Albany Park (48 page)

David leaned closer, “Are you alright?”

A full silent minute passed before her head bobbed up and down. “I’m alright, just give me a few minutes,” she whispered.

He waited, his jaw clenched, knowing he had said something that upset her.

Hands still covering her eyes, she finally spoke, “David, please get me a few tissues and pour me a glass of cabernet. Then sit next to me, I want to explain.”

Speaking in a low voice and pausing as she searched for words to explain as best she could the words tumbled out. He listened silently as she detailed the last several months of her existence.

Holding her in his arms an hour later, David shuddered and whispered, “I’m sorry, but glad you told me. At least I know the truth. No need to apologize. I love both of you and appreciate all that you have done.”

“Thank you,” she murmured not lifting her head from his chest. “I’m sure Dad appreciated that you cared enough to be there for him today.”

The following morning David left. Back at Emory he threw himself back into his work determined to make his parents proud of his achievements. He phoned Shirley every Sunday evening and wrote his father regularly.

Chapter 31
 

Darlene, with a large leather briefcase designed to look like a handbag hanging on her shoulder, rushed into the fund raising meeting of the Jewish United Fund’s real estate division. She kissed Vic’s cheek, “sorry I’m so late. Wasn’t that Mitzi Rubin who just walked away?”

The ballroom at the Palmer House Hotel had been transformed for the high-profile event. American and Israeli flags flanked by red, white and blue banners interspersed with blue and white bunting draped the walls and the head table that stretched across the front of the ballroom. Close to a hundred large round tables topped with crisp white tablecloths and blue Jewish star centerpieces filled the big room.

“Yeah, she’s at the luncheon as a guest of her daughter, who’s on the sales staff of the Hyatt Properties,” he said squeezing her waist.

Darlene slid her bag to the table and smoothed the lapels of her snug-fitting black jacket. “You like her a lot, don’t you?”

Vic nodded. “Yeah, she’s a terrific lady and she’s built a nice business.”

“Hmph,” Darlene said with a shrug, “you always have something nice to say about all the
ladies
.”

“You know she’s special. Whenever I think of her, I remember her waving the flag and singing “God Bless America” on the steps of Volta School the day World War II ended and that was, almost forty years ago…..Speaking of saying nice things about the ladies, you’re looking plenty good yourself today. Isn’t that the new outfit you bought last week at the Petite Shop?”

“Yeah, you like?” she said, stepping back and turning so he could get a good look.

“Nice,” he said, grinning as he nodded with approval.

She smiled back. “I guess I always forget how far back you go with Mitzi, but I can’t help being jealous when I see how she looks at you every time we run into her. She really likes you, but seems to avoid me.”

“Oh c’mon, we’re just old friends,” he said turning to shake someone’s hand and then looking back to Darlene. “Maybe she feels more comfortable around me because she’s known me since I was just a kid.”

“Well, I wonder how she feels about you now that you’ve got some gray creeping into your sideburns?”

“C’mon Dearie, it’s nothing. We’re just old friends.”

By the way, what took you so long to get here? I thought you were only going to make a few calls and come right over.”

“Took a little longer than I thought, getting through the secretaries of some of these top executives is getting harder these days, especially when they know I’m calling to raise money for the United Fund. One other thing, I hope you won’t mind, but, I have to leave in a few minutes. I’ve got a meeting I was lucky to set up this morning with the president of Carson Pirie Scott for this afternoon,” she said looking down, knowing he was peeved at her for being late and now running away.

Quickly recovering she looked up. “How is everything going here; Mister Committee Member?”

Scowling and shaking his head, he shrugged and looked past Darlene at some of the guests getting up to leave, before turning back to her.

“Well, as you can see, there’s been a great turnout but it’s just about to end, so come help me shake hands with people on their way out. And Jim Vogel’s here; you’ll get to say hello to him.”

There had indeed been a large enthusiastic turnout for the speaker, Ari Goldenberg, an Israeli diplomat who had served in Golda Meir’s cabinet. He was in the country to meet with President Reagan later in the week, but had agreed to speak in Chicago prior to the meeting as a personal favor to local Congressman Sidney Yates. They met when Yates visited Israel the previous year with a group of Jewish businessmen.

