yourselves. Dry cleaning, for example, is a tremendous avenue. Liquor stores are another. When was the last time you saw one of them go out of business? Michael's involved with both types of operations, he can tell you how profitable they can be.'
'I've suggested several ventures I could help them with,' Michael explained. 'Businesses more mainstream in nature. But their only interest is in promotions.'
Fratenzza nodded thoughtfully. 'I know nothing about the wrestling business myself, of course, but I'm sure you and Frank have given this a great deal of thought. If you're prepared, and Michael's kind enough to help you get started, I see no reason why you shouldn't go ahead with your plans.'
'Thank you.' Vincent smiled.
Fratenzza's eyes shifted back to Frank. 'I'm happy to offer you advice and friendship, but unfortunately I'm not in a position to help financially. I've had only modest success in business myself, you understand.'
At least on paper, that statement was true. His oceanfront homes in Rhode Island and Florida were in his wife's name. All three of his cars were leases obtained for free through one of several dealerships he was involved with, and again listed in his wife's name. Although he owned an enormous amount of local commercial real estate, it too was listed in other names or under the umbrella of dummy corporations that could never be traced back to him. The only thing Fratenzza admitted ownership of was a modest cigarette and coffee vending machine business. As far as the IRS was concerned, he earned between thirty and forty thousand dollars a year. No one knew for sure how much he was actually worth, but between his legitimate businesses and his sizable take from all the loan shaking, bookmaking, protection, and drug trafficking in southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island, Gino Fratenzza was a millionaire several times over.
He'd run the area for years, and in what were known as 'Fratenzza neighborhoods' life was good. In the community where Frank had grown up everyone knew that Fratenzza and his associates were in charge. Everyone knew they took money from local businesses for protection; operated as shylocks and bookmakers, and involved themselves in all sorts of sordid and illegal activities, only no one cared, because while these men terrorized other people in other places, in their own neighborhoods things could not have been safer. No drugs were sold in the neighborhood; no one worried about being mugged or raped; shootings and street gang warfare happened elsewhere. Fratenzza ran neighborhoods where old women could walk the street after dark without fear, and young children could play without being bothered or threatened. On those rare occasions when something negative did occur, those responsible for breaking the rules were dealt with harshly, and Fratenzza's men made sure everyone either heard about the punishments or witnessed them firsthand.
A deliveryman who had lured a young girl into the back of his truck and then molested her was castrated and dismembered alive, the remains of his body then dumped at the edge of the neighborhood for the police to collect. A man who had stolen money from the local church had had his arm removed below the elbow and was made to volunteer as an evening custodian at the rectory for the remainder of his life. Two teenagers from the south end of the city who had sold drugs in Fratenzza's protected territory were executed, both shot in the back of the head and left on display on the same local playground where they had attempted to conduct business only hours before. By most Fratenzza and his men were viewed as heroes instead of gangsters, something that made the daily operation of their businesses that much easier.
Michael Santangelo was the second in command beneath Fratenzza in the local area. His father, John, had grown up with Fratenzza and had been a close confidante and business associate for many years. When Michael was eighteen and Vincent just twelve, their father was sent to prison for multiple counts of tax evasion and racketeering. It was common knowledge that he had taken the fall for Fratenzza and several others and because of this his family was well provided for.
Three months into his ten-year sentence, John Santangelo was stabbed to death in what was termed a 'dispute between inmates'. Fratenzza helped John's wife and two sons move from Rhode Island to New Bedford, and set her up with enough money to continue to enjoy the lifestyle to which she had become accustomed. A few years later she remarried and moved to Florida. Fratenzza gave Michael an apartment where he and Vincent could live and put him on the payroll.
Michael began his career in the muscle end of the business. Although he was young, he was fiercely loyal to Fratenzza and quickly earned a reputation for being one of the bloodier, more dangerous enforcers in his stable. As the years came and went, Michael's responsibilities grew, and he eventually ended up working as private bodyguard to Fratenzza. Some time later he was given small interests in some of the loan-sharking, bookmaking, protection, narcotics, and money laundering operations. When he demonstrated a flair for business and began generating enormous profits, others above him were systematically removed, and soon Michael was running an area that included a piece of the profit from the region's enormous fishing industry, liquor stores, car dealerships, dry cleaners, nightclubs, vending routes, and even the sale of paper goods and concessions to local hotels and restaurants. Eventually, Michael took over all ventures under Gino Fratenzza's control, and was recognized by those in positions of power in Boston, Providence, and beyond, as his eventual successor.
'You're advice and friendship is more than enough,' Vincent said. 'Obviously, Frank and I can learn a lot from you.'
Fratenzza smiled warmly. 'You and Michael are like sons to me, you know that.'
'You've always been good to me, and I appreciate it.'
Fratenzza shifted his eyes between Vincent and Frank as he spoke. 'It's important to remember who your friends are,' he said softly, his face showing no expression. 'Real friends never let anything or anyone come between them. Not money, not women – nothing. And of course no real friendship can ever be a one-way street.'
'Of course,' Vincent said.
Fratenzza looked over his shoulder into the kitchen. 'Vic, have Dave get my car.' He turned back to the table. 'I'd love to stay and visit but I've got a full day planned with the wife. I wish you boys nothing but the best.'
After another round of handshakes Michael walked Fratenzza to the door. 'That's it, Vin?' Frank asked in a whisper.
'That's it. I told you, it's just a formality.'
'Now that I've met him, Fratenzza's not what I expected.'
'These guys never are.'
Michael returned to the table. 'That went well.'
'When can we get this thing rolling?' Vincent asked.
'Come by the office tomorrow and I'll take care of it,' he said. 'Just make sure you guys do the right thing, all right?'
Vincent rolled his eyes. 'Come on, Mike, don't bust my balls.'
'All I need is some sort of steady payment. If youse run into a problem, come to me and we'll work it out.'
'I understand,' Frank assured him.
Vincent folded his thick forearms across his chest and winked at his brother. 'We'll have the vig paid in no time. Don't worry about it.'
Michael's face looked as if it had been set in stone. 'I'm not worried.'
Frank felt a sudden chill and forced himself to smile. From the kitchen, Vic DeNicco announced that lunch was served and Michael invited them to stay.
Frank was relieved when Vincent politely declined. He couldn't have eaten a bite if there had been a gun to his head. And in a way, there was.
CHAPTER 5
The Puma, in black spandex, leopard skin boots and a mask resembling the face of the cat for which he'd been named, bolted across the ring, hopped up onto the top rope and ran from one corner of the ring to the next with the skill of a high wire artist. Diablo Gonzalez had a hold of his wrist the entire time, finally yanking his opponent off balance, sending the Puma into a back flip in mid-air. Just before he crashed to the canvas the Puma tucked his knees against his chest and gracefully rolled through the fall, coming up on his feet on the far side of the
