Post by Joey Flash on Feb 25, 2015 13:30:36 GMT -5
Do you like mob movies?
Alessandra: What?!
Alessandra Allegri had her relaxing evening with an open fire, a fine bottle of red and a book ruined with one phone call. She sat up and took the phone off speaker immediately and placed it next to her ear. Her father had called, and her father was angry.
Bernardo: Is it true?
Alessandra: No it’s not true, what are you talking about?
Bernardo: I trust Vincenzo. Alessandra, I am not going to accept this.
Alessandra: Father, he is clean, he is one hundred percent clean. You think I would allow such?
Bernardo:…No. But neither would Vincenzo lie to me, so what’s going on?
Alessandra: Joseph has had…problems, recently, but none of them are his fault. He’s just depressed, Vincenzo found some things that he thought were illegal narcotics but were simply prescribed medication. A misunderstanding.
Bernardo: That makes sense. I apologise for the late night call, but I worry you know.
Alessandra: I know, I appreciate it, really. It’s sweet you still look out for me daddy.
Bernardo: God knows why, you’re stronger than I am.
Alessandra: Oh come now, that’s not true.
Bernardo: Hmm. Well I’m going to make the rest of the call brief, I’m telling you this because it’s out my hands over here, I don’t want you to fret because I’m going to do everything I possibly can to stop this.
Alessandra: Stop what? What are you talking about?
Bernardo: There is an open anonymous bounty of two million dollars for the murder of one of the low level soldiers in New York City.
Alessandra: And you want me to what? Collect the kill?
Bernardo: No little hummingbird…it’s for the death of Joseph ‘Flash’ Malignaggi.
Alessandra went silent.
Bernardo: Hello?
Alessandra: Who?
Bernardo: Your Joe-
Alessandra: Who…put out…the hit?
Bernardo: You don’t think I’m trying to find out? I am going to make sure nothing hurts you or Christian.
Alessandra: You tell me that Joey is as good as dead and that you don’t even seem to be doing anything about it.
Bernardo: No, I’m trying-
Alessandra: If it were ten years ago you wouldn’t have even let this manifest, you would have dealt with it.
Bernardo: Alessandra!
Alessandra: No, you don’t get to do this to me father, first you come accusing him of drugs now you say what? That he’s got a green light on him? What’s more important, his life or your fucking reputation?
Bernardo: The employer is someone called ‘Sam’. That is the only information I could find.
Alessandra: Sam? Fucking Sam?! You’re pathetic. Look at what you’ve become.
Bernardo: Mind your manners.
Alessandra: No, you don’t get to talk to me like that right now. My family is in danger and all you care about is what? Respect? Fuck your respect, guess what daddy? Your little hummingbird is going to create a fucking bloodbath in the Tri-State area that would make Vlad the Impaler get hard over. If you’re not going to do it, then I will.
She clicks the phone off, picks a pillow from the sofa and jams her face into it as she releases a guttural scream. Sam, Sam, Sam. Someone is openly fucking with her family, so brazenly, both the little Malignaggi clan and the worldwide power of the Allegri family. What was her father doing? How soft had he truly gotten? The phone buzzed and rang once more, she checked the screen…it was her brother, she accepted the call.
Alessandra: What?!
Paolo: Calm down sis, what did you say to father?
Alessandra: I can’t deal with you right now.
Paolo: Come on, you can tell me.
Alessandra: Look, nothing, just a bit of trouble over here, nothing to concern yourself with.
Paolo: It’s Joey isn’t it?
Alessandra: …
Paolo: Father wasn’t happy about hearing that your man was on drugs again.
Alessandra: I just fucking told him-
Paolo: I know, but he’s really not happy, he was talking about having to ‘sterilize your environment’ if it was true, whatever that means.
Alessandra: But he just told me that…
Paolo: Again, I’m not prying; I just wanted to see if you were okay.
Alessandra: I’m…okay. Look, just leave me alone for now, okay. Tell Daddy I’m sorry.
Paolo: Already did.
He chuckles
Paolo: Have a good night, don’t worry, again, I love you.
Alessandra: You too little brother. Ciao.
She ends the call, and then slumps to the sofa. Picking up the bottle of wine and hypocritically taking a big swig from it she rubbed her head in confusion. What was going on? This all came out of nowhere, her brother saying one thing and her father another, and Vincenzo? She had no idea what he was doing, why did he tell her father? The matter was dealt with. Almost like she had telepathically summoned him, Vincenzo walked into the room with another bottle of wine.
Vincenzo: Good evening my lady.
Alessandra: Put it there.
She pointed to the table. Vincenzo placed the bottle gently down; Alessandra stood beside him and touched him on his shoulder.
Alessandra: What have you being doing whispering little things to my father Vincenzo?
He turned to face her only to have her punch him straight in the side of the head; he staggers over to the sofa and slumps down.
Vincenzo: I-
She glides over to him and crouches before him, resting a finger on his lips.
Alessandra: You are quiet, and I talk. Why are you telling tales Vincenzo? Why must you make Joseph, and by proxy me, seem weak?
Vincenzo: I don’t want to-
Alessandra shoots him a look that shuts him up immediately. She sits next to him on the sofa and presses her body against his.
Alessandra: Does that seem like a good idea Vincenzo? This is the only warning you will get from me, I can see the green burning in your eyes every time you see Joseph. He is everything…
She looks him up and down then whispers into his ear as her hand brushes his crotch.
Alessandra: …and has everything you want. You’ve raised me right, a good little girl huh Uncle Vinnie?
She kisses him on the cheek.
Alessandra: I love you, and I will always care for you.
Vincenzo: I lo-
Alessandra: Shh.
