Chicago/October 1984
Nick Costello walked slowly down Wabash as he took in the sites of his old stomping grounds. The streets were wider now as he made his way north. The building where Theo had lived was still there. Nick passed it and made his way to where the butcher shop once stood. He was very happy to see that it too survived the onslaught of time. The memories of days past rushed through his mind as he entered the old butcher shop, and the smell of fresh meat filled his nostrils. The tables that once lined the right side of the shop were gone, replaced with people in line facing a second counter that now lined the back of the shop where the coffee table once stood. A sign above the second counter still offered free coffee with every sandwich purchased; only now it was poured by those behind the counters.
Nick did not recognize any of the people behind either of the two counters and assumed that the business must have been sold. Though Nick himself had no real ties to any of the previous owners, he felt a tinge of sadness in the notion things did not remain the same and the Randazzos were no longer behind the counter serving patrons.
"Hey, you guys get out the wrong side of bed this morning? C’mon, some of us have got to get to work," someone shouted from the back.
"Oh, shut your trap you old geezer. Next time maybe you'll get here earlier," one of the servers shouted back.
Some of the people laughed at the response. It was obvious that many of the patrons were regulars by the interaction going back and forth on both sides of the counter.
Just then someone came up behind Nick and said, "Hello, Nick. Thought you were dead," in a low whisper. Nick almost jumped. He turned and found himself staring at Calito Randazzo.
"Follow me," Calito told him. Nick followed Calito as he made his way between the two counters that led to the back of the store.
They ducked into a back office where Calito offered Nick a chair, as he went around a desk and pulled out a bottle of scotch from a bottom drawer. Sitting at the desk he pulled two glasses from a shelf behind him and poured some for himself and Nick. Offering Nick the first glass, he raised the second one and nodded.
"Salute!" Calito said.
"Salute!" Nick responded as he nodded and downed the drink.
It wasn't till Calito re-introduced himself that Nick remembered who he was. "Crap, last time I saw you we were on top of the building with Theo," Nick remembered.
"No, I saw you after you guys returned from the military," Calito reminded him.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Forgot about that," Nick said.
"Nick, rumor was you were dead. That you died in a gun battle over in New Jersey or Chicago," Calito said.
"I did," Nick said.
They both stared at each other for a second before Calito and Nick burst out laughing.
"Hey Calito, what do you know about Theo?" Nick asked him.
"Nothing much. He has simply disappeared. There are strong rumors that he has become an assassin for hire. They call him el gatto nero assassino." Calito said almost excited.
"Black cat assassin?" Nick asked.
"Yeah. He got quite the reputation. We think it was Theo who went after the Giordanos in New York," Calito added.
Nick was not the kind to volunteer any information and sat there quietly while Calito ranted on. "You know old man Giordano was killed back in the early 60s'. His son Fabio and daughter Felicia took over the family business. Rumor is they orchestrated the La Ristorante massacre that wiped out the entire Bolnaldo organization and then some," Calito went on even more excited.
Nick was amused by Calito's knowledge of these events, though he knew firsthand how much of it was true and how much was fabricated through the rumor mill. In prison you hear everything that goes on in the streets, especially when it involves organized crime. It pays to know who is calling the shots; it can be the difference between life and death.
"Guess you must have heard about the attempt on their lives, right? Fabio was shot right outside City Hall, and then during his recovery, an assassin walked right past all these bodyguards, police and FBI agents, and put a bullet into both Fabio’s and Felicia's heads," Calito went on. "Felicia survived the attempt on her life, but she was in a coma for several months. I think it was Theo who went after the Giordanos," Calito repeated.
Nick listened intently as Calito painted a picture of what the news reported, and what the rumors supported, or contradicted about the events. Nick had a problem understanding why Theo would go after the Giordano family since his last recollection was they were running the show and ordering any hits. They did the hiring and the firing. “Must have pissed Theo off”, thought Nick.
Calito could see that Nick was lost in thought and was wondering what he could be thinking. "Hey, Nick you got a place to stay?" Calito asked him.
