Book Excerpts
Deceptions
The Secret Terror
It was another late night at armed services advocate general (ASAG) headquarters. Robert Cass, a cocky, overconfident lawyer for the navy leisurely strolled into his office. It was Lt. Alan Richards first day back after losing his leg in Iraq. He was in a sullen, grumpy mood. Cass had tried his best to cheer his friend up, but Alan was not in the mood for cheering up. And to top it off, the admiral had assigned Alan and Rob the task of defending a lieutenant who was accused of rape.
As Rob pulled into his parking space at his apartment, he leaned back and closed his eyes for a moment. What a day. He took the service elevator up to his apartment. He had an uneasy feeling as the door opened up. One of the lightbulbs was burned out in the hallway, and he had been meaning to put another one in. As he stepped off the elevator, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. A hand grabbed his arm and pulled him off the elevator. A hard punch to the abdomen winded the commander as he bent over in pain. He dropped his briefcase and threw a punch to his attacker. Just then another punch hit Rob in the left flank area before he was hit on the side of the head and fell to the ground. As the blackness from the last punch started to invade his brain, he did everything to try to maintain consciousness. He tried to get a look at the three attackers, but they wore masks over their faces. “You put up a pretty good fight, sailor. We don’t like it when you defend scum like Durmor,” said one of the attackers. “You are taking out your anger on the wrong person. If you stop now, it will be simple assault,” said Rob.
“Shut up, your fancy lawyer talk won’t work on us.” They stuffed a putrid rag in Rob’s mouth, and he almost threw up at the smell and taste of it. They handcuffed Commander Cass and pulled him over to the water pipe and attached the cuffs so he was face down. Then Vuskic pulled Cass’s hair and snapped his head back. Cass thought at first Vuskic was going to break his neck. Then suddenly, Vuskic slammed Cass’s head down on to the floor. “We’re going to teach you a lesson so you never defend scum like that again. The boys and I are real good,” said Vuskic in a very menacing voice that made Rob cringe. They pulled at his clothes, and two of the attackers held his legs down. Rob’s mind screamed at the brutal assault that was about to take place. He closed his eyes tightly and his mind to the assault and placed himself in his Stearman with his hands on the steering wheel. It was a bright and sunny day with the wind blowing through his hair, he imagined.
As each one of the attackers took their time with Rob, they each kicked him in the chest as they were done. “You continue to defend that scum, and we’ll be back,” threatened one of the attackers. His attackers were Lt. Mark Lott, a friend of Cass’s; he didn’t speak during the attack for fear that Rob would recognize his voice. He also worked in the same office building as Cass, so he knew that he would be late that night. Lt. Mitchell Vuskic was the leader of the foursome, did not like lawyers, and had it in for anyone he thought deserved a beating. He also didn’t like women and had raped several in the past, just not identified yet. Sgt. Michael Jacobs was Vuskic’s right-hand man, followed Vuskic wherever he went, and did what Vuskic told him. The fourth man was videotaping the attack.
Rob just sat there, shaken at what just happened. He pulled his legs up to his chest and pulled his crumpled clothes toward him. It must have been hours before he finally got up and picked up his briefcase; he fumbled with his keys to unlock his apartment door. Once inside, he locked the door behind him and took out his service revolver—just in case they came back. The lawyer in him said he should call the police. This was felony assault, but the man in him said no, then everyone would know what happened to him—pictures, exams, finger-pointing, and whispers. He could not endure that, the humiliation. He did not call the police. He turned on the shower as hot as he could stand it and just stood in the shower with all of his clothes on. It was hours later that he realized the water had turned cold, and he was sitting in the shower all hunched up. “This didn’t happen; this didn’t happen,” he kept saying to himself. He felt the bile swell up in the back of his throat and the urge to vomit at the thought of the rag in his
mouth and the assault that took place.
He was due in court the next morning and called the admiral and told him he had fallen down a flight of stairs and that he was calling from Mercy’s emergency room and would not be in today. Alan could handle the case. With the threat of his attackers coming back if he defended Durmor, Rob was actually a little scared. He had been in scuffles before, but never something like this. He still had his revolver out and was skittish at any noise. Rob was engrossed in thinking of what had happened to him and did not hear the knock at the door. Mikhail, his brother, had called work to talk with him and found out he had called in sick. He had a key and let himself in after Rob didn’t answer the door. Rob saw
a movement out of the corner of his eye and was off the couch in a moment, pointing the gun at his brother. Mikhail’s eyes were as big as saucers as his brother pointed the gun at him. “I knocked,” said Mikhail. “I have a key and let myself in. You seem a little nervous, my brother,” observed Mikhail. “I called work, and you were not there. I got worried and wanted to check on you. What happened, brother?” asked Mikhail.
“I just fell down some stairs,” stated Rob.
“Why do you point a gun at me?” asked Mikhail.
“There have been some muggings in the area,” said Rob vaguely as he looked away so Mikhail could not see his eyes. Mikhail eyed his brother suspiciously; he was hiding something!
The next day Rob went to work and met with Admiral AJ Zueleger, a tall man with white hair and glasses. He was a strict by the book military man. Rob apologized for missing a day. “Commander, that was some fall you took. Are you sure you are okay?” asked the admiral.
“I’m fine, just some bumps and bruises,” said Rob, not looking directly at the admiral. He could not look the admiral in the eye when he spoke to him; the admiral might be able to see into him and know what really happened. Just then Lieutenant Richards and Colonel MacArdle (Mac, Rob’s nickname for her) entered the admiral’s office. “Wow, Commander, that is some eye,” stated Richards. Rob’s right eye was badly bruised, and he had a bruise on his forehead when Vuskic slammed his head to the floor. At least they didn’t know of the other bruises. Mac looked at Rob and wanted to go over to him and comfort him. She couldn’t do that in front of the admiral or Lieutenant Richards. “Are you okay, Commander?” asked Mac. “I’m okay,” he replied but still could not make eye
contact. This behavior did not go unnoticed from the admiral. The admiral asked Richards to bring him and Commander Cass up to speed where he was with the Durmor case. As Alan was giving the details of the case, Rob felt his head start to buzz and the bile at the back of his throat. He bolted out of the admiral’s office and made it to the nearest men’s room just in time to vomit what he had eaten for breakfast. The admiral had followed Commander Cass to the men’s room. As Rob splashed cold water on his face, the admiral noticed the bruises and abrasions around his wrists. Once again he asked him if he was okay. Rob assured him he was; it was just some old yogurt that he ate for breakfast that was not agreeing with him, he tried to convince the admiral. “Join me when you can, Commander,” and the admiral left. Rob felt drained. He freshened up and went back to the admiral’s office. How could he tell his CO what really happened? He decided he better at least tell him the assault happened because of the Durmor case. “Admiral, I wasn’t exactly forthcoming when I told you I fell down the stairs,” said Commander Cass sheepishly.
