The Legacy of the Assassin: The Assassin Trilogy, #3

By Tony Bertot

Third title in assassination trilogy boils with suspense, drama, and murder

Tony Bertot tells a thrilling tale from the perspective of a deadly hit-man in
"The Legacy of the Assassin"

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Born and raised in Harlem, Tony Bertot was exposed not only to the struggle and hardship of ghetto life - the world of crime, gangs and the easy way to turn a buck seemed a logical path for one to take.

Despite adversity, Tony was blessed with loving parents who took a strong interest in the development of their children. He was able to leave the ghetto, obtain an education and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Upon his retirement he decided to pursue his dream of writing and channeled his experiences and emotion into a trilogy surrounding the work of a contract killer.

The final book in the trilogy, "The Legacy of the Assassin" (ISBN 1460925211), takes crime-fiction fans into the life of Theo Gresco, a man devoid of emotion whose sole purpose is to eliminate another human having been deemed obsolete.

However, the assassin, an enemy of the state, now becomes a target of the crime families who employed him.

Following in his uncle's footsteps as a New York City police officer, Tyler Santiago comes face-to-face with a startling revelation: the assassin he has pursued relentlessly and killed in the line of duty is actually his father, Theo Gresco.

Everything he once knew is shattered. Santiago's need to discover his identity as well as his father's leads him into the dangerous world of powerful crime families. As his kinship to Theo becomes apparent, Tyler goes from the hunter to the hunted.

Surviving a failed assassination attempt, Felicia Giordano regains her power as the head of the Giordano family. She develops a vengeful plan in reaction to the death of her brother, one that promises to restore the family legacy. Felicia's plans have never failed to leave a lasting impression in the past – and Tyler is about to discover her wrath firsthand.

Throughout "The Legacy of the Assassin", Bertot balances the raw nature of man when placed in a position to chose what is right versus what is lawful. This coupled with the assassins involvement with ruthless and vengeful crime families provide a creative work of fiction depicting the life of an assassin. This third title follows "The Heart of an Assassin" and "The Birth of an Assassin".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tony Bertot
• Release date: May 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458032096

Tony Bertot

I was born and raised in New York City. In 1964 I joined the Navy and was honorably discharge four years later. In 2008 I retired after 32 1/2 years with HSBC. For the past 18 years I lived in Cheektowaga New York and in 2010 moved to Surprise Arizona where I currently reside. Though I published my first book in April of 2009 I have been telling stories most of my life. My kids and their friends were my captivated audiences. I loved watching their faces as their characters (usually contained them as part of the story) came to life in my stories. Recently finished my 4th book, Hell Train. Read Tony Bertot's Assassin Trilogy which consist of the following: The Heart of an Assassin The Birth of an Assassin The Legacy of the Assassin Both reviewers and readers have given me great reviews.

Book preview

An Identity Search

August 19, 1984/California

Tyler found himself on a dark street at two o’clock in the morning as a light rain soaked the city. Though the streets were empty, Tyler's instinct told him his life was in danger, so he quickly pulled out his .38 revolver. As he moved swiftly between the cars, he saw a lone figure partially obscured by the darkness up the block and across the street. Keeping his eyes on the man, Tyler moved cautiously towards him. Suddenly, he saw the stranger raise his arm and a second later saw a flash. Though Tyler heard no noise, he felt the bullet wiz over his head forcing him to duck. He returned fire as the stranger turned and ran into the nearest alley. Tyler quickly recovered and pursued. As he reached the entryway to the alley, he stayed low and took a quick glance toward the direction the stranger went. Another flash and the stone above Tyler's head shattered.

Crap! Tyler said to himself as he fired back blindly into the alley. Cautiously, he took another look and saw a single silhouette running toward the other end of the alley. Tyler chased after him with his gun extended in front of him, hoping for a clear shot. When the stranger reached the other end of the alley, he turned to fire, but Tyler was ready and fired first. The bullet met its mark; the stranger flew backwards over a parked car and disappeared behind it. Tyler continued his run, keeping his gun aimed in the general direction the stranger fled. As he reached the parked car, he peered over it and saw no one. He quickly ran around the car only to find his target had disappeared. He looked up and down the street, but there was no sight of the stranger. Then a noise from above caused him to look up. There he saw his assailant perched atop a building, looking down at him through a scope. As if by magic, Tyler suddenly found himself looking through the crosshairs of a sniper’s rifle aimed at his own head. A second later, he was again on the street looking up. In an instant, he saw the flash.

