Episode Three

Published by Mojocastle Press, LLC Price, Utah This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

The Russos: Episode Three ISBN: 1-60180-031-2 Copyright © 2007 D. J. Manly Cover Art Copyright @ 2007 April Martinez All rights reserved.

Excluding legitimate review sites and review publications, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Copying, scanning, uploading, selling and distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without permission from the publisher is illegal, punishable by law and will be prosecuted. Available online at: http://www.mojocastle.com/

Also By D.J. Manly: Connor’s Storm Melting Ice The Russos: Digital Soap

Dedication: To my readers.

The Russos: Episode Three

D. J. Manly

Previously on The Russos...

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n Episode Two, Tony, who has just been informed that his real father is Johnny Russo, finally arrives in Los Angeles where his biological father lies in a coma from a gunshot wound. Mac, who is very upset about what is happening to Johnny and his best friend, reminisces with Johnny at his bedside about what it was like growing up with him and his brother, while Johnny still hovers near death. Sofia Russo, in agony over the state of both her sons, thinks about her youth, and how she fell in love back in Italy, with a concert pianist, Drake's real father...and the love of her life.

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The Russos: Episode Three

And Now...Episode Three of The Russos

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t was half past eight, and Francine Thomson was exhausted. She took off her high heels, shoved them into her bag and put on her running shoes while she waited to see Drake at the jail. Sure, she was being well paid for this case, but it was exhausting her, both physically and emotionally. Seth Anderson, the DA, was a hardass when it came to giving anyone a break. Everything by the book. She thought she’d have Drake out of jail by the end of the week. Now it was beginning to look like two weeks. Suddenly, a guard appeared and directed her down the hallway. She stepped through the metal detector, then went straight through to the consultation room. The guard opened the door for her. Drake looked up as she came in, and smiled. She smiled back. How could she not? He had a dynamite smile. “I didn’t expect to see you back here tonight,” he said in his deep, smooth voice. “Has something happened, Francine?” He sat back in his chair. She pulled out a chair on the other side of the table and then searched in her bag for a cigarette. She had told him to call her Francine, but she regretted it now. He had a way of saying her name that sounded like 2

D. J. Manly they had just been in bed together. She didn’t think it was intentional. It was just his way. She put a cigarette in her mouth, lit it and then held one out to him. He shook his head. “My voice, smoking ruins the voice,” he explained. “Oh,” she replied, blowing out smoke. “What’s wrong, Francine? You seem tense.” She was the lawyer and he was defendant. He was the one who was supposed to be tense. “The D.A. agreed that the evidence seems to back up your story. The fingerprints on the gun and the angle of the bullet indicate that your brother tried to pull the gun away from you and toward himself before it went off. He was shot at extremely close range, and...” “So, that’s good,” Drake cut her off. He got up and paced. He didn’t want to go through all this again. “They believe me, then?” She nodded. “So, when can I get out of here?” “There is something I don’t understand, Drake,” Francine eyed him. He stood still and met her eyes. “What’s that?” “This complete about-face. First you don’t give a damn, and now you’re the epitome of cooperation.” “I’m the only chance my brother has. I need to be with him, that’s all.” “Why did you try to kill yourself?” Francine asked him. “Who says I did?” he asked, raising a dark eyebrow. “Well, that’s your defence. That’s our defence. You’ll have to explain why you wanted to kill yourself in the 3

The Russos: Episode Three hearing.” “Isn’t there any way we can do without that?” “No. The D.A. wants to hear all this from your lips, not mine. Then they’ll drop the charges.” “Can I get out of here before the hearing?” “Yes. The hearing could be months from now. They may require bail at this point, but it won’t be a lot. You can afford it. Of course, you’ll have to promise not to leave the city until the hearing.” He nodded solemnly. “We need to draw up a formal statement based on what you told me this afternoon, and it will have to be more detailed.” “Meaning?” “Meaning you will have to explain to the judge why you tried to kill yourself.” Drake’s eyes grew stormy. “What in fuck does this judge care why I tried to kill myself? Jesus, lots of people in this business try to kill themselves, and some even succeed. It’s a crazy life, a lot of pressure. You’re always on the road, you’re always overtired. Maybe I was just tired of living.” Francine gazed at him. “A man like you...in the prime of your life, with everything to live for, tried to shoot himself in the head? You’re talented, on top of the heap, great-looking, rich, lovers coming out your ears. What could you possibly be lacking?” “Love,” he said softly. “Love?” Her eyes widened. “You could have anyone you wanted.” He shook his head. “The one I want, I can never 4

D. J. Manly have. You look at me and think I have everything, but inside I’m empty, and there is no one who can fill this space except the wrong one.” “Why? Are they married, in love with someone else, dead? What? There is always a way when love is real.” “Not always,” he said softly, looking away. “The only way to stop it is to end my life. I’ve thought about it a few times over the years, but I’ve never had the nerve to go through with it. I’m too selfish to die, I think.” He paused, and then laughed. “I worry about what it would do to...this person...if I did it, and now I know how it would feel...almost...” She got up from her seat, walked over to him and pulled him into her arms. It was a foolish thing to do, totally impetuous and unprofessional, but the look on his face was so tormented, so sad. She held him, smoothing back his hair. He buried his face in her shoulder, tightening his hold on her for a second. She knew she should release him, but God he felt good, and when he moved his face toward hers, she felt the pressure of his lips against hers. Her lips parted automatically, and she allowed the kiss to deepen. His hands moved up her back, his groin pressed against her hip and then suddenly, she gasped and pulled away. “What are you doing?” she demanded. He gave her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I really crossed the line. Forgive me.” She didn’t know what to say. She was embarrassed. She was turned on. She cleared her throat and went to pick up her bag off the floor. “I really should go. I want 5

The Russos: Episode Three you to know that I’m doing everything I can to get you out of here this week, but it may take longer.” She looked down at her bag and fumbled with the zipper. “How much longer?” he asked, taking a seat. She didn’t want to look at him, so she turned toward the door. “I don’t know, two weeks max. Try not to worry, I’ll be by...tomorrow, maybe,” she replied hastily and knocked on the door for the guard to let her out. When the door closed behind her, she practically ran down the hallway. In the security of her car, she picked up her cell phone. She dialled Frank Carr’s home phone number. It picked up right away. “Hello?” It was a woman’s voice. “Hi, can I speak to Frank, please?” The woman never answered. Instead, she let the phone fall and called Frank’s name. Then Francine heard her say, “One of your whores, perhaps!” Francine laughed as Frank picked up the phone and said hello. “Just one of your whores, Francine Thomson, here,” she giggled into the receiver. “Sorry about that,” Frank cleared his throat. “What’s happening? Any movement yet?” “Drake will be out in a week or two. He’ll need a lawyer to see him through the next few months before the hearing. I...” “What do you mean, he’ll need a lawyer? You’re his lawyer,” Frank interjected. “I want off the case, Frank,” Francine stated. “Why?” 6

D. J. Manly “Why? You want the truth or bullshit?” “Eh...let’s see...eh, truth? What do you think?” Frank snapped. “Okay, I want off this case because Drake Russo is one charming, gorgeous son of a bitch and I think I could fall for him hard.” “So? He has that effect on everyone...the letter carrier, the clerk at the corner store...don’t worry about it.” “But I am worried. Now, I can recommend--” she began. “So what if you do fall for him?” Frank was saying. “You’re a gorgeous woman. He may be interested. Have an affair, live a little.” “Frank, you don’t have affairs with men like Drake Russo unless you’re a masochist. He’s a heartbreaker. You don’t leave men like that, they leave you and believe me, they do damage.” “Sounds like you’re talking from experience,” Frank suggested gently. “I am. I recognize the type. They’re irresistible to me. Gorgeous, charming, with quick wits and fast tongues. Sweet as sugar, but deadly.” “I have a solution. Remain Drake’s lawyer, but just keep your distance.” “Too late already. He kissed me tonight and believe me, if we hadn’t been in that jail cell...I wouldn’t be on the phone with you right now.” “What’s got into him?” “What’s got into him? He’s in jail, Frank. He’s worried about his brother. He’s vulnerable as hell and 7

The Russos: Episode Three he’s lonely. For some people, it’s chocolate and ice cream. I get the feeling that for Drake, well, it’s...” “Sex,” Frank supplied. “Look, sleep on it, okay? You’ll feel better in the morning, I guarantee you.” “Ah...Frank...” she groaned. “At least stick with him until he gets out of there. He needs you, Francine. We all need you. He trusts you.” “All right, Frank, and fuck you, okay?” she said. Frank laughed. “Ya, well, pleasant dreams, kid.” He hung up. What a bastard, she thought, but then she started to laugh. She was overreacting, wasn’t she? It was just a kiss. A kiss that made her head spin and her pulse rate double, but it was only a kiss. ****** Mac held up a hand when he saw Angelo walking down the hallway toward him and stifled a yawn. It was almost nine o’clock in the evening. He must have dozed off. He moved his neck around a little and stretched out his legs. “Where in hell have you been, and where’s that crazy uncle of yours?” “Drunk,” Angelo replied, falling into the chair beside Mac. “Drunk?” Mac repeated blankly. “Yep, drunk. I left him at Mama’s hotel. He needed to sleep and if this is the only way he can sleep, well....” he trailed off. “Did Johnny’s son turn up yet?” “Ya. Seems like a nice kid. He’s been in and out of Johnny’s room with your mom. He looks a lot like Johnny.” 8

