Free Sicilian Defense by John Nicholas Iannuzzi

was casing the room as he walked, caught sight of him in the mirror along the bar. He watched the mirrored image’s hands and kept walking. Big Diamond Walker was seated at his usual table with another man. The other tables were empty. He was large, rotund and dark-skinned, his graying hair neatly combed. He wore a well-fitting suit, and in the center of his tie a gold stickpin held a good-sized diamond. On the pinky of his right hand was a ring with an even bigger diamond. The man with him was medium dark and had a thin mustache. He wore a dark suit, dark gray shirt and white tie.
    â€œHello, Big,” said Tony.
    â€œHey, Tony,” said Big Diamond with a wide smile. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me I shortchanged you?” He too recognized the look on Tony’s face but was playing it light.
    â€œI’ve got some trouble I’d like to see you about,” said Tony.
    Big Diamond looked at Louie the Animal, then again at Tony. “Say hello to Lloyd, Tony. I don’t think you’ve ever met.”
    Tony stepped forward and shook Lloyd’s hand. It was powerful and he let you know it.
    â€œThis is Louie,” said Tony. Louie nodded.
    â€œCome on—sit down, sit down,” said Big Diamond. He lit a long, fat cigar, turning to the dark-skinned man who had followed them from the bar. “Junior, go up front and tell Saul to bring us a bottle of Chivas.” As Junior hesitated, he said, “Go ahead, Junior, these people are our friends.”
    â€œWait outside, Louie,” said Tony.
    Louie nodded and made his way toward the door.
    Saul the bartender brought the bottle of Chivas and set down glasses with ice in them. He poured a drink into the half-full glass in front of Big Diamond and set the open bottle in the center of the table. “Come on, Saul, take care of Tony—I said friend, didn’t I?”
    Saul poured Tony a drink and freshened Lloyd’s.
    â€œAnd buy a drink for Louie at the bar,” said Big Diamond. “Good times,” he said to Tony, raising his glass.
    Tony just nodded as he sipped his drink.
    Big Diamond put down his glass and puffed his cigar. “I’m sure this isn’t a social call, Tony. What’s up? How can I help?”
    Tony studied Lloyd, then looked to Big Diamond.
    â€œLloyd’s my main man, Tony. He’s my main man,” said Big Diamond, putting his arm on Lloyd’s shoulder. “You talk to me, you talk to Lloyd, it’s just the same.”
    â€œWe got ourselves a problem downtown last night,” Tony said slowly; “some guys, colored guys—punks!” he said purposely. He wasn’t afraid and he wanted them to know it. Lloyd watched him carefully. “They grabbed my boss—snatched him. They’ve got him somewhere.”
    Big Diamond was shocked. “They grabbed Sal? I can’t believe it.”
    â€œBelieve it.”
    â€œWhat makes you think they were colored?” asked Lloyd. He had a deep, bass voice.
    â€œI don’t think,” said Tony. “I know. They drove down the street and threw a dead man on our doorstep. Then they called us. I spoke to the guy myself. He was a—” Tony hesitated.
    â€œLet’s not have any of this colored, black, nigger bullshit,” Big Diamond cut in. “We’re talking serious business now. Any punk comes along and snatches one of the bosses—your bosses, my bosses—is a shiftless, rebel nigger.” Big Diamond poured a drink all around. “Then what?”
    â€œThey said they’d call back at eight tonight. Now Gianni’s sent us out all over town to get whatever information we can.”
    â€œJohnny who?” asked Lloyd.
    â€œGianni Aquilino.”
    Lloyd’s eyes opened wide at the name.
    Big Diamond smiled. “I knew the Old Silver Eagle’d come swooping off his perch again one day. What a man he is,” he said to Lloyd. “What times