Auz Burger

CHAPTER 3 The days kept passing, and by. tThe remorse didn’t let him Jimmy sleep peacefully. So as Kevin, he avoided beach too. Jimmy’s father noticed that his son was spendings too much time around the house, and when he gave a suggested that Jimmyion to join and work with him in the jewelry store;, his older sonJimmy grabbed pounced on the offer instantly in a second, surprising his father big time. The only one who really suffered was Sean. He loved the beach and spendingt a good time with his brother’s friends. Since Jimmy was with their father every day, he Sean suddenly had a lot of free time on his hands. His own generation was not so as amusing as his brother’s friends, so he began to sneak out secretly, going to the beach and hanging out with the same group of people as before. The explanation of his brother’s disappearance was rather simple:. Jimmy couldn’t come because he working in the jewelry store with their father. It all normal went normal until Tuesday. The mMorning started out as any other. Jimmy opened the store with his father and afterwards went to get some breakfast from the bakery around the corner. As soon as he returned with breakfast, the first customers of the day entered the store. That was the first time he saw a member of Italian mafia;. iIt was as obvious as like a the moonlight in theon a clear night. The Italian was standing in the middle between two big fat guys wearing grey and black suits. The middleman wasn’t slim either, but slimmer than the other two though. He seemed impressed looking around the store and at the price tags on the jewelry. His guys stayed watching the door, while the man in the middle went straight to the counter, facing his Jimmy’s father, with his hands tucked in the pockets of his black long coat. - “Your son?” He asked. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Yes.” – His father shortly confirmed, putting down his breakfast below the counter. “– How may I help you?” - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “You don’t know who I am, right?” – saidasked the man in coat with a halfsmile on his face. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Yes, yes I do. You are Vinnie LaBracca. How may I assist you? Looking for a jewelry for your wife? Or mistress?” – His dad smiled kindly. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt 9 Vinnie and the men behind him laughed hard at a joke and could hear the laugh of his guys behind his back, toothat. He liked the owner of the store O’Hare Jewelry, the hard Irishman Byrne O’Hare. Somehow he Jimmy sensed that this man in front of him won’t wouldn’t be an easy person to deal with. “No, I am looking for you actually, it is good you are here so we can talk some business,” Vinnie said.. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt “I am not for interested in any business with you mister LaBracca, I am satisfied with the business I have in hand,” Jimmy’s father replied. . - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Well, let me explain the nature of my visit anyway. You see, I am interested in a few real estatesbuildings in this neighborhood, and one of the most interesting is yours. You have lots of space in the front and also in the back,” Vinnie explained.. “My idea is to join this place with the place next door real estate, which by the way, is mine now if you didn’t know;, so joining these two together would make a really nice club. Nowadays, clubbing is the cash cow if you didn’t know. So, I would like to propose you a price for your store and I know you will like it,” the mobster finished with an unsettling smile.. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Jimmy was scared. He wasn’t stupid, he knew what was going on here. Looking at his father didn’t diminish his fear at all. As a matter of fact it increased it, seeing his father’s determined composure, ready to tell this guy to get out their store. Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Listen to me Vinnie. I inherited this from my father and he had inherited this it from my grandfather. We have it for decades. I know how things work, I always paid my dues to guys like you to leave me alone, but this one I will have to decline. There is no sell tag here, except the ones on the jewelry,” Byrne said. . Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering “Byrne, don’t be like that. This place is couple of blocks away from Times Square for Christ’s sake! All the people who come to the cCity are passing by this store! Who gives a shit about rings and necklaces, when we can have a great club full of people who will spend all of their money just to be seen inside?! Think Byrne, let me tell you my offer!” – Vinnie said with small flrush of red on his cheeks. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - - - 10 Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt His father didn’t say a word. The silence was deafening for the ears. You could hear all the noises from the street. This silent agony lasted for about ten seconds, but to Jimmy it lasted like ten minutes. “Ok Vinnie. This is how it’s gonna be. You take your boys and get the hell out of my store, you hear? I am not afraid of you, even though you think I should be. After all, I know this city little bit longer better than you do.”. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Take your offer with you Vinnie,” Byrne said with a stony look.. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt As soon as they were left alone, his father began to show signs of concern. Wasting no time, his father took his wallet and went straight to the door. Jimmy was confused and worried with his behavior. Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering “Where do you goare you going dad?” Jimmy asked. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Stay here in case some customer comes. Phone your mother to help you out, I am going to the police, to report this threat,” his father replied.. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Dad! You can’t do that! You’ve seen who this guys are!” – Jimmy’s voice was cracking as he yelled in panicfrantically at his dad. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Hey! Control yourself, all right? Everything is going to be fine, I have to report him, I have to have a proof in case something happens.” - - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Vinnie gave him a long straight look it the eye, smirked, and turned around. His companions went out first to see if the air isit was clear and right before he got walked out too, he made a half turnpaused and looked over his shoulder, saying ““…stay safe Byrne.…” . Jimmy would never forget those words, they will would be forever ingrained implant in his headmind forever. - Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Hah!” – Vinnie laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. “– You are really rude you know that? You are not even letting me say the offer!” - - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “What can happen dad? Dad, what are they going to do to us?!” Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Shut up Jimmy! Nothing is going to happen! Lay off my back and call your mother, I’ll be back soon.” - There was nNothing he could do when his father was this upset. He shut his mouth and while on a called to his mother, he watchinged his father cross the Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt 11 street. Just thinking about this man Vinnie gave himsent shivers down the Jimmy’s spine. The police report was made in a local precinct. During the dinner Jimmy’s father gave the details to him and mom. Sean was still out of the house, which was a good thing. They don’t want him involved, knowing how sensitive Sean couldan be. As it was expected, summer was coming to its end and the signs of autumn were appearing, sings could be recognized in a shapein the form of a sharp breeze on the skin. The heat and clear skies were gone, replaced by clouds, but it hadn’t begun the autumn rains.. Yet no rainfalls, so common when autumn comes. All thatThe Vinnie incident was practically forgotten and everything got was back to normal. The only thing that was bothering Jimmy was Kevin. Sometimes he used would to see him across the street, even and tryied to talk to him, but Kevin pretended like he wasn’t there, ignoring him as if he was nothing by the air. not paying attention to him at all, treating him like he was air. It hurt a lot, but there was nothing to be done. One morning something happened what that shook up family O'Hare really good. Their family car, which was parked outside on the street, had two tires slashed completely; it was, obviously intentional, done by someone had usedwith a knife to do it. Among them mom got upset the most.Jimmy’s mother was the most upset by the tires being sabotaged. For some reason, Jimmy’s didn't know why, but first thought that crossed his mind was the name of Vinnie LaBracca. Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt “Dad, what are you gonna do? Should we call the cops?” Jimmy asked. Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt - “What for? They didn't do anything regarding the recent visit, the last thing they will allow,so they obviously won’t is to be bothered about two damn slashed tires!” Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt - Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt “Are we the only one on the street?” – Sean wondered, all shaken up since they told him about mafia visit. - Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt “How do you mean?” - DadTheir father was confused. Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt 12 “I mean, do other cars on this street have slashed tires too?” Sean got a point, they all began to wonder. Sean just looked at Jimmy and both of them started going down the street checking all the cars parked. It didn’t come as a surprise the factto discover that their car was the only one. Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt “Does it have to do something with that Vinnie guy?” - Sean asked in a silent small voice. Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering - - Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt “No, probably not,”. - Dad his father replied, but didn’t sound much confident of his answer. – “Let’s leave it as it is. Guys, go to school, don't worry about it.” Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt - “How are you going to go to work, dad?” Sean asked. Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt - Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt - Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt “How What do you mean how? I will take the subway, I wasn't born in the car! Tomorrow I will go to the shop and buy two new onestires, and we can change them tomorrow afternoon together as well, what do you say? Don't worry about it.” - DadByrne hugged both of his boys, smiling big. Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt The day was slow and boring for Jimmy at school. It was hard to pay attention in any of his classes,, class after class, having the events of the morning incident all the time in the headdominated his every thought. Like in a never-ending agony, five pm finally came so he could go home. Sean was probably at home already since he had shorter schedule than him. Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt Formatted: Font: (Default) Calibri, 14 pt On the way home with hisJimmy’s classmates they cheered up the dayhim up by making jokes and laughing like idiots. It was only fifth day since the school start, so it wasn’t hard yet in the classes. He’d had Annie on his mind since classes started. Having Kevin out his life, the pain of losing a friend hurt every day less and less, making room to an idea about being with Annie again. Yet he still wasn’t quite sure what to do. Remorse regarding losing his best friend didn't die in full.hadn’t fully faded. Seeing When he got home and saw the car with its tires slashed, it killed his good mood and all he was cranky when he entered the house. Dad was still not home yet and mom preferred to wait for him so they could have supper all together as a family. 13 The tTable was set up by Sean, roast chicken was ready in the oven, however still no sign from their father. Around 8 pm mom really started to worry. “Shall we call the police?” - Mom asked Jimmy with fear and worry in her eyes, all worried while Sean was distracted by the watching TV. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt “They won't do nothing mom. Not until tomorrow if he doesn't show up,” Jimmy said. . As soon as he finished the sentencespeaking, someone knocked at the door. Jimmy got a bad feeling in his stomach. Mom rushed to the door worried as hell because her Byrne was never late for supper. She wiped her hands onf skirt and opened the door. Jimmy got a good look on two newcomers as soon the door was opened. A tall man on the right, with a black moustache and greased black hair, wearing black leather coat and a white shirt with a green tie, and he was bursting with some kind ofa strange energy and feel of self-importance. The man next to him wasn't too much different than the previous one, except he was little shorter with darker skin. - “Mrs. O'Hare?” - said the taller one. - “Yes?” - Mom was obviously shaking. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering “My name is detective Draggett and this is my partner detective Combs. May we come in please?” – Draggett asked showing his badge. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Mom didn't say anything, she just moved aside to letting them enter, but and as soon they were inside she started asking questions. Formatted: Font: 14 pt “What happened to my husband?” – Her voice was trembling, she was on thea verge to convert in theof bursting into of tears. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt - “Madam, your husband was thea victim of the a robbery a couple of blocks away from your jewelry store. He resisted the attacker and was shot twice. An aAmbulance was quickly on the scene, but unfortunately he...” - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt 14 “Oh my God!” - She screamed dropping on her knees. Jimmy jumped to lift help her up, and Sean was standing by the TV in tears, crying standing by the TV. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Detectives kept silent, waiting for the first shock wave to pass before they could ask any questions. Jimmy was shattered to pieces. His tears hadven't come down yet, because. hHis brain still hasn't processed the striking truth that he wouldill never see his father smiling again, he wouldill never hug him and tell him that everything is going to be all right. Seeing his mother falling apart he realized that nothing wais going to be the same from this moment forward. Difficult times weare ahead of family O’Hare and he missed his father now more than never. First Jimmy’s ttears of his started comingbegan streaming down his cheeks, that but Jimmy wasn’t even aware of them yet.. 15 Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt look to the street, remembering his father teaching him how to drive theride a bicycle right down belowthere. He still couldan see his father and the boy he was on thate blue bike. The sight of memory put a smile on his face, and it came as revelation to himrealized that he wouldn’tn’t need the house or the street to have nice memories. He took a deep breath, absorbing the smell of memories. With a smile and nice memory,finding solace in that revelation, and with a smile, he was ready to leave. The truck was leaving and Jimmy didn’t look back as he drove away. He knew that no matter what, he wouldill be one of the boys of the Bay Ridge. CHAPTER 5 The Time is like a river, it stops for nothing. Life takes away days, months and years. yYear of 1971 was intense, new decade brought intensity in everyday life, for Kevin it wasn't an easy going lifestyle anymore. He just couldn’t feel relaxed anymore, mMaybe because he wais all grown man with responsibilities now, but there seemed to be more to it, something he couldn’t put his finger onmaybe that is the reason why he can't feel relaxed anymore. As a young 21- year- old police detective, he wasn’t some insecure boy in love with the best lookingbest-looking girl in high school anymore. Driving to court in his 1967 Ford Mustang, he Kevin enjoyed the beautiful morning in the downtown of the City. At 10 am he had an appointment with the judge and his soon to be ex-wife. Their mMarriage didn't last long, barely a year. His job on the force, and chasing skirts, kept him out of the house. The biggest mistake he made was misjudging passion for love, which. That was the reason he proposedwhat