Clean Slate: The New Mafia Trilogy, #2

By E.J. Fechenda

In Clean Slate, Book Two of The New Mafia Trilogy, a battered and bruised Natalie Ross leaves her family and boyfriend behind in Philadelphia and makes her way to Los Angeles to seek forgiveness from her estranged best friend, Chelsea.

Natalie wants to start over and forget all about the past year she spent as the girlfriend of an enforcer for the Philly Mob. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as running away. While there are thousands of miles between Los Angeles and Philadelphia, the ripple-effect of her actions is far reaching. With a price on her head, Natalie’s brother, Grant, and her mobster ex-boyfriend, Dominic, are forcing change within the Philly Mob to eliminate the threat.

Alliances are formed and negotiations are made to ensure Natalie’s safety in California, but an announcement from home and an unexpected betrayal may cause Natalie to once again leave everything behind.

*For mature audiences.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.J. Fechenda
• Release date: Apr 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781498982184

E.J. Fechenda

E.J. Fechenda has lived in Philadelphia, Phoenix and now calls Portland, Maine home where she is a wife, stepmom, and pet parent all while working full time. Crazy is how she likes it. E.J. has a degree in Journalism from Temple University and her short stories have been published in Suspense Magazine, the 2010 and 2011 Aspiring Writers Anthologies, and in the Indies Unlimited 2012 Flash Fiction Anthology. In addition to writing The New Mafia Trilogy, she is working on The Ghosts Stories Trilogy. E.J. is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and co-founder of the fiction reading series, “Lit: Readings & Libations”, which is held quarterly in Portland. E.J. can be found on the internet here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EJFechendaAuthor Twitter @ebusjaneus (https://twitter.com/ebusjaneus) Tumblr: http://ejfechenda.tumblr.com/

Book preview

Chapter 1

LOS ANGELES

I SAT IN MY CAR JUST outside the entrance to the Warner Brothers studio lot. The security guard had his back to me as he attempted to page my former best friend. He hung up the phone and glared at me through the small window of his office, which was smaller than a toll booth. He had been working on a crossword puzzle when I pulled up and seemed annoyed that he actually had to do his job. The phone trilled and he picked it up mid-ring.

Security, he paused. Yes, there’s a Natalie Ross here to see you? He pivoted in his chair so his back was to me again. That’s right, Natalie Ross. I checked her ID – it’s a Pennsylvania license. There was another pause and I waited, holding my breath until he said, I’ll send her in.

Well at least she was willing to see me. My heart rate kicked up a notch as I pulled through the gate. With the convertible top down and sunglasses on, I already felt like I fit into Southern California. I just needed to work on my tan. My skin was so white it created a glare. The guard had handed me a visitors badge and a map of the studio grounds. He’d circled where Chelsea’s office was and drew a line indicating the best route; it looked like a maze.

I had just arrived in Los Angeles after driving cross country in record time. The long drive from Philadelphia had been an interesting one. For the first half of the trip I had developed a nervous habit of looking in the rearview mirror every two minutes. I kept expecting to see my brother Grant, my ex-boyfriend Dominic or other members of the Philly mob behind me in hot pursuit. 

A string of violent events precipitated my journey west. First, I had discovered Grant was a hit man for the mob after unwittingly being at the scene of one of his hits, which happened to be a triple murder. That same night I learned my boyfriend, Dominic, was also a Mafioso. Then, I was sexually assaulted by the Don of the most powerful mob families in the country, a member of the Five Families out of New York City, who Grant and Dominic murdered. I knew I needed to get out after I was shot in a drive by, which almost killed Dominic and resulted in me lodging a bullet in the forehead of a member of the New York mafia. Despite threats that my brother and I would be killed if I left, I ran away.  To avoid losing myself completely, I left the love of my life and my family behind.

I spent many sleepless nights in hotel rooms. Every time a car door shut outside my window I’d jump. Whenever someone paused outside my door, I’d hold my breath and clutch at the knife I kept beneath my pillow. By the time I hit Montana, I relaxed a little bit, cut three inches off of my hair and got bangs, which really made the shape of my face look different. Hopeful that I wasn’t being followed, I stopped checking the rearview mirror and concentrated on the journey ahead.