D. J. Manly “Um,” Angelo replied. “Is he in there now?” “Ya. So, did you eat?” “Chinese. That’s where uncle Pep got sloshed.” “In the Chinese restaurant?” Mac laughed. “That’s it, in the restaurant. I carried him into the hotel. He passed out on me.” Mac was laughing. Suddenly Janet appeared around the corner. She smiled when she saw her son. “Hey, baby,” she said, bending down to kiss him on the forehead. “Pepi here?” “Drunk,” Mac announced. She looked at Angelo for an explanation. “Don’t ask.” He shook his head. “Have you heard that Dad could be out of jail as early as Friday?” Janet clutched the arm of the chair and sat down. Mac whooped, and then realized he was in a hospital and put his hand over his mouth. “Who told you this?” Janet asked. Angelo repeated what his grandmother had said. Mac placed his hands together and closed his eyes. “Is this for real?” Angelo smiled and nodded. Janet exhaled. “I knew he’d be out soon. I knew that keeping him in there was ridiculous.” “He’s got a good lawyer, Francine Thomson. Greatlooking, too,” Angelo muttered. Janet swatted his arm. “Never mind. She could look like Frankenstein’s monster for all I care, as long as she gets your father out of jail,” she said stiffly. “So, what does she look like?” Mac asked, elbowing 9

The Russos: Episode Three Angelo in the ribs. “Tall, fair hair, beautiful thing with legs this long,” Angelo stretched out his arms. Janet shook her head. “Maybe I should check her out. I could use a lawyer,” Mac smirked. “What in hell do you need a lawyer for?” Janet demanded. “I don’t know. I could get into trouble one day. I’d put her on retainer.” Angelo started to laugh. Janet got up and stalked off. “What’s with Mom?” Angelo asked. “Oh, I don’t know. She’s mad at me, I think,” Mac shrugged. “Why?” Angelo asked. “Because I told her some truth earlier on about us, and she didn’t like what I said.” “Oh,” Angelo replied softly. “Any chance you guys will take up where you left off that one summer?” “Would you like that?” Mac asked. “Of course I would. It would certainly help keep her off my back,” he teased. “She loves your father,” Mac commented simply, looking away. “They’re never going to get back together, Mac, she knows that. I’ve told her not to waste her life on Dad. You’re good together, and I know she really cares about you. She’s always had the hots for ya.” “Thanks, Angelo,” Mac grinned. “Hang around. You’re great for my ego.” 10

D. J. Manly “Angelo, come and meet your cousin now,” His mom demanded, coming back around the corner. Angelo sighed and got up. “Duty calls. Save my seat, will ya?” Mac laughed and looked around at all the empty seats. “Sure, no problem.” Tony stood at the end of the hall looking out the window. When he saw the tall young man walking toward him with his aunt, he thought for a minute that it was Drake Russo. He sucked in a breath. Drake Russo. In all his life, he never dreamt that... Then the young man came closer and Tony realized that it wasn’t Drake Russo. It was someone who looked a whole lot like him, but was around the same age as himself. Janet looked at Tony and smiled. “This is my son, Drake, but everyone calls him Angelo. Angelo, this is your cousin Tony.” Angelo held out his hand. “Hi there, Tony. Finally nice to meet you.” Tony took his hand. It was warm and strong. He shook it and then let it go. “Hello...Angelo?” He squinted. “Where does Angelo come from?” “It’s my middle name. I’m named after my dad, and it got confusing sometimes. No one knew if they were talking about Dad or me, and I don’t especially like being referred to as Drake Junior. It’s okay when you’re four, I guess, but not when you get older.” Tony liked him immediately. He was earthy and handsome. He had a warm smile. He seemed like the kind of guy you could tell anything to and he’d 11

The Russos: Episode Three understand. As if sensing they would hit it off, Janet excused herself and left the two boys alone. “Must be weird,” Angelo said, “finding out your dad is famous and everything.” “Weirder than you can imagine. I worshipped these guys, me and my friend back home,” Tony said, leaning against the window. “Where’s home?” “Small town in Ontario. You wouldn’t know it.” “I’ve been to Toronto.” “Well, it’s not far from there. When were you in Toronto?” Tony asked him. “Oh, as a teenager, eh...’94 or ‘95. Dad was doing a concert there. I used to travel with them in the summers. Toronto was one of the stops on their North American tour.” “I tried to get tickets to that concert. I stood outside all night, Sam and I. It was sold out. We were so disappointed. Imagine, I couldn’t get into my own father’s concert.” Angelo studied Tony for a moment as he listened to him talk about that night in Toronto. He was young and had led a sheltered life in a small town. Los Angeles was a whole different world. He was a good-looking kid. Angelo decided that he was open, liked to talk and he was probably not really in tune with the really ugly aspects of the world yet. There was something really refreshing about that. “Well, that was then,” Angelo shrugged. “You didn’t know that Johnny Russo was your father back then.” 12

D. J. Manly “I didn’t know anything at all back then,” he said, looking out the window. A silence lingered for a few seconds, then, Tony turned back to his newfound cousin. “So, what is it like being Drake Russo’s son?” Tony asked. Angelo shrugged. “Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes a pain in the ass. Most of the time when I was growing up, no one knew who I was. My parents wanted to keep me out of the limelight, so they agreed I would go by the name of Smith until I got older. I went to an ordinary public school and even some of my friends didn’t know that Drake Russo was my father. Later on, when I got to be a teenager, they let me hang around backstage and travel with the band. The media didn’t even know me until a few years back, and still I don’t think many people realize that Drake has a son.” “I’ve read just about everything I could get my hands on about the band, and you were just a rumour for a long time,” Tony laughed. Angelo grinned. “A rumour,” he repeated. “That’s kind of neat.” “Better a rumour than nonexistent,” Tony added with a trace of bitterness in his voice. Angelo looked at him. “Did you have such a bad life, Tony? I mean, I hear you were quite well off, your dad...stepdad is a doctor or something. Your mom owns a store. I know it’s a different kind of life than what Uncle Johnny would have given you, but was it so bad, really? I mean, this celebrity shit isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. There were times that I wished Dad wasn’t a rock star. I couldn’t go anywhere with him in 13

The Russos: Episode Three public unless we were surrounded by people all the time. I couldn’t have a Big Mac with him at McDonald’s or go to Disneyland, or even walk down the street with him. I couldn’t do that with either one of my uncles, either.” “I never thought of that,” Tony replied. “That must have been tough.” He paused, thinking a minute. “To answer your question, I had a nice life, really, but it wasn’t real. It was a lie.” “Real? What in hell is real, anyway?” Angelo began to walk down the hallway. Tony fell into step beside him. “It was your life, the life you lived. It wasn’t any less real than mine or anyone else’s. Maybe your life was more real in some ways than mine. Everything is artificial out here.” “I look at that man lying in the bed,” Tony told him, “and I can’t connect. I can’t connect to him as my father. He feels like a stranger,” Tony murmured. Angelo stopped and looked at him. “That’s because he is a stranger. It’s going to take time and he’s in no shape now to be a father to you anyway. If he gets well...” “Do you think he will...get well?” Tony asked, his throat dry suddenly. Angelo paused, and then he threw an arm around his cousin and hugged his shoulders. “I don’t know, Tony, I just don’t know.” ****** One day turned into the next without any demarcation. 14

D. J. Manly Tony stayed with his aunt Janet and her son at night and spent his days at Johnny Russo’s bedside. An entire week had slipped by almost unnoticed. He met his uncle Pepi and his grandmother the day after he arrived in L.A. They were really nice to him, but he still found it hard to look at these people and think of them as his family. It was his cousin Angelo he felt most at ease with. He spent hours talking with him, asking him questions about the family. In fact, he quizzed him so much that at one point, he apologized to him for taking up so much of his time. Angelo didn’t seem to mind telling him stories about the band and being on the road with them. For the time being, he left out stuff like Uncle Johnny’s cocaine addiction and his promiscuity. He didn’t discuss the ugly side of their fathers’ relationship. He wasn’t trying to hide things, really. It was that Tony had just found his father after all these years. Perhaps now wasn’t the time to tell him the negative things. He would hear them sooner or later. Janet had spent the last week expecting the police to show up at her door at any minute. They hadn’t, and there had been no more harassing phone calls from Sandy. Whatever Sophia had said to Sandra on the phone, it seemed to have done the trick. Janet did suggest to Tony that he should call his mother to tell her he was okay, but he simply said, “No.” She didn’t push it. Johnny’s condition had not changed, and there had been no news concerning Drake since early last week. It 15

