City of Death

By Bobby Cook

Welcome to Charlie’s World…
Young Mark Holland loved exciting stories. So when he discovered the violin case in an old man’s attic concealed an old Thompson submachine gun he couldn’t wait to hear the story of who it belonged to. Little did he know the story of Charlie Van Chisel, the self-proclaimed Angel of Death, who would haunt him all his life.
Late in 1919 Charlie unleashed a whirlwind of gunfire, explosions and death upon Newark, New Jersey in an attempt to take over the city in the only way the Gangsters understood, la a bloody b day war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312839021

Book preview

City of Death

City of Death

Preview Prologue

Chapter 1

11:27 a.m. June 14, 1917

American forces landed in France under the command of General John J. Pershing, better known as ‘Black Jack.’ It seemed like the heat made my wool uniform stick to me. I wasn’t quite 18 yet, and this was the first time I’d ever been away from my home. All I got used to was someone screaming in my ear, but now was the first time that I thought I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. When the steamer docked all I could see was a bunch of hands waving in the background. The ‘Louisville’ was once a luxury steam liner. Now, it transported innocent men to slaughter. I was part of the 42nd infantry, also known as the Rainbow Division.

We were here to fight with the first division, to help stop Count Ludendorff Emperor William II of Germany, who controlled the mightiest mechanized forces the world had ever seen. If we failed here, they would own the world in another year or two. Russia has been fighting with them for years and still hadn’t made any ground. The whistle blew in the background and men grabbed their weapons and belongings. The faces looked like they hadn’t eaten in weeks, let alone taken a bath.

When I was in school I did a book report on Otto Van Bismark. He was too old to hold the country together, they said. Too many backstabbers in his court. I was a young private, didn’t know much about this place, but even while I was here, I just wanted to get away and start my life. But now I’m starting to have second thoughts. A large man wearing sergeant stripes blowing his whistle walked closer, stopping directly in front of me.

All you young faced boys, I want you in the front of the line. I want these people to understand that we come to fight and take no prisoners. If you die today or tomorrow you know you’re going to a better place. No matter what your religion is, you will have time to pray. Just remember one thing; we follow orders no matter how crazy they may sound. Keep your gas mask close and your gun closer. First stop, Stosstruppen. We will take a train there, which is a mile down this road. Keep your column tight and your eyes forward. If you are grabbed on, shrug it off. Do I make myself clear?

All the soldiers scream out Yes Sir!

The gangplank fell to the dock and 15,000 American soldiers began to march. After several weeks at sea, it was somewhat of a relief to be moving our muscles. It didn’t bother me at all. I was sent here to set France free, as well as the rest of the world. Mixed emotions ran through my head. One minute I wanted to fight, the next I was scared as all out doors.

Now it’s my turn to walk down the gangplank. Just as I touched solid ground, I blocked out every sound, every face out of my vision, and follow the main in front of me. Helmet to helmet, inches away from the next man, we kept it tight. I could but to see the faces of the beautiful women ling the street, throwing flowers. I tried everything in my power to block it out, but there was one, with soft blue eyes and long auburn hair. She totally mesmerized me with her smile. I smiled back. She ran up to me and put a piece of paper in my front pocket, saying something in French. She kissed me on the cheek and faded back in to the crowd. 

By the time I turned my head around to see where she went, the Sergeant patted me on the helmet and screamed at me Keep your eyes forward, Private! Private Campbell, you’ve got one point against you. When we get where we are going, you’re my K.P. boy for a day.

Yes Sergeant!

I turned my head forward and continued to march. Once we arrived at the train station many officers in French uniforms as well as American uniforms stood at the gate. I tried everything I could muster up not to look at them as we passed them by. After several minutes of boarding the train, we were off as the next train pulled up to load the next group of soldiers. After several hours of a jam packed train, we arrived at Cambrai, France. There we joined the 23rd infantry division, the 2nd battalion, 68th infantry regiment, ‘The Fighting Irish’, and the 1st battalion, 34th infantry regiment. That’s when I saw the trenches. They were lined in a unimaginative uniformed pattern that went way into the woods. It seemed like the Sergeant was always in my face, barking about something.  The first night we were there, the Germans began to fight. Night flashed as the artillery went off, opening fire into complete darkness. All you could see was the flash of smoke and fire protruding from a hillside.

This is our chance to show what we’re made of, boys!. The Germans are that way.

A loud horn blew and more than 10,000 soldiers climbed out of the trenches and headed in to the darkness.

I want you to fire at anything that moves in front of you, do I make myself clear?

Yes Sir! more than 1,000 voices screamed.

Before I knew it, I was at another trench before even firing a shot.

Ok boys, we’re here for the night. Don’t stick your head up no matter what! Those Germans can shoot at night. They got eyes like cats. Do I make myself clear, the Sergeant said as he walked off.

