Diamonds in the Rough

By Walter Kurtzman

The diamond smuggling business is both dangerous and often deadly. John Robbins, a high school graduating senior, finds himself inadvertently involved with criminal gangs in the business. John's adventures have him dealing with issues with his family, with Mafia and Russian gangs, with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level, and with legitimate diamond businesses. Love? Yes, that too.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781684560400

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was a Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. when John Robbins called following his music lesson in Manhattan. Dad? It’s me. My guitar lesson is over, and I really want to take a taxi home.

His father, Terry Robbins, said, Sure, and then thought to himself, John is such a wonderful son. However, at seventeen, he has been showing typical teenage characteristics that worry me and his mother. Yes, friends do simply say that John is such a fine, well-mannered, and bright young man. Be patient, Terry. It’s just the teenage period.

John, call me on your cell phone as you get close to the house, and I will be outside to meet you.

Great, Dad. I’ll be home in less than an hour. I didn’t feel like battling the subway rush as I am really beat. It’s been a long day, and my wrestling class this morning really tired me out, John said. Dad, my guitar lesson was great. My teacher said that I am his finest student and that I have real potential. He wants me to continue studying music at college!

What a year it has been for John, thought Mr. Robbins. He was a straight A student through high school even while playing varsity tennis and winning the statewide championship in wrestling. John had really come into himself in his senior year. He was voted homecoming king and most likely to succeed. Everyone who knew him recognized him as the most handsome, charming, and likeable student at school. Standing at six foot four and weighing just over two hundred pounds, he made quite the picture. John, he thought, is simply a striking young, man and I love him so very much.

He continued in his thoughts while comfortably sitting on the porch. My son has so much going for him: appearance, personality, intelligence, likability, and athleticism. However, he has become impulsive in ways that have endeared him to his friends but have lately been driving me and the missus to the edge. It was bad enough that he hadn’t the patience to listen, but there was that attitude that his parents’ experience had little to offer him. Mr. Robbins closed his eyes.

* * * * *

Vinny was pleased with his arrival from Africa at Kennedy International Airport in New York. It was not his first trip smuggling diamonds for the Scalia gang; however, he had always been impressed that it was so easy to get through customs with a stack of hidden diamonds. Customs agents had waved him through stations in France, Sweden, England, and the USA without once being inspected. The payoffs, he thought, had to be considerable. He checked the time and felt that he could risk a couple of hours to be with his wife before delivering the diamonds to his boss. He called his wife.

Honey, I’m home and dying to see you.

Vinny, sweetheart, I am so glad that you are home. How are you? When am I going to see you? I just can’t wait!

That’s just what I wanted to hear! Put on your sexiest nightgown and be ready for me. I won’t have much time, but we’ll make it good, won’t we? Be ready.

I’m always ready, lover.

That’s why I love you and take good care of you.

Vinny took a cab to his apartment. Doris was ready.

Hours passed before Doris said she loved every minute of their time together, but he had better go.

A short time later, he left and went out to find a cab.

* * * * *

John waved for a cab and watched as he saw it approach and stop in the middle of the busy street. He held the door and carefully started to place his guitar inside. Abruptly a large man pushed him aside and said, Sorry, kid, I need the cab.

John reacted quickly. He dropped his guitar case to the street and then grabbed at the man’s legs, shouting, Screw you, mister! This is my cab. Get out, or else.

The man pulled his legs free and faced John. He was so big. He laughed as he shoved John forcefully back while threatening him. Get lost, kid, before I hurt you bad!

John leaped at him as the man started to get back into the cab. They wrestled half-inside the cab and then outside. Suddenly, the man pulled a gun from his pocket.

I told you to get lost, kid, before you get hurt. I’ll blow you away if you try anything again.

John backed off. He was tense, angry, and very frustrated. As the man closed the cab door, John grabbed at his coat and pulled with all his strength. The door slammed shut and the cab drove off.

The man said to the driver, You didn’t see a thing. Got it? He then reached over and handed the driver fifty bucks.

The driver said, Thanks, man. I didn’t see a thing.

John got up, brushed off his clothes, and bent down to pick up his guitar. He noticed a large leather pouch on the ground. Opening it, he saw a bunch of dirty stones. Without hesitating, he put the pouch into his guitar case, stood up, and hailed another cab.