“Go on,” said the admiral.
“Someone who does not want me to represent Durmor in this case beat me up outside my apartment. They said they would be back to finish the job unless I stop defending ‘scum’ like Durmor,” said the commander. By now he was trembling and was trying to hide that from the admiral. He did not want the admiral to know anything else about what happened, but how long could he keep it to himself? He was having flashbacks during the day, and especially at night, it was worse. “I’d like a copy of the police report, Commander,” said the admiral.
“Uh, I didn’t have one filled out, sir,” said Cass, now visibly getting uncomfortable before the admiral.
“Let me get this straight, Commander. You were beaten up by a couple of thugs because of this case, and you didn’t have a police report fi led,” said the admiral, livid at his top lawyer. “Why on earth didn’t you get the police involved, Commander?” The admiral glared.
“Uh, I thought I could handle it on my own,” said Cass.
“Commander, you are now off this case. I do not want a mistrial because you are somehow directly involved in this case.” By now, Rob had a visible line of sweat on his brow and was starting to feel the nausea again. He fidgeted before the admiral. “I sure hope you know what you are doing, Commander,” said the admiral. “Dismissed!” Rob quickly exited the admiral’s office and went to his office and closed the door. What was he going to do? He was visibly shaking now after his encounter with the admiral. He swallowed hard and fought back the nausea. He was off this case; that should make his attackers happy, he thought. “Finney,” yelled the admiral, “get me Richards and MacArdle.” The two of them showed up, and the admiral briefed them on what had happened to Commander Cass. He was officially off the case. “Lieutenant, if you feel you need someone else to help you with this case, I’ll assign Commander Tingley to assist you.”
“That would be fi ne,” stated Richards. Once Commander Tingley was present, the admiral then suggested that Cass be a witness since he was assaulted for defending Durmor. The three were dismissed from the admiral’s office and went about their business.
It was the end of the day, and Cass went home exhausted. He really didn’t do anything today but felt drained. As he got off the elevator to his apartment, his heart began to race; he broke out in a sweat. “What happens if they’re back?” He took a deep breath and was relieved when he heard his neighbor’s voice in the hallway. He quickly entered his apartment and locked the door behind him.
That night he tossed and turned with fitful bouts of sleep. The assault played through his mind as he slept. “The boys and I are real good. Teach you a lesson,” and then he heard the sound of a zipper. “We’ll be back.” All this played through his mind as he slept. He woke up, drenched in sweat, his heart pounding and his head throbbed. He looked terrible. He had dark circles under his eyes; stress lines were evident on his forehead. He took a shower and headed to work.
By now, it was Friday; Rob was looking forward to the weekend and just relaxing and trying to get the past events out of his mind. The admiral had called Cass, Richards, MacArdle, and Tingley into his office for a meeting. “Lieutenant, bring us up to speed where we are with the Durmor case.” Lieutenant Richards proceeded to explain where they were with the case. The admiral noted the discomfort with Cass. Tingley and MacArdle chimed in to give their update also. “Commander Cass, what are your thoughts on the case?” asked Richards.
“You’re doing a fi ne job, Lieutenant,” stated Cass. As the three of them continued to fi ll in the admiral, Cass was getting uneasy, starting to sweat; he could feel his heart start to race. Just take a deep breath, he reassured himself quietly. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t hear the admiral at first. “Commander,” the admiral said. Cass almost jumped out of his skin when the admiral spoke to him. Of course, all of this didn’t go unnoticed from the admiral. “I think you should testify in this case since the three thugs who obviously want you off the case beat you up. You are directly involved in this case and are a witness to maybe who is going around beating up and raping women.” Cass looked at the admiral terrified. “I can’t testify, sir,” said Cass almost in a panic.
“Why the hell not, Commander?” drilled the admiral. “Answer me, Commander.” By now, Cass’s head was swirling; he felt the bile at the back of his throat and fought to swallow it. He was shaking and sweating profusely. He bolted out of the admiral’s office once again to the nearest men’s room. It dawned on the admiral what had happened to Cass and why he was acting the way he did. AJ had seen this before, a long time ago. He dismissed the bunch from his office and followed Cass into the men’s room. He ordered Gunny to stand outside of the men’s room and not let anyone come in there while he was with Cass. The admiral was in the men’s room alone with Cass; he heard Cass quietly sob while he was still in the stall. “Commander, are you okay?” asked the admiral.
“I’m fi ne, sir,” Cass said weakly.
“Like hell you are,” said AJ with genuine concern. By now Cass was out of the stall and splashing cold water on his face. “Really, Admiral, I’m okay.” “No, you’re not, Commander. You weren’t only beaten up; you were also sexually assaulted, weren’t you?” stated the admiral. “Look at all the bruises on your body, your wrists.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Admiral,” said Cass, trying to
keep it all together.
“Commander, look at me.” Cass’s eyes welled up with tears as he looked at the admiral. He couldn’t keep it in much longer. “Rob, talk to me,” said the admiral. Rob tried to talk but was so overwhelmed he couldn’t catch his breath. The admiral placed a hand on his shoulder. “Just take your time, catch your breath.” Cass started to weep as he told the admiral what had happened. “Admiral, I should have been able to fend off these attackers. I’m six foot five and am trained in hand-to-hand combat. I don’t know what happened. I can’t testify,” he said as he started to hyperventilate again. “It’s not your fault,” said the admiral. “Let’s go back to my office where we can talk some more.” Cass washed his face again and regained his composure then went out alongside of the admiral, looking down at the floor so no one could see his face. “Finney,” the admiral growled, “I do not want to be disturbed, no matter what, no exceptions.” With that, he and Cass went into the office. AJ motioned for Cass to sit down in the chair. “Commander, I know someone who can help you. You need to talk about this.”
