Up until last year, Gerryd been a bookie, and had done his fair share of business with underworld types. But then his life had changed. Hed gotten married and had a beautiful little daughter. His priorities had shifted, and hed decided he didnt want his kid to have a criminal father. So hed shut down his bookmaking operation and gone to work in his fathers consulting business. It hadnt been easy. Sometimes, Gerrys past came back to haunt him, and he now considered walking back onto the plane.
He decided against it. Better to walk past the detective and see if anything happened. Hed always been good with his mouth, and could talk his way out of most situations. As he got close, the detective stuck his hand out.
You must be Gerry. Im Detective Eddie Davis.
Gerry had heard Daviss name before. Davis had helped his father track down his partners killers a few years back. Gerry shook his hand.
Let me guess. My father sent you.
Davis scowled. He asked me to look out for you. Something wrong with that?
I dont need a babysitter.
Davis followed Gerry to baggage claim, where they watched some misbehaving kids ride around on the carousel. Your father said you had a bad experience in Las Vegas, and that George Scalzo was involved, Davis said. Hearing that, I figured Id better meet you at the airport.
Gerry checked the tags of the garment bags on the carousel. He needed to get rid of this guy. He was going to Atlantic City to learn how Jack Donovans poker scam worked, and expected to run into his friends from the old days. What was he going to say, Hey Vinny, this here is Eddie Davis. Keep your mouth shut, hes a cop? No, that wasnt going to work.
Your father said Scalzo murdered a guy named Jack Donovan, and you and some buddies went to Vegas gunning for him, and nearly got yourselves killed, Davis said.
Dad likes to exaggerate, Gerry said.
Your father said one of your buddies got the hair on his face burned off by a flamethrower. That an exaggeration?
His garment bag appeared. Gerry pulled a strap out of a side pocket, attached it to the bag, then threw it over his shoulder. He knew the Philly airport like the back of his hand, and would give Davis the slip once he got downstairs. He couldnt have a cop playing Me and My Shadow with him on this trip. Not even a well-intentioned one.
Ready to roll, he said.
Going downstairs, Gerry excused himself and headed for the mens room. Davis tagged him on the shoulder like they were playing
touch football.
I once had a suspect duck out through the side entrance, Davis said. You werent thinking of doing that, were you?
Ill tell you after I take a leak, Gerry said.
Davis shot him a disapproving look. For Christs sake man, Im here to help you. I know about your background with the rackets. I wont hassle any of your friends if we run into them.
Davis sounded sincere, which made Gerry suspicious.
Why would you do that?
Because I need your help with a cheating case Im working on, Davis said.
Gerry considered Daviss offer. Having a cop watching his back wasnt such a bad idea. Hed made an enemy out of George Scalzo in Vegas, and suspected Scalzo would pay him back someday soon.
Okay, Gerry said.
They sped along the scenic New Jersey Expressway in Daviss souped-up 78 Mustang, the four-lane, pencil-straight highway bordered by lush berms and mature oaks. Atlantic City had been created as a summer playground for rich people from Philadelphia, the expressway being the shortest distance from that city to the sea.
This case has been driving me crazy, Davis said. Theres a retirement condo on the south end of the is land where a resident is cheating other residents at cards. This guy is stealing retirement money. I want to nail him, but none of the residents will cooperate. Hes local, theyre local, and none of the cops working the case are.
How much is the guy stealing?
A couple grand a week. Hes done this to hundreds of elderly people.
Gerry got the picture. The cheater was what his father called a public menacesomeone who enjoyed hurting people as much as stealing. Whats the guy doing?
He plays cards in the same restaurant every day, and thats where he fleeces his victims, Davis said. He doesnt play for cash, but keeps a running tally of points on a sheet of paper. That way, we cant bust him for an illegal card game. I got my hands on the cards and theyre normal. No marks, bends, or gaffs. I also filmed him through a window, and watched the video. He isnt doing any sleight-of-hand.
Describe the restaurant where he plays cards.
Its a mom-and-pop beachfront joint with some booths lining the walls and a half dozen round tables. Most of the customers live on social security or pensions. Nothing on the menu is too pricey.
How long has he played there?
Years, Davis said.
So hes got an arrangement.
The Mustang slowed down almost imperceptibly, then sped back up.
Im not following you, Davis said.
The guys got an arrangement with the owner of the restaurant, Gerry said.