Soul Brother: Part II

By Tony Nored

The book is an experimental flow of consciousness hybrid, part novel and part screenplay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524696368

Tony Nored

Colonel Antonio Nored is an Eighty one year old retiree of mixed racial ancestry. That name was stuck on him when he was a poor defenseless little baby. His friends and enemies know him by the name Tony. He has been known by other names, Antone. Little and big Tony and Spic and Spade Uncle and Grand pa although I was never married and have no children that I know of.. In Brazil, God only knows why ,I was called Capitao Nemo. His education has been in the sciences and mathematics. He has dabbled in philosophy, He has been a World Traveler, A physical chemist, an import exporter and has worked in video arts.He has written many unpublished literary works.

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© 2017 Tony Nored. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/18/2023

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9637-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9636-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017909543

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or

links contained in this book may have changed since publication and

may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Tis the wine that leads me on

The wild wine

That sets the wisest man to sing

at the top of his lungs,

laugh like a fool- it drives the man to dance ...it even tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.

Homer

PREFACE

Dear Reader please find for Your examination the Recollections and musings of one Tony Nored of a day in Cincinnati, Ohio in the year 1977.

This humble offering is a hybrid ie, it is part novel and screen play. The opening scene takes place in Tony Nored’s apartment. The apartment consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms a spacious dining room and a large living room that contains a stage. The kitchen exits on to a rose garden. It is evening and there is a party going on. Tony is seated in a large overstuffed chair. An off screen voice is speaking.

Voice

Shall we begin?

Tony

"Where shall I begin?

Voice

"What are You thinking about now?

Tony

I am thinking of one of those parties I frequently held at the old apartment. Sanderson is bending my ear about his latest coup, a con he recently pulled.

the credits roll. The silhouettes of men’s heads appear. One is Sanderson. As he speaks, the scene changes. Four soldiers are in a fire fight.

Sanderson

"These Gooks had us pinned down in this gulley. Me, Roger Owens, Bill Whitmore and of course; the Cuban - Juan Diego Sandoval were running dispatches for I company when we were ambushed. Poor Roger got cut down right away-his head split wide opened like a ripe melon. Me, I got the wind knocked out of me from two slugs from I don’t know what hit me in the chest. I Wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my bullet proof vest. And that’s when of’ Juan did his thing. He should have gotten the congressional medal of honor for what he did.

He would have too had the medal’s officer seen what he had done. He cut loose with that m-14 until he ran out of ammo. He killed or wounded eight or nine of those mothers then he takes out his forty five and wastes eight more. I never saw such shooting before or since. (The scene changes. John Sanderson’s face is fully illuminated. He is in a room with a group of middle aged men.) I lost track of Juan after the war. I heard that he went back home and made a fortune in tobacco. When Castro took over, it hit the fan. Now Juan is no dummy, let me tell you .By 1959,He had stashed away a pile in a Swiss bank account. Castro’s boys have been trying to get the account number ever since. Juan Diego Sandoval is a tough old bird. He has endured unspeakable tortures inprison. But flesh and blood can stand so much and even Juan, tough as he is, can only hold out so long.

One of the men interrupts

Manl

Where is this Juan what’s his name?

Sanderson

‘Juan Diego Sandoval-he’s at La Isla del Pinos"

Man1

The Isle of Pines?

Sanderson

"Right- The Isle of Pines. Devil’s Island can take a back seat that place. When I heard that Juan had been sent there; I contacted Isabelle, Juan’s daughter. She was at some fancy school in Connecticut when Castro took over. I went to see her. l thought somebody should. In a way it was a good thing I did. She was being kicked out of the place. Juan circumstances being what they were, He could not keep up the payments. She’s been staying with me and the missus ever since. Not quite what she has been used to, but, were it not for me; she’d be out on the street, doing god knows what.

Unfortunately, We can do nothing for ol’ Juan. But what he asks-what he implores that we do is to see to it that his little girl is taken care of. Yes, his life as he has known it is unfortunately over, but his darling girl is just beginning a life that can be rich and full of promise. We can fulfill that promise and see to it that Juan’s suffering is not in vain and our reward-Your reward above and beyond the monetary reward will be the partial righting of a great wrong and the eternal gratitude of one of the finest men that I have ever had the privilege to know."

Gentlemen may I introduce Isabelle Maria Sandoval. {Sanderson goes to the door opens it and a beautiful young girl comes in.(The scene freezes)

Tony

Wait just one moment l know where this is going.

Sanderson

You haven’t heard the best part yet. It was be-utiful. Those jokers got a load of Marta Torres their jaws dropped a mile. And I had them. I mean I had those mothers right where I wanted them.