Tyler jerked awake and realized it was only a dream. As he rolled out of bed, he stepped on the picture he had dropped to the floor. The one of his mother holding a baby beside the man; the man he shot and watched fall into the East River.

It all came back to him now. He had arrived yesterday. They gave him a car and the keys to this house. It appeared to belong to the man known as Theo Gresco, alias Nick Costello, or whatever other name he went by.

Tyler glanced around the house, looking for anything that could tell him more about who this man really was. Nothing much could be determined from exploring the neatly kept house.

Realizing the house bore no evidence that he could see, he decided to call his aunt who had been like a mother to him since his own mother had died. Of all the people, he knew she would probably be the only person who could shed some light on who this man was. Sitting down next to the phone, he dialed her number.

Mom, it's me Tyler. How are you? How are you doing? Tyler asked.

How am I doing? I am doing fine. But the real question is how you are doing and where are you? she challenged.

I'm in California visiting a friend, and I am fine. Really I'm fine, Tyler lied. Mom, I have to ask you something. Did you know my father?

No, Tyler, I never knew who it was your mother married, she responded.

Married? he asked.

Yes, your mother was married in Chicago. I know his name was Theodore something, nice Italian boy. That is all I know. Your uncle was furious with her because she kept it a secret from him until the very last minute. He did attend the wedding, but due to his job he had to get back here and could not stay long enough to get to know the young man, she told him. You know how your uncle can be. He would have given Theo the third degree and done a background check and all, she laughed.

So you never got a chance to meet him? Tyler asked her.

No. Your uncle went alone and was back in a few days, she responded.

Ok. You ok? You need anything? he asked her.

No, Tyler. I'm fine. Please take care of yourself. I love you, she told him.

I love you too, Mom, Tyler responded. I'll let you know what's going on. Please don't worry about me. If you need anything you can reach me at this number. Tyler gave her the number and hung up.

After staring at the phone for a couple of minutes, he picked it up and called his aunt once again. Mom, sorry but I have to ask you something else, he said.

Sure, dear. What is it? she asked.

You said my mother got married in Chicago. Do you remember or know the address where she lived? he questioned almost desperately.

Well, I don't remember right now, but I'm sure I have the address somewhere. Let me look for it and I'll get back to you. Is that ok, dear? she asked him.

Sure, no problem, Tyler bid her goodbye, trying not to sound disappointed, and hung up.

It was several hours later when his aunt returned the call with the information Tyler requested. He now had a starting point.

Apparently his parents had lived on South Wabash Street in the heart of Little Italy. Armed with this information, Tyler decided to go to Chicago. First, he would try to find out what he could about the man who owned this house.

After questioning some of the neighbors, Tyler discovered that the man who occupied the house was known as Jack Ferrari. He assumed that Mr. Ferrari must be an associate of Theo Gresco.

Tyler called the people who had contacted him, to find out if they knew anything more about Jack Ferrari. The information he received led him to Jack's lawyer and accountant, David Spencer. A few minutes later Tyler put in a call to him.

Hello, who did you say you were? inquired the voice on the other end of the phone.

I'm looking for a Mr. Jack Ferrari, Tyler stated.

What did you say your name was? David asked Tyler.

I didn't. But if you must know, my name is Tyler Santiago, Tyler responded.

Oh my God, Jack told me about you. He said you would be calling, David said aloud.

What? Tyler asked, caught by surprise.

I guess Jack, excuse me, Mr. Ferrari, won't be coming back, huh? David speculated.

What do you mean? Tyler asked.

Look, Mr. Santiago. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but my instructions were quite clear. In the event I do not hear from Mr. Ferrari in more than three months, I am to assume he is no longer among the living. Also, if I get a call from a Mr. Tyler Santiago I am to forward you several envelopes, said David Spencer.

What do these envelopes contain? pried Tyler.

I have no idea, but the instructions were for me to physically hand them over to you. Mr. Ferrari was quite clear on this as well as in anything and everything he did, Mr. Spencer informed him.

So when can I meet with you? asked Tyler.

Well Mr. Santiago, you're the client. You tell me, David advised.

I am not from around here. Please, give me a suggestion, Tyler said.