Meanwhile, FBI agents Ted Hauser and Jake Billings had witnessed everything. They had been following Vinny, a member of the Scalia Mafia ring, since he had picked up diamonds in Africa weeks earlier. Jake, on Ted’s order, grabbed a cab and followed Vinny. Ted hailed another cab and followed the boy.

Driver, I’m with the FBI. Do whatever is necessary to follow that cab with plate number T43219.

Ted took out his cell phone and called the FBI’s Washington office. Barry Cranston, head of the Diamond Smuggling Division, lifted the phone. Barry, Ted here. We’ve got a bit of a problem. Ted described the scene that he and Jake had witnessed. He told Barry that he was sure the kid now had the diamonds. I sent Jake to follow Vinny, and I’m in a cab following the kid. What do you want us to do?

Ted, stay with the kid and call me as soon as you are at a destination. I will be sending two agents to support you. Let’s assume that the kid has the stones. When Vinny realizes that the stones are missing, all hell will break loose. Frank Scalia is going to be one unhappy Mafia leader. The kid and his family are going to be in great danger. How long do you expect it will take for the Mob to trace the taxis involved?

Ted replied that he thought it would take the Mob at least one day to trace the cab that took the boy to his home. Barry, we need to get started on a plan immediately as you are so right that the family is unknowingly in danger for their lives.

Barry agreed and directed Ted to lay out his thinking about the events and to assess the needs that he and his team were likely to have. Ted said that he would need full access to the New York City office and the right to utilize staff from that office as needed. He also wanted direct lines of communication established between themselves so as to avoid any delays receiving and getting messages.

No problem, Ted. Good luck and call me just as soon as you know where following the cab takes you.

Forty minutes later, a cab stopped at 14 Sydney Place. John stepped out. His father was waiting and he paid the driver. Ted, close behind, directed his driver to stop at the end of the block near a Starbucks coffee shop.

John hugged his father. Dad, wait until you hear this, he said as they walked to the door, where his mother was waiting. John warmly embraced his mother.

John, you must be hungry, his mother said. I have a nice ham-and-cheese sandwich for you.

I can’t eat yet, Mom. I got to tell you and Dad what happened.

At his Dad’s suggestion, they all took seats in the living room. John began his story and told of hailing and getting ready to enter a cab. He described how this big guy roughly pushed him aside.

I wasn’t going to let this asshole get my cab. I wrestled with him, but he was so big and heavy and I was really worried about my guitar. I think I could have pulled him from the cab. I wasn’t even scared, but would you believe this? He suddenly pulls out a gun and shouts, Take off, kid, if you don’t want to get hurt bad. John paused. Well, the cab pulled away and I bent to get my guitar and to brush myself off. It was then that I saw this leather pouch. I opened it and looked in and saw a bunch of stones. I didn’t know what they were, so I just put them in my guitar case and came home."

John’s mom spoke first. John, what is the matter with you? You could have gotten hurt. Couldn’t you simply have taken another cab? I don’t know what we will do with you. John, you must begin to learn to understand yourself and control your impulsive behavior.

Mom, John said loudly, I’m not about to allow myself to get pushed around by anybody. If it weren’t for the gun, I would have taken care of the guy. It’s not for nothing that I am the best wrestler in my high school. My coach even said that I could be an ultimate fighter one day.

Easy, John, said his dad. Let’s see the pouch and just what you have.

John opened the bag, and together they counted out over fifty rather-large stones. They were rough and mostly dirty white. Mr. Robbins looked puzzled, but Mrs. Robbins’s eyes grew wide as she stood up and screamed, My god! I think these are uncut diamonds, and they could be worth a great deal of money.

John said, Mom, can you tell me what they might be worth?

John, I have no idea. Stones have to be cut by experts and only then could we get a proper estimate.

Mom, we might be really rich! We might even be millionaires! said John.

Now, take it easy, said Terry. We don’t know a thing about these stones. They might be stolen and the guy that you wrestled might have dropped them. He did pull a gun on you, John, and that to me means he is likely a dangerous criminal. I think we have no choice but to take the stones to the police.

No way! John exclaimed forcefully. I found them. Dad, as you have always said, finders keepers. Anyway, maybe the big guy never dropped them. Maybe they were already in the street and it was my good luck to find them. You know, it was just meant to be. It’s fate.

They continued to argue back and forth. Finally, Alice suggested that they select one stone, not the biggest, and bring it to their jeweler and find out its worth. Then we can decide what do.

