Red Storm: Storm the City, Book One

By E. C. Foscante

The story of a popular Pop Queen with mob DNA. When she seeks help from her Godfather, the truth is revealed to the public and dangerous and deadly events take over the lives of Red Storm and her band.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483540139

Book preview

STORM

RED STORM

Um, Boss?

Not now, James. I may actually have a winning hand here.

Um, but I think it may be important.

Either it is or it isn’t. Which is it?

Um, there’s a girl at the door who would like to see you.

Girl? I’m too old for girls, James. Send her on her way.

Um, she said she wanted to talk to Uncle Tony?

Tony Russo paused and slowly put his cards on the table. Sitting to his right, his brother, Paul, did the same and looked over at Tony. James stiffened up in the doorway, not knowing if he had done something wrong.

Tony looked up, directly at James, who felt an underwear change was needed.

James?

Boss? voice steady, but hands shaking behind his back.

You didn’t recognize this girl?

Still with a steady voice, No, Boss. She’s kinda short but she was wearing a red hoodie. Didn’t get a real close look. Pretty, though.

Tony stared at James for what seemed to James a heart stopping long time. Then he got really confused when Tony broke into a smile and looked over to his brother. He didn’t have to say anything, Paul spoke, I’ll keep an eye on the front door. He grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair to hide his shoulder holster and 9 mm.

They both got up from the poker table. A red hoodie. James, you really have to work on your observation skills. But right now here is what I want you to do. Circulate through the bar and make sure no one points a camera in my direction. Or to my booth. And most importantly, my guest.

Um, and if...

Tony didn’t let him finish. If they don’t put it away, act like a boss. Comp their dinner and drinks and these two gentlemen, nodding to his card table companions, will quietly and discreetly escort them out. Got it? All of you?

All heads nodded in agreement.

Tony and Paul went out into the busy bar first. When he rounded the corner and walked between the long bar and tables, he spotted the small figure standing alone just inside the main doors. As Paul walked by, they quietly touched arms and whispered hi. She turned to Tony and gave him a big hug, wrapping her arms around him as far as they could go. He just about swallowed her up in return. She was still just under his chin.

Hey there runt, looking down at that beautiful light olive face.

Hey there, Tony.

Entourage?

Alone tonight.

Let’s get to my booth. He put his arm around her, pulled her hoodie a little farther forward and headed to his private booth. It was one of the few things, other than the bar itself, left over from the old days. Leather and polished mahogany. The rest of the bar and restaurant had been modernized nearly six years ago and had become the popular, neighborhood, place to go every night of the week.

She sat with her back to the patrons. They held hands across the table. I’m ashamed I haven’t been back since you upgraded the place. I hope you forgive me, Tony. It looks so bright and alive.

I’m happy with the results. I hope you approve.

I don’t have the right to any complaints.

Hey, little girl, you’ve been a little busy in the past few years. Your career has gone over the top. Are you sure you should be here?

Before she could answer, they were interrupted by Emma, his youngest and most enthusiastic waitress. She was taken aback momentarily by the hand holding across the table, but recovered quickly. The usual for you, Boss?

No, make it a dark coffee tonight.

I’ll make a fresh pot just for you. And what can I get for... She stopped in mid sentence when she saw who was looking up at her from under the red hoodie. The mouth stayed open, but no words came out.

Tony spoke up before anything attention getting happened. Emma. You will be cool about our guest. Keep yourself under control. Emma?

She snapped out of her trance. Sorry, sorry. What can I get you, Miss Storm?

A Black Russian would be great, smiling, amused by Emma’s reaction.

Okay, okay. A black coffee and a Black Russian. I’ll be right back with your drinks. Emma dared to look back at the girl in the red hoodie again and was a little shaken that she was still smiling up at her. And then she even spoke to her, Yes, Emma, I am real, I do drink, and I have some secret friends. You could be one of those if I can get some important quiet time with my Uncle Tony.

Uncle? She didn’t mean to say that out loud.

Tony spoke up because Emma seemed to be frozen. Emma, the drinks.

Yes, Boss, sorry. She finally hurried off.

Think it will be fresh coffee?

Don’t even know if she even knows how to work the machine.

Does everybody call you Boss?

No, just those close to me. Some of the younger ones caught it from the old timers. She thinks it’s cute.

You sleeping with her? she asked with a huge smile.

Are you kidding? She’s a kid. She’d drive me nuts. Great kid, though. Where did this uncle bit come from?

What else could I call you...it got their attention.

