what happened last night.”

 

“Ok”

 

“Last night, in Miami, Michael came down and I had a talk with him. In that talk, I had him pledge loyalty to me and he did. Then, I told him I was moving him from the city here to Tampa to take over. He wanted to know if I was single and then propositioned me. I'll tell you now, it was tough. You don't know how long I've wanted to hear those words, but I've got someone else and I'm going to stay faithful.              That's when he told me you were a lesbian and having an affair and he'd caught you. I told him rather than keeping you in slavery called a marriage for him to leave you and to come to Tampa with the kids as apparently, you didn't want them. He agreed.

             Then, we got into a conversation where he told me he'd stalked me and I told him I knew. We talked and I promised I'd give him the rest of my life after Steve was dead. I told him if he couldn't wait, to go on with life and to be happy.

             During the conversation, he said he wanted some things and I told him I would give them. He got them, and then, I told him I wanted Robert to train him to run New York City.”

 

“Oh my God!”

“He gave him.”

 

“You can't!” She said putting her hand up over her mouth.

 

“I have to ask. I gave my word and he gave his. Just because he broke his, doesn't mean I'm going to break mine.”

 

“So you want him?.”

 

“Hon, this isn't easy. This decision was made before things went bad. It was meant to be a prize because I couldn't give Michael my heart, therefore I'd give him the biggest prize I had to give.

             Now, I've got to ask and it's a damned tough question. I know it's a damned tough decision, but I'll fulfill my end of the agreement if that's what you'll do.”

 

“Can you wait?”

 

“I wish I could. What you're not knowing is the training has to begin. It's got to be so ingrained in him so when a problem is thrown at him, he makes the right decision all the time because they're going to look for weakness and they're going to go to war with him and take it and he'll most likely die if those right decisions aren't made.”

 

“So you want me to give him to you today.”

 

“I want a decision.”

 

“If I don't?”

 

“Then what will happen is you'll be banished and you'll receive your survivor's benefits and absolutely no contact will be allowed with any other members of this organization. But, once you are banished, your son, your daughters, and absolutely none of their offspring will be allowed to be a part of this organization ever again. That means absolutely no contact.”

 

“You're telling me no contact with even my father, or my siblings.”

 

“Yes, it means total non-contact. It's to save you as much as it is to save me. Believe me, I'd love for you to be able to, but the moment I have to face you, your kids, or your father, or whomever over this, then I'll come back and I'll kill you all.”

 

“You're being truthful?”

 

“One thing you'll get from me is truth. I'm not saying Robert can't come see you. What I'm saying is he's going to the advanced level and he's going to be trained. In his training, he'll learn management and the ways of our organization so when he is ready, he steps in and he runs with it.”

 

She said, “You don't know who my father is.”

 

“I don't care who your father is. He could be a Giancana and it wouldn't matter to me. There'd be no contact. He knows it and you should too. You've been a part of this for long enough to know.”

 

“I know. It's just heartless when I've got to make that decision.”

 

“I know, but is that your decision?”

 

“No. Let me think on it.”

 

“Ok, what I need is that diagram for your house so I can get those files.”

 

“Ok, it's rather easy. He's not been safe with them.”

 

“Ok, then that's going to be better.”

 

“When you go in the back door, you're in the kitchen. One door leads to the pantry and the other leads to the basement. In the basement is a bunch of file cabinets. Those are the files.”

 

“Ok, let me get the guys called in and we'll have them retrieved. You'll be amazed at how fast they get here.”

 

I turned and said, “Alex?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“When you go in their house through the back door, you'll be in the kitchen. One door is the pantry and the other is the basement. In the basement are file cabinets. In them are the files. We'll need them all.

             Get a helicopter and go out there. When he leaves, you land and you get them and bring them back. By the time he gets here, we'll have them in the conference room studying them so we've got the evidence we need besides what I've got.”

 

“Ok”

 

“Call the helicopter. They'll land. They're that good.”

 

“I'll be back. Don't start without me.”

 

I turned to her. “That's Alex. He's going to be over the city now.”

 

“He's young.”

 

“Not really. He's been with us since before I came along. He's one  who remembers me from Kansas City.”

 

“He looks like he's in his late 20's.”

 

“I'm sure he'll thank you. I believe he's thirty six or seven.”

