Miami Con: Enraged by the injustice, Lainey discovers a sliding scale of integrity within herself

By Frieda Dowler

Shortly after moving to Miami, Lainey Wolfe participates in a con game to satisfy her need for adventure. A struggle with her moral conscience follows. Then she befriends a New York jewelry heiress who mobsters are blackmailing. Lainey is enraged by the injustice and enlists the con artists to avenge her friend's losses. When Lainey meets a police officer during an investigation he acts as her guardian angel during the con game.



Lainey walks a tightrope in her determination to right a wrong that happened 20 years ago.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098307400

Frieda Dowler

Frieda Dowler, mid-western hairstylist, fuses ordinary people's extraordinary stories into snapshots of imagined unfolding adventures in published works; The New World Kingdom of Heaven, and New Money for an Old America. As wife, mother, daughter and business owner she intertwines creativity with responsibility.

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©2020 All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Print ISBN: 978-1-09830-739-4

eBook ISBN: 978-1-09830-740-0

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Acknowledgments

Gino for the inspiration.

Bruce, for spending hours alone while I spend time with imaginary people.

YNB and JBJ for the framework.

Larry for his talent and generosity in making this look great.

Nancy, for the enhancements, so the story reads better.

Growth demands a temporary surrender of security.

Gail Sheehy

Introduction

The 1960s marked a counterculture movement in social norms. That period in history is often called the decade that changed everything.

For Lainey Wolfe everything changes in 1962 while living in Miami. The change occurs because her circumstances test her values. No one else could have been in her same predicament, but no matter what dilemma we face the choices we make define us.

Chapter 1

Miami 1962

The Cartier on my wrist read 9:00 but the wall clock in the hotel lobby read 9:13.

I burst open the ladies’ room door where I was to meet up with Lola so she could approve my attire for the day. She had wagged a finger and said, Don’t be late. 9:00 sharp. Gino don’t like nobody to be late.

I was mad because Lola wasn’t there and angry because the fake designer watch couldn’t keep proper time. I bought it from a guy on the street corner. Made me short on the rent, but I needed to look the part. Now I had missed a chance to earn extra money so I could have things like a real designer watch, and for rent in something more than a sleeping room.

I paced the marble floor in the ladies’ room adjacent to the lobby of the luxurious DuPont Plaza Hotel and Apartments. Settling my anger, I plopped onto the settee and ran my fingers over the pink velvet. This Miami hotel restroom was nicer than anything I’d known in Indiana. I grew up with a plaid couch, and brown linoleum but I wanted prettier things for myself.

Maybe Lola is just running late, not already come and gone. She said I’d get paid for going to Key West on a yacht, more than I made in a week. Just show up on time, look good, and have fun with the date I hadn’t met. With the extra money, I could pay the rent on time next month and continue the habit I’d taken up of smoking the Dunhill brand of cigarettes, imported from London that looked so posh between my fingers.

I lifted my hat and smoothed my hair, deciding she must have gone without me. One long look in the full-length mirror convinced me I didn’t want this chance to slip by. I had to find my way to the marina where we were to meet Gino.

I tilted the hat brim to avoid the eyes of the desk clerk and strode to the other side of the lobby. Opening the door and stepping into the glaring sun, I caught sight of an idling yacht. Hoping it wasn’t Lola and Gino leaving without me, I squinted into the sun.

The name, Miss Taken, came into focus. A skilled crew tossing ropes and buoys reminded me of a Fred Astaire movie I’d seen. Their matching blue and white striped shirts against a perfect sky created the backdrop for the scene. I imagined tap dancing in, as the heroine. If only I had taken dance lessons instead of helping Mama raise my five younger brothers.

Lola’s lilting voice interrupted, causing me to turn away from my daydream.

Hey, chica. You look good. But sexy it up a little. Like this. She untucked my blouse, gathered the shirt tail, and tied a knot under my rib cage. I thought how Daddy wouldn’t approve of exposing my midriff and shook off the feelings I already had about this day.

She didn’t mention the time or meeting on the dock rather than in the ladies’ room. I let it pass, too. Her carefree attitude was contagious, and I was here to enjoy a day on a yacht, not to bicker about details.

There, that better, she said. And I like the hat. It a nice touch. You look like Sophia Loren. You got her lips and… She formed a shapely figure with her hands.

No, you’re the one who looks exotic like her, even got an accent.

We laughed, easing a tense moment.

Come on, we gotta get going quick so nobody sees us. Else big trouble. No fraternizing with hotel guests, you know. Nobody saw you, right?

