Chapter 19, COMPLICATIONS
The ‘shakedown’ soft opening of Barcelona
gathered momentum over the next month as word spread amongst gaming devotees
and weekend refugees from L.A. Throughout Nevada, California and Asia, the buzz
about this newest wagering Mecca was positive. As a P.R. ploy, Nick stated in
an Entertainment Tonight interview that Barcelona would ante up the stakes.
Anyone who won a million dollars from the casino would also receive a
complimentary Bentley Continental GT Coupe. He knew the ‘whale’ clients Hong
Kong, Taiwan and Australia couldn’t ignore this bait.
The lives of everyone involved with
Barcelona’s success were intertwined like metal shavings drawn to a powerful
magnet. For Drew, the operational aspects slowly fell into place so that the
resulting sum was a magnificent, functioning resort by the time the grand
opening party occurred on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. The event was
chronicled in all the media outlets – locally and nationally – with glowing
testimonials about the creative talents of Nick Maggiano and his management
team. Every angle was covered: the architecture, interior design, culinary
feats, the mega-stars engaged for the Aragon show room, and the analytical
roundtable discussion on the cable TV business channels. Except for Al Bromley,
Senior, nary a word trickled out about the names of the other owners; they were
always referred to as ‘investors’.
As December arrived, the hotel’s 2,000 rooms
were mostly filled on a nightly basis and the restaurants were cranking
impressive volumes. EyePod had become the ‘must be seen in’ club. And it didn’t
hurt that each posse visiting with Jake, Leo and Tobey from L.A. – along with
other bonafide ‘A’ list movie star players – now made the nightclub ‘their
place’. From the music scene, Kayne West, Alicia Keys, Sean Combs and ‘Team
Tim’ were now regulars. The status of EyePod rose even higher when video
paparazzi captured a couple of the blond, girl-brats from Hollywood being
denied admission by door security because of their inebriated state and
demanding attitude. After all the TV gossip shows masticated and regurgitated
the story, EyePod’s popularity was soaring. The real movers and shakers felt
comfortable that their status would be protected. The club’s status was
assured…at least for the season...when the Demi/Ashton/Bruce ménage à trois was reported as
partying with the Affleck and Damon foursome.
Nick’s prime area of interest – the casino –
was percolating with excitement and cash. The average daily ‘drop’ of money
wagered was tracking at 27 million. “Not bad,” he had told Drew, “for a casino
open only a month.” He also predicted that Barcelona would easily double those
numbers during the New Year’s Eve weekend and asked Drew to make sure all heads
understood this tsunami of visitors was a ‘sure bet’ and to keep the staff
primed for action.
The unqualified hit within the vast gaming
area was Tibidabo, a
private VIP casino that could be accessed by invitation only. The formal
baccarat room within these exclusive surroundings – exclusive if your ‘earning
potential’ passed the casino marketing criteria – was successfully drawing many
international visitors. Clustered in the interior of this faux-Spanish mansion
were several $50.00 minimum blackjack tables and a separate area for craps and
roulette. But Nick pushed the boundaries when he created a club within a club.
The Algerian-themed Quesbah was entered through an unmarked door in the cognac
library of the mansion. Once inside, the players were treated to an erotic
playground that featured skimpily costumed, full-breasted, female dealers at
all gaming areas…with two exceptions. Buff men, who wore only low-cut black
pants, attended two blackjack tables. These male dealers were appropriately
groomed to show off their gym-created, tanned physiques. As Nick had
envisioned, women gamblers – and a few men – queued early for seat positions.
In private,
however, Nick urged caution. “Don’t get carried away with this euphoria,” he
warned at a confidential executive meeting in the first week of December.
