COOL JOE, Chapter 35

FAMILY SAGA

COOL JOE

Chapter 35

 

TED

 

TWO DAYS LATER

I just heard from Pete and he says he has the money to pay off his and Frankie’s loans. He didn’t tell me where he got it from, but I assume it is Danny because he has been socking away dough for years. I don’t care that Pete doesn’t want me to know; as long as he has it, that’s great; and that goes for Frankie too. They are the most in debt of the whole family. The problem now is Viv; if they pay off, will she be released, or will the Boss decide to play tricks? Pete may need some extra support today because he’s going down to see the Boss, hopefully to talk with Viv on the phone. I don’t think it will be a video call, cause the Boss doesn’t want to tell much. I really feel for Pete and Viv, they’re such a wonderful family, always ready to help us and host dinners!

I don’t want Pete to go see the Boss alone, so I’m going to offer to join him, if he wants. I think I I’ll ‘call him back and see if he wants me to go.

“Hey Pete, I forgot to ask, would you like me to come with you to see the Boss? I won’t interfere at all, just company.”

“Sure Ted, you’re very cool and level-headed as opposed to Frankie. Danny may want to come too.”

“That’s even better Pete; he’s calm, cool and collected and it will be fine to have him there.

“We need to be there in a couple of hours; want to grab some lunch first? Let’s all meet at

Aztec Mexican, they’re pretty fast there. I’ll call Danny and tell him to meet us there ASAP.”

“Okay Pete, see you there soon; we can get a few beers too, may relax all of us.”

“I’ll call Danny, Pete, and invite him if he’s available. See ya in a few.”

 

I call Danny and he says he’s delighted to join us but can’t make lunch, he’s busy with work; he says to call him when we’re ready to visit the Boss. I’m glad I can be with Pete, needs some comforting now more than ever; he’s tied up in knots and he thinks the immediate future look bleak. I try to be positive and give him some hope.

 

I meet Pete at Aztec in Brooklyn, a newish restaurant that’s usually slammed for lunch; the margaritas are fantastic but will put you right to sleep. We each order a chicken quesadilla and a beer; lots of chips and salsa on the table, while we’re waiting for our main dish.

 

“So, Ted, what do you think will happen at the Boss’ place?”

“Gosh Pete I have no idea what’s up the Boss’ sleeve, but you told me that you’re paying off your loan, right?”

“Yes, and the deal is I get to talk to my wife on the phone. And, I’m sure they’ve prepped her to say what they want.”

“Yea Pete, that’s usually what they do; but you know better than to believe the s**t that will come out of her mouth right?”

“I guess so, Ted, I’m also concerned about her physical safety; is she tied up, taped up or what? And the Boss really won’t talk. Then we got the other problem of the missing workers, Alex and Garcia; he knows about it now and is questioning us; that’s a real problem, unless we get some help from Lopez.”

“Lopez? How would that solve anything Pete?”

“Well, it may not Ted, but one thing I’ve been toying with is to try to get Lopez to knock off some of the Boss’ assistants, lessening his strength and then making up an amazing alibi.

“Do you think the Boss will know who killed them?”

“No, because we’re not doing it, Lopez is.”

“Yeah, I know but we have to pay Lopez, it’s not free.”

“But we’ll be working for Lopez anyway in exchange for protection.”

“So, I don’t get it Pete.”

“We’ll get the money; I have my sources.”

 

I look at my watch and realize we have to go soon. I decide to treat Pete, cause he’s so damn nice and is having so many problems. I wish I can be more of a help, but I guess giving him moral support is a good thing.

 

“Okay buddy it’s time to get the check and leave. I’m treating you today, you deserve it.”

“Thanks Ted, I really appreciate your support; you got a good head on your shoulders; you’re a great husband and father too. Shall we grab a taxi to the Boss’ place?”

“Yea, let’s splurge. While you’re paying the bill, I’ll get us a taxi.”

“Fair enough, and I’ll pay for that.”

 

On the taxi ride, we discuss things we’re going to say to the Boss. We’re not going to give in like wimps; we’re going to try to stand our ground and demand that Viv be released as soon as the money is transferred. And, if it were me, I would demand to see her on video.

 

We arrive at the Boss’ place and are greeted by one of his assistants, who lets us in, after we say who we are. It’s a long walk to the Boss’ office, which we’ve done many times. The assistant knocks on the door. We can hear the Boss say “who is it?” The assistant says our names and then we’re allowed to enter. The Boss, as usual, is smoking a stinky cigar and spitting into a dish next to him. The cigar smoke smells very stale, I wish he’d open a window. We both sit in front of him and he asks us to remind him why we’re here (dummy)! Pete tells him.