The Russos: Episode Three was Sunday already, and Drake was supposed to have been released by the end of the week. Janet had made a phone call to Frank early that morning, but he either wasn’t at home or was still sleeping. She shared coffee and toast with Tony that morning, then called upstairs to wake up her son. He hopped in the shower, came downstairs, ate cereal and then they headed to the hospital. Angelo drove too fast as usual, and Janet nagged him a little about speeding. Angelo sighed, called her a backseat driver and slowed down almost to a crawl, which made her complain louder. Tony hid a smile. As soon as they stepped off the elevator at the hospital, a nurse came hurrying toward them. Something had happened. “Good morning,” she said. “You won’t be able to see Mr. Russo just yet, they have taken him down to the surgical unit.” “Surgical unit?” Janet mouthed. “What happened?” Tony blinked. He turned to his cousin, who had no answer except to pat his shoulder a few times. “Oh, don’t worry. The doctor will explain everything. Nothing out of the ordinary,” the nurse explained. “Please have a seat, the doctor will be with you shortly.” They sat down and tried not to panic, but that was impossible. It was over an hour and a half before the doctor came to join them. They all stood up as he 16

D. J. Manly moved toward them, his white coat flapping furiously as he walked. He introduced himself as Doctor Sumbra. He was a short man of African descent with a loud, choppy voice. “The Russo family.” He smiled a toothy smile. “Please, sit. I’ll do the same. We decided to insert a feeding tube this morning,” he began before he was even comfortably seated. “We can’t keep him on I.V. forever. He was growing weak. It’s a simple procedure, really.” Janet leaned forward. “Has there been any change at all in his condition?” The doctor reached over and took her hand, patting it a few times. “I’m sorry,” he said. Tony swallowed. “What exactly are the chances he ever comes out of this?” The doctor pursed his lips. “He could wake up at any moment, young man, or he could remain in a coma for years.” Angelo sighed. “Jesus,” he muttered. “I know this may be uncomfortable for the family, but there may come a time when he can no longer breathe on his own. Right now, he is. If that time comes when we have to put him on life support, do you have any knowledge of his wishes? Does he have a living will?” Tears rolled down Janet’s face. “I don’t know.” “He has no wife? Who speaks for him?” The doctor asked, turning to Angelo now. “I would think his mother,” Angelo replied. Janet shook her head. “Drake. Drake speaks for 17

The Russos: Episode Three Johnny.” “His brother,” the doctor repeated. Janet nodded. The doctor stood up. “Anyway, we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. Let’s hope for the best, shall we? We’re doing all we can do for now. You can go in and see him after lunch, okay?” The three of them stood up and thanked Doctor Sumbra. He smiled at them, and then disappeared. For a while, no one said anything. Suddenly, Tony looked at his aunt. “Why did you say Drake speaks for Dad? I could understand Grandmother, or me even, but Drake is his brother. Why not Pepi, then?” Angelo placed a hand on Tony’s arm. “Listen, Uncle Johnny would want my dad to be the one to make these decisions for him.” “But why?” Tony asked. “Your dad was the one who put him in this position in the first place. He shot my father.” Angelo was a little stunned at Tony’s response. That hurt. It hurt a lot. Janet saw the pain in her son’s eyes and took a deep breath. She knew that would probably be said eventually. Tony stood up. Something felt bad in the pit of his stomach. He regretted what he said, but he couldn’t take back the words. He was going to apologise, but instead he walked away down the hall. Janet took her son’s hand in hers. He allowed her to hold it for a few minutes, then pulled it away. 18

D. J. Manly “He didn’t mean it, Angelo. He’s just...” “But he’s right. Dad did shoot Uncle Johnny.” “It was an accident. They struggled for the gun, remember. You know your dad wouldn’t shoot anyone, least of all Johnny.” Angelo stood up. “I’m going to go for a walk. I’ll be back later, okay?” He headed for the elevator. Tony stood at the end of the hall, and watched him leave. She saw her nephew bow his head. She got up and walked toward him. He was crying. She took him in her arms and rocked him as she had when he was an infant. “It’s all right,” she said softly. “Everything is going to be all right.” ****** Francine had Drake’s release papers in her hand when she walked into the jail. The police officer sitting at the front desk checked them over, got up and took them off somewhere and then returned. “You can pick him up at eight o’clock tonight,” the sergeant said gruffly. “Great. Can I see him, please?” she asked. He nodded, picked up the phone and waved his hand, indicating that she should wait over at the side of the room on the bench. She had called Frank Carr this morning, but couldn’t get an answer. She would try again later. A few minutes later, she walked through the metal detector and was ushered into the same little room. 19

The Russos: Episode Three She smiled at him. He smiled back. “You look happy,” he commented. “As of eight o’clock tonight, you’re a free man,” she announced. He stood up. “Thank you,” he said. “No little jig? I expected whoops and hollers.” She eyed him. He gave her a rather sad smile. “I can’t afford to be too excited right now. My brother may be dying, but thank you. Tonight, I’ll be with him and that’s all I want right now.” “Should I pick you up?” she asked and then immediately regretted it. She had no business picking him up. In fact, she should tell him to find another lawyer. “Do you want to pick me up?” He grinned. “Ha, ha. Funny boy. I just meant...” “I know what you meant and no, it’s okay. Carter will come in the limo. The press probably already knows I’m being released tonight. There will be reporters everywhere, and I don’t want to say anything to the press right now.” “Well, actually the limo might be more obvious than my car.” What was she doing? What was she saying? He nodded thoughtfully. “You know, you’re probably right. People will look for a limo. Okay. Come and pick me up at eight, then. I’ll have to go home first and change...am I allowed to go into my house now?” “Yes, they have all the evidence they need,” Francine said. “The yellow tape is still everywhere, but we can rip it down.” 20

D. J. Manly “Good, we’ll stop at my place and then I can take my car to the hospital. You can come with me if you like.” “It will be my pleasure,” she said, then decided she needed to leave before she agreed to do his laundry or have his baby or something. “I’m leaving now,” she announced. “Bye, Drake. See you later.” He lifted a hand. “See ya later.” If she had been able to, she would have kicked herself really hard in the ass on the way out. Instead, she called Frank in the car on her cell phone and told him the news. He was delighted. “Yes! Yes!” he yelled into the receiver. Francine laughed. “So,” Frank managed after he had calmed down, “did you tell Drake you wouldn’t be representing him in the hearing?” “No. Instead, I offered to pick him up tonight, take him to his house and then accompany him to the hospital. Good compromise, don’t you think?” “Wonderful. Sounds like you have everything under control. See ya later, Francine,” Frank chuckled and rang off. Everything under control, Francine thought. She had never felt so out of control in her life. ****** Angelo dialled his grandmother’s hotel and asked for her suite. The phone rang several times before the person at 21

The Russos: Episode Three the hotel came on and said, “No one seems to be answering, sir. Would you like to try back again later?” “Thanks,” he said, “I’ll do that.” He tried Pepi’s house and got his answering service, then he remembered that Pepi was staying at Uncle Johnny’s house in Beverly Hills. He would try there. The phone picked up after two rings. It was Mac. “Oh, hi, Angelo. What’s up?” Mac asked. “You at the hospital?” “I was. I left a while ago. I’m at Bernard’s now.” Bernard was one of Angelo’s friends from high school. He played sax with a blues band at one of the clubs downtown. He hadn’t seen him since he’d been back. In fact, he hadn’t seen any of his old friends. “Is everything okay at the hospital?” “Well, they put in a feeding tube this morning and I don’t know...Tony got on my nerves. I’ll get over it. What are you guys doing?” “A feeding tube?” Mac said. “Ya, they’d have to do that sooner or later.” “Did it go okay?” “I guess,” Angelo replied with a sigh. There was a pause and then Mac said, “We promised Frank we would put the finishing touches on the latest CD. What with all that’s happened, we’re behind schedule and the record company won’t give us any more time.” “Shit. Can I help?” Angelo asked. “Ya. Actually, Pepi was saying this morning that we could probably use you today. Your dad is getting out tonight so he’ll be able to work on it this week with us, 22

D. J. Manly but we promised Frank that...” “He is?” “He is what?” “Getting out tonight?” Angelo let out a yelp. “I didn’t know. Does Grandma know?” “I don’t know. We just heard about it. Pepi tried calling her at the hotel, and...” “She’s not there. I bet I know where she went. Isn’t there a Catholic church just down the street from the hotel?” “Maybe, but you’re asking the wrong guy. I’m no authority on churches.” Angelo laughed. “So, you want me to meet you at the studio?” “You can.” “What time?” “Pep?” Mac held the phone away from his mouth and yelled, “What time are we leaving for the studio?” He heard his Uncle call back, “One o’clock.” “One o’clock,” Mac repeated. “Okay, I’ll get Bernie to drop me off. See ya then.” “See ya, don’t forget your guitar.” “No, I’ll swing by and pick it up.” “Bye then,” Mac said and hung up. Bernie walked out on the balcony and handed him a glass of Long Island Iced Tea. “Thanks, man,” Angelo replied. He took a sip and made an appreciative sound. Bernie came back with a glass for himself and a reefer. He sat down beside his friend and lit it, inhaled deeply a few times and then passed it to Angelo. 23