Now I was about ready to beg my best friend for forgiveness and I prayed that she would throw me a much needed lifeline. She hadn’t been expecting me and we hadn’t spoken to each other in over nine months. Not since the night we had a huge argument over Dominic and I moved out of the apartment we had shared. She claimed I was forgetting who I was and who my friends were. I couldn’t tell her the truth - that I had already sworn myself to the mafia in order to save my brother’s life, and my own. But, she deserved the truth now.

I parked in a spot marked with a visitors sign and turned the car off. I grabbed the map off of the dash and looked around. A giant warehouse the size of an airplane hangar loomed in front of me. Doors lined the exterior wall every ten feet or so. I chewed on my bottom lip as I tried to figure out which door to enter. Turns out I didn’t have to figure it out as Chelsea emerged from one. She squinted and raised her hand above her eyes to shield them from the sun. I stuck my arm up and waved, noticing a brief hesitation before she started walking towards me.

My stomach was in knots as I stepped out of the car to meet her. She was thinner than I remembered. Her round, rosy cheeks more defined. Her hair was longer too and hung in blonde waves past her shoulders.

Chelsea stopped a few feet away and I felt her eyes surveying me. She would be quick to notice the dark circles under my eyes, more pronounced by the swollen bags that sleepless nights and crying jags had created. She wouldn’t miss that I too had lost weight. Although where Chelsea’s weight loss left her looking leaner and healthy, I was gaunt.

Jesus. You look like hell!

Yeah...well, I feel like I’ve just come from there, I responded.

What are you doing here? Her stance hadn’t softened. This was going to be harder than I thought. My hopes of her running out and pulling me into one of her bone crushing hugs quickly dissipated.

I’m sorry to bother you at work, but this was the only address I had. Your mom gave me one of your business cards.

Are you moving here? Chelsea looked behind me at the numerous bags in the backseat. Did you and Dominic break up?

Can we talk after you get out of work? I’ll tell you everything...and it will explain a lot.

Um, sure, I guess so.

We made arrangements to meet at six o’clock and I would follow her back to her apartment. I turned to get in my car.

Nat?

I turned back to face her.

Are you okay? Chelsea’s expression had softened.

I don’t know. Unconsciously I shrugged my shoulders and winced as the reawakening nerve endings screamed. Chelsea’s eyes moved to my right shoulder. I was wearing a white tank top and the strap wasn’t wide enough to conceal the healing wound.

What is that? she asked at the same time sliding the strap over. The bruising had faded to a faint jaundice yellow, but the scar tissue surrounding my injury was still red and raw.

I was shot.

She jerked her hand back with a gasp.What?

This is part of what I want to talk you about later and please don’t tell anyone you saw me. Not even your mom.

Does this have something to do with why Grant called me a couple of days ago?

I wasn’t surprised Grant had already called Chelsea and I was glad that she didn’t know I was coming.

Yes and I promise to tell you everything. There’s a really good reason for the secrecy. Okay?

Chelsea didn’t say anything, just nodded her head in agreement. I think my statement stunned her into silence. She stared after my car as I backed out and pulled away.

Chapter 2

I FOLLOWED CHELSEA’S rusted out, hand-me-down Volvo wagon down a palm tree lined street. She pulled into the drive of a huge apartment complex. We wove through visitor parking, past the leasing office and up to a gate. She punched in a code and the gate rumbled open on its track. She gestured for me to follow close behind. 

Chelsea and I walked up to her apartment building, which had a beige stucco exterior. A water fountain filled up the center of a small courtyard.

My apartment is small, but it’s affordable, Chelsea commented as she unlocked the door.

Her one bedroom was decorated like the apartment we had shared in Philadelphia. The same futon, coffee table and entertainment center furnished the living room. A recliner appeared to be the only new piece of furniture. I was surprised to see that Chelsea had held onto a couple of my paintings and these hung on the walls. Maybe she didn’t despise me after all, I thought to myself and took my flip flops off before stepping onto the white carpet to sit down on the futon.