 

She smiled and I patted her shoulder. “You'll make it hon. It's tough, but the blame for all of this rests with him. I've been honorable, but my patience is limited. He's pushed it to the point I can't be tolerable any longer.”

 

“You seem like it's sad for you.”

 

“Yes because I had hopes just like you did in regards to him. For so long I've had those hopes and now, I know it's going to be over and not with the results I wanted.”

 

“He's a prick.”

 

“I know. Most men are.”

 

She smiled and said, “When we got together, he was nicer. He had hopes and he had his dreams and I was wanting so badly for him to have them. Then, he got his goal and through the years, he's gotten cruel.”

 

“He's worked too long. He should have taken vacations and worked less hours.”

 

“Are you?”

 

“I'm cutting my hours so I'm only working certain hours a week. I go home early and I make sure my life is my fiance.”

 

“So you're happy?”

 

“Yes, I'm as happy as can be expected. It's tough because with him, I can be who I am, but in public with him, I've got to be someone else.              Then, I have this job and when I'm at work, I'm someone else entirely. He knows about everything, and he tries to get me to be less than I have to be, but he also realizes it's a day and night difference than his job.”

 

“You look sad when you talk about him.”

 

“Hon, when we got together, I didn't have this. I was retired and all I wanted was to be a writer and little else. Then, I met him and I was content on being his boyfriend and having a happy life. Then, life demanded and I got involved in this and now, the public demands and I've got to perform in order to be his publicly.”

 

“It's worse than what I've got with Michael?!”

 

'Yes, and if I had my choice, I'd be what I wanted instead of what I'm expected to be. I find myself here waiting to kill someone who was a fantasy to me and seeking retribution with a family which has caused a lot of embarrassment and pain.”

 

“The Michaels”

 

“Yes.”

 

“So you're going to get rid of them?”

 

“Some. Some others you'll see me being even more cruel by allowing them to live. Yet others will be banished.”

 

“I can understand.”

 

“In St. Louis, Michael hasn't managed well at all. Had there been no problems, we would have not been led to the decisions which have been made. There'd be no in-fighting and there'd be no war. He'd been left to do as he wished and all he'd had to do was pledge his loyalty and go on.”

 

“He's caused it! He's chosen to deliberately keep everyone fighting amongst themselves so they'd not rise up against him.”

 

“Bad choice. People need a leader and they need to know who their leader is. They can disagree and it's their choice, but they still know who the leader is, and follow. If you do it as a leader, you'll go forward. All this arguing has led to stagnation and nothing getting moved forward.”

 

“The accounts for the city are drained. He's spent it.”

 

“On what?!”

 

“He's purchased a lot of luxurious items. He's got a girlfriend who lives in a better house than us. He's got a partial share in that hotel/casino here and then, it went under.”

 

“Ok, so he's not a good manager, but all the money?”

 

“He lent it back to the brewery. They promised, but he never got a thing in writing. Now, they don't even pay a percentage.”

 

“Oh, they will!”

 

“They don't acknowledge him.”

 

“Hon, you'll be amazed at how fast I can get a business to recognize me and get money out of them. Let me make a call. I need to handle this.”

 

I pulled open my phone and called little John. “Yes”

 

“I need you to call the brewery and get that man's ass over here now.”

 

“Right on it.”

 

“He'll be trotting along here shortly. Once I find out what he's been given, I'll want that man to pay. I'm not going to charge interest, but I'll up the percentage to double.”

 

She looked shocked and said, “If you can get them to pay.”

 

“Hon, it's not a question of if...it's a question of whether I press him hard enough I'm the new owner.”

 

She said, “You're stronger than him.”

 

“I wasn't. I went to prison and I found strength. Now, I know how to play this game better than most of them.”

 

“I want to watch you speak to the man.”

 

“Ok, I'll need you to give testimony of what you know. Do you know what he's been given?”

 

“It's in the files. It's filed under bastard”

 

“Ok, when they get here, I'll save that file for first.”

 

“My kids are going to wonder where I am.”

 

“Ok, we'll cut this short. When this thing kicks off, you and the kids go to the basement and you get in the walk in cooler with the cooks. They'll keep you safe and I'm sure no one is going to bother you there.”

 

“Ok, what if Michael wins?”


“You tell him I came and got you and you had no choice. You'll go back to living your life and I'll be dead. IF I come to get you, it's because I've won the war and Michael's to be going to trial.”