John and Terry agreed, and John added, I found them and I decide what to do, and that seems perfectly fair and right to me.

John’s father angrily yelled, I am your father, and if the stones are worth money, then we will surely turn them into the nearest police station! After six months, if they are not claimed, then they could legally become ours. John, I am your father. I decide what to do. Do you understand that?

Let’s not argue now, said Alice. Let’s choose the stone and then let’s have something to eat. John, I know you must be starving. I made ham-and-cheese sandwiches. I know you love how I make them.

Chapter 2

The cab dropped Vinny in front of an Italian restaurant and pizza parlor. Vinny paid the fare, gave the driver a generous tip, and reminded him that nothing had happened. The driver thanked him and said he didn’t see or hear a thing. That said, he pulled his cab from the curb and drove away. Vinny pulled out his cell phone and called his wife, Doris, telling her that he was at Frank’s and would be home as soon as the meeting with Frank ended. He added that the trip was a great success and, because of that, he was sure that there would be plenty of good times to follow.

Vinny entered the restaurant and greeted the manager as he continued to pass a large dining room full of patrons having lunch. He walked toward the back, passing a private dining room that was used for special occasions, and then reached a room where four men were seated. They all stood and greeted Vinny warmly one by one with hugs and backslapping.

Vinny greeted each one by name. Hey, Gary, Chuck, Tony, Frank, it’s great to be back home.

Welcome home, Vinny, said Frank. Sit down and have something to eat. He called for a waiter, who quickly brought plates of veal, pasta, shrimp, and bread to the table. Eat, Vinny. You must be hungry for some real food. What do you want to drink?

Experience told Vinny that there would be plenty of eating, joking, and backslapping before Frank got down to business.

Have some more veal. Great sauce, huh? Bring Vinny some more wine.

The food was good, but it had been a long trip and he was getting tired and anxious to get on with business so he could get home to his wife, Doris, while she was still awake. Finally, Frank asked him to tell them about the trip. Vinny began by describing the ease in which he had traveled to Africa in order to make contact with the agents from whom he was to take delivery of the diamonds. He felt very sure that he was never followed at any point during his trip to Africa and back and was confident that the deal arranged would be a great success. He laughed with Frank over the ease with which he passed through customs going to Africa and returning to the USA. Frank said that he had made sure that well-paid, friendly, and helpful customs agents would meet him. Vinny laughed again as he described how the friendly agents walked right up to him and ordered him to come to the inspection counters, where the bags were opened for inspection.

Frank, he said, it was so routine, and the agents handled it quickly and smoothly as each signed my customs card and sent me on my way. Frank, you must pay these guys off in diamonds!

They all laughed heartily as Chuck filled their glasses with wine. Vinny then described what was to him the funniest part of the whole trip. He graphically told the story of this kid whom he had to rough up while fighting over a taxicab. He laughed loudly while telling how he showed the kid a gun and how the kid turned white and nearly pissed in his pants. They all laughed and filled up their glasses with more wine.

Well, let’s see them, Vinny, said Frank.

Vinny stood and lifted his long overcoat, which was draped over his chair. He reached inside the coat with his hands, feeling deep into the pocket. Not feeling anything, he moved his hand throughout all the pockets of the coat. He lifted the coat and then saw the large tear at its bottom. Vinny’s face turned deep red with concern.

What’s up, Vinny? Where are the stones? You’re not playing any funny games, are you?

Frank, I had them right in this pocket. I swear! Honestly, Frank, I ain’t playing any games. I can’t imagine what happened. He paused, albeit shortly, thinking. Wait! It’s the kid! He grabbed my coat just before the cab drove off. The son-of-a-bitch kid got the stones! I’m sure of it, Frank. You know that I wouldn’t try anything on my own. Honestly, Frank, that’s the truth.

Vinny, you know how much I paid the Russians to get this deal? I’m not the only family in this smuggling business. You know how important my reputation is to the big boys. Vinny, you better find the stones. Tony, Chuck, take Vinny in the back room and make him go through every detail of the trip with you. I want to know everything that happened from the moment he arrived at JFK Airport at 8:00 a.m. with the stones. Chuck, make sure he explains why he came here four hours later than I expected him.