 

“Good afternoon Boss Johnnie. As I recall, you said to come here today with the money my bother (not this one) and I owe and then we would have chance to speak to my wife Viv, who has been kidnapped by your men.”

“Oh yes, I remember now. Of course, you’ve come to pay your loan off, right?”

“Exactly sir. I have the cash and am ready to give it to you provided I get a signed letter by you, promising to let me speak with her, and hopefully see her in a video conference.”

“Well,”, says the Boss, first hand over the cash and I will have my assistant count it, so hold on a minute. Is it large bills?”

“Yes, sir it is.”

The assistant goes into another room with the bill and evidently counts the money. He comes out about 10 minutes later and says that it is correct. Thank God for that.

“Is everything okay?” Pete asks.

“It seems so”, says the Boss.

“I’d like to know why you are hiding my wife?”

“Ah, that I can’t tell you right now. We still have some other problems to solve, and you know what they are.”

“But what does that have to do with my wife?”

“Well, it’s a long history we have Pete, much of it not very pleasant. We have outstanding business as I said, so let’s try to solve our differences.”

“Okay” says Pete, “let’s discuss it right now.

“Can’t do that now, tomorrow at 5:00PM.

“Can I speak with my wife now?”

“I will arrange that for you. Let me speak to my assistant to set up the call. No video allowed today, maybe another day; we’ll see.”

 

Pete and I wait, it seems like hours, when finally, the assistant calls us to come to another room. They have a phone there that I guess connects to wherever Viv is being held. Pete looks very nervous and shaky, but he’ll be okay once he sits down. The assistant dials a certain number that we can’t see and another voice picks up.

“Yes, who is this speaking?”

“This is Vivian’s husband. I have permission from the Boss to speak with my wife now.”

“Just a moment; it will take a minute or two.”

Pete is all sweaty, probably wondering why it’s taking so long.

“Okay sir, here she is, you have 10 minutes to talk, and I will be standing next to her.”

“Hello Pete, it’s me, Viv, I’m so happy to hear your voice.”

“Oh Viv, I have tears in my eyes just listening to you. How do you feel?”

“I’m okay honey, hanging in; they’re feeding me and I can bathe and they are treating me decently.””

“Viv, is this all bullshit, just answer yes or no.”

“I can’t Pete, I think they can listen in. Don’t worry darling, I know why took me, sort of as a bargaining chip. How are the kids doing darling?”

“The kids are great Viv, well taken care of by the whole family, everyone chips in, so they get a lot of attention. The problem is, I told them you’d only be gone a few days, and it doesn’t look like that. What should I tell them very soon? Never mind Viv that’s not your problem, I’ll figure something out. I miss you so much, and I don’t know what the immediate future is like. I’ll try to negotiate a way out; I just need some time to think about it. I asked to see you on video, but the Boss says no, not at this time. By the way the loan is paid off, so that’s a good thing. Have faith in me sweetheart, it won’t be too long.”

“Thanks for calling Pete, so happy to hear your voice. Please give the kids a big hug from mommy, but don’t say a word, they’ll never recover.”

“I know, my love, I’m throwing you kisses now and I will find out when we can speak again. In the meantime, take good care of yourself; I love you very much, Bye.”

 

When Pete hangs up the phone, he cries like a baby, just sobbing, like a fountain. I let him go on this way, so he lets his emotions go crazy, that’s the best thing. He composes himself and the assistant walks us back to the Boss’ office. Can’t wait to hear him babble again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Lorry]

Hi Betty and apologies for the delay. Vhave been a bit under the weather and couldn't even focus on a poem, much less a chapter, but slowly getting there... Very slowly. 😊
Well, after 35 chapters, I have came to the conclusion that the boss is a complete **** and will keep toying with the family, changing the rules as he goes along and enjoying every minute of his control.
He needs the world's slowest whacking ever. Even running him over with a steamroller would be too good for him, but lost count at about 85 at the ways to make him suffer. My own personal favourite would be the inquisitions version of crucifixion, by insertion a spear where you definitely don't want a spear inserted and it coming out at your shoulder blade, missing all the vitals and being left that way until dying a few days of torture later.
Trying to put yourself in the position of the family makes you realise that some people are pure evil and love nothing more than toying with people, like it's all a mind game version of cat and mouse, although the mouse only ever wins by escaping or choking the cat as its being eaten, so I'd leave that at the bottom of the list for now 😊
The mental torture only intensifies as the boss plays the big man and can only see when and if retribution comes, it will be the remnants of the family finally smirking at him as he realises a little too late, that uh oh moment when he realises there are bigger cats than him.
And now for the next chapter 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

AH Lorry, you are very smart, but not quite; it's nearing the explosion, but that's still rattling in my mind....thank you dear Lorry for being so loyal; I appreciate it so much! Best, B.

[Betty Hermelee]

I will put up 37 very soon!