I looked from left to right, trying to recognize the faces of the men next to me. Staring into the eyes of another scared soldier, he quickly said, My name is Zachary Staviata. I’m from Brooklyn, Union Ave. Where are you from?

My name is John Campbell. I’m from Newark, New Jersey.

That’s good. A jersey boy, Zachary said in a slight Italian accent. This is how it works, kid. I sleep a few hours, you sleep a few hours, you watch my back and I watch yours. You want first up?

Yeah, yeah, I’m not sleepy, I said as I slid closer to Zachary. How long have you been here Zack?

Oh about two or three months. These Germans they only like to shoot things at night, and us, we like to shoot things in the daylight. Go figure! They’re backwards. So keep your eyes that way, kid. If you see anything move, shoot it.

I got ya, I got ya.

I grabbed up my rifle and pointed just over the top of the trench, my body laying against the muddy sides. After several days of this routine, Zack and I got real acquainted. It seemed like we’ve known each other for a lifetime. His 5’9 225lb exterior made him a jolly character, with pudgy cheeks who loves to eat.

So what are you kid? What’s your nationality? Your religious preference?

I’m protestant, Zach. I live with my mother, my father, my brother, and sisters.

So how old is your sister? Is she looking for a good man, Zach said with a smile on his face.

My sister is nine and no. she’s not looking for a good man, yet.

So where’s your brother? He with the unit too?

No, my brother, he is 21, in college. He going to be an accountant, a so called businessman.

That’s good. That’s good, Zach said. What’s his name?

His name is Walter, I replied. So what do you do Zach? You got a family?

Yeah, I got a mom. My dad died last year. He was a truck driver. He was robbed by one of the New York gangs. They was so stupid, they robbed him with an empty truck. They killed my ole man for nothing. Me and my brother was gonna go out and do something about out, but we could never figure out who owned that part of town. So we decided to join the Army, go out and get a little training under our belts. Then come back to New York and do a little killing. Bout to we go through basic training my brother flunked out with bad feet and knees. Now he’s home and I’m over here fighting some crazy people. I got one sister too, she’s 20, fat, ugly, and she gonna die an old maid. She got a good heart though. She a dam good woman, Zach said as he stuck the last piece of a candy bar into his mouth.

Do you write ‘em Zach, I asked.

No, I dropped out of school in the 5th grade. I can only write my name. But I’m learning how to read though. See here, Zach said as he reached into his trench coat and pulled out a copy of Gun Slingers of the West. Maybe you can help me, Zach said as he moved closer to me. You seem to be a smart man. Can you read, John?"

Yes, I can read, I replied as I looked at the book. What page did you get to?

Well I got to the part where the Indians was coming to meet Custer, Zach said as a large smile came across his face. You teach me math too? I’m not bad, I can count, but I wanna know the miles,the kilometers and the other stuff. We can keep this to ourselves right, Zach said as he pointed back and forth between us.

The mud of the trenches seemed to get everywhere. You couldn’t get away from it. Puddles of water gathered in the imprints left behind by the boots of the soldiers, some crab walking as to not make themselves targets.

How bout if I write your family for ya?

Would you do that for me, buddy? That’ll be great! They’re probably worried stiff about me. I got some paper right here and an envelope, Zach said as he reached for his bag.

Several months passed. We finally reached Chateau Theirry, France. And that’s when we received our mail from home. Zach got two letters and I got one. Before I could read mine, Zach rushed over and wanted me to read his to him. One was from his sister and somehow she had beautiful handwriting, when I stared at the envelope. I opened it up and Zach and I began to walk towards the mess tent.

The first letter said, ‘Thank you Zachary, for sending the money. We really needed it. Mother’s working hard. So am I, in the Garment District. We only make two dollars a week, but it’s more than enough to survive in the jungle of New York. Thank your friend for writing for you. He’s a very nice man, as well as talented. I would like to meet him one day and thank him personally. Mother says hello and she’s doing fine. Alphonza is locked up for fighting in the bar. He’ll be out within a year. You know him, he can’t stop when he smells blood. He almost killed a man. Again! His temper is unbelievable! You and momma are the only ones who can talk to him. So hurry up home. Love, Sophia.’

My eyes almost watered when I started to think about home.

What’s a matter kid?

Uh, nothing

Ok then, read the next one, Zach said as he pat me on the back. What’s the next one?

It’s from some lady named Unis Denizen.

Damn! She found me, Zach said as he beat his fist on his chest.

What’s wrong Zach?

You know how you promise a girl you’ll marry ‘em just to get a little lovin the days before going to war? Well I did a little lying. She’s been a childhood girlfriend of mine off and on. But she would never give me none, so I lied to her. I told her I’d marry her the day I got back, Zach said as he plopped down in the mud.