“I don’t know, sir.” AJ hurriedly called his friend Paul Wainwright, a wellknown psychiatrist in the DC area. “Rob, don’t worry about testifying. You’ll be off the witness list, plus as of now, you are on a leave of absence.” Rob sat in the admiral’s office feeling depressed and humiliated. His secret was out, now known by his CO. Whom would he tell, and what would the consequences be? As AJ told Paul about Commander Cass, Cass could only feel more and more despondent. “We’ll be there within the hour,” AJ told Paul. The admiral, noticing now how despondent Cass was, told him that this secret was confi dential; and there was no one else that ever needs to know this. His secret was safe with the admiral. “Finney,” the admiral yelled, “I’ll be out of the office until 3:00 p.m.
Cancel my appointments until then.” With that, the admiral and Cass left for Paul’s office.
Paul Wainwright was fourteen years old when his father, a well-known lawyer in DC, was killed in a horrific car accident on the freeway. AJ and Paul were neighbors and what most people would say had a best friend relationship. It was about nine months after Paul’s father was killed that his mother, a social worker at Mercy Hospital, remarried Karl Rost, an up-and-coming senator in DC. Everyone was shocked that she remarried so soon after Patrick’s death, especially Paul who missed his father dearly.
It started a few months after they were married. Ruth would work the p.m. shift at Mercy, and Karl would take out his sexual frustrations on Paul. It started with just fondling and then progressed to intercourse. Paul fought back and tried to get away from Karl many times. Karl would intimidate Paul with the threat of killing him or his mother. And no one would believe Paul; they would say he was making up the story to gain attention after his father died. So Paul gave in to the assaults. After months of being assaulted, AJ, who was also fourteen at the time, noticed a change in his friend. He had asked Paul several times what was going on, and Paul would always say nothing. One night after a brutal assault, Paul went over to AJ’s house to shoot some hoops. AJ noticed his friend was depressed. This was not like Paul at all. After much pressuring from AJ,
Paul finally told him what was going on. “We have to tell my dad,” said AJ. Of course Paul, fearing retribution from Karl, begged his friend not to tell anyone. AJ persuaded his friend to see the error of his ways. After Anthony Zueleger had heard what was going on, he said, “We have to notify the police, Paul.” Paul started to sob. “We can’t, Mr. Zueleger. He will kill my mom and me, and he said no one would believe me because everyone would think I was looking for attention after my father died.”
“Is that what you are doing, Paul?” asked Anthony. AJ was appalled that his father, an attorney, would ask such a question. “No, sir, I am not,” yelled Paul. “Mr. Zueleger, one thing my father taught me is if you want to prosecute someone, you better have proof or evidence that a crime was committed. Right now it is my word against his. I’ve taken showers and have washed all the evidence away. They won’t find any evidence that Karl Rost has assaulted me,” said Paul, now proud that he could state something that his father had drilled in him many times. “Mr. Zueleger, I know I am a minor, and you have to report this, but can we wait a little while? I would like to see a counselor first. I tried telling my mom about it, but she dismissed it, saying Karl would never do anything like that. I also need parental consent. My mom will never allow it, and Karl will probably
hurt me if I ask him to sign the paper.”
“Don’t worry, son. I know of someone who can help you, and I’ll sign the papers. You just let me know when you are ready to go to the police.” Anthony referred him to Phillip Greene, a psychiatrist who specializes in sexual assault. Paul met with Dr. Greene several times, and it would be a month later that he would ask for Anthony’s and Dr. Greene’s help in going to the police. Paul knew by doing so, he would end up destroying his family. What he proposed to do, unbeknownst to the law, was let Karl assault him one last time and then leave the house, and he would have all the evidence he needed. Anthony and Phillip reluctantly went along with Paul’s idea. And it happened just as Paul had stated
it would. Karl was especially brutal with him that night and assaulted him several times. After it was done, Paul lay on his bed, knowing how the events of tonight would change his life forever.
Karl Rost was convicted of felony child abuse, felony sexual assault of a child, and sentenced to sixty-five years in Leavenworth. Paul’s mother, Ruth, was sentenced to five years prison time for failing to protect a child from harm and felony child abuse. The life as Paul knew it was over. He moved in with the Zuelegers. Before all of this happened, Paul wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. His father was a lawyer for the navy, his mother a social worker for the navy. After meeting Phillip Greene, Paul now had a direction in his life and knew what he wanted to be in adult life. Both Paul and AJ went to the naval academy, Paul specializing in psychiatry and AJ in law.
AJ and Rob entered Paul’s office; it was a secluded office off Bethesda Naval Hospital. All patients’ identities were concealed and kept confidential. Names were changed so no one could identify a patient at Paul’s clinic. Paul shook hands with AJ and Rob and had both men take a seat. He made Rob feel at ease and asked if he wanted Admiral Zueleger to stay in the room if it made him feel safer. Rob looked over at the admiral and asked if it was okay if he spoke with Paul alone. The admiral sat in the waiting room for the next two and a half hours as Paul spoke with Commander Cass. Cass was still despondent over what had happened to him and that he felt he was not man enough to handle it by himself. He felt like a failure inside. Paul admitted him to the ward and promised the commander he would help him through this. A nurse took Cass to his room. There were cameras in every room so patients could be monitored. You never know what a patient might do in the heat of the moment. Paul and AJ exchanged conversations, and
Paul assured AJ that Cass was safe and that he could help him. The underlying despondency worried Paul though, and he made AJ aware of his feeling.
AJ was back at the office at 3:00 p.m. Before he had his thoughts together, Lieutenant Richards, Commander Tingley, and Colonel MacArdle were asking to see the admiral. “Enter,” the admiral’s voiced boomed as the three entered his office. “At ease,” he said. All three started to talk at the same time. Colonel MacArdle, having the highest rank among the three, asked the admiral how Commander Cass was. Of course he said he was okay. MacArdle then proceeded to start to talk about Commander Cass testifying. Before she knew it, the admiral was in her face, growling, “Cass in now off limits. He is officially off of your witness list and will not be testifying.” The colonel started to protest, along with Richards and Tingley, “But, sir, if Commander Cass has testimony that will help n this case—” The admiral cut Lieutenant Richards off by snapping at the three f them. “That is an order. He will not be on your witness list. And if any of you isobey this order, I will have your rank and have your butt out the door faster han you will know it. Is that understood?” he growled at his employees. Just then J’s cell phone rang. It was Paul on the other end. “AJ, it’s Paul. Commander Cass tried to kill himself this afternoon.” AJ stood there in stunned silence, horror pouring over his face. “He tried to hang himself at the back of a door with a sheet, but we caught him before he could put his action in to play. AJ, he’s safe and sedated right now. Why don’t you stop over after work tonight and we’ll talk.” MacArdle noted the worried look on the admiral’s face and dared to ask if everything was okay. The other two noticed the worried look, but after enduring the admiral’s wrath, they were not about to tempt their fate and ask any more questions. The admiral said everything was okay and left it at that. “Dismissed,” he said to the officers, and they about-faced and left the room. All three of them knew something was wrong, and it involved Commander Cass.