The Russos: Episode Three It was good shit. He always liked hash best. It tasted almost as good as the kind his dad had got in Columbia once. “You know,” Angelo passed it back to Bernie. “I can’t remember the last time I smoked a joint.” “Come on. You didn’t smoke in Paris?” Angelo shook his head. “Nope, not Paris, Amsterdam. Shit, they smoke there like it’s going out of style. I was stoned for three whole days once.” Bernie laughed, inhaling again. He went to pass it back to Angelo, but he shook his head. His dad had taught him a very simple thing, telling him, “Everything is better in moderation.” He had certainly tossed that out in Amsterdam. Nothing was moderate there. Ya, his dad had told him not to deprive himself of anything, but had warned him to know his limits. “If you want to get high,” he said, “smoke a reefer once in a while, but stay away from the strong stuff, it will finish you.” It was good advice. He had tried coke once; he didn’t like it. He hated needles, so heroin would be out of the question and he didn’t like hallucinogenics. No, give him a good joint once in a while, and that was more than enough. Bernie was laughing now, making some joke about the bartender where he worked. Angelo laughed too. An hour later, Bernie pulled his car up into his driveway in Malibu. Angelo got his guitar and came back out. “Are you sure,” Angelo asked him as they headed for the studio, “that you don’t want to hang out with us 24

D. J. Manly while we record?” “I’d love to, man, but we’re auditioning a new drummer this afternoon. Hank quit.” “Hank quit?” Angelo mouthed. “How come? I thought you guys were tight.” “He got married, and his old lady wants him to get a nine to five job.” “He’s going to hate it.” “I know, but what can you do.” The traffic was heavy downtown, and Bernie was driving a little recklessly. Angelo was relieved when he pulled up outside the studio. He got out and then leaned into the window. “Thanks. Look, maybe I’ll come down to the club tonight and listen to you play. I could use a little R and R.” “Cool. Bring your guitar. You can jam with us if you want,” Bernard suggested. “Are you going to play with those guys again that you were with before, at that rock club?” “Naw, not this year,” Angelo shook his head, lifting his guitar case up under his arm. “I’ve kind of outgrown them. I really want to play with Dad, but he’s on this paying-your-dues trip. I’m going to look around for a new arrangement for now.” Bernard nodded. “I know a guy...a drummer, he’s good. You might be interested in checking him out.” “Who’s he with?” “A bar band called Hindsight, but he’s not happy with them.” Bernie checked his rear view mirror. “I’ll track him down and then one night we’ll get together, 25

The Russos: Episode Three okay?” “Sure man,” Angelo said, stepping away from the car. He raised a hand. “Just give me a call.” Bernie blew his horn and sped away from the curb. ****** Sophia stood at the door of Johnny’s room and watched her grandson as he gently adjusted the pillow under his father’s head. She tilted her head a little and studied the boy for a minute. He looked so much like Johnny when he was that age. It was uncanny. She cleared her throat suddenly and walked in. Tony looked up and smiled at her. “Hello,” he said. He still hadn’t called her Grandmother yet. That was something she was sure would come later on. Poor kid. She really resented that mother of his. How dare she deprive Tony of his family? She had no right to do that. Tony shouldn’t feel awkward around his own blood, but she knew he did. She placed a hand on his shoulder and then looked at her son. Janet had warned her about the feeding tube, but it still frightened her to see her son like this. “How are you?” she asked Tony. “Okay. And you?” She met his eyes. “I’m going to make a lot of things all right soon. If I make things right, then Johnny will open his eyes and get well.” Tony narrowed his eyes. He had no idea what she was talking about. This was not the first time he had heard her say things like that. She seemed prone to 26

D. J. Manly ramble a bit, which made him wonder if she might be a little senile. When he brought the idea up to his aunt earlier on, she dismissed it. “Your grandmother has only just turned sixty, Tony. That’s a little young to go senile.” But she did add that sometimes she mumbled things, as if to herself, that she couldn’t make head nor tail of.” Tony decided to ask her what she meant by making things right. “What things?” he inquired. She was caressing his father’s brow now, gently cooing to him as if he were still a small child. When she didn’t answer he tried again, this time in a louder voice. “What do you mean, Mrs. Russo...eh...Grandmother...when you say that you’re going to make things right?” She looked at him, and then smiled. “You called me Grandmother. Thank you.” He blushed a little. She went back to caressing his dad’s forehead. “Drake is going to be here tonight.” Tony inhaled. “He is?” “Yes, they’re releasing him. God has released my boy because he knows I am going to release both of them from their pain.” Tony sighed and walked over to the window. He pushed aside the heavy curtains. The sun streamed into the room. Outside, the fans were still occupying part of the parking lot. Police cars and vehicles bearing the names of television and radio stations were everywhere. Reporters were making statements into their 27

The Russos: Episode Three microphones, while cameras spanned the parking lot and the hospital windows. Tony closed the curtains. His grandmother was leaning over the bed and speaking in a low voice to her son as if he were awake and could hear her. Tony silently left the room without his question ever being answered. ****** His aunt was sitting in the waiting room smoking a cigarette. They had spent most of the afternoon talking. He felt bad after his cousin left. He hadn’t meant to say what he did to Angelo about his father. He knew the two brothers were close, and that the shooting had been an accident. The words had just tumbled out of his mouth. He confessed to her that he felt like a stranger here and how he wasn’t even sure he belonged. She understood. She held him when he cried. Now Drake was coming. The Drake Russo was being released from jail. Tonight he would be face to face with this superstar who was his uncle. He needed air but he wasn’t allowed to go wandering around outside for security reasons. Janet suggested they go downstairs for a coffee. The cafeteria was huge. One end of it was filled with people in white coats eating on trays, talking about diseases and medications. The other end, where he and his aunt took their place was where the visitors and mobile patients were scattered. They huddled around 28

D. J. Manly ashtrays and drank murky coffee from the vending machines with that white stuff in it, and talked about their aches and pains. “So,” his aunt said, sitting across from him with her paper cup, “you got a girlfriend back home? You haven’t told me much about your life at all.” She was really a very pretty lady, his aunt--beautiful, even, with her shoulder length blond pageboy and china blue eyes. He shook his head. “No girlfriend?” She paused suddenly. “Boyfriend?” He blushed. “This is L.A., Tony. You can tell me if you’re gay.” She could tell he was uncomfortable with the subject and she didn’t know if she should pursue it or not. She knew that her son had flirted with the possibility of being gay himself. Drake was the one who had ‘the’ talk with Angelo when he was old enough to ask the questions. He had explained to him that there was a wide range of possibilities when it came to sexuality, and that he would find out what was right for him when the time came. She had no idea how old Angelo was when he had his first sexual experience, but Drake assured her that he knew what was going on with him. “Don’t worry, Janet. He’s smart and he knows about condoms and he has a very open mind and mature attitude toward his sexuality.” Looking at her nephew now, she was getting the impression that he was a little confused sexually, and it didn’t look like he had anyone to talk to about it. 29

The Russos: Episode Three “If you ever want to discuss...” she began. Tony interrupted. “Sometimes I think I might be...you know...attracted to men, but I have had sex with a few girls,” he blurted. She nodded. “Maybe you’re still too young to...” she began. “I’ll be eighteen in a week,” he replied. “You know, you should talk to your cousin Angelo about it,” Janet suggested, swallowing her cold coffee. “Angelo?” He seemed horrified. “I could never tell him that. Please, don’t, okay?” He looked around him nervously. She reached over and patted his hand. He seemed really upset. “I won’t. I just thought...it’s okay. Listen, what do you feel like eating? I’m starving, and I don’t want whatever that is,” she wrinkled her nose and looked over toward what was left of someone’s meal on a deserted tray. “Me neither,” he laughed. “Let’s go out to a restaurant, my treat,” she offered. They both rose out of their seats and headed for the parking lot. They got into the car, and Janet waved to the security men. She laughed when Tony waved as well. ****** Tony was quiet on the way to the restaurant. He tried to concentrate on the various places his aunt was pointing out to him on the way, but he was distracted. He couldn’t believe that he had told his aunt how he felt about men. God, it was the first time in his life he had 30

D. J. Manly confessed that aloud to another living soul, not even Sam. And Drake Russo’s son was the very last person he wanted to discuss his sexuality with. God, what would his cousin think if he told him that it wasn’t a Playboy centrefold which was his inspiration when he finally began to seriously masturbate at the age of fifteen, but his father, rock star Drake Russo. When he was a kid, he hero-worshipped him, but as soon as he hit puberty, his hormones went crazy. In his mind, Drake Russo was the sexiest person alive. At night before he went to sleep, he would kiss the shiny paper face that stared out at him in that poster he kept on his wall beside the bed. He would fall asleep with the sound of that deep voice singing through his earphones. He would make believe he was singing to him, and he would drift off in contentment. Ya sure, talk to Drake’s son about his sexual attraction to men. What exactly was he supposed to tell him? “Hey cousin, it was your father who gave me my first serious hardon when I hit puberty. Of course, I had no idea that the guy was my uncle at the time.” He started to laugh because it was just too crazy. His aunt looked over at him. “What?” she said. “Nothing, I was just thinking what a crazy stupid world this can be.” She nodded as she pulled into the parking lot of one of her favourite Italian Restaurants. “Kid, you said a mouthful,” she remarked and patted his knee. ****** Francine sat down on one of the leather sofas and tried 31

