Tony and Cleop Act Zero Scene Four

 

Act Zero

Scene Four

The death of the Squire

 

Menas peeked out of the window curtain, looking at the outside. It was not a good feeling to be on the run. He was not from the authorities, but from but from the very friends that he once called his. He had sided with the wrong leader; he had been leader; he had been gunned down by hitmen hired by Rome. Pompey Jr was shot while watering the horse at the creek on the land he had acquired. He was not alone, but with three of the boys then. They were ambushed and given the ceremony of a dozen holes to plant roses.

“Menas, you served my father and now me. What is the best advice you can give me to remain alive?” Pompey Jr had asked him.

“Do not stop to pick the flowers or pay the toll booth.” Menas told him. “Some good men died doing that.”

“Was it that Sonny guy who was shot at the toll gate? I was told he did not have enough change.” Pompey Jr laughed.

“He got short--changed.” Menas said. “Fuck the gates. We are the boys who build them. So, we collect from there.”

Well, it was true but Pompey Jr did not pay any toll but was picking up the lilac there at the river bank.

“Pop, can I get some ice cream from the shop nearby?? Menas looked to his youngest grandson, Danny. They were hiding at the motel in downtown. Danny’s mom was at the market.

“Soon, Danny.” Menas smiled. He was in his shirt and pants without the holster and gun. It was not nice to show that to the young kid.

“Pop, did you betray the boss?" Danny asked. Menas was surprised and asked back.

“Who told you? I am always loyal to the boss. boss. He is our benefactor.” Menas replied.

“Ian said to me.” Ian was Danny’s friend; he was friend; he was much older and was to protect Danny. He was then dead; he was dead; he was shot by Menas when the former tried to kill Menas. I guess he was not sure who he could trust anymore.

“I would not.” Menas heard the door to the room open. open. It was not supposed to be. His daughter was to knock three times before she opened the door. He looked for his gun and remembered that he had left it in the suitcase. He went for it but it but it was too late.

“Boss, I would not do that if I were you. Danny is here.” Menas heard the warning. He turned to look and saw that saw that Portino was there with the other boy. They were not showing their guns but Menas knew they were in their pockets.

“We just want to take you to see Caesar.” Portino, who served Menas for some years, smiled.

“Okay, I will go with you, but the kid...”

“The kid will be fine, boss. We are not stupid.” Portino smiled. Stupidity was one of his least-like characters. He knew when to lie, cheat, and serve his boss. “Only you and me.”

“Danny, stay here and wait for your mom." Menas told the kid. “She is buying ice cream for you.”

Menas took the ride in the T-Ford with the boy who used to serve him. They also drove the Ford to carry others for Menas.

“How much did Caesar pay you?” Menas asked.

“Not much, but we get to keep the commission. It will make us happier.” The commission was a contract to handle certain businesses for Caesar.

“Good. You deserve it well.” Mensa smiled. "Hey, Portino, one clean shot in the back of the head will do. No messing with my shirt.”

It was all arranged, but Menas did not account for the concrete slab on his feet. He was shot before they dumped him into the sea. Pompey Jr called it ‘Neptune Dive. The fish will love the Italian flavour.’