She pulls his head round to face hers and they share a long intense stare, she leans in toward him.
Alessandra: But you ever, ever go over my head again and I will fucking end you.
She continues the stare until he breaks the gaze. Climbing away from him she picks her wine bottle up.
Alessandra: Why are you still here?
Vincenzo: Miss…
Alessandra: You’re to find Joseph and bring him home. He could be in danger.
Vincenzo: I don’t-
Alessandra shoots him another stare and he instantly nods his head and slopes off from the room. This was proving to be a lot more complex than she had hoped. Her and Joseph’s wedding was about two months away and she was barely sure the groom would even live that long. Time to find the guest of honour, ‘Sam’, the hunt begins.
Now youse can't leave
Joey gazed up at the stars from his garden on the roof of his club, La Societa. This was an interesting time to be Joey Flash. It had been a long drawn out process of managing his anger and tempering his expectations but finally things in the WCF were falling into his tempo and marching to the beat of his drum. Joey knew from the start there would be no chance of him being entered into the Trilogy Cup, but after prodding and probing he finally figured out what buttons to push and what strings to pull for him to get him where he wanted. Seth made the error of wanting to see Joey beaten bad enough to put him in a ridiculous match, but a ridiculous match that had an incentive for Joey, that was all it took for Joseph to steamroll the competition. Now the pieces were falling perfectly into place, he had his eyes trained solely on the World Title and knew exactly where to place the chess pieces for it to happen. The long game begins now.
He pressed the button to call the elevator and stepped inside. Time to check the club level out, Joey thought. It was still early in the evening, barely cracked 9pm; he didn’t expect much excitement this evening. On the opening of the elevator door he found his head doorman, John? He never could remember this guy’s name, awaiting him.
Joey: What’s the problem John?
James: James.
Joey: Why what’s James done?
James: No, I’m James.
Joey: We’ve had this conversation before haven’t we?
James: Several times. Anyway, we might have some trouble at the bar, we tried to stop them…
Joey: Tried to stop who?
James leads Joey round the corner where they find the entire twenty five foot length of the bar taken up by burly men in leathers, tattered jeans and wild long hair. One of them has a barmaid on his lap and is holding her down as she is trying to struggle free. The others are demanding free drinks from the remaining bar staff, who under such pressure are of course complying.
Joey: Why haven’t you done something?
James: It’s just me and Masters on at the moment, we didn’t expect…
Joey: Okay, let’s see if we can get rid of them without causing the place any damage; bring me my Louisville slugger just in case.
James Harris retreats to a room behind the bar and Joey approaches the fifteen or so bikers, Joey can make out the patch on the back says ‘GRIME TIME – New York Chapter’, lovely.
Joey: Hello gentlemen.
They ignore his words; he speaks them a lot louder the second time and the bar goes deathly quiet. The largest biker, with ‘President’ emblazoned on his chest speaks up.
President: Is it just me or did someone just say something?
Biker #1: Nah must be your imagination.
Joey: Nope, wasn’t your imagination.
All fifteen bikers turn to face the lone Joey, stood there in sweat pants and a hooded top, how intimidating Mr Flash.
President: Who the fuck are you? Guido fuck.
The bikers laugh, Joey joins them with a chuckle.
Joey: Okay gentlemen, I’m sorry, I don’t want any trouble. Just that this is my establishment, and if you would be so kind as to stop harassing my staff…
He points at the barmaid.
Joey: Then I’m happy to keep serving you.
The bikers look at each other.
President: Sure thing.
He lets the girl free, only for one of the other bikers to grab her, rip her top and bra straight off and start kissing her neck.
Joey: Why did you have to do that? Can you leave now please? I don’t want to have to get the authorities involved.
President: Fuck off; we’ll leave when we’re good and ready.
Joey smiled at the President as he saw James Harris emerge from the back room with a baseball bat for Joey and a crowbar for himself. Joey motions James toward him and the two walk with purpose toward the front door, all the bikers go silent once more as they watch Joey produce a key from his pocket, signal for the other security man Masters to enter then proceeds to lock the doors. The bikers stare incredulously.
Joey: Now you can’t leave.
In one fell swoop the biker’s confidence and control of the situation was sucked straight from the room, the bikers immediately let go of the half-naked barmaid as Joey and the two doormen fly at them with weapons. The President is the first to fall as Joey goes upside his head with the bat, the fight, if it could even be called that lasts only a matter of moments as the unprepared bikers are outmatched by the weapon wielding trio. Joey stomps on the head of the man who grabbed his barmaid one more time knocking some teeth lose to the floor. He points at the President.
Joey: Put him in the back room. Clear the rest of them out.
Harris and Masters nod and drag the unconscious man toward the room. Joey follows as they tie him to a chair in the middle of the room with his own jacket and chains and finally gag him with a towel from the room.
Joey: Aight good, clear the bar, and give the poor woman the night off ya hear? Good job Masters, John, ya did well.
James: It’s Ja- forget it boss, okay.
The two men exit and Joey is left alone with the President of the club who is still unconscious. He pulls up a chair and sits opposite.
Joey: I wonder why you came here today? I know, it’s because you had already broken a couple of bars today already, you’ve had a nice little road trip doing what you want and running roughshod. Then you come into my territory and see this beautiful upper class joint and think ‘Damn that’s one for the high rollers shit’ but you’ve had success with those little dive bars so that got your confidence soaring and you thought ‘We have enough firepower to deal with whatever this place has’. A nice idea on principle Prez, but you ran into the one bar in this city that would leave your actions giving you a predicament the likes of which you are in right now.
Joey pauses and thinks.