Sure. How about the restaurant on the corner of Washington Street and Sullivan Avenue? Say around six p.m. tomorrow, David proposed.

Not a problem, Tyler confirmed, and after jotting down the information, hung up. Not knowing what he was getting into, Tyler decided to check out this so-called David Spencer, so he called his old partner Eric Romano.

Hey Eric, it's me Tyler. How you been? he asked.

How have I been? Man, the FBI is looking for you. Where are you? Eric interrogated Tyler.

What the hell do they want with me? Tyler demanded, ignoring his question.

I don't know, but the captain was in there with Sam and Sheila for about an hour. They were going back and forth. Finally, they left and they didn't look too happy. What's going on Tyler? You in some sort of trouble? Eric asked him.

I don't know and I ain’t got time for them right now. I need a big favor. I need you to look up a guy for me. Will you do that? Tyler asked.

Yeah man. No problem. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for your ass saving my life on a couple of occasions. Least I can do. But you got to call the FBI and find out what they want with you. Do that for me. Ok? Eric pleaded with Tyler.

OK, man. You got it, Tyler agreed.

He hung up with Eric after giving him all the information he had on David Spencer, but lied about having a number where Eric could reach him. Tyler promised to call him back later that day.

After some time, Tyler decided to call FBI headquarters to find out what was going on. He was about to call them from the house, but decided against it as he was sure they monitored all incoming calls. He wasn't ready to let them know where he was.

After driving approximately thirty miles from the house, Tyler checked into a motel, paying cash for the room.

Hello, may I speak to agent Sheila Cooper or Samuel Williams?

After a few minutes and a few rings Sheila came on the phone.

Hello, Agent Cooper here. How can I help you? Sheila said.

Hi, Sheila, Tyler said.

Tyler! Sheila almost shouted. I mean Detective Santiago, Sheila said and then corrected herself. Sorry, Mr. Santiago. I understand you are no longer with the police force.

That is correct. I heard you folks are looking for me. Tyler said plainly.

Ye... Yes we need to talk to you, Sheila said.

What do you want? Tyler asked matter-of-factly.

We need to ask you a few questions about something that has come up during one of our investigations, Sheila said.

And what investigation might that be? Tyler asked her.

I am not at liberty to discuss the matter over the phone, Mr. Santiago, Sheila said in a practiced by the book voice.

I am afraid you will have to, as right now I am quite busy, Tyler responded.

Tyler, Sheila said in a softer voice. Please come in. We really need to talk to you.

About what? Tyler asked impatiently.

I... I can't tell you over the phone. Can we meet somewhere? Sheila pleaded.

I am very busy right now. I promise I will call back in a couple of days, Tyler said.

Where are you? Sheila asked him.

Sorry, but I got to go. Promise to call back in a couple of days, Tyler responded and hung up.

Tyler left the room, paid for the long distance phone call and was back at the house in less than an hour.

A couple of hours later he called Eric back. There was little to report, other than the fact that Mr. David Spencer was a successful lawyer who also had a degree in accounting. He had a couple of run-ins with the law, but nothing serious. The IRS had called him on the carpet on a couple of occasions, however, his expertise in both the law and accounting managed to keep him out of jail. Additionally, he had successfully defended some shady characters that were believed to have mob ties.

OCTF Headquarters

New York City

As John Connolly, head of the Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), watched his agents Sheila Cooper and Sam Williams file into his office, he wondered why his superiors did not demote him for his failure to protect Judge Livingston from an assassin’s bullet. He figured it was because they were working in conjunction with New York City police, and his superiors and the city's politicians were too busy blaming each other. However, Connolly was beyond that. It was a joint effort and, as far as he was concerned, they were all to blame. Nevertheless, how could he blame Agent Sheila Cooper or Detective Tyler Santiago when they were both out of town protecting the judge? In fact, they managed to keep him alive long enough to bring him to the courthouse to testify. The assassin simply outsmarted them.

Captain, we have been pouring over the information about this Theo Gresco, said Sam.

And? responded the captain.

