Albany Park (51 page)

Scrunching down a bit in the seat, Darlene bit her lower lip, finally saying, “Whatever you decide Victor, I’ll not get in your way, but I’ve seen close-up, what all this fuss does to people. You remember my boss, a smart hard working guy who met a young girl at a rally. She took him for a ride and then dumped him. He’s sixty four being forced to retire next year, divorced and almost broke. His kids won’t even talk to him. Is that the kind of life you want?’

“Hey, don’t worry,” he said softly.

Looking straight ahead, she muttered, “yeah, don’t worry, I tried that and look what it got me.”

They continued on in silence until still not looking his way she went on. “Victor, you’ve worked hard and deserve recognition. I hope you know I want you to be happy and you can depend on me not to interfere. Just promise me you’ll be careful and don’t patronize me. I can’t stand that, especially from you.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. I’m sorry if I’m doing something that upsets you and I know you’re only trying to caution me…. Any chance we can talk about a few other things?”

“Please Victor, don’t misunderstand. Do what makes you happy, but things can’t be the way they were.”

They rode in silence the rest of the way.

Vic with Jim at his side held a news conference at the Commission the next day announcing his candidacy.

Ten days later, he was in his office at Wayne Construction early in the morning. The desk was piled with papers which he was going through and returning calls that had been neglected for several days.

Connie came to his doorway about nine thirty. “There’s a well dressed woman who just walked in who’s looking for you. A Mrs. Rabin…ShIrley Siegal Rabin, she said you’d remember her.”

“Shirley Siegal, Oh for cryin’ outloud, she’s where,” he answered, his eyes opening wide and taking a deep breath.

“In the reception area, what should I tell her?”

“Uh,” he hesitated, quickly recalling Shirley left Chicago several years before with her loan shark husband; when his hoodlum partner, Paschey Cohen was found murdered.

“Tell her to wait, I’ll be out.”

The mere mention of her name flashed memories. He got up slowly unrolled his sleeves, slipped into his jacket and adjusted his tie. Lastly he ran a comb through his hair.

She stood as he opened the door to the reception area. His handshake and hello was answered by her long remembered voice and the feeling of a sensual jolt rushing through him. It seemed crazy that after all these years this woman still could do that to him. Her fragrance and touch was mesmerizing. Highlighting her wide set dark eyes, her short fashionably streaked hair was curled away from her face. She appeared very sophisticated, but hardly much older than he recalled.

Ushering her quickly into his office, he was careful to not close the door, but stood so he had his back to the entrance with her facing him, but not visible to the people in the outer office. Shirley Siegal, suddenly appearing at his office would be embarrassing and make things more difficult with Darlene if she found out.

“Look Shirley,” he said quietly, “I don’t know what you want, but this is not the place to discuss it.”

Her shoulders dropped and she slowly tilted her head, looking up at him and said in a clear voice, “I’m sorry, but I must talk to you. It’s very important.”

“Not here,” he answered looking over his shoulder.

“Where then,”

His mind went blank, “Uh,”

“Victor,” she spoke up quickly, ”I’m staying at the Marriott near the airport. Meet me there tomorrow afternoon.”

Gritting his teeth, he thought for a moment…. “I can’t, …especially at a hotel. How about Giannotti’s restaurant? That’s close by and the hotel people can direct you. I can be there at one o’clock,” he said, his voice dropping almost to a whisper.

“I know this is a surprise, but I assure you it is extremely important. I must talk with you privately,” she answered softly as he started to turn and escort her to the door.

“Call me if you can’t make it,” she said looking back. “I’m registered under the name Shirley Siegal.”

“Okay, look I’m sorry about rushing you out of here, but I’ll explain tomorrow. Now please you must go now.”

He held the door for her to the reception area. Looking back she saw him and whispered, “please Victor trust me, I must see you. You must meet me. I’m desperate and only you can help.”

Vic shrugged watching her hurry away. Connie and the other women in the office stared wide eyed at the scene between Vic and the well dressed stranger being rushed out. As the door closed behind her, Vic raised his eyebrows and cocked his head, obviously surprised at Shirley’s quick visit and departure. The office staff, was very quiet as they witnessed Vic rushing Shirley out; then quickly turned back to their work. Vic returned to his office without saying a word.