AJ went and saw Paul and observed Cass peacefully sleeping. It was probably the best night sleep he had had since the attack. Paul and AJ talked for a few hours about Cass, the attack, and just catching up on things over the years. “I’m really glad you brought him here, AJ,” Paul said. “He’s a mess, but I can help him.” Paul Wainwright was well known throughout the country as the leading expert in sexual assault. He would hold workshops once a month for anyone who was interested; he would go into grade, middle, and high schools and colleges and talk about sexual assault. It was amazing how many people came to see him. He was always there to help anyone who needed it. His mentor Phillip Greene was still in the DC area but had since retired. He and Paul would do lunch once a month just for old times’ sake. It had been two weeks since AJ took Cass to see
Dr. Wainwright. He was making excellent progress. Paul would meet with Rob two to three times a day, then he would be in group sessions for the majority of the rest of the day. He was still inpatient and would remain so until Dr. Wainwright deemed him safe to go back to his apartment or work. Paul figured it would be another week or two yet. Rob was coming to terms with what had happened to him. The case against Lieutenant Durmor was done; he was found guilty and sentenced to thirty-five years in prison. AJ was glad this case was done. It seemed to take a toll on his employees.
Lieutenant Lott, who still was involved with Vuskic and Jacobs, had a hard time dealing with what he had done to his friend Robert Cass. If Cass ever found out he was involved, there would not be any forgiveness, and Cass would prosecute his friend to the fullest extent of the law. Lott knew what he must do. He had the original videotape of the attack and had made a copy of it. Besides Cass’s attack, there was an assault of women also on the tape. The guys always made tapes of their attacks so they could watch them over and over again and laugh at how scared their victims were and brag about how “good” they were. It made Lott sick just to think about how he had stooped so low to be accepted by his new friends. He sat down and wrote a letter:
Dear Admiral Zueleger:
Enclosed you will find an original and the only copy of an attack on
Cmdr. Robert Cass and others. I am really sorry for the pain and suffering
I have put my friend through. I know Commander Cass will never be able
to forgive me. I have betrayed his trust. I was involved in the attack and
sexual assault of Commander Cass as were Lt. Mitchell Vuskic and Sgt.
Michael Jacobs. Lieutenant Durmor was the one who was videotaping the
attack. This was not a random attack; it was planned. I knew Commander
Cass was on the Durmor case and was working late Monday night. In my
apartment are several more tapes of assaults/rapes by the above-mentioned
people. Please forgive me. I will turn myself in Monday morning.
Sincerely,
Lt. Mark Lott, USN
Transformation
1
New Beginnings
Anton was very pleased with the progress Cass was making. He had been in Sicily for five months now. He was fairly fluent in Italian, occasionally having trouble with the meaning of a word here and there. He gave Anton the respect he deserved. Anton had made golf reservations at II Picciolo Golf Club to show Rob his appreciation for his hard work.
Rina and Anton played couples against Frank and Rob. Rob was awed at the beauty of the golf course and the skill by which Anton played the game. Rob didn’t expect any less from Anton; he excelled at whatever he did. They played eighteen holes and then went to the club for dinner. Anton picked up the entire tab.
Rob was happy with his life at the present time. He missed the navy from time to time, but as more time elapsed, he was more content with the life he had now. The only killing he had been in on was the time that Tony Romano killed Mario and Carlo. He didn’t look forward to the next killing. He knew sooner or later that he would be exposed to it though.
They were halfway through their meal at the country club when Anton’s phone rang. It was the chief of police in Paris. Anton listened intently as the chief told him what happened. Anton gasped and got up out of his chair and headed toward the door. Frank was right behind him. The chief told Anton how there was this horrific accident involving a car and a tanker truck. Another car had pushed the other car deliberately into the tanker truck. It exploded upon impact, and there were no survivors. It took a few days to identify the remains through dental records. It was Francesca and Junie. Anton felt like he was going to vomit. Anton asked the chief if AJ knew about his daughter.
The chief hadn’t called him yet; he wanted to tell Anton first. Anton asked, “I trust you will dispose of the man responsible for this?” The chief told him he had already killed the man; he was shot several times trying to escape from jail. Anton thanked him for the deed. “And what about her children?” asked Anton. “They are with my wife, you can pick them up tomorrow,” said the chief. The chief said there was one more bit of information he needed to know. When Anton heard what it was, he vomited. Frank helped him to the men’s room, and Anton told him what the chief said. Frank was heartbroken over the news. The men returned to their table ten minutes later. Rina asked Anton if everything was okay. He looked a little pale and told her everything was fine as he squeezed her hand, reassuring her he was okay.
Frank, trying to change the mood at the table, said, “Rob, how about a piece of fresh meat tonight?” Rob looked at Frank not sure what he meant and said, “I’m a vegetarian.” The whole table erupted into laughter at Rob’s naivety. Frank and Anton couldn’t stop laughing as Frank said, “I mean a piece of flesh, pussy, get it, Rob?” as Frank continued to laugh. Rob laughed at how stupid he must have looked in front of them. “I’ll pass,” said Rob.
“No, you won’t, I’m capo and I’m telling you, you will do this tonight,” said Frank. Rob looked at Anton for some help. Anton nodded at Rob and said, “He’s capo, and you need to follow his orders,” stated Anton, unsympathetic with Rob. Rob looked at Rina and pleaded for her help. Anton was livid. “You leave my wife out of this, and don’t you ever ask her for help dealing with Frank or me. Is that understood?” scolded Anton to Rob. Frank looked at Rob and said, “Get used to doing things you may not want to do. Rule number 1: don’t piss off the boss, and rule number 2: do as your capo says.” And Frank left it at that.
