A Conversation (Neri-1960).
Lampone. What a surprise. Shouldn't he be leaning on the local college boys or something?
"What's going on Rocco?"
He seems nervous.
"Not much Neri. I've come to see if you know anything about Geary's set-up."
A set-up? I was under the impression such things are usually intended. No need to tell him that though. He should be aware of that without being told.
"Same as you Rocco, the prostitute died and he's responsible.".
Lampone shifts uneasily.
"The circumstances are beginning to make me wonder. Tom mentioned Geary was in his bed clothes. Now that I think about it that doesn't seem like woman-killing attire to me. ".
Huh, a detective. And here I thought I was the only one who ever asked himself questions about what the family tells him.
"Well Rocco, if that the case then maybe you have something here. I've made cases on circumstantial evidence you know. However, you really should go to see Michael. This might concern him. It being Fredo's place and all.".
Lampone grimaces at me. Don't blame me because you're used to working off peoples' word rather than hard evidence Rocco.
"Fair enough. The Don himself huh? Shit he's seen more action than I can think of. I've seen a bit though. I certainly know what bullets and bats are. I'll put it that way. ".
Ah, a would-be soldier.
"Action? You put three in the back of Gatto's head Rocco. That's not action. That's an execution".
Lampone frowns. "Yea well you shot Barzini in the back yourself".
He's got a point. "A fleeing suspect as far as I'm concerned. But yea I grant you the commonality Rocco, I'll put it that way. I'm sure glad that I hadn't been officially terminated from the Police Department yet when I did that or I might have your trouble. Just placed on a brief suspension. They did fire me after though.".
Last thing I need is to fuck up this job for you and your misguided ideas of chivalry Lampone. You think living on a half pension is easy money? You try it shit-bird.
"Anyways I hear you voted for Kennedy Rocco?"
He nods.
"Yea me too. High hopes huh?"
And now he's going. Good. Last thing I need is trouble with the boss. The boss, not the don. Noone owns me. He's just an employer is all. One I want to keep content for the sake of my own finances.
"Sure Neri."
And there's the setting sun. God, I love the desert. Warm, dry. Good for your health. And fun. Especially Vegas. Might go see a show soon.
"Anyways good luck with your investigation Rocco" God he thinks our role in this job is to find things out? That's police work. I remember it. This is private security. I watch Corleone's back and cover his behind. That's what this is to me. A paycheck.
Oh well. Different perspectives.
"Thanks Neri.". Flippant as shit. I know he can't stand me. 'A man of honor'. Thinks his job is to do the policeman's without a badge. And with different penalties too. No honor in that Gatto matter. I'll say that. But then there I am with my gun pointed at Barzini's back a few years ago. So, I guess I shouldn't judge.
Last thing I need is to get between Michael Corleone and a path to political influence in this state though.
God, Lampone really doesn't see it right off the bat, does he? Corleone needs influence and Geary has it. What better way to get your hooks into him than by setting him up? I don't need to be in on it to know that.
Smart enough to question Hagen though, I'll grant him that. Hagen's a slimy son of a bitch. I can't stand him. I prefer to deal with Corleone directly.
Gangsters and hoods. Can't stand them. Now I work with them.
Strange world, isn't it?
But whatever kind of world it is the last thing I want to do is join Lampone in the grave.