drove him to propose in the first place. The one gGood thing that came out of this that marriage was his beautiful Mustang, which his dad buying had given them this beautiful Mustang as a wedding gift. Kevin didn’t bother looking for parking, he just left his car in front of the courthouse steps. , now being only in his possession. He wasn’t bothered looking for parking space. He just left his blue Mustang in front of the huge steps of the court. The court guard couldn’t intervene or do anything since Kevin showed him his badge. He was about to hit the steps when someone made a comment of his beloved car. 25 Formatted Formatted Formatted “That This Mustang is really nice piece of ass,” a voice said from behind Kevin, making him turn around instead of going up the steps into the courthouse. , this Mustang. Kevin made a turnaround. In front of him stood a pair of police detectives, wearing long leather jackets on top of white shirts and black suit pants. He loved hearing nice comments about his beloved car. - “Is it a '67 Mustang?” asked - said the detective with longer mullet, right about to take cigarette out of his pocket.who was pulling a cigarette out of his pocket. - “Yeah. I got it a year ago,” o. - Kevin said it out proudly. Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted “You detective?” Formatted “Yeah, Kevin Connell. You?” - Kevin said replied, approaching with his hand extended to the detective. Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted “Lieutenant Draggett. This are my guys behind, all detectives. We are the Major Cases Unit,”. - He said it proudly, taking Kevin’s extended hand.. - Formatted Formatted Formatted “I’ve heard things about you guys.” - Formatted Formatted - - Formatted Formatted Formatted “Really?” Draggett asked cautiously, “gGood or bad?” Formatted “They’re all good in my book,” Kevin replied. In my book I would write them as all good. Draggett laughed. He knew what kind of stories were told on the streets about them. The words meantStories of corruption, dirty cops, extortion, and more, but to him it sounded like power. Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted Formatted “I suppose you didn't buy this car out ofwith a tax deduction, huh?” Draggett said asked, pointing to the car with his cigarette. - Formatted Formatted Formatted “Gift from my dad. He is Wall Street broker.” Formatted - Formatted “Really?” Surprise showed in Draggett’s face and voice. - Draggett was surprised. Formatted Formatted 26 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... - “Yeah.” Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Which precinct are you?” Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt - “14th precinct, homicide,” Kevin replied. s. “You want to join Major Cases Unit? My unit?” - Draggett asked with a smile. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Yeah!” - Kevin said with a huge delight,. “b- But, when? From today?” Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Hey, a man with a good taste for cars can't be a bad man. Pass by the Police Plaza tomorrow and I will meet you with the guys. Don't worry about transfer papers, I'll get that shit done today. Good to meet you Kevin,”. - Draggett said shaking his arm hand, and left returned to the guys waiting in the car for him. Kevin watched them in their car going their way and he went his way too.drive away before turning to go in the courthouse. The courthouse building wais huge and full of space, easy to get lost in, but he Kevin had to go there was inside multiple times because of work, so it was easy for him to find courtroom number four. It was the smallest in the building, used mostly for domestic cases, like his. In front of it there were lot of people waiting their turn to enter, most of them couples who were soon to be divorced, standing with their respective lawyers. Kevin didn't want to give her the divorce when she asked, not because he loved her deeply, but because of the pride and his unwillingness to be lonelinesslonely. His lawyer was there, and so as was she Jeannie and hers on the other side of the hall. As soon as he saw spotted her he weant straight thereover. She wais still beautiful in her red dress with white spotss. With her long brown hair she was glooming. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Jeannie, can we talk please?” Kevin asked when he reached her. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt “We will talk in court; in the meantime,, could you please leave my client alone?” - Her lawyer said in straight and official voice.flat voice, meant to be authoritative. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt 27 “Hey, you want me to make you get me cup of coffee? In a wheelchair?” - Kevin said in silent but firm voice.snarled in a quiet, but intimidating voice. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt “God, Kevin! What is thea matter with-“ Jeannie began.... Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Why you don't answer my calls honey?” - Kevin said not even letting her finish her sentence.interrupted. