Long Island, New York, October 20th
The Sultan’s limo pulled up to the gravesite where his friend Tony Gratzano would be laid to rest. The dark gray skies emphasized his somber mood. He watched as Nico Gratzano, Tony’s son, comforted his mother. The woman clung to Nico as the casket of her late husband was lowered into the ground.
“They will pay for this, Ma, I promise,” Nico said.
Moments after Tony was laid to rest, the cloudy day turned into a torrent of wind and rain. The service was at the graveside, at the far end of the cemetery. Onlookers ran for cover under trees or inside open mausoleums. Nico and his mother took shelter in the crevice of a nearby tomb. The Sultan and the remainder of the funeral procession clustered together with black umbrellas; if someone had looked from above, the crowd would have resembled the carcass of a giant bat.
“Tony was a kind man, a family man, and he will be missed,” the priest said.
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Afterward, the Sultan waited until most of the mourners had paid their respects to Nico and his mother before approaching.
“Mr. Gratzano, I came to pay my respects,” the Sultan said to Nico. “Tony, your father, was a trusted associate, and he will be missed.”
“I appreciate you coming in person, Nas,” Nico said.
“Of course. If there is anything I can do to help the family, please let me know.”
“I think you can help me,” Nico said.
“Name it, and it will be done.”
“Do you have access to the security footage at the dock? I would sleep better knowing we’ve exhausted every lead before giving up.”
“I have cameras everywhere on my vessel, and I’ve already reviewed it.”
“What about the dock?”
“I can obtain it. I’ll put my best man on retrieving the footage. I should have it to you this evening.”
“Much appreciated. When are you going back home?”
“I have business in Newport in two days. Not sure if you are familiar with it, but it’s a seaport town about two hundred miles north of the city.”
“I would be honored if you could join us for dinner tonight,” Nico said.
“The honor would be mine.”
“Vince, a trusted member of the family, will give you the details. And Nas, thanks again for coming—it means a great deal to me,” Nico said.