The men and Rina got up and left. Frank would drop Anton and Rina off at the hotel while he and Rob went to the local whorehouse. Anton told Frank to be back to the hotel by 7:00 a.m., he want to leave by eight. Phyllis, the owner of the Clan des Sicillens, one of the top whorehouses in Sicily, called Frank earlier that day and told him she had a young piece of meat for him. Frank enjoyed a young girl now and then. They walked into Clans, and Phyllis met the men at the door. “Who’s your friend?” she asked. He told her and asked that he be given one or two of the girls with experience, that he may be a reluctant participant. Phyllis asked him, “Blonde or brunette?” Rob replied, “Brunette,” and Phyllis sent two young women with Rob to a room. For Frank, Phyllis brought out a girl no more than seventeen. He wet his lips as he envisioned the night he was going to have.
Anton slipped out of his clothes and took a cool shower. He still felt sick at what the chief had told him. There was nothing he could do about it. Rina joined him in the shower. Anton was just standing there letting the shower run over him. Rina asked him, “Baby, are you sure everything is okay?”
Anton looked at his wife, not quite sure how to handle the situation. “Why did you have to have her killed Rina?” asked Anton, his anger under control. She shut off the shower and said, “I had to make sure you would never go back to her again. You don’t know how much that hurt when I found out you were having an affair with her, let alone she carried your child,” said Rina, her eyes tearing up. “I love you, Rina, I just wish you didn’t kill her. You know we just added two more children to our bunch. Her children carry my name that was the stipulation when she adopted. If something happened to her, the children are mine,” said Anton. “What’s two more children to our big bunch already?” said Rina as she turned on the shower and started nibbling on her husband, arousing him. He made love to her right there in the shower.
Anton knew that was a risk he took if Rina found out about his affair. It was unfortunate that Francesca paid with her life as did an innocent bystander Junie. He continued his lovemaking and moved to the bed. He made love to Rina over and over again until she asked him to stop, telling him to take a breather. “I don’t want to stop, Rina, I can’t get enough of you,” he pleaded. Rina smiled as she had him lay on the bed as she teased him, getting him aroused only to stop. This went on for a few times until she had his body convulse with a climax. He did the same to her as each took their turns with each other. It was four in the morning when they drifted off to sleep, each exhausted. They would be hard-pressed to board the plane at eight.
Frank and Rob had a wonderful time with the girls. Rob was a little reluctant at first, but as the women undressed him and he saw how beautiful they were, he relaxed and participated. He never had two women at once before. Indeed, life in the Balistrano family opened up many doors for Rob, some pleasant and some unpleasant. This was one of the many perks Rob would enjoy being employed by Anton.
Frank and Rob were back at the hotel by 7:00 a.m., both with big smiles on their faces. They joined Anton and Rina for a quick breakfast. Frank said to Anton, “I can see by the tiredness in your face, you didn’t get much sleep last night” as Frank smiled at Anton. Anton smirked back. Anton looked at Rob and said, “And how was your night last night did you enjoy yourself?”
“Immensely” said Rob, also smirking at Anton and Rina. “Feel like coming back to the States for a while, Rob?” asked Anton. Rob’s mouth was agape. “Do you really mean that, what about my stuff at Stefano’s?” asked Rob. “It can stay there for now, you will be coming here again,” stated Anton, and they all boarded the jet and headed to Paris. Anton told Rob of Francesca’s death and that AJ didn’t know yet. Rob was devastated not only for himself but also for how this would affect AJ.
“You will not tell him, I will take care of it, is that understood?” Rob protested that Anton would wait to tell AJ of his daughter’s death. “He has a right to know as soon as possible, Anton,” said Rob as he flipped open his phone to call AJ. Anton grabbed the phone from him. “Don’t you mess with me, Rob, this is hard enough already. I know he’s your friend, he’s mine also,” stated Anton as he bore holes through Rob with his dark eyes. “So what’s the plan?” asked Rob.
Anton told him of Francesca’s two children and how they carried his name. They were stopping in Paris to pick up the children. Anton filled him in on all the details of the children’s adoption and why they carried the Balistrano name. Anton and his generosity awed Rob. Frank stood by and watched the two men spar. Anton went on to tell Rob, “I expect a fight from AJ over her children. They are legally mine. I have the papers depicting that from the Italian, French, and U.S. courts. AJ doesn’t have a legal leg to stand on,” stated Anton.
“You would deny him his grandchildren?” asked Rob. “Of course not, AJ can see them anytime he wants. They stay with me. AJ will never have custody of these children,” said Anton, unsympathetic with Rob’s concern for AJ. They arrived at Pierre and Petra’s home. A modest home, any chief of police would be proud to own. Pierre opened the door and welcomed them in. Petra was right behind him and greeted Rina. The women cried over the tragedy and hugged each other. She took Rina and went to another room in the house. The men stayed together. Pierre and Anton talked for the longest time. Frank and Rob were looking on, not saying a word. Anton introduced Rob as a new man in his ranks. Pierre welcomed him to Paris. A short time later, Pierre brought the children and told them their father was here to get them. The children, upon seeing Anton, ran to him as he bent down on a knee to hug the running children. They both threw their arms around their father and started to cry that they missed their mother. He comforted them and told them of their new lives they would have with him and Rina in DC. Rob looked on with a newfound respect for Anton. How loving of a person he could be with children, and how coldhearted and ruthless he could be with men, enemies. Rob vowed never to underestimate the wolf in sheep’s clothing that was before him. Anton introduced the children to Rina and told them when they were ready they could call her “mama,” as she would now be their mother for years to come.
Rina hugged the crying children and felt so bad for what she did to their mother. Anton saw the guilt in Rina and went over to her and hugged her and told her it was okay. “We’ll get through this together,” he reassured her. No one but Frank would ever know what Rina did. Pierre and Anton talked more. It was time to make the sad phone call to AJ. Pierre called AJ and told him of the horrific accident that claimed his daughter’s life. He did not tell him of the car that forced her into the tanker truck. He told him that Anton was here and had the children. AJ was glad that the children were not killed. He asked to speak with Anton. AJ and Anton spoke for a long time; Anton could hear AJ sobbing on the other end of the phone. He wished he were there to comfort his friend. Occasionally, Anton’s voice would crack with emotion as he spoke with AJ. It wasn’t his daughter that was killed, but it affected Anton just as much. Anton made the funeral arrangements under AJ’s guidance; Francesca would be buried in Paris, next to her mother.
The funeral was the next day. AJ was distraught and inconsolable. He couldn’t believe that his only child was dead. Anton stayed with him, comforted him. AJ would never know that Rina was behind his daughter’s death.