Nobody saw me. Not even the desk clerk.

Sun-kissed brunette hair cascading down her back and ocean blue eyes made her look like a movie star. She was straight out of Harper’s Bazaar, transformed from the maid’s uniform she was wearing when I met her. And I was sure the wide legged white pants, cropped orange blouse, and wedge sandals cost more than a week’s paycheck. Except for her accent, no one would suspect her Cuban heritage.

That’s a nice outfit, Lola.

Thanks. But I don’t keep these clothes. Part of the act, you know. They go back to the store tomorrow. Gotta be careful not to spill nothing on them.

She said I’d earn more for going to Key West on a yacht than I make in a week at the salon. Just a day on a yacht. Look like somebody and play act a little. You get seventy-five bucks for this con. When I asked her what a con was, she said it was helping people get what they deserved and I would round out the scene, make it look genuine.

She offered the adventure I was seeking when I came to Miami, and the extra money to live like I belonged in this city. So I agreed to be her cousin’s blind date without further questions.

Lola waved as we approached a large two deck yacht. That’s the one. She pointed to the script across the back, Sapphire Dream. Now you meet my cousin. Be friendly and play along. Okay?"

Remember, no smooching. Did you tell him?

Right. You his pretend date, to fool this other guy.

The man at the boat looked like a photo I’d seen in the newspaper last year of Ernest Hemingway. He had the same world-traveler look, and the lines on his forehead implied he had wisdom beyond his years. I scanned the bare ankles in tan leather loafers, upward to the cream colored slacks, natural linen jacket, ending on the captain’s hat.

This my cousin Gino, said Lola.

A puff of smoke escaped from beneath his pencil-thin mustache as he stepped off the ramp and tipped his hat. Taking my hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. You look beautiful.

I kissed his cheek, leaving a lipstick mark to set the mood for the day and whispered, Don’t flatter me, because that’s all you’re getting.

My stomach fluttered. I inhaled, counting to ten, like Mama had taught me, to calm my nerves. But when I reached seven, my nostrils filled with motor fuel, fish scraps, and cigar smoke, making me cough. I pulled a handkerchief from my pocketbook and made an excuse about swallowing a bug. What would Daddy think if he saw me boarding this boat? I pushed that aside and walked up the ramp.

Gino led us to a sun deck protected by a canvas top with cozy lounge seating and colorful pillows. Two men in navy blazers stood nearby like soldiers at attention.

Gino gestured toward the men. Meet Julio and Juan. They will be our crew today.

Hi, I’m Lain. That sounded right for today. Otherwise I would have been Lainey, Lainey Beth, or Elaine Elizabeth. I answered to all of those.

Gino interrupted, But for today it’s Joan. You look like a Joan. I hope you can get used to it.

Gino’s smooth voice was convincing. Even though I hated the name, I would answer to it in an effort to play along. I thought of Joan Crawford and there was no resemblance. The only thing we might have in common was the bright shade of lipstick I was wearing, and I didn’t like it either.

Okay everybody, over here. Gino motioned for us to sit. Our guest will arrive in thirty minutes, so I’ll clue you for the bash.

Excuse me, I interrupted. Should I call you Gino or Ernest? I giggled at the suggestion, knowing he didn’t understand my reference to Ernest Hemingway.

Oh, sorry, baby. Name’s Nino. Today I’m Italian. The parents came to New York in the 20s. I was born in ‘32 and they moved to Miami to be house servants for a wealthy couple they met in New York. They were childless, and I inherited the wealth. He made a sweeping arm wave, "Both Sapphire Dream and my playboy lifestyle are because of my inheritance."

Lola laughed. Que rico. You came over on the same boat I did.

That’s the story for today. So play along, okay? He gave Lola a stern look. And don’t be late again. You know how I feel about that.

Lola responded with a pouting tease. You want me to get my beauty sleep, come looking like this, and be on time at this hour of the morning?

You make me crazy, Lola. Then he mutter where only I could hear him. In more ways than this.

There was talk on the streets how Cuban political refugees came to Miami on small boats after the overthrow of their government in ‘58. Maybe Lola was saying she came from Cuba in one of those boats and so did Gino.

Let’s get back to this bash. The prince and his bodyguard will be here soon. He’s from a small Polynesian country called Tonga. His grandmother is the ruling queen, and she has sent her grandson, the crown prince, on a world tour. She wants him to live a little and experience new things. Then he will become a great ruler of his people. But he is not our mark.

