COOL JOE Chapter 34

FAMILY SAGA

COOL JOE

Chapter 34

 

FRANKIE

 

Oh my God, I just got a call from Pete that Viv was kidnapped! I can’t believe it, it’s so insane. I’m quiverin in my boots; they may come for me or my kids. I knew those gunshots meant something; now what are we goin to do? Why me, I did nothin to nobody, well except for Alex and Garcia, but I didn’t do the dirty work either; and I told Eddie I am goin to pay off the loans as soon as I can; but that’s not good enough for them; they had to kidnap Viv, so upsettin.

Pete is beside himself; he’s waiting angrily for two more days when he can speak to Viv, so he knows she’s alive, poor thing. She must be out of her mind, not knowin what will happen to her.

 

I invited Pete over to my place to have a drink and settle down a little. He told me he’s sendin the kids over to Viv’s mother’s house, so he can have a break. He is tellin the kids that mom has to visit an old high school friend in Boston, and she’ll be away for a few days. The family will chip in with visits to the kids while Viv is gone. My sister, Margaret, Ted’s wife, will be happy to keep them company and bring her kids over too. For a while, at least, they won’t suspect anythin.

 

 We gotta pay off those loans fast; Pete said somethin about Danny helpin us, but I don’t know til I speak with Pete in a few minutes. How we’ll handle Alex and Garcia, is another story. I hope Pete and the others can figure it out. I hear the doorbell; it must be Pete.

 

“Hey buddy, come in, sit down and relax, I’ll get you some Bourbon.”

Pete says nothin, which I expect, cause he’s so upset. I try to cheer him up with a few jokes, but no laughs.  I hand him his drink and he slurps it down; I ask him if he wants more and he nods; another and another and then he just about passes out. I feel for my brother, I hate to see him like this; he’s usually our leader, laughs, jokes, and responsible for good decisions. He takes care of the whole family in a lot of ways.

 

I let him sleep like a baby for about an hour while I watch the TV news. He’s snores pretty loud. Soon enough, I hear a yawn and he’s awake. I’ll let him talk when he’s ready, just wait.

“Was I asleep for a long time Frankie?”

“Na, just about an hour; I think you drank too much booze and just passed out. I know you’re under a lot of stress now, so I let you sleep. I’m watchin the news and I’m sick of it, so I’ll turn off the TV. Are you ready to chat a little?”

“Sure Frankie; I apologize for my behavior bro, but I’m so tired and I feel so lost without Viv. I’m also very worried about her treatment and how she’ll be when I speak to her in a couple of days. It’s just so painful Frankie.”

I see some tears rollin off his cheeks; I get closer to him and put my arm around him for comfort, poor guy; some sniffles too, as he reaches for his tissues. I decide to get him some cold water from the frig.

“Here Pete, some nice, cold water, you’ve been sleepin with your mouth open, so it must be dry.”

“Thanks Frankie, that water sure is refreshing. So, now I’m feeling comforted by you, bro, and I can chat for as long as you want. I have some news from Danny which I think will make you happy”

“Oh yea?”

“Yes Frankie. When I was with Danny the other day; I told him about the phone calls and the gunshots and the urgency of paying off our loans to the boss. I don’t think you know this, but Danny has been stashing money for a long time. He’s single and has less responsibilities than the rest of us. So, he’s being generous in offering to pay our loans off, (meaning just us two). Don’t say a word to the rest of the family, it’s a secret.”

“Why just us two Pete?”

“Well, we’re the “lucky” ones that the Boss chose to harass, you know what I mean?”

“Sure thing Pete, I’m thrilled that Danny will do this. It’s absolutely amazing. But wait, what about the missin men?”

“That’s a whole other problem my bro. Ted and I went to see the Boss yesterday and demanded Viv’s return, which of course he laughed at, and it infuriated me.

“I can certainly understand that, Pete. Did he say anything else about Viv?”

“Yes. He said she is still alive, but wouldn’t tell me where she is and said I could go back to the mansion and speak with her on the phone, if I bring the cash we both owe him. That’s where Danny comes in.”

“I’m gettin the story straight now, that’s the reason for the threatening phone calls and the gun shots.

“Correct Frankie, now we have to call Danny and him me know we need the cash as soon as possible; only two more days and I’ll get to speak to Viv and pay the a*****e off. Then I’m out.”

“Out of what Pete?”

“Well, out of the loan payment at least; then I think Viv may come home.”

“But, what about the missin guys? Are they going to hold her until they find them, which we know is impossible?”

“We’ll have to figure out an alibi; may have to get Lopez involved to show him how angry we are about holding Viv.”

“What can Lopez do Pete?”

“I can’t really dwell on it now Frankie, but Lopez could set up a plan to kidnap one or more of the Boss’ assistants, or knock them off. We’ll need a really good alibi. After all, we agreed to work for Lopez in exchange for protection, right? Oh, and don’t forget, not to say a word to the rest of the family about Danny’s gift to us, okay?”