Joey: It’s very coincidental don’t you think? The exact same fucking thing seems to be happening in the WCF this very week. See Prez, fuck you even oddly enough share the same MC name as my opponent, what are the fucking odds? Grime has enjoyed a fine debut; he’s a good un that’s for sure. He’s undefeated, 2-0 in fact, congratulations man, you even beat your rival Mikey eX, so well done. By proxy you earned, notice I said earned not gifted because you did fuckin earn this shot bro, you earned this opportunity. This is your time to shine, to thrust yourself into the limelight and become a known quantity and a household name among WCF followers worldwide. The Television Title round your waist would give you exposure and some buzz like nothing else can for a newcomer in this federation. That’s the dream, that’s the idea.
The reality is this is where everything ends for you. You’re given the same chance I was given, a promising newcomer wanting to make a name and are given a massive challenge early on. Wanna know the biggest difference? I knew from the moment I stepped into this federation that everything I wanted would be mine in time, for you it’s the exact polar opposite. In my match I smashed Z-MAC, in your match you’ll get smashed by J-FLASH.
It’s kinda sad that this, that you Grime are probably the best, most marketable rookie I’ve had to defend this belt against. 2-0, you’re fuckin undefeated bro. This is it, this is a match of the unbeaten, someone’s 0 most go, this could be promoted to the fuckin skies. You Grime have the best opening record to begin your career that anyone after you will ever have, think of it for a second, every promising new wrestler before you has been beaten into exile by me, not a one of you has stayed and survived the overwhelming beating I lay down. This is the pinnacle of ‘Newcomer’ vs ‘Champion’ that we can have, so soak it in and embrace that shit. No one again will make a start like mine in this company because after just one or two good performances they’re given the ‘chance’ your ass has been handed at Slam and I’ll remove that pesky ‘0’ from the loss column right quick. The biggest question is not if you’re going to win, it’s how you’re going to handle defeat. I’m sure you’re coming into this confident, as it’s your right to but when your confidence is that little bit shook and you are shown to be beatable where will you go? What will you do? History says you’ll fuck off from this place and never return, prove me wrong.
So Mr Biker man. Time to get personal.
Prez begins to stir; Joey KO’s him once more with a right to the jaw.
Joey: Not you. So you pack on yo leathers and rode your weak ass to the WCF. I hope, no I pray you die in a road accident you weak faggot, gimmie that Jax Teller look and take a left straight into an oncoming truck you fuckin mark, see what tends to happen is I beat so many people if they don’t quit right there they tend to get recycled and end up back in the ring with me, so I might have to re-cycle your motorcycle, rig the brakes and send you to an early grave just to keep you away from boring me to death again.
The only reason this guy started biking was cos he needed a powerful pulsating throbbing machine between his legs to compensate for what he so clearly lacks. Wanna know what I enjoy most about you Grime? You like to claim you’re a master of mind games and enjoy the chess match before getting into the ring and shit well swell buddy welcome to your match with Magnus Carlsen, take notes.
You’re like a boss on a video game with a sign that says ‘WEAK POINT WEAK POINT’ and then points toward the one place in its otherwise impervious armour you can fuckin exploit. I hit up your bio on WCF.com and I found some very interesting information, wanna know what the shit said? Well the audience can’t be fucked wasting their time researching you so let me help a little…direct quote.
“…when people start trying to bring it up stops at nothing to make sure they think twice the next time. Past life is a touchy subject and he will stop at nothing to hurt those who pry into it.”
Now wait, take it in a second folks. You all know lovable Joey Flash, what do you think this cheeky young man is going to do with this information? Is it:
A) Respect Grime’s wishes and just fight him honourably in the ring without bringing up his past.
Or
B) Talk about nothing but his past, disrespect everything he, his father, his father’s father, his slut cunt of a mother and his dead dog Chi-Chi ever stood for?
Wrote your answers down? Oh it’s B! What a surprise.
Hey Grime, how’s the family? Oh, I bet there is a reason you’re riding the roads alone and not living happily with a woman too huh? Damn things getting sad up in here. Of course, Grime has driven away anything and everything that ever loved or cared for him. His parents were so happy when he brought his prom date home; they heard her pull up outside and thought ‘Oh goody here she is!’ Grime stepped outside and introduced them to his bike Betsy his date for the night. The parents were sad and puzzled but not as puzzled as the limo driver they hired when Grime tried to fit Betsy in the back of the fuckin limo.
It got worse, when his parents came into his room to say goodnight later that evening they found him in a compromising position featuring his cock and Betty’s exhaust pipe. It didn’t stop there though, he managed to even get a girlfriend bless his heart. She wasn’t happy with the time he spent with Betsy though, his love for his bike was so strong, his girlfriend said ‘It’s me or the bike’ he pushed his girlfriend down some stairs and shouted ‘It’s HER EVERY TIME!’
Fucking hell Grime, you sick, sick perverted freak. I’ve seen some weirdos in here in my time but you take the fuckin cake. So your past is shrouded in mystery, you’ve hid it well but simply looking into your eyes I understand your pain, the love for an inanimate object is too strong for you so now you ride alone, no not alone, cos dammit Betsy rides with you. You have a connection. This could even be a hit at next year’s fuckin Oscars, I’ll hit a producer up after this promo.
