LOVE'S TRAGEDY CHAPTER 1
ACT ONE
SCENE 1
Across the street from Times Square, standing next to a hot dog vendor were two men in the middle of an argument. One a brunette, wearing an expensive suit stood enjoying New York’s nice weather and finest hot dog. The other, a darker haired male, wearing a similar suit just kept ranting and raving to his oblivious friend. The only thing both men wore that was the same, was a crest on the front right pocket of their blazers. A shield colored blue and gold, with two swords on the back being held by the large paws of a bear. A large “C” was embroidered on the front of the shield.
“I hate this shit!” The dark haired one said to his friend.
“If you hate it so much Nick, then why are you eating it?” The brunette replied after swallowing his lunch.
Nick turned to his companion and rolled his eyes. “I’m not talking about the food, Brian! I’m talking about this feud.”
Brian also rolled his eyes and started back towards the vendor to get seconds. “Nicky, the feud is between our boss and his competitor. As long as Boss Cabot pays me, I don’t care. And if it means I get to give the Benson crew some shit too, then life is good. Your little temper is gonna get you in the end my friend. Relax. Hell, I’ll buy you another tasty dog.”
“I don’t want another tasty dog. I want to show those bastards who run these streets!” Nick continued to pace back and forth, wrestling with his tension while Brian just watched and continued to eat.
“Calm down! Here have a smoke, and lower your blood pressure.”
“Haha, very funny.” The tense one lit up his smoke, took a deep puff and began choking as his view became quickly distracted. “Holy shit! Here comes one of those bastards now.”
On the other side of the block, walked a Black man wearing a pinstripe suit. If you look closely a his right breast pocket, you will see a crest similar to that of the Cabot employees. The only difference is the shield colors were black and gold, and behind it were crossed swords held by the paws of a tiger. A large “B” was embroidered in the front of the shield. The man continued to walk down the street, oblivious to his tense onlookers carrying a tray with starbucks lattes.
“We should do something.” said Nick.
Brian looked at his companion with a bored look. “Like what?”
“Pull out your piece! I got your back.”
“How? By walking the other direction or by overreacting? I’m not pulling it out without reason. I’ll just stare him down and let him make his move.” said Brian while adjusting his suit.
“Fine.” Nick began to adjust his tie and straighten his jacket. And stood next to his companion by the hot dog vendor. “What if I flick him off? Will it be justifiable?”
“No, it won’t. Just let it be, and see what he does.” They both continued to stare at the man as he came closer to their corner.
“How about I just act like I got something in my eye and use my middle finger to get it out?”
Brian began laughing, put both hands up in the air, and said, “Hey, it’s on you. I got your back regardless.”
Nick started poking at his eye, then stopped as soon as he heard yelling.
“HEY! YOU DISSIN’ ME?” said the man in the pinstripe suit.
“No idea what you are talking about, Sir!” said Nick as he continued to poke at his eye.
“You think you bein’ cute son? You dissin’ me, and I don’t like it one bit.”
Brian took a step in the man’s direction. “You trying to start a fight, Sir?”
“Nope.”
Nick took a step. “You sure about that, Sir? If it’s a fight you want then it’s a fight you got. My boss is as good as yours.”
“Your boss is nowhere near as good as mine” The black man placed the tray on top of a parked car and took a couple steps toward his enemies. He slowly opened his jacket revealing a black Smith and Wesson 9mm Beretta in a shoulder holster. “And I’m gonna show you why.” Before he can reach for his weapon, both he and the Cabot men heard a man scream.
“Odafin! What is the meaning of this?” A white, brunette man with sharp green eyes approached the trio. This man was also wearing an expensive suit but in blue, with the Benson crest. He placed his hand on Odafin’s shoulder. “My friend, put your fuckin’ hands down! Look, there’s a crowd building. Uncle is gonna be upset if this keeps goin.”
“Aight, Simon. I’ll let it go.“ Fin closed his jacket and walked over towards the parked car to pick up his tray.
“Just like a dog to obey his master!” Nick screamed out loud causing a crowd to circle them. “You gonna piss on the curb and lick his boots to show your loyalty?” Nick started walking towards Fin and Simon pointing his finger.. “I expected better of you Benson bastards! You’re all a bunch of inbreds…”
“HEY! What’s a girl gotta do to get in on some of this action?” Nick cringed along with Brian as soon as they heard the feminine voice.
“Awe shit, here she comes.” Said Brian as he quickly pulled Nick to the side. Everyone turned and saw a tall, redheaded beauty wearing a lime green suit with a dark blue button shirt carrying at least six shopping bags. If you look closely, you can see a gold belt buckle with the Cabot crest engraved on it. The redhead saw her employees and made way towards them without acknowledging her enemies, for the moment anyway.
