The Durham Mob, page 16
Charles called Swazy before he left D.C. to secure a place to stay. He knew he could depend on Swazy. After all, Swazy got his first big money from him. Now that Swazy was a heroin dealer and making lots of money, Charles knew he could depend on him for a place to crash and some cash. He arrived in New York City and took a cab to Swazy’s apartment on Bennett Avenue. He knew exactly where to go because two other homeboys, Bob and Nuke Alston lived in the same building. Swazy was waiting for him with an extra key. Swazy had another luxury apartment downtown that he shared with Susan, who had become the number one of many. He lied to Swazy about why he was back in New York. He certainly didn’t tell him that he fled with a woman’s money, nor did Swazy know that he had confessed and told on everybody from the original “Durham Mob” crime. He just said, “I couldn’t stay in Durham any longer now that I have finished law school. I hung out in D.C. for a while but my heart is in New York.” Since Swazy had several cars. He lent a Cadillac to Charles. Charles tried to pick up where he left off, but he had burned his bridges with many. His picture had been in the newspaper, so some considered him a snitch. Other hustlers and dealers were weary of him because they knew he had been one of the key players and had walked away. To them, that always smelled of betrayal.
Bennett Avenue always had too many cars on it and it was always difficult to park. One night, Charles couldn’t find a parking space so he doubled parked and left the car all night. The next morning, cars were driving all around him. The man in the car he was blocking was honking his horn. Swazy was coming to his apartment and saw a police car next to his car. Since he was living a criminal lifestyle, he didn’t need this kind of scrutiny. When Charles finally came out to move the car, the car was ticketed. Swazy had continued to drive around because he didn’t want to be involved. After all, the car was registered in his name. When all of the cops had left, Swazy was so pissed with Charles, that he took the car back, gave him $2000, and told him to leave his apartment. He had overstayed his welcome. Charles could not afford to get an apartment and had no job, so he took the Greyhound Bus back to North Carolina, from the same 42nd street bus station where he had arrived about five years earlier.
CHAPTER 32
William was at home alone watching TV when the doorbell rang. He peeped out and saw Charlie Red. He opened the door and Red walked past him into the living room. None of the homeboys ever stopped to be permitted to enter. They just always walked in and started talking as Red did. “William, are you busy tomorrow night?”
“Not really, what do you need?”
“I want you to be my best man. I’m getting married. Can I count on you?” William was stunned. He didn’t know that Red had a steady. “Who are you Marrying?”
“Leslie.”
“You mean Leslie, Leslie?” William almost laughed because Leslie belonged to Swazy. She was one of his harem. He quickly realized that Red was serious, so he looked serious.
“Yeah, Leslie, who used to be with Swazy. She’s been staying with me for a while now.”
“Well, I’m really surprised. I didn’t know you two were together. What time and where tomorrow night?”
“It’s gonna be at 8:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, downtown. Be ready by 6:30. Can we go in your car?” William was still digesting this flood of information. “Absolutely!”
“I’ll call you at 6:00 and we’ll come down and leave in your car. I invited Bob, Hazel and Dennis and Leslie’s sister and a few other people. We’re gonna have the reception at Bob’s place on Bennett Avenue right after. Why don’t you bring Iliana?”
“Good idea. I’ll call her in a minute. Later.”
“Later.” Red exited as fast as he entered. William was still in shock.
Swazy had met Leslie when she was a seventeen-year-old girl from the Bronx. She had never met anyone like Swazy and seen the kind of money he was flashing. She was high on the list for a while, but like all of the ladies Swazy met, he took her shopping and bought her expensive clothes that she had only stared at in store windows. He spent a few thousand dollars on her and even gave her more money than she had ever had. She was willing to do anything he asked and, of course, he asked her to do a lot of sexual acts that she had never dreamed of. She became part of his harem. He introduced her to coke. He would freak her off with several other girls and had her give blow jobs to some of his acquaintances. After her newness wore off, he saw her less, but still gave her money and coke when he did see her and when she asked. He had no friends, other than Bob, Wake and Nuke, the other home boy. His two main ladies were Francis and Susan and Susan was bought and paid for. Only Francis was really a trusted friend and she tolerated his eccentricities.