"Uh...No, not yet. Why, you got any available rooms?" Nick asked.
"Yeah man. Same room you stayed in last time you and Theo visited us," Calito responded. "By the way, where've you been? We haven't heard from you or Theo for over twenty years?" Calito asked him.
"I was overseas. Stayed in the Orient. Just got back yesterday," Nick lied.
"I thought you and Theo were together and that was why he couldn't be caught. No one knew there were two of you," Calito said smiling.
They both sat there quietly for a moment before Nick spoke up. "Why don't you show me the room that is available and we can chat more later on."
"Sure man. Come on, let me show you," Calito said getting up and showing Nick out.
After leaving the store they turned left and went past two buildings before going up the steps.
"Calito, how are your parents?" Nick asked, now remembering that they owned these buildings.
"They're fine. Both Dad and Mom are in their 80's, but doing great. Dad is starting to forget stuff, but all in all he still gets around," Calito said.
"They still live here?" Nick asked.
"Sure do. Top of the stairs and to your right. They been there now over forty years," Calito added.
"Wow. Think they remember me?" Nick asked.
"We shall see, since you'll be joining us for dinner tonight. Is that ok?" Calito asked.
"Sure. Sure. Thanks," Nick said, adding, "It's been a while since I ate a home cooked meal."
Calito made Nick feel at ease. A feeling he had not had for a long time. After showing Nick the available apartment located on the 3rd floor, Calito took his leave.
"No rent until you get settled and get a job," Calito told him. Nick smiled and nodded.
"Thanks! Sounds more than fair," Nick said. "It appears that Calito inherited his father's generosity," thought Nick.
***
As Nick was settling in, Tyler Santiago was standing in front of the butcher shop peering in. He saw the sign about a sandwich and free coffee and ventured in. While waiting, he stood at the corner looking out, watching the people on the streets.
Calito had just passed the front of the window when he glanced up and saw Tyler looking out from his shop. "What the fu…," Calito said as he entered the shop. Tyler turned and looked at him and nodded.
Calito nodded back now realizing he had mistaken Tyler for someone else. "Shit. For a second there I thought I was looking at Theo," Calito said to himself as he continued to stare at the stranger. Making his way to the back of one of the counters, he jumped in to help the others who were filling customers’ orders.
After ordering a pastrami on rye and a coffee, Tyler took the sandwich and made his way outside. Now standing near the doorway, he turned left and headed down the street, taking a bite of his sandwich and a sip of his coffee, as he walked south on Wabash. He stopped at the third building and ascended the stairs. This was the address where his mother had lived. He rang the superintendant and waited. A few seconds later he rang the bell again. All of a sudden he heard the door buzzer go off. He quickly placed the sandwich under his arm, reached for the door and pulled. He was too slow; the door did not open. "Damn!" Tyler said.
He took another bite of his sandwich followed by another sip of coffee. He was about to ring the bell again when he heard a girl's voice. "Hey, you need help?" she asked him as she came up the steps.
She appeared to be in her late 40's, slim with long black hair and captivating eyes. Her smile put Tyler at ease. "Yeah. I rang the bell, but I wasn't fast enough to open the door," he responded.
"Here, let me open it for you," she said as she produced a key. "Who are you here to see?" she asked him.
"The superintendant of the building," he replied.
"Well, that would be my uncle." She said, "Come on in," as she pushed the door open to let Tyler slip in. He felt good as he stepped into the warm hallway.
"It's cold out there," Tyler said.
"Duh...Yeah... It's winter," the girl responded in an almost sarcastic voice. "Why don't you sit on the stairs and finish your coffee and sandwich before going up to see him," she advised.
"Good idea," Tyler said.
"My name is Denise Lazzaro," she said nodding at Tyler.
"I'm Tyler Santiago."
"You live around here, Mr. Santiago?" she asked him.
Tyler stared at her for a second before answering. “No. Flew in this morning from California."
"What do you want to ask my uncle? Maybe I can help you," Denise said.