Chapter 3

Alice had many likes, but among her favorites was preparing food for her family. In the kitchen, she began making John’s favorite sandwich, which was ham and cheese on really good rye bread. She made the sandwiches like an artist. First two slices of ham on top of a slice of the rye bread. She then placed a thin layer of mustard on top of the ham and covered it neatly with two pieces of lettuce. Next, she put on two slices of Swiss cheese, another layer of mustard, another layer of lettuce, and then thin-sliced tomatoes covered with a small patch of mayonnaise. She added the covering slice of rye bread and sliced the sandwich neatly into three parts, just the way John liked it. She knew that Terry and John would rave over her effort, and that always pleased her. However, today everyone at the table was very tense while eating. The family was unusually quiet, until Alice said, Let’s go to Mr. Rothman, our jeweler, as soon as we can, for our new concern will disturb us until we know whether the stones have any worth.

Alice called Mr. Rothman and left a message that he call her back before he closed for the evening. The decision now made only caused the arguing to begin again. Mr. Robbins spoke first.

I agree that we go to the jeweler. We will find out the potential worth of the stones. But we will do this only because when we turn in the stones to the police, we will then have a record of the exact number of stones and a good understanding of their value. You’ve all heard of stuff simply ripped off and disappearing at police stations. That is not going to happen to us if I have anything to say about it. After six months, if no one comes forward to claim the stones, they will be ours free and clear and no worries.

I’m not even considering going to the cops. These stones are mine! If they’re worth nothing, I’ll be glad to turn them over. Hey, even if they’re worth five thousand, I’ll be happy to hand them over myself. But suppose that they are worth $500,000 or even more. Then what? We would be crazy to turn the stones in, John said. Dad, I love you, man. You have worked hard all your life. I know how much you love us, but all your love could not come up with enough money to permit me to go to the college of my choice in California. Dad, we might be rich, and then I would not have to start out at a community college. Don’t either of you understand that it’s important that I get into a university that has a division 1 wrestling team? I’m sure I would be offered a partial athletic scholarship, and then you won’t have to worry so much about money.

His dad sighed. Son, there is nothing wrong with considering the community college. You will work hard there and earn yourself a scholarship to your fancy University of California. Yes, John, I did work hard all my life, and I don’t want, nor have I ever expected, anything for nothing. I brought you up not to expect anything for nothing as well. Yes, I brought you up to respect hard work, earn your own way, and be proud of your achievements, he said. I don’t like your attitude about the diamonds. It’s the attitude of much of our society, where people have come to expect and even think they deserve everything without hard work. These are the people who are ruining our country! I don’t want you to be that way, John.

Terry, dear, please take it easy, Alice interrupted. John, you take it easy as well. Let’s keep the emotions down, and whatever decisions we make will not, I’m sure, change the United States of America. We have to live with one another until we see Mr. Rothman tomorrow morning. Let’s just change the subject for now.

That’s okay with me, Mom. However, please remember that I was the one who found the stones.

Now you just be quiet, John. I expect that you will show proper respect for your father and me. He’s been around a long time, and in this house, you must know and understand your place, Alice said. "Terry, dear, let’s go and watch The Dr. Oz Show. He’s talking about blood pressure today, and I know that you’ve been waiting to see the show."

John told his parents, Mom, I’m out of here. What time should I be home for dinner?

Alice replied that dinner would be at the usual time of six o’clock. She said that she was making veal parmigiana and wanted John to understand that he was not to be late.

John left, but not before hiding the stones in his gym bag, just in case his dad got any ideas.

Chapter 4

Ted walked to a Starbucks, where he took a seat that permitted him a good view of John’s home. He ordered coffee and a muffin, sat down, and checked his cell phone for messages. He then called Jake and asked him what was happening. Jake said that Vinny took the cab to Frank Scalia’s restaurant and he was still there. Ted told Jake to stay there and to call back as soon as any move was made. Ted told Jake that he easily followed the boy to his home and that he was sitting in Starbucks, keeping an eye on the house. He joked with Jake as they pictured John and his family seeing the stones and wondering exactly what they had. They laughed thinking about the conflict of greed and honesty entering into the lives of this ordinary family.

Jake suggested that Ted call the FBI offices and have them do a check to find out as much as possible about the boy and his family. Ted said that he had already taken care of that and learned that the family consisted of John and his parents, Alice and Terry Robbins. Ted told Jake that John had graduated from high school in June and that he was an honor student hoping for a full athletic scholarship at a college of his choice. Ted continued telling Jake that Mr. Robbins was a retired plumber, and Mrs. Robbins a stay-at-home housewife. They continued talking, and Ted asked Jake if he was okay checking on Vinny by himself.