“When will we get the dough?”

“I’m calling Danny right now.”

 

Pete seems in a better mood now; his face has some color and he’s chattin which is all good. I know deep down he’s terrified about Viv. I’m prayin that it all works out in the end. But I’m scared too.”

 

 

“Hello Danny, this is Pete.”

“Oh, hi bro, what’s up?”

“Well, you know all about the guns shots and the other bullshit?”

“Yea, you told me about the threats and the need for cash to pay off the loans.”

“You know they took Viv as hostage?”

“No, I can’t believe it. Damn them. Is she okay?”

I’ll know in two more days; I’m heading to see the boss, give him Frankie’s and my money and hope to speak to Viv then, and may be get her out; I hope she’s alive.”

“Of course, she is Pete, let’s think positively. I’m so sorry, bro, I just have no words, just prayers.”

“Can we get the money from you tomorrow Danny?”

“Sure; do you a have a bill for both of you? So, I can go the vault and get the exact amount.”

“Yup, it’s in my wallet right now; do you want the exact amount?”

Well, if you don’t mind, and Frankie too, I think I’ll come over and get the bill from you. Is that okay?”

“It’s fine with me and I’m sure Frankie is good with it too.”

“I’ll be over in a few minutes. Bye now.”

 

So, Pete and me chat together about the kids and I ask how his kids are doin under the circumstances. He tells me he hasn’t said nothin true about Viv, just that she’s away visitin for a few days. I think that’s a good idea; these kids are busy in school and don’t think too much about their parents, except when they’re hungry or want their allowance.

 

Danny is knockin on the door. I’ll open it.

“Great to see you Frankie and Pete!”

“I’ll fix you a bourbon Danny. And, oh by the way I have some left-over pizza I can warm up to keep our stomachs from growlin.”

“Sounds good to me, Frankie, you too Pete?”

“Yea, I was just going to say let’s go out for pizza, but now we can be comfortable.”

 

I go to put the pizza in my toaster oven and I hear quiet chatter between Pete and Danny. I think they’re figurin out the money situation. I’m not to good at math so it’s best that they handle it. I’m just so thrilled at what Danny is doin for us.

 

When the pizza is warm, I bring it out on a tray with paper plates and napkins. We all sit around the coffee table and gobble down our food and drink. When we’re finished, I take the plates and throw them in the garbage; that’s how I usually entertain, not very high class.

 

I feel that Danny needs a thank you hug from me; I go over to him and put my arms around his shoulders. He holds my hands, no words, but he knows what I mean. He’s the best brother when it comes to a jam. Thank God for his generosity or we’d all be held hostage. I will pray for Viv’s safe return every night at church. And of course, Pete’s recovery from all of this.

 

“Okay”, says Danny; “I’m giving Pete the money for both of you. I looked at the bill and he has the right amount. I hope this settles things down for some time and that Viv gets out of that hellhole quickly. Then we can all rest, at least temporarily.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Lorry]

Well, at least within the tsunami of worries they at least have one problem solved with paying off the debt, but, and called me old fashioned if you like, but I am doubting that those vagabond bosses and hoodlums that took Viv will play fair at all and get up to even more shenanigans.
But like everything in life, they can only deal with one thing at a time and hope for the best, which I suppose would be all the gangsters spontaneously combusting simultaneously (my spellchecker nearly had a heart attack there), but as I doubt that's on the cards, am just hoping that the guys and their soon to be protectors can come up with something to rid them of their grief once and for all.
On a sadder note, your mention of paper plates has reminded me to bulk buy them next time I'm out, as they are being banned here too and being replaced with WOODEN plates!! I hope they're self washing wooden plates, otherwise Why???
Phew! Sorry about that, almost went on a rant there. Will suffice with a silent grr instead 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks my dear Lorry
The poor family is suffering… something gotta happen…it will
Best always
B.

[John the Baptist]

I am frankly beginning to suspect the brothers are not Mensa material. Frankie is the narrator this time, and at the beginning of the chapter, he is semi-hysterical after hearing of Viv's kidnapping from Pete. Now he feels vulnerable, as though he believed before that taking down a couple of a Mafia capo's men would be a repercussion free enterprise. He manages to regain control after Pete arrives and seems in worse shape than he is. After Pete arouses from a booze fueled nap, he tells Frankie their best bet now is to utilize brother Danny's funds to provide a buying time payment on the Boss's loan. This, however, won't do a thing to stanch the Boss's rage when he finds out his men are missing permanently. Danny agrees with Pete over the phone and later shows up with the funds. This may gain a release for Viv.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear John, a great review, more to come on Viv’s release, maybe?
Best, B.

[Betty Hermelee]

APOLOGIES FOR SKIPPING THIS CHAPTER!!!
Best, B