“We’re the new guy on the block and have a damn fine product. All cylinders are
firing and we will have a very good year. However, there are mixed signals
concerning the U.S economy and the owners are shelving plans – for the time
being – on going ahead with Barcelona’s second tower.” He explained that the
investment group was fast tracking the Macao project and would revisit Las
Vegas expansion plans in six months. Nick ended his briefing by adding, “Our
Asian positioning is now ensured with the final piece of the puzzle. With the
financial and legal assistance of Chinese partners, by 2010 we will open a
spectacular casino in Singapore.” Nick paused for a moment to allow the news to
sink in. “Finally, we are seriously studying the feasibility of developing a
casino in Spain…Barcelona of all places. However, I think that we will create a
Southern California theme at that location.”
Throughout the
‘shake-down’ period, Drew and Bob made it a point to have breakfast every
weekday morning and Sunday dinner as a family unit with Cray. The rest of the
week, however, was pretty much ‘on the fly’. Cray was still working his
part-time job and he had dinner in the Barcelona staff cafeteria on Fridays and
Saturdays. Other evenings included ‘Tai
Chi Tuesday’ with Michael, impromptu dinners with Mario and Mr. Ed, and takeout
with Spike and Lou. With that freedom, Cray respected the rule that he was
expected to be home by 10:00 p.m. and homework came first.
Wednesday night
officially became the weekly SAT study session at Cray’s home. The group
consisted of Tim, Chris, Glenn, Benny and Michael. Cray was proud to host the
crowd at ‘his place’ and noticed how comfortable everyone felt around his dads
when they came home from work. Bob insisted everyone use first names in the
privacy of the apartment and made a point of reviewing the group’s study
material before retiring to his bedroom.
Glenn and Benny
appeared to revel in their status as ‘one of the guys’ with this crowd. In an
effort to shake his image as a silver-spooned sloth, Benny surprised everyone
by participating actively during casual discussion periods. He was also the
first to guess that Cray and Michael had something going other than a buddy
friendship. Benny purposely – he admitted later – arrived at Cray’s home 15
minutes before the 7:00 p.m. start time.
“Benny. Whazzup?”
Cray asked with a little surprise when he answered the door. His newest friend
was habitually a little late. Nothing serious; just something everyone
understood.
“Wanted to talk
with you and Michael for a few minutes before everybody shows up. He’s here?”
“Yeah, he’s on my
computer. Come in.” Cray stepped aside to let the tall guy in. ‘Glad he didn’t
arrive ten minutes earlier when Michael and I were showering,’ he thought. One
of the ongoing benefits of the study sessions was for Michael to come home with
Cray after school for a little ‘R and R’ in Cray’s bedroom. Cray licked his
lips and smiled when he discovered he could still taste Michael. ‘Whoops…forgot
to brush my teeth.’
“Mind if I grab a
water?” Benny asked as he followed Cray.
“Naw. Pull a
bottle out for me. I’ll get Michael.” Cray walked into his bedroom and saw
Michael pull on his rugby shirt.
“One of the guys
already?”
“Benny. Wants to
talk with us.” Cray shrugged and turned out his hands. “Must be important for
him to be early.”
“Yeah,” Michael
said. “How do I look?”
“Hot. For a size
queen.” Cray grinned and added, “Let’s see what he wants.”
The two guys
returned to the living area and joined Benny. Cray watched Benny nervously bump
knuckles with Michael when the two exchanged ‘Hi’s’. ‘What’s the big friggin’
mystery?’ he wondered.
“Cray said you
wanted to talk about something?” Michael asked as the three guys sat down.
“Um, yeah.” Benny
took a long sip of water and smacked his lips. “You know, Cray, it took me a
little while to get used to you being gay an’ all. I want you to understand I’m
cool with it.”
“Okay…that’s
reassuring but not exactly new ground. What…”
“It’s just that
I’ve been picking up some pings on my radar concerning Michael.” Benny shuffled
his legs and he looked directly at Cray. “Ah, shit, here goes. I think that you
two are tight – like boyfriends – and I just wanted to tell you I could give a
rat’s ass. I’m like fine with it. Okay?”
“First, it’s
called ‘gaydar’,” Cray replied with a shrug. “But why don’t you reload to the
beginning. I’ve lost something in the translation.”
“I had a little
talk about life in general with my dad before I came over here the first time.