Gino’s scooted forward on his seat and lowered his voice. Our crown prince, James Tupou, is one cool cookie. He shot a look Lola’s way, Don’t get any ideas. You won’t see him after today. Besides, he is betrothed to royalty and he’ll marry by the time he’s twenty-six.

Lola crossed her arms and pouted.

Gino continued, He has a traveling companion, a bodyguard named Willem Cook. He is our mark. The Queen trusts Willem, and he has this position because his grandfather was the bodyguard to the Queen’s father. Willem is not the same kind of man that his grandfather or father were. But the Queen keeps him around because of family loyalty. Willem is nosey. He’ll ask too many questions. We’ll keep him busy and out of the way while we do our job.

Gino shifted his gaze to Lola.

And our job is to take compromising photographs of Prince James and sell them to Willem later. Willem will pay to save the royal family from embarrassment and to save his job with the Queen. Gino held up a small pill box and shook it. We will make sure Prince James and Willem are out cold. The effect lasts two hours. Then he’ll wake up. While they’re out, we’ll photograph Prince James with Lola and with some illegal substances. We will present the photos to Willem at a later time. He will pay us a couple G’s for the photos and the negatives because his honor is at stake. Got it? Gino rested against the seat back and crossed his arms over his chest.

So just to get it straight, I said. All I gotta do is to be your girl for the day?

Yep. That’s it. And enjoy the drinks, sunshine, and conversation.

So, I know what I will be doing. And I guess Lola and Prince James are a date. But what will these other guys be doing?

Well, sister, are you sure you want to know more? I mean, it’s up to you but the more you know, the more you’re liable for.

Uh, second thought, did somebody say you are serving Bloody Marys? I had never had a Bloody Mary, but I knew it was a popular drink, and today was the first of many things.

I was about to open the bar, so if that’s your cocktail of choice, then Juan, will you please fix the lady a drink? Bring the same for Lola and me.

Juan and Julio disappeared down the stairs and Gino scooted next to me on the lounge seat. Ever been to Key West?

No. First time for everything.

Well, we’re just gonna hang here in the lounge, letting the booze and grass do their work. Two hours into the ride, we’ll set it up, take photos, and then get back to the party. If there’s anything else, I’ll clue you. No talking too much or you might light up the tilt sign. Got it?

Gino was in command but kept it fun with lively slang. That was considered fresh where I came from. Daddy said guys who used slang were up to no good. When they had your attention with cool words, they were fooling you somewhere else. Truth was, it tickled my ears and kept the conversation interesting. Kinda like when Lola tied up my shirt tails. Why wear a shirt the same old way? And like Gino, why say things the same old way?

We heard a shout from below.

Gino glanced at his wrist watch, Right on time. I like that. Shows real promise. He stood and waved. Hello! Come aboard!

Julio escorted the two men to the top deck and made introductions. May I present Nino Mantellone, your host for today? He handed both gentlemen small gold bells. I will attend to your needs. Call me for anything. He returned to his soldier-like position.

Gino bowed. "Welcome aboard Sapphire Dream. We are pleased to have royalty with us today."

Prince James Tupou bowed and then extended a hand in greeting. Hello, Nino, he said in excellent English. Thank you for your invitation. It was my good fortune to meet you at dinner last week. Your country is friendly and welcoming.

My head was swimming. Gino hadn’t been wrong when he described James as a cool cookie. His tall muscular frame, milk-coffee colored skin, green eyes and light brown hair were extremely well arranged.

And may I present my lady friend, Joan Cranford.

I giggled at the name as James took my hand and raised it to his lips without breaking his gaze into my eyes. Charmed, my lady.

Oh, I could have melted into a puddle right there. I wondered what Lola was getting paid today. She should pay Gino for the privilege of being this guy’s date.

Gino continued with introductions. This is my cousin, Lola, who is royalty herself. Just look at her. Isn’t she regal?

James came in close to Lola, slipped his arm around her waist, drew her in, and kissed her on the cheek. I thought Lola might melt into a puddle beside me, but she backed away and muttered a pleasantry.

Then James made his introduction. This is my trusted servant, Willem Cook. He is my traveling companion and the Queen’s snitch. He has promised to disclose all of my indiscretions to her while I am on my year’s journey. With that he winked at Lola.

Willem nodded his head, opened his sport coat, and revealed a shoulder harness containing a pistol. The Prince is under my protection.

Of course, said Gino. But we are here for a day of fun and sightseeing in Key West.

