In the Storm

The sudden, ‘mysterious’ disappearance of Santiago ‘Sapo’ Valencia had caused a major shift in the underworld. Once the other crime families got wind that the Colombian’s hold was wavering they pounced. Though Kamran was a formidable figure he wasn’t quite as invested in the business as Sapo was. The acquisition of the bear’s empire was a mere stepping stone for the pachyderm. He had his sights on a bigger target. The lackluster efforts made by the Colombians to maintain their large territory left much to be desired. Many mob families were plotting to make their move and that included Sal Malone. The caribou had been biding his time, he had learned from other’s mistakes that you didn’t take Sapo Valencia head on so he stepped back and waited for the inevitable. Sapo had made many enemies and all of the hits he made against others would eventually rebound back to get him.

So a week after Sapo’s departure the don decided to pay a visit to his nephew at the Spiked Tiger. The speakeasy had really grown since he last stopped by. Though Sal wasn’t well acquainted with the owner, Yury, he respected the way the tiger managed to stay out of conflict despite the large share he had in the hooch trade. Most dealers enjoyed the violence that came with the job, taking pleasure in asserting their dominance. But level headedness is an invaluable trait when it comes to making it big in the underworld. Emotion had no place in the mob.

The extravagance of the establishment still caught the caribou off guard as he walked through the main entrance. He nodded at Dee who returned the gesture, the stature of the stallion was impressive. He was sure he had no trouble keeping rowdy patrons in line. He glanced towards the bar and couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face at the sight of his nephew. Ike was chatting up a saucy looking Persian cat who had a coy look on her delicate face. Another beauty caught his attention though and he turned to watch as a clouded leopard waltzed past the bar, a tray of drinks in hand, and over to a small group of patrons who were seated at one of the tables in a more intimate area of the club. Sal shook his head slightly, she was still stunning as ever, a grade A knock-out. He remembered the first time he saw Beverly Collins after the death of her father. She had a halo of innocence around her as she shuffled around stage looking mighty uncomfortable in her attire, or lack thereof. That halo was no longer there, replaced with the confidence of a long time professional, she smiled cheekily at guests and poured on that high society charm she had perfected over the years. Sal guessed that’s what made Beverly so popular, she seemed like a real class act, it was like getting a glimpse at something taboo. He was jolted out of his thoughts by a pat on the shoulder, he looked to his left and saw that Yury had come to greet him.

“A visit from The Martello himself? To what do I owe the pleasure?” Yury’s thick accent was the only thing he had in common with his fellow countrymen who were involved with the Mafia. Yury had no ties to one particular family, he managed to keep to himself, another feat Sal admired about the achromatic tiger.

“Had a rough week, need to let loose a bit,” Sal lied and Yury raised an eyebrow as if to say ‘do I look like I was born yesterday?’. And the cervine chuckled. “Alright you’ve caught me, I was hoping to have a little chat with you and my nephew.”

Yury stared at him silently for a bit before nodding solemnly, Sal guessed he was weighing the pros and cons of taking this meeting. The don was glad he had accepted, he’d prefer not to threaten the feline in his own establishment, it was uncouth.

“I’ll meet you in my office in five.” With that Yury went off. Since he had a few minutes Sal figured he’d grab a drink while he waited.

“Uncle Sal!” Ike cheered as the don took a seat at the bar. He smiled at Ike and drew him into a hug.

“How’s it goin’ my pesce piccolo?”

“Zio, don’t call me that.” Ike muttered, embarrassed at the nickname his uncle still insisted on calling him.

“Quit blushing and get me a drink.” Sal laughed heartily at Ike’s annoyed expression. He had known Ike since he was a tyke and treated him like his own son. Having only had girls he doted on Ike. As he waited for his drink, a French 75, a familiar face sidled up to him. “Hey who’s this no-good scoundrel?” Sal nudged the intrusive newcomer with his elbow.

“Whatddya mean you old rummy.” The newcomer laughed heartily and draped an arm across Sal’s shoulders.

“Since when did you hang ‘round here? If your ma knew she’d skin you alive, Levi.” As the don looked at the impish expression on his nephew’s face he wondered if Soren was here too. The Martinelli boys usually traveled as a trio, though Sal was under the impression that Soren was not as comfortable with speakeasies as Ike (and Levi, apparently) was.

“Who’s gonna tell her?” Levi asked cheekily, knowing full well the dog that brought that particular bone to his mother would be on the receiving end of her explosive temper. As the three of them chuckled at the thought, an empty tray was slammed on the bar beside Sal and he glanced to his left to see who had arrived.

“Sloppy drunks are the worst.” The enchanting feline was angrily dabbing at the sparkly lavender brazier she had on, it was stained by an unknown liquid. Ike reached across the bar and handed her a handful of napkins, she took them with a gracious look on her face before turning her attention back to the task at hand.

“You want me to get Dee to kick them out?” Ike asked, half joking.

“Nah, I set ‘em straight. Maybe they’ll leave a big tip.” She waded up the damp napkins and handed them back to Ike who tossed them into the bin. It was then that she noticed the new presence and she turned to look at Sal. He was struck yet again by her beauty and a pang of guilt shot through him.