Your place is really cute.

Thanks. The best part about this complex is that it has a pool and a gym. A pool, isn’t that awesome?

That is cool. I didn’t remind her that the condo where Dominic and I lived had those too, but that was an exception since most places didn’t. L.A. was definitely a different world from Philly. I just hoped it was far enough away.

Do you want something to drink? Chelsea asked from the kitchen. I looked over my shoulder to see Chelsea framed by the breakfast bar. She didn’t seem as defensive as she was earlier this afternoon. Her curiosity must be killing her right now. I chuckled remembering how she would interrogate me after every date with Dominic.

I’ll just have some water. Since arriving in the more arid climate I was constantly thirsty.

Chelsea sauntered in to the living room and set the glasses on the coffee table. She sat down cross legged on the futon, looked directly at me and said, Okay, spill.

Her gaze was unwavering, so I took a deep breath and began.

Dominic and Grant are part of the Philly mob.

What? she shrieked. Are you fucking with me?

I wish I was, I paused. You know that after hours place I told you about?

The Speak, right?

Yes. Dominic took me there one night after work and that same night, Grant was there and he killed three men.

Chelsea’s blue eyes widened and her mouth hung slack.

It was awful! There was blood everywhere and... I broke off with a shudder. That night I was sworn to secrecy in order to protect Grant and myself.

You haven’t told anyone this?

No. But it gets worse. I took a sip of water, wishing it was something stronger. Dominic’s Uncle Marco is the boss of the mob and he’s an awful man.

Chelsea watched me place the glass back on the coffee table, my hand shaking so bad, water spilled over the sides.

I told her how Marco forced me into the room with Mr. Genovese, the head of the Five Families and how he had assaulted me.

I got off easy though, I continued. Chelsea reached for my hand and held it tight as I told her about my coworker, Brittany, who was brutally raped by Genovese’s men. I told her about the pressure and the fear, but also how powerful it felt to be part of the mafia.

Two weeks ago someone tried to take Dominic out. We were both shot. Chelsea’s eyes shifted to my shoulder. I shot one of the men, who was firing rounds into Dominic’s Mustang, and killed him.

You killed someone? She stared at me in disbelief. Ashamed, I lowered my head and nodded in confirmation.

I had to. Otherwise I’d probably be dead right now.

Whoa! Chelsea sat back and analyzed me in silence. I plucked at a loose thread on the dark green futon cover. So you ran away to my place, just like you did when you were nine.

I laughed, having forgotten that time when my mom and I had a horrible fight. I packed my dolls, my piggy bank and some candy into my backpack then ran away to Chelsea’s house. Of course her mom called my mom and I spent the night before going home the next morning. I guess so. I hated losing you. I hated not being able to tell you what was going on. You have no idea how surreal it’s been.

What are you going to do now? Are you going to get arrested?

I honestly don’t know. I’m more worried about the mafia than the police. They could still come after me so I need to keep a low profile for a while. Nobody knows where I am.

And that’s why Grant called me.

Yeah, but obviously you didn’t know where I was either. I still don’t know where I’m going to go. Unless... I looked up at Chelsea and she knew me well enough that I didn’t have to finish asking.

Yes, you can stay here. You’re much too interesting to not have around, she teased.

I smiled and breathed a deep sigh of relief. Thanks.

I’m glad you’re here. I missed you, Chelsea pulled me into a hug that made my shoulder ache, but I didn’t pull away. Even though I was in California and in this apartment for the first time, I felt like I was home.

Chapter 3

EXHAUSTION SET IN AFTER I revealed the truth to Chelsea. I picked at the pasta she had made for dinner, but was too tired to eat. We went downstairs and retrieved my bags out of the car. Minutes later I was curled up on my old familiar friend, the futon. Everything had finally caught up to me and I fell into a coma-like sleep.

The front door clicked shut and woke me up. I thought Chelsea had left for work and was surprised to learn that she was just getting home.

Did I sleep all day? I asked.

She nodded. You look better though. Not so hollow.