Since Leslie had dropped down a few notches on Swazy’s list and wasn’t getting enough attention or sex, she had taken up with Charlie Red for convenience. Nobody believed that this marriage meant anything. Red had never had a real girlfriend in New York. He had gotten lots of sex by hanging around with Swazy and Wakefield, as crumbs falling from their beds. It didn’t hurt that Leslie was a big freak, whom Swazy had created. Leslie was the best screw that Red had ever had, and she would be sleeping in his bed most nights, except when Swazy wanted her. Red knew the deal when he entered into it. Leslie would never be his alone. He accepted it.
Leslie had been number two for a while. She was pretty but, of course, not like Susan, his main lady. She was well trained and even liked eating girls as much as he liked having her freak off with numerous girls. Leslie had served her purpose, and she would still get money and an occasional screw, but she was not very important to him. Red could marry Leslie but Swazy would still be able to screw her whenever he wanted. That’s what everybody knew and wondered why Red was marrying her. All of the guys had a main lady as well as others on the side. Red wanted a main lady, and Leslie needed a place to land. She knew that she would go whenever Swazy would call, and so did Red, but he didn’t care.
William called Iliana and told her to look her best for Red’s wedding; that he would pick her up the next evening at 5:30 p.m. The next evening at 5:00, he left his apartment to pick her up. She was extra beautiful. She wore a black dress that was low cut with only a thin strap on both sides to hold it up. The dress was short and came up just above her knees. It was cold so she wore this nice black coat that William had bought for her. They waited in his apartment for Red to come down. The door-bell rang at 7:00 p.m. Red and Leslie entered. Leslie was wearing a white dress, not a wedding dress, and a white, matching jacket. Red and Leslie sat in the back, and Iliana sat up front with him as he drove them to the church. At the church waiting were Leslie’s mother and sister, Dennis and Hazel and Bob and Alexandra. This was the same Hazel who used to be Sid’s lady who brought the checks to Sid which cause the down fall of The Durham Mob. Now, she was married to Dennis, a six feet four inches Italian ex-boxer from Pittsburg, Pa. It was a very serious ceremony. Charlie Red and Leslie looked very serious. Several were smiling and probably thinking, “What the hell’s going on. Is he serious?”
Everybody loved Red. He was one of the most honest and descent people they knew and during this time, his qualities were more obvious. Everybody wanted him to be happy even though they understood how difficult that would be under these circumstances. Red was not from Durham; he was from the adjourning city, Raleigh. Some guys used to joke that Red was a Durham Mob-Adjacent.
Obviously missing was Susan and Swazy. After all, Leslie was still Swazy’s property. Although Susan and Leslie had sex with each other many times. They thought it would be awkward, especially for Swazy to attend. He would see Leslie soon enough. On any other wedding of homeboys, he would have been there.
After the wedding, they all went to Bob’s apartment where there were several other friends waiting. Bob provided the food and drink and coke for those who cared to partake. It was a happy celebration. All they could think was ‘I hope this is good for C. Red,’ as most called him. “He’s a very good and kind person.”
Some were thinking, “I hope he’s not gonna be hurt too badly,” but one said, “Let this be Red and Leslie’s night!” They took many pictures and partied late.
CHAPTER 33
William received a call from Billy. “I can’t talk on the phone but I need to meet with you, your brother, and Bobby. William still didn’t want to be involved, but if he could be a facilitator and get paid, why not? William called Coy and Bobby to set up a meeting as soon as possible. They met the next night at the Midway Bar as usual. They made the usual greetings and ordered drinks. Billy was noticeably nervous. “So, what’s the urgency? Do you have some info for us?” asked Bobby. Billy was looking at William for security, it seemed. “Tell him what’s so urgent and important,” said William.
“I can get the half million in stocks out in three days and you can have thirty days before they know it’s gone.”
“Are you sure about this?” asked Bobby.
