Chapter 2: Chapter 2: 'Black Box Rehersal'
The next day the papers flooded the streets with the headline
'Owner of the Peacock Theatre Shot Dead during the Hotel Mouse Premiere '
It was a nightmare, my brother had just come back to town when the papers dropped. My mother was distressed, my brother was consoling her as I was cradling our little sister. It had been a long night. I had been questioned by the cops, and our theatre had been flooded with reporters and crime scene investigators. My father's right-hand man and brother Francesco were helping take care of the media and people trying to sneak in to see the crime scene. It was horrifying.
Since I witnessed part of the murder I was a key witness but I couldn't give too many details since everything was dark when it happened.
Isabella eventually tired herself out again from her crying and I gently placed her on the couch and covered her with a blanket. Gian noticed me getting up, as I made a subtle motion for him to follow me.
"Ma, I'm going to check in with Uncle Francesco. You stay here with Isabella okay?" He told our crying mother as she nodded and sat back on the couch clutching her tissues.
Gian closed the door and we looked at each other.
"How are you feeling?" he asks me as I shrug
"How would you feel watching our father be murdered and not knowing the son of a bitch who did it?" I asked glaring at him. Gian's eyes widened, as he took a step back.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked. But you know what happened next, correct?" Gian asks me as I stare at a spot on the wall, my thoughts racing a mile a minute.
"Yes, I know. The real question is, are they ready?" I ask as I walk down the hall. We began to pass many men, and Gian signaled to them to spread the word about the 'rehearsal' in the black box.
Gian and I stood on the railing lining the room. Watching everyone file in. I saw our family's Estates Lawyer, Walker walking up next to us on the railing. I then saw my mother in the doorway still wiping away her tears.
Soon everyone was settled and the room was filled with almost everyone from the theatre. The final person to join me on the railing was Francesco. He gave a nod that everyone was present. Gian signaled Walker to speak.
"As some of you who may not know me, I am Walker Johnson. I am Gianni's Estates and Trusts Lawyer and in his will, I am under obligation to read this document in front of you all. He had 2 wills made, one for families ears, and one for this Mafia" Walker started as the tone shifted in the room. It was somber and tense.
Walker opened his briefcase and pulled out the first will with the Theatre Logo on it.
"In the event of my untimely death, I have written this for you all. In our line of work, not every day is guaranteed and I knew I had to protect ourselves in more ways than one. I have a list of things that will happen soon after my death. Everything will be included in this reading." Walker says
My mother then joined us on the railing as many of the gangsters took off their hats at her appearance. Although her cheeks had tears, her expression was stern as she looked over the men and women below. Walker looked at her and paused. She nodded for him to continue.
"As many of you know, I did not have a large family. I have my wife, my son, and 2 daughters who were the light of my life. I also had my loyal brother, who had protected me and stayed by my side." Francesco stood tall at hearing what my father's final words were to him.
"If my death was the result of murder, I order those associated with the Pavone family to protect them at all costs. Whoever came after me, will come after them" Walker says as you can feel the men and women in the room think about those words. Some even looked up at us and bowed their heads. One of the final orders they would hear from their beloved boss.
"I will say to all in attendance that you are the best gangsters, smugglers, performers, and craftsmen I have had the pleasure of knowing. We cannot let our audience down, even by my death. The show must go on!" Walter proclaimed as everyone's energy skyrocketed and they began cheering at the final words of my father. Walker was about to try to speak but the noise became too much.
Gian held up his hand as the room fell quiet again with a buzz of energy flowing throughout the room.
"But you will need a new Director in my place. As some of you know my son had graduated law school and is on his way to becoming a fine lawyer. But this mantle is not his calling." Walker says as the people begin to look around at one another. Some even looked at my Uncle Francesco.
"As my final words to you, Your new director will be my beloved, Irene Luisa Anne Pavone." Walker finished as many of the men and women were shocked at the news as everyone began talking and questioning the will. Once again the room erupted but this time with questions and comments.
I then saw a tall figure standing on a table. I recognized it as Enzo. He was a known meathead and to me the most sexist piece of crap this side of the Hudson.
"How dare you! This little girl cannot run a show let alone this mafia! This is a disgrace!" Enzo stated that a few of the other gang members voiced their concerns with the man.
"Hey! This isn't your decision! Irene is more than capable of taking over as Director more than you could Enzo." Vincent yells out in the crowd as many of the people around him agree.
"So what? I ain't taking no orders from some little daddy's girl" Enzo states as I begin to see red. Gian caught my expression. He grabbed my arm and turned his back to the arguing men.
"You need to sort this out now. This is where you need to establish your role." My brother whispered to me as I took a deep breath. I tried to calm my rising temper.
"Enzo!" I shouted as they all went silent.
Enzo's eyes met mine and his expression dropped. I was known to have my father's face when I was angry. Must be true if so many reacted as if they had seen a ghost.
"If you have a problem with my father's words then you are a disgrace. The great Gianni Pavone has been murdered and you are more worried about me taking over than the man who murdered your boss from under your noses?!" I questioned as most of the people in the room looked away from my angered face.
Many faces turned to Enzo...
"What's the matter with you?! She's right we need to find out who did this!" A voice in the crowd called out and many voices agreed.
"First orders of business. Find any leads to my father's death! Cause an uproar and let it be known the Pavone Family will not rest until we find the bastard who did this. Any objections" I yell out as everyone says back
"NO MA'AM!" They shouted as it echoed in the small room.
"Then get to work," I say as I turn away and hear the rapid footsteps of everyone leaving the Black Box. I go to the second office overlooking the streets and watch the pavement get flooded with my men going in every direction. Some went together in cars, others simply high-tailed it across the road.
I put my hands behind my back and felt a small smirk curve upon my lips.
I am the Director now, and I will find whoever is responsible for this.
I will find them, Father…
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