Dignity's Worth

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

For two long hours me and Sal and Newt discussed what to do and how to do it and when to proceed and stuff like that. It was all very technical, so I wouldn't want to go into the details of the planning. But I was curious on how Vinny had handled the police in case of the Martin affair. And so I asked Newt.

"He bribes them." was the reply, "He bribes them in order to keep their mouth shut."

"That much money?" I asked, "Where does he get it?"

Newt laughed.

"He's been in the business longer than you can imagine." he answered, "Check that drawer by your side."

I opened the table drawer and sure enough, there was a bundle of money in there.

"There's more where that came from." said Newt, "But this much is sufficient to keep the cops silent."

I'd never seen so much cash in one place in my life. And what else was I expecting anyways? Vinny Ricci was a local don, and I would've been more surprised if he didn't have money like this by his side.

"Wow," I gasped, "this is really good."

"Ain't it? I told you he's been in the business longer than you can imagine."

"He must've been."

Just then, somebody entered the office, panting and a little afraid.

"What's the matter?" asked Newt.

"Somebody's downstairs," came the reply, "he's saying he wants to meet Vinny."

"Send him up."

"But Vinny isn't here." said I.

"So what?" cried Newt, "I'm here, you're here, and as of now, and the both of us are in charge of business. So let's listen to what this guy has to say."

"Alright."

A ruggedly dressed person in his twenties came inside the office as if he owned it. I knew just by looking at him that he was either here to threaten us or to warn us.

"Vinny Ricci?" asked he, and it was probably the most loathsome voice in the world.

Newt looked at me.

"Alex Moretti," said I, getting up, "sit down please."

"I ain't havin' time for all these fucking jokes, man." he replied, "Take me to your boss."

"He's not here." I answered back, "So whatever business you have you can discuss with us."

The guy sat down with an arrogant air about him.

"Any of you bastards know Martin Giovanni?"

We were silent.

"I've heard the name, yes." said Newt, "What's the deal?"

"Some of Vinny's guys thrashed him last night. At least that's what we were told by the police."

Sal and I looked at each other.

"Okay," I began, "what do you want?"

"I want him to get out of town for a few days. We're gonna tear this place apart. We don't want no harm to anybody, so get out. You have twelve hours to decide."

"Guys." I said, "Could I talk to him in person?"

They looked at me.

"Okay." said Newt, and got up first.