Tony

"Marta Torres! You pulled the Spanish prisoner con with Marta Torres?

Voice

Spanish prisoner con?

Sanderson

One hundred big ones. Tony, I got one hundred thou.

Voice

Spanish Prisoner con?

Sanderson

Man-it worked like a charm, just like a thousand dollar hooker.

Voice

Will You please tell me what the Spanish Prisoner con is?

Tony

Yeah, After the Crusades many knights would cross through Spain on their way back home. Some of them would be held for ransom.

Voice

I get it. Some enterprising dude would con people into giving him money to set some rich knight free in return for a share of his fortune.

Tony

You got it only most of time there would be no knight and of course no fortune.

Voice

O.k Continue

Tony

Where was I?

Voice

You were talking to this Sanderson fellow.

Tony

Yeah, I interrupted Sanderson as he was telling me his story.(The scene unfreezes. Marta Torres is conversing with the men in the room.) I can’t believe You pulled off that old gag. I’m afraid to ask, How did you get so much? Air fare to Switzerland and expenses wouldn’t be that much.

Sanderson

Listen, You haven’t heard the best part. Marta really turns on the charm with that accent of hers.

Tony

That’s another thing. I know Marta. She’s not even Cuban and her Spanish is not the classiest. That slut couldn’t speak decent Spanish if her life depended on it.

Sanderson

I know that, but the marks didn’t. They wouldn’t know good Spanish from bad. Besides Marta does sound charming when she puts on that phony accent of hers. Well it didn’t take long. Marta had those dudes eating out her hand. I don’t know how she does it when You consider where she came from: that San Juan slum .But she puts on airs in English and that’s was all I needed.

Tony

Marta Torres is a looker. I have to admit-but.

Sanderson(laughing)

Hard to believe-but We pulled it off. She had those fools believing she had some Swiss banker forging some papers so that she would get her daddy’s money. The bulk of the hundred thou was to bribe the banker, or so she had them believing. They bought it man.They bought it.

The scene changes back to Tony’s apartment

Sanderson

Tony,I have a great deal in the works-I wish you’d come along with me. Believe me, you would be perfect for this set up.

Tony

Not this time, Sandy-I

Sanderson

May I ask why? You and me, We can make a fortune on this one.

Tony

Look a legitimate deal I’m all for, but a con job-no way.

Sanderson

No You look. The suckers are out there waiting to be fleeced. If it wasn’t me, it would be somebody else."

Tony

Have You examined what it is that You do? You take one of the most precious things one man can give another, his trust and You betray it. You shatter dreams and aspirations and in too many cases you ruin lives.

Sanderson

You of all people a bleeding heart. You make me sick. You talk about people as if they were worth your concern. People are selfish vicious brutal evil minded animals and they deserve all the knocks and blows that come their way. Do you really believe that I could do what I do if that wasn’t so? All those jerks you feel so sorry for wouldn’t have what happens to them if they weren’t trying to take advantage of somebody else. Do you think they care who gets hurt while they’re trying to get theirs?

Tony

If you keep going the way you are, You’re going to be locked up like some animal.

Sanderson

You trying to tell me to change my ways?

Tony

You know me better than that. I let people do what they want to do. You know best.

Sanderson

You’re damned right I know best. One of these days you’ll wake up. It’s a jungle out there. It’s dog eat dog-every man for himself. Well, I’m off. You’re sure you won’t change your mind and go with me?(Tony shakes his head. Sanderson shrugs his shoulders and leaves.

Voice

What a creep-you do have eclectic friends. You would think people would see through a guy like that.

Tony

He is good at what he does.

Voice

I need a drink

Tony

Yeah, help your self. You know where it is.

Voice

Can I fix you one?

Tony

No, I’ll wait. The others will be along soon.

voi.ce

You’re carrying quite a load-care to tell me about it?

Tony

Is it that obvious?

Voice

Yeah.

Tony

I think I put my foot in it.

{The scene changes. Tony’s apartment is obviously a film set. The director speaks.)

Director

Look-You’re off to a good start. You’ve captured our interest, that’s good, but you got the wrong man in the lead.

Tony

What?

Director

You got the wrong man playing you. In the first place, you’re too damned old. In the second place, trust me,you’re no actor. Let Bob play you or you got the makings of a disaster on your hands. Don’t look at me that way. This is no time for pride. Now step aside and put Bob in your place. C’mon we don’t have all day. O.k, Bob, you take Tony’s chair and read his lines. (Bob takes Tony’s placeJ Now start where it says I think I put my foot in it.

Tony

I think I put my foot in it.

Voice

How’s that?

