Gumshoe. Part 4. (The Greek). (609 hits)
Category: NoneLabels: Gumshoe
Rating: 2 on 23 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by <Davros> (View user info) at 2005-02-22 11:35:16 EST
Part 1 : http://www.ubersite.com/m/56564
Part 2 : http://www.ubersite.com/m/57067
Part 3 : http://www.ubersite.com/m/57844
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Once again, I found myself at my desk by 8am, the hangover not helping my mood at the thought of what was to come.
I managed to get a seat on the 6pm flight from JFK to LAX, first class courtesy of my latest client, which gave me enough time to go and meet the Greek.
By the time Jay arrived at around 9, the headache was receding and I was ready to get out of the office. I had a few loose ends to tie up with some existing cases before I could devote my attention fully to locating Cilfone's briefcase.
"I need you to work through the other box Jay. Start looking into any possible candidates for an inside job. I'll see you in a few days."
"You're off to LA? Could you use some company?"
" I need you here for this one."
"You never take me anywhere any more!", he deadpanned.
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The drive back to my place in Westchester passed in a blur of thoughts.
By the time I had showered changed and packed a small carry on bag for my forthcoming trip, it was time to jump a cab back into the city for my meeting with the Greek.
I tried to avoid using him for information as often as possible because he couldn't be entirely trusted. He was, however, the kind of guy who understood that one good turn deserves another. After our initial meeting he had always helped me out whenever I asked. I wouldn't go so far as to call him a friend, but he could be relied on for assistance when I needed it. He had also introduced me to the Girl.
The Greek's business was hotels and restaurants, or at least that was what it said on his tax return. He owned four hotels and about ten eating places mainly in the New York State area, but the nature of his work meant that he had contacts spread around most of the US.
I didn't know what else he was into and I still don't to this day, but I suspect that he had his hands in many different ventures, most of them illegal and probably originating in the bar where I was heading. His first "legitimate" business, buried deep in Alphabet City. The place that The Greek was most likely to grant you an audience.
It was the kind of place that you would not go to if you were of a nervous disposition, particularly after dark. The kind of place that has expensive cars parked outside with the keys left in the ignition, yet remaining untouched. The reputation of the people who frequented the establishment kept most uninvited visitors away.
I entered without trepidation, nodding at the few people I recognised, the die hard patrons who conducted their business from the dark booths at the back of the bar.
As I approached the bar, a beer and a scotch were placed in front of me without the need to ask.
"George will be with you shortly Mack", the bartender whispered, in heavily accented English.
I sat back on my stool and awaited my audience.
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I had first met the Greek back in the days when I was still practicing law, in a holding cell. He was already an established businessman by this point, who undoubtedly had a whole team of lawyers ready to wipe his ass on request. Why he chose me or how he got my number I will never know. I can only speculate that he wanted to keep this "private" matter away from his "business" issues.
After persuading the cops at the station to allow me to interview my client, I was provided with the charge sheet. He had been pulled for Statutory Rape.
I learned later that he had quite a weakness for the younger ladies, the charge in question related to a girl of 16 years old.
"Is this right? And if it is are her parents going to follow it up?"
He shrugged, "I don't think her parents know where she is and she won't talk".
"This could be hard work if the cops and the DA can put pressure on her. What were you thinking?"
"What the hell man, if they are coming at you, means they want something, more better you look after them and care for them, than they get on the street uh?"
"I hope that isn't going to be your defence in court."
"I don't want this to go to court Mr. Mackintyre, that's why I called you."
"Just Mack will be fine."
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It turned out that he had been caught in the act with a sixteen year old hooker who went by the name Lady P.
I think I have said it before but in my line of work, both then and now, it pays to know the small people and those that work just below what is considered legal.
I tried to trace Lady P through my regular connections but not surprisingly, she had disappeared. The last thing any working girl wants is trouble from the police, particularly if she is underage.
I was thinking that she had left town when I caught a lucky break. I got a call from one of my old clients who had heard word that I was hunting for her.
"Hey, Cookie. It's been a long time."
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It sounds like a cliché from the world's worst movie, but Cookie was the "Whore with the heart of gold". She kept an eye on all the girls, especially the younger ones.
She knew where to find Lady P and arranged for me to meet with her.
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Lady P was desperate to get out of New York.
The cops were looking for her, they wanted to get the Greek. One in particular was hunting for her for personal reasons. She had come to the conclusion that her working days in the city were numbered and was looking for a fresh start.
A call to Paula "Pants" later and I had arranged for her to go and work up at "The Munkeyhouse" in Boston. The finest house on the East coast in my opinion.
In exchange I received a list of her regular clients, which made for some interesting reading.
One of the names on the list was an assistant DA.
Armed with this information I was able to have the case dropped with very little trouble and more importantly from my client's point of view, without it going to court.
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The bar was getting busier as the time drew on, my third beer now almost finished in front of me.