Is this funny Grime? Are you having fun? Is this the mental battle you wanted? I’m so comfortable here I’m being playful with you. Or did you want the mental battle where I crush your soul? We can switch shit up real fast. You truly aren’t wanted, loved, or cared for by a single soul in this world, people don’t care if you win, people don’t care if you lose. No one would cry if you did die in an accident tomorrow, you’d have no one at your wake; you’d simply be erased from the ‘Active Roster’ here and never be spoken of again. So Grime, let me ask again, how’s the family? I’m prying Grime, I’m belittling and mocking everything that makes you a person, I’m telling you your family are nothing more than worthless reprobates, I’m telling you Betsy is a worthless pile of nuts and bolts. What ya gonna do? Will you stop at nothing to hurt me? Will I think twice the second time? I didn’t think twice the fourth fifth or sixth time faggot, so what ya gonna do? You gonna beat me? You gonna beat big bad Joey Flash up for being mean? Try me, try me Grime. I’ll say the same shit right to your face and you’ll do absolutely nothing. I want nothing more than for you to hate me and want to kill me in that ring; it’s where I get my thrills. Then I’ll put you down and make you know in no uncertain times that you will not only think twice the second time about stepping to me, you will step clean across the road every time I’m in your near proximity. Stepping to me is like trying to draw Muhammad, cos real killers will run up on you and empty a magazine.
Still want your mind games?
It boils down to this Grime, just like Mr Prez here you have stepped into a world you know nothing about, and your actions have created a series of consequences you weren’t prepared for, namely, Joey Flash. It’s not your fault and it’s not his fault, history has not taught you yet that there are some people you just don’t fuck with, he’s learning this today and you’re going to learn it Sunday. It’s funny, your big shot comes in ya home state. I’m gonna enjoy beating you senseless while you’re trying your hardest and getting that hometown backing just to be humiliated in front of everyone you’ve ever met. Enjoy your first loss Grime. This match is gonna be a fountain of youth for you, cos it’ll take a few years off ya fuckin life
Bodybags on deck.
The working man is a sucka
It had been a few hours since the unsavoury business with the biker gang, it is truly a shame. Joey was wondering if the President was regretting his decision to visit La Societa right now as he was on his way to being buried in a shallow grave an hour away from the city, was that drink worth it? The cool breeze blew a cooling chill around Joey as he returned to his office, just in time to hear his intercom buzz; it was James Harris the head doorman.
James: Boss, we’ve got someone who wants to see you.
Joey sighed
Joey: What John? Is that supposed to be news? Every person in the club wants to fuckin see me.
James: He’s rather insistent.
Joey stood up and walked to the monitor holding the CCTV camera feed, he cycled through the cameras until reaching the front door. It was Vincenzo, this was getting ridiculous now. What did he think to achieve by coming here? You’re walking into a domain in which I have full and utter control Vinnie, what are you thinking? Joey pulled two glasses from a shelf at the back of the room and placed them on the large oaken desk and stood awaiting his arrival. With a ping the elevator doors opened and from within emerged both James and Vincenzo who seemed to be enjoying one heck of a joke together. The elevator door closed and the pair of men approached.
Joey: Welcome Vincenzo, to what do I owe this honour?
Vincenzo smiles, walks past Flash and sits down in Joey’s chair behind the desk. He pours scotch into both glasses and takes a sip of both. Joey stood aghast, what had just happened? Had this man really just strolled into his office, taken his seat and poured himself two fucking drinks?!
Vincenzo: It’s no honour; I’m here on Miss Allegri’s behalf.
Joey was steaming hot but managed to hold it back…just.
Joey: Is that so? Did she say to be a rude prick too?
Vincenzo laughed.
Vincenzo: Language Joseph, it’s not becoming of a businessman.
Joey: Oh I’m sorry; want me to speak the Queens fuckin English for ya Vinnie?
Vincenzo: No, coherent fuckin English will do.
Joey contemplated what to do for a moment, fuck it, let’s look weak and lose our cool a little. See if he slips up.
Joey: You have some fuckin nerve on you. You’ve been pushing me for months, I ought to-
Vincenzo: Ah-ah Joseph, those might be words that you can’t take back and wish you could.
Oh, Vinnie’s balls are growing, he’s acting like he has control of the situation. Beautiful.
Joey: Nah fuck you Vincenzo, I’m sick of it. Every time I turn round you’re in Al’s ear some way or another running me down, treating me like I’m a fuckin nobody or even trying to act like a father for my son, my fucking child.
Vincenzo: What more is to be expected of a drug addled buffoon?
Joey: Fuck you.
Vincenzo: No Joseph that isn’t how it works here, you see the beautiful Miss Allegri has asked me to return you to her, she is very concerned about your drug abuse Joseph, I would hate for you to ruin such…
Vincenzo chuckles.
Vincenzo: …potential. What is going through that mind of yours Joseph? Do you even understand the words coming out of my mouth you stupid junkie?
Joey: Really, watch your fucking tone, don’t say anything-
Vincenzo: There’s nothing I can possibly say that I’m worried about, you are a pawn and a peon ‘Flash’. Alessandra is far beyond anything you could hope to comprehend, she treats you like a child and you have no idea, do you? Ah well, it’s not my place. Perhaps once you are out of her life I can show her the finer things she is missing-
Joey snapped and leapt toward Vincenzo, punching him once in the face. Joey grabs him by his collar to find Vincenzo laughing in his face, the laughter rises.
Vincenzo: This is interesting! Do you not understand Joseph? Do you not understand the situation you are in? Do you think stupid? I’ve been one step ahead of you this whole time junkie.
Joey felt his heart skip a beat.
Joey: What the fuck? What are you talking about?
Vincenzo: Come now Joey, I thought you were the smart one?
Vincenzo smiles.
Vincenzo: Those hit men who were up here who you so beautifully...dispatched. You did more than we ever thought and proved to be quite the roach, let me ask you, who exactly do you think managed to get access to your office a month or so ago to spike your drink Joseph?!
Joey is frozen still as he feels the cold metal of a gun barrel pointed into the back of his head where behind him head doorman James Harris stood with a smile, pistol raised.