Tony

I explained to two kids at the school how old man Wilson built the Tricon building with an initial cash outlay of 10 grand.(The scene changes to a class room Tony is talking to two students.) O.k, here’s what went down, The old man got this option on this piece of land in Manhattan, paid 10 grand for it. The option stipulated that he had a certain amount of time to find the owner’s price for the land, or forfeit the ten grand-got that?

Student one

O.k, I’m with you so far.

Tony

Now as you well know most architects have plans and ideas that have yet to come to fruition. You probably have a couple of ideas your selves, but selling them is different matter all together.

Student2

How well we understand that.

Tony

"So he tells the architect that perhaps he can interest someone in building one of his dream projects.The architect gives him plans and renderings that are gathering dust anyhow-still with me? (student nods)Then he gets an estimate from a builder as to construction costs.The builder tells him-You find a buyer and They will build his building. He then goes to a couple of companies that are looking for places to expand and he tells them, look I’m building this building are you interested.

Of course the prospective tenants would insist upon a few changes, but they agreed to come aboard.

Now the old man goes to the bank. He put the option agreement on the banker’s desk along with the plans, the builder’s agreement and lastly the tenant’s commitment and he says give me some money. That’s how he built that hundred million building on a capital outlay of ten grand."

Student

Fantastic.

Tony

Not so fantastic when you analyze it. That banker Wasn’t looking to make his money off the old man. The old man didn’t have 100 million but those who would lease the office space collectively did and that’s where the banker looked to get paid.

Student

Hmm

Tony

"Yeah hmm. It seems that one of the kids knew about a farmer near where he lived that wanted to sell his place. The place was near this humongous lake and was only minutes from downtown. They made a deal with him to find a buyer for his land.

Now this kid had designed what I would call upper middle class homes. He had killer drawings of what these homes would look like."

Voice

So he didn’t have to see an architect.

Tony

No, he didn’t. .He goes to this builder and gets an estimate. He lines up a few prospective buyers and he goes to the bank and the bank goes for it."

Voice

What went wrong?

Tony

About a week ago I run into those kids and they were really down. You could have picked them off the floor with a teaspoon. I asked them what happened. (Scene change)

Student 1

I’m really sick. I had that deal wrapped up. I was on my way to fame and fortune. You tell him .I can’t."

Student 2

Well, we followed the plan-got all our ducks in a row, so to speak. We go to the farmer and we tell him that We got the two hundred grand that he had asked for.

Scene change Farmer (embarrassed)

I’m afraid I have bad news.

Student 1

What?

Farmer

I no longer own the land. I know, I said I’d wait thirty days-but.

Student1

But-what?

Farmer

You only promised, the buyer had cash.

Student2

May I ask,How much did you settle for?

Farmer

One hundred five.

Student 1

You really lost out on that deal-We all did. (Scene change)

Tony

You didn’t lock in the farmer?

Student 1

No, I thought I could do You one better and not put up an initial cash outlay. I should have known better.

Voice (Scene changes back to the party)

So, that’s what’s bothering you. Well, you can’t win them all.

Tony

We’re losing too many. (The band is playing on the stage. Arabella enters with Rob)

Arabella

"Who do I have to fuck to get a drink around here?

One of the party goers

You can start with me babe.

Arabella

Tony! Fix my drink. You know how I like it.(Tony goes to the bar and pours from various bottles into a glass. He hands the glass to Arabella who sips then nods) ‘Just right." (She notices Rob and goes over to him. A singer joins the band. The band leader steps up to the microphone. The room is filling up. Many are dancing. Some are just standing around

Bandleader

Alright everybody, remember this is a party and you guys,there’s a lot of pretty girls here grab one and let’s get to dancing and as the French say; laissez le bon temps rouler."

Crowd (in unison)

Let the good times roll.(The room soon fills and the band and singer perform. After a while, the Bandleader announces.)

Bandleader

We are going to take a little break if Tony doesn’t mind, we’re taking a break even if Tony does mind

Tony

Knock yourselves out.(A burley man called the Big One steps up behind Tony)

The Big One

"Hey there Hoss I hope you don’t mind me and the boys crashing your little shindig here. Whatcha got

To eat?

Tony

Help yourself. We got all sorts of cold cuts and drinks

The Big One

The lord is my shepherd I see what I want. Look Jack Daniels."

Tony

I thought you had a set in louisville.

The Big One

We did. We just got back this morning. We just finished a gig at Big Mikes. Hey what’s that you’re drinking?

Tony

Asti

The Big One

What the hell’s Asti?

Member of Big One’s band

It’s Dago Champagne. It’s not called champagne because of a treaty. You aught to try it. You’ll have to spend a lot of money to get a French champagne as good."

Big One

"J don’t know,pass up the jack for this. {Tony pours him a glass. The Big one takes a sip.)Hey, this is good stuff. What’s it called again?

