Mafia Sex Lure

CHAPTER 1

A WARNING FOR A BAD MAN

The police found the crumpled, bloody body of a young man who was later identified as "Snow," Kennedy. The patrons of a nearby dinner had heard the shots, but by the time the police had arrived at the scene, the man was already dead. It was a bitterly cold, snowy night and the body was found in a snowy gutter. A great deal of the warm, red blood had drained from the body melted the snow around it. Apparently, there had been no witnesses to the murder.

When the body was searched at the mortuary, they didn’t find much except for a small baggie of white powder and a playing card—the Ace of Spades. The middle of the card had been replaced with the imprint of a deviled face monkey.

Kennedy’s associates had nicknames him Snow because of he had a particular fondness for cocaine. The victim also had a fondness for gambling and had been associated with a man named General Guido Scavo in certain of his unsavory criminal enterprises.

The General claimed that he didn’t know a lot about the young man, but he did provide a few interesting details. Kennedy had dropped out of college, and suffered a decline in his social status due to his drug addiction. The General added some particulars that seemed to suggest that he had had tried to be a positive influence on the young man life.

When asked why he was called General, the large man admitted that it was an honorary title given to him by his ‘business associates,’ not an actual military title.

Some people said that the General thought Snow, Kennedy had a big mouth and liked to talk too much about their business relationship. But, Mr. Scavo insisted that these people were only making these claims because they were jealous of his wealth and position.

The coroner ruled the man’s death a homicide and he was buried quickly without much fanfare. That appeared to be the end of the murderous tragedy, and the incident was soon forgotten. However, four months later General Scavo’s received a strange and alarming item.

Early one afternoon, a letter arrived at his apartment. It was marked ‘Private and Personal.’ The letter hadn’t contained a letter, but only a single playing card—the Ace of Spades with a grotesque figure imprinted on it.

The General examined the card with the fearsome looking creature and was perplexed. He had forgotten all about his dead business associate. As he examined the card, he saw some writing in the margin of the card. He had to twist the card sideways to read the small print. It read:

"The Devil-Monkey From Hell."

The General turned the card and examined the other side, but there was nothing else there, What kind of stupid crap is this? he said, in disgust and tossed the card into his waste paper basket.

Several more cards arrived over the course of the next few weeks and the unpleasant situation was becoming very bothersome. The General considered his options and decided to kill two birds with one stone.

It was a daring and audacious plan that only someone like General Guido Scavo would have attempted. Scavo knew better than anyone that his biggest enemy was Detective Kurt Kildare. The policeman had devoted most of his time over the last three years trying to smash his criminal enterprises, and lock him away in prison.

The gray eyed detective with the steady gaze had worked his way up in the department by a combination of hard work and intelligence. Of all the policemen that the General knew, Kildare was the one he feared the most.

It would be hard to imagine a greater contrast between two protagonists. There was the refined and gentlemanly detective on the one hand, and the big stout figure of the formidable gang leader on the other.

Scavo sat at the table and used one of his enormous, hairy hands to push back his black, shoulder length hair, as the detective watched him with cool interest. He may have been secretly amused at the big man's sheer audacity, but if he was, his blank face didn’t reveal any such emotion.

I suppose you think it’s strange that I would ask you to come here today, Detective Kildare. I’m sure my business associates would think the same thing if they knew.

Kurt Kildare sat quietly and closely observed the big man without speaking.

For the last twenty years, continued Scavo, "I’ve had to fight the unjust accusations of my enemies. I doubt that there’s been anyone who’s been libeled more than me and my business associates. I’ve had the police sticking their noses in my business for years without them finding anything connecting me to any illegal activities.

I’ll be honest with you, Detective Kildare. When I discovered that you would be the one assigned to investigate me, I have to tell you that I was glad."

Is that supposed to be a compliment? asked the detective.

Yes, and I’ll tell you why, continued the General, I know that you’re an honest cop, and all I want is a fair shake. My life is an open book that can withstand even the closest scrutiny.

The big man spread out his huge hands as if inviting and even closer inspection of his business activities than had given it before.

