January 31, 1973, Wednesday

They found Ike wandering the Tarmac early this morning. He was reciting bible verses in his T-shirt and underwear, wandering around aimlessly. They said he went peacefully, believing the men in the white suits were sent special for him. He asked them if Licata sent them. They said, “Sure, Licata sent us. Let’s go. He’s waiting for you.” Poor guy.

It was my turn to have my interview. I walked into the CC’s office. I saluted him smartly. He returned the salute and said. At ease lad.” I relaxed to parade rest. “Would you say you were treated fairly lad?” I didn’t expect that question. “Sir, yes, sir, under the circumstance, sir,” I answered, bewildered.

“Would you say that I personally did you no harm?”

Again I couldn’t figure out where this was going. “Sir, you personally did not do me any harm, sir.”

He smiled and said, “Very well. You’re dismissed.”

I did an about-face. I exited the office and headed down the hall back to the main barracks. Rodger was waiting for me. I said, “Whose next?” He said, “You’re the last. How did it go?”

“Ok I guess. It was shorter than the other guys, a lot shorter. Why do you ask?” I inquire. “Nothing I was just curious. What did he say?” Rodger asked. “He wanted to know if he harmed me,” I said. Rodger laughed.

“Okay, dick wad, what’s so funny? You know something I don’t know. Out with it.” I demanded. Rodger took me off to a quiet corner.

He began, “When the CC took over the company and after the dust settled he had me show him everybody’s file. Your file was the thickest. Chris had it out for you, he wrote it down if you picked your nose. The CC wanted to send you back. He thought you were one of the problems. I tried to explain to him that most of the chits were bullshit. The CC wasn’t buying it. He asked me why the old CC didn’t get rid of you I told him you were in the Mafia and the CC didn’t want the trouble that comes with pissing them off.”

“Wait the fuck up, let me stop you there!” I interrupted. “You told him I was in the mafia. What were you thinking, man?”

Rodger said, “I was thinking of saving your ass. It looked bad for you. I blurted it out. I wasn’t thinking. He asked me if I knew anything about it. I told him the Licata mafia family is well known in the USA and Canada. By the way, it worked.”

“Thanks, I guess.” I walked away, shaking my head. Does it get any crazier? Later.