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt - “Your calls?! Do you even hear yourself talking?! You threatened my lawyer and you think you behave like athis is normal personbehavior?!” - How she was talking her voice was raised rapidly.Jeannie’s voice rose as she responded to her soon to be ex-husband. - “Calm down honey!” Kevin exclaimed. “I am sorry, all right? I apologize,” he said, turning toward her lawyer.. - Saying it he looked at her lawyer. “Listen to me Kevin. Marrying you was a mistake, you are impossible to live with. Ii don't want you in my life. So, one way or the other, I will get the divorce, even and a restraining order if I have to. Chase your women, do what you really want, but don't you think I will be some kind of stupid housewife putting up with all your shit. I am young and I will live my life, not waistingwasting on you!? Do you understand it? We are over!” Jeannie was flushed with anger when she finished. - The air was heavy, awaiting Kevin’s reply, as was the entire hallway, who had been pretending not to listen to their exchange.Kevin was silent. Didn't say a word even though the whole hall was listening and waiting for his reply. Silence in a minute seemed like a day longKevin’s silence dragged on for what felt like days, even though it was only a few seconds. Finally, he gave her a smile, grabbed her shoulders and gave her a kiss on a cheekgave her a brief hug that leaving left her stiffenedd and surprised. “ Have a good life Jeannie,”. - Kevin said smiling and then turnedbefore turning to her lawyer. “ Send me divorce papers to sign,” the moment he finished speaking, he turned and walked out of the building. . - As soon he said it, he turned away and left the building. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt 28 Kevin tried to cheer himself up, but He tried to feel good but he couldn’t. aAdmitting defeat to his ex-wife made him feel baddepressed and without will to do anything. Thinking about tomorrow’s transfer to the Major Cases Unit cheered him up a little. Lots of stories were circling around about Major Cases. Their usual arrests included members of various crime groups, such as the Irish or Italian mobsters. Not only that, stories included some juicy details like the one that Major Cases detectives are on a take.Some stories claimed they got cuts from the mobsters to look the other way; the cCorruption was old news, an unspoken secret that everybody knew about. it. It’s just, it wasn’t said out loud in public. Kevin personally didn’t have problem with thatany of those stories. He loved money about as much as he loved his Mustang; especially money in massive quantities. One of the things he really loves is money. Lots of money. Sometimes he thought it would be a great idea to get some a large sum of cash and just disappear, to start a new life and identity on some tropical island. out of this life, start a new one with plenty of fun on some tropical island, he hated the heat of the city in the summer and cold and freeze in the winter time. Kevin had moved out of the house he shared with Jeannie when they split up, and he was now living Since he moved out of their common house, he lives alone in a single bedroom apartment in downtown, spending his nights watching TV and smoking. That was his plan for tonight too, and drinking whiskey. He even started to smoke recently, but only when he is drunk. Same happened this night too, except there were no cigarettes around in the apartment. After several minutes of debating if he wanted to be lazy or go get cigarettes, he gave in to his desire and headed out to buy more. Laziness was strong preventing him to get up and get on the streets to look for some. But whiskey was stronger, so he got up, put some shirt on, grabbed the keys and left. It was a cool night, and Night was cool outside. Allat this time of night, all of the shops were closed except one 7-Eleven 5 blocks down. Kevin was feeling tToo lazy to walk, so he walked to his car parked next to the building and drove little bit recklessly to the store and wasn’t caring at all. After all, he was a cop, and from tomorrow a member of the Major Cases Unit. Reminding himself ofn that fact put a smile on his face and he accelerateding his powerful Mustang into the night. 29 The same night on the other side of the town there was a young man sitting by the window on the third floor of a building, watching the streets of the city that never sleeps. In his right hand is a beer and in the otherSean was holding a letter from his brotherJimmy, who writes him every few months from a very distant country called Vietnam, where he's fulfilling his duty to Uncle Sam. Reading letters from his brother was always difficult, especially if his mind was clear; his brother’s words He couldn't read his letters sober, words were too heavy to handle with clear mind and aching heart. Missing Jimmy was the worst part of living. Even though he had a steady job, Sean still thought he was making a mistake and by not fighting the in the war with his brother. Since he Jimmy was olderr brother he got drafted first into the living hell on earth, like as he used to call it in his letters. Their life was so beautiful four years ago, and it was still hard for Sean to fully comprehend the fact that because of someone's greed one his family hads to suffer and be broken to piecesshattered. Even though that their father's killer was never found, all of them knew that Vinnie LaBracca had everything to do with it. But due to a lack of evidence and police unwillingness to find the killer, the truth probably wouldill never be revealed. Mom was functioning, but on barely; she’d never really recovered from losing her husbandminimum. The last hard hit for her was when Jimmy got drafted. Knowing that his mother's heart wouldn't hold the probableif news of Jimmy's death died in Vietnam was killing him even more. And death notices were so usualas frequent in their neighborhood like as the sunrise in theeach morning. He would be the last of the O'Hare family if they ever received that notice one day. So he put the beer on the side andMulling over his thoughts, Sean leaned over and prayed again for his brother with his words on paper between his hands.. Early the next morning, Kevin had a massive headache while While Sean was asleep in the early sunrise, the other with the hangover was getting ready for hisa first day on a job in the Major Cases Unit. Putting a badge and a gun on his belt always makes him feel special. The Police Plaza was a big building in downtown with a huge parking garage in the basement. The Major Cases Unit even had their own parking spots. He belonged to elite even before he’d even stepped into the office on the ninth floor. 