Crowds of men and women in dark business suits started slowly filing out, maneuvering around gatherings that were congregating to talk. At the same time, a small army of wait-staff, hustling amid the retreating guests, was methodically clearing the crumpled napkins and tableware.

Moving away from the table, Vic and Darlene started shaking hands and thanking people for attending, as they slowly moved toward the exits. After a few minutes, Jim Vogel, bespectacled, balding and carrying an extra twenty pounds since his high school days stopped and kissed Darlene on the cheek, “Nice suit, “ he complimented with a wink and a grin. Shaking hands with Vic, he got close to his ear to say in a low voice, “Gotta talk to you privately for a minute, got time?”

“Be right with you, but I want to say good bye to Darlene; she’s on her way to another meeting,” he answered turning to Darlene, who kissed him on the lips and pecked Jim’s cheek as she grabbed her bag before heading out the door.

As soon as she left, Jim led Vic to one of the empty tables. “I swear, Wayne, you’re six months older than me but you still manage to look ten years younger. And Darlene looks fantastic. I need to start jogging or something.”

Adjusting his bulk in a chair he pushed his glasses up on his nose. “How’s your new house in Highland Park?”

“It’s not so new, we’ve been there almost eighteen months, but it’s quite a contrast from our place in Morton Grove. And when both Ben and then Jeff came to work at Wayne Construction and each got an apartment in the city Darlene and I were rattling around in the big old place. We figured it was time to get something newer and smaller.

“I can imagine. We saw the new place just after you moved in. My wife loved the area. We were surprised at the size of the houses and all the swimming pools.”

“Yeah, and big as they are, almost all the houses are empty nesters, hardly a kid anywhere.”

Smiling Jim shook his head. “Can you believe, living in Highland Park? It hardly seems possible for one of us to live there. It’s so upscale.”

“Hey, pal, you’ve got that big place in Northbrook; that’s plenty
nice, too
.”

“But Highland Park is different. I remember going with my folks on a Sunday for a ride up Sheridan Road to Highland Park and Lake Forest to see all the mansions along Lake Michigan. That was way out in the country when we were kids and only really rich WASPS like Chuck Percy lived there.”

“You got that right. It sure isn’t like the old neighborhood. Anyway, what’s up?”

Jim’s smile disappeared as he looked around and leaned closer, adjusting his glasses. “You know Vic, being in the Advertising and Public Relations business I’ve been getting more involved in politics the last few years and gotten pretty close to some of the important Democrats, both locally and nationally. I guess you know some of them too; being married to Darlene. These people need sharp guys and I’ve been thinking about you and something that could lead to important things, if you’re interested.”

Cocking his head to one side and running his hand through his hair, Vic smiled at his old friend. “C’mon, Jim, I know you. You’ve got something you’re trying to set up. And you’re nervous about it or you wouldn’t keep pushing your glasses up your nose. Why don’t you just tell me about it straight out? You know me well enough to know that I’ll listen because I know I can trust you and it won’t be any bullshit.”

Jim bobbed his head slowly. “Same old Victor, smart and to the point; okay, look, I’m just trying to feel you out, but here’s what I got in mind.”

Vic nodded.

With a sheepish grin, Jim went on. ”I’m sure you know the problems we’re having with all the corruption downtown and I’m sure I don’t have to remind you of the scandal last year at Traffic Court, when Joey Hansen and Sonnie Levin went to jail for trying to bribe the judges.”

Vic nodded, “Yeah I know Sonnie from way back at Lou’s Pool Room. Nice guy, too bad.”

“Well, the party is trying to take the initiative to weed out these kind of guys and we need someone to head up a new committee to be appointed by the County Board President with the Mayor’s blessing; who will address the issue independently. The idea is to form a Cook County Crime Commission and we need someone new, to be in charge.”

Jim clasped and unclasped his hands. “I’m really excited about this. It’s the first time I’ve been asked to personally take a leadership role in a project like this and it’s important I get it right.”

Vic nodded and waited.

Jim, signaled with a flip of his hands that he was looking for some kind of response.

Slowly as if in deep thought, Vic said, “And why are you telling me about this?”