It would be the first time he saw Rob in almost six months. He looked good , thought AJ. Working for Anton certainly had tamed him somewhat. The two men talked for a long time, Rob giving AJ his sincere condolences. AJ spoke with Rina. Anton was a little apprehensive at first, but AJ, too consumed with his grief, was oblivious to Anton’s apprehension.
Pierre brought the children in; they didn’t recognize AJ as their grandfather, as he had seen them so seldom. Anton took the children by the hand and introduced them again to AJ. “This is your mother’s father, your grandfather,” said Anton. AJ was down on a knee, and the children went and hugged him. He kissed both of them and said, “I can’t wait until you come and live with me.” The children looked confused as they looked at Anton. He had Petra take them and go play with the other children. Frank heard what AJ said and decided to stay close to Anton.
Anton looked at his friend and said, “The children will live with me.” AJ looked at Anton, feeling like he just got the wind knocked out of him. “Like hell they will, they are my grandchildren, they will live with me!” yelled AJ at Anton, pushing him a little. Anton understood his friend’s grief and anger. “I’m sorry, AJ, but you are wrong. They will live with me. They carry my name, and I have all the legal documents stating they are mine. I’m sorry, AJ, you can’t have them.” AJ, not believing what he was hearing, slugged Anton. Anton let AJ hit him; he knew he was reeling not only for the loss of his daughter, but now the loss of his grandchildren.
Cass had heard the loud voice from AJ and headed over to see what was wrong. Frank stopped him and told him what was going on. Rob couldn’t believe Anton would eviscerate AJ like that at his daughter’s funeral and would tell him so. Anton tried to stay calm while AJ berated him, until Rob stepped on the bandwagon and also started berating him for what he was doing. Rob went as far as to push Anton, and a free for all erupted between all four men. The chief of police broke up the fight and asked Anton and his men to leave; it was the best for things right now. Frank grabbed Rob roughly by the arm and hauled him out. Anton turned and looked at AJ and said, “I’m sorry, AJ, for your loss,” and Anton. Rina and the children left and would fl y back to DC.
Anton had Rina and the children get in the limo. He motioned Frank to follow him, and he yanked Rob by the arm and took him to the side of the building. Anton threw Rob into the building with such force he almost knocked Rob out. Anton was clearly angry. Frank would only intercede if he absolutely had to. Anton punched Rob in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Next he pummeled him in the ribs, breaking a few. He grabbed Rob around the neck and pinned him to the wall and said in an angry voice, “Don’t you ever take sides against me. You will support me no matter if it is right or wrong. I don’t care what your belief is. You support me no matter what. Is that understood?” He relaxed his viselike grip from around Rob’s throat. Rob coughed and held his throat and ribs. He nodded yes to Anton, and he understood. It was one more lesson he learned, the painful way of sticking up for a friend.
They arrived in DC early morning. Anton introduced Carlo and Gina as new members of his family. The rest of the children welcomed them with love and open arms. It would take a little time, but they would make the transition easily. Anton had Rob look at the legal documents on Gina and Carlo. Indeed, AJ would not get custody of the children. Anton knew he was in for a fight that may end up costing him his friendship with AJ. But a Balistrano child is a Balistrano child, and when it came to that, Anton would do everything in his power to protect his children, his heirs. Ten days later, Anton was served papers requesting he appear in court for the custody of the children. He knew he would win; he just wished it wasn’t against AJ.
Anton had his lawyer along with Rob to defend him. He instructed Rob to put aside his feelings for AJ at the moment. He had a job do, and he better do it right. The judge looked at the legal documents Anton had and what AJ had. Judge Morris apologized to AJ and said there was nothing that could be done; the children were Anton’s, and everything was legal and binding. Rob didn’t have to say much; the documents did all of the talking. Anton looked down at the floor with a glum expression on his face as he saw AJ’s reaction to the news. AJ protested, arguing with the judge that there must be something he could do to get custody of these children. The judge told him no. Anton had covered all bases, the children were his, and the case was dismissed. AJ stormed out of the courtroom and headed back to his office. He couldn’t believe the judgment. Anton instructed Rob and Frank to stay where they were; he needed to talk to AJ alone.
AJ was in his office, silently sobbing to himself. He couldn’t believe the loss he just endured when Anton walked into his office and closed the door. AJ looked up and saw him standing there. “Get out!” he shouted at Anton. “No, we need to talk about this,” said Anton. AJ, livid with his friend, got up out of his chair and was eye to eye with Anton. “I have nothing to say you, now get out. I don’t ever want to see you again,” said AJ so consumed with anger that the tears started rolling down his face. “I will not leave until we talk about this,” stated Anton. AJ pushed Anton with force throwing him into the door. Anton understood; he would let his friend vent and take it out on him. “How could you do this to me, Anton?” asked AJ. “You knew from the first time Francesca adopted those children that they might someday be mine. You knew that, AJ, you knew that possibility,” pleaded Anton, trying to comfort his friend. “You are welcomed to see them as often and as much as you want, AJ. Don’t punish them because of the arrangement,” said Anton.
AJ broke down and just cried. Anton held his friend and left him grieve. “Come for supper tonight, see the children,” requested Anton. It took AJ a little while to compose himself, and he finally agreed to the invitation. “I’ll send a limo for five thirty,” said Anton as he turned and left, glancing once more at his friend. Anton had informed Carlo and Gina that AJ was visiting them tonight. When AJ arrived, Carlo and Gina ran to him with open arms, exclaiming, “Grandfather” as they hugged him with all their might. It warmed AJ’s heart and Anton’s to see the interaction between them. Later that evening, Anton and AJ had another chance to talk. “I’m still not happy with you, Anton. It will take time for me to get over the hurt I feel toward you,” said AJ as he changed the subject, and they talked about Cass. Anton told him on how well Cass was doing, and he had big plans for him. He encouraged AJ to spend time with Cass and see the change in the man he once knew. AJ was impressed with the turnaround in Cass; they spoke for the longest time.
AJ was sitting by a table by himself for a short time when Sophia came over and tapped him on the knee, pulling him out of his deep thoughts. He looked at the girl. So beautiful with her olive skin, brown eyes and hair, she reminded him of Francesca when she was that age. His eyes started to mist. She crawled up on his lap and hugged him. “I’m so sorry that you are so sad, AJ. Can I tell you a story that might cheer you up?” asked the girl. AJ nodded, and Sophia proceeded to tell him story after story that made him laugh at the girl’s imagination. Anton heard him laugh and joined him at the table. Sophia continued to spin tall tales for AJ as he and Anton laughed at the healing that Sophia was providing. “You have a very special daughter, Anton,” said AJ as he hugged the girl and sent her on her way. Anton walked AJ to the limo and told him they would do this again soon.