30 Kevin was surprised about the office’s appearance, which was smaller than he’d imagined. He was surprised. The office of Major Cases wasn't huge as he imagined. It was a larger office, but there was nothing fancy about it, with it had eight desks as much as he counted and one secretary, called whose nametag said she was Mary. She was the first one to who welcomed him, and she showed his Kevin to his desk. As he was settling in she brought a cup of coffee. He knew he will could get used to this office really fastquickly. Shortly afterward thats Lieutenant Draggett was at the door. came to see him. “Good morning! Oh, I see someone got early on his first day!” - Kevin got upstood while shaking the Lieutenant’s hand. “Declining coffee from Mary he invited Kevin for a breakfast outside. Why we don't get some breakfast, huh? Come on, I am buying,” Draggett said to Kevin. . Kevin could do nothing but follow his new boss. Also, and he couldn't help but notice his Draggett’s expensive white suit and shiny brown shoes, wondering how true the rumors of the unit getting money kicks were. When they got to the parking garage, a 1969 Dodge Charger was parked next to Kevin’s Mustang; the Challenger was Daggett’s. knowing where money comes from for all that shyness. Next to his Mustang there was parked dark green Dodge Charger from the year 1969. Coming closer to it he realized it was belonging to Draggett. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Nice car.- Kevin said with surprised look on his face.,” Kevin said with surprise; he hadn’t expected Daggett to have such an expensive vehicle. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Thanks!” - Draggett acknowledged satisfied.said with satisfaction. Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt - “Really expensive though,” Kevin couldn’t help but comment. . Laughter bursts out of his boss as he got into the car while entering the car. City streets were busy with people going and doing their business. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Draggett pulled out a cigarette and asked Kevin if he minded the smoke.Do you mind? - Said Draggett while taking the cigarettes. - Listen, “I won't bullshit you Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt 31 about what we are doing, ok? Let’ us just geto straight to the point. Do you like nice things?” Draggett asked. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Kevin was confused by his boss’ question, and replied, puzzled, “ with the path of their conversation trying to figure where it is going to take them. Yeah, I do.” “Well do you want to have them? Because if you want a nice expensive car like this one, your salary won't be enough to buy it,” Draggett said with a hint of laughter in his voice.. - Saying it Draggett laughed while smoking the cigarette. I figured it out myself.“ So all of the stories I've heard are true,” Kevin replied.. “You don't know shit son. Let me tell you something. If you want to stay and work under my command I have to have complete trust in you, all right?” - Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “You can trust me, don't you worry about that.” Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt “And one more thing,” Draggett’s voice hardened as he locked his eyes on Kevin’s.g. “ - Draggett said staring at his eyes dead serious. - Never doubt or disobey my orders, you understand?” Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Kevin let the last wordthat sink for a moment, h. He knew what those wordsDraggett meant. He nodded in agreement, which seemed to be enough for Draggett. “A nod with his head was enough for his boss. All right. I’ am glad we got that covered. You will get your chance soon enough to prove yourself. Now, let’s get something to eat,” Draggett replied before starting his car. . Kevin couldn't wait to prove himself. The rest of Kevin’s day passed by meeting the rest of the Major Cases team, and it felt like they accepted him quickly. Day passed in meeting the crew of the Major Cases. It was a good feeling knowing that you got accepted pretty quickly. They wanted to know all about him and where he comes came from, even though he 32 Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering had a feeling that they already knew who he was. When Kevin was preparing to head home that night, Frankie, one of Kevin’s new teammates, invited him out for coffee. Kevin readily accepted the invitation. It was almost 6 pm, sun already went down. He was about to go home, when Draggett and one of the guys, Frankie, invited him for a drink. The invitation was accepted right away. New York City looks magical at night, its glittering lights giving the city an etherealness that daylight hid. This year The City puts a better face at night. All those city lights give another perspective, looks magical every time and it never gets boring for the eyes. aA well-known restaurant in Little Italy was had become so very popular that autumn. Youpeople had to make a reservation