Tony

Asti Spumonte.(Charley walks up to Tony) Charley it is you. I haven’t seen you since Hector was a pup.

The Big One

"Charley, You know Tony here?

Charley

Ol’ Spic and Spade? Me and this ol’ boy go way back.

The Big One

What did you call him?

Charley

Spic and Spade. That’s what We called him in the old days.

The Big One

Why Spic and Spade?

Tony

"Because of my Grandfather. He was from Jaen a town South of Madrid Spain.

Charley

"Let me tell you what happened when me and Tony here were playing bottoms up at the Netherland Hotel with a motley group.(The scene changes. A group of about a dozen or so were seated at a large table.) Looka here. We are here to separate the men from the boys. The drink of the day is 100 proof vodka. Now those who care for it may mix their drink with orange juice. Everyone must match the leader round for round. Now every drink must be paid for and don’t forget our charming waitress here. Every round we each put in a quarter for her. The leader was a cat by the name of Cecil, he must have weighed 350 pounds. We started at 9 O’clock pm and we were still at it at two am. At ten o’clock our waitress was to be relieved but she ran the other girl away. She wasn’t about to give up those tips. By two am most of the guys had dropped out or were throwing up in the bath room there must have been at least fifty dollars in tips in the middle of that table. Finally at two fifteen there were only Me, Cecil and ol’ Spic and Spade left. Finally Cecil looks at his drink and stands up and takes money from his wallet and he says I quit. He runs to the bathroom. I took one look at Tony and I couldn’t drink one more drink either. 01’ Spic and Spade put us all down He grabs Cecil’s drink and downs it. Then he walks straight as an arrow to the bath room. The owner, I guess he was the owner he ran the place.

He had an accent. I don’t know what he was, but whatever he was he was dumbfounded. He did not believe what he was seeing. Our waitress scooped up the tips in an oversized bag and ran out the door. She said upon leaving that she just had time to make the last bus home." (the scene changes.)

(Ellie and her escort pass Tony’s apartment. The music can be heard in the street.)

Ellie

C’mon,Listen to that lovely music. let’s join the party

Ellie’s Escort

But you don’t even know these people. You must be out of Your mind.

Ellie

Will you lighten up. I know this guy. When he gives a party, he puts out quite a spread. You said you were hungry. Who knows, you might enjoy yourself and your face will crack.(Ellie and her escort enter and proceed to the buffet table.)

Member of Big One’s Band

I feel like playing a few licks. How about You?

Big One

Why not? Piano in tune?{To Tony)

Tony

Yes{The Big One and his band mounts the stage and start to play. Some of the guests dance. Ellie seems to be enjoying herself. Her escort is somewhat discomforted. Ellie seems to enjoy that as well.)

Charley

That girl who just walked in, Now that’s what I call a classy broad. Where do you know her from?

Tony

She used to work at the bank. I worked for.

Charley

A classy broad like that?

Tony

That classy broad, as you put it, is from a coal mining town in West Virginia. She never even bathed in a bath tub until she was sixteen years old. She wore second hand clothes till she was eighteen. Now she’s the epitome of style and sophistication.

Charley

Country girl, hun. She sure doesn’t act like a country girl."

Tony

No, she doesn’t.

Charley

I saw the look she tossed you. That Dude she’s with noticed. I don’t think he liked it very much." Anything between you two?

Tony

What? -Oh no never anything physical

Charley

Anything You want to talk about?

Tony

No let the past bury the past.

The time at the Bank

Tony is at the poker table seated in his chair, but his thoughts are on a different time and a different place. The scene changes to a Monday morning ten years earlier. Tony is approaching the bank. Frank is waiting for him at the door. He hands Tony an envelope.

Frank

Put this in the bank for me kid.

Tony

O.k

Tony proceeds to a teller. He takes the money out of the envelope and counts it then he hands it to the teller

Teller

That Dago gave you this? There must be fifteen grand here.

Tony

I know, I counted it.

Teller

Why does he trust you with all this money?

Tony

It will be deposited wont it? Then you know why. (The teller hands Tony the deposit slip. Tony examines the slip.)Thank You(Tony proceeds to the elevator. Ruth intercepts him.)

Ruth

I know you’re going to the basement, but will you ride with me to the third floor?

Tony

Of Course.

After Ruth gets off at her floor, Tony goes to the basement. Clarence meets him in the mail room.

Clarence

Tony, I was wondering. Those Wall Street Journals are late again and I know you buy one every morning.

Tony

Say no more. Here’s mine.

Clarence

Thanks, I’ll see that you get it back this afternoon.(Clarence leaves)

Floyd

Tomin again, I see.

Tony

"What tomin I just did