They spent a lot of time just catching up on what they missed out on over the last many years, and what life was like for both of them since the death of her mother right before the grand opening of the new bar and restaurant.

Your mother had a surprising amount of good ideas redesigning the place. It brought in a whole new crowd. But we kept the older crowd by expanding the restaurant and keeping it away from the sports crowd. You doing okay? I know she was always at the clubs you played in.

She always came because I was underage. Very protective. I wonder how she would feel about these mega concerts I do now.

She’d be there.

She would. You loved my mom a lot didn’t you.

I guess that’s no secret. But be assured, little one, I could not live up to your dad. I had to stay in the background and be the friend she needed whenever that was. And that wasn’t very often.

The subject was interrupted by their drinks showing up. But this time a different waitress. She wasn’t as impressed by the star that was sitting across from her Boss. I assume you have the coffee, Tony. And the young lady, the drink. She looked at Storm without a smile. Anything else?

No, Elizabeth, thank you, was Tony’s response.

She was about to walk away when Storm stopped her. But she looked at Tony. Does Mario still do the cooking?

He hasn’t stopped for two decades. Now he rules that new kitchen with an iron fist.

Fantastic, Storm said enthusiastically, looking back to Elizabeth, I’ll have a Mario burger, no onions, no sides.

Elizabeth just looked at her for a moment. I don’t know what that is, it’s not on the menu.

Storm could feel the chill, I’m sure he’ll know.

Elizabeth looked to Tony. He raised his eyebrows. She left. Still not smiling.

Okay then, reaching back across the table, I think I discovered who shares your bed. We may have to open our secret to another member.

Probably. That icy stare can freeze hell.

They spent more time catching up, mostly about her supernova rise to stardom in the music and entertainment world and how she was handling it. He was genuinely concerned with her well-being since he always thought of her as a shy little girl who liked to sing. He watched her career through the media and came to think that this girl had the strong will and determination her mother had. Talking with her now reinforced that notion. Camouflaged under that petite frame was a dynamic voice and dancing agility that caught fire on stage. But he also felt assured that she was still that clear thinking and levelheaded girl he’d known since birth. So far it would seem that fame hadn’t turned her sensibilities.

Elizabeth returned with an absolutely beautiful burger. Jesus, honey, Mario went into an absolute frenzy when I gave him this order. Who are you? I mean, I know who you are, but ... who are you?

Tony spoke up, I’ll explain some things to you later, Lisbeth.

She just stared at Storm, said ‘Whatever’ and walked away.

I don’t think I’m going to win her over anytime soon.

She’ll be okay. Enjoy your burger.

She enjoyed the hell out of Mario’s special burger. She always watched what she ate but never starved herself. She had a natural energy that ate up the calories and regular trips to the gym to keep her in shape for her stage shows. She didn’t know what Mario put in the burger, so she could never duplicate it at home. Didn’t matter. It was probably your everyday ingredients. They just happen to be put together by a very special old man who cooked for both her father and mother and a little girl who would hang around his kitchen and listen to him sing old Italian songs. Another tie to the past she would never break.

When she was done, she looked over to the bar and saw Emma just waiting for an excuse to come back. Storm signaled for another drink. Emma almost tripped over herself turning to the bartender. She was over in a flash with the drink. Anything else I can get you, Miss Storm? She ignored Tony’s empty coffee cup. Well, not for me, but I think your Boss could use a fresh cup. She was a little embarrassed, picked up all the empties and rushed away for the coffee.

She placed a fresh cup in front of Tony and was about to walk away when Storm said, Emma, you have been a great help tonight, and very discreet, thank you. Don’t go off shift without a picture of us together, okay?

Emma about peed her pants and went off the happiest person on the planet.

They both sipped their drinks. Storm restarted the conversation. Tony, there is something else I’d like to talk to you about. Something serious. And you are the only man I trust to talk to.

You have my full attention. He could see the concern on her face.

Tony, I’m being blackmailed.

Blackmailed? Who has something on you?

Wait. Maybe blackmail isn’t the right word. Back in the bad old days I think it may have been called a shakedown.

Okay. Details, little girl.

Remember I told you we were in the planning stages for a tour instead of just a concert here and there? Well, I got a note in my mailbox demanding three thousand dollars or someone on the crew would get hurt. I ignored it. A few weeks later I heard one of my carpenters fell off a ladder and broke his leg. I got another note, ignored it, two weeks later, another set maker hurt. I was slow in putting the letters together with the accidents because the set designers and crew chiefs just called them careless accidents. Well, three accidents later, I started paying the money. No more accidents.

