Of Mobsters and Men Page 2

  If my parents knew what had happened to me, they’d have a freak show and never let me work again or maybe never even let me step outside for the rest of my life. My parents are strict to begin with, so that was already a struggle in itself.

  My father was the most strict. I had to beg him for me to start working. He didn’t believe women should work. He believed they should stay home and take care of the children and make sure everything is right in the house. He told me women should be protected. I knew us being in the kind of neighborhood we were in was a factor as well as the Italian cultural influences.

  Most of all, he’s very firm with boys. I didn’t know how I’d end up married with how tight his rules were about dating.

  At around eight o’clock it was time for Gigi and I to head home. On the weekends especially Saturday, the restaurant wouldn’t close until about midnight. Customers were just flooding in and out like osmosis. Speaking of Osmosis, I really needed to get my biology homework done.

  I felt a tap on my arm, making me jump. “Jesus, Raelyn. What are ya, a frog?” I turned to see Gigi rolling her eyes as she walked behind me. I realized I was doing that a lot.

  “You promised you would tell me what’s going on with you.” A frown danced on her lips.

  “I didn’t really promise ya know…” I said to her, stroking my chin and acting as if I were thinking. We stopped at a random apartment building with concrete stairs and sat down.

  The breeze made me squint my eyes.

  “Alright, spill it Rae.” Gigi snapped at me.

  I sighed. I didn’t know if I could tell her or trust her with what I was about to tell her. She could be big mouthed at times and make a scene when you told her something top secret or overbearing. I remember whispering to her about a boy I thought was cute last year and she literally yelled at him from across the street to tell him what I thought about his looks.

  Completely embarrassed, I was.

  Still, she is my best friend and deserves to know. I didn’t think I could keep this in the dark forever, plus I really needed to talk to someone. I might regret this later, but the longer I held out on letting Gigi know, the more angry she’d be with me then.

  “The sun is going down Rae, and pops is gonna chew me out if I don’t make it in time to eat my supper.”

  I cracked a smile and then shook my head. What a way to say, get to the point.

  “Um,” I began, not knowing where or how to start. “A couple weeks ago, the night we closed...I was walking home and this man was following me in his car…”

  Gigi’s face immediately frowned. It was as if her whole face flipped upside down. “You were raped…” she whispered. She then closed her eyes and clasped my hand in hers. “I’m sorry I was so hard on you, I didn’t know. I understand why you didn’t tell me but Rae, you know I could kick the fucker in the ass if you told me-“

  I cut her off with a small smile. “I wasn’t raped, thankfully. I almost was though.”

  Her face remained the same.

  “He called me names, trying to get me into his car with him. I refused and he got mad so he-he”

  “The motherfucker-“ Gigi said and stopped herself by balling her fists.

  “Wait,” I squeezed her hand. I didn’t want her to get loud and attract attention. “He got out of his car and then made his way up to me. He grabbed me and then he shoved me onto his car. He was whispering things like, you’re gonna get it now, and how he was going to fuck me on his car. I was so disgusted Gigi.” I stopped my eyes from watering as I looked up at her.

  “Geez, Rae…”

  “It’s like I can still feel his hands on me.” I shuddered as a gruesome image of his hands all over me appeared in my head.

  “How did you get away, Rae?”

  I bit my lip before speaking. “Stefano Vanzetti.”

  I looked up at her eager to see her reaction. As I expected, Gigi looked like a deer that had frozen before getting smashed by a car. Gigi knew about Stefano. We all did.

  “He-he saved you?” She asked me incredulously. I caressed my arm. “Yes.”

  “And..he-he just let you go after that?” Gigi asked me again. Her question made sense. Why did he let me go? I witnessed him kill a man.

  I could be a rat for all he knew. No one liked rats.

  “I don’t know...he probably could tell I was already having a rough day.” I lightly chuckled. Gigi still looked at me with a serious and concerned expression. She looked down at me as if I shouldn’t be taking any of what I told her lightly.

  “You owe him, Rae.”

  It was my turn to knit my eyebrows. “What are you talking about?”

  Gigi sighed and then scanned the area before leaning into me. We were so close our noses were almost touching. “You know my Dad is part of the mob, Rae.”

  I slowly nodded my head. I knew.

  “Stefano...And you know he’s capo, right?”

  I nodded again. “A commoner like you, like us...we can’t just witness one of them kill a man and walk away free.” she whispered.

  “He saved me.” I said back.

  “That’s besides the point, Rae.” She said again. I wanted to ask her what the point really was, but I knew already.

  Chapter 3

  Raelyn

  I knew it already.

  These men in suits operated lowkey. They were dangerous and could make you disappear without so much as a thought. People that I used to see everyday on the street, I saw no more. It wasn’t like they could just leave the neighborhood either, it wasn’t that easy.

  I glanced down. Gigi was right. It didn’t make sense for Stefano and his men to just let me go like that. So why?

  They were a secret bunch. Why would they risk being exposed by me? A female? And especially an outsider? I knew how the people I walked past on the sidewalk looked at me. I knew they held their tongues when I walked by. How much less would people who run the town feel about an outsider?