James: You’ll remember my name this time motherfucker.
CUT
Alessandra: What?!
Alessandra Allegri had her relaxing evening with an open fire, a fine bottle of red and a book ruined with one phone call. She sat up and took the phone off speaker immediately and placed it next to her ear. Her father had called, and her father was angry.
Bernardo: Is it true?
Alessandra: No it’s not true, what are you talking about?
Bernardo: I trust Vincenzo. Alessandra, I am not going to accept this.
Alessandra: Father, he is clean, he is one hundred percent clean. You think I would allow such?
Bernardo:…No. But neither would Vincenzo lie to me, so what’s going on?
Alessandra: Joseph has had…problems, recently, but none of them are his fault. He’s just depressed, Vincenzo found some things that he thought were illegal narcotics but were simply prescribed medication. A misunderstanding.
Bernardo: That makes sense. I apologise for the late night call, but I worry you know.
Alessandra: I know, I appreciate it, really. It’s sweet you still look out for me daddy.
Bernardo: God knows why, you’re stronger than I am.
Alessandra: Oh come now, that’s not true.
Bernardo: Hmm. Well I’m going to make the rest of the call brief, I’m telling you this because it’s out my hands over here, I don’t want you to fret because I’m going to do everything I possibly can to stop this.
Alessandra: Stop what? What are you talking about?
Bernardo: There is an open anonymous bounty of two million dollars for the murder of one of the low level soldiers in New York City.
Alessandra: And you want me to what? Collect the kill?
Bernardo: No little hummingbird…it’s for the death of Joseph ‘Flash’ Malignaggi.
Alessandra went silent.
Bernardo: Hello?
Alessandra: Who?
Bernardo: Your Joe-
Alessandra: Who…put out…the hit?
Bernardo: You don’t think I’m trying to find out? I am going to make sure nothing hurts you or Christian.
Alessandra: You tell me that Joey is as good as dead and that you don’t even seem to be doing anything about it.
Bernardo: No, I’m trying-
Alessandra: If it were ten years ago you wouldn’t have even let this manifest, you would have dealt with it.
Bernardo: Alessandra!
Alessandra: No, you don’t get to do this to me father, first you come accusing him of drugs now you say what? That he’s got a green light on him? What’s more important, his life or your fucking reputation?
Bernardo: The employer is someone called ‘Sam’. That is the only information I could find.
Alessandra: Sam? Fucking Sam?! You’re pathetic. Look at what you’ve become.
Bernardo: Mind your manners.
Alessandra: No, you don’t get to talk to me like that right now. My family is in danger and all you care about is what? Respect? Fuck your respect, guess what daddy? Your little hummingbird is going to create a fucking bloodbath in the Tri-State area that would make Vlad the Impaler get hard over. If you’re not going to do it, then I will.
She clicks the phone off, picks a pillow from the sofa and jams her face into it as she releases a guttural scream. Sam, Sam, Sam. Someone is openly fucking with her family, so brazenly, both the little Malignaggi clan and the worldwide power of the Allegri family. What was her father doing? How soft had he truly gotten? The phone buzzed and rang once more, she checked the screen…it was her brother, she accepted the call.
Alessandra: What?!
Paolo: Calm down sis, what did you say to father?
Alessandra: I can’t deal with you right now.
Paolo: Come on, you can tell me.
Alessandra: Look, nothing, just a bit of trouble over here, nothing to concern yourself with.
Paolo: It’s Joey isn’t it?
Alessandra: …
Paolo: Father wasn’t happy about hearing that your man was on drugs again.
Alessandra: I just fucking told him-
Paolo: I know, but he’s really not happy, he was talking about having to ‘sterilize your environment’ if it was true, whatever that means.
Alessandra: But he just told me that…
Paolo: Again, I’m not prying; I just wanted to see if you were okay.
Alessandra: I’m…okay. Look, just leave me alone for now, okay. Tell Daddy I’m sorry.
Paolo: Already did.
He chuckles
Paolo: Have a good night, don’t worry, again, I love you.
Alessandra: You too little brother. Ciao.
She ends the call, and then slumps to the sofa. Picking up the bottle of wine and hypocritically taking a big swig from it she rubbed her head in confusion. What was going on? This all came out of nowhere, her brother saying one thing and her father another, and Vincenzo? She had no idea what he was doing, why did he tell her father? The matter was dealt with. Almost like she had telepathically summoned him, Vincenzo walked into the room with another bottle of wine.
Vincenzo: Good evening my lady.
Alessandra: Put it there.
She pointed to the table. Vincenzo placed the bottle gently down; Alessandra stood beside him and touched him on his shoulder.
Alessandra: What have you being doing whispering little things to my father Vincenzo?
He turned to face her only to have her punch him straight in the side of the head; he staggers over to the sofa and slumps down.
Vincenzo: I-
She glides over to him and crouches before him, resting a finger on his lips.
Alessandra: You are quiet, and I talk. Why are you telling tales Vincenzo? Why must you make Joseph, and by proxy me, seem weak?
Vincenzo: I don’t want to-
Alessandra shoots him a look that shuts him up immediately. She sits next to him on the sofa and presses her body against his.
Alessandra: Does that seem like a good idea Vincenzo? This is the only warning you will get from me, I can see the green burning in your eyes every time you see Joseph. He is everything…
She looks him up and down then whispers into his ear as her hand brushes his crotch.
Alessandra: …and has everything you want. You’ve raised me right, a good little girl huh Uncle Vinnie?
She kisses him on the cheek.
Alessandra: I love you, and I will always care for you.
Vincenzo: I lo-
Alessandra: Shh.
She pulls his head round to face hers and they share a long intense stare, she leans in toward him.