Funny, but I didn’t know any gay guys and all of a sudden I’ve got a new friend
– you – and you’ve got these two guys who are your dads.” Benny took a pause
and sipped more water. “Also, I noticed these kinda intense looks you guys
would share when you didn’t think anyone was looking. I guess the whole thing
just got a little overwhelming for me, so I wanted to get a reading from my old
man. Among other things, he told me that I would be meeting a variety of
people, as I moved beyond high school, who were going to come in all shapes,
colors…blah, blah, blah…guys who like guys, an’ girls…you know. Funny, except
for the sex talk, Dad and me have never had many serious talks…’cept about the
car business. Mom was always the one to correct me if I said something stupid
about others when I was a kid.”
“Is this a
fishing expedition to find out if I’m gay?” Michael asked with a little edge in
his voice.
“I think he’s
figured that out already,” Cray replied. “And if I’m reading this right, he
just wants to get this out of the way and move on.” He turned to Benny and
asked, “Is that the skinny?”
“You got it. Live
and let live. Vince, with all his faults, didn’t really mean what he said about
gays. It was just his wiseass way of talking. Thinking back, Glenn and I should
have called him on it when we first met you before school started. Sorry.”
“Accepted.” Cray
decided that Benny was showing much more depth of character than he’d witnessed
earlier and was pleased that they had become friends. “But that’s history.”
“Exactly. And
honestly, what happens between two guys is not my concern. I’m more concerned
about trying to get laid with some gal.” Benny looked at Michael and smiled.
“Here’s the bottom line: if I’m picking up on you two, the other guys can’t be
too far behind. So, I thought I’d bring up the subject and maybe help you – if
ya want – deal with them. I think all the guys are goin’ to be with you on
this.”
“Point taken,”
Cray replied. “And before we become the 500 pound canary in the room.”
“With you guys, I
feel we’ve become buddies. My dad also gave me a little lesson about, um, how
did he express it…being inclusive.” Benny beamed at his use of that word. “He
pointed out that your friend, Lou, came in to buy a car based solely on me
knowing you. Plus I found out that Drew was responsible for approving the lease
of several cars for the hotel. Dad said that it’s just common sense and good
business to accept people who are different than me.”
“Sounds like your
dad is a pretty sharp guy,” Michael said. “I guess it’s time for me to fess up,
huh?”
“Us…we both need
to ‘fess up’ to being boyfriends.” Cray grabbed Michael’s hand. “Benny…all
guards are down. Friends?”
“Friends. No
problem. Oh, by the way, I also found out that my uncle – dad’s older brother –
didn’t die of cancer when I was a little kid. Apparently it was AIDS and he
left behind a partner in L.A. So I guess I’ve got an uncle by proxy or whatever
the fuck you call it. Mom and Dad still keep in touch with Uncle
Chuck’s…partner. I’ve met him a couple of times when the guy was over here for
a visit. Nice guy.”
“Maybe if your
uncle’s partner is in Vegas again, we can all get together.” Cray thought that
Benny was sincere and accepted his new understanding of people.
“Just tell me one
thing. Who is this Lou guy?”
“As in…?”
“He meets with my
dad like he said he would, selects a loaded SUV and makes a good deal. Next he
pulls out a black American Express credit card and asks Dad if he wants to take
the card for payment or deduct a 3% discount and accept a certified check. That
takes balls.”
“Big balls and a
few bucks,” Cray replied with a grin. “I’m assuming on the first part and know
that money’s not a problem on the second part. Seriously, I know there’s family
money involved but he doesn’t talk about it. Neither should we.” His expression
turned serious as he looked at his new friend.
“Got the message.
I’ll zip it,” Benny replied.
“Whew. I’ve gone
from feeling scared, getting pissed off and finding emotional relief all in the
space of ten minutes. You really know how to push buttons,” Michael said to
Benny. “But I guess they needed to be pushed. Thanks for being a friend. It is
time for a little honesty.”
