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Kate woke early the next morning. Too early. There’d be no activity outside the restaurant for a couple of hours. She paced the living room and kitchen, anxious to get started. When it was finally time, she threw on her winter coat, grabbed her bag, and hurried out into the cold. She stumbled through the soft, matted-down snow to her latest rental, a navy Prius.
The crisp March morning creeped through Kate’s coat making her shiver, the temperature hovering at a chilly thirty-five degrees. The sun deceived, shining high and bright against the white snow in the backyard, illuminating the brilliant blue sky, yet it held no warmth. Spring was not ready to show her hand; no buds yet on the trees; no robins flitting overhead.
Kate drove the Prius down the few blocks to Payne, turned right, passing Fortunato’s on her right and then took a left at the following light, making a U-turn back around. The streets and sidewalks were dry and clear of snow, but mounds of it remained on the boulevards lining the blocks of old buildings.
She turned right into the empty lot and backed into her usual spot under the huge oak tree, ready to start her surveillance. She’d hoped for some activity, but was prepared to be patient. She’d continue this plan until something played out. She felt confident that something would.
After three hours sitting in the car without any action, Kate’s back and knees started to ache. She needed a break. She paused, though, when she saw Eddie come out of the restaurant, heading toward Micola’s car.
Kate’s heart jumped as she held her breath.
She scooted down and watched him climb into the car and shut the door. The faint sound of its engine prompted her to start her car. She pulled to the parking lot’s exit, pausing to wait for Eddie to drive away. He headed down Payne Avenue toward Seventh Street. She followed him, staying behind other cars to avoid detection.
Eddie turned right at the light on Seventh and Kate did the same. She followed him for several blocks, passing the Lafayette Bridge and continuing into downtown St. Paul. He passed The Assumption Church where Marco and Renzo’s funerals were held. He then passed the Xcel Energy Center, crossed Kellogg Boulevard, and passed the bar and restaurant district.
Eddie’s turn signal indicated he was turning right onto North Chestnut Street. Cossetta’s Italian Restaurant and Market loomed on the corner. Kate continued straight but looked to her right in time to see Micola’s car turn into the small, back parking lot. She made a U-turn and headed back, passing the parking lot, opting for street parking a block ahead.
The walk to the entrance was quick. Kate looked around before pulling open the heavy wooden doors. She’d never been inside the legendary Italian restaurant and market, and the aroma of garlic and fresh pizza dough was a scent more pleasant than she’d experienced in a while. The sounds of clanging, clattering and voices came from all four corners, and from above. A massive staircase near the back entrance welcomed customers, some climbing it with trays of food, others descending.
Amongst the sounds of those working and dining, Kate heard Eddie laughing. She followed the sound to her right and saw him at the far corner of the deli counter under a sign that read “PIZZA.” She ducked behind the staircase and walked through an entrance that led to a sizeable Italian market and grocery store, pausing near the door. When she realized she no longer heard Eddie’s voice, she started to panic, but stopped short when three familiar looking men entered through the Seventh Street doors.
As they made their way into the deli, Kate got a better glimpse and confirmed they were Dario, Tau and Sal. She nearly backed into a table of Italian breads as she tried to hide. She studied them from her location, their faces, their builds, and even tried listening to their voices, as they climbed the stairs.
Kate needed to see the four of them together, as a group. They’d all played a role in the massacre of her family. As Eddie’s voice dissipated, she gathered a tiny shred of nerve and walked slowly out of her safe little corner to the staircase and started climbing.
She kept her head down and stared at her feet as she ascended the wide, dark and worn wooden stairs. Holding the railing, she kept her ears tuned for any sign of Eddie coming in her direction.
At the top, was a spacious casual dining area encircling the opening of the grand staircase. Kate was grateful for the bustling crowd. She mustered enough courage to glance in various directions, but Eddie’s voice was the clue she needed. It came from behind her, so she turned left keeping her back to them. She found a table near one of the waitress stations about twenty feet from Eddie’s table. She crooked her chair until her view was clear.
She stared at the four of them.
Killers.
She pretended to look at her phone while straining to hear their conversation, though she couldn’t make out much. Their mumbling conversation continued for another ten minutes, when one of them let out a loud belly laugh at something Eddie had said. The others erupted in laughter. Their casual and carefree afternoon made Kate seethe as bile burned in her empty stomach and fueled her rage.
Despite the strong urge to do so, she refrained from going over there. She needed a plan, but had no idea what that plan might entail. For now, this unexpected stakeout was enough. She took advantage of her perfect view, soaking up the details of their faces, their voices, their clothes, and their mannerisms. She looked at each of them and made mental notes. After today, she’d never forget their names or faces.
Sal. The shooter. The killer of Marco and Renzo. There he was—right there. She reined in her frenzied anger and looked closely at him. Stocky, middle-aged, Italian. Eddie’s cousin. He had a threatening, angry demeanor about him. He looked like a killer. Muscular, with a gruff frown. Similar features as Eddie, though nowhere near as good-looking: black hair, but thinner, more gray; sinister eyes; big, hooked nose that was darker than the rest of his face. Heavy drinker.
Tau seemed quiet. His olive complexion, smooth; his thick, black hair swooped back, shiny from the quaint chandelier above the table. He smiled, but never seemed to laugh. Reserved. Or disinterested. She wasn’t sure.
Dario seemed to be the most outspoken of the bunch. Boisterous; high voice; always interrupting the others for a laugh. Based on his attitude and body language, he seemed eager to please Eddie.
And then of course, there was Eddie. He appeared to be running the meeting. Their moment of fun had subsided, and now, the other three were leaning in, quietly listening to their leader.
After thinking about it, and working up the nerve, Kate made a decision she felt was imperative.
She stood and walked confidently to the table where the four men were seated.
“Hello, Eddie.”
