Carlo's Revenge

By Bianco Joseph Charles Bulanti

This is a book about a poor, imigrant family, who decided to come to the U.S.A. It is a work of fantasy. Some of the information found in the book, really did happen, but most of the story is fictional. My father really was born in Montivideo, Urugway. He did attend the school of architecture in Paris, France. He became a practising architect and builder, in Salinas, and was fluent in five languages. He was a good musician, as was my mother. He played the mandolin, guitar and accordian. My mother played the guitar.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 30, 2002
• ISBN: 9781462830183

Bianco Joseph Charles Bulanti

This is the first book written by Charles Bulanti. He has another book that will be started soon. Charlie is a 78 year old WW2 Veteran who saw much action in the So. Pacific, in the U.S. Coast Guard, on the APA 25, the Arthur Middleton. He has been married for 53 years to Frances Bulanti, has 3 children and 6 grand children.

Book preview

CARLO’S

REVENGE

Bianco Joseph Charles Bulanti

Copyright © 2007 by Bianco Joseph Charles Bulanti.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-7-XLIBRIS

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

This work is dedicated to the memory

of my mother, father, brother and sister.

I also want to thank my wonderful wife

for putting up with me for all these years.

A special thanks to the many friends

who have given me encouragement

to do things that are seemingly impossible.

CHAPTER 1

The punch seemed to come from nowhere. It landed flush on Luccas’ nose. Lucca dropped to the ground, blood dripping from his nose.

You lousy bastard, said Lucca.

Nino looked down at Lucca. Get up, you haven’t had enough yet! Lucca scrambled to his feet, grunted and charged at Nino. Lucca threw a right hand punch that Nino sidestepped. Nino landed a punch to the stomach, followed by a right that landed on Luccas’ left ear. Lucca went down hard.

Nino said, The next time I catch you picking on someone smaller that you, I’m going to kick the shit out of you!

The school principal, Mr. Valeri, rushed through the circle of students watching the fight. What’s going on here? You boys know that I don’t allow fighting on the school grounds. You look like hell. You two get cleaned up and come directly to my office. I want to talk to both of you! Lucca left to go to the bathroom.

As the boys gathered around Nino, Roberto, and Nino’s best friend said, gee Nino, where did you learn to fight like that? "About three months ago, my Father sent away for a book on how to defend ones self. He made a punching bag out of old clothes and a canvass sack. I’ve been studying the book, punching the bag and shadow boxing, every single day. This is the first time I’ve been able to try out my new found skills. Anyway, when I saw Lucca punch and knock you down, I just lost my cool. I don’t think Lucca will ever pick on someone smaller than himself again, at least not while I’m around. If I ever see him do that again, he is going to be sorry.

Nino walked off., saying, I’ve got to go to Mr. Valeri’s office. See you later.

When Nino arrived at Valeri’s office, Lucca was already there. Tell me, what happened? asked Mr. Valeri.

Lucca said, Enrico called me a dirty name, so I hit him in the stomach.

That’s not true. Lucca is a bully. He only picks on kids smaller than himself. Ask any of the boys in our class. Enrico is small and he would never say anything that would piss off Lucca. He is afraid of Lucca, as are all the kids in our class. Lucca is the biggest kid in our class. I’ve never liked Lucca, because I’ve seen him do this before. I thought it was time someone taught him a lesson!

Valeri was upset. He looked at both of the boys, through squinty eyes. Well. If I ever catch you boys fighting again, I’ll have you both thrown out of school, did you both understand that?

Both the boys nodded. As soon as they were out of Valeri’s office, Nino said, Believe me Lucca, if I ever catch you beating up on someone smaller than you again, you will regret it!

Lucca started running away. Over his shoulder he said, kiss my ass!

Nino and Lucca kept out of each other’s way during the next few years. They remained on speaking terms but were not friends. Lucca had few friends. He was boisterous, loud and menacing to the younger boys.

It was six years later Lucca and Nino got into it again. This time it was at a Lombardo picnic. In this little village, a village of approximately twenty five hundred people, located in the Italian Alps, it was the day of Saint Joseph. A holiday for the residents of Talamona. Nino had asked Lilliana Forte to go to the party with him. Lilliana was a beautiful blonde girl with deep blue eyes, a trim figure and a great personality. Nino and Lilliana were dancing and Lucca tried to cut in.

Lucca said, come on Lilliana, why don’t you dance with a real man?

Nino looked at Lucca; Lilliana doesn’t want to dance with you. Nino could see that Lucca had been drinking.