 

She looked resigned and said, “I hope you win.”

 

“Even if it means banishment for you?”

 

“I've not given my decision yet.”

 

“Don't play me on this. Before business is done today, I'll need your answer. When your decision is reached, what we'll do is we'll tell Robert what's been decided and we'll explain it to him it was his father's decision. I'll fulfill my end of the agreement and you'll see him as if he were in boarding school.”

 

“There's no other way?”

 

“I wish there were. He'll have a teacher who travels with us and he'll be with me learning the ways. When holidays come, he'll be back and you'll wonder how he managed to grow up so fast.”

 

“He doesn't know about anything with you.”

 

“I imagine not. He was born after I went to prison. I do know you had the oldest three when I knew Michael before.”

 

“Yes. We were happy then.”

 

“Did he get cruel when I got locked up?”

 

“When was that?”

 

“1993.”

 

“About then. I'd say it was towards the end.”

 

“Ok, I got sent up in July.”

 

“Right after that.”

 

“Ok, so he was stalking me and then when I wasn't there for him to stalk, he got mean towards you.”

 

“It seems that way.”

 

“Hon, I'm sorry it's went this way.”

 

“It's funny you're apologizing. I should have told him to get his head out of the clouds and to leave you alone as we were married.”

 

“You loved him. We tend to be blind to the faults of those we love.”

 

“You said that like you really feel it.”

 

“My ex is that person. I love him with all my heart, but the things which have been done can't be forgiven.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“I'm sure. There comes a time in life when you've got to draw a line in the sand and say no more. I drew it and then found myself flying across it when I got punched. When I got back up, he ran back across it and he's not been allowed back across again.”

 

She nodded and said, “Michael's been physically abusive since you got locked up.”

 

“He'd not gotten by with it with me. I'll tell you how fast Michael got that line in the sand drawn on him.

             After our conversation, I had the conversation with little David and little Jimmy. Then, to affirm what we'd told each other, I called little David in and Beck. Both heard him affirm the deal we made and that's when I drew the line because I knew he was attempting to lie.

             Several times last night, I talked to him and he was insubordinate. Finally, he got to the point he was downright disobeying orders and that's when I told him I'd be up here to take him to trial. I'm here, so you know I've kept my word.”

 

“He's lying through his teeth about you.”

 

“Yes, and he's got a few men to believe it so he can have them rise up. I'll forgive them, but Michael's the one who is ultimately responsible. I'll need you to testify and give off what you've heard him tell them.”

 

“Ok”

 

“Hon, I'm going to ask you a question you should think about for after your decision is made.”

 

“What's that?”

 

“Should you decide, what I'll do is I'll ask you if you would like to join up yourself.”

 

“Women aren't allowed.”

 

“They are now. Beck is a woman. She's over Miami. Women are allowed. I'm changing the rule and I'm letting minorities and women in.”

 

She smiled and said, “You're going to get a lot more on the roles.”

 

“Yes, and I'm going to get them in power positions and not hold them back.”

 

“You having a woman over a big city is already showing me that.”

 

“A woman is going in over Boston too.”

 

“That would be different.”

 

“She's a minority and she's a woman. She's what we need because she can go toe to toe with most men and beat their asses and not have a problem doing it. Once she does it a few times, they're going to see she's a leader they can follow.”

 

“I wish you'd put her over St. Louis so she could beat Micheal. It'd really give him a bad come down.”

 

“Yes, but what I'm going to do for him is I'm going to have his entire family here to be witness to my testifying about what he promised me in regards to the proposition. When they hear it, it will be after he's lied. If he lies, I'll testify and when he's recovered from his crushed hand, I'll ask again and he'll probably attempt to lie. I'll then put Beck on to affirm what she heard and that will get him a lost hand. Then, he'll be asked again and he'll attempt to lie. When that happens, I'm going to have little David testify and he'll know he should have been killed.

             Then, I'm going to get into the insubordination. When I do that, I'll testify, Beck will, and then David will from his hospital bed down in Miami.”

 

“David's been hurt!”

 

“Someone nearly killed him. He's fine and recovering. He's now able to speak and when he testifies over the phone, it will be another nail in Michael's coffin.

             I'll go on with the trial and I'm going to get into the war and the lies he's told to people up here. Three will testify and he'll know he should have been killed again.