The Russos: Episode Three to relax. It had been a harrowing ride to Drake’s home in Malibu. At one point, she thought that green van was going to run them off the freeway. Drake poured some scotch into a glass and handed it to her. She was still shaking. He was angry as hell. He pulled up the antenna on his cordless phone and punched in the number for the private neighbourhood police force. She sipped her drink and then coughed a little, trying to relax. She lit a cigarette and then looked surprised as he held out his hand for one. She lit another one and passed it to him. The voice on the other end of the phone belonged to Sergeant Lewinsky. “Lewinsky, this is Drake Russo. Listen, fucking reporters almost drove me off the goddamned freeway on my way home tonight, and now my house is surrounded.” He went to the window and peered outside. “They’re all over my lawn. I want you to send someone over here to get these people off my property now!” “I’m sorry, sir,” Lewinsky replied, recognizing how angry he was, “we’ve been busy tonight. Two attempted robberies. I knew you were coming home, but you got here earlier than expected. I’ll come personally right away with backup, sir.” “Ya, well, you can provide an escort to the hospital as well. I have to see my brother.” “No problem, sir,” Lewinsky replied. “Shit, no wonder we got here fast,” Drake said to 32

D. J. Manly Francine as he hung up the phone, “we must have been doing one hundred and twenty on the freeway. I can’t believe it, those assholes chasing us like that!” He took a drag of the cigarette and then sat down beside her on the sofa. “They’ll do anything for a story.” Francine reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder. He was really tense. “Wow, you’re tight as a coil.” He moved his neck around a few times as she gently began to rub his shoulder. “Ya, I get like that. Johnny used to massage my shoulders and back after a concert. I’d be in real pain. Sometimes it was the only thing that would put me to sleep.” Francine crushed out her cigarette and drained the last of her scotch. “Want me to try?” He looked genuinely hesitant. “No...it’s...” “Come on,” she coaxed, “lie down on your stomach. I’ll try to get some of the kinks out.” She moved off the sofa. He lay down and slowly rolled onto his stomach. She sat on the edge near his middle and began to massage his neck with both hands. He made some appreciative noises. “Did I tell you what a good driver you are?” he murmured. “No, but thanks. Stop thinking about that, just relax,” she said softly. “If I relax any more, I’m going to pass out,” he chuckled deeply. Her hands moved from his neck to his shoulders, then down to the small of his back. She lifted his shirt 33

The Russos: Episode Three and placed her hands on the naked flesh of his back. The feel of his skin startled her a little: soft and smooth, so taut and toned. She moved her hands up and down his back, under his shirt, stopping at the waistband of his jeans, trying to avoid letting her eyes wander over the swell of his buttocks. She imagined what it would like to massage his entire body as he lay there naked on that sofa. She ran a tongue over her lips in anticipation. She almost lowered her lips to the back of his neck. “Should I take off my shirt?” he asked her. She knew it was an innocent question. “Take off what you like,” she laughed nervously. She had meant it to sound like a joke. It didn’t. Drake raised his head, and turned to look up at her. “Francine?” he said. His voice was deep, questioning. She stood up. “Don’t act so goddamned innocent,” she snapped. He blinked and sat up. “Did I do something wrong?” “Yes...yes, but it’s not your fault. It’s the fault of whoever made you.” She sighed and then laughed, because he had the most perplexed expression on his face. “You’re so beautiful,” Francine said, walking over to where he sat on the sofa. She caressed his cheek with her fingers. Then she stood away from him again. “Have you ever done something you know you shouldn’t have done, just because it was irresistible to you?” He pushed some of his long black hair out of his face. “Yep,” he replied, his expression serious. “Now, what is 34

D. J. Manly it that you’re thinking about doing that you shouldn’t do, Francine?” “You’re teasing me,” she accused. “I don’t mean to. Maybe you’re teasing me!” He raised an eyebrow. She laughed out loud. “What?” He grinned. “I doubt you’ve ever been teased by anyone for too long,” Francine shook her head. “You’d be wrong to assume that. I assure you I have been teased.” “When?” she demanded comically. “Well...once, maybe...when I was...eh...let’s see...” “Comedian.” She laughed. She sat down beside him, shaking her head. “Tell me something.” “Something else?” His eyes widened goodnaturedly. “Okay, what?” “If I was to do what I know I shouldn’t do with you, would it be a one-time thing?” He met her eyes. “I don’t know. How can I tell you that now?” “Is there even a tiny chance you could ever fall in love with me...just a tiny chance?” She avoided his eyes now. She would have been happy if he had responded in the same way, telling her that it was too early to tell, but he didn’t. “Listen, Francine, I’m not going to lie to you. I’m in love with someone I can never be with...ever, and I will never love anyone else in my life like that. If you want to spend some time with me...if you want to be my 35

The Russos: Episode Three lover...I’m interested, but I can’t give you much more than that.” “So, I could end up with a broken heart,” she stated flatly. He took her hand. “Not if you go into to it with your eyes open.” “Well, I’ll have to think about it a while,” she squeezed his hand. The doorbell rang. “Excuse me,” he said and went to the window. There were police vehicles outside. Lewinsky was here, barking orders at the reporters, taking off the police officer hat and then putting it back on again. “Are you ready to go with me to the hospital, or have you decided to...” Drake turned to look at her. She looked back at him. “No, I’m coming with you.” She knew it was already too late to turn back now. ****** When Janet saw Drake step off the elevator, she completely forgot she was in a hospital and let out a yell. Drake smiled when he saw her. She got up out of her seat and ran toward him. She didn’t notice the woman at his side until her exhusband took her into his embrace. “Are you okay?” she asked him. He hugged her tight and kissed her full on the mouth. His kisses still had the power to send a little shiver down her spine. “I’m fine,” he nodded, releasing her. “Janet, this is 36

D. J. Manly Francine Thomson.” He stood aside in order to introduce the woman. “She’s my lawyer.” “Really?” Janet said, smiling at her. She took her hand. “We are grateful to you, Ms. Thomson.” “Francine, please and it was my pleasure,” she smiled back. Janet recognized the look in the woman’s eyes almost immediately. Francine Thomson saw her as a potential rival. Janet didn’t feel offended by that, however. Rather, she could only pity her, for she knew what lay ahead. On one level, she felt like shaking her, demanding to know if she were out of her mind. At the very least, she wanted to warn her. She wanted to tell her that she knew he was gorgeous and famous. She also knew how he was capable of driving her wild in bed, but he’d never love her. She’d give him everything and he would treat her like a queen, but there would always be something missing. His heart would never ever be hers. Janet wanted to yell in her face, “Look at me, I was his wife, I even had his son, but I never really had him.” “You all alone?” Drake was asking her now, shaking her out of her trance. “Are you okay? You look a little depressed, Jan.” She shook her head. “I’m fine. Your mother and Tony are with Johnny.” “Where’s my son?” “I don’t know. He must be with Pepi and Mac, or with some of his friends. I haven’t seen him since this morning.” Janet sat back down. “I’m going to get some coffee,” Francine said. “Want 37

The Russos: Episode Three some?” She looked at Drake, then Janet. They both refused. Francine walked over to the coffee machine. “Well,” Janet smiled at him, taking his hand, “should I drive her crazy and start cuddling with you in the corner?” He narrowed his eyes, and then laughed out loud. “Another notch on the bedpost?” Janet raised an eyebrow. “It’s not like that,” he muttered. “Really? It will be. It’s not exactly the norm to bring your lawyer with you everywhere you go, is it?” “She gave me a ride here,” he replied, entwining his fingers, looking down at the floor. “That was cooperative of her. When’s the hearing?” “Probably not for a while.” He paused and then met his ex wife’s eyes. “Is Johnny going to make it, Janet?” She looked away. “Listen, we’ve always been honest with one another. You can tell me.” She studied him. He looked as young as Angelo suddenly, with his faded jeans and brown cable knit sweater. A thirty-six-year-old little boy. She wanted to hold him. She knew by the look in his eyes that he was suffering. She opened her mouth to say something, but he slapped his hands together suddenly and gave her an irritated look. “You’re going to treat me like a child and play games with me too, aren’t you?” “Drake, I’m not playing games. No one is. The truth is, no one knows, not even the doctors. There is no 38

D. J. Manly answer to your question.” He relaxed then, reeled back in his chair, pressing it against the wall. He pounded his head against the wall a few times and closed his eyes. He was putting off what he had wanted to do more than anything. He was suddenly afraid to see Johnny, afraid that he would lose his mind or break down and cry so hard he wouldn’t be able to stop. “Tony is here. I told you that, I guess. He’s a little nervous about meeting you,” Janet mentioned. Drake opened his eyes and set the two front legs of this chair down hard on the floor. “What for? I changed his diapers when he was a baby.” “God, don’t tell him that,” Janet laughed. “Why not?” Drake grinned. “I’m his uncle, for Christ’s sake.” “He’d be embarrassed. He looks up to you, admires you. He was a big fan before he found out you were his uncle.” “And he’s not one anymore?” Drake raised an eyebrow. “Why, because I changed his diapers?” Janet punched him in the arm. “You know what I mean.” Francine was sipping her coffee, sitting quietly across from them now. She looked over at Drake. She could tell it was hard for him, coming here, seeing his brother. She wished she could be of some comfort, but she felt a little out of place with his ex-wife sitting there. She was beautiful. No wonder their son was such a dish, two gorgeous parents. She wondered why they 39