“Well, I thought, it might be a spot for you. After all, you’re a prominent businessman and haven’t previously been involved politically, except through the work that Darlene has done over the years, so you can still be promoted as independent. The president of the County Board wants to take credit for appointing somebody who’s known and respected in the city. He can use some good publicity and he’s tired of taking the rap for not going after white collar crime. And you’re still something of a local hero after that fire rescue back in ’64 and that incident that you and Frank had with the trade unions about ten years ago.”

“I’d like to mention your name and see what he thinks. Personally, I think he’ll go for it.”

Jim waited a moment. “What do ya’ think, interested?”

Vic paused, rubbing his chin. “Jim you’re sure full of surprises. Hell, I don’t have any idea about responding to something like this; but, you know, it’s something to think about. I sure agree somebody should go after those guys and clean up the mess.”

“Vic, it’s a great opportunity and I know you’re the right guy for the job. You’ve always been interested in helping people. I remember when you did all that work for the HIAS group when we were kids. And I remember how excited you were when you worked on the Humphrey campaign with Darlene. It’s time you got involved.”

Vic sucked in his lower lip, shrugging a shoulder as a busboy attacked the table, piling dishes and silverware in a shallow plastic tub, leaving the napkins and table cloth for the man with the laundry cart following him.

Jim chuckled. “And you even look the part. I wasn’t kidding when I said you looked ten years younger than me. Sure, you’ve got the graying temples, but with those chiseled features of yours, it just makes you look distinguished. And with Darlene by your side, you’d be Chicago’s most photogenic power couple. The Board President will love it. What do
you say
?”

Moving aside for the workers, Vic responded slowly. “I’ll tell you what. Give me a week. For now, though, don’t discuss this conversation with anyone. We’re just two old friends talking. If I hear anything to the contrary, I’ll deny it.”

Jim raised his eyebrows. Vic leaned forward. “I know you think I’m being cautious, but I’d just like to think about something this serious for a few days and make sure I don’t make any decisions that could screw up what I’ve worked for my whole life. And right now, other than my family and the volunteer work, the construction business and the reputation Frank and I have built is the only thing I concentrate on.” He stood up. “But it really is an honor to be considered for something like this, so I thank you for that.”

Standing, Jim patted Vic on the shoulder. “How’s next Thursday? I’ll come by your office about two-thirty. And don’t worry, I won’t mention this to anyone. Tell your boys hello. I hear the two of them and Frank’s daughter are getting ready to take over the company.

“Yeah, but they allow Frank and me to think we run the place. Anyway say hello at home too, and Thursday will work,” Vic said as they shook hands and parted.

Some surprise, Vic thought as he headed north on Wabash weaving through the jammed sidewalk under stripes of sunshine broken by the tracks overhead. Man, is this what I want? Am I ready for this kind of crap or is Jim just trying to get me involved in one of his PR schemes?

Picking up the pace, he started to hum an upbeat tune amid the noisy clatter of the El train passing above as he approached the parking lot on Randolph He also decided that he should figure out whether or not he was even interested before he talked to Darlene or Frank.

Thursday came around quickly and Vic still was still feeling as indecisive as he had been during his conversation with Jim the previous week. He was hanging up the phone, when Jim arrived at his office.

“Sorry I’m late; got caught up in the construction on Lincoln Avenue.”

Vic shaking his hand, nodded and laughed. “I go through that
every day
.”

“Well,” Jim said, sweeping his hand around Vic’s office, “how’s the construction tycoon from Albany Park?”

“Man, leave it to you to remind someone where we came from,” Vic said and laughed again. “But it sure is a long haul from playing basketball at Eugene Field Park, isn’t it?”

Jim pointed to a picture on the wall behind Vic. “I love that shot of you and Frank during the strike. You sure had balls, the union guys must have shit when you pulled that stunt.

Vic shrugged. “Yeah, we laugh about it now, but that was a scary time. We almost went under.”

With a knock on the door frame, a well proportioned brunette in tight slacks entered and brought in some papers. “Sorry to interrupt, but these need your signature Vic. And call Bobby Frankel at home after your meeting’s done; he said it was important.”