An Encounter (Sonny-1932)
Sonny finishes putting gas in his car.
Up walks a figure.
"A word if you mind"
Sonny grimaces
"I got several. What do you want?".
The figure leans in slightly.
"Just come to let you know your father has infanticides on his payroll now".
Sonny bristles. "Did that woman send you?".
The figure stiffens. "No, she did not. I'm here on my own authority. And I'm speaking to you so as to notify your father to cease employing Brasi".
Sonny reddens with anger – "Who my father does nor does not give a job to isn't any of your business.".
The figure replies "I have a problem with what he did. A woman. A child. A distinct lack of basic respect for human life. Don't you? I'm offering you a New Deal my friend. A New Deal for the New Year.".
Sonny proceeds to bluster "Yea well, speaking of New Deals I hear the most interesting things from Chinatown. Interesting things from Northern Ireland. Coll was one of your lot you know. Where do you get the nerve? If….".
The figure cuts in- "Yea. And last I heard he was brought to justice. Spoke to Mr. Lucania about that recently. Also had to say no to a business proposition. Just because I'm Irish doesn't mean I always agree with everyone, even my own. But here I am trying to build an understanding with you. ".
Sonny quickly fires back verbally "And just because I'm Italian doesn't mean I have to agree with you. You're Latin too you know, at least your last name is, and you got your troubles downtown. You and those businesspeople. A New Deal? How stupid do you think I am? Besides I got understanding enough. And personality to go with it- I just met a guy and he's already helping me with my studies".
The figure softly but tensely replies. "Yea and he sleeps in a doorway. Not hard to see that for what it is. Economic exploitation. Maybe I'd be better off talking to him."
Sonny quickly retorts "You leave Tom alone. Like I said he's a friend.".
The figure answers. "You and your friends.".
Sonny shouting says "And you got yours too. That dear lady of yours. Last I heard she shot a whole family.".
The figure states "And I discussed that with her. Made it clear it was a serious mistake. Which will never happen again. Where's the fighting chance for an infant? Or a sick woman? Shit we're getting nowhere. I don't agree with her views and never have. There's more to life than fighting chances. Look I thought you might boycott Brasi but you already made yourself clear."
Sonny says under his breath "It may be my bullet that finds you.".
The figure replies "I'm prepared for that. Could be someone else's you know".
Sonny continues "Oh no, it will be mine.".
The figure finishes "We'll see".
And as he walked away the morning sun rises over the West Side of New York.