Detective Kildare stood quietly and listened. He had heard all the stories about the Scavo Gang and had guessed a lot about the criminal activities of the group. He knew that the slow-talking man sitting in front of him had become very wealthy from the money collected by his organization. The cop didn’t buy for a second the General's inferred claims that his business dealings were all clean and above board.

The detective leaned forward slightly and said, I’m sure you didn’t ask for me to come here so you could tell me what an honest businessman you are, General.

Of course not, Detective Kildare, But, I would like you to know that I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m told that you don’t do anything but try and find ways to put me in jail. If that’s true, then I guess I should try and find out everything I can about you, and you about me, I suppose."

The General paused for a second to clear his throat, You’re absolutely right in assuming that I didn’t ask you to come here to talk about the past. It’s the future, I want to talk about.

Detective Kurt Kildare nodded.

I’m just an honest citizen despite what you might have heard, said the big man in affected earnestness, and whenever there’s a chance to help the law, I’m glad to do my part.

General Scavo opened the desk drawer of his expensive, hand carved desk and took out a small envelope. He opened it and took out a single playing card. It was a good quality card of exquisite texture, with gilt edging. The card was imprinted with the familiar figure of the grotesque monkey on it.

It’s the Ace of Spades with the center spade replaced with some drawing, observed the cop.

You say it’s the Ace of Spades? repeated Scavo gravely, I guess I’ll have to take your word for it since I’m not a gambling man.

The General didn’t bat an eye nor did the detective smile at what was obviously a bald-faced lie.

You received one of these before, I think, said Kildare, I seem to remember that you called my office to complain about it.

The General nodded, Read the printing on the edge of the card.

The cop moved the card closer to his eyes. The writing was very small, and he strained his eyes to read the following:

"Save yourself from a painful death. Give back the property you stole and commit suicide. You have been warned.

Signed The Devil-Monkey From Hell."

The detective laid the card down on the desk, and looked at the big man, What happened after the last card came? Wasn’t there a burglary?

The last one contained an untruthful charge against me, said the General nervously, "It claimed that my business associates and I had robbed Mr. Robert Sanders of $87,000 by cheating him at a game of cards. My friends and I don’t gamble, so naturally we refused.

In fact, I’m sure that Mr. Sanders would be the last person to ask for money from me. I did get a receipt for a property that I purchased from him. I’m sure that Mr. Sanders doesn’t know anything about this attempt to extort money from me, he seems like a very law-abiding person."

The detective picked up the card and looked at it again, What’s the story behind the Clovis deal? he asked.

What’s the story behind the Clovis deal? said the General slowly.

The big man had a habit of repeating questions when he wanted to stall for time to consider his answer.

Well, there’s really nothing to it, I bought the manufacturing plant that he operated on the east side. It was a good bargain, and there’s no crime against making a profit, is there?

Kildare was familiar with the business. The young owner had inherited a nice little fortune, along with control of two factories; the best was the one under discussion.

"I happen to know the Clovis' works. I’m also aware that he sold you a property worth $3,000,000 in the open market for a sum which most people would consider grossly inadequate--$300,000, wasn’t it?"

$350,000, corrected the General, Like I said there's no law against making a profit.

"You've been extremely fortunate in getting your bargains. You bought the Hightower Hotel from a Mrs. Regan for a sum which was less than a fraction of its true worth. You bought Mr. Zale's automobile dealership for $720,000--the value in the open market was at least $5,000,000. For the past fifteen years you have been acquiring properties at an amazing rate--and at an extremely low prices."

You're paying me a great compliment, Detective Kildare, smiled the General with a touch of sarcasm, "But, let’s not forget the reason your here. I’m making an official complaint to you, as an officer of the law, that I’ve been threatened by a thief, and probable murderer.

I warn you that I will not be responsible for any action that I may have to take against this so called crazy masked man who refers to himself as The Devil-Monkey From Hell," he growled.

And I warn you too, General, that any type of vigilante action will not be tolerated, responded the detective, Have you ever seen this man before?

