KING CRAB LEGS

         It was ten thirty and I was sitting in my car in front of the warehouse where Bragiole housed his seafood.  My appointment was for ten forty-five.  I wanted to case the joint to see how many goons were hanging around outside.  There were two guys smoking a cigarette.  It was brisk out tonight so I put my collar up.  I walked up to them and said that Mr. Bragiole was expecting me.  Goon one said, ‘Wait here.’ Then disappeared through the door.  Goon two said ‘Put your hands up,’ and proceeded to frisk me.  When Goon one came out the other one said, ‘He’s clear.’

 

            We walked up a flight of stairs and at the end of the hall was the office.  The goon knocked on the door and we walked inside.  Bragiole was at his desk smoking a cigar.  He stood up and shook my hand.  I noticed the ring on his pinky had a large ruby on it.

 

            ‘Slade, is it?  One of my associates tells me you have a business proposition.’

            ‘I got a guy in Alphabet City owns a bar, see.  Let’s just say he’s looking to serve up some King Crab legs.’

            ‘I may be able to help him out.  They’re two hundred for a bushel of twelve, three bushel minimum.’

            ‘I’ll tell him that.’

            ‘What bar is it?’

            ‘It’s Checkmate on ninth and B.’

            ‘That’s good.  It’s ten minutes from Bayonne.’

 

       I looked on the wall to the left and there was the safe.  It was a small safe.  That’s a job for my secretary, Helen.  Her father was a safecracker and taught her a few tricks of the trade.  Her old man got pinched a couple years ago and is doing five in Sing-Sing.

 

            ‘So, do you vouch for this guy?’  Bragiole asked me.

            ‘Yeah, he’s on the level.’

            ‘Tell him to expect his first delivery Thursday morning.’

            Just then the door opens and in walks Stella Early who goes straight to Bragiole and gives him a kiss.

 

            ‘Hey, baby.  This is Sam Slade, a new business associate.  This is Stella.’

            ‘Nice to meet you, Mr. Slade.’ She said.

            ‘Likewise,’ I replied.

           

            I wasn’t expecting that.  But you never know with these dames nowadays.

 

            ‘Well, I’m gonna get going and tell my friend about the delivery on Thursday.’

            ‘It was a pleasure doing business with you, Slade.’ Bragiole said.

            ‘Thanks, Mr. Bragiole.  It was nice meeting you, Stella.’

            She smiled and nodded her head once.