             What's when I'm going to start using the information about the evidence he held against the Michaels and keeping it from Gino. He'll lie and little David will testify. Then, Tammy will testify. And then, I'm going to call my ex Kevin and he's going to testify about what Big David read to him in the letters. When it happens, we'll be at another death phase.

             By then, I'll be into the evidence in the files. I'll use the brewery debacle against him and I'm going to use every thing I can find and by the time I'm done, everyone's going to wonder what I'm doing.

             What I'm doing is I'm publicly embarrassing him. He knows he should be dead, but I'm dragging it out so everyone knows and he's going to be about an inch tall.

             That's when I'm going to pull the ace out of my sleeve and confront him about the lie he told against you about being a lesbian. I'll call three witnesses and one of them will be you. If you've lied, I'll find out. If you're telling the truth, then i's but one person who will have a voice. What I will do then, is I'll call a family member in to testify to your virtue. Then, I'm calling Robert in and I'm going to ask him if he's ever known you to be with another woman. He'll say no and that will be another nail.

             By the time the axe falls, Michael is going to be known for what he is. You'll have your reputation back and you'll have survivor's benefits. I'll take possession of his body and will dispose of it because that's what a traitor gets in this organization.”

 

She looked shocked.

 

“He is a traitor. There's no getting around it. Should I have so chosen, I could choose banishment before and you'd not get them. I think you've paid enough in this life that it's fair you be given them.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“You've got kids to raise. Raise them knowing their father was a good man and he had some problems. Don't go into details, but just let them know those things.”

 

“They'll think he committed suicide!”

 

'”And that he has. It's suicide to believe he wouldn't get caught for all these things. It's suicide to believe he could cross you in order to attempt to gain me. It's definitely suicide to give me his word and then step back to slap me in the face. He's got it coming and the only thing he's not done yet is chosen his own hand to do it.”

 

She nodded. “I'm sorry.”

 

“I'm sorry too. It's not your fault you married someone of his caliber. You loved and you chose well. Or so I thought. The sad thing is we were both wrong.”

 

She smiled at me and said, “I know it's not for me to do, but I'd love to be up there standing with you with my hands upon that axe when it happens.”

 

“What I will do is this...if you still feel that way, I'll bring the axe over and you can acknowledge it. That's the same as a blessing of death upon someone. You know it and it doesn't diminish my power. It might serve closure to Robert when it happens because he's definitely going to know in the future what you did.”

 

She nodded and said, “I'd like that.”

 

“Ok, it will be. Now, let's go downstairs so I can meet your wonderful children.”

 

She smiled and said, “You know, you speaking with me like this has really helped me.”

 

“Hon, it was for both of us. You had him. He chased me. And when I turned around to accept it, he showed indecision which scorned us both. You've put up with it a sight longer than what I would've and fortunately, when he was stalking me, he never had the nerve to come to me because I would have been the other person in your marriage. Now I find out there's another woman and my question is what has he told her?”

 

“I think he's probably told her lies too and has her believing them all.”

 

“Well, I'm going to tell you this. She's the ultimate loser because she has no benefits coming and when this is over, I'm going to be going to that house to get her evicted out of there.”

 

“Let her have it.”

 

“No, it can't happen. It was bought with funds taken from the organization and somehow, I've got to refill the accounts so they're solvent again.”

 

“There's money in them, it's just not much more than forty thousand.”

 

“A weeks pay.” I said shaking my head. “We've got to have at least a year's pay in those things and he knows that.”

 

“Yes, and he's really fretted over it. Since he loaned that money out, he's really been fretting.”

 

“Well, it's all going to come back. Let's go meet your kids.”

 

We went out and down the hall. When we got to the mezzanine, we went down the stairs and saw Robert.

 

I paused and said, “My God he's beautiful.”

 

“He looks like Michael at that age.”

 

“He's definitely his daddy's”

 

She smiled and said, “You really had a spot for him, didn't you?”

 

“Oh yeah.” I said breathlessly.

 

“I think I could have handled you and he being together. I imagine he would have been kinder.”

 

“Hon, you should never have had to share. I don't and he would have learned it. I'm a lot of things, but a home wrecker I'm not.”

 

I went over to Robert and said, “Hi, I'm Rhette.”

 

He looked at me strangely and she came over. “Rhette is your father's boss.”

 

“Is he the one dad's upset about?”


She said, “Your dad has lied to us. Rhette explained everything to me and he's got witnesses to back up what happened last night.”