And that was
that. The three guys stood, shook hands and set up the living room for the
meeting. Michael and Cray decided they would let the rest of the group know
about their relationship at the end of the study session. As usual, Bob got
home around 8:00 and made a point of speaking to each guy for a few moments
before grabbing a beer and retreating to the master bedroom. As the end of the
evening approached, Cray asked everyone to put the books away. He looked at
each of his friends, nodded to Michael and gestured for his buddy to take the
lead.
“Guys, it’s been
pointed out to me that I haven’t been completely truthful with y’all. Without
getting into the nitty-gritty, I guess it’s time to let you know that Cray and
me…well, we’ve become really good friends. You could say I figured out a few
things about myself this fall. I’ve realized I’m definitely 100% gay and Cray
has become my boyfriend.” Michael looked around and added, “That’s all I wanted
to say.”
“And this is
news?” Tim replied with a chuckle. “I think I speak for the other guys when I
say we’re just glad you finally said something. This ain’t a secret or a big
deal. You guys are buddies and as long as you don’t try to convert me, we’re
tight.” He rolled his eyes and added, “Just kidding about the last part. Plus
with the karate business, you two could kick the shit out of me.”
“Kung Fu…not
karate, doofus. That’s how we’d kick the shit out of you,” Cray said with a
loud laugh.
“We’re in Vegas
and I like my odds better with you guys together; it makes it’s less
competition for me getting a date with a hot chick,” Chris added. “Plus, if
anyone gives you crap, they’ve got us to answer to.”
“I’m already good
friends with two guys on the track team who are gay.” Glenn stood up and said,
“I won’t mention any names cuz they’re not ready to come out. When they do,
we’ll have to have a grand ole party – and I don’t mean the G.O.P. with those
goofy elephants. Whoops. I probably shouldn’t have said anything.”
“I won’t bug you
to find out who the teammates are,” Benny replied. “But I’ll host the party at
my house.”
Cray and Michael
spent a few minutes individually with their friends. Each guy personally
seconded his support. As the guys left the apartment, there was an abundance of
hugs at the doorway. When only Michael was left, Cray walked with him out to
the front of the building and they stood in the shadows where Michael’s bike
was stowed.
“This has been a
big night.” Cray tenderly kissed Michael as they held hands.
“Yeah…and another
chapter. I think I made a good choice in a boyfriend and in school friends. It
now feels kinda stupid that I wanted to hide my sexuality.”
“But Benny wasn’t
fooled. He showed me a lot, tonight. Behind that ‘I don’t give a shit’ attitude
is a guy who thinks things through. I gotta feeling we’ll be friends with him
for a long time.”
“Maybe we can
even find a gal for him so he can get laid,” Michael replied with a snicker. He
leaned in for one more kiss and said, “See ya in the morning, babe.” He
unlocked his bike, got on and pedaled away.
Cray watched as
his friend and the bike became smaller down the streetlight-spotted road. He
smiled and sighed as Michael made the last turn to exit the apartment complex.
‘This has been a big night,’ he thought as he went inside and locked the door.
Since Drew was still not home, he didn’t set the alarm. As he cleaned up the
living room and straightened the furniture, he knew that news of their
relationship would not be as well received by some of their classmates. ‘But
that’s just tough.’ He left one light on and went to bed.
Bob and Drew were
very pleased at the topic of conversation during breakfast the next morning.
They validated Cray’s enthusiasm but also warned him that it isn’t a perfect
world. He was encouraged to be optimistically cautious with strangers and
embrace solid friendships with guys such as those in the study group.
*****
Spike was
officially retired from his former job and now working in the casino’s finance
department as a trainee/gofer. His days consisted of juggling his school with a
20-hour weekly work schedule, studies and his new relationship. The first
couple of weeks were major adjustments for him. After a superb farewell dinner
prepared by Mr. Ed and hosted by Mario for the residents of his house, Spike
packed all of his clothes and computer in his Honda and drove away…literally
into the sunset as twilight created an image of Oz behind the Strip skyline. It
didn’t hurt the image having the humongous green glow of the MGM and the other
themed resorts radiating their evening lights.