Why don’t you let Lilliana decide that for herself?

Lilliana said, O.K. let’s not have a problem, come on Lucca, let’s dance. As they started dancing, Lucca stumbled, fell to the floor and Lilliana fell on top of him. Nino rushed to Lilliana and helped her up.

Lucca, you’re drunk! Get the hell away from us! Lucca got to his feet and staggered away. Nino and Lilliana continued dancing until it was time for lunch.

I have to go to the out house, Lilliana, I’ll be right back. As Nino opened the door of the out house, to leave, he caught a glimpse of Lucca, coming at him from the side, holding a piece of lumber, over his head, Nino ducked as the lumber missed his head and landed on his left shoulder. Nino dropped to the ground. He was in pain and could not raise his left arm. Lucca was advancing with the lumber held over his head. Nino brought his knee up into Luccas’ groin and with his right hand landed a devastating blow to Luccas’s right eye. Lucca went down moaning. Nino kicked Lucca in the stomach and kicked Lucca again in the head. Lucca was knocked out. The outhouse was in a secluded area. No one saw the action. Nino went back to the table. Lilliana was waiting.

Nino, what happened, why are you walking like that? Your clothes are all dirty!

Nino told Lilliana the whole story.

"I think we had best leave. I hurt Lucca pretty badly. Let’s just g°.

CHAPTER 2

Nino Paniga was the only son of Erminio and Della Paniga. He was six feet, three inches tall, blonde with blue eyes and everyone in the village, especially the women, thought how lucky Lilliana Forte was to marry Nino. The wedding was held in Talamona. At the reception, after the wedding, Lilliana was having a great time. She looked beautiful. She danced with all the men and Nino danced with all the women. A month after they set up housekeeping, they announced that they would be going to South America. Everyone was sad about the fact that Nino and Lilliana were going to be leaving Talamona, to go to Montevideo, Uruguay. Especially, his only sister Gemma. Gemma was also blonde and blue eyed, tall and very pretty. They loved each other, very much. Since Nino and Lilliana had announced their plans to go to Montevideo, there had been several parties held for them. Since they were to leave in four days, the Paniga’s were having their party this Saturday evening.

Della, Nino’s mother, said Gemma, I want you home, no later than seven thirty. I know you want to visit your friend Pia, but please don’t be late!

Don’t worry Mama, I’ll be back shortly. The polenta was ready and everyone sat down at the table. Gemma had not gotten back.

Della said, Gemma has never been late before. I’m worried about her. Nino, please go down to Pia’s house and see if you can find her.

Nino got up from the table and proceeded out the door. Ten minutes later he arrived at Pia’s house. He knocked at the door. Hi Pia, is Gemma still here?

No, she left about 30 minutes ago. She said she was going home.

Thanks, said Nino. On the way home, as he got to the bridge, over the Rancaiella, a small spring fed stream that fed the village water supply, he heard someone crying.

He yelled, Gemma, is that you? Where are you, let me help you. I’m down here. Is that you Nino?

Yes, I’m coming down. Nino scrambled down to the creek bed and found Gemma. She had been severely beaten about the head. Her dress was torn and she was crying hysterically. What happened?

He beat me and tried to rape me, sobbed Gemma.

Who did that to you?

Lucca Termi. He was drunk and as I was walking along, he grabbed me, pulled me into the shed, next to the bar, he beat me and then tried to make me submit to him. When I refused, he beat me some more. He said that if I would tell anybody about this, that he would kill me. I finally broke away and fell down to the creek bed.

Nino offered Gemma his handkerchief. Here, wash yourself as best you can and let’s get on home. No one but our family will ever know about this. I’ll take care of that bastard, Lucca Termi, before we leave for Montevideo. They walked home and walked into the house.

Papa Paniga asked, What happened to you, Gemma? You look as if you have been in a fight.

No, I fell down by the Rancaiella. You know how slippery it is. Mama Paniga accompanied Gemma into her bedroom, brought in wash cloths, medicine and a new dress. Mama, I really don’t feel like eating right now. Please let me go to bed. I’ll feel better in the morning.

Mama Paniga came down to the kitchen and they proceeded to eat. Nino told the family what had happened and papa Paniga wanted to go out, find Lucca and kill him. Nino assured the family that Lucca would be taken care of before they left for Montevideo. Two days went by and Nino decided it was time to find Lucca. He arrived at a bar that Lucca frequented, and found Lucca.

Lucca was drunk. How is that virgin sister of yours? What business is that of yours? I haven’t seen her around.