  I looked at my watch. It was now half past seven and I had to head home about now if I wanted to get caught up with my assignments.

  “Rae,” Gigi said my name as a whisper. I looked at her and before I could say, what, I followed her gaze to the six stout men walking out of the restaurant and in front of us. A few of them checked the surroundings, probably trying to check for a possible drive by, about two were talking with each other and adjusting their ties, and last but not least, Stefano Vanzetti locking eyes with me before skillfully buttoning up his jacket.

  He didn’t give anything away with his eyes. He didn’t give me reassurance that he wasn’t plotting my death, and he definitely didn’t look like a superhero. No, he looked more like a knight in shining armor. A knight that just saved you and went back into hiding without so much as asking for your name.

  We gazed at each other for longer than necessary before I broke away. When they were out of sight, Gigi pinched my arm.

  “Ow! What was that for?” I harshly whispered, snapping my head in her direction.

  “I know he looks like sex on legs but don’t get caught up.” Gigi told me, raising an eyebrow.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I saw how you looked at him.” Her facial expression didn’t move.

  “How’d I look at him?” I challenged.

  “Like you wanna get to know him.” Gigi raised her chin up at me.

  “Well, you’re wrong.” I told her, even though I knew deep within me that was the truth. “I was going through the motion, Gigi. I was merely shocked.”

  “I’m not a stupid girl, Rae. It’s insulting.” Gigi scoffed.

  I wanted to ask Gigi more about Stefano and the mob. I knew she knew about them better than she led on. Her father is in it and works for Stefano. I knew that her father wasn’t consigliere or anything like a high ranking official, but If Gigi is acting like this, she knew how dangerous these men really were.

  ***

  It was early Sunday morning and the church was packed considering
this was the weekend before Thanksgiving. The holiday was sort of meaningless for the community but at the same time, why not be looking forward to eating until you bursted and giving thanks to what you have?

  The ushers lead us to our seats. I sat in the middle section alongside my mother and father. I took the decorations inside the church at the same time as looking at people who entered. I saw many that I haven’t seen in the church for a long time.

  I watched as familiar faces leaned into each other to kiss their cheeks and I smiled as I saw joy on their faces. I frowned as I saw other faces. I saw familiar people who were so corrupt that it made me tilt my head to the side.

  My church was filled with criminals. People who were known to murder - the men in black suits. They were people who sat as if they were angels. well not even angels. You could smell the blood that was on their hands when you walked into the room. This room was full of people who acted as disciples of the Lord in the day and sliced numerous necks during the night.

  From time to time the mob men would attend church services. The last time I saw a group of them all together was Easter, and that was about six to seven months ago. Each service, they’d sit at the back.

  I also noticed that each time they made an appearance, the pastor would visibly shake and deliver his messages lightly than they should be. The messages were executed in such a way that it wouldn’t offend these terrible men.

  But, it seemed like no one cared. No one cared about how ruthless and unsettling these people were. This community was okay with having a mob in their midst. I didn’t feel safe. Maybe it was because I didn’t feel under their protection because I’m an outsider.

  I knew this wasn’t my culture so, of course I didn’t understand.

  I bit my lip as I found Stefano in the back row. He was seated with boredom written all over his face. He looked as if he’d rather be anywhere else but the church. Stefano came to church service rarely as well. This year I’ve only seen him three times. He sat with one of the men I recognized from the night he saved me. It was the man that held me as I was in total shock from Stefano shooting my harasser in the head.

  I was thankful that the two hadn’t turned to look at me. I was sure my glare bore holes into their heads.

  “What are you looking at?” My mother asked softly as she looked down at me with curious eyes.

  “People.” I told her.

  Father had barely glanced at me. Interestingly enough, I was surprised my dad even came to service today. He rarely came to service. Well, he comes sometimes. When he didn’t come, he’d still tell my mother and I to attend.

  There were always more women in the church than the men.

  I didn’t need to be forced to go to church. I felt home here, and I always read my Bible to stay closer to the Lord. He is the only light to this darkness of a town.

  Over the course of the service, I found myself constantly sneaking glances at Stefano. I almost laughed at Gigi’s sex on legs comment. I really shouldn’t be thinking about this in church.

  I snuck another hesitant glance at Stefano. His side profile was so striking. Was it wrong to find a man much older than me so irresistibly attractive? He didn’t seem that dangerous right now.

  Silly me, looks are deceiving. I knew that he was armed in the house of the Lord. They all were.

  I began to think.

  I began to wonder what might happen if I went up to him just to say, hi. I hoped he wouldn’t put a bullet through my head. It was a scary scenario, but I also wanted to thank him for saving me.

  When church was over, I managed to slip away from my mother. She and a few of her friends were immersed in a conversation about the next lucky girl about to be married.

  Whoever the girl was, I already felt bad for her. It was more than likely that her marriage was arranged.

  I was making bold steps in the church trying to find Stefano. I couldn’t believe I was actually considering going up to him.