 

Robert asked, “He wasn't coming to throw us out?”

 

“Robert, I gave your father another city last night. He was getting promoted. He's shoved it back in my face and now, I'm up here to handle your father.

             He's done a lot of things which warrant his punishment, but what I'm going to do is I'm going to try him bringing all the evidence out. Your father knows it, and that's why he's choosing to lie and lead his men into a battle.

             Those who know aren't supporting him because they know he's wrong. Instead of an army of thousands, he's got an army of 90.”

 

“Dad's going to be killed?”

 

His face crumpled and tears came to his eyes. I went over and hugged him and said, “Robert, it's not my intention to come up here and break your heart. In all you've been taught, you've been taught right and wrong. Your father is wrong.”

 

She came over and said, “Robert, your father made a deal with Rhette last night. What you're going to be doing is you're going to be going into training with Rhette to head New York City. Rhette has chosen to keep his word even though your father went back on his. He's giving you the opportunity to learn the ways and make it so when you're needed, you can step in and run it.”

 

He looked at me and said, “You sure?”

 

“I'm sure. I've given my word and one thing you'll learn is I've given my oath and bond when I give my word.”

 

She said, “Robert, what will be happening is you're going to be going with Rhette. He'll train you and school you and you'll come home on holidays. Is that something you think you want?”

 

“What's the choice?”

 

She looked at me and said, “Robert, the choice is if you don't, I'll still receive the survivor's benefits, but we'll be banished.”

 

“You mean we can't see anyone anymore?”

 

“You know what it means. Your dad taught you what happens. He's done it to others and now, it could happen to us.

             Rhette's been kinder than he could have because your father's made some decisions which could have had us banished without survivor's benefits. Instead, he's given us the choice.”

 

He looked at me and said, “So my dad is going to die.”

 

“Hon, if I could change the law, I would. I love your dad and I'd make them different, but if I did it for him, I'd have to do it for others and it wouldn't be fair to the law.”

 

He nodded and said, “My dad never bent on a law once. He knows the law and if he broke it that bad, he's got to die by it.”

 

She said, “Robert, he's done it bad enough he should have died several times. A few things I'm going to have to testify about, but one thing you're going to have to testify about.”

 

“What!”

 

“Your father has lied about me and told people I am a lesbian having an affair with another woman and that I begged him for a divorce.”

 

“He what!”

 

“I didn't lie to you. That's what he said.”

 

“He's the one having the affair!”

 

“Yes, and Rhette now knows about it. So when it's time, you'll be called up and you tell them about what life was like between your father and I.”

 

“Mom! You put up with so much from him!”

“Hon, he's lied about me. Will you tell people I'm not that sort of person?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Ok, that's all you have to do.”

 

“Is he going to kill dad over that?”

 

“Honey, your dad's going to die. As I said, he's done enough he should die for a number of them. It's not going to be what you tell them which is going to make the decision.”

 

“Ok, they need to know you're not and that dad lied.”

 

“Ok, now did you have a good breakfast?”

 

“Yeah, they had strawberry syrup, but they're also getting ready to fix lunch.”

 

“Hon, we're going to go back to the basement. Your dad is coming with his men and while there's shooting going on up here, we're going to be safe down there.”

 

“Ok”

 

She turned to me and said, “Rhette, come meet the other children.”

 

We went downstairs and she went over to the kids. She introduced them to me and right after I got sat down, my cell phone rang. It was the Cardinal.

With This Ring

ab

 

Notes From Retta:

 

 

 

 

 

“From My Keyboard To Your Heart”,

Retta

 

RettaMichaels@Gmail.com

 

Copyright Notice – Copyright 2008 by RettaMichaels

 

                The Author, RettaMichaels copyrights this story and retains all rights. This work may not be edited, changed, or duplicated in any form, media [known or unknown], without the author's expressed permission. All applicable copyright laws apply.

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“From My Keyboard To Your Heart”, “ 'Retta”, “RettaMichaels”, “Retta”, “Rhett”, “Rhette”, “Vonn Michaels”, “VonnMichaels”, and “Vonn Michael's Stud Service Night Club” are all trademarks of the RettaVonnMichaels L.L.C.. None of these trademarks may be used, or authorized without consent.

 

Disclaimer: All individuals depicted in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, characters, locations, or incidents is purely coincidental.