The Mondrian
Tower sat majestically on a lush, secured landscaped five acres just a
half-mile east of the famous boulevard. It was also only a three-minute drive
to the UNLV campus. From the 39th floor, Lou and Spike’s new home
wrapped around the northern side of the building to offer views of the Strip,
downtown and the ubiquitous eastern sprawl. A second apartment occupied the
other half of the floor. Space was not a problem… their 2,800 square feet of
shared living space assured privacy when needed. Spike decided to go with the
flow and not comment about the vastness of his new home. As long as Lou didn’t
flaunt it, Spike decided he could live with the man he loved in this lofty
environment.
By agreement, the
previous owner left a decent inventory of nice furnishings. “Think of this
place as a canvas for us to create our home. We can take our time selecting
additional stuff,” Lou said one evening while they were looking at a portfolio
of art their interior designer – a slightly-diminutive man Nick Maggiano
recommended – had sent over as suggestions on how to ‘tastefully’ cover their
barren, white architectural walls. Spike was pleased his voice mattered and
enjoyed the collaboration.
A breathtaking
result was the acquisition of five dramatic paintings by regional Denver
artist, Vance Kirkland. The original collector, recently deceased, had
accumulated over 20 paintings during his lifetime and the estate executor had
been directed to sell them. Through a pipeline of art dealers, the designer was
able to identify the best of the collection and made anonymous bids – on behalf
of Lou – for large, modernist, space abstraction paintings simply referred to
as The Dot Paintings. In that other Kirkland art donned the halls of Denver’s
art museum and the new opera house, Lou was convinced the purchases represented
a sound investment.
The second
bedroom for Spike’s computer and desk while Lou set up his office in the den.
The layout offered each man a modicum of privacy when needed. While Spike used
his space for studies, Lou kept busy managing his personal financial interests.
However, the lovers looked forward to the end of the evening when they would
meet in the master bedroom for a final eye-to-eye conversation concerning the
day’s events and plan for the next day. Eventually, one touch led to another
until any talking would disintegrate into giggles and carnal utterances.
Depending on the mood, neither knew whose legs would be parked on the other’s
shoulders until the last moment.
As agreed to in
discussions at their rocky beginning, Spike paid for the utilities. In addition,
he started a routine of shopping and preparing Sunday dinner each week. Lou
understood, social obligations during that day aside, that this would be their
one day together without the distractions of work.
On the first
Sunday of December, an exception occurred late morning when Lou answered his
cell phone just before noon. He was instructed to attend an urgent family
meeting at Nick Maggiano’s home and a driver had already been dispatched. Spike
was curious but didn’t press for more information. They agreed to call out for
pizza when Lou returned rather than Spike making a dinner that might not be
eaten if the meeting ran late.
Spike was lazily
flipping back and forth between a 49ers-Broncos football game and the Lakers on
the den television when he heard a faint click from the front door foyer. ‘Hmm,
Lou is back early but being awfully quiet,’ he thought as he looked at the
clock. ‘Just after two. Great. I can still cook something.’
“Hey, babe. I’m
in here,” Spike said loudly. He flipped off the TV and stood to greet Lou. He
was startled to see Mario enter the room with a gun in his hand. “What the…” He
froze in his movement and stared at his old boss.
“Whoa, relax.
Sorry to sneak in like this but I wasn’t sure what I might find. There have
been some serious problems in New York, L.A. and here in Vegas.” Mario looked
around a bit more before slipping the revolver into the waistband of his jeans.
“You okay?”
“Uh, yeah…except
for my heart going into overdrive,” Spike said as his rose from the couch. “You
scared the crap outta me. What problems are you talking about and where’s Lou?”
Spike looked at his friend with a questioning expression and frowned. It
suddenly dawned on him that Mario’s presence was hardly a good sign. “And what
are you doing here?”
“Under the
circumstances, he’s doing okay. Others weren’t so lucky.”
“Wait. What the
fuck has happened?” Spike urgently asked. A tightness of his stomach was
accentuated by his sudden rapid breathing. “Talk to me about Lou.”