“Oh, where are my manners. Bevy, this is Sal Malone. Uncle Sal, this is Miss Beverly Collins, also known as The Jezebel of the Spiked Tiger.” Ike introduced the two and Beverly offered a hand, which Sal took, planting a small kiss on her knuckles.

“So this is Uncle Sal? I’ve heard so much about you.” Beverly flashed a warm smile.

“All good I hope?” Sal joked, looking between his nephews.

“The very best. What brings you around these parts?”

“Well Miss Collins, I’ve come to see what sort of trouble my nephews are up to. They haven’t bothered me in a while so it must be something sinister.” Sal had an easy smile on his face, oblivious to the double meaning in his words.

“Please call me Bev, and count yourself lucky that you’re left out of Ike and Levi’s schemes.” She chuckled and flashed a cheery smile.

“Excuse me, lapa. I need to have a chat with Sal and Isaac.” Yury’s gruff voice was accompanied by a small smile as he addressed Beverly. She nodded and stepped away to continue her waitrily duties. The trio snaked their way around the bar and went up the narrow staircase to the second floor of the club. Once they were inside Yury’s modest office the tiger offered the two a drink. Both declined not wanting to numb their senses any further, Yury on the other hand poured two fingers of an expensive scotch and sat down behind his desk.

“I don’t want to mince words here so I’ll get right to the point. We need to deal with the Kamran problem. And he is becoming a problem.” Sal took out a cigar and bit off the end angrily before lighting it.

“Yeah, problem for you.” Yury put heavy emphasis on the last word with a shrug.

“Well Yury, at the risk of sounding like a dirty mobster, my problems are your problems, pal.” Sal knew he didn’t need to elaborate. Yury had a good thing going right now and the main reason for that was the somewhat shaky alliance he had with the Malone clan. Ike and Levi were the bridges that held it together but if pushed Sal had no doubt they would choose blood over water. The mild threat hung in the air as Yury took a sip of his scotch.

“It would be in our best interest to take some initiative and seize the opportunity Sapo’s...disappearance has blessed us with. His territory is ripe for the taking and since you have a rapport with Kamran I figured you’d be the best man for the job.” The inflection in Sal’s voice made it clear that he wasn’t really asking.

“I’d hardly call what we have a ‘rapport’,” Yury’s accent butchered the word, “He still won’t give up the real gem of Sapo’s empire.” Although the Spiked Tiger was Yury’s pride and joy he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t eager to expand his business beyond Manhattan and the little smattering of opium dens he (somewhat reluctantly) co-owned in the Bronx. If Yury could get his claws into Queens he’d have unfettered access to Sapo’s prime smuggling channels. With his ‘ally’ Sal controlling Brooklyn they would have a virtual monopoly on their hands. Even though Yury mostly kept out of the drug trade, save for his silent partnerships in the Zhou triad opium joints, he still made a damn good living as a purveyor of illicit hooch. If he could find a way to absorb Sapo’s territory he’d be set for life.

“That damn tusker. He won’t even consider a partnership. He may have connections with our pals across the pond but that won’t do him any good without a route into the harbor. This would be mutually beneficial but he can’t see beyond that massive honker of his.” Sal grit his teeth and for a second Ike was worried his uncle was considering throwing the towel in and ordering a hit out on the guy.

“Well, from what I’ve heard Kamran’s not one to play well with others, Zio.” Ike shrugged, not fully understanding what stood to be gained from Sapo’s disappearance.

“That’s not the American way.” The elk clicked his tongue and shot Yury an amused glance.

“I hardly think he’d pack up and move back to Bombay for any sum of money.” Yury frowned deeply.

“Well then it looks like we’ll have to find a bigger peanut to toss at the ol’ boy.” The smile on Sal’s face was almost sinister.

“Elaborate.” Yury wasn’t following.

“Do you still have that connection to the mayor?” Sal raised an eyebrow.

“You mean Rhea?” Yury didn’t like where this was headed, he was already indebted to the conniving feline for the favor he had called in a few months prior.

“Rhea De Luca?” Ike sputtered, eyes wide as he regarded Yury in disbelief, “You sure you want to rev up that engine again?”

“I’m sure Yury won’t mind taking one for the team. Especially when this particular poison is so very sweet.” The wicked grin on Sal’s face had Yury’s stomach sinking.

“Look Erebus has had his fun here. It’s time for him to move onto bigger and better things. He’s been a beloved mayor here for years, he’s ready for Capitol Hill.” With a firm nod of confirmation, Sal stood and made to shake Yury’s hand. Though the tiger felt less than willing to do the task he accepted Sal’s hand. With a wave to Yury, Ike escorted his uncle out of the office, leaving Yury to his thoughts.

Any hopes Yury had of cleaning up this Sapo mess quickly have gone out the window, it seemed that even in death, or whatever form of suspended animation the bear was trapped in, he was screwing with Yury’s business. As he dialed the number of the mayor’s daughter he really hoped Rhea was in a giving mood.