No, Ted, I’m not so comfortable. Once Vinny realizes that he’s missing the stones, he will know that he is in deep trouble. I don’t want to be alone when Frank confronts him. Vinny might very well be a guy going for a short and final one-way drive.

You’re right, Jake. I’ll call the New York office and have them send an agent to join you. Give me the address and a landmark so that the agent will be able to spot you wherever you are. He’ll have your cell phone number should Vinny and his friends start to move.

Thanks, Ted. Tell the office that I want the agent driving a black Mercedes with a sunroof.

Ted laughed as he thought about the two-year-old Chevy that Jake would likely have while following Vinny around. He expected that he would get no better car for himself.

Jake, call me as soon as Vinny gets moving and copy this address: 14 Sydney Place, Queens, New York. That is where the boy lives.

Three hours later, Ted’s phone rang.

Ted, we’re on the move. Elliott Dorsey, the agent that the office sent, is with me in a lousy Chevy, and there ain’t no sunroof. I’ll get back to you at the next stop. I sure wish I could have been in the restaurant to see how Vinny was handling his unexpected problem. I wouldn’t have wanted to be in his shoes when Frank asked to see the diamonds. Any suggestion when the action begins, Ted?

Yeah, I have a suggestion. You and Elliott are to take no action other than to keep an eye on developments. Jake, keep the gun in your pocket, and the only weapon I want you to use is a camera. And that’s an order. No heroics. I repeat, no heroics. Good luck, Jake.

Ted was just about finished with his coffee and muffin when he saw the door of the Robbins home open and the boy step out. He followed him as he walked to a strip mall, which housed a Tiger Schulmann karate center, which John entered. Ted called Barry.

Barry, I have some thoughts that I want to discuss with you. What have we really got? What we have is a family whose kid found diamonds. They have no idea of the worth of the diamonds, nor are they aware of their present danger. Barry, we already know all about Frank and his Mob. They don’t really mean much to us right now. We want the Russian Mob. We need time, and I think that the kid can give us that time. Vinny is very likely to be a dead man soon. Frank will be desperate to deliver the stones, which he hasn’t got, to the Russian gang. It won’t take long for the Russians to realize that something is wrong, and when they do, they will become involved.

What are you thinking, Ted?

I’m thinking that you let me invite John to work with us. I’ll brief him and explain exactly why we need him and what we would want him to do. What he will do, Barry, is screw up both Frank and the Russian Mob and, that might just be the break that we really need.

Ted, this is not like you. Are you nuts? We simply cannot do that. We would put the kid in extreme danger! Ted, you know that he would have no idea of the situations or the kinds of people he might dangerously meet. Ted, he’s also a minor, and we would need parental permission to have their son involved. No, Ted, you don’t have my okay on this. A mistake and possible loss of the life of an innocent seventeen-year-old boy could cost us our careers and do significant damage to the FBI. What are you thinking?

Barry, let me talk to the kid and his parents and get back to you. Remember, Frank’s Mob will manage to find the cab company, and they will soon appear at the Robbinses home. Just what do you think they’ll say? ‘Oh, Mr. Robbins, I think you found our stones. Here’s a nice reward’? Come on, Barry. They’ll be dead. Let me talk to them.

That’s a good point, Ted. Listen, follow your idea with great care. I don’t want your enthusiasm to put this family at a risk that they could not possibly understand. Discuss everything with the boy’s parents and get back to me. And also let me know what Jake is doing.

Hold on, Barry. Jake has followed Vinny, and he has been at Frank’s restaurant for about an hour. With any luck, Jake will see or hear what’s going to happen to Vinny when he’s unable to produce the diamonds. Without a doubt, Frank will kill him for not having the diamonds and for causing this new and unwanted problem. There might be a chance that Jake could witness an incident that would give us the kind of entry into Frank’s gang, where some of his members will want to talk and give evidence about the Russian gang.

Ted, I think you need a good night’s sleep. Cut out the coffee right now. You’re a bit too far out. Stay cool and talk with the parents. I’m nervous about your idea, but let’s see what happens.

Chapter 5

C’mon, Vinny, said Chuck. Let’s go over your story once again.