“Gentlemen, you mind holding the bags?” She said in a tone that implied it wasn’t a request. Nick and Brian looked at each other and grabbed the bags quickly then stood aside to watch the show. They both knew that as sweet as she looked, Casey Novak, niece to the senator’s wife, was really a cobra waiting to strike.
“It was a beautiful day for a shopping spree. But it looks like my day is about to get better.” Casey turned around and walked briskly towards the senator’s assistant and nephew. She stopped right in front of Simon. Only two inches shorter than him, she still carried herself with a pride that seemed taller than any man. “Good afternoon Simon. Hope your doing well.”
Simon stared her down, green eyes to green eyes, and placed his hand on Fin’s chest to hold him back. “You don’t give a rat’s ass how I am, so how bout we stop with the bullshit. My companion and I are going to carry on with our day. Step aside!“ Simon can hear Fin grinding his teeth and growling in his throat.
“Oohh, I love when you act all demanding Simon. Too bad you got the blood of pigs flowing through your veins, or else we could have hit it off. As for your little request, maybe I don’t want you to carry on. Maybe…” She leaned close to his left ear and whispered “ I want to see what color a pig’s blood looks like on this hot cement.” Before Simon could react, Casey bit his ear lobe and backed up five feet with her weapon drawn. A silver colored, Taurus 25 .25 caliber with pink pearl grips was pointed directly at his face. At this time, Nick and Brian dropped the bags and had their Berettas drawn.
“Shit! Bitch is good, I give er’ that. Crazy as fuck too.” Said Fin as he could only stand there and watch Simon clutch his ear in pain.
“Now will you walk away?” said the redhead. “Or will you act like a man, and fight me? I’ll even lower my weapon and give you a chance. C‘mon Simon, how else will I get to see you in action?”
“Your whole family is fucking nuts!" Simon looked at the blood on his hand. Fin pulled out a hankerchief from his jacket pocket and gave it to Simon which he place on his left ear. “I wouldn’t touch you with Dahmer’s hands!
Both parties were at a standstill on what to do. Casey and her boys on one end of the corner, while Simon and Fin stood on the other. Fin kept his hand in his jacket, fingering his gun. He was waiting for Simon to give the green light, then all this mess would be over.
Yelling could be heard form the large crowd that formed. “Kill em’!”, “Benson’s dogs should be put to sleep!”, “Cabot is an uptight bastard!”, “Someone call the police!”.
What the crowd isn’t paying attention to, is the black, stretch limo approaching from around the corner. The license plate and flags on the back of the limo feature the Cabot crest.
“What the hell is going on?” A middle aged, balding man screamed to his driver. “I pray it doesn’t involve one of our own. Stop the car!” The driver stopped the limo right next to the crowd. Two large men exited the limo, and made a hole through the crowd. As the senator was about to exit, he stopped and looked at his wife. “Hand me my rifle, dearest!”
“No, I will not. We are too dignified to be drawn into this mess.” The blonde debutant crossed her arms. “ I will not mess up my dress either. This is a Vera, thank you very much!”
“Woman, give me my gun! I can see Benson’s assistant and his nephew. Maybe I can have them arrested.” He stepped out of his limo and approached the ruckus.
“You act like a man! Why don’t you put down your gun and walk away like one?” Simon yelled at Casey. “I’m not scared of you.” He yelled in her direction.
“Very cute. Maybe I won‘t kill you.” She placed her non gun hand on her chest. “I would just die if I stained this outfit. It’s Dolce and Gabbana. It’s worth more than your peasant lives.”
“How true my dear niece!” Casey turned her head quickly to see her uncle walking towards her from behind. “Their lives are meaningless. Which is why there’s no point in wasting our bullets on them. I’ll just talk to the Chief of Police and have them arrested for disturbing the peace.”
“Yes, Uncle Max.” Casey just smiled at him and holstered her gun. “I’ll go wait in the car. Boys, my bags please.” Nick and Brian holstered their weapons and picked up the bags. They carried them to the limo while Senator Cabot stood his ground watching Simon. Simon stared back at Cabot. Fin stared at Cabot. The crowd was beginning to break up until more shouting was heard.
“CABOT, YOU BASTARD!” A middle aged man with shaggy brown hair cut through the crowd along with a brunette woman. “Get away from my nephew!” He walked up to Simon and Fin. “Are you both alright? Serena, stay with them while I handle this.” Benson walked toward Cabot.