The Russos: Episode Three had divorced. Maybe it was because Drake was on the road so much, or maybe he had been unfaithful. There was too much temptation in that business. It was one of the things that made her hesitant about becoming involved with him. Suddenly Francine heard a woman’s voice. She turned around to see an older woman with grey hair scurrying down the hallway. She was calling out Drake’s name. Drake got up out of his seat and met the woman halfway. He embraced her, lifting her off the floor as he did. “Mama,” he scolded her, “what’s wrong with you, hurrying like that with your heart! Come and sit down now.” She was leaning heavily on his arm when he introduced her to Francine. Her eyes were shining with unshed tears. “So you are the lady who got my boy out of jail.” She gave Francine a huge smile, and then leaned over, grabbed both her cheeks and pinched them. “Thank you, my darling. I owe you everything. What can I do for you in return...anything...name it, darling.” Francine’s eyes widened and she meant to say something, but Drake did it for her. “Mama, it’s her job,” Drake protested. “She did a good job, but that was what she was supposed to do.” Sophia nodded. “You never mind. Go and see your brother. He needs you. I will sit right here with lovely Francine and we will chat.” She let go of Drake’s arm and took Francine’s. She led her over to the other side of the room, away from 40

D. J. Manly Janet. Janet gave Drake a meaningful look, and then rolled her eyes. Drake made a face and shrugged. “Don’t worry about it, Jan. You know, I think I will go in now and see Johnny.” Janet noticed that the expression on his face had changed suddenly. The good humour had left him. She got out of her chair and took his hand. “Come on. I’ll walk with you down the hall.” He squeezed her hand gratefully in return and then took her arm and placed it in his. “Thanks, my lady,” he murmured, bowing his head playfully. She giggled as they walked close together. For a minute, she felt as if she were back in high school on prom night. When they reached the door of Johnny’s room, she stopped. “Do you want me to ask Tony if he’d mind leaving you alone with Johnny for a while?” Drake nodded. “Just the first time, okay?” “I’ll go in and get him, then I can introduce you,” she said. She didn’t wait for his reply. Instead, she slipped into the room, leaving Drake standing in the hall. She avoided looking at her former brother in law for a second or two, her eyes focusing on his son instead. She hated the look of all those tubes everywhere. Poor Johnny. Tony was sitting beside his father. He had covered his hand with his own. His head was down like he had dozed off but as soon as she spoke his name, he lifted it and looked at her. She could see that he had been 41

The Russos: Episode Three crying. His eyes were red and swollen. “Your Uncle is here. He wants to meet you,” Janet told him, “and if you wouldn’t mind, he’d like a few minutes alone with Johnny.” Tony stood up. He was trembling. “Drake is here?” She nodded. He walked toward her and then stopped and turned around, taking one last look at his father. “I’m scared I’m never going to get the chance to know my father, Aunt Janet,” he said without looking at her. “I don’t know if he’s ever going to wake up.” Tears welled up in her eyes. “Oh, Tony,” she murmured, walking over to him. He turned around now and looked at her. She pulled him into her arms. “Don’t say that, Tony. Come on, it’s going to be all right.” “Promise?” he said, holding on to her. But she couldn’t promise that, could she? Instead, she said, “Come on, dear, Drake is waiting.” ****** Mac threw down his drumsticks and stood up. He was finished. He was tired and starving and he didn’t give a shit what was working and what wasn’t in this piece of music. “You guys keep on if you want to,” he announced, “but I’m getting this ass back home. I need a shower, I need food, and I need to sleep.” Pepi met his eyes, then laughed. “Okay. Are you satisfied with what we did on ‘It’s Never Going To Be?’ “I like the second riff,” Angelo offered from where 42

D. J. Manly he sat sprawled on the floor in the corner. Pepi started to laugh. “The dead have risen.” “I’m exhausted. I want to see my dad, but I don’t think I’ve got the energy to hang out at that hospital again tonight. I don’t know how you people do this shit.” “I thought you were going to some club that your friend is playing at?” Pepi asked, stepping over extension cords and other equipment. “Are you kidding? Not tonight, man,” Angelo replied, pulling himself up off the floor. Mac yelled up at the sound booth that they were finished for today. There was a resounding “Thank God” and a round of applause. Everyone laughed. “Okay,” Mac said on the way out of the studio, “where’s everyone going?” He fiddled with the keys to his purple Jeep Cherokee. “Back to Johnny’s,” Pepi said. “You guys are welcome to stay with me tonight if you want.” “That’s a great idea,” Angelo replied. Mac agreed. “We’ll order pizza in,” Mac said as he got behind the wheel. Pepi and Angelo squeezed in beside him. “I’ll just call the hospital once we get back to uncle Johnny’s and say hi to Dad and let him know that we’ll see him tomorrow, okay?” Angelo offered, placing his hand over his mouth to stifle a yawn. Pepi looked out the window as they drove down Sunset Boulevard. “Don’t worry too much about it,” he said, “Drake’s with Johnny now. Do you really think he’ll miss us that much, Angelo?” 43

The Russos: Episode Three Angelo detected the bitterness in his Uncle’s voice. He looked over at Mac, who had doubled his concentration on the road. Angelo chose not to respond to his question. ****** Tony hovered behind his aunt as he stepped out into the hallway. Drake stepped around Janet in order to see him. When he did see his face, he let out a low gasp. Johnny’s son. There would be no mistaking that face, those eyes, that hair, even if he hadn’t known beforehand. He swallowed. He lowered his head, smiled at him. “Tony?” Tony raised his eyes to his Uncle’s face. He bit his lip. “Drake...Drake Russo,” he managed. “I never expected to...in my whole life...I...I mean...I couldn’t even get tickets to your concert, let alone...I’m sorry, I’m rambling. I just...” “It’s okay. Listen, I’m going in now to see your dad. We’ll talk when I come out, okay?” Drake reached over and squeezed his arm. Tony nodded and smiled at him. “Sure.” Drake brushed by him now and pushed open the door to his brother’s room. Janet placed an arm around her nephew’s shoulders. They were just about to begin walking down the hallway when they heard what they thought was a loud shout coming from Johnny’s room. Tony looked at his aunt in alarm and ran to the door. 44

D. J. Manly Janet reached out and prevented him from opening it. It was perfectly quiet now. “Don’t,” she said sadly. “Leave him alone, okay?” Tony could hear sobbing coming from behind the closed door. He swallowed. He couldn’t quite picture Drake Russo crying, but he was. He was crying as if his heart was breaking. Tony turned around and looked at his aunt. Her eyes were full of tears. She blinked, and one rolled down her cheek. “Come on,” Janet managed, “let’s go sit down now, okay?” Tony took one last hesitant look at the door and then followed his aunt down the hallway. ****** Drake raised his head from his brother’s chest. The room looked somewhat blurry for a minute, until he wiped his eyes with a tissue he found on the night table. He looked back down at his brother and then touched his cheek with his lips. “You can’t die on me, Johnny, because I don’t think I could go on without you,” he whispered against his skin. He moved away from him and went to the window. He suddenly couldn’t bear to look at him because he felt as if he were on the verge of tears again. God, he hadn’t cried like that since...well, maybe he had never cried like that, not even while he had been in jail. His stomach hurt, his chest ached. Pain that comes up from the depth of your very soul and grips you, forcing it out of you in one great gush was something he couldn’t remember experiencing before. It frightened him to 45

The Russos: Episode Three come face to face with it, to have to acknowledge that there was all that hovering beneath the surface. What was worse is that when it began, he couldn’t seem to stop it. It took control of him. He closed his eyes and came back over to the bed. He looked at his brother’s face, ran his gaze over the white sterile gauze that covered his head. He had done this. He had taken out that stupid gun that he kept in the nightstand and threatened suicide. Christ, what had gotten into him? Had he really intended to do it, blow his own brains out? True, he had joked about it. He had frightened his former girlfriend by placing it in his mouth once. Was he really so unhappy? Yes, a voice whispered inside him. But he had everything...practically. All he had ever dreamed of had happened. He was a star. He made his living doing what he loved to do best, making music. More than that, they had been one of the most popular rock groups in North America and Europe for the last ten years. How many other groups could lay claim to that? He was rich. Women and men threw themselves at his feet. He had a wonderful relationship with his exwife, a fantastic son who was turning out to be as musically gifted as he was. He spent his time with his two brothers and best friend travelling and making wonderful memories. What more could he want? What he wanted was to be in love, really in love. He wanted the passion. He wanted a soul mate, someone to talk to, put his trust in, to have fun with, fight with. He wanted to make love under the moonlight, walk in the sand. He wanted to know someone really loved him 46

