The Family

Untitled Part 19

Mario overheard Carlos informing Frankie that he had identified the three men who had assaulted him. "I'm coming with you when you when you confront them." he said slipping out of the shadows from where he was listening. "Do don't think that's a good idea Mario," said Frankie, "It could rekindle bad memories. This is best left to Carlos he knows what to do." "I'm going Papa and that is final," Mario replied.  Carlos had been tracking the two younger men for the past month and a phone call informed him that at this moment they were enrolled in a tournament at a local pool hall. Six of Carlos's men were already inside and mingling. He and Mario entered at 1pm exactly. The young men were at a table towards the back of the dimly lit hall. As they made their way through the raft of pool players some began to leave, recognising Carlos and his men and knowing that trouble was on the horizon. Carlos stopped at the table being occupied by the men and picked up the white ball. "What the fuck man? said what seemed to be the cocky one. A player at the adjacent table made to intervene but was pulled back by a friend who knew what was happening. "Do you recognise my friend? asked Carlos as Mario stepped into the light. Both of the men all of a sudden looked their young age and froze. "We didn't know he was going to do that" said the other one, "He is fucking crazy." "You were selling drugs to kids other wise my friend here Mario Lazaro would never have been in the area." said Carlos dropping the name Lazaro for affect. "We had no idea you were Frankie Lazaro's boy," said the younger and the quieter of the two. "It makes no difference who I am," said Mario, "You were trying to sell drugs to my son and his friends. What is your names? The young men said their names. "Are they lying? Carlos asked a player on another table. "No Carlos," he answered "That is their real names." Mario stepped forward. "Now we have a face to a name," he said, "If either one of you come onto our radar for any crime what so ever then you will both suffer the punishment that your driver will suffer before this day is out. Do you both understand? "Yes, Mario," said both of them in unison. Next was the driver. he lived in what could only be described as the Projects. ten stories high with external walkway entrances. Number 98, Carlos was a professional, he just kicked in the door. He went by the name of Ricco. an alleged enforcer for a Hispanic drug gang. As the door flew open he was standing in the hallway in a vest and shorts. "There aint to many places to go when you are on the eighth floor" Things were moving very quickly. Carlos motioned him to an old arm chair and let him know why they were there. "I should have killed the Sicilian bastard," he said with no sign of remorse. "This is where you leave Mario," said Carlos taking a claw hammer from inside his jacket. "What the fuck Carlos? he said, "Give him a slap and let's be on our way." Carlos just shook his head, "It's only business," he replied, "Now just leave."
The Court resumed as scheduled at 10am. Judge Fleming shuffled for a few moments with his papers and then began to speak. "I have made some checks of my own and I must admit to finding you quite fascinating Mr Spencer. You have managed to sell the same property on six different occasions and each time to yourself. For this I must applaud you. But your actions have consequences. Each time you raised the rent of Mr Bennet who by the words of the original contract should have been the legal owner of said property. I truly believe that I could talk for hours on this matter but my time is of a premium. Therefore I will come to my conclusion. I have written in front of me five to ten years which in real terms would mean eight. I have also written high six figure fine. Which could mean anything. But my remit for now is to deal with Mr Bennet's case. A case in which he has been lied to, swindled and has suffered mental and financial anxiety. The first time you sold this property to yourself it was valued at thirty five thousand dollars. The price which if offered to him I am convinced Mr Bennet would have payed. He has also carried out maintenance and upgrades to said property at great cost to himself. Furthermore the excess in rent he has payed to your various companies stacks up to a very large amount of money. Do you see where I am coming from Mr Spencer? "I do." he replied. ", "Very well." the judge continued, "I take it then that you do not want to visit Prison on the matter of Mr Bennet? "No your honour." said Spencer. "Good then we are agreed," said Judge Fleming. "The Property in question as it stands today has a value of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. You will within the next month and under the supervision of Miss Clark sign said property over to Mr Bennet. Furthermore you will pay all costs incurred by Mr Bennet and back calculated rent of eighty thousand dollars. Do I make myself clear Mr Spencer? "Yes, your honour." he replied. "Ok," this case is over with," said judge Fleming, "But just behind you Mr Spencer you will see two men in grey suits who would like to speak with you regarding Fraud and Tax Evasion, good luck. Court dismissed." Outside of the Court Charlie and Amy were ecstatic. "Could you see that coming? he asked Claire. "I had my suspicions as to what he would do, but to be fair he went far and beyond even my expectations. Now you go and enjoy. I will raise the necessary papers regarding the transfer of Deeds. I am sure a nice meal tonight to celebrate would be quite in order."