By: Joey B. (The Circe) Bevacqua

All names have been changed, in order to protect the innocent as well as the guilty.

CHAPTER 4:  Atlantic City … Here we come!

Well, Louie the Walker, unfortunately was becoming a talker, and something had to be done, so they called in Santo, Fat Sam (Samooch) La Bella. Right after that, Louie the Walker talked “no more”, died of an overdose and was happily buried next to Jimmy Hoffa, under the goal post, in Giant Stadium, at the Meadowlands, in good old Jerrrrrrsey.The Code of Silence had been broken and he had to pay big time, but think about the great view he has at the game every Sunday! Now that I got your attention lets move on to A.C. (Atlantic City, New Jersey – Renowned for its Casinos and Boardwalk).

After a hard week at the Shoe Shine Parlor, Sunday was a day of rest even for the family, and every Sunday meant A.C. Dad’s driver picked him and his cronies up at 9 AM sharp. Two short hours later they arrived at the gates of Caesar’s Palace. Yes, no Italian-American would go anywhere else to re-live he glory and power of Rome!

With his bag of money Dad went directly to the craps table, where he spent the entire day. He was treated like a Roman Patrician! There was nothing the Casino would not do for him … “Joey do you want a suite??? Have one… “ “Joey, do you want to go to the show tonight?” “Joey, which restaurant would you like to eat in?”  The best cognac and Cuban cigars were his, on command. Every waiter, every dealer, knew that big money was to be made with Mr. B!!The money came and the money went, and when I spoke to him about it, he replied “ So what… it’s only money… Enjoy yourself …Life is too short.” The most important thing was to have a good time!

The cigar smoke was so heavy at the shoe shine parlor on Mondays that you thought they were electing the Pope. Monday morning was also “shopping” day for Jumbo shrimp, Lobster tail, and Filet mignon which fell off the truck, and kept us well fed throughout a hard week of work. Understand that “shopping” was at the Slip Inn Lounge, the same place where the shoes, suits and all sorts of goodies came from. This is also the place where Dad got the bright idea to be at his own repast. For you people, who don’t know Italian American tradition, a repast is a Banquet where family and friends meet after a person’s funeral. No one that I know has ever been present at their own repast; But Dad was at his!

Next Chapter:   Chapter 5 “The last Supper”.

Miss Chapter 1 2 or 3?

Chapter 1- http://www.playamayanews.com/article479.html

Chapter 2- http://www.playamayanews.com/article498.html

Chapter 3- http://www.playamayanews.com/article524.html

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