He's still alive, isn’t he? answered the big man gruffly, If I'd seen him, do you think I'd be calling you? It’s your job to arrest him, not mine. If you police would spend less time poking into the affairs of honest business men like myself, then you’d have probably have caught him already.

General, you’ve really got some nerve! smile Detective Kildare, I’ll have to give you that, and with that, he left the room without another word.

CHAPTER 2

THE DEVIL-MONKEY LEAVES HIS CALLING CARD

The rain was coming down in buckets as the chilly wind was banging and battering at the stage door entrance to the Crystal Music Hall. Detective Kildare moved further back into the dark shadows when he saw a familiar figure making his way along the alleyway. The man stopped at the open doorway and closed his umbrella.

Juko Ichball was immaculately attired in a dark, blue suit with a white rose in the button hole. He went inside, adjusted his tie, and nodded carelessly at the security guard, It’s a rotten night out there, Joe. Has Miss Roberts gone home yet?

No, sir, replied the guard, She just got off stage a few minutes ago. Would you like me to tell her you're here, sir?

Juko shook his head, No thanks, Al.

Ichball was a thirty-five year old that some people would describe as good-looking. There were even some who would go further and describe him as handsome, although his peculiar style of good looks might not be to everybody's taste.

His olive complexion, black eyes, and effeminate chin were attractive to some women, and Juko Ichball would be the first to admit that many of these had left his bed with a satisfied smile on their faces.

Miss Roberts is in dressing room six, said the guard, Are you sure that you don’t want me send somebody to tell her you're here?

Don’t trouble yourself, Al. She’ll be along in a few minutes.

A young woman came hurrying down the hallway, fastening her coat as she walked. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of Juko and a look of annoyance came over her face. The sexy young girl was taller than most females and had an exceptionally well-proportioned figure.

Juko Ichball took off his hat and smiled at the dark-haired beauty, I just came from out front, Miss Roberts. You gave an excellent performance tonight.

Thank you, your very kind, she answered softy, But, I don’t remember seeing you in the audience.

Juko nodded. There was complacency in his nod that irritated her. It almost seemed to suggest that she was lying and that he was just humoring her.

Are you comfortable? he asked.

Yes, she replied politely.

The young girl was obviously anxious to get rid of the man, but she didn’t seem to know the best way to do it.

Was your dressing room comfortable, and everybody treat you okay? he asked, If they aren’t just say the word and I’ll kick ‘em out on the street, whoever they are, from the manager on down.

Thanks’, but everybody has been treating me very well, she said hurriedly, And now, if you’ll excuse me I have to go, there’s a friend waiting for me.

Just a second, Miss Roberts, said Juko, in unaccustomed embarrassment as he licked his lips, I was thinking that perhaps one of these nights after the show, I could take you out to supper. You know I like you very much and all that means.

I understand that you like me and all that means, answered Janet Roberts with a note of irony in her voice, but I don’t feel the same about you-- and all that means."

But, did you know, Janet---- he began.

Good night, she said coldly, and pushed past him.

He watched her disappear into the darkness. Then sighed and walked slowly back to the Security Office, I need someone to go get my car, snapped Ichball.

Juko chewed off the end of his cigar and lit it as he waited impatiently. Finally, the dripping security guard returned and told him that his car was waiting at the end of the alleyway. He extended his umbrella and fought his way through the heavy rain to where his limousine was waiting.

Juko Ichball climbed into the backseat and felt his anger increase at the way the girl had treated him. He had given her an opportunity to perform in his theater, a golden opportunity that might make her a star. But, what did he get for his kindness, nothing but ingratitude. He decided to speak to the General and have him talk with her father. He had had just about enough of her shenanigans.

Juko suddenly realized that he was afraid of Janet Roberts. It was a ludicrous thought, but true. It was the first time that he had ever felt this way around a woman. He had seen something in her eyes, a sort of cold disdain which both frightened and excited him.