An hour later he entered the Commission office going directly to O’Malley’s office and closing the door.

“Kevin, I need a favor and it’s something I trust only you to do in the strictest confidence.”

“Sure, just name it, Vic.”

“I need all the information you can find on a woman named Shirley Siegal, who used to live in Chicago. I believe her married name is Rabin and she moved to Florida several years ago. As far as I know, her husband was a loan shark and small time gambler who got in trouble here and left town in a hurry when one of his partners was murdered.”

“Umm, sounds sorta messy.”

“Yeah, look I want you to find out what you can and get back to me early tomorrow morning with anything you have by then. Oh, and Kevin this is personal, please do not discuss it with anyone.”

“Don’t worry Vic, I’ll get on it right away and have two of my clerks do some research. We’ll know what she eats for breakfast in a few days”, O’Malley answered, “

Going to his own office after checking his messages with Marilyn, he closed the door. Settling back in the large leather chair his thoughts turned to Shirley. What could be so important? After all these years, she must be in serious trouble, but why me? How can I help? He also couldn’t stop himself from thinking how even now she sounded so good. Her voice still excited him. He knew it wasn’t love, but couldn’t wait to see her. Beautiful Shirley, who to him, was the sexiest woman he had ever known. Would it still be that way? Tomorrow seemed a long time to wait and see.

Sitting at his desk, collar open, tie loosened and shirt sleeves rolled to just below his elbow, he signed some checks and letters. Putting them in the out box, he shook his head.

The visit had set off old memories, causing his mind to stray as he listened to the sound of the phones and activity in the office.

Smiling, after a few minutes, his thoughts wandered, thinking of the many calls he had received in the last several days including the few from old high school friends wishing him good luck in the congressional race. It sure was a long way from Albany Park and Shirley Siegal.

Chapter 36
 

O’Malley whistled as he came into Vic’s office at the Commission the next morning. He entered and closed the door, then stopped in front of the desk. “Man, that Shirley Siegal is some babe.”

Vic looked up, his eyebrows raised.

O’Malley nodded and sat across from Vic, compressing his lips “It seems that she’s now known as Sally Ray and is reputed to be the successful madam of an exclusive call girl operation in South Florida.”

“Are you sure it’s the same woman?” Vic said, a hand going to his chin.

“Yep, I checked that out thoroughly. It seems that her low-life husband, Howie Rabin, is in jail for a big drug deal he tried to pull off a few years ago. He’s not expected to get out anytime soon. Prior to that, he was involved in the juice rackets, some gambling and he had a string of call girls working for him. When got sent away, she took over the prostitutes.”

“Good God,” said Vic, rubbing his chin,” anything else?”

“She’s still married to Rabin and has one kid who went to a private school out of state. He’s some kind of research Doctor now.”

“And, anything more?”

Kevin looked up at Vic. “Plenty.”

Vic sighed. “Let’s have it.”

Kevin checked his notes. “According to our information, she’s never had any serious problems with the law. It seems that she knows all the right people, The word is that a big operator in the Fort Lauderdale area is her boyfriend. A guy named Jack Brown.”

“What kind of operator?”

“His legit business is real estate and he has a few other businesses, but he has the reputation of being the banker for almost every illegal operation in South Florida. He also has more politicians in his pocket than anyone else in the state. Oh, and he also is married, and got a couple of kids.”

Scratching his head, Vic sighed, “Man, that’s some story. You sure it’s accurate?”

“Look, boss, I personally checked it out. This gal sounds like dynamite. She’s plenty well known but keeps a low profile. The word is that she’s well-liked but keeps her distance; a classy broad that goes about her business without bothering anybody.”

“Thanks, Kevin.” Vic shook his head. “Let’s keep this between just you and me.

Standing, O’Malley buttoned his jacket and handed Vic the file. “You okay?” he said.

“I’m fine,” Vic answered. “I appreciate the information and if I need anything else, I’ll let you know.”

“Vic, you’re grinding your teeth.”

A short chuckle came from Vic. “Kevin, I’m fine,” he said, “just puzzled. But could you please close the door? I need some time to think.”