Vinny was getting very tense. He had explained every single move made since he arrived at Kennedy Airport at about 8:00 a.m. It was difficult for him to explain what he was doing getting a cab at Fiftieth Street and Broadway. Vinny explained that he hadn’t seen his wife, Doris, for over two weeks. He said that he had called her from Kennedy Airport and she had begged him to stop home before the hour he was to be at Frank’s. Vinny said that he just couldn’t say no and that he only spent a few hours at home before grabbing the cab there. Chuck asked Vinny to describe the exact location where he got the cab and to describe the cabbie as well. Vinny described the driver as from India or somewhere around there. He looked about forty years old and had a dark beard and turban that covered his head, he said. He spoke English really good, but with an accent that sounded British. Chuck grilled Vinny on his visit to his home. Vinny said that he wasn’t home for more than a few hours or so and that before he left, he checked for the diamonds and they were safe in his overcoat pocket.

C’mon, Vinny, I think you gave the diamonds to Doris. The money that those diamonds would bring had to be very tempting to Doris, and Doris does love nice things, said Tony.

Vinny swore that never happened, and he explained again that he simply missed his wife. Gee, guys, you know how it is. It’s been a while since I was with her. She looked great, so I had a little action. So what? I had the diamonds when I left.

Tony then asked what took him so long to admit that he had some sex with Doris. Tony insisted that Vinny had given the diamonds to Doris.

C’mon, he said, come clean and tell us the plan you and Doris worked out.

I’ve told you everything. Let’s stop wasting time. We have to find the kid, because that’s where the diamonds are. Tony, keep my wife out of this as she has nothing to do with it and is as loyal to Frank as I am.

Tony left the room to talk over matters with Frank. Frank, he is sticking to his story about some kid having the stones. I don’t believe it for a second. He held back that he had stopped to get some action with his wife, Doris. That is all bullshit. I can smell a dirty liar, and Vinny is lying. Between the two of them, they had plenty of time to figure out a story on what to do with the stones. I think we should all pay a visit to Doris. Vinny will tell us everything as soon as he sees his wife’s face black-and-blue. I’ll be glad to take care of that rat.

Frank said that he agreed with Tony. He excused everyone from the room except his legal adviser, Gary Chapin.

Gary, I am counting on you as you know how important this deal is to me. I’ve got to get the stones fast and deliver them to the fucking Russians. Gary, do you have any ideas? What do you think of Vinny’s story?

Boss, I think that Vinny is telling the truth. I don’t believe he would cross you. Of course, he could be trying to make his own deal elsewhere. Frank, the diamonds could tempt anyone. He was stupid not to come here directly from the airport. Doris is indeed something special, and his visit with her has created too much suspicion.

You’re right, Gary. When Chuck and Tony are ready, I want you to personally go with them to Vinny’s apartment. Talk with Doris. Find out what you can. When you’re done, I want you to have Chuck take care of both of them. They have caused me too much of a fucking problem. It’s too bad about Doris, though, as she really is some piece. But I have to protect my reputation. Gary, can I count on you to take care of this?

Gary replied that he could handle the situation, and he added, Boss, I think Vinny is clean. Therefore, either the stones were left in the cab, or else, the kid does indeed have them. I think we should get on this right away. It won’t be much trouble for me to find the cab that Vinny took to his apartment as well as the cab he used to get here. Frank, I can also find the cab that brought the kid to his destination. May I suggest, Frank, that you hold off any killing at this time?

Gary, you’re okay. I’m glad that I can count on you in this difficult situation.

Boss, you know you can count on me, Gary responded. It will take time to do the right thing about Vinny and Doris. When that is done, I’ll get right onto the information that we need on the cabs. Frank, I am sure that Vinny was telling you the truth. You pay me well for advice. Let’s avoid blood. What you need to do now is give some thought as to how you want to handle the situation when we find the kid with the stones.

Right again, Gary. I have all the confidence in the world in you, and that’s why I do pay you so well. Take a break now, Gary, and when you leave, send in Tony, Chuck, and Vinny. Thanks, Gary.

A little while later Frank spoke with Vinny and said, Gary thinks that you are okay, Vinny, and that’s good enough for me. Still, I want you and the boys and Gary to visit your apartment. Vinny, you understand that we can’t be too careful, can we?