“Yes, husband.” Serena looked towards Simon. “ Simon, you‘re hurt. My God.” She touched his face and reached into her purse for a clean hankercheif. Then she looked at Fin. “Are you alright Odafin? Were you hurt?”
“I was just bit by a dog Aunt Serena, we’re ok. Things just got a little out of hand.” Simon looked down at his feet. “I tried to keep it peaceful, I’m sorry.”
Serena put her finger under his chin and lifted his head. “It’s ok dear. Come. We’ll wait in the car. They all walked toward the other end of the block to an awaiting black limousine with the Benson crest on the plate and the flags.
“Daniel, long time no see. How you been? How’s the wife? And your little bo..I mean girl?” Cabot laughed along with his bodyguards who still held the crowd back. “I’m sorry Daniel, ol’ friend. You just can’t tell nowadays. With the way you let her behave.“ Benson just stood there shaking with rage, his fists clenching open and closed, and his teeth grinding. Cabot blinked when realized he was no longer on his feet but on the ground looking up at his archenemy. “You son of bitch!” He was helped to his feet by his guards. “You’ll pay for this. The Chief is on his way and you’ll end up in a cozy cell with your brats!”
“I AM NOT ARRESTING ANYBODY!” A bald man wearing a police uniform yelled amongst the crowd. “EVERYONE GO HOME NOW! Except for the senators!”
Cabot held his jaw and pointed at Benson. “I want to press charges. That bastard hit me.”
Chief Cragen stood between both senators. “Both of you are animals! You choose to destroy your fellow human being, than to attempt to live in peace. I have been called to at least three disturbances involving your family and employees over meaningless circumstances. What the hell do I have to do to get you both to see reason. Why, oh why do you choose to hurt one another than to greet each other with civility? That’s it! I said for everyone to go home! I’m tired of these civilians getting involved in business that is not theirs because they are on the side of Senator Cabot.” He looks at Cabot cradling his jaw. “Or Senator Benson.” He looks at Benson holding his right hand. Chief Cragen grabs both men by the front of their shirts. “If I am called to one more disturbance, your whole fucking family will be sitting at Riker’s. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?” He shoved both men away from him. He looked over his shoulder at Benson. “Senator Benson, I need to see you at city hall later this evening.” He than looked over his other shoulder. “Senator Cabot, I need to have a word with you now.” Chief Cragen walked over to his police cruiser. Cabot followed suit but kept his eyes on Benson.
“This isn’t over, Daniel.”
Benson stared back with the same intensity. “You bet your ass it isn’t.” He turned away and walked back to the limo. Once inside, he sat against his wife with his eyes closed. “Can your pour me a drink, nephew?”
Simon reached towards the mini bar across from his seat. He grabbed a glass and filled it with ice. Then poured his uncle three fingers of Jack. Daniel took the glass and smiled after he let the glass sit on his throbbing knuckles.
“Simon, my boy. What happened?”
“Odafin was being harassed by Cabot’s employees before I got there. I stepped in to break it up. Before I knew it, the harpie showed up and made things worse. Damn Casey! I told her to leave us alone but she wouldn’t let us by. I’m sorry uncle, I should’ve tried harder.” Simon lowered his head into his right hand while his left still held the hankerchief on his earlobe.
“It’s ok. Things could have been worse, Simon. I’m just glad my baby wasn’t here for that. I couldn’t take it if she got hurt.” Serena looked at her husband. “Has she gotten any better, dear?”
Daniel closed his eyes and gulped his entire glass. He took a deep breath and said “No. She’s been like this for days. She locks herself in her room and listens to music all day and night. If I hear one more Nirvana song, I’m throwing her stereo out the window!” He looks at Simon. “Simon, do you know what’s going on?
The brunette looked at the floor. “No, I have no idea. Every time I try to talk to Olivia, she just stays quiet. I saw her this morning but she gave me the cold shoulder. I guess she’ll talk when she’s ready.”
The limo continued it’s drive through the crowded streets of Manhattan. Simon noticed they were passing Central Park. “Uncle, can you drop me off by the reservoir? I have a feeling that’s where Olivia is at.”
Daniel picked up the limo’s phone and waited until the driver answered. “Head over to the reservoir entrance at East 90th street! Thank you.” He hung up and smiled to his nephew. “Talk to your cousin. Find what is troubling her so I can do whatever I can to make it better.”
“I’ll do my best, uncle.”
The dark limo pulled up to the entrance. Simon hugged his uncle and kissed his aunt on the cheek. He smacked Fin’s shoulder and said “Later.” He entered the park and made his way towards the park benches by the waterfront. It was a beautiful view. The infamous New York City skyline in the mid afternoon. No wonder a lot of people like to come here. Well, there’s only one person he’s interested in finding. As he scans all the benches, his eyes stop on a figure sporting short brown hair, head tilted back wearing a pair of shades. Bingo thought Simon. He approached the bench and abruptly took a seat next to the same figure.