D. J. Manly for himself, not because he was Drake Russo. He had given others a chance. He began relationships thinking that this time, this was it. He had really tried, but to no avail. He had failed them, often miserably, because they could never live up to what he really wanted. None of them were Johnny. They could never be. Janet understood this finally, understood it even before he did. He could remember exactly what she had said to him when they both knew it was over. Angelo had been sleeping in his crib in the next room, and she went and quietly closed the door. She had looked at him with dry eyes and said, “Drake, I loved you the best I could, but it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough, because your heart does not belong to me. Out of all of us--Pepi, your parents, me--it’s Johnny you love best. It’s Johnny who knows you and it’s Johnny you run to. So go and be with your brother. It will always be the two of us. No one could ever come before Johnny.” Those words had angered him more than anything else she might have told him at that time. They angered him because they were true. Drake moved up beside his brother now. He took his hand. “I love you. I do love you, Johnny. Right or wrong. That night was the most wonderful night of my life. I will never forget holding you like that, but I can’t bring myself to be...to be your lover, Johnny. As much as it hurts, we can never ever be together in that way again. You need to accept this.” Drake squeezed his hand. “Don’t die, Johnny. You’ll kill me if you die, and 47

The Russos: Episode Three your son...Tony...he’s here. He wants to know you, man. Remember how much you’ve missed him...how you always talked about him and...” Drake paused, trembling. “Now’s your chance. Goddamn it, Johnny!” Drake shouted at him. “Wake up, wake up, you son of a bitch. If you love me as much as you told me you did that night...wake up! Don’t do this to me! I can’t go on...can’t live with the pain...the guilt. If you die...I’ll blame myself forever. Johnny! Johnny, I’ll do anything, even be your lover if that’s what it takes to bring you back. I’ll burn in hell, I swear I don’t care. I don’t care anymore!” Drake didn’t realize that he was shouting until a nurse came in and placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and looked at her. Tears coursed down his face. “He can’t die,” he cried, “I can’t deal with it. I’ve tried to tell myself that I will handle it if he doesn’t wake up but I can’t. I will lose my mind!” She tried to comfort him, say something that would ease his pain. She didn’t know what to do. The words he spoke sounded bizarre, strange. She watched him. He had slumped over his brother. He was crying softly now, saying his name. This was Drake Russo, the Drake Russo, the rock star, and she had no idea what to do. She waited for a minute. It was distress. It would pass. He raised his head and looked at her. He forced a smile. “I’m okay now. You can go. I promise to be quiet, okay?” “If you’re sure,” the nurse murmured. 48

D. J. Manly Drake nodded, and she left the room. “See,” Drake laughed slightly, “you’ve let me make a fool of myself, bro. It’s not the first time, is it?” Drake pulled up a chair and sat near him. “Well, I’m going to talk now and it’s the first time you won’t be able to talk back. I’m going to get the last word too...unless you speak up. What do you think about that, kid?” He swallowed. He gave him a mock punch on the arm. Johnny Russo lay quiet on his hospital bed while Drake began to reminisce about their lives. For the first time, he felt as if he could hear a voice. It was far away. He tried to strain to listen. What was the voice saying? He could hear words, but they had no meaning. He knew that voice. Drake. Drake. God, where was his brother? Was he all right? He had to get to him. Who was talking? Someone, someone was touching him. He tried to touch back, but couldn’t. The voice was fading again. He was fading. The fog got thicker and then blackness. ****** Tony sat down beside his aunt in the waiting room. He wasn’t sure why hearing Drake cry had upset him so much, but it had. Janet looked over at Sophia, who was still deep in conversation with Francine Thomson. She sighed. Don’t be a fool, girl, she wanted to shout at her. “Who’s that woman Grandmother is talking to?” Tony asked, glancing at her. 49

The Russos: Episode Three “Drake’s lawyer,” Janet replied. Tony gave her a confused look. “Why is his lawyer...?” “Don’t ask!” His aunt interrupted, shaking her head. Tony sighed. “Where is Angelo? He didn’t come back, did he?” “No.” “He’s probably angry at me for what I said,” Tony muttered. “I really wish I...” “He’ll get over it. Emotions are high now. Don’t worry about it.” She waved it all away. Watching Sophia with that lawyer woman was bugging her. “I’ve never known Angelo to hold a grudge,” she added when she saw that Tony didn’t look convinced. She took a breath and stood up. “Maybe we should think about going home. What do you say? Angelo might be at home.” “Sounds great,” Tony agreed, getting up. He was tired. “I’ve had enough for the day. I really don’t know if it makes much sense to come to the hospital and sit here for hours every single day. I think I’ll take the day off tomorrow, how ‘bout it? The hospital will notify the family if there is any change.” Tony nodded. “It depresses me, seeing him like that, but I keep thinking that if I talk to him, he’s going to wake up and either tell me to shut up or answer me.” Janet gave him a compassionate smile and then took his arm. “Let’s go.” “Oh, shit,” Tony paused, “I just remembered that Drake said we were supposed to talk later.” 50

D. J. Manly “He’ll be with Johnny a long time, Tony. He’ll understand if we’re not still here. He might stop at the house later,” she told him, then looking over at Francine, she said, “Well...tomorrow. He’ll probably come over tomorrow.” Tony didn’t argue. He was tired. He wanted to go back to Aunt Janet’s and rest. He lifted a hand to his grandmother. He didn’t want to interrupt her conversation with the lawyer lady. Sophia stopped talking and got up, excusing herself. She came over to where Tony and Janet stood. “You’re not leaving, are you?” “Yes, we’ve been here all day, Sophia. I’m taking Tony home. He needs to rest,” Janet explained, digging in her handbag for her car keys. “But Drake is here,” Sophia protested. “Yes,” Janet blinked, stone-faced, “and he’s with Johnny. His girlfriend is here, he’ll be all right,” Janet tossed when Sophia responded by giving her former daughter-in-law a look of disapproval. “She is a nice girl. She would be good for Drake,” Sophia announced. Tony saw his aunt stiffen. “Yes, I’m sure she would. Well, got to go. See you tomorrow. Drake will make sure you get home all right.” Sophia nodded and then reached over and kissed Tony on the cheek. “I will explain to Drake you had to leave, dear. You do need to make time to spend with your uncle while you’re here.” Tony promised he would. On the way down in the elevator, Janet shook her 51

The Russos: Episode Three head and then laughed a little bitterly. “Sophia never learns.” “I’m sorry that she said that, Aunt Janet. It really hurt you, didn’t it?” Tony suggested softly. Janet met her nephew’s eyes. “It’s not only that. It’s that she has these expectations about Drake and marriage and she knows better...yet she won’t give up on...oh, never mind. Forget it, okay? Forget I said anything!” “I don’t think I understand what you are talking about, but...” Tony began. “Forget it,” she repeated. “She has a head like a bull. The whole world revolves around Drake, and we’re all supposed to stand in line to do his bidding.” Tony looked at her in alarm. “Is Drake...I mean, Uncle Drake really like that?” Janet shook her head. “No. I’m being unfair. Drake isn’t like that. She is. It has always bothered him that she’s never tried to hide the fact that he’s her favourite. She adores him. We all do. But sometimes, it just gets to be too much. If Drake wasn’t such a rebel, she would have smothered him.” ****** In the car, Tony considered his aunt’s words. There were a lot of things going on in this family that he had no way of comprehending. He didn’t know the history. He couldn’t appreciate the context. He felt cheated, cheated by his mother, and abandoned by his father and just plain out of it. Aunt Janet had tried her best to make him feel a part of this 52

D. J. Manly family and she wasn’t even a Russo by blood. Without her, he would have felt quite lost. When they arrived back at the house, there were two cars out front. Janet let out a cry of frustration. “What is it? Who are they?” Tony asked, peering through the car window. “Press!” she said, practically spitting. “Damn it. Well, I’m going in anyway.” She pulled into the driveway and hit the automatic door opener. Three people, two men and a woman with microphones ran up to the sides of the car. Tony kept his head down. He could hear what they were yelling, even though the windows were closed. “Are you Johnny Russo’s son? What does your mother think of you being here in L.A.? Is your mother coming to be here? What happens if your father dies? Do you inherit everything?” They were still screaming when his aunt roared into the garage. Tony went to open the car door, then realized that the reporters had walked into the garage. “Stay in the car!” Janet demanded. She got out and yelled at them, “Get off my property or I will call the police!” “Just a few words, Mrs. Russo,” they were saying. “It is Smith, not Russo. Now, get to hell out of my garage!” She was literally pushing them outside. “Go, get lost! I have nothing to say to you! Go interview someone else.” She reached up and pushed the button to close the door. As soon as it was closed, Tony stepped out of the car. 53

The Russos: Episode Three “Wow,” he said. “They mean business.” Janet sighed and then flung an arm around her nephew. “Never mind. To hell with them all. Let’s go inside, I’m starved.” Tony laughed. He watched as his aunt disarmed the security system and then followed her inside. ****** It was quiet in the car after Drake escorted his mother back inside her hotel. They drove along the freeway, passing few cars. It was after midnight. Francine wished now that she could just go home, but her vehicle was parked in his driveway. She gave him a sideways glance and then looked straight ahead again. He seemed deep in thought, and it wasn’t hard to surmise that seeing his brother tonight had distressed him. She wanted to comfort him, but she didn’t know how. All she knew is that she wanted to hold him. Her desire for him hadn’t waned. In fact, it seemed to grow stronger by the minute. It worried her. I’m going right home, she told herself. She said it over and over until it sounded like a broken record. She couldn’t allow herself to step inside his house tonight because she knew what would happen if she did. As long as he didn’t touch her or pull her into his arms and kiss her, she’d be all right. She could do this. Sophia had spent hours talking with her, telling her stories of Drake when he was a boy, as if she was to be his future wife. She had the distinct impression that Sophia desperately wanted her to pursue her son. She hardly knew her, and yet she kept saying that she 54

