COOL JOE, Chapter 22, Pete

Family Saga

COOL JOE

Chapter 22

PETE

4 Days Later

I’m shocked and saddened by Mark’s incident, and also because it may stall our negotiations with Lopez. Mark is out of the hospital and is recuperating in his small apartment on Staten Island. I spoke with Ted a couple of times and it seems like things are going the right way. Ted is supposed to call me any minute to meet at Mark’s apartment sometime today. I just hope

Mark’s head is clear enough to talk about our plan. I’m still in the revenge mode and the sooner the better, no matter the risks. I think I’ll call Viv and tell her I might be late, so I don’t get the “where have you been “routine.”

“Hello Viv, it’s me honey; just wanted to let you know that I may be late tonight, not real late, but don’t wait for me for dinner. I think Ted and me are going to meet at Mark’s apartment to talk with him about Lopez and the plan.”

“How is Mark doing, by the way?”

“He’s recovering at home and I think it’s probably okay to see him now.”

 

“Well, hon, I really don’t know but I think she’s the girlfriend who goes to rehab with him. Anyway, Ted has seen him and says he looks well, some pain, but he can handle it.”

“Oh, I’m so pleased with that news; I got really scared that he might die from his wounds.”

“I doubt that honey. The store remains closed, with police tape around it, so Ted can’t go to work, until the cops and the detective tell him it’s okay. According to Ted, they’re doing a good investigation, fingerprints, hidden cameras and more.  They don’t have the suspects yet, but they will soon enough. These guys know what they’re doing.”

“So, I should feed the kids and you’ll be home around 10?”

“I hope so, but I’m already beat, so yes, it won’t be too late. Please God I need some time with my wife

“Okay then, Pete, say hi to Ted and Mark and I’ll see you later, I’ll wait up for you.”

 

I’m doing some paper work in my cubbyhole office at the docks. Usually I’m loading and unloading, but I also have to keep track of certain things. It’s nearing 5, so

my boss makes us clock in and out, but I’m still waiting for Ted’s call. Somebody taps me on the shoulder.

“Hey Pete, How ya doin ?”

“Hey Monty, I’m fine, getting ready to go for the day?”

“Yeah, just thought I’d stop by to say hey; family okay?”

“Yes, everyone is fine at the moment.”

“So sorry man, I mean about your brother gettin killed by the Boss. We gotta be careful around here, you cross someone and bam, you’re out. Anyways, nice talking to ya, Pete, see ya around sometime.”

“Okay Monty, thanks for stopping by.” Wonder why he’s so friendly all of a sudden.

My phone rings: “Hey Ted, everything cool? Do you think it’s okay if we meet at Mark’s place in like half hour or so?”

“Yes, I think it would be fine”, says Ted; “I already spoke to him about Lopez and he’s ready to chat about it.”

“Great, so how about we meet there at around 5:30, I’m almost ready to clock out. I take it you’re home now Ted?”

“Yes, Margaret and I are chatting and drinking a bit of bourbon, and the kids are fighting upstairs, that’s why we need the bourbon.”

“Got it; okay, so I’ll see you at Mark’s place, I have the address.”

 

I clock out a little past 5 and hop on a ferry to get to Mark’s place. I hope Mark is feeling well and that we make some small talk first, but then we get into the gritty stuff. There are so many “ifs” about this plan, I pray that it plays out.

 

I arrive at Mark’s apartment, thankfully on the first floor of a 4 flight walk up in a brownstone.

I can see the door is slightly open, so he doesn’t have to get up and use his leg. I knock, and walk in slowly. Mark is on a couch propped up with many pillows under his leg. He looks a bit pale but otherwise okay. His leg is bandaged up.

 

“Hey there buddy, you look great. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Oh no, nice to see you Pete, you’re looking pretty fine yourself. Can I get you something to drink?”

“No, you can’t get up Mark, but if it’s okay I’ll help myself to bourbon and water.”

“I have crutches right here, so yes I can move around. My girlfriend has been helping me cook and clean a bit, so that’s been good and I’m feeling better each day. Ted called and said he’d be here in a few. Do you want to order some pizza? They’ll deliver pretty fast. I hear somebody walking in the hall, it’s most likely Ted.”

“Hey Ted, come on in, we’re shootin the bull. There’s beer in the fridge and Pete’s drinking bourbon, so what can I get you?”

“Well, I guess another bourbon won’t kill me, but I can get it myself, you just lay there and rest. Can I get you something?”