“God! What does a girl have to do to be left the fuck alone?”
“Good afternoon to you too, cuz!” Said Simon with a big grin on his face.
Olivia sat up, looked at her cousin then looked back towards the park entrance. “Afternoon already! Where does the time go?” She took a drag from her cigarette and asked, “Mom and dad in the limo?”
“Simon snatched her cig and took a drag. “Yep. You have them worried to hell about you. Go say hi!”
Olivia pulled out her pack of reds, and pulled out another cigarette. Before she lit it, she looked at Simon. “No. I’m not in the mood. I’m sure that’s not the first time a girl said that to you.” She smiled and took a drag.
Simon rolled his eyes and took a drag of his stolen smoke. He stood up, turned around and waved to the limo. The limo left shortly after. He sat back down and placed an arm around his baby cousin and flicked the cigarette butt. “Talk to me or I’ll bother you aaaalllll day!”
Olivia shrugged his arm off and stood up. “There’s nothing to talk about. I just want to be alone right now. It’s not like I won’t be forever anyway.” She walked toward the fenceline and stared at the water. She threw her cigarette in. “I’m destined to be alone.”
Simon got up and walked to his baby cousin. She’s in love. He squeezed her shoulder in a brotherly manner and smiled. “Who broke your heart, cuz?”
Olivia just chuckled. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.” Simon grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards the bench. They sat down. Then he dug in her leather jacket pocket while she sat there in disbelief. “Ah ha!” He held her pack and pulled out a cig. After he lit it, he took a deep drag and leaned back on the bench. “Tell me all about it.”
“Fine. It was Monique.” Simon choked on his smoke. Olivia rolled her eyes in the middle of his choking fit. “Really? Simon? Are you serious?” Simon started pounding his chest with his fist. Olivia noticed he was no longer coughing, but laughing. “It’s not funny. I’m really hurting here.” Simon stopped laughing immediately.
“I’m sorry. You gotta admit. It’s funny. I never would have expected you, to fall for a snob…” Simon gulped loudly at the look on Olivia’s face. She was not happy. “Why are you even pursuing her. She is a bit conceited." A bit my ass. “You can do better.”
Olivia grabbed a fistful of her own hair. “I don’t want better. I wanted her. But she won’t listen to words of love, she won’t accept my gifts and she won’t even let me get in her pants!”
Simon couldn’t stay serious any longer. “Haha! She won’t give it up! Wow. That’s interesting.”
“That’s not the worse of it.” Simon looked at her waiting for more. “She’s a virgin.” Simon still looked perplexed. Olivia look annoyed. “AND SHE’S STAYING THAT WAY!” Simon looked at his depressed cousin and came to one conclusion.
“You need to get laid! OW!" Simon held his head between his hands. “I’m already hurt and you gotta hurt me more? C’mon Liv!”
Olivia looked closely at his head and noticed the dry blood on the left side of his neck. “Oh my God. What happened?”
“Casey and her goons happened. It was just bullshit so don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Your dad took care of it.” Simon just smiled. “But we’re straying off topic here. Why is she staying ‘untouched’?”
Olivia hugged her cousin’s head and said “Cuz, she’s gonna be a nun.”
“I guess that explains why she always turned me down.” Simon hugged his cousin back.
“She turned you down cuz your ugly." Simon picked up his cousin and placed her on the bench. Then looked at her with a big smile and wiggled his eye brows.
“I am a handsome fellow, if I do say so myself. Especially being a Benson. I’m destined for greatness.” He stood up and flexed his arms. “I am the manliest in this family.”
Olivia looked up and laughed at his silliness and attempt to make her feel better. She stood up and stared at his green eyes. “You are not the manliest in this family. She walked a few feet toward the park entrance. Stopped and looked over her shoulder at Simon. “I am!”
Simon laughed loudly and ran up to his cousin. He put an arm around her. “You’re not alone, Livvy.” He turned her around, facing him and looked into her eyes. “You got me and the rest of the family. And our motley crew of friends. Forget Monique. You’re gonna find love someday.” Olivia snickered. “No, really. It’s gonna be that kind of love that you’ll wanna give everything for. Even your life.” Olivia stood amazed that Simon could be this deep.
“Thank you, Simon. Yeah, thanks. Let’s go get something to eat.” She shoved him off her and started laughing.
“You know what else, Livvy?”
“What Simon?”
“I need another cigarette.”