After a few minutes’ drive through the pouring rain, the automobile pulled up in front of a row of buildings on a deserted North End street. He checked his watch and saw that it was ten after eleven. The last thing that Juko wanted to do was take part in a conference this time of night in a raging rainstorm. But, he wanted even less to disappoint the General in a moment of potential crisis.

Juko entered a dark vestibule, found the elevator, and went to the second floor. He traveled down a carpeted hallway to a heavy set of walnut doors which led to the office of Scavo Enterprises. He took out a key and opened the doors. He went inside and found himself standing in a lavishly furnished room.

There was a man sitting at a gray metal desk. The man looked up as Juko entered and slowly nodded. Ichball recognized the man as Klaus Rommel, the General’s accountant.

Hello, Klaus, is the General here?

Rommel nodded, They're waiting inside for you.

Klaus’s voice was hard and unsympathetic, and his narrow lips spit out every syllable.

How about you, aren't you coming inside too? asked Juko, in surprise, as he put his hand on the door.

Rommel shook his head, I've got to go to the General's apartment to get some papers. Besides, they don't need me.

Klaus grimaced in an expression of amusement and Ichball eyes narrowed. Juko, however, had the good sense not to ask any further questions. He turned the handle of the door and walked into a large, well-furnished room.

Situated in the center on an expensive oriental rug was a large wooden table. The chairs sitting around it were nearly all filled. Juko took a seat to the right of the General and nodded to the others at the table.

Most of the top level gang members were there—‘Knuckles,’ Kelly, Norris Reinheart, and at the end of the table was Sinful Kitty Rodgers with her baby face and sexy beautiful body.

I don’t see Roberts, inquired Juko.

The General was busy reading a letter and didn’t offer a reply . After a moment, he folded the paper and put it into his pocket.

Why isn’t Roberts here? asked the perplexed Juko again.

The General rubbed his cheek and looked at the ceiling fan, Mr. Roberts isn’t going to be part of this next business venture.

Why not? asked Ichball.

He never was a part of it, answered the General evasively. He doesn’t seem to like this type of business deal anymore. It seems he’s getting religion or something, or maybe it’s that niece of his.

Juko Ichball eyes narrowed at the reference to Janet Roberts, and he started to say something about just leaving her, but thought better of it, Does his niece know anything about her father’s activities?

The General turned and grimaced at Juko, Not unless you told her anything.

Not me! he quickly replied, But, I’m getting damn sick of her smart-ass attitude after all we’ve done for her.

You'll get even sicker, Juko, said a voice, from the end of the table.

Ichball turned and saw Kitty Rodgers smirking at him.

What do you mean by that? he snapped.

I was out watching her today, replied Kitty.

The General scowled at the young blonde, and said, I told you to watch Kurt Kildare.

I did, laughed Kitty, And the girl too.

What do you mean by that?

These days, you can’t follow one of them without running into the other. That’s a bit of a bombshell for you isn’t it, General.

Scavo uttered a cuss word, and asked again, What do you mean?

I mean that the two are closely acquainted. Detective Kildare takes her out to eat and other places several times a week. explained Kitty.

The other gang members stared at each other in consternation. Janet Roberts was the niece of one of the oldest members of the gang. He had been involved in almost as many shady business deals as the General himself. It was stunning to discover that the niece of Delbert Roberts was meeting with the detective who was trying to put them all in prison.

I guess that explains why Roberts is anxious to avoid any further business deals with us, said the General, as he licked his dry lips."

Scavo turned to face Ichball, whose jaws were locked tight, I thought you were interested in the girl, Juko. I set you up with her, and you should have been in her panties by now. What do you know about this?

I don’t know anything, snapped Juko, And I don't believe a single word of it.

Then you’re an idiot, broke in Kitty, "I followed Kildare to a matinée at the Crystal Music Hall today and sat down next to him. I tried to get his attention, but he completely ignored me and watched the girl on stage. I might as well have been a sack of potatoes for all the notice he took of me.

After Miss Roberts finished her show, he went out and waited for her at the stage door. From there they went out to supper. I returned to the theater and talked with the woman that does her makeup. She’s the woman I recommended to you when Juko put her to work there."

