Barely Legal

26

By the time the whole Tommy Taperelli question got sorted out, it was lunchtime and the court broke for lunch. The upshot was that Herbie could ask the question, but if the witness denied the allegation, that would be that. There would be no follow-up. It seemed fairly straightforward, still it took forever to agree upon. And when, surprise, surprise, Detective Kelly answered that his testimony had not been influenced in the least by Tommy Taperelli, Herbie’s bombshell was, in the final analysis, a bit of a dud.

Herbie was somewhat preoccupied on his way to lunch. He stepped off the curb and was almost run over. He jumped back and was surprised to have the car stop right alongside him. The door flew open and two goons pulled him into the backseat.

After the morning in court Herbie fully expected it to be Tommy Taperelli’s henchmen about to take him for a ride. In which case, a beating would be a benign outcome.

He was not prepared for the smiling face of Mario Payday.

“Mr. Fisher, how nice of you to drop by.”

“Thanks for the invitation.”

“But of course. When a man of your stature comes to my attention, I would not want him to feel slighted.”

“That wasn’t a worry.”

“I’m glad. Anyway, you seemed so certain there was something wrong with your marker, I asked Benny Slick to clarify the situation.”

“What did he say?”

“Unfortunately, the gentleman was no longer able to answer the question. Or any other, for that matter.”

“You didn’t!”

“Of course not, Mr. Fisher. He was an old man. He had a heart attack.”

“While hanging upside down?”

Mario smiled and waggled his finger. “Good one, Mr. Fisher. I like your sense of humor. If only it was rivaled by your sense of obligation. I am wondering if you have made any progress toward bringing our business transaction to a satisfactory conclusion.”

“I’ve been somewhat busy.”

“So I understand. A lawyer appearing in court would have to be a very busy man. Particularly in a criminal case, and especially when his client is the son of a prominent man. A lawyer would have to work very hard in order to justify his retainer.”

“I see you have an intimate knowledge of the law.”

“I consulted a lawyer once. He wanted me to pay him. A novel idea. It took some time to set him straight.”

“Mr. Capelleti—”

“Mario. Please.”

“Mario, I hate to disappoint you, but I’ve been having a hell of a day. If you want to beat me up, you’ll have to get in line.”

“Beat you up? Heaven forbid. We’re gentlemen, you and I. And we will settle this like gentlemen.”

“You’re proposing a duel?”

Mario smiled. “What a novel idea. I like you, Mr. Fisher. I really do. I am delighted that fate has thrust us together.”

“It’s a blessing,” Herbie said. “Well, I’m glad we had this little chat.”

“As am I, Mr. Fisher. It’s not only pleasant, but it gives me an opportunity to remind you of your obligation to me, which I expect you to discharge.”

Mario signaled to the driver and the car pulled up to the curb. Carlo came around and opened the door. Before Herbie could get out, Mario put a hand on his arm.

“In cash, by the end of the business day. Is that clear, Mr. Fisher?”

Herbie smiled. “Crystal.”