“No. I’m almost out.”
SCENE 1
Across the street from Times Square, standing next to a hot dog vendor were two men in the middle of an argument. One a brunette, wearing an expensive suit stood enjoying New York’s nice weather and finest hot dog. The other, a darker haired male, wearing a similar suit just kept ranting and raving to his oblivious friend. The only thing both men wore that was the same, was a crest on the front right pocket of their blazers. A shield colored blue and gold, with two swords on the back being held by the large paws of a bear. A large “C” was embroidered on the front of the shield.
“I hate this shit!” The dark haired one said to his friend.
“If you hate it so much Nick, then why are you eating it?” The brunette replied after swallowing his lunch.
Nick turned to his companion and rolled his eyes. “I’m not talking about the food, Brian! I’m talking about this feud.”
Brian also rolled his eyes and started back towards the vendor to get seconds. “Nicky, the feud is between our boss and his competitor. As long as Boss Cabot pays me, I don’t care. And if it means I get to give the Benson crew some shit too, then life is good. Your little temper is gonna get you in the end my friend. Relax. Hell, I’ll buy you another tasty dog.”
“I don’t want another tasty dog. I want to show those bastards who run these streets!” Nick continued to pace back and forth, wrestling with his tension while Brian just watched and continued to eat.
“Calm down! Here have a smoke, and lower your blood pressure.”
“Haha, very funny.” The tense one lit up his smoke, took a deep puff and began choking as his view became quickly distracted. “Holy shit! Here comes one of those bastards now.”
On the other side of the block, walked a Black man wearing a pinstripe suit. If you look closely a his right breast pocket, you will see a crest similar to that of the Cabot employees. The only difference is the shield colors were black and gold, and behind it were crossed swords held by the paws of a tiger. A large “B” was embroidered in the front of the shield. The man continued to walk down the street, oblivious to his tense onlookers carrying a tray with starbucks lattes.
“We should do something.” said Nick.
Brian looked at his companion with a bored look. “Like what?”
“Pull out your piece! I got your back.”
“How? By walking the other direction or by overreacting? I’m not pulling it out without reason. I’ll just stare him down and let him make his move.” said Brian while adjusting his suit.
“Fine.” Nick began to adjust his tie and straighten his jacket. And stood next to his companion by the hot dog vendor. “What if I flick him off? Will it be justifiable?”
“No, it won’t. Just let it be, and see what he does.” They both continued to stare at the man as he came closer to their corner.
“How about I just act like I got something in my eye and use my middle finger to get it out?”
Brian began laughing, put both hands up in the air, and said, “Hey, it’s on you. I got your back regardless.”
Nick started poking at his eye, then stopped as soon as he heard yelling.
“HEY! YOU DISSIN’ ME?” said the man in the pinstripe suit.
“No idea what you are talking about, Sir!” said Nick as he continued to poke at his eye.
“You think you bein’ cute son? You dissin’ me, and I don’t like it one bit.”
Brian took a step in the man’s direction. “You trying to start a fight, Sir?”
“Nope.”
Nick took a step. “You sure about that, Sir? If it’s a fight you want then it’s a fight you got. My boss is as good as yours.”
“Your boss is nowhere near as good as mine” The black man placed the tray on top of a parked car and took a couple steps toward his enemies. He slowly opened his jacket revealing a black Smith and Wesson 9mm Beretta in a shoulder holster. “And I’m gonna show you why.” Before he can reach for his weapon, both he and the Cabot men heard a man scream.
“Odafin! What is the meaning of this?” A white, brunette man with sharp green eyes approached the trio. This man was also wearing an expensive suit but in blue, with the Benson crest. He placed his hand on Odafin’s shoulder. “My friend, put your fuckin’ hands down! Look, there’s a crowd building. Uncle is gonna be upset if this keeps goin.”
“Aight, Simon. I’ll let it go.“ Fin closed his jacket and walked over towards the parked car to pick up his tray.
“Just like a dog to obey his master!” Nick screamed out loud causing a crowd to circle them. “You gonna piss on the curb and lick his boots to show your loyalty?” Nick started walking towards Fin and Simon pointing his finger.. “I expected better of you Benson bastards! You’re all a bunch of inbreds…”
“HEY! What’s a girl gotta do to get in on some of this action?” Nick cringed along with Brian as soon as they heard the feminine voice.
“Awe shit, here she comes.” Said Brian as he quickly pulled Nick to the side. Everyone turned and saw a tall, redheaded beauty wearing a lime green suit with a dark blue button shirt carrying at least six shopping bags. If you look closely, you can see a gold belt buckle with the Cabot crest engraved on it. The redhead saw her employees and made way towards them without acknowledging her enemies, for the moment anyway.