Right before AJ crawled into the limo, he looked solemnly at Anton and said, “You have taken a lot away from me, Anton—Cass, my grandchildren, and maybe my daughter. I hope someday I can find it in my heart to forgive you.” And AJ left. Anton didn’t reply to what AJ said. He felt like an ice pick had just been put through his heart, his words stung so much. Anton sat at a table overlooking the pool, his head resting on the palm of his hand. He was deep in thought, wrestling with the hurtful words AJ had said. He never heard Frank pull up a chair beside him and talk to him. Anton was too quiet, and that bothered Frank. Anton got up and walked away from Frank, never acknowledging him. Frank got up and followed Anton, grabbing him around the arm and turning him so he was face-to-face with him. “What’s wrong, pal?” asked Frank. Anton looked past Frank and murmured “nothing” as he shrugged off Frank and walked away. Frank grabbed Anton again; this time he slapped him across the face to get his attention. It worked. It brought Anton back to his reality. “I’ll hit you again, start talking,” demanded Frank. Anton said nothing, and Frank decked him. That was all it took. Anton plowed into Frank, and the two went at it, fists flying, obscenities being hurled. After a few minutes, Frank had Anton pinned to the ground when Anton finally said, “He said he can’t forgive me for what I did, and that really hurts, Frank,” said a dejected Anton. Frank and Anton talked in length about the grief AJ was feeling and that what he said was out of grief. Anton believed him.
They were walking around the grounds when they heard Cass and one of the other men in a shouting match. Soon another fight erupted. Cass and Gino were going at it. Gino had been taunting Cass, and that was all he could take anymore. It took everything Anton and Frank could muster to break up the two. At times, one would break free from the hold Anton or Frank had on them and would land a punch while the other was being restrained to stop the fight. Pretty soon, all four men were involved in the brawl. Anton slugged Gino and told him to go stand a short distance away but stay around. He did. Now it was Anton and Frank against Cass, and Cass had that look in his eyes that he wasn’t going to stop. Cass plowed into Frank, knocking him down, and Anton was on top of Cass, pulling him off. Cass landed a punch that sent Anton sailing across the grass. Cass had so much anger pent up inside of him, and he let it fly. Anton had never seen Cass like this. Christ was he strong , thought Anton. Cass swung at Anton and missed. Anton was glad, surely if he would have connected it would have broken Anton’s jaw. Frank and Anton seized the opportunity and tackled Cass and pinned him to the ground. Cass struggled against the two men, almost knocking them off him. They held strong and kept Rob pinned to the ground, taking all of their strength to keep him there. “Now what the hell is this all about?’ growled Anton. “None of your fuckin’ business!” yelled Cass. “I’m not going to let you up until you tell me what’s going on between you and Gino,” said Anton. “Well, then you’re going to be here all night,” said Cass.
Anton, seeing he wasn’t going to get anywhere, called Gino over to where he was still holding Cass down. “Start talking, what’s this about between the two of you?” demanded Anton. “I just wanted to see where his head was. I made an inappropriate comment and then a pass at him. He went ballistic,” said Gino. “You made a pass at him?” asked Anton, starting to laugh uncontrollably. Anton continued to laugh, he couldn’t stop. He let go of Cass, went over to Gino, and told him to go home, slapping Gino on the back. Frank let go of Cass, and Cass was off the ground in a second.
“I don’t see what’s so funny,” growled Cass. Anton was still laughing when he spoke to Rob. “You see it was a test, you just opened up your most vulnerable spot, and now people will know how to make you react, be vulnerable. You fell for it hook, line, and sinker,” said Anton as he walked away still chuckling to himself. Frank stayed and talked with Rob for quite some time, telling him to put his emotions and feelings aside no matter what someone says to him. “Be a poker player,” insisted Frank. “There will be many tests to come, Rob, to see what you are made of, where you stand, your loyalty. You don’t want to be going off half-cocked like you did with Gino,” said the capo.
The next morning, all four men—Anton, Frank, Gino, and Rob—were in Anton’s office. Anton would provoke Rob as much as possible to get his emotions and anger under control. Gino blew Rob a kiss, and that was all it took to set Rob off again. Frank and Anton stood between Rob and Gino. Anton’s hand was resting against Rob’s chest to stop him. “Deal with it, Rob, get used to people doing things to royally piss you off. You will take the insult and do nothing about it,” stated Anton. Gino stood there with a smirk on his face looking at Rob, blowing another kiss. Rob was infuriated. “I’ll kill you, you son of a bitch!” yelled Rob at Gino. Anton dismissed Gino and thanked him. As Gino walked past Rob, he still had the smirk on his face.
Rob broke away from Anton and tackled Gino, punching him, strangling him. Once again, it took everything Anton and Frank could do to pull Rob off Gino. Now Anton was clearly pissed. He threw Rob against the door. “What, did Gino hurt your feelings, Rob? Do want to run home and cry to your mommy?” taunted Anton. “Are you a boy or a man, Rob?” asked Anton. “Or should I say a sissy.” Rob tried to open the door, but Anton slammed it shut. “Can’t take it, tough man, sissy, fagot,” taunted Anton. The words cut deep into Rob, and they hurt. “Why are you doing this to me, Anton?” asked Rob. “Because I want you tough as nails in any given situation. There are going to be overtures. I can’t have you go off half-cocked when we’re in the middle of something because someone said something to offend you. You take it and don’t react to it. You smile at them like you don’t care what they just said to you. It will take practice,” said Anton and he let Rob go. “Leave Gino alone” were his parting words.
Over the next few weeks, Rob was humiliated, picked on, taunted. Anton had his men do it as often as possible, even strangers, provoking Rob until he finally turned a deaf ear to them and smiled at the insults. Gino had caught a man snooping around the grounds. It was one of Constanza’s men that came back after the war between Anton and Joe was long over. He was looking to join Anton’s ranks. Anton didn’t believe him. He was secured in the barn with his hands tied to a beam above his head. The man would be executed, and Rob would be the triggerman interrogating the man. Rob was nervous, seeing the man helpless, defenseless.