So why don’t we just write her back and keep the relationship going on?

You don’t see, John. Her family has money. Her father works in the restaurant. Her mother works for some rich people on the Upper East Side as a maid. I have no education and I damn sure not gonna be somebody’s butler! That’s the job her father tried to get me. She’s 18 and I’m 22. I love her, I guess. She’s a good girl. She makes me laught she does all the right things. Open the letter, let’s see what it says, Zach said standing up next to me.

I pulled open the letter and it said, ‘Congratulations, you have a 9 pound 8 oz baby boy named Zachary Jr! He was born September 20th 1917. I miss you so much, my husband. I bought a ring and told my mother and father we married. I took on your last name and I’m waiting for you to come home to me. Your mother and sister told me you wrote, and they love your child, who looks just like you! I work with my mother, so we have enough to eat and pay the bills. Your sister gave me five dollars of the money you sent. I thank you for that and you still remembered me and kept your promise, my husband. Love you always forever to infinity, Unis Staviata.’

Damn, Zachary said as he jumped around in the mud. I got a boy! On the first try! Damn, she is a good woman. I guess I’m a married man now. I guess I have to stick to my promise. That means, John you have to keep me alive and make sure I get back to Brooklyn. I gotta see my boy.

For several months we stayed in touch with Unis and Sophia. The letters came regularly. On April 15th 1918, just as the sun went down, Zach and I were in the same trench hole that we started out at. A little firing here and there but no heavy action, until I heard gunfire in the nearby woods that couldn’t have been more than a few yards away.

What was that, John

Sounds like gunfire, Zach.

Fool, I know that, Zach replied.

Most of the men in the trenches stood up trying to take a peek over the mud and sand bags. The sergeant yelled out, Keep your damn heads down! It might be a trick! Keep your guns loaded and prepare for action.

Zach grabbed the Sergeant by the arm as he walked by, What’s your orders, Sarge? Can we kill something if it’s moving out there, Zach said with a strong voice.

Hold your horses son. We can’t shoot unless the Colonel says so and I haven’t received any orders from anybody, the Sergeant said as he looked over the trench. Let me see what’s going on at this point.

All you heard was a single shot and the Sergeant fell back with no face. We stared at him for a few seconds. WE didn’t know what to make of it. It seemed like the bullet hit him right between the eyes and obliterated everything on the outside.

Medic, someone screamed out.

Zach looked at him and said, There’s no need for a medic. Somebody get a shovel and a stretcher.

An eerie voice came back out from the darkness, Hilfe Mir! Hilfe Mir! Uhh…

Zach looked at me and said, What are you doing? Somebody needs help out there.

I yelled at Zach, Are you crazy? That sounded like German talk!

As Zach grabbed my arm, stopping me from looking over the trench, I said, Let me go, Zach.

Just as I said that, we heard something else.

Mien Gott! Hilf me!

John get back here! All they want is someone to stick their head p so they can blow it off like the Sergeant.

I snatched my arm away from him and peek over the trench.

Ok fool, if you get it, I’m just gonna have to take your body back home and tell your dad what kind of a fool you are!

As I peered out in the mist of the fog that was just lying above the ground, I saw something moving. It looks like the shadow of a man! I climbed out of the trench and headed for the barbed wire with my rifle in hand. I got to the wire and dropped beneath it. There were several little holes beneath it and I headed for one of them. I dropped down into a puddle of water and went under. When I came up, I was on the other side.

Just two more to go, I said to myself.

I had no fear in the back of my mind. All I knew was that somebody needed help. I looked back and saw that Zach peeked over the top of the trench. At that split second, a bullet shattered the side of his helmet, pushing him back twelve feet to the bottom of the trench. Blood flowed from the right side of his face and touched his neck.

This one’s still breathing. I need a medic over here!

The fear set in as I watched Zach get hoisted up and carried through the trenches back to the main tent. By now I had made it to the tree line. Just a few yards in front of me, I could see the shadow moving side to side. Then I saw the shadow lunge at another shadow, tackling it to the ground.

I got you, you damn bastard, I heard coming from one of the shadows.

By the time I got up on him, there were three bodies, all in German uniforms, spread out. I saw the two shadows and ran to the side of them. Both men collapsed. No movement. Nothing as I ran up on them.

Hey kid, came the voice from one of them. You wanna die? Get your ass outta the moonlight! And put some damn mud on your face! You look like a shiny egg.

I dropped to my knees and quickly began to put mud on my face.

What the hell is going on, I whispered to the shadow.

I’m out doing a little German killing tonight. You see for the past couple weeks, these guys get up close enough to shoot us. But tonight, I was waiting for their ass. They won’t be doing anymore sneaking around in the dark, I guarantee you!

What’s your name soldier, I asked.

What’s it to you, kid? You gonna pin a medal on my chest?