days ahead to have dinner of time. This restaurant had a little piano being played right in the middle of the dining room, and it had incredible food and libations With piano being played in the middle it gave a class to the place. Not to mention great food and wine being imported weekly from the long distanced Italy. Deep pockets wereas required here just to have a glass of winefor even the most basic menu items. Draggett seemed like he was at his own home right here, the . Even Maître D’’s said his name while shaking his handknew Daggett by name and shook his hand in greeting. They got their coffee before they’d even taken a seat, and after a few minutes a man came from They went straight to the bar mentioning owner's name to Maître’s along the way. Three shots of whiskey appeared in front of them on the bar as soon as they put their elbows on the wooden surface. Few minutes later, after their second shot of whiskey, coming from the kitchen who appeared to be the owner, in dark blue silk suit and dark grey tie. To Kevin he looked like typical Italian. “-Hey, Draggett! How you doin'?” The man saluted Draggett and shook hands with everyone else in the group. - While saluting the Lieutenant he shakes hands with all of them. -“ We are fine, thanks for asking!” - Draggett said, putting a cigarette in his mouth. “- Would you like something to eat gentlemen? We have a great special today, straight from-“... 33 “- Cut the shit,” Draggett interrupted.. “What happened with the payto our money?” - Draggett demanded, exhaling smoke in the man’s face. said exhaling the smoke in his face. The owner got quiet and the color drained from his face, his eyes looked down. All that kindness was wiped of his face. He didn't- or couldn’t- say a word. “- What? You lost your power of speech? Spit it out. You are late one week late.” Draggett snarled at the owner. “- We have to negotiate-“. “- Negotiate what? Listen, Mazzoni,. yYou know the price. Do I really have to repeat myself? You wanted me to take out your trash from the past, and I did, huh? . You are leading a great life, from both sides of the law. The success has a price, and I am the price tag,”. - Draggett finished with a predatory smile. - “Now, will you be so kind and bring me the little bag and with some valuable greens inside.? We will be waiting at that empty table. And yeah, bring the wineus some menus. You are right, Wwe should try your great special today. Be a good boy as you have always been and fetch me some greens.”. Mazzoni was obviously angry by Draggett’s demands, but he knew there was nothing he could do, so he walked away mutely to get the lieutenant his pay. silent as a fish. It was not hard to notice anger on his face but there was nothing he could do. Kevin was impressed by his new boss. and also got hungry from all those beautiful scents of food around him. After a couple hours of talking and eating the finest foods, of bottles of that fine wine from Toscana valley and fine food, the detectives felt relaxed and ready to leave. Draggett had gotten their to go bag full of greens, which he handed to Frankie to count as soon as they got in the car. Only with a slight difference this time. In Draggett’s hand was a small brown bag full of cash. “Once when they were in a car, Draggett handed the bag to Frankie to count the money. - It’ is all here,” Frankie announced.. - “Good. Five grand, right?” – Draggett said lightning a cigarette.asked. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Space After: 8 pt, Line spacing: Multiple 1.08 li, Adjust space between Latin and Asian text, Adjust space between Asian text and numbers Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering, Adjust space between Latin and Asian text, Adjust space between Asian text and numbers Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt 34 “Yeah,” Frankie confirmed. . “Take out five hundred out of the bunt and give it to our rookie,” Draggett said. . Frankie gave Kevin the five hundred he’d been instructed to, which left Kevin feeling a mix of surprise and humiliation; he felt he should be getting a much larger cut of the money. took five one hundred bills and handed to Kevin. Expression on his face was surprise and somehow he felt humiliated. Formatted: Font: 14 pt “Five hundred?!” Kevin said, unable to keep the shock from his voice. Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Normal, No bullets or numbering “What? Is there a problem?” – Draggett turned over to look at Kevin on ain the back seat. - Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt “You have five thousand right there in that bag.” Formatted: Font: 14 pt “You got a free meal in one of the most popular restaurants in the city, drank one of the fine bottles of wine and got five extra. What the hell is your problem? Take a look at him Frankie…”- Draggett said pointing with his finger on Kevin, “- …he has been with us, what, eight hours and he already wants big time money? Kid, listen to me, you have to prove yourself first; once we know you’re truly one of us you’ll get a bigger cut. to us, that you are one of us, then you will get your share. Until then, be happy that you are getting any at all. So, do we have a problem?” – Draggett looked Kevin right in the eyes at him with a dead serious expression on his face. - “No, we don’t have a problem,” Kevin answered. . “Good to hear that,”. – Draggett turned around, started the car, and headed back to the Police Plaza. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt But the Kevin’s problem still existed. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Font: 14 pt 35