12
When all the information was in, Angelo Partanna brought it to the don.
“Willie Daspisa did this to his own family?” the don asked rhetorically.
“He gave them the fourteen people. He threw one of our banks away—they’re gonna be hit with a coupla million fine for washing the money which is itself enough of an infamità, Corrado. But he gave Charley to that premio di consolazione, George F. Mallon.”
“He can’t touch Charley. He’s got no evidence. Who’s gonna talk? Hanly? The task force cop? Never. But just to make sure, sweeten them up a little.”
Angelo nodded.
“But you are gonna know if Mallon gets anything heavy on Charley. As soon as you know that, we get Charley outta town. Mallon don’t care nothing about Charley, he wants to nail the mayor so he can win the election. But he can’t win the election unless he can railroad Charley. When Election Day is over, Charley will be in the clear. I’m gonna think up a way to keep him in the clear.”
“I feel better, Corrado.”
“Why did Willie do it? I can’t believe it when he says he was scared because of what happened to Vito. Vito had nothing to do with him.”
“You ever see Joey Labriola?”
“Willie’s helper?”
“Yeah. A finocchio.”
The don’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “A Sicilian?”
“Yeah.”
“Willie’s second man—Joey Labriola—is a finocchio?”
“Yeah. I mean I seen him plenty of times—you couldn’t miss it. I talked to Willie’s wife after Vito caught it. She is outta her head because Willie ditched her for a man. I checked her story out, even. Joey told a hairdresser who works for us that him and Willie is as married.”
“When?”
“When what?”
“When did you find this out.”
“I knew for a long time.”
“How come you didn’t tell me?”
“Their operation was making money. Why should I tell you crappy little stories like that?”
“Then they just used the job on Willie’s brother as an excuse to dump Willie’s wife?”
“Yeah.”
“They are finished!” The don’s voice rose as his small fist fell upon the arm of the chair, making so heavy a sound it broke into the strains of Verdi’s Aroldo which was playing in the background.
The don sat silently as if listening to sage advice, then he said, “Go to see Eduardo. Tell him I want him to get Willie’s new address from the Program. If he doesn’t understand everything right away, tell him to come to see me.”
“Yes, Corrado.”
“Is the wife a Sicilian woman?” the don asked.
“Yes.”
“Bring her to me after we handle Willie and I will give her revenge. I will give her Willie’s thumbs. They are finished!”