Anton pulled out his 9 mm and handed it to Rob. “Shoot him in the temple, now,” instructed Anton. Rob anxiously looked at Anton. “I can’t do that, he has done nothing wrong to deserve to die,” said Rob. “I gave you an order, now shoot him!” yelled Anton. Frank was nervous at the situation at hand, shifting his weight from leg to leg. Anton briefly glanced at Frank, and Frank saw the seething anger coming to Anton’s face. “Do it!” yelled Anton. Rob yelled no as he pointed the gun at Anton. Anton’s expression turned to sheer coldness, his jaw tightly clenched. Frank had only seen that expression once before, and it had dire results. Frank walked over to Rob and put his hand on Rob’s wrist, aiming the gun to the ground. Rob released it. Anton flew into a rage, tackling Rob, slugging him, kicking him, and beating him until he was unconscious. Gino and Frank took a few blows themselves trying to pull Anton off Rob. Anton picked up his 9 mm, walked over to the stranger, and shot him once in the temple, killing him. Anton walked over to Frank and unleashed his fury to his capo. Anton made a threat against Frank’s life for not doing his job instructing Rob on the rules in etiquette of executions and never pointing a gun at the boss. Anton was fi t to be tied as he stormed off.
Frank had Gino take Rob to Mark Sloan to fix his broken jaw, several fractured ribs and black eye plus other injuries. “Keep him at my house, don’t even let him in Anton’s sight until I tell you so,” instructed Frank, then Frank went to see Anton. Frank walked into the offi ce. Anton growled at Frank, “Get out. I don’t want to see you right now.” Frank stood there looking at a seething Anton. “Didn’t you hear me, I said get out, Frank!” yelled Anton. Frank turned and left, trying not to provoke Anton any more that day. He knew he couldn’t talk to Anton when he was this angry. Rina was coming down the hall when Frank came out of the office. “Stay clear off him. He’s madder than a riled-up hornet’s nest.” Frank told Rina. Rina stayed clear of her husband for the time being.
That night at the supper table it was very quiet. Anton had nothing to say. He only scowled at Frank. The tension was so thick Rina could have cut it with a knife while they were eating dinner. Anton got up and went and sat by the pool and lit up a cigar. Rina followed shortly and came and sat on her husband’s lap. She ran her hands through his hair. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked. He coldly glared at her. She was taken aback at the glare. He realized what he did and softened his look toward her. “I’m sorry, Rina, I didn’t mean to scare you.” “What happened today, Anton, that’s got you so upset?’ asked Rina. Anton looked away from her and didn’t answer.
Rina softly turned his face so he was looking at her. She stroked his cheek. “What happened, please let me in, Anton,” she pleaded. He finally told her how the events had transpired in the barn. She listened to her husband go on and on, tirade after tirade against Frank and Rob. “Tomorrow will be a new and better day, Anton,” she said as she kissed his neck. He kissed her back but was not in the mood for lovemaking and told Rina so. She just sat there, comforting her husband.
It was five days later that Frank brought Rob into Anton’s view. Anton seethed every time he saw Rob. Frank instructed Rob, “Be prepared, what you did will not be forgotten for a long time. Expect his venom.” Rob and Frank walked into Anton’s office. Rob’s black eye was starting to fade a little. His jaw and ribs still ached. Anton saw Rob and was immediately up out of his chair, eye to eye with the two men. Anton bore holes through Rob and said nothing at first. He just stood there, glaring at Rob, making him uncomfortable.” I can’t stand the sight of you. You get your sorry ass on the jet within the next half hour and go to Sicily or I will kill you. You defy me just once more and your friends are dead,” said Anton through clenched teeth. Rob started to apologize, only one or two words getting out when Anton had his viselike grip around his throat. “I don’t even want to hear your voice. Your apology is not accepted, now get out of my sight,” Anton said as he shoved Rob, releasing his grip. Frank ushered him out and told him to go to the jet and fl y immediately to Sicily and stay with Stefano. “He’ll calm down in time, just don’t ever do something that stupid again,” said Frank as he reassured Rob that things between him and Anton would get better again.
Anton called Stefano and told him what he wanted Rob to do. “If he doesn’t follow your orders or won’t do an execution, kill him,” instructed Anton. Frank overheard Anton’s conversation and was taken aback by it. “It will take him time to pull the trigger, Anton. He has always been on the side of the law—this is new for him. Give him more time. Don’t let Stefano kill him,” pleaded Frank. “Don’t tell me you’re getting soft too,” exploded Anton. The men went at it both yelling at each other until there was nothing more to say. Anton angrily fl ipped open his phone and called Stefano. “Don’t kill him if he disobeys you. Mentor him.” Anton hung up. “Let’s go for a five-mile run,” said Frank. “It’ll do you good, clear your mind, then we can get down to some business.” Anton agreed.
Anton’s mood improved over the next few days. Frank was glad to see the change as was Rina. Over the next two weeks, Anton was restless when he slept, tossing and turning much of the night. He’d wake up in drenching sweats, yelling out occasionally in his sleep. It troubled Rina. All she could do for now was cuddle with her husband hoping the demons would pass that possessed him at night. The dreams, nightmares continued. Anton couldn’t understand why his father was visiting him nightly when he slept. Sometimes he thought he heard Antonia crying. He tried to understand but couldn’t make head or tail out of what his father was asking him. Anton was exhausted from the lack of sleep, he looked exhausted too. Rina tried to help him find out what his father wanted, Anton didn’t know. Finally, Anton asked Sophia, his daughter, if Grandpa Tony was coming to her.
Sophia told Anton that Tony had visited her many times over the last two weeks, asking for help. Anton asked his daughter, “Why didn’t you tell me about Grandpa Tony?” “Because I know you don’t like it when I talk about angels, Papa,” said the innocent girl. Anton smiled at his daughter and ruffled her hair. “You come to me anytime with your angel stories, okay,” said Anton and Sophia agreed.
That night during supper, Anton’s phone rang. It was Arturo, the owner of the cemetery where Tony and Antonia Balistrano were buried. He had disturbing news for Anton. Anton left the table and went to his office to talk. He always found it rude to talk on the phone during a meal while at the table. Arturo had sent him a video to his laptop. “Watch it and call me back with what you would like me to do,” said Arturo. Anton watched the video in horror at the desecration of his father’s and daughter’s grave and headstone. It almost brought him to tears. Then he saw the person responsible and couldn’t believe who he saw. He opened up his offi ce door and yelled for Frank to join him. Frank watched the video and couldn’t believe it. Anton was extremely calm over the situation. He finally understood why his father was haunting his dreams.