Alessandra: But you ever, ever go over my head again and I will fucking end you.
She continues the stare until he breaks the gaze. Climbing away from him she picks her wine bottle up.
Alessandra: Why are you still here?
Vincenzo: Miss…
Alessandra: You’re to find Joseph and bring him home. He could be in danger.
Vincenzo: I don’t-
Alessandra shoots him another stare and he instantly nods his head and slopes off from the room. This was proving to be a lot more complex than she had hoped. Her and Joseph’s wedding was about two months away and she was barely sure the groom would even live that long. Time to find the guest of honour, ‘Sam’, the hunt begins.
Now youse can't leave
Joey gazed up at the stars from his garden on the roof of his club, La Societa. This was an interesting time to be Joey Flash. It had been a long drawn out process of managing his anger and tempering his expectations but finally things in the WCF were falling into his tempo and marching to the beat of his drum. Joey knew from the start there would be no chance of him being entered into the Trilogy Cup, but after prodding and probing he finally figured out what buttons to push and what strings to pull for him to get him where he wanted. Seth made the error of wanting to see Joey beaten bad enough to put him in a ridiculous match, but a ridiculous match that had an incentive for Joey, that was all it took for Joseph to steamroll the competition. Now the pieces were falling perfectly into place, he had his eyes trained solely on the World Title and knew exactly where to place the chess pieces for it to happen. The long game begins now.
He pressed the button to call the elevator and stepped inside. Time to check the club level out, Joey thought. It was still early in the evening, barely cracked 9pm; he didn’t expect much excitement this evening. On the opening of the elevator door he found his head doorman, John? He never could remember this guy’s name, awaiting him.
Joey: What’s the problem John?
James: James.
Joey: Why what’s James done?
James: No, I’m James.
Joey: We’ve had this conversation before haven’t we?
James: Several times. Anyway, we might have some trouble at the bar, we tried to stop them…
Joey: Tried to stop who?
James leads Joey round the corner where they find the entire twenty five foot length of the bar taken up by burly men in leathers, tattered jeans and wild long hair. One of them has a barmaid on his lap and is holding her down as she is trying to struggle free. The others are demanding free drinks from the remaining bar staff, who under such pressure are of course complying.
Joey: Why haven’t you done something?
James: It’s just me and Masters on at the moment, we didn’t expect…
Joey: Okay, let’s see if we can get rid of them without causing the place any damage; bring me my Louisville slugger just in case.
James Harris retreats to a room behind the bar and Joey approaches the fifteen or so bikers, Joey can make out the patch on the back says ‘GRIME TIME – New York Chapter’, lovely.
Joey: Hello gentlemen.
They ignore his words; he speaks them a lot louder the second time and the bar goes deathly quiet. The largest biker, with ‘President’ emblazoned on his chest speaks up.
President: Is it just me or did someone just say something?
Biker #1: Nah must be your imagination.
Joey: Nope, wasn’t your imagination.
All fifteen bikers turn to face the lone Joey, stood there in sweat pants and a hooded top, how intimidating Mr Flash.
President: Who the fuck are you? Guido fuck.
The bikers laugh, Joey joins them with a chuckle.
Joey: Okay gentlemen, I’m sorry, I don’t want any trouble. Just that this is my establishment, and if you would be so kind as to stop harassing my staff…
He points at the barmaid.
Joey: Then I’m happy to keep serving you.
The bikers look at each other.
President: Sure thing.
He lets the girl free, only for one of the other bikers to grab her, rip her top and bra straight off and start kissing her neck.
Joey: Why did you have to do that? Can you leave now please? I don’t want to have to get the authorities involved.
President: Fuck off; we’ll leave when we’re good and ready.
Joey smiled at the President as he saw James Harris emerge from the back room with a baseball bat for Joey and a crowbar for himself. Joey motions James toward him and the two walk with purpose toward the front door, all the bikers go silent once more as they watch Joey produce a key from his pocket, signal for the other security man Masters to enter then proceeds to lock the doors. The bikers stare incredulously.
Joey: Now you can’t leave.
In one fell swoop the biker’s confidence and control of the situation was sucked straight from the room, the bikers immediately let go of the half-naked barmaid as Joey and the two doormen fly at them with weapons. The President is the first to fall as Joey goes upside his head with the bat, the fight, if it could even be called that lasts only a matter of moments as the unprepared bikers are outmatched by the weapon wielding trio. Joey stomps on the head of the man who grabbed his barmaid one more time knocking some teeth lose to the floor. He points at the President.
Joey: Put him in the back room. Clear the rest of them out.
Harris and Masters nod and drag the unconscious man toward the room. Joey follows as they tie him to a chair in the middle of the room with his own jacket and chains and finally gag him with a towel from the room.
Joey: Aight good, clear the bar, and give the poor woman the night off ya hear? Good job Masters, John, ya did well.
James: It’s Ja- forget it boss, okay.
The two men exit and Joey is left alone with the President of the club who is still unconscious. He pulls up a chair and sits opposite.
Joey: I wonder why you came here today? I know, it’s because you had already broken a couple of bars today already, you’ve had a nice little road trip doing what you want and running roughshod. Then you come into my territory and see this beautiful upper class joint and think ‘Damn that’s one for the high rollers shit’ but you’ve had success with those little dive bars so that got your confidence soaring and you thought ‘We have enough firepower to deal with whatever this place has’. A nice idea on principle Prez, but you ran into the one bar in this city that would leave your actions giving you a predicament the likes of which you are in right now.
Joey pauses and thinks.