Just three thousand? Not much of a shakedown.

Every two weeks, with the payroll, to an email account.

Oh. You didn’t want the police in on this?

Honestly, I think they would make more of a mess than it’s worth. I know it’s only like paying one more salary, but people were hurt. It’s not the money. I’ve got enough money to buy the Empire State Building. And the corporation has enough to finance the startup of two tours. I just won’t tolerate being stolen from.

Tony smiled, That’s my girl.

She smiled back, There are traits that run in the family. I still have them. I will not be lied to or stolen from. I trust your judgement, Tony, should I let it go, or take some kind of action?

I know you don’t want to let it go.

But if it’s a fight not worth fighting, I’ll drop it.

Tony drank the rest of the coffee. If someone is skimming off your business, there is less profit for you. Your profit goes back into your business for the benefit of millions of people. You can’t let that disease spread. No matter how small, the disease needs to be stopped.

Then I need your help. I don’t know what to do.

Just think about this, little girl. The public doesn’t know how connected you are. Can you stand the heat of any negative publicity your family ties might bring?

I’ve grown up a lot in the past five, six years. I’ve always drawn on what I’ve learned through family. One giant thing I’ve learned on my own is how much you can do when you are rich and popular. It equals power. But I will never deny family.

They looked at each other across the table. My god, how you look like your mother in her younger years. You’ve got her stamina and determination, too. And your dad’s sense of fairness.

But lurking under miss nice pants is an ambition equal to yours.

Keep that one under control, little girl. Under control.

Elizabeth came to the table but hesitated to say anything sensing she was interrupting an important moment. Tony spoke first, Lisbeth, please ask Lou to activate a business phone and bring it to me.

Right away. Puzzled, she gave the instructions to Lou. As she waited, she wondered why this pop star would be entrusted with one of Tony’s family phones. When she brought it back, he gave another instruction. Now ask Lou to bring the car around to the alley door and bring Paul off the front door. She did as she was told. She didn’t even know Paul was out front.

This phone only has a few numbers. But any of them will get to me. Please keep it safe.

She leaned all the way across the table and kissed him on the forehead. I always feel safe with you.

After getting up from the table and securing her hoodie, she made it a point to go close to the bar and gather up Emma, who was absolutely thrilled about holding hands and walking with Red Storm. Once in the back room, Emma walked Storm to the door leading to the kitchen where she surprised Mario. Elizabeth stood with Tony and watched the chaos in the kitchen with tons of hugs and loud talk.

Okay, Tony. I can’t wait ‘till tonight for an explanation. This reunion may take a while. What the fuck is so special about this kid?

Okay, short answer. Everyone assumes her name is Storm and she added Red because of the red hoodies and red wigs on stage. Well, her real name is Amanda. Amanda Palermo.

Elizabeth stared at Tony. Then she walked directly in front of him to get his full attention. Palermo? As in the sign in front of this place, Palermo Bar and Grill?

Yep. Timothy and Susan’s only daughter.

I didn’t know they had a kid.

Not many did. No one really cared.

Except you?

Except me.

She let that sink in for a moment, then, Tony, who owns this restaurant?

She does. It’s in the family trust.

She was quiet again, then, Does she want it back?

No, we have other business.

What business could you have with her after all these years?

Tony turned his attention away from Mario and Amanda to face Elizabeth once again. Family business.

Really. How is she family?

I’m her Godfather. We both take that seriously.

From the look on his face, Elizabeth knew it was time to back off. For whatever reason, this pop star had his full attention. And if it was considered family business, nothing else mattered.

Finally, Amanda was saying her goodbyes and breaking from Mario. Do you have your phone? Tony asked Elizabeth. Your daughter wants a picture with Miss Storm. He looked straight at Liz again. Remember, Lisbeth, Amanda is only for us. She is still Red Storm to the rest of the world.

Pictures taken, goodbyes said to the few in the back room, Amanda Red Storm was loaded into the company SUV with Lou driving and Paul up front. Amanda got to talk to Paul for a while. They really weren’t close, but he was the quiet business brother who kept the link between the trust lawyers and the restaurant. She really didn’t know that until the ride. She thought some forgettable local lawyers checked the estate and filed the taxes. Lou had teen daughters. But he was sworn to secrecy except for bragging rights that he met little Red at the bar. She had signed a few menus before she left.

Her condo overlooking Central Park had live security. The guard recognized her as soon as she rolled down her window of the SUV. Lou pulled up next to the elevator.

Want some company up? asked Tony.