My name is John Campbell.

Yeah, yeah, kid, whatever you say. There’s about two more of ‘em out here. You gonna help me find ‘em?

My heart sank. I knew I was stuck.

Ok I don’t mind helping you. I’m already out here.

Good kid. Drop that rifle and take your bayonet off it’ cause this is hand to hand. This is a man’s fight. Now remember, when you run up on ‘em, don’t stop! Stick the bayonet in ‘em and keep sticking it until they drop. By the way my name is Charlie Van Chisel.

Charlie rolled over and crab walked until he went into the bushes. Less than five yards away, we came up on two of them. It seemed like we got behind them, because they had their backs to us. Without even thinking, Charlie ran and grabbed both of them.

Come on, kid! Stick their bastard asses!

I stuck the first one right in the mid-section, between his navel and his appendix.

No hesitation kid, Charlie said, as the German in his left hand rolled away and fell to the ground, pulling his Luger and shot me in my right shoulder. Before he could pull the trigger again, Charlie shot him with the gun that appeared in his hand from nowhere. Before the German died, he shot back at Charlie hitting him in his right leg.

You Keizer bastard, Charlie screamed as he felt to the ground unloading his 1911 .45 at the Germans chest.

The side of Charlie’s leg was missing. He grabbed a chunk of meat and pants and placed it back and pulling a handkerchief from his coat pocket, he tied it as tight as he could. Then he looked around to see if there were any more Germans. Where there was no movement from the trees or bushes, he looked over at me and said, You’re brave, kid. You just need a little more training on how to kill a man.

Charlie stood up and grabbed me by the collar of my jacket, hoisting me to his shoulder.

Ok kid, don’t die on me! Ole Charlie Van Chisels got ya.

The next morning, I came to. I was in a medic hospital, right outside the battle zone. I felt a terrible pain rushing through the right side of my body as I tried to move. A nurse walked up and asked me my name.

Ma’am I’m hurting like all hell, excuse my French, can you give me something?

My eyes rolled in my head and I was out again. The next time I woke up I was in the hospital ‘cause I could see the solid walls around me and I knew it wasn’t a tent. I saw other wounded soldiers. They were missing legs, arms, and half their heard were bandaged up. The place smelled of death. I tried to make my mouth move. It felt like cardboard. I saw a nurse walk by and I tried to scream out, Excuse me!

You’re awake, she replied.

I think I am. Do you think I can have some water?

Why sire, soldier, she said with a serious French accent. Are you hungry?

Yes ma’am!

‘I’ll be right back with your water and something to eat, because you lost a lot of blood. We thought we had lost you. But you passed through."

Where am I ma’am?

You’re at St. Pauls Hospital at Cambrai, France. It’s the best hospital around for you American soldiers. This is your last stop before you get back on the steamer headed for home. You’re out of the war, soldier. You might never use the right side of your body again. We did the best we could. Now lay back down before you leak out any more blood. I’ll be right back.

As soon as my head hit the pillow again, I was out. It must have been the medicine they were giving me. Several weeks passed and I was able to get up and walk around. By the time I made it to the third floor, that’s where I saw Zachary playing cards. I walked over to him and half his head along with his left eye was bandaged up.

Hey kid, how the hell are ya? I thought you was dead. Hey fellas this is the kid I was telling ya about! This is my number one pal, fellas introduce yourselves. These guys are from New York. This guy Benny, he’s from my neighborhood.

Yeah yeah, that’s great Zach. How’s ya head?

It’s fine. I got a scratch right here on the side. They got my eye wrapped up because the blash of the bullet. They pulled a little metal from the corner there, but it’s ok. I can see.

Did ya see that guy who pulled me back to the lines? His name was Charlie something. I can’t remember his last name I said excited at finding Zach.

Kid, I was on the operating table before you even left the hole. Did the guy come back with us, Zach replied.

Did ya hear the good news? We’ll be shipping out this week back to the states!

I’ll be able to see my son! So what happened to ya arm here? Ya gonna be alright, Zach continued.

They’re talking about me not using my arm again, but I’m gonna work it out. I’m gonna get it to where I can use i.

"That’s good kid. I’m gonna take these fools money and we can continue to talk later.

I walked off from Zach and headed down the corridor to the next large room but Charlie was nowhere to be found.

Chapter 2

August 3, 1919

We arrived at the Port for all the wounded soldiers to be shipped back to America. There were steamers from all around the world in a crowded port, side by side with a cloud of black smoke rising from their stacks, indicating that their engines were up and running. I looked around at all the wounded soldiers in their new uniforms. I didn’t get a chance to look at this beautiful country for what it really was. I just prayed to God that we would win. Not just for my sake but for this county’s independence from the Kizar.