“Nay, I’m on antibiotics so doc told me to stay dry a few more days.”

How many stitches do you have?” says Ted, while making his bourbon concoction.

“Actually, I have staples and I don’t count them. So, should we order a pizza? What kind do you two like? How about an “everything” pizza?

“Sounds great. I’ll call for it, should we get a large?”

“Absolutely”, says Mark. All I can tell you is that the hospital food is poison. Maybe I lost a couple of pounds, but I’ll make it up tonight.”

 

Ted gives me a nod, and I nod back to have Ted start talking while we’re waiting for the pizza delivery.

“So, we’re blessed to see Mark in such good shape. He’s strong and willing and will keep healing as the days go by. We’re gathered here tonight for a short meeting about our plan of revenge for the murders and disappearance of our family members. As Mark and I talked earlier, before he was shot, he agreed to talk with Mike Lopez about hiring a killer and how much it is going to cost us. Mark tells me that Mike is still in the business and is willing to have a meeting with us. Mark, do you want to add to this discussion?”

“Sure; well Lopez is a small operation compared to the Bellini Family. He has three or four guys that scout things out and one or two snipers. He tells me that he’s very busy now, but he’ll fit us into his schedule. He says there are a lot of snaggers and killers around the city competing for money and loyalty and power. Anyways, I think we’re good to go, as soon as I hear back from him.”

Phone rings.

“Oh, that might be him.”

“Hello?”

“Hi Mark, this is Mike Lopez speaking.

“Hi Mike, how’s it going?”

“Pretty damn busy, but can’t complain; the money’s coming in and we’re able to take care of our families. So sorry Mark, to hear about the shooting. Catch them yet? I know, it takes time but you got a good detective on the case. Them pawn shops get hit a lot, everybody needs a gun in my crowd.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean Mike; you still got time for us?”

“For you Mark and your special friends, I’ll find the time.”

“When can we meet in person and get the dates, cost and other stuff settled?”

“Wait, let me look at my calendar book, let’s see, um, maybe tomorrow after I speak to my guys, probably around 6:00PM cause they do a lot of work on night shift starting around 9:00PM”

I’m getting nervous that he’s giving us a lot of small talk.

“Great Mike. I got my boss Ted here and his brother-in-law Pete, who works at the docks.

We’ll set it up with you after they check with another family member.”

“Right on Mark, so I’ll hear from you later on tonight, right?”

“You got it, talk to you later, bye now.”

 

We stare at each other, not knowing quite what to expect from this call.

 I ask” “How well do you know this guy, Mark?”

“He’s been an acquaintance of mine for years; we used to play basketball together and also we play poker with some other guys. He’s not my best friend, but I think he’s’ genuine.”

“You think he’ll give us a discount because we know you?”

“I doubt it, but you never know; we’ll negotiate, like with everything else.”

The pizza arrives piping hot, and we all chomp it down in a hurry.

 

“Ted and Mark, thank you very much for putting us in touch with Lopez, I appreciate it. So, I guess we’re finished for the moment. I’ll call my brother Danny, he has a big place, then call Mark to set up the time. Is that okay Ted?”

“Sure, is buddy; looking forward to what’s ahead.”

“Let’s pray for success.”  Amen, then I think of all the bad that could happen to our families.

That makes me very nervous; but we gotta do this for our future sanity. Please God help us in this effort. We need you to guide us.

 

Reviews

[Lorry]

One in, all in and I'm sitting here itching for the moment that the boss finally realises none of us are bulletproof and imagining scenarios that are probably out of budget... Maybe Elon Musk will give you a discount to strap him onto his next rocket and we can see how connected the guy is in neptune 😊
I have a funny feeling that there will be more bumps on the road to revenge, but that's what keeps us all going to the end, isn't it? Bring on the mayhem 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

Very well thought out my dear friend... yes there probably will be more bumps in the road, but hey, that’s what keeps one reading it right?
Thanks always, B

[John the Baptist]

In this chapter we see how serious the family is about avenging the killing of one of their own. Two family members, Pete and Ted, meet at the apartment of Mark, one of Ted's employees. Mark has recently been injured during a robbery, but is still very willing to hook the family up with Mike Lopez, who operates a murder for hire operation. Not a lot of action occurs in this chapter, but it is necessary as a transition into the outplaying of the story. Mike says over the phone that he is interested in the proposition, and a face to face meeting at the home of another family member is arranged. The scene is set for more violence.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks my loyal reader fir. Thoughtful review
Best.
Bet