The Cardinal and the Crook

“ARE YOU OUT of your fucking mind?”

James had come to his brother’s apartment to share the good news about working for the Martonis. The reaction from John was not what James had expected. This was unusually strong language coming from his brother. James had never seen his brother so agitated. “What do you mean?”

“What do I mean? They’re criminals!”

“Look, I know that Anthony’s father is a criminal, but I won’t be working for him. I’ll be working for Anthony, and I won’t be involved with any of that criminal stuff. I’ll be in the restaurant business. It’s completely legitimate!”

John stared at his brother and just shook his head in disbelief. His tone was filled with emotion. “You sound very naive, and I don’t think you are naive. You know what I think . . . I think you are being blinded by the money. How do you think they acquired all of those fancy restaurants? Do you think they went to the bank and got a loan? No . . . no! They used the money from the drugs, extortion, and God knows whatever other crimes they commit to take over those restaurants.”

By now, John was yelling at his brother. “It’s not a legitimate business! It’s just a front. It’s all criminal! And you know what, if you work for a crook . . . then, dammit, you are a crook!”

James felt hurt by that last statement, but he understood that his brother was only concerned about him. So, he took a deep breath, placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder, and then, in a voice filled with tenderness and love, reassured John. “How can you call me a crook? I’m no crook! You’re overreacting. I’m telling you, Anthony wants no part of the criminal business. The restaurant business is really legitimate. It’s going to be fine. Don’t worry!” James could see from the expression on his brother’s face that he wasn’t convinced.

In a much calmer voice, John said, “I love you. You mean the world to me. I don’t want to see you mixed up with anything bad. Imagine what it would do to Father Pat. Please . . . please at least promise me that if you see yourself getting involved with anything that doesn’t seem right, you’ll quit the job immediately. Promise me!”

John’s voice broke over the word promise, and he fell silent. Looking away, he raked his fingers through his hair. My God, James thought to himself, I’ve never seen him so upset. He was unsure whether it was wise to say anything more.

He decided it wasn’t. It would be better if he didn’t say anything. So, he stepped forward and hugged his brother—who, thankfully, accepted the gesture, leaning into his embrace.

And for a few seconds, it felt as though they were kids again.