I never was a politician or even tried to play politics, and to tell you the truth I never even voted. I couldn’t even tell you who the President was until after I came to war. Woodrow Wilson, democrat the 28th President.

I seemed like I got a little smarter about what surrounds me. I reached down and tried to grab my duffle bag. My arm was still sore but it was starting to come around. I figured after another month or two of lifting bricks it would be good as new.

Hey John, John, Zach cried out as he got out of an ambulance truck. What do ya think? I lost about 20lbs! I’m looking good huh, patting his stomach. They also gave me these sunglasses. Look kinda nerdy don’t they? I can’t see out of my left eye that well. So what Imma do is get me a good job and make me some money. Then go uptown and see onn’a ‘dem doctors when I get back to New York. What ‘cha think about my scar, think they hair will ever grow over it, as he leaned forward pulling his cap off.

I touched the horseshoe scar that was 4 inches round and 9 inches back. Then Zach stood back up.

So what ya think? I think it’ll bea good conversation piece.

You’re not mad at me are ya?

No, kid. I realized something back there. I did a coward thing. That’s why I got shot. Ya see, you got heart. You went out there and killed a couple Germans because you had it in your heart. Me, I wanted to play it safe. So God let me know that playing it safe around a guy like you, that wasn’t right. So he touched me. Touched my heart. You have a destiny in your life. You’re not gonna let anything stand in your way of what you believe in or  what you think is right. I got in your way and that’s no gonna happen again. That, I promise ya. ‘Cause next time, I might not be here talking to you anymore. And look at this way kid, I’m going home to see my son! I could be dead right now, but I’m not! So, I owe you my loyalty for life. You just remember that, you know where to find me, ‘cause I’m going right back to Brooklyn where I get back. I’ll be in the old neighborhood.

A loud voice cried out from the soldiers behind us, Hey Private Zach! I hope like hell you have some money in your pocket ‘cause this is gonna be a long trip back to New York! And guess who I found? I found Broke Benny!

Hey fellas, Zach cried out. I got about 20 bucks in my pocket, but I’ll still wanna play for your sista! I smelled them damn letters she sent ya. Hey John that’s Benny ‘Broken Nose’ Buscetti, and that’s Roberto Angelini.

Both guys walked up to him. Benny was about 6 foot 6 280lbs, a huge man with a large nose that set somewhat crooked, but he had a large smile and a gentle heart. I can pretty much judge people by their handshakes, even though his hands were huge, wrapping mine twice.

Hiya doing? Just call me B.B. So you the guy that saved my football player? Me and Zach played football in the streets of Brooklyn, as well as baseball. We beat everybody around for a small fee. We lined ‘em up and took their money! This is Roberto, we call him Jew-Ja  ‘cause he likes a lot of Jew girls. He says they’re more of a challenge than Italian girls on Intellect. Go figure! I think they’re just easy. What you think, John?

I like all women, no matter what their nationalities are, if they got a beautiful smile, a curvy body and no brothers chasing me away from the house!

The four of them laughed at the quick remark I had made.

Well then son, you can’t come to Brooklyn! Every girl I know had brothers bigger than you and if you can’t run, they’re gonna catch you and beat your butt and make sure you don’t come around their house no more! But don’t worry, Zachary told us everything! A friend of Zachary is a friend of ours. You can stop by and see any of my three sisters, ‘cause I’m always looking for a good husband for ‘em!

Come on B.B., cut the chatter boy, let me shake the man’s hand.

Ya know your name is all over the hospital. They say you killed a couple of Germans, hand to hand, and anybody that can do that is a friend of mine. So, let me shake your hand and congratulate you.

Roberto had deep blue eyes, and slicked back black hair and a narrow face. In the neighborhood we called his type ‘Pretty Boy"; well-manicured hands, 180lbs standing at 5’11.

And forget about the Je-Ja stuff, I go after girls who family got money. Ya see, I use my brain, my hands and everything else God gave me because I’m not into that physical labor stuff. I want the good life even though I was born in Brooklyn on Floyd Ave, doesn’t mean I can’t live in Manhattan, right next to Central Park, close enough to spit at it.

Roberto shook my hand and gave me a deep hug.

You good people, anything you need, Roberto Angeliini is gonna be there at your side, capisce?  So come on, let’s get on this death trap and get back to New York, ‘cause I haven’t had any one wash my back in months, if ya know what I mean. All these French women over here and I can’t speak a work of French but ‘oui-oui’, ya get me?

The four of us laughed so hard that day, as we headed for the Canadian Steamer, but deep down inside, it felt like somebody’s eyes were on me. I didn’t know where it came from, but it was like a blazing gut feeling. I looked around to see if someone was looking but I couldn’t tell ‘cause soldiers were coming into port and others wear leaving. It was a mad house of nothing but brown uniforms.