The place is very secure. I’m fine in my own building. The residents are fine that I live here too. They didn’t realize how quiet I really am. And besides, the elevators have cameras.

Okay, then. I will discuss the situation with the family here, and we will find a solution. He smiled at her raised eyebrow and added, One within the law.

She leaned over and gave Tony a long hug and a kiss on the cheek. Bye everybody, thanks for a wonderful night. And she was out of the SUV and into the waiting elevator.

Lou and Paul leaned over the front seat to Tony. Paul asked, We have a job, Bro?

Yes, we do, gentlemen. And we need to get it right. I’ll fill you in on the ride back. Let’s head back to the bar.

Amanda slowly made her way through some weird dreams to the reality of someone saying her name quietly and touching her shoulder gently. She rolled over on her back and rubbed her face with both hands trying to make the full transition to consciousness.

Storm. Storm? Are you there?

Amanda finally opened her eyes. She wasn’t a morning person. Sammy? What time is it? Amanda didn’t realize she pulled half her sheet off when she rolled over. She slept in the nude.

I’m sorry, Storm, but Jacqueline is here and seems a little upset. She wanted me to wake you early. Sorry. Sammy held up Amanda’s robe. Oh, and it’s seven ten.

She couldn’t wait another twenty minutes? Amanda swung her legs over the side of the bed, rubbed her face again, and fluffed up her dark brown hair. She then pulled her hair forward over both shoulders and covered both her breasts as she stood up for the robe.

They get covered up too quickly.

You see them every morning.

But I never get to touch them.

Amanda turned and tied her robe closed. And you never will, sweetie. And gave her a quick peck on the lips. Please get my coffee going. I have a feeling I’ll need the whole pot if Jackie is here early.

They both headed for the bedroom door to face another full day together. Being Amanda’s personal assistant could be a challenge most days but she loved working for someone she found unique and yet well grounded. She was not so secretly in love with Amanda even though she knew it would go nowhere. It became a warm joke between them and Amanda treated her as a little sister instead of an employee even though Sammy was a little older. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for Amanda.

Jacqueline Jones was Storm’s agent and publicist. Storm Works was her only client now that she was such a mega star. There were always places to go and people to meet and concerts to book and appearances to make and charity work and so on and so on and so on. Her daily morning visits were like dental visits. Storm was successful at keeping her life, at least in Jackie’s eyes, out of the fast lane. It drove Jackie nuts that Storm did very little partying with the other mega stars of the entertainment world. But she gave her credit for being at the right places at the right time when she needed to be visible to the right people. But there was always something on Jackie’s agenda and today was no exception.

When Amanda found Jackie in the kitchen she was going to offer her some coffee but, as usual, she had her own. Amanda didn’t even get to say good morning before Jackie let loose. Where in hell did this Mafia boyfriend come from?! It’s all over the damn news! Shaking a tabloid newspaper in Amanda’s direction. You didn’t even tell me you had a boyfriend! And a mob guy? An older mob guy? What the hell are you thinking?! This is just a fucking nightmare! Storm, what the hell are you doing?!

Sammy’s eyes went wide as she saw the color change in Amanda’s face. The Storm was about to rise. That five foot two inch frame contained a power that was usually well under control. She had seen the color change several times, but only once had she seen her at full Storm when she almost hung a man by his leash for abusing his dog in Central Park.

Sammy instinctively backed away from the scene. It then clicked in Jackie’s head that she just went over the line. Too late. Storm came at her across the kitchen, her outstretched hand hitting Jackie in the chest and pushing her across the last five feet of kitchen and into the counter, hurting her back. She moved her hand up to Jackie’s neck, just tight enough to make a point with her arm still pressed against her chest. You don’t ever come into my home and talk to me like that. You never talk to me like that, anywhere. I don’t care what the papers say or what the problem might be, I will not be disrespected by anyone in my own home, or anywhere else no matter who that person is. Jackie was stunned. She had dropped her coffee cup and the newspaper pages were scattered across the kitchen floor. Now, Storm backed up, letting Jackie breath again, You go outside and wait in the lobby until I’m ready to see you. And you better have regained your manners. Go. Storm stepped aside and Jackie hurried to exit the condo.

Amanda stood there a few minutes rubbing her face again, regaining her composure. She picked up the coffee cup. The cap had stayed on and nothing spilled. She began picking up the pages of the newspaper when Sammy cautiously came over and started to help. I’ve got it, sweetie. The coffee, please. Her voice was back to it’s soothing, morning tone and Sammy relaxed and started on the coffee pot. When Amanda had the paper together, she stopped behind Sammy, put her hand on her shoulder and said quietly, I’m sorry you had to see that. I would never be that mad at you. She kissed her on the cheek and went over to the kitchen table with the paper that seemed to have caused this whole unsettling morning.