Tyler, now sitting down on the third step as he finished his sandwich and coffee, looked up at her and smiled. "I doubt it. I was wondering if he would have known my mother. She lived here over thirty years ago," he responded.
"You are right. I wouldn't know. My sister Dianna and I moved here about ten years ago," Denise said.
Finishing his lunch, he stood up and wrapped the paper and coffee cup together, placed it in the bag the butcher shop had provided, and put it in his pocket. Denise watched him as he completed this task and then walked past him ordering him to follow.
"Lead the way," Tyler said as he motioned her with an opened hand.
A few seconds later, Denise was knocking while opening the door to the Randazzo residence. "Hi, everyone. It's me, your favorite niece." She shouted as she entered the warm apartment.
"Dianna, is that you?" a voice called out from somewhere in the back of the apartment.
"Stop that, you know it’s me," shouted Denise. It was obvious to Tyler they were teasing her. Tyler heard a few people laugh as they went further in.
Before him he saw an elderly woman in a wheelchair coming toward them. She seemed pretty adept at moving about. "Denise, how many times have we told you to stop picking up men? She is always doing that, you know," the elderly lady told Tyler with a big grin on her face.
Tyler's face reddened. "Aunt Ana. Stop trying to embarrass me!" Denise retorted. "He wants to ask you a couple of questions," Denise said.
"Who wants to ask us a couple of questions?" a man's voice shouted from the back. It was an elderly gentleman who was now walking at a slow pace toward them. "What do you want? You a cop or a Fed or something?" the man asked Tyler abruptly.
"Uh... No. No, I merely want to know if any of you knew my mother," Tyler responded a little taken aback.
"Benito, hush! You are scaring the young man," Ana scolded her husband, gesturing at him to go away. "Please come in and sit down," Ana said as she led them into the living room.
"You can't just be inviting everyone that knocks on our door to sit down," Benito said aloud.
"Uncle, he's with me," Denise said.
"Well, that makes all the difference," Benito said now mocking her. Denise responded with half a smirk.
Benito Randazzo looked at her and then back at Tyler.
"Oh, ok. But don't let this happen again," Benito commanded as he made his way to the back of the apartment, where he situated himself on a chair facing the window.
Tyler and Denise both sat down as Ana prepared herself to become more acquainted with this stranger. "Now tell me young man. What was your mother's name?" Ana asked.
"Her name was Sylvia Santiago, and I believe she lived in the apart..."
"Oh my God. What is your name?" Ana interrupted him excitedly.
"Tyler, ma'am. Tyler Santiago," he replied.
"Benito... Benito come quick," Ana shouted.
Benito came in moving much faster than before and in his shaking hands was a shotgun.
"Hold it, mister," Tyler said as he jumped up when he saw Benito appear in the doorway with the shotgun.
"No, Benito. This is Tyler. Sylvia's son," Ana said hurriedly.
Benito stared at Tyler for a second and then back at Ana. "Why did you scream like that? You could have given me a heart attack, and who the hell is Sylvia?" he told her.
"I'm sorry, dear. Please put the gun down. You remember Sylvia and little Tyler. Theo!" Ana responded.
"Theo?" Benito asked. Benito stared at her and then at Tyler. He remembered Theo.
"Let me see some identification," Benito said turning to Tyler. Tyler reached into his wallet and handed it over to Denise who opened it and looked into it.
"His name is Tyler Santiago and he lives in New York," Denise said.
"Where in New York did you live when you were a kid?" Benito asked Tyler raising the shotgun.
Tyler hesitated a second trying to make sure he had it right before answering. "We lived on St. Nicholas and 124th Street in Manhattan." Tyler responded.
"Oh, shit, I think that's right. I don't remember much, but that sounds right," Benito said.
Ana wheeled her chair closer to Tyler. "Sit down, Tyler," she commanded. "Benito, go put that damn thing away before you kill someone," she ordered.
"It ain’t even loaded," he responded as he turned around and went back to put the gun away. A few minutes later Benito joined them in the living room.