I felt almost normal; more rested than I’d been in weeks and no nightmares had haunted my dreams. I yawned and stretched. Chelsea grinned and threw something shiny at me. I flinched and dodged to the side. The object landed next to me on the blanket with a jingle. It was a set of keys.

The big one is for the gym and the pool gate. The small one is for the front door.

Thanks. Oh and Chels, I can help pay for things. I have plenty of cash on me.

Cool. L.A. is not a cheap place to live. She pulled a bottle of white wine out of the refrigerator. Do you want a drink?

No. I need to get my head together. Chelsea shrugged and went to put the bottle away. You still can, I don’t mind. I just can’t right now.

She hesitated and then brought the wine, a corkscrew and glass with her and plopped down on the futon.

Are you sure? One of her eyebrows was raised.

Yes I’m sure, I encouraged her. I’ve been dumping a lot of shit into my system, trying to cope with everything. This is my chance to start over.

Nat, I am so sorry you had to deal with all of this alone. Now I know why you became so evasive and distant.

I hated that night, when we had the big argument and I moved out. I cried on Dominic’s shoulder for days afterwards.

This whole time I thought you dumped me for a guy.

I would never dump you for a guy.

Yeah, this whole mafia story is a pretty good reason. I don’t feel so put out now! Chelsea took a long sip. I watched her and licked my lips. My body craved a drink, longed for the soothing blanket to envelope my whole being. I didn’t give in. I had been hiding behind substances for too long and needed to face my demons head on. 

The next morning I made sure I was awake before Chelsea left for work. She didn’t have to be in until mid-morning and was nice to sit and have a cup of coffee with her.

What are your plans for today?Chelsea asked.

I don’t know. I was thinking about going for a run. My legs could use the stretch.

Good. I worry about you being holed up in this apartment all day.

Yes, Mom, I said and rolled my eyes. Chelsea was always the worrier.

I’m off tomorrow and we can go do something. Plus, I’m meeting my boyfriend for dinner. Wanna come?

You have a boyfriend?

I do. I sensed a tone of caution in her voice. I’m sorry, I thought I told you.

No, I didn’t know. That’s cool. I’d like to meet him, but don’t want to impose on your date.

Nat, don’t be ridiculous! Derek would love to meet you.

Derek, his name was Derek. Derek made me think of Dominic. My heart rate accelerated and my palms felt slick with sweat. The coffee churned in my empty stomach.

Nat, are you okay? You don’t look so good.

I’m fine, I lied. I think I just need to eat something. I made a weak attempt at smiling.

Mmmhmmm, the corners of her mouth turned up to form a knowing smile.

What?

You miss him. It was a statement, not a question. Leave it to Chelsea to figure it out. I did miss Dominic. My heart ached whenever I thought of him. Leaving him took all the strength I possessed, but it had to be done.

I still love him and think about him every day.

His family does take dysfunctional to a whole new level. He wouldn’t leave to be with you?

No. Tears welled up and spilled over my cheeks. I would have stayed, but the shooting, knowing that he could be killed at any time; that on top of everything else. It was too much.

You said they could still come after you?

It’s a possibility. His Uncle Marco is nuts, but I don’t know if he would look for me. I saved Dominic’s life, so I’m hoping he’ll consider us even.

And if he doesn’t?

Coffee splashed out of my mug and on to the table. Not realizing I’d started shaking until the hot liquid landed on my wrist, I quickly set the mug down to avoid making a bigger mess, but the trembling continued. I struggled to get the words out, it seemed as though my saliva glands had experienced a sudden drought. He’ll probably kill me, I finally managed to choke out.

Chelsea reached across the table and gripped my hand. Her rosy cheeks paled as the seriousness of the situation sunk in. Any levity that our previous conversation held was now stifled.

Natalie, you need to find out! How can you sit there not knowing that he may already have taken a hit out on you?  Chelsea stood up and started pacing the small dining area. Can you call Grant, wouldn’t he know?