“Lou’s fine.
Let’s go into the living room and sit down, buddy, cuz a full explanation will
take a few minutes. I also want to make sure the deadbolt is set on your door.”
Mario motioned for Spike to follow him. He quickly secured the lock on the
front door and continued to the living room. “There’s been a series of
attempted hits on the Gallian family today. We know exactly who is behind this
and they are ruthless.” Mario sat down in an easy chair and waited for Spike to
sit in the other chair across the coffee table.
“Lou, Lou. What
happened to Lou?” Spike barked. His emotional and intellectual circuits were
becoming overloaded in his attempt to process all this information.
“He got banged up
a little and is at Sunrise Hospital. Except for superficial abrasions, a
possible concussion and smoke inhalation, your friend is fine. I’m sure he’ll
be released tomorrow.”
“Smoke
inhalation? You mean…”
“There was an
explosion at Nick’s house. The police think it was some sort of bomb launched
with a rocket assist. Christ, you’d think this was Beirut instead of Vegas,”
Mario replied as he shook his head. “Nick, Lou and his Cousin Al had just
walked out of the house to the pool area when the shit hit the fan.
Unfortunately, Nick’s partner wasn’t so lucky. I’m told that Rod had stayed
behind in the den to clean up the room when the bomb hit.”
“Rod Liddy is
dead?”
“Along with Lou’s
mother in New York – a car bomb meant for Mr. Gallian. And Mr. Bromley was
targeted by a sniper at his country club in L.A. Fortunately the shooter missed
his target and our guys got him.”
“What about Nick
and Al?”
“The impact of the blast caused Nick and Al
to fall into the pool. They just got shook up and wet.”
“Fuck, I’ve got
to see Lou,” Spike said as he stood up.
“We’ll do that in
a moment. He knows you’re coming and that I was sent to bring you. Among other
things, that’s why I’m here.” Mario rose and joined Spike. “Hug time, first.
Just be thankful your partner is safe and sound.” He opened his arms and
nodded.
Spike walked
closer and the two men hugged. He felt Mario’s warm lips kiss him gently on the
neck followed by a pat on the back. Each released the other and stepped back.
From the expression on Mario’s face, Spike realized that what had happened was
very serious.
“Let me give you
a quick synopsis of what’s going down before we leave. Since you’re married
into the Gallian family, so to speak, you need to be filled in. Got some
water?”
“Yeah. Or
something stronger?” Spike started walking to the kitchen.
“Any other time a
beer would be fine. Right now…agua will do.” Mario followed Spike and
continued, “It’s the fucking Russians. Devious cutthroats who thought they
could horn in on the ‘company’ business. They’re thugs who operate out of
Brighton Beach in New York and the Fairfax District in L.A. About six months
ago, their number-two honcho had a meeting with one of our guys in Brooklyn.
The long and short of it was they wanted to take over certain parts of our
businesses. Sleazy bastards just wanted to grab it for practically nothing.”
“I’ve only read
about those guys.” Spike opened the fridge and retrieved two bottles of water.
He handed one to Mario and cracked the cap on his bottle. “So this was their
power play? Christ, it’s surreal, like a Hollywood action movie.”
“A bad beginning
of a movie from our perspective…but it’ll have a good ending. I’ll tell you
more while we drive to the hospital. I needed to let you know that this is
serious shit and some changes to your daily routine are going to start right
now. We will all be living in a defensive mode until things get sorted out.”
Mario opened his water and took a long swig. “First, there’s going to be a
bodyguard living with you for a while. He’s standing outside in the hallway by
the front door right now and will be moving into the spare bedroom.”
“I suppose Lou
and I have nothing to say about it?”
“Comes from the
top. It’s primarily for Lou’s protection but you’re getting a shadow guy to be
with you when you’re out. You’ll never see him so don’t worry about it. Just so
you know, there’s also a bodyguard at Al and Trish’s home as we speak.”
“Our bodyguard is
outside in the hallway?”