Then you won’t mind if I ask a favor? said Willem. Please refrain from taking photographs of the prince today. We wouldn’t want any of his indiscretions to get into the newspapers or back to the Queen.

There is no photographic equipment aboard, Willem. You are welcome to search the boat until you are content, said Gino.

I will take you up on your offer.

Julio, please show Willem the cabins below and allow him to search. Meanwhile, Prince, would you like to join us? We’re all having a Bloody Mary?

The Prince reached inside his pocket, held the small gold bell in the air, and jingled it. This is going to be a splendid day.

Juan came to his call as promised. The Prince requested a Bloody Mary and settled into the lounge seating. I laid my head back, enjoying the fulfilled promise of sun, fun, and not a care in the world, pretending to be one of the international well-to-dos of my imagination.

When Willem returned from his tour of the yacht, he stated his investigation was satisfactory. Then Julio invited Willem for cigars and a drink on the lower deck.

Chapter 2

Prince James downed two drinks and then unleashed his pursuit of Lola. She laughed and pretended to enjoy his conversation. But when he got close, she walked to the rail, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and avoided his advances. Still, she kept him interested. I watched as she out-maneuvered him, and I noticed she hadn’t touched her drink. She treated this like a job.

Juan delivered a third drink to the prince and his advances on Lola became bolder. As the fourth drink came up the stairs on Juan’s tray, Gino pulled the pillbox from his pocket and slipped one into it. Lola saw Gino’s move and grabbed her own Bloody Mary.

Down the hatch, she said to the Prince. He drained his in three gulps while Lola emptied hers over her shoulder into the ocean.

Would you like to tour my boat? asked Gino.

Prince James smiled condescendingly. I have a seventy-five foot, five-bedroom yacht, and been in dozens of yachts and cruise ships. He shrugged. Still, I am interested in how these smaller boats are constructed. How such small craft are able to stay afloat in the large ocean. Let’s take a look.

The more he talked, the more his good looks faded. His arrogant attitude changed my opinion of him. He needed to be humbled. Lola said a con was helping people get what they deserved, and the prince was justifying his take-down with every word he spoke.

Lola and I joined the tour. Gino described every inch of the yacht, dragging out a fifteen-minute tour until it was an obvious delay. As we entered the captain’s quarters, Prince James steadied himself against the wall. His legs gave way as the pill and the booze took their full effect. He slumped between the bed and the built-in wardrobe.

Bingo, said Gino. Lola help me get him on the bed.

Together they hoisted him up, dropping his limp body on the bed.

You might not want to stay for what’s next. Gino motioned me with his head. We’ll join you topside when we’re done.

On my way down the corridor, I passed Julio carrying a leather camera case. I continued to the back of the boat to satisfy my curiosity about Juan and Willem. Juan was nowhere to be seen and Willem was out cold in a lounge chair. I presumed he got the same dose as Prince James. I returned to the top deck to wait for their return.

After what seemed an eternity, Gino and Lola returned with fresh drinks for themselves and one for me. Gino pulled a cigarette from his jacket pocket and lit it. He took the longest drag and then passed it to Lola.

Want some? Gino asked as he offered it to me.

No thanks. I didn’t want to be square by asking questions, but I knew this was a different kind of cigarette. Regular cigarette weren’t shared with a group and this cigarette wasn’t perfectly round and smooth like the ones I knew. There were rumors about marijuana in my hometown that it was like a cigarette but with a different effect. They said it came from New York City. The beatniks who were into art and books and dressed kooky smoked it to enhance their experiences.

A voice inside was warning me to not get involved with the con artists after today. Once we landed, I should not keep in contact with them. Just collect my money and disappear. I would avoid Lola at work and as far as I knew, I wouldn’t have to see Gino again.

But for today, I was on a yacht in the Atlantic Ocean headed for Key West with a prince of a foreign country, and making extra money. I moved to Miami six months ago, and had only visited posh hotels, collected matchbooks from the lobbies, and stored my dreams in a fishbowl. Now my dreams were coming true.

Suit yourself, said Gino. "By the time he wakes up this grass will wear off and we’ll get back to work.

The next two hours we sunned on the deck. Lola slipped out of her clothes, revealing a bikini she was wearing underneath. Gino slipped off his jacket and trousers down to swim trunks. Gino turned Latin music on the radio and Julio joined us, saying Juan was babysitting Willem in the back of the boat.

As Lola relaxed, she talked about the photo shoot she had just