Late sixties, tall and trim, Carmine gives the appearance of a self assured, elegant grandfatherly type businessman.

I pushed the red lacquered box across his desk. An extra box of Gran Habanos that are kept in the trunk. "It pleases me that you enjoyed the cigars. I hope that you enjoy these as well." Hint: Never visit the local mafia don without bringing some sort of tribute, no matter how small.

Carlo placed the espressos on the desk. Without asking, Carmine spooned some sugar into both cups. "Thank you, I'm sure that I will. Now, what is the purpose of this visit?"

"Two men attacked me a short while ago. Your name came up."

Uncle Carmine took a sip of his coffee. I did the same. Good stuff. "I trust that you were not hurt."

Not a word. I sat there and kept my yap shut.

"Dem guys." Despite the fine clothes; the regal bearing and other trappings of success, Uncle Carmine's speech left something to be desired. "Mr. Picker, I apologize for the inconvenience."

Huh? Inconvenience?

"The best that I can do is to tell ya what I know. And, also what I don't know. What I know is dat some guy calls the club here. He's looking for some muscle. Of course, he doesn't say what for. I don't ask. The job, I gives it to Sal and Tony. Two leg breakers. This voice on the phone, it gives a time and a place. I leave the details up to dem two mooks.”

Not a word. Just sitting there; listening.

"What I don't know is who, when, where or why."

"You left out how." I bite my tongue. This is a man that I do not wish to insult.

Uncle Carmine smiles and let's it pass. "My young friend, I truly apologize. If I had known it was you, hand to God, I would not have allowed it. How may I make it up to you?"

I polish off the espresso and pause for a moment; trying to give the appearance of thoughtfulness. "Nothing Mr. Santucci. This was, as you say, a minor inconvenience." Huh? "There must not be any hard feeling among friends." Don't blame me. I have an adult male affliction. Suffer from watching 'The Godfather' too many times.