No sooner had Sammy hit brew, when she heard the only curse word Amanda usually said. Oh crap, what have I done. She looked to Amanda who had both her hands over her mouth, looking down at the newspaper on the table. Sammy knew the day started out all wrong and now didn’t seem to be getting any better. What worried her was Amanda’s reactions. She wasn’t showing the usual life is great and everything is under control attitude she lives by. In the back of her mind she was getting the feeling that the picture in the paper would be causing a lot of trouble. An unsettling feeling she didn’t understand nor like.

She started to walk over to the table just as Amanda turned, still with her hands over her mouth, and walked slowly toward the living room. Sammy stopped to look down at the paper. The half page photo was grainy, but it was clearly Storm, in her hoodie, holding hands across a table with a handsome older man. The headline read: Mafia Girl? She didn’t understand until she read the names below the picture. One of the city’s biggest mob bosses was holding her hand. A blooming romance between the city’s Storm Girl and the city’s Mob Boss? the article was asking.

She walked over to Amanda, who was just standing there, short of the living room. She really didn’t know what to do, so she just did what made her feel better just moments ago, she put her hand on Amanda’s shoulder. When Amanda turned, Sammy saw something she had never seen in all her years working as her personal assistant; Storm, with a face full of tears. Oh god, Sammy. I think I just fucked up a whole bunch of people’s lives. That statement, to Sammy, was shocking. But as confused as she was, all she could really do was hold her Boss and let her cry into her shirt.

That cry took a while. But finally, Amanda broke the grip, sniffed a few times and asked Sammy for her coffee. She went off to the bedroom to freshen up and returned fairly quickly looking better and holding a phone. Would you also take some to Jacqueline. And Sammy? As a favor to me, please stay outside until I call you both back in. Sammy said nothing, but Amanda could read her face. Sweetie, I have a phone call to make that you probably shouldn’t hear.

Samantha hesitated, then just blurted out, Is he really your boyfriend? She instantly regretted it.

Amanda turned back to Sammy and looked into her innocent eyes. She found it hard to believe, sometimes, that Sammy was two years older. She cupped her face and said, I trust you and I love you too, so I know you will keep this to yourself for now. He is not my boyfriend. He is family.

Amanda could actually see the relief come over her face. But then another question popped out, Are you a Mafia girl?

A big smile spread over Amanda’s face, No, ditz. Now get outside. Sometimes, like now, Amanda thought that if she weren’t so straight, Samantha would be such a treasure. Someday, someone will figure that out and she’ll lose her. But until then, she’ll treasure her as that big, little sister.

It took almost an hour, but Amanda finally let the ladies back in. She was dressed for the gym. Jackie noticed and wanted to object, but kept her mouth shut. Amanda stopped back at the kitchen table and picked up the paper. She looked directly at Jacqueline, We clear this up today. And I’l be the one to do it. She threw the paper back on the table. Storm was in charge and Jackie knew to continue to listen only.

I’ll be going to the gym as usual. What’s the street like?

Jackie answered quickly, They’re out there waiting. Triple the usual number. They know you leave at nine-fifty every day. They’re outside the gym too. I recommend you take your bodyguards with you. It’s not the usual friendly crowd. There are a lot of wolves today.

Are the guys ready?

In the lobby, all six. Darrell is outside.

That’s my Jackie. I’ll see Darrell in a minute. I want you to go down and prep the crowd. I’m on my usual schedule. I’m saying nothing until this afternoon. If they want to know about the picture, I’ll be outside my studio at one and tell them all about it. Nothing until then. And they play nice or go back to their own studios empty. Okay?

Nothing for me ‘till then?

It’s better off you wait. Be there at one and control the crowd. It will be worth the wait. Then come in and I’ll fill in any blanks for you. It’ll be good, I promise.

Okay, see you downstairs.

Send Darrell in, please.

Darrell looked like the stereotypical bodyguard, big and black. But he was smart, ex-military, and dedicated to Storm’s well being. Darrell, we’re going to fuck with the paparazzi today. I’ll give them a chance to let me walk to the gym as usual, if not, you and the guys plow right through them all the way to the gym.

He was excited about Storm’s tone, she never cursed. The crowd is restless and big. This have to do with that picture in the morning paper, Miss Storm?

"It does, and I promise I won’t keep you in the dark