D. J. Manly would be good for Drake. How did she know that? Drake had said something. She looked at him and asked him what he’d said, surprised that he was speaking to her now. “I was saying that I’m sorry if I’m not being very good company. It just dawned on me that I haven’t said a word since we dropped my mother off.” “It’s okay. I’m a little tired anyway. You don’t need to make small talk.” “Thank God,” he laughed. “You’re really worried about your brother, aren’t you?” Francine said. If he did want to talk about it, she was giving him the opportunity. He didn’t respond for a moment, then said, “Johnny and I are very close. It took me for a loop tonight, seeing him like that, laying there, his face like death. I was sure he was dead when I first walked into that room.” “I’m sorry,” was all she could think of to say. When they arrived at his house, Francine opened the door and got out quickly. Her car keys already in her hand, she walked over and stuck them in the car door. She had to get into that car before he came too close. He was behind her now. She was struggling with the damned keys. He placed a hand on hers and gently took the keys away from her. She moved aside as he slid the key in the lock and turned. She was trembling. She thanked him as he opened her door for her. He handed her back the car keys. “Francine...?” he began. She turned to look at him. “Don’t, okay?” she said softly. “I don’t think I could...you’re a little too much for 55

The Russos: Episode Three me, Drake.” He met her eyes. “I don’t want to be alone tonight.” He moved closer and placed his hands on her shoulders. She avoided looking into those eyes. “Please...don’t. It’s not fair.” “We don’t have to make love. I just want the company. You can sleep in one of the other rooms if you want to.” She started to laugh. “What?” “If I want to...” she continued to laugh. “Look, Drake, I have to be up early for work tomorrow. I need to get some sleep, and you would be the biggest deterrent to sleep in the world right now.” “Well,” he murmured, “if I’m a deterrent to sleep here, wouldn’t I be a deterrent to sleep wherever you go?” He was right, but she forced herself to get into the car anyway. She rolled down her window. “Admirable argument, counsellor,” she teased, “but you leave out one very important fact. Even if I can’t sleep at home, at least I won’t be able to give in to the temptation.” He nodded. “I can’t counter that one.” ****** She was gone. He was alone. He walked in the house and noticed that his answering machine was full of messages. He turned it off without replaying them. He had to somehow survive this night. If he could get through tonight, it would get easier. He wished that 56

D. J. Manly Francine had stayed. He could have left all this stuff behind him for a few hours. Sex always relaxed him, put him to sleep, and he liked Francine. He might have persuaded her if he had put a little effort into it. He didn’t like to use people, although he had done it in the past, just like people had done it to him. Francine was a nice person and he suspected she really did like him, and it was for that reason he had accepted her decision without too much of a reaction. He walked into his music room. He looked around at the piano, the set of drums in the corner. There were keyboards and his guitar standing in the corner. He sat down at the piano. Maybe he should try and write something. Some of his best work was born out of his misery. Maybe his success was based on his pain. That made him laugh suddenly. He’d give away all the fame and the money if he could be happy. Happy, what was that? Happiness was holding Johnny in his arms just once without feeling as if he were somehow tainted. If he could kiss him, look in his eyes, make love to him and not hate himself anymore, he would be willing to spend the rest of his life making music in those dumpy clubs he and Johnny had started out in. He’d go back to eating Kraft dinner and baloney sandwiches, give up his Porsche for his old beat-up Camaro if he could embrace those feelings of passion he had for his brother, as natural. But unless tomorrow, society threw out the incest taboo and deemed that it was perfectly all right to be passionately in love with any member of your immediate family, it wasn’t going to happen. That kind of happiness would 57

The Russos: Episode Three never be his. Drake picked up the blank music score sitting on top of the piano and searched for a pen. Words came to him, music played in his head, the beat, the electric guitars, the bass, Pepi coming in with the keyboards, maybe a sax. Ya, he thought, lowering his fingers to the keys. Come on, boy, let’s turn more of that misery into money. ****** Tony woke up at four in the morning straight out of a dream. It had seemed so real that he actually expected to find him lying there. “Drake?” he whispered in the dark, running a hand over the place beside him. With a sigh, he lay back down and closed his eyes. He moved his hand down across his body, dismayed to find that the dream had spilled into reality. He swore softly and got out of bed. Stumbling into the adjoining bathroom, he jabbed at himself with a damp washcloth, still swearing. God, he hadn’t had a wet dream since he was fourteen years old. Still feeling sticky, he gave up on the washcloth and crawled back into bed. A shower would take care of it in the morning. He was too tired now. He closed his eyes and felt himself drifting, going back to that same disturbing dream. Drake was making love to someone, but this time it wasn’t to him, it was to his father, Johnny. Tony stood there watching them… but yet he was involved, because he could feel the pleasure. It was like he was at 58

D. J. Manly the same time a participant and a spectator. And then Angelo came into the room, walking over to him. He was saying something, but Tony couldn’t understand the words. His cousin began kissing him. He heard himself start to moan. His moaning grew with such intensity and volume that finally it woke him up. Unfortunately, it also woke up his aunt, who came tearing into the room. Tony sat up in bed and saw his aunt standing there. She looked alarmed, and demanded to know if he were all right. Embarrassed, he confessed that he was having a dream. “God,” she yawned, “I thought you were in pain. Someone must have been torturing you,” she muttered. Hardly, he thought, hiding a smile. He told her to go back to bed, and apologised for waking her. She sleepily headed back out into the hallway, murmuring something like, “as long as you’re all right,” and disappeared. But he wasn’t all right. Although the sun was now streaming through the window of his room, it wasn’t the light that kept him from going back to sleep. That dream had disturbed him. It had served to remind him what really dwelt deep in his subconscious, desires that should have automatically cancelled themselves out when he discovered who Drake Russo was. Drake Russo was his uncle; the same Drake Russo he was wildly infatuated with as a teenager...and still was apparently, if his dreams were to be believed. The irony of it all was that he would probably have never met 59

The Russos: Episode Three Drake Russo if he hadn’t turned out to be a Russo himself. Drake was his uncle. It didn’t seem possible, probably because he didn’t want it to be. They were related. Drake was the brother of his own biological father. He would never be Drake’s lover. “So stop dreaming about him,” he muttered, “because you can never have him.” Tony rolled over in bed, turning his face away from the window. Even if he had met Drake under different circumstances he wondered if he would have had the guts to make love with him. Drake was...well...bigger than life, even in person. He would have run a mile if Drake had come on to him. Tony closed his eyes. Was he ready for new experiences? Was he ready to go out dancing in L.A. gay bars? Not alone, he wasn’t. Maybe he would take his aunt’s advice, talk to his cousin. Maybe...maybe...no, he was too shy for maybe. He thought about Drake’s son for a minute. His cousin was good looking--no, in fact, he was great looking. He was only his cousin. There was no law against cousins, was there? Maybe if they were going to get married and have children. Maybe Angelo could show him what it was all about. It would certainly be safer that way for the first time. Tony grinned as he thought about it. Only he could make all this sound quite practical. He wondered what Angelo would say if he asked him. He laughed out loud, feeling like he was harbouring some dirty little secret. He was being ridiculous now. It was never going to happen. He turned over and went back to sleep. 60

This concludes Episode Three of The Russos. Stay tuned next month for Episode Four when: - Drake and Angelo argue. - Johnny opens his eyes. - Tony is attracted to Drake Senior. - Tony overhears a private conversation between Drake and his dad. - Tony gets sloshed and loses his inhibitions at Frank’s party. - Mac and Janet make a...connection.

Meet Pepi Russo

H

e’s the youngest Russo brother. He joined the band much later due to his age. He is the keyboard player for the band. He wants to be close to his brothers, especially to Drake, but he’s always felt like an outsider, never able to penetrate that bond that exists between Drake and Johnny. He has absorbed a great deal of the sadness and confusion around him due to the family situation. He is close to his nephew Angelo, because they are not that far apart in age. A lot of Pepi’s private life is shrouded in secrecy. He is very devoted to the family.

D.J. Manly

D

J. Manly is fast acquiring a reputation for pushing the boundaries of male/male erotic romance. A reviewer once said of Manly’s work that it was enough to give the reader “…third-degree burns in an air conditioned room…” and that’s putting it mildly. If you adore gorgeous men who can’t get enough of each other’s bodies…if you like rich plots laced with steamy sex, thick and rich with aching need and glorious adoration and love…Manly’s books will satisfy the craving and leave you panting for more. “If I wouldn’t enjoy reading it, I wouldn’t be writing it,” says Manly. “I like to tease...but I always please...” To check out books by D.J. Manly, you can visit the website at djmanly.com, and take a taste…if you dare. “Fair warning, I’ve been told that it’s highly addictive.” D.J. .