I haven’t established contact with anyone. Nobody knows where I am and I don’t want them to know. Besides... I dropped my head to the table and wrapped my arms over top, the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand. If Marco wants me dead, he’ll probably want Grant dead too.  I can’t even think about it. Overwhelmed, my body vacillated between throwing up and hyperventilating.

Shhh, Chelsea soothed, resting her hands on my shoulders and lightly massaging them. We’ll figure something out. I could feel the tension releasing its hold the more Chelsea rubbed. My breathing slowed and this helped settle my stomach down. I took a few deep breaths and slowly raised my head up off of the table.

Thanks, Chels. Everything just hit me.

Hey, that’s what I’m here for. I’m your personal crisis counselor! I’m going to make some calls to see if anyone has figured out you’re here and we’ll go from there. Okay?

Okay. That was a start and it helped relax me further.

After Chelsea left for work, I decided to face my fears and check email. It felt like an eternity to access the wireless internet connection. Finally, I was able to pull up my Gmail inbox. I had over three hundred messages. Jesus! I thought to myself when I saw that all but about forty were from Grant and Dominic. Most of the subject lines read: Where are you, come home, call me, I miss you, I love you (the latter two were from Dominic).  

The most recent email, sent three days earlier caused my blood to run cold. The subject line read: need to talk - now. It was from Grant. I closed my eyes and clicked the email open. With much trepidation I opened my eyes and started reading.

Nat,

I don’t know where you are, but you need to call me!! Bottom line, watch your back. Come HOME so we can protect you.

Grant

Shit, not good, not good at all. If he wanted me to come home, then it had to be the NYC families and not Philly I had to look out for. I snapped the laptop shut. That was enough email for the day. My plans for going out for a run were put on hold. Until I received confirmation from Chelsea that my whereabouts were still unknown, I wasn’t leaving the apartment. Every time I heard a noise outside, whether it was a car door shutting or someone sneezing in the courtyard, I jumped. Needless to say, it was a very long day.

Chapter 4

CHELSEA DIDN’T MAKE it home until after midnight and in a total role reversal, I was the one waiting up to interrogate her.

Did you talk to anyone? I asked.

I did and boy did my mom fill me in! She ran into your mom at the grocery store over the weekend. Your mom told her how you had taken off without a word as to where you were going and that she hadn’t heard from you in over two weeks. She says she’s not surprised, that you’re just like your father by running off as soon as things get tough. Chelsea’s cheeks flushed with anger. Can you believe that shit?

But, I wrote her a letter and mailed it the day I left Philly. That was less than two weeks ago.

My mom didn’t say anything about a letter, but apparently Grant has been trying to track you down and your mom told him not to bother. I knew you and your mom didn’t get along, but that is just wrong!

But Grant doesn’t know where I am?

Not according to my mom.

And you didn’t let anything slip that you might know where I am?

No.

Good. I breathed a sigh of relief. Chances are that if Grant didn’t know my whereabouts, then the NYC families didn’t know either. I would still have to keep a low profile, but I didn’t need to become a complete shut-in, or keep running. I decided that Chelsea didn’t need to know about Grant’s email. She was taking enough of a risk having me under her roof. If things did take a more serious turn, I would have to be prepared to leave on a moment’s notice.

Now that that’s out of the way, I told Derek you were coming to dinner and he invited his roommate to come along.

Chelsea, not a blind date?

No, it’s nothing like that! It’s just so you would feel more comfortable.

I don’t know.

Please? His name is Jason, he’s really nice and I promise this isn’t a date. There are no strings attached.

Fine, I groaned.

Chelsea went to her bedroom to get ready for bed and I stared at the ceiling, waiting for sleep to come. I thought about Grant’s email, then about meeting Chelsea’s boyfriend and his roommate. At some point my mind shut down and I drifted off. The next thing I knew, it was morning and Chelsea was in the kitchen making a racket.

What are you doing? I called out, covering my head with a pillow to drown out the noise.

I’m off today, remember? I’m making muffins.

Are you grounding the flour yourself? I asked, wandering into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from my eyes.