“Of course, I am. This is very serious business. I can go to jail for a long time if I get caught. Are you sure you can sell it?”
“I’m 80% sure. I’ll have to leave the country, but it’s better that you don’t know any more. If you are sure you can get it to me in three days, I will have to make arrangements very quickly.”
“I can have them for you on Friday. It’s better on Fridays because it gives more time,” said Billy. “Friday is great. I can leave on Sunday.” Bobby reached into his jacket pocket and gave Billy an envelope. He quickly took it and opened it under the table and saw a whole bunch of $100 dollar bills. It was $2,000 dollars. That was the same as before. He was completely committed. “Just curious, about how much can you get for a half million?”
“Probably 40%,” Bobby said. “If we can move it quickly. Time is very important. If it gets hot, and I get caught, I can go to jail. I will just have to move fast. We’ll meet here Friday night at 6:00 o’clock and I’ll take the package.”
“I’ll be here with the package,” Billy said, trying to talk like a gangster. Billy got up to leave, but Bobby asked William and Coy to stay. William had been silent all of this time. He thought of himself as not involved, but he would accept a cut when the deal came down, and it sounded like it could be a lot of money.
“I can begin making arrangements tonight,” said Bobby. “I will fly to Germany where I have connections. I’ll make some calls and I’ll have to book a flight.” Coy hesitated for a moment and said, “William, why don’t you go with him to look out for our interest?”
“You don’t trust me,” Bobby asked jokingly, but seriously.
“With a half million, I only trust one person, my brother.” William looked shocked. What are you talking about? You want me to go to Germany with Bobby carrying a half a million dollars in stolen stock? Are you crazy? I really don’t want to be that involved, and I certainly don’t want to go to prison in Germany. Why don’t you ask Sid?” Coy just stared at William and asked, “Here we go again. Do you think I trust Sid to do something this important? And, Sid can’t leave the country. He has no passport and wouldn’t be allowed even if he had one. You are the only person who can do this. I can’t go and Billy can’t go. That leaves only you and Bobby. Let’s go by your place and we can talk in private.”
“You guys work it out and let me know what you decide. I have to make arrangements,” said Bobby. William said nothing. He got up and went outside followed by Coy and Bobby. They got into their separate cars and Bobby said, “Coy, call me when you guys work things out,” and got into his car and drove away. William and Coy drove to William’s apartment. During his drive, William’s mind was rushing, thinking how he didn’t want to do this and how he was going to tell Coy so that he would understand. Then, he thought, ‘I don’t care if he understands.’ They parked and walked towards the building. Coy made small talk about the ladies and how they used to pull them together. William was completely silent. When they were inside, they sat at the dining room table. It was easier to sit face to face there. Coy looked very serious. He began, “Look, I only have a short time before I go into the joint. I’m gonna be gone for at least a year. I could certainly use that money. This will be the last favor I can ask you before I leave. If you do this, do it for Billy and for yourself. I’m sure you can use the money.” Coy sounded very serious and convincing. William interrupted, “Especially since I didn’t get the fifty thousand you promised me.”
“You have every right to mention that. I haven’t been a good brother. I haven’t kept my word. What can I say now? I’m sorry doesn’t seem to cut it. I don’t know what else to say. I’ve been selfish. The money gave me power. Like Jesus pouring the wine from that vase to five thousand people, I thought it would never end. I guess I changed.” William was so surprised to hear some kind of apology and contrition from Coy. Of course, he knew it was bullshit. He wanted to believe it. He wanted that brother back, but he would just have to wait and see. These were only words, used at a time when Coy wanted something, just like telling a girl, I love you when he’s lying-in bed with her. It was a means to an end. William was thinking what someone had told him when discussing his brother and some of the others, “People don’t change, what’s inside them just comes out.” He just didn’t know Coy had that inside him. Coy went on, “It’s not gonna be dangerous. I wouldn’t ask you to do it if I thought you would be in danger. Mom doesn’t need both sons in jail.” He kinda laughed at that statement. Bobby’s gonna carry the package. He’s gonna meet with his contacts. You won’t meet them. Bobby doesn’t want you to, and the contacts don’t want to meet new people. I just want you to be there when he gets the money so he won’t steal it all. He’s gonna steal some. After all, he’s a thief, big time. You and Billy can get a bigger cut than me. I’d just like to put a few dollars away for when I get out. I’ve screwed up all the money I had. I’m broke.”