“Gentlemen, you mind holding the bags?” She said in a tone that implied it wasn’t a request. Nick and Brian looked at each other and grabbed the bags quickly then stood aside to watch the show. They both knew that as sweet as she looked, Casey Novak, niece to the senator’s wife, was really a cobra waiting to strike.
“It was a beautiful day for a shopping spree. But it looks like my day is about to get better.” Casey turned around and walked briskly towards the senator’s assistant and nephew. She stopped right in front of Simon. Only two inches shorter than him, she still carried herself with a pride that seemed taller than any man. “Good afternoon Simon. Hope your doing well.”
Simon stared her down, green eyes to green eyes, and placed his hand on Fin’s chest to hold him back. “You don’t give a rat’s ass how I am, so how bout we stop with the bullshit. My companion and I are going to carry on with our day. Step aside!“ Simon can hear Fin grinding his teeth and growling in his throat.
“Oohh, I love when you act all demanding Simon. Too bad you got the blood of pigs flowing through your veins, or else we could have hit it off. As for your little request, maybe I don’t want you to carry on. Maybe…” She leaned close to his left ear and whispered “ I want to see what color a pig’s blood looks like on this hot cement.” Before Simon could react, Casey bit his ear lobe and backed up five feet with her weapon drawn. A silver colored, Taurus 25 .25 caliber with pink pearl grips was pointed directly at his face. At this time, Nick and Brian dropped the bags and had their Berettas drawn.
“Shit! Bitch is good, I give er’ that. Crazy as fuck too.” Said Fin as he could only stand there and watch Simon clutch his ear in pain.
“Now will you walk away?” said the redhead. “Or will you act like a man, and fight me? I’ll even lower my weapon and give you a chance. C‘mon Simon, how else will I get to see you in action?”
“Your whole family is fucking nuts!" Simon looked at the blood on his hand. Fin pulled out a hankerchief from his jacket pocket and gave it to Simon which he place on his left ear. “I wouldn’t touch you with Dahmer’s hands!
Both parties were at a standstill on what to do. Casey and her boys on one end of the corner, while Simon and Fin stood on the other. Fin kept his hand in his jacket, fingering his gun. He was waiting for Simon to give the green light, then all this mess would be over.
Yelling could be heard form the large crowd that formed. “Kill em’!”, “Benson’s dogs should be put to sleep!”, “Cabot is an uptight bastard!”, “Someone call the police!”.
What the crowd isn’t paying attention to, is the black, stretch limo approaching from around the corner. The license plate and flags on the back of the limo feature the Cabot crest.
“What the hell is going on?” A middle aged, balding man screamed to his driver. “I pray it doesn’t involve one of our own. Stop the car!” The driver stopped the limo right next to the crowd. Two large men exited the limo, and made a hole through the crowd. As the senator was about to exit, he stopped and looked at his wife. “Hand me my rifle, dearest!”
“No, I will not. We are too dignified to be drawn into this mess.” The blonde debutant crossed her arms. “ I will not mess up my dress either. This is a Vera, thank you very much!”
“Woman, give me my gun! I can see Benson’s assistant and his nephew. Maybe I can have them arrested.” He stepped out of his limo and approached the ruckus.
“You act like a man! Why don’t you put down your gun and walk away like one?” Simon yelled at Casey. “I’m not scared of you.” He yelled in her direction.
“Very cute. Maybe I won‘t kill you.” She placed her non gun hand on her chest. “I would just die if I stained this outfit. It’s Dolce and Gabbana. It’s worth more than your peasant lives.”
“How true my dear niece!” Casey turned her head quickly to see her uncle walking towards her from behind. “Their lives are meaningless. Which is why there’s no point in wasting our bullets on them. I’ll just talk to the Chief of Police and have them arrested for disturbing the peace.”
“Yes, Uncle Max.” Casey just smiled at him and holstered her gun. “I’ll go wait in the car. Boys, my bags please.” Nick and Brian holstered their weapons and picked up the bags. They carried them to the limo while Senator Cabot stood his ground watching Simon. Simon stared back at Cabot. Fin stared at Cabot. The crowd was beginning to break up until more shouting was heard.
“CABOT, YOU BASTARD!” A middle aged man with shaggy brown hair cut through the crowd along with a brunette woman. “Get away from my nephew!” He walked up to Simon and Fin. “Are you both alright? Serena, stay with them while I handle this.” Benson walked toward Cabot.
“Yes, husband.” Serena looked towards Simon. “ Simon, you‘re hurt. My God.” She touched his face and reached into her purse for a clean hankercheif. Then she looked at Fin. “Are you alright Odafin? Were you hurt?”