"Where you staying, Tyler?" Ana asked him.
"There's a motel several blocks down Wabash. Figured I'll stay there," Tyler responded.
"Nonsense! You are like family. We got an apartment available here in the building, one flight up you could use," Ana said.
"I got a lot of things to tell you," Benito said.
"Papa! We can wait till later, over dinner. Let him get some rest and perhaps he would like a nice shower or bath," Ana said.
Benito stared at her and then at Tyler. You could see he was anxious to say something, but instead nodded in agreement.
"Denise go up and make sure apartment 3A is decent for our young guest here," Ana said.
"Ok," Denise said as she grabbed a key that was hanging on the wall and raced out the door.
"Tyler, please join us around 6:00 p.m. for dinner," Ana said.
"Yes, ma’am," Tyler responded as he got up and walked toward the door.
Suddenly there was a scream from up above.
Tyler raced up the stairs and ran into Denise as she exited one of the apartments. "There is a naked man in there," she shouted pointing behind her.
Tyler raced into the room and was faced with a man covered by a towel from the waist down, holding a lamp as a weapon. "Who are you?" Tyler demanded.
"Who am I? None of your damn business?" responded Nick Costello.
Denise was now standing behind Tyler staring at the half naked man. "Who let you in here," Denise asked him.
"Calito Randazzo," responded Nick.
Denise was now less frightened of the man since it was her cousin who had let him in. In fact, Denise walked around Tyler and introduced herself with her hand outstretched. Nick stared at her as she approached him.
"Excuse me, young lady. I am not exactly dressed for formalities," Nick said giving her a look as he put the lamp down.
Denise’s cheeks warmed with color as she smiled. "Oh, don't worry, I don't get embarrassed," she responded.
Nick smiled at her and said, "Well I do, so please let me get dressed."
Through all this, Tyler was amused by Denise's candidness. "Umm... Miss Lazzaro, why don't we let the man get dressed," Tyler said as he placed his hands on the back of her shoulders and guided her toward the door.
"Oh, I don't mind," Denise responded. Nick laughed as Tyler led her out of the apartment and back to apartment 2A.
"Your son let someone else have the apartment upstairs," Denise said as she met Ana at the door.
Tyler was trying to tell them it was ok, and he could check into the nearby motel, but they wouldn't hear of it.
"Don't worry. We got another apartment on the fifth floor. The tenants won't be back for a few months, and they told us we can rent it out while they are gone. They go to Florida for the winter every year," Ana said.
"Are you sure?" Tyler asked.
"Yeah, it's ok. They usually rent out that room for a few months," Denise said reassuring Tyler that it was ok.
"Well then," Tyler said, as he turned to Denise so she could lead the way.
Tyler followed Denise as she climbed the stairs to the fifth floor and handed him the key to apartment 5C. "Thank you," Tyler responded smiling at her. Denise smiled back and headed downstairs, but not before reminding him that he was to join them at 6:00 p.m. for dinner.
As she reached the 3rd floor, she walked to apartment 3A and placed her ear against the door. Suddenly the door flew open. "Can I help you?" Nick asked her.
"Um... I was just going to ask you if you would like to join us for dinner," Denise said quickly, composing herself.
"Calito has already invited me," Nick responded.
"Oh... So are you coming?" Denise asked.
"Do you want me to come?" Nick asked her.
Denise stared at him as she blushed a little.
"Well... Only if you want to..." she responded rather sheepishly.
"Ok. Only if you will be there," Nick added.
"Oh... Yes...I...I will definitely be there," Denise said excitedly.
"Well then. It's a date. See you there," Nick responded and closed the door in her face.
Denise stared at the door with an open mouth for a couple of seconds before turning and going downstairs. Nick's response and action caught her by surprise, and she didn't know what to make of it.
Nick was looking through the peephole and holding back laughter. He was looking forward to seeing her again at the Randazzo gathering.
Two floors up, Tyler was laying on a very comfortable bed staring up at the ceiling, also looking forward to the gathering at the Randazzo apartment.