Well, here is what we have; He was born in Chicago to a Lucia and Sergio Gresco. At the age of eight, he witnessed his father's death when the store they owned was bombed. It appears his father pissed off a local crime boss when he refused to pay him extortion money. Immediately after the bombing, his mother took him to Sicily where he remained for most of his youth. While there, he learned how to fire several weapons and became somewhat of a celebrity for his marksmanship. Though I cannot confirm it, there was a strong rumor that he was solely responsible for the execution of several members of a well-known crime family after they had threatened his grandparents. Though his mother is dead, I cannot determine how and when that happened. Sam reported.

Sheila continued with, "In late 1954 Mr. Gresco, then 21 years old, returned to his old neighborhood in Chicago. He got married to a girl by the name of Sylvia Santiago. Also during that time, he befriended Nick Costello, a neighborhood thug. During the same period, two men were executed on the same corner where Theo Gresco's father owned his store, the one that had been bombed. An unidentified caller, who supposedly witnessed the event, named the two victims as Mario Pierina and Rico Vitalia, and claimed that he saw Nick Costello execute them.

Though it took some time and many phone calls, we managed to break through the red tape and get a hold of Theo’s and Nick’s military records. These records show that both Theo Gresco and Nick Costello joined the service within a week after the execution of those men. They did their tour of duty together overseas. Where exactly, we don't know. However, both men were listed for many commendations, including marksmanship. What is really interesting is that both men received numerous Vietnam medals as well when officially we weren't in Vietnam. Sheila said.

Before continuing she looked at Sam, took a deep breath and went on with, Of real interest is that Sylvia and Theo had a son. A son they named Tyler.

Why would that be of interest to me? the captain asked.

Sheila stared at the captain for a second, sighed deeply, and went on, Because, sir, further investigation found that Detective Tyler Santiago is Mr. Theodore Gresco's son.

It took a few seconds for the impact of what Sheila said to sink in. What! the captain almost shouted. Are you sure? he asked them both.

Yes sir. We double-checked and then triple-checked. Detective Tyler Santiago was raised by his uncle George, who happens to be the brother of Sylvia Santiago, Sam finished.

Holy crap, commented Captain Connolly, who was now standing and holding his hand to his forehead.

Seeing the captain's reaction and the look on his face, Sheila spoke up, Captain, based on all we have found we don't think Detective Santiago knew who his father was. He didn't know this guy was his own flesh and blood.

Are you shitting me? How in heaven’s name can you sit there and tell me that with a straight face? the captain asked her, almost shouting.

Captain, Detective Santiago never saw his father. His mother brought him here when he was very young, and until her death, she was the only listed parent. As far as we can tell, Tyler never laid eyes on him again ... till now.

Sheila went on to explain, Captain, I know this from personal experience. When Tyler, I mean Detective Santiago, and I were in hiding with the judge in Pennsylvania, we got to talking and he told me he had a vague memory of his father. He was very young when his father went away, and he never saw him again. When I asked what happened, Tyler said his mom told him that his father had to go away and may never come back,

The captain stared at both of them as if in a trance, while shaking his head back and forth.I hope your attachment to Detective Santiago is not clouding your judgment, the captain said, directing his comment at Sheila. This is too freaking weird, he added.Who else knows about this?

No one, sir, they both responded.

No one can know about this until we straighten it out. You understand? the captain told them while pointing his finger at their faces.

Yes, sir, we understand! Sam responded as both he and Sheila nodded their heads.

You two need to understand, we are dealing with the Giordano family who has ties everywhere. Who's to say Detective Santiago was not planted here? the captain raised his voice. And now you tell me the man Detective Santiago shot, the man who fell into the East River, was his own father, whose body, by the way, has not been found.

There was a short pause as all three contemplated the gravity of the situation.

Where is Detective Santiago now? the captain asked in a calm voice.

We don't know. What we do know is that he quit the force a few months back, sir, Sam responded.

Well, find him and bring him back here. I would like a word with him, the captain ordered. Also find this Nick Costello. Let's see what he knows about all this, the captain added.

Sir, we've tried to locate the whereabouts of Mr. Nick Costello and have come up empty. After leaving the service he simply disappeared. Sheila stated.

Then dig deeper. A man does not simply disappear. Somebody out there knows, the captain demanded.

Great to be Free

Wisconsin Penitentiary/October 1984

Joey Escalla, along with a black man, stood inside a holding cell while their release papers were being processed.

What were you in for? the stranger asked Joey.

Joey ignored the man and said nothing.

Hey man, I'm talking to you! the man yelled Joey.

Joey stared at the