“I was just bit by a dog Aunt Serena, we’re ok. Things just got a little out of hand.” Simon looked down at his feet. “I tried to keep it peaceful, I’m sorry.”
Serena put her finger under his chin and lifted his head. “It’s ok dear. Come. We’ll wait in the car. They all walked toward the other end of the block to an awaiting black limousine with the Benson crest on the plate and the flags.
“Daniel, long time no see. How you been? How’s the wife? And your little bo..I mean girl?” Cabot laughed along with his bodyguards who still held the crowd back. “I’m sorry Daniel, ol’ friend. You just can’t tell nowadays. With the way you let her behave.“ Benson just stood there shaking with rage, his fists clenching open and closed, and his teeth grinding. Cabot blinked when realized he was no longer on his feet but on the ground looking up at his archenemy. “You son of bitch!” He was helped to his feet by his guards. “You’ll pay for this. The Chief is on his way and you’ll end up in a cozy cell with your brats!”
“I AM NOT ARRESTING ANYBODY!” A bald man wearing a police uniform yelled amongst the crowd. “EVERYONE GO HOME NOW! Except for the senators!”
Cabot held his jaw and pointed at Benson. “I want to press charges. That bastard hit me.”
Chief Cragen stood between both senators. “Both of you are animals! You choose to destroy your fellow human being, than to attempt to live in peace. I have been called to at least three disturbances involving your family and employees over meaningless circumstances. What the hell do I have to do to get you both to see reason. Why, oh why do you choose to hurt one another than to greet each other with civility? That’s it! I said for everyone to go home! I’m tired of these civilians getting involved in business that is not theirs because they are on the side of Senator Cabot.” He looks at Cabot cradling his jaw. “Or Senator Benson.” He looks at Benson holding his right hand. Chief Cragen grabs both men by the front of their shirts. “If I am called to one more disturbance, your whole fucking family will be sitting at Riker’s. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?” He shoved both men away from him. He looked over his shoulder at Benson. “Senator Benson, I need to see you at city hall later this evening.” He than looked over his other shoulder. “Senator Cabot, I need to have a word with you now.” Chief Cragen walked over to his police cruiser. Cabot followed suit but kept his eyes on Benson.
“This isn’t over, Daniel.”
Benson stared back with the same intensity. “You bet your ass it isn’t.” He turned away and walked back to the limo. Once inside, he sat against his wife with his eyes closed. “Can your pour me a drink, nephew?”
Simon reached towards the mini bar across from his seat. He grabbed a glass and filled it with ice. Then poured his uncle three fingers of Jack. Daniel took the glass and smiled after he let the glass sit on his throbbing knuckles.
“Simon, my boy. What happened?”
“Odafin was being harassed by Cabot’s employees before I got there. I stepped in to break it up. Before I knew it, the harpie showed up and made things worse. Damn Casey! I told her to leave us alone but she wouldn’t let us by. I’m sorry uncle, I should’ve tried harder.” Simon lowered his head into his right hand while his left still held the hankerchief on his earlobe.
“It’s ok. Things could have been worse, Simon. I’m just glad my baby wasn’t here for that. I couldn’t take it if she got hurt.” Serena looked at her husband. “Has she gotten any better, dear?”
Daniel closed his eyes and gulped his entire glass. He took a deep breath and said “No. She’s been like this for days. She locks herself in her room and listens to music all day and night. If I hear one more Nirvana song, I’m throwing her stereo out the window!” He looks at Simon. “Simon, do you know what’s going on?
The brunette looked at the floor. “No, I have no idea. Every time I try to talk to Olivia, she just stays quiet. I saw her this morning but she gave me the cold shoulder. I guess she’ll talk when she’s ready.”
The limo continued it’s drive through the crowded streets of Manhattan. Simon noticed they were passing Central Park. “Uncle, can you drop me off by the reservoir? I have a feeling that’s where Olivia is at.”
Daniel picked up the limo’s phone and waited until the driver answered. “Head over to the reservoir entrance at East 90th street! Thank you.” He hung up and smiled to his nephew. “Talk to your cousin. Find what is troubling her so I can do whatever I can to make it better.”
“I’ll do my best, uncle.”
The dark limo pulled up to the entrance. Simon hugged his uncle and kissed his aunt on the cheek. He smacked Fin’s shoulder and said “Later.” He entered the park and made his way towards the park benches by the waterfront. It was a beautiful view. The infamous New York City skyline in the mid afternoon. No wonder a lot of people like to come here. Well, there’s only one person he’s interested in finding. As he scans all the benches, his eyes stop on a figure sporting short brown hair, head tilted back wearing a pair of shades. Bingo thought Simon. He approached the bench and abruptly took a seat next to the same figure.