You no good bastard, Gemma told me all about how you beat her and tried to rape her. I’ve taken care of you before and now, I’m going to do it again. Lucca was sitting at the bar. As he shoved his bar stool away, he drew his knife. At the same moment, Nino pulled his knife out of its scabbard. It was the knife that Nino used to skin rabbits and other game. It was razor sharp. Lucca lunged at Nino. Nino sidestepped and with his right hand plunged his knife into Luccas’ soft belly. With a quick upward motion,

Lucca was eviscerated. Lucca groaned. As he slipped to the floor, his intestines were half out of his belly.

"You son of a bitch, now you will never try to rape or beat another woman. There were three other people in the bar and all told police that Lucca had made the first move and Nino had simply defended himself. The police report stated that death was due to an attack by Lucca. No charges were made. A few days later, after much crying, many kisses and sad goodbyes, Nino and Lilliana took the train and left for Genoa.

CHAPTER 3

Lilliana and Nino Paniga arrived in Montevideo aboard the Lucretia Borgia, on August 1st. 1893. It was a long, boring crossing and they were delighted to finally reach their destination and leave the ship. They loaded their luggage on a surrey and were soon on their way. The driver was familiar with the ranch and arrived there in less than an hour. As the surrey entered the gate to the ranch, Nino liked what he saw. They stopped by a large house on the compound and were greeted by a large bearded man. Hello, my name is Guido Campanelli. My wife’s name is Erminia. You will meet her later. I’m the ranch foreman. I try to run this place. If you are the Paniga’s, we’ve been waiting for you.

Nino introduced Lilliana to Guido and shook his hand. I’m Nino Paniga. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m looking forward to working for you. I’m anxious to see the ranch!

We will have plenty of time for that, said Guido. In the meantime, here is your house. Guido pointed to a small frame house, painted white and trimmed in green. Go get settled and after you rest some, come to my house, Guido pointed, it’s that large one there, and then we will talk

Nino and Lilliana brought their belongings into their newfound home. The living room was large, had a settee, two chairs and two end tables. The bedroom had two large chests and a good-sized closet. There was another small bedroom, consisting of a bed and one chest. The kitchen was well equipped with a stove, sink and a heater. Lilliana said, Nino, I think this is going to be fine. When we get some money, we will buy some new furniture. In the meantime, it will do nicely. They did all of their unpacking and decided to get some rest. In two hours, Nino was knocking on Guido’s door.

How do you like your new home? I like it fine. Lilliana likes it also.

Come into my office, Nino. Guido motioned to Nino to step inside. He ushered Nino into a large room furnished with a desk, three chairs and a filing cabinet. sit down, please. I don’t know how much you know about ranching, but your cousin told me that you were a very bright person. Your job here will be as my understudy. I’m going to teach you all about cattle. How to feed them, how much to feed them, how to keep them healthy and most of all, how to sell them and get the best price for them.

I understood that I was being hired as a ranch hand, to round up the cattle, to mend fences and generally act as a handyman?

Yes, that is the reason you were hired. In addition to that, you will be helping me run the ranch. Your Italian is perfect and you will be speaking spanish in a very short time. As I said before, you are a bright person and I need someone like you to help me run the ranch and start doing the negotiating with the buyers. some day I’ll be retiring and the owner will need someone that he can trust. I’m going to teach you everything I can so that you can take over, after I leave. I’ve spent my life on this ranch and I love it

I don’t know what to say. I’m sure you will find me to be a hard working person. I will try to live up to your expectations. Fine, we start work at 6:00 A.M. every morning, except Sunday. Sunday is a day off and your day to do whatever you want. By the way, every Sunday, all of the ranch hands and their families meet here, Lilliana will appreciate that, right after the 9:00 o’clock mass. We have all sorts of competitive sports. Archery, handgun shooting, running and soccer. You’ll have fun and an opportunity to meet your fellow workers. The ladies will be preparing the bar-b-que, salads and spaghetti. It’s a wonderful meal. I’m sure you and Lilliana will enjoy it. Go home now and relax. Tomorrow is a busy work day, for both of us.

Nino nodded and as he made his way down the stairs and back to his new home, he decided he liked Guido. He felt that Guido could become a real friend, one that could be trusted. Lilliana cooked a nice dinner of boiled chicken, soup and salad. After dinner and after talking excitedly for an hour or so, they went to bed. Nino met Guido at exactly 6:00 A.M. the next morning. They walked to the barn. "Here’s your horse,