We found our ship, ‘the Dudas.’ It had 4 stacks. It looked like it had been a cruise ship that they changed over to carry troops. The dull black finished side hull put you in the mind of something that was about to sink in 5 minutes. The peeled white paint, from the weather, on top made it feel like an abandoned house. Once we walked up the gang plank, the decking was splintered from all the traffic that crossed it.

I looked up to the top mast and saw a drunken Captain with several men swaying in the wind. There was a sign on the side of his door. German U-boats hate this ship, because they’ve missed it 63 times and still counting. The gloomy faces that they wore, made me feel uneasy, but I shrugged it off and went below to find my room.

C-7 had 4 swinging hammocks and one little round window to see where you were going. The four of us piled into the room, B.B. and Zach took the two bottom hammocks and Roberto and I took the tops. On the wall closest to me I could see names scratched into it, ‘Van Derhei died here but before doing so, I killed a whole lot of Americans as well as French bastards!’ All I could do was smile. I didn’t even feeling like storing my gear. I just laid back and went to sleep. Several hours passed and I felt the ship tug and move back and forth. When I opened my eyes, the room was empty and I was starving. So I set out to find the Mess Hall.

Excuse me Sir, can you tell me where the Mess Hall is at, I asked a soldier who was passing my door.

Listen, I don’t know where no Mess Hall is at, but I know where they’re fighting, he said as he disappeared down some stairs.

I couldn’t help myself, but follow him just to see what it was all about. When I arrived there was a picture of Mata Hari on the door ‘Eye on the Down.’ Executed in Vincennes, France, October 15, 1917 by firing squad. She was a danced and a most beautiful one at that. They linked her to spying for the Germans, but all I could do was hold my head down and say, ‘Damn, what a waste, such a beautiful creature that God made.’ By the time I walked through the doors, there was more than 1,000 soldiers crowded in the Cargo Bay. In the center there was a large circle, with two men standing there battling it out. I walked around for a few minutes before I found Roberto standing just a few feet from the front line screaming. Both hands were gripped around a large sum of money.

What’s going on?

Some guy from Staten Island picked a fight with some guy from Brooklyn! I don’t know the guy from Brooklyn, but he’s holding his own, Roberto said. It’s a three fighter! 3 guys from Staten Island versus 3 guys from Brooklyn and so far we won zero. The last bouts to tell it all.

The crowd went wild as the guy from Brooklyn went down cold.

Damn, Roberto screamed. That means it’s 1-1! I hope like hell Benny does what he do early in the fight cause the bets just went up!

Roberto jumped up, I’ve got 347 dollars! Ten to one odds on Brooklyn!

He went from one person to the next collecting money and stuff it down his shirt. I fumbled through my pockets and found 14 dollars and I started yelling, I got 14 dollars! Ten to one odds on Brooklyn!

I went one way and Roberto  went another, with a smile on his face. I guess he was letting me know he liked what I was doing. I smiled back and that’s when I came face to face with Zachary.

Hey, kid, get all the money you can, ‘cause our boy’s gonna knock him out with no problem. You’ll see, Benny ain’t never lost a fight. It’s no holds barn. There’s biting, kicking and it’s called street fighting! Everything goes! First one that hits that metal floor and can’t get back up by a count of ten is outta there! So hurry up kid, you got a few minutes before the fight starts. Take all bets!

Zach stood there massaging Benny’s shoulders. A feeling of success came over me, once I looked at his muscles and large arms.

Ok Gentlemen, get your money ready. The fight is about to begin, a Lieutenant screamed out standing in the center as several men wiped the blood off the well worn metal floor.

I’m Lieutenant Wellington, and tonight is a fight you ain’t never gonna forget! Remember, Staten Island has one and Brooklyn has one! That means the last fighters are coming up and it can go either way! He looked at his watch and said, two minutes 30 seconds left for you boys to collect your money and get out of the way.

I looked at the other fighter. He was big, but he wasn’t no Benny. He had more rolls to his belly than a little bit. He was more on the fat side than anything. When he stood up, he was about 6’6 and looked like he ate everything in the kitchen before he got there. Short blonde hair, beady dark eyes and a face completely red, with freckles all across his chest, or do I say ‘breasts.’

Ok gentlemen! Step to the center of the ring. I’m Lieutenant Wellington. When I say break, you break. Everything goes! Biting, kicking in the nuts, anything you see fit to make your man quit. You understand me?

Yes Sir, both men said.

This fight is for the neighborhood you represent, so let’s do what we do and hope like hell this isn’t the last time get to do it! Ok fellas, shake hands and wait for the whistle. When the whistle blows again, break and go back to your corners. Ok, money collectors, get the hell out of the way! If you ain’t got it by now, you ain’t gonna get it, the Lieutenant said waving his hands.

The Lieutenant walked up to the fat man, What’s your name, kid?

Ivan Kowalski.