"Sorry to keep you waiting Mack."
"Not a problem George. How's business?"
Never one to tolerate much small talk he pushed the subject to business quickly.
I explained that I needed someone who could provide me with a little information in LA and also someone to provide some firearms. I made sure not to reveal too much about what was going on, explaining that I was trying to trace a guy with a history of violence and wanted to be prepared as much as possible.
"Get yourself a drink while I make some calls."
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I had been sitting in the very same spot when I first met the Girl. I knew of her and had seen her around, but this was the place we were introduced.
I never thought she would be interested in me, but she seemed to be. It was never a formal thing, we just met up a few times, then seemed to drift into being a couple.
Then three years ago she said she had to go and that was it. No contact, not even a card at Christmas.
Three long years where I had forgotten about the hopes and dreams, until two days ago.
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"George will see you in his office" the bartender whispered.
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I took a seat opposite the Greek and he handed me a slip of paper with a number written on it.
"You can call when you get to LA to arrange a meeting."
"Who am I dealing with George?"
"You heard of a guy called Anthony Mancini?"
I tried to keep a straight face.
"They call him Fat Tony."
"Not to his face they don't", he replied with a grin.
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This was typical of the Greek.
When you wanted the organ grinder he gives you the monkey. When you are looking for a little small time information, he gives you the top man in the Los Angeles "Family".
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I called a cab to take me to the airport and finished my drink.
As I sat on the way to JFK I again wondered exactly what I was getting into.
TBC
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Disclaimer.
The characters portrayed here are by no means associated with persons living or dead, even though some of them may share familiar names.
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-Dave
User Reviews
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2006-03-21 19:51:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Nellypaal (user info) at 2006-03-21 10:04:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-03-15 14:26:23 (#)
Ranking: 2
"What the hell man, if they are coming at you, means they want something, more better you look after them and care for them, than they get on the street uh?"
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working that into a story has to be a sign of sheer brilliance - I laughed so fucking much.
Davros, you have a fan.
Submitted by redskieslookfake (user info) at 2006-03-21 08:19:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You're not bad at this Dave.
Submitted by bigbabylons (user info) at 2005-06-03 23:06:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by nrduncan (user info) at 2005-04-06 15:51:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Spam (user info) at 2005-03-15 14:26:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"What the hell man, if they are coming at you, means they want something, more better you look after them and care for them, than they get on the street uh?"
---
working that into a story has to be a sign of sheer brilliance - I laughed so fucking much.
Davros, you have a fan.
Submitted by thecaes (user info) at 2005-03-05 18:01:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"This could be hard work if the cops and the DA can put pressure on her. What were you thinking?"
"What the hell man, if they are coming at you, means they want something, more better you look after them and care for them, than they get on the street uh?"
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Fucking plus 2 for working that into a story right there. These little things, inside jokes and user names, they make this series great. Though it's pretty great on its own, too.
Submitted by Lechuga (user info) at 2005-02-23 11:37:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Awesome.
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2005-02-22 20:13:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
And yes, I got the joke about the 16-year-olds.
Submitted by LadyPlural (user info) at 2005-02-22 19:55:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
YES
But I'm 17. And Cookielass is... not fond of me, shall we say? That said, kickass inclusion of me. Waaaaiiiiit... Does that mean that Method... and me...
I can't decide whether to be estatic or repulsed. So have a +2.
Submitted by Saxon (user info) at 2005-02-22 19:08:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Damn good work Dave.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-02-22 16:58:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
this was fucking awesome. Good work you ballsy brit.
Submitted by Davros (user info) at 2005-02-22 15:15:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I think I have about reached my limit for reviews on this piece/series.
Again thanks to all for the comments.
Special props to Method.
This one took an age to write, but I am already halfway through the next.
Coming soon.
Thanks again.
-Dave
Submitted by creep_firebombing (user info) at 2005-02-22 14:36:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Can I have a super cool unexpected comeback? I mean, C'MON! THE NIGHT SECURITY GUY?!?
and I always thought I was a badass
Submitted by CookieLass (user info) at 2005-02-22 13:15:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Huzzah! My debut!
Submitted by Method (user info) at 2005-02-22 12:56:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
HAR HAR VERY FUNNY ASSHOLE
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-02-22 12:05:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Dave, you rock my socks!
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-02-22 12:05:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
george the greek... hahahahaha
I kept reading that work as geek.
Submitted by Pentameter (user info) at 2005-02-22 11:49:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
So cool.
Your writing rocks.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2005-02-22 11:49:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
glad to see this back again. keep going!
Submitted by DonkeyOnTheEdge (user info) at 2005-02-22 11:47:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Awesome.
Submitted by ess-arr (user info) at 2005-02-22 11:45:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I was missing these... Top notch.
Submitted by jgreening (user info) at 2005-02-22 11:42:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I always get stuck at home, doing the dirty work...
I wanna go out more often!