  I saw a group of older girls in a circle. Following their adoring faces, I realized they were admiring Stefano from afar. Stefano was tapping away at his phone. He occasionally looked up, giving the girls a scowl that would strike fear into their hearts but still make them fawn over him. He was annoyed.

  Feeling intimidated, I retreated to look for my mother. I didn’t want to add on to the girls that crossed his nerves. They weren't just regular girls either.

  Gigi told me they were daughters of the high ranking mob officials in our town. They didn’t live in our neighborhood that was for sure, their dresses screamed wealth.

  That fact also made me wonder what a man like Stefano was doing in this neighborhood as well. Rumor has it: he owns underground strip clubs, restaurants, and casinos. A guy with that kind of money couldn’t reside in our commoner community.

  God, why am I so curious about him? I shouldn’t be.

  I couldn't find my mother but I found my father. I wasn’t exactly the happiest when I saw him though.

  He stood amongst the men I feared so much. He stood among the men in the black suits. They seemed to be delving into a deep conversation. One of the men my father was talking to looked behind him and gave me an unreadable look before returning to the conversation.

  I froze into place as I knew that was the man who was with Stefano during that night. He and the other man I didn’t know the name of made sure I got home safely.

  I prayed that he didn’t tell my father what happened. I’d be ruined. My heart thudded against my chest. Before my father could spot me spying on him, I exited the church along with everyone else that was ready to go home.

  Chapter 4

  Raelyn

  I helped mother set the plates onto the dining table. Tonight we were eating roasted lamb and my stomach growled in anticipation. It’s been such a long time since we’ve eaten it and I wanted nothing more than to hurry and dig in.

  Of course we had to wait for my father to join us at the table first.

  When he joined us, we prayed and afterwards, we all hummed in delight. Usually I didn’t get off work until late so I didn’t get the opportunity to cook with mother. She didn’t really like the fact I worked because she feared it was taking time out of learning how to prepare home-cooked meals. Although that was true, I knew enough recipes to where she didn’t have to worry.

  “How is it at the restaurant, Raelyn?” Father asked, wiping his mouth with the napkin. Mother raised the glass of wine to her lips, watching me with a glint in her eyes. “It’s great, I like working there.”

  He nodded his head. “No one's giving you trouble?” I shook my head no.

  He never asked how my studies were going, neither did my mother. It bothered me because I was very serious about my school work and my dreams of going to University to explore my options and opportunities.

  For them, that meant me leaving them and this community to become a rebel.

  My mother wanted me to stay so she could continue to raise me to become a decent and proud lady, and eventually a good wife. That’s what all the mothers in this community expected to do with their daughters.

  As for my father, I wasn’t sure exactly how he felt about me chasing my dreams. All I knew was that if I stayed here too long, he’d eventually marry me off to someone. That’s what the other girls in my school expected of their fathers.

  “We’ve been invited to a thanksgiving celebration.” My father said with a straight face.

  My mother raised her perfect eyebrows in amusement. “That sounds exciting. Who has invited us?”

  In some ways I wanted to be just like my beautiful mother. In some ways, I didn’t.

  “Vanzetti.”

  I accidentally bit down on my tongue. I felt my heart jerk from the skies and down to the concrete. “Vanzetti? What business do we have with him?” My mother asked in shock.

  Yes, what business did we have?

  I kept quiet. Hopefully this wasn’t what I thought this was. I didn’t want my parents anywhere near Stefano Vanze
tti. What if this was a plot to tell them what had happened?

  “Jeffery, did you get yourself into some kind of trouble?” Mother asked worried. Why was she so worried? Why would my father be in trouble? He had nothing to do with Vanzetti. Judging by my mom’s kind of concern and the knowing look he gave her, I knew they knew something that I didn’t.

  My mind flashed back to earlier when we were at church. Father was in a conversation with one of Vanzetti’s men. It scared me to think my Father could now be one of them. He couldn’t be though, they wouldn’t accept him right? He’s an outsider.

  I laid on my back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. After dinner I was given more of the details. I was still in major shock because of Vanzetti’s reputation. I was informed wealthy noble families and businessmen will be there.

  ***

  As Gigi and I rode the city bus home from school, I took this as a chance to tell her about my invitation to Vanzetti’s celebration.

  “Gigi,” I said nudging her with my elbow. She turned her attention from the window to my face. Her grey eyes bore into my dark brown ones. “You’ll never believe what happened.”

  She sat upright and looked interested. “This betta be good, Rae.”

  “Last night my father told me we’ve been invited to celebrate thanksgiving with Stefano Vanzetti.” I whispered. Gigi immediately raised her eyebrows. “You too?”

  It was my turn to raise mine. “You have been invited, too?” I didn’t expect this at all. But then again, news that Gigi has been invited eased my nerves.

  “Yes.. that’s weird.”

  “Well, it wouldn’t be weird for you. Your father works for him.” I told her.

  “Hmmm…” Gigi made a thinking face. “Either your father could be too...or you’re really in trouble.”

  “Trouble?”

  “Remember? He might be telling your father what happened with you.” She gave me a look.

  I sighed and closed my eyes. “That’s what I’ve been thinking. Gigi, I hope he doesn’t.”