What kind of show is Janet Roberts doing? asked the mellow tempered Kelly.

She does a variety show, you know, singing, dancing, and jokes. She even does celebrity impersonations, answered Kitty, She's the best mimic I've ever seen. You ought to hear her when she talks like a man----

Forget that, interrupted the General, what else did you find out?

Well, other than that, Kildare watches her show regularly at the theater, and takes her to dinner afterwards. He’s also a regular visitor at her house, but I don’t know if he’s sleeping with her yet.

"Roberts never mentioned that to me that—damn him! snapped the General, I think the bastard may be trying to double-cross us."

I don't believe that.

It had been Knuckles Kelly who had spoken.

I’ve known Delbert for over twenty years, and I know him just as well as you do, General. And as far as I’m concerned, Dobby is okay. I'm not denying the possibility that he wants to leave the gang and go straight, but that's only natural. He's made enough money to retire and he has a beautiful niece to take care of. I’d stake my life that he'd never double-cross us.

The whole idea is ludicrous, smiled the General, There’s nothing for him to double-cross us over. After all, we’re just a group of honest business people, aren’t we?"

The big man brought his enormous hand down with a hard bang on the table, and the others knew from experience that this was the gavel of the chairman and all discussions were ended.

Okay, gentlemen, announced the General, "It’s time to get down to serious business. Someone call Rommel in here--he's got the figures we need. It’s the last set of figures that bastard is ever going to handle for us," he added in a sinister tone.

Kitty went to the door and called his name, but there was no reply. She went outside looking for him and returned, He's not there.

Not there? repeated the General and grunted, Who told him he could go out? Never mind, he'll come back soon. Shut the door and take your seat.

The big man picked up a metal box off the floor sitting near his feet, and placed it on the table. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a key chain and used one of the keys to open the box. He then reached inside and took out a bundle of papers.

We’re going to take care of this Clovis business tonight. I think he’s getting ready to do some talking.

Where is he now? asked Knuckles.

He’s in a substance abuse center, answered the General grimly, "But, the trustee to his father’s estate is likely to start asking questions about the legality of the transfer. I’ve checked with our lawyers, and they tell me there won’t be any problem defending against any case he brings. The only thing that can cause us problems is those damn letters that he sent to Kitty. They have to be destroyed.

Do you have them? asked the blue-eyed, blonde.

I did? replied the General, and I burnt all of them except one when the transfer was completed. Now, gentlemen, what do you say we burn the last one and get rid of all the evidence?

The General removed an envelope from the stack of papers and held it up, I held on to this one just in case we had to blackmail him, but now that he's in a substance abuse center, he's not going to be influenced by any threats to publish a love letter from a girl who has a dubious reputation like our little Kitty here. I don’t think the trustee is going to be influenced either. But, on the other hand, if this letter turned up among our business documents, it could be very embarrassing for us.

But, who would be looking for it? asked Kelly.

The police, that’s who, replied the General.

The police?

The General nodded, Yes, as you know our organization is being investigated, but I don’t think there’s any cause for alarm. It’s possible that Detective Kildare might get a search warrant, but I'm not too concerned about that as yet. I think we’ve covered our tracks pretty well, and that there’s enough cards left in the old Scavo deck to beat anything they throw at us. My God, what the hell--

I’m the Devil-Monkey From Hell--ha! ha! ha!

The shrill bubble of laughter cut into the General’s speech and caused the big man jumped to his feet. His hand began moving towards the gun in his shoulder holster. The door had opened and closed so quietly that none of the gang members had noticed it, and now a dark menacing figure stood confronting them.

The man was dressed in a long, black silk cape that reached down to his knees and shimmered in the illumination from overhead ceiling fan lights. The hands were concealed in matching black gloves, and the stranger’s face was concealed behind a matching black, silk mask.

The General's hand was within inches of his pistol when he reconsidered his actions, and slowly raised his hands into the air. There was something peculiarly sinister about the large caliber revolver the intruder was holding. The silver-plated gun had gold inlay along it’s finely chased barrel.

Okay, everybody get your hands up, ordered the