So what are you? A Pollock?

Yes sir.

Ok kid, step to the center of the ring.

The Lieutenant then walked over to Benny.

What’s your name, kid?

Benny ‘Broken Nose’ Buscetti!

Ok kid, I got my money on you, he whispered in Benny’s ear. I’m from Flatbush so don’t make me look bad! I got 4 months of salary riding on this!

Yes Sir, Benny said as he stood up.

Ok, gentlemen. This is the last fight. Winner takes all. We got Ivan the terrible with the Polish people behind him, fighting out of Staten Island and hoping like hell we wins! And in this corner, we got the bruiser from Brooklyn, Benny ‘Broken Nose’! He’s got the Italian blood line, as well as the fist to prove it. Step to the center gentlemen. Ok, you know there’s no rules. The first one that calls for their momma, it’s over and if you can’t call for your momma, we’re gonna stop the fight, if you can’t get up out of the pool of blood you’re lying in! Ok, gentlemen, the whistle is on you!

The Lieutenant stepped back and blew the whistle. The crowd went wild when Ivan threw a hay maker straight for Benny’s face. Benny ducked it and threw a haymaker of his own, catching Ivan in the jaw immediately splitting his lip. Pollock can take some punishment and Ivan was all Pollock. Bleeding lip and all, he charged into Benny, reckless of the blows Benny pounded him with. Ivan tried to stand up before the force of Benny’s blows. With every hit, blood spilled from the cuts, and Ivan was no pushover. A couple of good blows landed in Benny’s stomach, which he seemed to feel no pain.

Benny was in shape for any type of brawling. This was all he did his whole life. I watched the two men go round and round, exchanging blow for blow. By the time the whistle blew, Ivan was barely moving. He couldn’t even find his corner. The blood rushed down his face and covered his eyes. The top part of his body was smothered in blood. On the other hand, Benny had two cuts over the same eye, which started to swell up. Zachary seemed like a professional corner man.

Ok Benny, we gonna wait for Roberto to come back and find out what the odds are. Then you do what you gotta do, ‘cause we’re not trying to be down here all night! It’s kinda hot, you understand me?

The Lieutenant screamed, Time!

Ok Benny, take this fat boy to the metal!

Yeah Zach, I gotcha.

Ivan must have been schooled by his corner boy, ‘cause as soon as those two giants locked up, Ivan threw a kick that caught Benny dead in the gonads. The crowd screamed as the first dirty blow landed. Benny’s left eye twitched for just a split second then, raging like a bull, he grabbed Ivan by the loops of his pants and tugged at him, as Ivan tried to limp away indicating that his right shin was damaged from the massive kick he delivered between Benny’s legs. With his back turned to Benny, all you could see was the agonizing pain that crossed his face as he went to the metal floor. Benny walked around him and kicked him square in the face with his 6 inch boots. A gallon of blood came out of his mouth as his neck snapped, catching the spectators with a spray of blood across their faces.

The Lieutenant walked up saying, I don’t think there needs to be counting. The Pollock is out cold! We have a winner, Benny ‘Broken Nose’ from Brooklyn!

The Lieutenant walked over to him raising his hand, Kid, if you ever go professional, let me know where you’ll be fighting and I’ll be ringside, money in hand. You did good kid, real good. I could take the misses out for a good dinner when I get home.

Zach walked over with Benny’s shirt and jacket, Come on big guy, let’s get you back upstairs and get you cleaned up. Ya hurting anywhere? Anything broken?

No Zach. I’m fine. But I think he broke the gravy serve between my legs.

But it saved you though didn’t it? See? I told you those guys from Staten Island like to kick people in the gonads! So come on, let’s get you upstairs and let you check that out, ‘cause I don’t think you need any help in that area, right?

Benny just smiled, reached down into his pants between his legs, and pulled out at 7" brass gravy server bottom.

Next time, Zach we gotta put more cloth around it. I think it hurt my inner thighs.

No problem, Benny, as soon as we get back to New York, I know a girl that can take care of all those problems, Zach said.

By the time we all got back upstairs to the room, Roberto and I pulled out so much money and dropped it on the floor. I’d never seen that much money before in my life!

Fellas, how much you think we got, Zach asked.

I don’t know, but we’re sure as hell gonna sit here and count it, Roberto replied.

It seemed like it took forever to count out 29 hundred dollars.

Ok John, you don’t know how this works with us, but we’ve done this a couple of times in the past. It’s four of us, the fighter gets 5 hundred dollars of the top because he has to split it between the 2 other guys that fought with him. The rest is split between us four because we’re partners and everything we do, we split it equally. And John, you’re not where we’re from but we accept you into our party of merry men. I was saving this bottle of Port just for a special occasion like this. Here’s to a new addition to the Brooklyn Boys, John Campbell, Zach said as he reached for the bottle of Port.