“God! What does a girl have to do to be left the fuck alone?”
“Good afternoon to you too, cuz!” Said Simon with a big grin on his face.
Olivia sat up, looked at her cousin then looked back towards the park entrance. “Afternoon already! Where does the time go?” She took a drag from her cigarette and asked, “Mom and dad in the limo?”
“Simon snatched her cig and took a drag. “Yep. You have them worried to hell about you. Go say hi!”
Olivia pulled out her pack of reds, and pulled out another cigarette. Before she lit it, she looked at Simon. “No. I’m not in the mood. I’m sure that’s not the first time a girl said that to you.” She smiled and took a drag.
Simon rolled his eyes and took a drag of his stolen smoke. He stood up, turned around and waved to the limo. The limo left shortly after. He sat back down and placed an arm around his baby cousin and flicked the cigarette butt. “Talk to me or I’ll bother you aaaalllll day!”
Olivia shrugged his arm off and stood up. “There’s nothing to talk about. I just want to be alone right now. It’s not like I won’t be forever anyway.” She walked toward the fenceline and stared at the water. She threw her cigarette in. “I’m destined to be alone.”
Simon got up and walked to his baby cousin. She’s in love. He squeezed her shoulder in a brotherly manner and smiled. “Who broke your heart, cuz?”
Olivia just chuckled. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.” Simon grabbed her arm and pulled her back towards the bench. They sat down. Then he dug in her leather jacket pocket while she sat there in disbelief. “Ah ha!” He held her pack and pulled out a cig. After he lit it, he took a deep drag and leaned back on the bench. “Tell me all about it.”
“Fine. It was Monique.” Simon choked on his smoke. Olivia rolled her eyes in the middle of his choking fit. “Really? Simon? Are you serious?” Simon started pounding his chest with his fist. Olivia noticed he was no longer coughing, but laughing. “It’s not funny. I’m really hurting here.” Simon stopped laughing immediately.
“I’m sorry. You gotta admit. It’s funny. I never would have expected you, to fall for a snob…” Simon gulped loudly at the look on Olivia’s face. She was not happy. “Why are you even pursuing her. She is a bit conceited." A bit my ass. “You can do better.”
Olivia grabbed a fistful of her own hair. “I don’t want better. I wanted her. But she won’t listen to words of love, she won’t accept my gifts and she won’t even let me get in her pants!”
Simon couldn’t stay serious any longer. “Haha! She won’t give it up! Wow. That’s interesting.”
“That’s not the worse of it.” Simon looked at her waiting for more. “She’s a virgin.” Simon still looked perplexed. Olivia look annoyed. “AND SHE’S STAYING THAT WAY!” Simon looked at his depressed cousin and came to one conclusion.
“You need to get laid! OW!" Simon held his head between his hands. “I’m already hurt and you gotta hurt me more? C’mon Liv!”
Olivia looked closely at his head and noticed the dry blood on the left side of his neck. “Oh my God. What happened?”
“Casey and her goons happened. It was just bullshit so don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Your dad took care of it.” Simon just smiled. “But we’re straying off topic here. Why is she staying ‘untouched’?”
Olivia hugged her cousin’s head and said “Cuz, she’s gonna be a nun.”
“I guess that explains why she always turned me down.” Simon hugged his cousin back.
“She turned you down cuz your ugly." Simon picked up his cousin and placed her on the bench. Then looked at her with a big smile and wiggled his eye brows.
“I am a handsome fellow, if I do say so myself. Especially being a Benson. I’m destined for greatness.” He stood up and flexed his arms. “I am the manliest in this family.”
Olivia looked up and laughed at his silliness and attempt to make her feel better. She stood up and stared at his green eyes. “You are not the manliest in this family. She walked a few feet toward the park entrance. Stopped and looked over her shoulder at Simon. “I am!”
Simon laughed loudly and ran up to his cousin. He put an arm around her. “You’re not alone, Livvy.” He turned her around, facing him and looked into her eyes. “You got me and the rest of the family. And our motley crew of friends. Forget Monique. You’re gonna find love someday.” Olivia snickered. “No, really. It’s gonna be that kind of love that you’ll wanna give everything for. Even your life.” Olivia stood amazed that Simon could be this deep.
“Thank you, Simon. Yeah, thanks. Let’s go get something to eat.” She shoved him off her and started laughing.
“You know what else, Livvy?”
“What Simon?”
“I need another cigarette.”
“No. I’m almost out.”