Beneath The Surface Read Online Free Page A

construction companies, and burial services.”
    “The Parlor,” Carmen said, knowing the reason he invested in that particular industry. She looked at the card: “Cuisine?”
    “It’s a supper club.”
    “I always said you should open a restaurant. You always were a good cook,” Carmen said, and Marcus began to wonder about the depth of her relationship with Black.
    “You and Marcus should come by some time.”
    “We will,” Marcus said quickly.
    “The house band is great and the food is excellent. Maybe you’ll do a story about my restaurant. That’s where you’ll find me,” Black said, staring deeply into Carmen’s eyes. He looked at his watch. “Unfortunately, I have to say good night, my friends. I have another appointment I need to keep.” He stood up. “Like I said, Marcus, it was good to finally meet you.” And then he turned to Carmen. “Carmen, let’s not let it be seventeen years until I see you again.”
    “I promise,” Carmen said and extended her hand, “it won’t be.”
    “Now I have something to look forward to.” Black bent at the waist and kissed her hand. “Wanda, I’ll get with you in the morning. Good night.” Black left the restaurant and got in the car with Victor.
     

Chapter Five
     
    Victor drove Black out to Yonkers to see Angelo Collette. Black and Angelo met when they were in high school. Back in the day before Angelo became a made man, they put in a lot of good work together. Black was going there to tell him something that he was sure Angelo already knew: why Bobby and Nick decided that Bruce Stark, who was in business with Angelo, had to die. But Black felt it was important that Angelo hear it from him.
    Black and Victor pulled up in front of a small private club, and were met at the curb by two large gentlemen. “While I’m talkin’ to Angelo, you give them your gun and wait at the bar.”
    “I heard the story,” Victor said and got out of the car. “I know the drill.” The story of how Freeze a room full of Angelo’s armed man had become legendary.
    They went inside and, as promised, Victor gave up his gun and sat down at the bar. Black went in the back to Angelo’s office. When he opened the door, there sat Angelo with a bottle of Rémy Martin XO
Premier Cru, and two glasses sitting on the table.
    “Come on in, Mikey, and shut the door,” Angelo said and waved him on. “Like I said, this bottle of
XO
Premier got your name on it.”
    “How’s it goin’, Angee?” Black asked and shook his hand.
    “Same as always,” Angelo said, pouring them both a drink.
    “Thanks,” Black said and shot his, and Angelo followed suit.
    “So, Mikey, is this a business or a social call?”
    “It’s both.”
    “I thought it would be,” Angelo said, and Black prepared to tell Angelo what he already knew, but there was a knock at the door. “What is it?” Angelo shouted.
    One of Angelo’s men cracked the door open and stuck his head in. “Sorry to bother you, but its Pauly on the phone.”
    “What does he want?”
    “It’s Mangino again.”
    “That prick,” Angelo said.
    “Tell me about it.”
    “What is it this time?”  
    “Pauly says Mangino came around again today, bustin’ his balls.”
    “I’m fuckin’ tired of this prick,” Angelo said and jumped up. “You tell Pauly he ain’t gotta worry about that no more. And you get that fuckin’ prick on the phone and—you know what, never mind,” Angelo said and looked at Black. “Come ride with me, Mikey.” Angelo opened the desk drawer and took out a gun.
    “Where we goin’, Angee?”
    “Where the fuck you think we’re goin’. We’re goin’ to kill this prick.”
    Black looked at Angelo without answering.
    “Come on, Mikey. It will be like old times.”
    Black got up and followed Angelo out the door. On the way out of the club, he told Victor to have a few drinks and relax, and he got in the car with Angelo. “So what this guy do?”
    “He just don’t get it, Mikey. This prick