Vic’s mind raced. What could someone like that want from him after all these years? With the direction her life had taken, it couldn’t be anything good. And even if he wanted to help her, he probably couldn’t, not with her current lifestyle and his political ambitions. And if Darlene found out, it would kill any hope of reconciliation.

But still, he couldn’t stop thinking about Shirley. He took a breath and shook his head; damn it, she still had that power over him. But he could do this. It was just lunch.

He would drive to Giannotti’s by himself, meet with her and get it over with. If he was recognized, it would appear to be a normal business meeting with an unknown woman from out of town. It was just a lunch meeting in a public place. Not anything out of his ordinary day. Worst case, he could truthfully say she was an old acquaintance from high school, nothing wrong about that.

Vic walked into the restaurant a few minutes after one, pausing at the entrance until his eyes and ears adjusted to the dark surroundings and muffled conversations. His heart racing, he looked around; most of the tables and booths were occupied. A Sinatra recording of “The Lady is a Tramp” was playing softly in the background. Except for a few people that appeared to be waiting for someone to join them, the lounge was empty. Two TVs over the back bar were replaying last night’s basketball game between the Bulls and Knicks.

He approached the podium at the entrance to the dining room, taking in the deep burgundy tones of walls, booths, leather chairs, and heavy carpet. The tables were covered with crisp white cloths and napkins. Waiters in black vests, pants and bow ties with white shirts and short aprons scurried about, giving the place the atmosphere of a 1920s speakeasy.

The hostess, a full figured blonde dressed in black skirt, white shirt and a short, tuxedo-style vest similar to the waiters’ came toward him cradling a menu. She smiled and started to say something, but before she could greet him, he said, “I’m meeting a lady.”

“Oh yes sir, she’s expecting you. Please follow me.” She smiled, proceeding to a booth near the back, where it was not crowded. Handing him a menu, the blonde flashed an amused smile and shook her head.

He had gotten a glimpse of Shirley as they got closer. Damn, she looked good.

Smiling she said, somewhat huskily, “hello Victor, thank you for coming.”

He felt himself get a little tongue-tied as he remembered O’Malley’s report and shook her extended hand.

“Hi Shirley, you look wonderful,” he said sliding into the seat across from her. For a moment they quietly looked at one another. She, toying with the glass of red wine in front of her, a trace of lipstick on its rim, and he fussing with a napkin.

A stocky waiter approached, “anything for you, Sir?”

“A glass of water is fine, thanks.”

As the man departed, Vic turned to Shirley. “Sorry about yesterday, but I had some important business that I had to attend to when you arrived,” he lied.

He could tell she saw through the lie, answering only with a gracious smile.

“Don’t apologize. If anyone should apologize it’s me. I shouldn’t have barged in the way I did.”

“Anyway, I’m here, so what’s going on?” he asked, anxious to hear what was so important. She, more subdued than the day before, waited a moment and then, almost whispering, said, “Victor, how are you? I can see that you’re still the best-looking man I’ve ever known.”

”Shirley, please,” he said, but couldn’t help flashing a dimple. “I’m 56 years old. And I’m sure I’ve aged a lot since our 10
th
class reunion?” That is the last time I saw you, I think?”

“I think you’re right,” she nodded chuckling, “I like the grey sideburns, but what happened to that 32 inch waist?”

“I left the waist in the old neighborhood and the sideburns snuck up on me. But you!” He paused, his eyes slowly taking her in after such a long absence and making no attempt to hide his reaction to seeing her. She was beautiful and more than that, he could feel the earthy magnetism that made her special in a way that men appreciated. But he also bet that she still was the same cunning Shirley Siegal he’d known almost forty years before. At the same time, the fact that she’d initiated this meeting made his gut tighten as he wondered what she had up her expensive and fashionable sleeve. “I can see the years have been good to you,” he said approvingly.

He leaned toward her, “so, tell me, what’s so important?”

The smile disappeared as she pursed her lips. “I don’t quite know how to begin, so please bear with me. My life has been very different since we were kids. You remember that I married a boy from Albany Park, Howie Rabin.” Her mouth opened as if wanting to continue and her lower lip curled over her teeth.