“Right. I’m going
to introduce you to him right now.” Mario took the lead and walked to the front
door. He knocked three times and waited for a reply. After two taps, he
unlocked the deadbolt and opened the door. “Everything’s set up,” Mario said as
he stepped aside for the stranger holding an overnight bag to enter.
A fit, compact
man with short hair about the same size and coloring as Mario walked into the
foyer. If Spike didn’t know any better, he would have guessed that the guy was
a combat-hardened Marine jarhead in civvies. A thin scar on his left cheek and
jaw accented the guy’s rugged handsomeness. Spike couldn’t help but to admire
the flat six-pack beneath a tight tee shirt and the respectable bulge in the
crotch of the well-worn jeans. ‘The loose windbreaker jacket is probably
concealing some weapons,’ he thought.
“Jack, this is
Spike Jensen, one of your hosts. We’re about to head over to Sunrise and see
Lou Gallian.”
The stoical
bodyguard reached out and shook Spike’s hand. “Sorry to intrude but orders are
orders. I promise not to be in your way.”
“Um, I’ll show
you the guest bedroom.” Spike felt intensity – physically and mentally – when
their hands melded with a powerful grip. ‘This is someone not to screw with,’
he judged. “If you want something from the fridge, help yourself.” Spike turned
to Mario and asked, “Does Jack know that Lou and I…are together?”
“Not a problem,”
Mario said with a chuckle. “Jack’s straight but understands the score.”
“I’m cool, Mr.
Jensen. My job is to protect you guys – not judge.”
“First, it’s
Spike and Lou. Second, we’ll keep our physical stuff limited to behind our
bedroom door. Come on. I’ll show you your room so we can get to the hospital.”
“Go ahead and get
Jack squared away. I’m going to make a call.” Mario nodded and pulled his cell
out of his pocket.
“Be back in a
few.” Spike nodded to Jack and started walking to the kitchen. “There’s plenty
of food in the freezer. I had planned on cooking steaks tonight so feel free to
have one. As you see, there’s a TV on the wall.”
“Nice layout.
I’ll have no problem staying out of your way.” Jack smiled and added, “Go ahead
and show me the bedroom so you can get to the hospital. I know if my wife was
laid up, I’d want to be with her.”
“Well, I don’t
think of Lou as a wife…but I get your point.” Spike shrugged with a slight
smile and walked down the gallery hallway. “Your room is the last door on the
right and there’s a large TV in there, as well. I guess that’s about it. I
would prefer you not to use the computers in our house, if that’s okay?”
“My laptop’s in
the bag and the mission is to keep you guys safe until the problems are
resolved. I’ll respect your privacy.”
“Got it.” Spike
patted Jack on the shoulder. “I’ll take my lead from Mario and you.” He turned
around and rejoined Mario in the foyer.
“Yep. Mr. Jensen
is here and we’re off to the hospital.” Mario flipped his cell off and slipped
it into his pocket. “Let’s boogie and I’ll tell you what’s happening in the
car.”
The two men
called an elevator and silently rode down to the entrance of the tower. Mario
slipped some money into the hand of the front desk attendant and headed to his
gray Mercedes 550 coupe. As they got in, Mario said, “I didn’t want to say
anything in the elevator.” He started the powerful V-8 and they drove away from
the porte-cachere.
“This sounds like
super dangerous crap. Are we going to be okay?” Spike turned to Mario with a
frown.
“We’re the good
guys in this and the ‘company’ has it covered. What happened today was not a
total surprise. We knew these cretins had no sense of honor – you know what I
mean – but no one expected the Ruskies to strike out in such a fashion at this
stage. Rule number one is you don’t target civilians. Therefore, our gloves are
off…so to speak.” Mario slowed to a stop at a light and impatiently drummed his
fingers on the steering wheel.
“The gloves are
off? Like you’re going to be kicking some butt?” Spike had never been exposed
to Mario’s other job responsibilities and was amazed that his old boss was in
the thick of things. ‘My friend is definitely part of a bigger picture in the
‘company’,’ he thought. ‘Whatever that picture is.’
