La Plante Lynda
Bella Mafia
![](/files/books/2020/09/13/597909/pic_1.jpg)
- Язык: en
- Формат: fb2
- Размер: 417.81 kB
- Жанр: детективы
Lynda La Plante
Bella Mafia
© 1990
Prologue
At ten o'clock in the evening on the second day of the adjournment of the biggest Mafia trial in history, one of the chief prosecutors, Giuliano Emanuel, received a telephone call at his office. It was Mario Domino, an old legal adversary from Emanuel's early court days.
Domino wasted no time in pleasantries. He announced that he wanted a private meeting with Emanuel, and if it could take place immediately, it would be to Emanuel's advantage.
"I am parked outside your office. Please tell your security guards to expect me." The car phone went dead.
Emanuel slowly replaced his receiver. He decided he had no option. He warned his guards of the impending visit and returned to his desk.
The trial, intended to be the exorcism of the Mafia's stranglehold on Sicily, had been adjourned almost before it had begun. An open file on Emanuel's desk showed the gruesome reason. On top of it lay a black-and-white photograph of Emanuel's prize witness for the prosecution. He had been murdered. Lenny Cavataio's mutilated body had had the desired effect;witness after witness had withdrawn statements against the most important prisoner, Don Paul Carolla. The prosecution was very much aware that many more might die before Carolla could be brought into court.
Domino entered minutes after his call, and the two old friends clasped each other in greeting. Domino held the embrace to whisper in Emanuel's ear, "I am trusting you, Giuliano. Pray God you do not abuse my trust."
Refusing a drink, Domino sat down and opened his briefcase. "It is of the utmost importance that no one overhears our conversation."
"Mario, I assure you that you can talk freely. My office is checked every day." He watched as Domino withdrew a large manila envelope from his briefcase, opened it, and took out a photograph.
"If you recognize this man, just nod your head. I do not want his name mentioned. One cannot be too sure."
When Emanuel looked at the black-and-white photograph, the hairs on the back of his neck began to prickle. It was Don Roberto Luciano, II Papa -the real "Boss of Bosses," a leader from the past, when the Mafia was considered a force for poor people unable to fight for their rights. He had been a part of the organization for more than fifty years, and no one knew if he was still active. But he was still honored, even revered, in Palermo.
Emanuel handed the photo back to Domino. "I know who it is."
"He is a close friend of mine, and I have acted on his behalf on numerous occasions. He wishes to meet with you but is well aware of the danger to his family should it become known."
Emanuel's mouth felt dry, and he swallowed. "Why does this client of yours want to meet with me?" he asked.
"He will tell you that himself. I think you will find it beneficial, if you can arrange top security for his family and him."
The two men shook hands on their agreement. Domino's client would arrange the meeting place. Emanuel was to expect a call and was to do exactly as instructed. If he deviated from
the arrangements, the meeting would not take place.
The call came two nights later. Emanuel was to leave his home immediately and drive to a warehouse on the waterfront, leave his car there, and walk to the end of Pier 3, where he would be picked up. Alone.
Emanuel obeyed. His stomach churning, he waited on the pier for almost half an hour.
At last a man appeared, seemingly from nowhere, moving soundlessly, and instructed Emanuel to follow him. A second man slipped into place behind them. A third man was waiting in a car a short distance away, with the engine running.
Emanuel was searched before he climbed into the car. No one spoke as they headed back toward town.
The San Lorenzo, a small restaurant, seemed closed, the ground floor in darkness. Emanuel's nerves were in shreds as he followed his two escorts among the neat tables toward an archway. The two men then stood aside, gesturing for him to continue up the narrow linoleum-covered staircase.
A