“I’ve heard enough of the sermon. I’ll do this one last thing and I’m done; since you won’t be here to ask me for any more dangerous and illegal favors.” It sounded harsh because Coy was going to prison for a while. “I feel for Billy. He has risked everything. He needs to get paid. Sure, I can use some money, most people can, but this is no life for me. I’ve said this to you many times. Enough said, I’ll go! Maybe I can contact a wonderful young German lady I knew a few years ago.” Coy profusely thanked him and said, “I’ll tell Bobby that it is a go and he’ll call you with the arrangements,” and he left.
William tossed and turned all night trying to digest that night and how he was going to approach the next day. He thought, ‘how could I let him talk me into another crooked situation. His ladies believe that crap but I know better and I’m still doing it! At least he was right about one thing, he will be away for a long time and he can’t ask me to take any more chances for him,’ William told himself.
Bobby called and said the arrangements had been made. They would be leaving Sunday night and would arrive in Munich the next morning. “We should be finished by the end of the week, and be back in New York by the week-end with lots of money; in time for you to party with some of those pretty young things that you and your brother have.” This was some more of Bobby’s humor when the situation was tense. “It’s gonna be kind of cold so take a jacket. Pack a bag of warm clothes and come to my apartment by 6 o’clock and my wife can drive us to the airport. Are you ready to go?”
“As ready as I will ever be. You’re paying for everything, right?”
“Let’s call it business expenses. I’ll take care of everything. Relax! Everything’s gonna be fine. See you Sunday.”
That Sunday, Coy drove William to Bobby’s and said, “Call me when something goes down. I need to hear some good news. I have to go to court in a few days to find out what they’re going to do with me.” William was obviously cold towards Coy. He just couldn’t feel any better about his brother. He had been disappointed for two years and he couldn’t feel any enthusiasm about him or the trip. He was on remote control. He was going through with this but even the chance of making a lot of money didn’t make him excited. And the thought of going to jail in Germany, was always in the back of his mind. He loved going to Europe, especially when someone else was paying, but he didn’t know if he would have any time to enjoy himself. He got out of the car. “I’ll call.”
Bobby’s wife drove them to the airport and they took the plane, non-stop, to Munich, Germany. They didn’t sit together. Bobby had chosen separate seats. For any observers, they were not together. Bobby knew that would make William feel better and safer and he was right. They arrived in Munich early evening. Bobby had made reservations at two different hotels. Bobby was staying at the Bayerischer Hof, and William was staying at the Charles Hotel. Both were four-star hotels. That night they both ate at the restaurant in Bobby’s hotel. They sat at different tables like spies pretending they didn’t know each other. Bobby had given William five hundred dollars just for occasions like this. The way Bobby was handing out money, they all had to believe that the deal was going down. He had invested several thousand dollars. William didn’t know if Bobby had given Coy any money.
On Monday, Bobby called William to give him a progress report. He told him that he was meeting with his contact to deliver the “package.” He also said he had checked to see that the package was still fresh, and it was. Everything was moving along as planned. That day, William became a reluctant tourist. His mind was so much on getting the deal done, collecting some money, and getting out of Europe. As much as he liked Europe, he missed New York. He spent the day riding on a tour bus. Munich was a very big city with a lot of history. He finally relaxed and began to enjoy himself. That night, Bobby called and told William to meet him at his hotel restaurant. Everything was going well and they could have dinner together. He said that the process would take longer than he thought. They would have the rest of the week to wait. They had dinner, and of course, Bobby again paid. William was able to hold onto the pocket money Bobby had given him. Since they would be there the rest of the week, William decided to call Jutta, the German girl he had met six years earlier, and had spent some time in her town of Münster, near Düsseldorf. “Jutta, this is William, from New York. How are you?”