Vinny thanked him and, at Frank’s direction, left with Tony to get the car. Chuck stayed back.

Chuck, Gary is too soft. He wants to protect himself and keep his hands clean. You know what I want you to do, and I know I can count on you. Keep Gary close to you. Got it?

I got it, boss, and no problem.

Chapter 6

Terry and Alice watched The Dr. Oz Show. After the show, Alice started cooking dinner. She loved to cook and especially enjoyed preparing dishes that were Terry’s and John’s favorites. Tonight’s dinner was veal parmigiana, spaghetti with marinara sauce, and Trader Joe’s organic peas. She also prepared a tossed salad with blue cheese, olive oil, and covered lightly with chopped walnuts. Dessert to follow the meal was to be chocolate ice cream with crushed nuts and covered with hot fudge and whipped cream.

It was just six o’clock when the phone rang. Mr. Rothman, the family jeweler, greeted Mrs. Robbins and asked what he could do for her. Alice tried her best to explain that it was rather important for her to see him as soon as possible. She briefly described a stone her son, John, had found that looked like an uncut diamond and she hoped that he could make an appraisal for her. Terry loudly called out that maybe Mr. Rothman could see them this evening. He repeated it over and over until Alice asked him to be quiet. Mr. Rothman asked whether there was any urgency regarding this matter. Alice responded that the find had created so much confusion, anger, and differences of opinion, causing her to wonder how the family would get through the night without murdering one another.

Mr. Rothman chuckled. He asked if they could come over in an hour as the store would be closed, and he would be there late to take care of some business. Alice said that she was very grateful and that they would be there by eight o’clock, if that was okay. Mr. Rothman replied that that would be fine.

Alice told Terry about the appointment as she continued her cooking. Terry said he was pleased about the evening meeting and said it was a good thing that he spoke up. Wasn’t it?

Alice smirked and said to Terry that she would like to finish cooking in private. She firmly told him to go and watch the news or something but to please stay out of her way. Terry got up and left the kitchen, but not before quietly saying that it was a good thing he was around to handle these things. As Alice continued her cooking, her mind began to wander over everything that was happening so fast. Could the diamonds possibly change the very way they were living? Could it be that the find might secure the retirement that they were so looking forward to? Would they now be able to fully cover John’s expenses at the college that he had been hoping to attend, even if he only received a partial scholarship? Perhaps they could even have enough money to move to a retirement community in Florida and join the many friends that had already moved there. She smiled to herself. She began thinking of her mother and remembered how she had raised her to believe in the role of women. She remembered frequently hearing such phrases as Grow up, Alice, and marry a good man, and one who has a good job, Support your husband in every way that you can, Have children and be a good housewife and mother, In this way, you will always be a happy woman.

Alice remembered her own dreams as she was finishing high school. She smiled inwardly as she remembered picturing herself as an attractive airline hostess who was especially appealing to the many sophisticated and handsome travelers. She pictured herself at the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the castles and churches of Europe, the pyramids in Egypt, and the birthplace of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

The veal began to sizzle, bringing Alice’s mind back to the dinner. Once again she smiled as she thought about the good life she had lived and the love she felt for Terry and John. She thought about Terry and the moderately successful business that he had established as a plumber. Their home was a modest one in a pleasant community that allowed John to go to a good school, where he had done so well. Alice was so happy that he had a good future ahead. Is it enough? she thought. She wondered why she could not think of herself outside of her role as wife and mother and homemaker. Perhaps the diamonds might change that.

The veal was just perfect, the vegetables not overcooked. Alice was pleased, as she knew that Terry and John would love the meal. She felt a comfortable happiness as John barged into the house and yelled, I’m home, Mom! Is dinner ready? I’m as hungry as a bear.

Alice smiled.

They sat down together, and Terry, as was the custom, offered an evening prayer. John interjected at the end, saying, I hope we are all multimillionaires starting tomorrow.

Terry told John that he and his mother would be meeting with Mr. Rothman that night after dinner.

John asked, What about me? He said the diamonds belonged to him and that he wanted to be involved.

His father turned red. You’ll do as you’re told, John. Just where is the respect that you have been brought up to show in this house? I can’t believe what is happening to you!

Dad, please just cut it! This has nothing to do with respect. I found the diamonds. Where is your respect for me? You can’t exclude me! And besides, I have the diamonds, not you!

Alice forcefully quieted them. "I will