Thanks fellas, but this is more money than I’ve ever made in my life! I don’t know how to thank you. I’ve never been part of something like this before in my life. I don’t know what to say.

Don’t say nothing, just spend your money wisely, ‘cause we got another fight coming up real soon!

The four of us laughed as we passed the Port around. It seemed like every other day Benny was getting into a fight over something called pride and Benny had a lot of it. By the time we pulled into New York Harbor on August 27th, I had close to $4,800 in my knapsack, and Benny never lost a fight. It seemed like he healed up overnight and was ready to go again. He was made of something and it sure as hell wasn’t skin and bones!

"Ok fellas, everybodys got an address right? Everybody knows how to get in touch with everybody?

Of course, Benny said.

Roberto replied as well and so did I. Zach hugged us all and gave us an Italian kiss on the cheek.

If you ever need me, I’ll be in Brooklyn. Even if it’s a bad fight, call me. My head should be healed up by then.

Zach put on his small round silver framed blue glasses. Ok fellas, let me go see my son, get things straight at the house and we all meet for Christmas at the entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge, 6pm. That’ll be our ritual every year. Keep God in your life and keep your knife in your pocket.

The four of us went our separate ways.

Chapter 3

August 27, 1919

After walking around New York for several house, I looked at at the marvels and new buildings and all the work that went on. I was gone more than two years, but this was my third time ever being in the Big City. So much had changed; so many people littered the streets. They sold just about everything, as well as carried their goods on makeshift little carts to maneuver through traffic. Restaurants smells spilled out into the streets with the daily specials. Shops were jammed pack with the latest styles of fashion. I found myself standing in front of a clothing shop with a suit in the window that made you look like a king or some diplomat from a foreign country. I was totally mesmerized and wasn’t paying attention to what was going on around me, when four shadowy faces appeared in the glass, I was peering through. I turned to my left and right, they were about my age, just a little bigger. My left hand was carrying my bag. My right hand wasn’t healed enough to throw a punch when the first one said, You just got back from the war, Mr.?

He was tall, about 6’3, but his face indicated him as a young man. Narrow, beady eyes and a long nose was all I could see from under the cap that almost covered his entire face and head.

Yes, I just came back to America. Just came off the steamer. Why? You looking to go? Looking to join up?

No Mr., I was just wondering if you had some money or not. Did you bring back any souvenirs? How about a nice watch?

"Listen fellas, the Army only paid me a couple dollars and I sent that back to my family.

I only got two bucks in my pocket and I need that to catch the ferry back to New Jersey."

You hear that fellas,? We got us a Jersey boy here.

Well Jersey boy, two dollars around here feeds a family of 4 for a week, the other one said, pulling out a 3 blade. Move down the stairs in the alleyway or you’re going to make it back to Jersey in a pine box."

His hand shook like he never done this before.

Move soldier boy!

One grabbed my right arm and tugged at it, pulling me down the stairs in the alleyway that was beneath the building. Down the long corridor, we came to a bunch of garbage.

Give me that bag. You got anything in this?

The bag dropped to the ground, the kid’s back facing the alley. The one grabbed my wrist and tried to remove my watch. The other two just stood there with foolish looks on their faces. Out of the darkness of the a tunnel, a pair of 12" marching shoes in russet brown leather laced at the front and wrapped about the ankle with an olive drab leggings, lashed out, kicking the youth square in the butt, causing him to fall to the ground and roll around. Out of those same shadows, a 6’2 deep blue-eyed man appeared. He was about 225lbs, squared shouldered and wearing an Army infantry uniform, olive drab khaki tunic with a stand collar and four patch pockets with single point flaps. Five large fornt butters and four small pockets bore the American Eagle design. Dull bronze collar discs bore the U.S. Cypher on the right side and the emblem of the branch of service on the left. Here, the crossed rifles of the infantry with the regimental number above, and the company letter below. His hat was tilted down right over the bridge of his nose, which was a campaign hat in khaki brown rabbit felt.

What are you doing here? Don’t you know this is an American soldier? Didn’t your fathers ever teach you ‘bout respect?

The youth on the ground jumped to his feet and quickly pulled out his knife. The other one pulled out his and stepped away from me.

Listen Mr., if you wanna get robbed too, that’s okay! I have no problem robbing two fools who come into my neighborhood.

Your neighborhood? How do you expect to hold a neighborhood with a butter knife? Did your father ever tell you the first rule of a knife fight? Well let me tell ya, it’s called a M1911 A1 Colt.45 pistol. It’s made by an American company called a Colt, and if you ain’t never seen one before, this is what it looks like.

The soldier pulled a tempered blue Colt .45 from nowhere.

"I call her my wife, ‘Lucy.’ She doesn’t disobey me and she takes care of all my problems. You see it