Joey: It’s very coincidental don’t you think? The exact same fucking thing seems to be happening in the WCF this very week. See Prez, fuck you even oddly enough share the same MC name as my opponent, what are the fucking odds? Grime has enjoyed a fine debut; he’s a good un that’s for sure. He’s undefeated, 2-0 in fact, congratulations man, you even beat your rival Mikey eX, so well done. By proxy you earned, notice I said earned not gifted because you did fuckin earn this shot bro, you earned this opportunity. This is your time to shine, to thrust yourself into the limelight and become a known quantity and a household name among WCF followers worldwide. The Television Title round your waist would give you exposure and some buzz like nothing else can for a newcomer in this federation. That’s the dream, that’s the idea.
The reality is this is where everything ends for you. You’re given the same chance I was given, a promising newcomer wanting to make a name and are given a massive challenge early on. Wanna know the biggest difference? I knew from the moment I stepped into this federation that everything I wanted would be mine in time, for you it’s the exact polar opposite. In my match I smashed Z-MAC, in your match you’ll get smashed by J-FLASH.
It’s kinda sad that this, that you Grime are probably the best, most marketable rookie I’ve had to defend this belt against. 2-0, you’re fuckin undefeated bro. This is it, this is a match of the unbeaten, someone’s 0 most go, this could be promoted to the fuckin skies. You Grime have the best opening record to begin your career that anyone after you will ever have, think of it for a second, every promising new wrestler before you has been beaten into exile by me, not a one of you has stayed and survived the overwhelming beating I lay down. This is the pinnacle of ‘Newcomer’ vs ‘Champion’ that we can have, so soak it in and embrace that shit. No one again will make a start like mine in this company because after just one or two good performances they’re given the ‘chance’ your ass has been handed at Slam and I’ll remove that pesky ‘0’ from the loss column right quick. The biggest question is not if you’re going to win, it’s how you’re going to handle defeat. I’m sure you’re coming into this confident, as it’s your right to but when your confidence is that little bit shook and you are shown to be beatable where will you go? What will you do? History says you’ll fuck off from this place and never return, prove me wrong.
So Mr Biker man. Time to get personal.
Prez begins to stir; Joey KO’s him once more with a right to the jaw.
Joey: Not you. So you pack on yo leathers and rode your weak ass to the WCF. I hope, no I pray you die in a road accident you weak faggot, gimmie that Jax Teller look and take a left straight into an oncoming truck you fuckin mark, see what tends to happen is I beat so many people if they don’t quit right there they tend to get recycled and end up back in the ring with me, so I might have to re-cycle your motorcycle, rig the brakes and send you to an early grave just to keep you away from boring me to death again.
The only reason this guy started biking was cos he needed a powerful pulsating throbbing machine between his legs to compensate for what he so clearly lacks. Wanna know what I enjoy most about you Grime? You like to claim you’re a master of mind games and enjoy the chess match before getting into the ring and shit well swell buddy welcome to your match with Magnus Carlsen, take notes.
You’re like a boss on a video game with a sign that says ‘WEAK POINT WEAK POINT’ and then points toward the one place in its otherwise impervious armour you can fuckin exploit. I hit up your bio on WCF.com and I found some very interesting information, wanna know what the shit said? Well the audience can’t be fucked wasting their time researching you so let me help a little…direct quote.
“…when people start trying to bring it up stops at nothing to make sure they think twice the next time. Past life is a touchy subject and he will stop at nothing to hurt those who pry into it.”
Now wait, take it in a second folks. You all know lovable Joey Flash, what do you think this cheeky young man is going to do with this information? Is it:
A) Respect Grime’s wishes and just fight him honourably in the ring without bringing up his past.
Or
B) Talk about nothing but his past, disrespect everything he, his father, his father’s father, his slut cunt of a mother and his dead dog Chi-Chi ever stood for?
Wrote your answers down? Oh it’s B! What a surprise.
Hey Grime, how’s the family? Oh, I bet there is a reason you’re riding the roads alone and not living happily with a woman too huh? Damn things getting sad up in here. Of course, Grime has driven away anything and everything that ever loved or cared for him. His parents were so happy when he brought his prom date home; they heard her pull up outside and thought ‘Oh goody here she is!’ Grime stepped outside and introduced them to his bike Betsy his date for the night. The parents were sad and puzzled but not as puzzled as the limo driver they hired when Grime tried to fit Betsy in the back of the fuckin limo.
It got worse, when his parents came into his room to say goodnight later that evening they found him in a compromising position featuring his cock and Betty’s exhaust pipe. It didn’t stop there though, he managed to even get a girlfriend bless his heart. She wasn’t happy with the time he spent with Betsy though, his love for his bike was so strong, his girlfriend said ‘It’s me or the bike’ he pushed his girlfriend down some stairs and shouted ‘It’s HER EVERY TIME!’
Fucking hell Grime, you sick, sick perverted freak. I’ve seen some weirdos in here in my time but you take the fuckin cake. So your past is shrouded in mystery, you’ve hid it well but simply looking into your eyes I understand your pain, the love for an inanimate object is too strong for you so now you ride alone, no not alone, cos dammit Betsy rides with you. You have a connection. This could even be a hit at next year’s fuckin Oscars, I’ll hit a producer up after this promo.
