It was late Wednesday night and Danny had been at the airport all day watching the barnstormers doing their thing and wishing that he had the 10 dollars for the 10 minute ride around the airport in a two-seater. But such was not the case. So he thought that he would stop at the corner candy store for a malted milk with extra ice cream. He wondered where Tony and Louie were this evening.
It was very quiet on the streets this evening, an occasional siren blared out in the distance. A fire truck going to a fire or possibly to a false alarm. It was a warm night, windows from apartments and houses were open just to get any sort of breeze. Music was coming from radios, and sometimes he heard a couple having a mild argument. He was told several times not to be walking these streets at night unless someone was with him. But the thought of being afraid never occurred to Danny. Foolishness, perhaps, but never the less.
Passing the huge indoor garage a couple of blocks from Danny’s house, he noticed the absence of movement of vehicular traffic in the garage; people parking their cars, or otherwise taking their cars out for a drive. Usually, a beehive of activity. There was no such activity tonight. Being curious Danny entered the garage to see what was going on. He noticed 3 people in a far corner. Recognizing Louie and Tony. He did not recognize the other person. Couldn’t even tell if he was young or old. The two were beating up on this person. Beating him mercilessly, with only their fists as weapons. Louie and Tony saw Danny and paying no attention to his presence continued beating this unidentified person till he dropped upon the floor apparently unconscious from the rein of blows. Without a word or another glance, Danny turned around and retreated away from the garage and ran, not walked to his home.
Danny couldn’t sleep. He kept thinking of the incident in the garage. He never saw Louie and Tony ever get violent with anyone. Yes, maybe a few verbal outbursts, but nothing physical. He wondered if he should say anything about it. But to whom?. He would never mention it to anyone. In fact, he wouldn’t even talk to Louie and Tony about it. If they wanted to tell him that would be okay, but he would never bring it up.
It was a typical Saturday evening at the club. A few couples were dancing to the slow waltz type music coming from the old Majestic radio. Old yes, but its tones emitted beautiful sounds from its oversized speaker. Danny, Louie and Tony were sitting at the table on the other side of the store, watching the dancers and sipping cold beer from a bottle. It was three days since the incident at the garage. But it seemed as if it hadn’t happened. Nothing was ever spoken between the three boys
“So Danny,” said Tony, “When are ya going to that college that ya supposed to go to?” “Supposed to start next Monday, a week but I’m not sure if I’m going or not.” replied Danny. “Whatcha mean, ya not going. That’s all ya been talkin about all summer. “I know Tony, but I’ve been kinda thinking that maybe I’ll wait for a while and get a job and save some money and go to school next semester.” Although part of the tuition costs were already paid, Danny knew that his parents would have difficulty keeping up with future college expenses. He could not expect them to do this knowing that they would have to do without certain necessities.
“We didn’t know that things were that tough withcha,” said Louie, “What kinda job ya lookin for?” “Oh, I don’t know, I’ve never had a job before, Anything I guess so I could make some money to pay for my college.” Louie and Tony turned around on their chairs and looked intently at each other. It wasn’t a stare but a sort of acknowledgment between them. The two had known each other too long, and words were not necessary to convey a certain feeling and to come to an immediate agreement.
“Danny, I wantcha to meet Mr. Capiloni. Mr Capiloni, this is Danny, the kid we’ve been tellin ya about,” said Louie. “Hello Danny, replied Mr. Capiloni,” in his rather strong Italian accent, “I’ve heard a lot about you, all real good things, and to be honest with you, I’ve not heard too many good things about you Jew boys, but Louie and Tony say that you’re different.” Danny took immediate offense at this statement, and said. “Mr. Capiloni, I’m glad to meet you, but quite frankly, I don’t like what you just said, I am aware that you are an important man in this community, but you make it sound that we Jews are second class citizens, and you as an Italian person think that you are far superior to us.” The cigar that Capiloni had held in his mouth dropped out of his mouth onto his desk. His face took on a bewildered look. He was staggered at this statement. No one in all his life had spoken to him this way. He looked at Danny as if he was crazy to speak to him this way. But Danny continued, “I’m sorry to speak to you this way sir, but ever since I’ve moved to this neighborhood, my family and I have taken a lot of abuse because of my religion. It sort of makes me feel that your feelings about us are imbedded in you, and that we are just no damm good, and that we are far inferior to you.” At this, Danny turned around and walked out of Mr. Capiloni’s office.
~ To Be Continued ~