No, smart ass, I was grinding coffee beans. Mom sent me a grinder as a housewarming present and I haven’t used it yet. Chelsea hopped from the coffee maker to the oven, checking the progress of her muffins. Her blond hair was tied back in a loose knot and tendrils framed her face. She even had make-up on.

How are you so awake right now? I asked from my perch on one of the bar stools at the breakfast bar. I leaned against the counter holding my head up with a hand.

It’s almost 10:00. I slept in. You’re the one used to vampire hours.  She pointed at me with an oven mitt and then bent over to retrieve the muffin tray. She set it on a hot pad and steam rose from the muffin tops, which were covered in cinnamon and large crystals of sugar.

Since when did you learn to bake?

No new skills here, Nat. These are from a mix. She flashed a cheesy grin and held up an empty box that had the Betty Crocker logo on it, like she was a game show model. Shaking my head, I laughed and went to get a cup of coffee. We ate breakfast together, making plans for the day leading up to the dinner date for Chelsea and not-a-date-dinner for me. After breakfast I took a quick shower and then we headed out in Chelsea’s Volvo, despite Chelsea’s protests. She thought my convertible BMW was more suitable for a girl’s day of shopping and mani/pedi’s than her beater. When I pointed out the slim possibility that my car could be a target, she acquiesced.

Chelsea drove to the Fashion District in downtown L.A. and parked in one of the parking garages. We walked along crowded sidewalks, Chelsea pointing out random landmarks until we reached her destination of choice, what she called her shopping mecca, Santee Alley. Awnings over storefronts seemed to be conjoined with large canvas umbrellas they were packed so close to each other. The umbrellas were brightly colored, stripes of pink and green stretched the length of the alley. People milled about and signs for name brands competed for attention. I felt anonymous in the crowds and relaxed. Hanging out and shopping with Chelsea was like old times and, for the first time in months, I felt almost normal and there were moments it was easy to forget about my old life for a while, except when a face in the crowd would look familiar and I’d begin to panic. Only after a second glance confirmed the face did in fact belong to a stranger, was I able to calm down.

I found an amazing pair of sunglasses for $1.00 and Chelsea got a steal on Jimmy Choo knock-offs that she planned on wearing that night. After shopping, we started to head back to the apartment, stopping along the way to get our nails done. The fresh air, sunshine and freedom to walk around without glancing over my shoulder (for the most part), actually had me looking forward to going out to dinner.

Derek and Jason arrived to pick us up at 8:00. I hung out behind Chelsea as she opened the door. She flew into Derek’s arms and kissed him. Jason and I looked away, finding the ceiling suddenly fascinating. Chelsea and Derek’s embrace started to border on embarrassing.

Hi, I’m Jason Fletcher, he said and held out his hand to me.

Natalie Ross. We shook hands, very formal and business like.

Upon hearing us introduce ourselves, Chelsea pulled away from Derek. Sorry about that! Derek, this is Natalie.

Hi, I’ve heard a lot about you.  Chelsea is ecstatic that you’re here! Any similarities between Derek and Dominic stopped with their names. He as tall or as muscular. He had an athletic build, like a soccer player, with brown eyes and dirty blonde hair. Jason was about the same height as Derek, but with broader shoulders. He had blonde hair that was bleached out from the sun and striking turquoise eyes, which stood out against his tan skin - definitely not my type - not that I was interested.

We all rode over to the restaurant in Derek’s Jetta. I sat in the back with Jason and stuck as close to the door without being obvious. My sundress was short and there wasn’t enough material to pull down past my thighs. I caught Jason checking out my legs and I tried tucking them out of sight. I certainly didn’t want to encourage any attraction.

I stared out the window and watched strip mall after strip mall pass by. Traffic was heavy and there were points where the car just crawled along at a snail’s pace.

Is the traffic like this all the time? I asked.

Yeah, this is actually pretty light. Jason answered. During rush hour, it’s like a parking lot.

It’s not like this in Philly.

Welcome to urban sprawl. So what brings you to L.A.?

I graduated with Chelsea in May and was getting tired of the scene in Philly, so here I am. The answer seemed vague enough.

Do you have a job yet?

"No. I have some money