“Kicking some
butt is quite an understatement. The key characters in their organization have
been carefully watched over the past month. This was after the last meeting
when an impasse was hit and our people grew wary. However, when the shit hit
the fan this morning with Mrs. Gallian’s murder, all of our resources were
called in. About an hour ago, two of their safe houses in New York were
torched. In L.A., their local honcho was picked off by one of our guys.” The
light turned green and Mario gunned the ‘Benz’ into the clear lane of traffic.
“But you don’t
know if it’s over?”
“Too early. We
know their top goon is in Moscow. However, our Chinese associates are handling
that situation. The best thing is to stay on the defensive and wait for some
sort of signal that they understand we mean business. I figure it’ll be tense
for a couple of weeks.” Mario turned onto South Maryland Parkway and
accelerated. “Buddy, let’s just keep everything I’ve said between you and me.
Lou doesn’t know all the details of the businesses his dad looks after and I’ve
probably said too much already.”
“You can count on
me. I’ll let Lou tell me what he wants me to know. From our conversations, I
think he only knows about the Gallian Industries businesses and the new casino
company. He and his cousin are being groomed to run it with Nick Maggiano.”
“I’m sure that’s
the way Mr. Gallian wants it. However, the death of Mrs. Gallian will cause a
little tension after the grieving is over. By the way, you should know that
Mrs. Gallian is Nick’s sister.”
“That, I was
aware of. Guess the best thing to do is lay low and give Lou all the support he
needs.”
“What about the
press? Cable news will be all over this.” Spike was sure Mario’s bosses
wouldn’t want publicity of this nature.
“Handled. Mrs.
Gallian was an auto accident fatality and Nick’s home exploded due to an
unfortunate gas leak. The police were very cooperative.”
‘Friends in high
places,’ Spike thought, ‘come in handy.’ He quietly watched as they approached
Sunrise Hospital’s main entrance. Spike was grateful that his partner wasn’t
seriously hurt. However, another part of him wondered if he was getting into
something far more complex…and dangerous.
Mario turned into
the parking lot and found a space near the entrance. The men got out of the car
and walked rapidly to the main building. At the front desk, they inquired about
Lou Gallian’s condition and location. After showing his identification, which
was checked off against a short list, they were given the information. Spike was comforted to know Lou was doing well
and approved to receive visitors. Mario took the lead and started walking down
the antiseptic hallways to Lou’s room. Spike automatically stayed glued to
Mario’s side until they reached the private room. A blond man who physically
appeared to be very similar to Jack, back at the apartment, carefully guarded
the door. The man shook Mario’s hand and whispered a few words in Mario’s ear.
“Lou’s been
asking for you,” Mario said as he nodded to the guard. “Let’s go in.”
Spike took a deep
breath and entered first. There, lying in the bed, was his banged up partner.
Various monitors and an I.V. were attached to his arm. However, except for some
superficial scrapes on the face and a bandage on his forehead, Lou appeared to
be in good shape. “Hey, babe,” Spike said. “Sorry about your mom. I can only
imagine the loss you feel.” He walked up to the side of the bed and gently
squeezed Lou’s hand.
“Thanks. It was
quite a shock and then this. Poor Rod.” Lou attempted a weak smile, which
quavered, and ended up with an anguished cry and streaming tears. Spike did the
best he could, hugging him awkwardly, and eventually Lou calmed down and let
out a relieved sigh. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“That’s what this
partner thing is all about, Lou. And I’m so glad you’re okay. Mario gave me a
rundown about what’s happened and the extra security we’re going to have for a
while. The main thing is you’re okay and coming home soon.” Spike looked at his
lover and knew that whatever else was happening didn’t much matter…as long as they
faced it together.
“Home. I like the
sound of that.”
Spike nodded,
leaned down and gently kissed Lou’s lips. He knew Lou would probably be going
back East for the funeral, but right now, Spike was determined to give Lou all
the support he could.
_______________________
TO BE CONTINUED
Click on this site for more information
about the artist Vance Kirkland and his art: http://www.kirklandmuseum.org/.