Is this funny Grime? Are you having fun? Is this the mental battle you wanted? I’m so comfortable here I’m being playful with you. Or did you want the mental battle where I crush your soul? We can switch shit up real fast. You truly aren’t wanted, loved, or cared for by a single soul in this world, people don’t care if you win, people don’t care if you lose. No one would cry if you did die in an accident tomorrow, you’d have no one at your wake; you’d simply be erased from the ‘Active Roster’ here and never be spoken of again. So Grime, let me ask again, how’s the family? I’m prying Grime, I’m belittling and mocking everything that makes you a person, I’m telling you your family are nothing more than worthless reprobates, I’m telling you Betsy is a worthless pile of nuts and bolts. What ya gonna do? Will you stop at nothing to hurt me? Will I think twice the second time? I didn’t think twice the fourth fifth or sixth time faggot, so what ya gonna do? You gonna beat me? You gonna beat big bad Joey Flash up for being mean? Try me, try me Grime. I’ll say the same shit right to your face and you’ll do absolutely nothing. I want nothing more than for you to hate me and want to kill me in that ring; it’s where I get my thrills. Then I’ll put you down and make you know in no uncertain times that you will not only think twice the second time about stepping to me, you will step clean across the road every time I’m in your near proximity. Stepping to me is like trying to draw Muhammad, cos real killers will run up on you and empty a magazine.
Still want your mind games?
It boils down to this Grime, just like Mr Prez here you have stepped into a world you know nothing about, and your actions have created a series of consequences you weren’t prepared for, namely, Joey Flash. It’s not your fault and it’s not his fault, history has not taught you yet that there are some people you just don’t fuck with, he’s learning this today and you’re going to learn it Sunday. It’s funny, your big shot comes in ya home state. I’m gonna enjoy beating you senseless while you’re trying your hardest and getting that hometown backing just to be humiliated in front of everyone you’ve ever met. Enjoy your first loss Grime. This match is gonna be a fountain of youth for you, cos it’ll take a few years off ya fuckin life
Bodybags on deck.
The working man is a sucka
It had been a few hours since the unsavoury business with the biker gang, it is truly a shame. Joey was wondering if the President was regretting his decision to visit La Societa right now as he was on his way to being buried in a shallow grave an hour away from the city, was that drink worth it? The cool breeze blew a cooling chill around Joey as he returned to his office, just in time to hear his intercom buzz; it was James Harris the head doorman.
James: Boss, we’ve got someone who wants to see you.
Joey sighed
Joey: What John? Is that supposed to be news? Every person in the club wants to fuckin see me.
James: He’s rather insistent.
Joey stood up and walked to the monitor holding the CCTV camera feed, he cycled through the cameras until reaching the front door. It was Vincenzo, this was getting ridiculous now. What did he think to achieve by coming here? You’re walking into a domain in which I have full and utter control Vinnie, what are you thinking? Joey pulled two glasses from a shelf at the back of the room and placed them on the large oaken desk and stood awaiting his arrival. With a ping the elevator doors opened and from within emerged both James and Vincenzo who seemed to be enjoying one heck of a joke together. The elevator door closed and the pair of men approached.
Joey: Welcome Vincenzo, to what do I owe this honour?
Vincenzo smiles, walks past Flash and sits down in Joey’s chair behind the desk. He pours scotch into both glasses and takes a sip of both. Joey stood aghast, what had just happened? Had this man really just strolled into his office, taken his seat and poured himself two fucking drinks?!
Vincenzo: It’s no honour; I’m here on Miss Allegri’s behalf.
Joey was steaming hot but managed to hold it back…just.
Joey: Is that so? Did she say to be a rude prick too?
Vincenzo laughed.
Vincenzo: Language Joseph, it’s not becoming of a businessman.
Joey: Oh I’m sorry; want me to speak the Queens fuckin English for ya Vinnie?
Vincenzo: No, coherent fuckin English will do.
Joey contemplated what to do for a moment, fuck it, let’s look weak and lose our cool a little. See if he slips up.
Joey: You have some fuckin nerve on you. You’ve been pushing me for months, I ought to-
Vincenzo: Ah-ah Joseph, those might be words that you can’t take back and wish you could.
Oh, Vinnie’s balls are growing, he’s acting like he has control of the situation. Beautiful.
Joey: Nah fuck you Vincenzo, I’m sick of it. Every time I turn round you’re in Al’s ear some way or another running me down, treating me like I’m a fuckin nobody or even trying to act like a father for my son, my fucking child.
Vincenzo: What more is to be expected of a drug addled buffoon?
Joey: Fuck you.
Vincenzo: No Joseph that isn’t how it works here, you see the beautiful Miss Allegri has asked me to return you to her, she is very concerned about your drug abuse Joseph, I would hate for you to ruin such…
Vincenzo chuckles.
Vincenzo: …potential. What is going through that mind of yours Joseph? Do you even understand the words coming out of my mouth you stupid junkie?
Joey: Really, watch your fucking tone, don’t say anything-
Vincenzo: There’s nothing I can possibly say that I’m worried about, you are a pawn and a peon ‘Flash’. Alessandra is far beyond anything you could hope to comprehend, she treats you like a child and you have no idea, do you? Ah well, it’s not my place. Perhaps once you are out of her life I can show her the finer things she is missing-
Joey snapped and leapt toward Vincenzo, punching him once in the face. Joey grabs him by his collar to find Vincenzo laughing in his face, the laughter rises.
Vincenzo: This is interesting! Do you not understand Joseph? Do you not understand the situation you are in? Do you think stupid? I’ve been one step ahead of you this whole time junkie.
Joey felt his heart skip a beat.
Joey: What the fuck? What are you talking about?
Vincenzo: Come now Joey, I thought you were the smart one?
Vincenzo smiles.
Vincenzo: Those hit men who were up here who you so beautifully...dispatched. You did more than we ever thought and proved to be quite the roach, let me ask you, who exactly do you think managed to get access to your office a month or so ago to spike your drink Joseph?!
Joey is frozen still as he feels the cold metal of a gun barrel pointed into the back of his head where behind him head doorman James Harris stood with a smile, pistol raised.
James: You’ll remember my name this time motherfucker.
CUT
