The Watchman of Ephraim (Book Club Edition) by Gerard de Marigny

specifically omitting the “mister” whenever he referred to him and for his attempt to manipulate De Niro, but he thought it best to hear him out.
    “… And just who are the right people for the right positions, Les?” His question lit Pastak’s face up with a devilish smile.
    Pastak leaned back in his chair.
    “ Well Charley, I think it’s a foregone conclusion that I’ll be named president. After all, I’m sure De Niro isn’t going to take the helm here, himself. Since I was the second in command, it’s just common sense to promote me to CEO. Now, as for who will become my Executive VP … that’s what I called you in to talk about.”
    Santappia tucked his hands under his thighs for fear that he would reach across the desk and choke Pastak.
    “ I know you have seniority here over the other directors, but … a few of them are younger than you are and …quite frankly Charley, I never considered you on my team.”
    Santappia couldn’t conceal his anger anymore.
    “ What EXACTLY are you saying Les, spell it out!”
    “ Yes, Les, I would like you to spell it out too!” The comment came from just beyond the door to the office.
    Pastak rose to his feet from behind the president’s desk with a look of shock on his face as Santappia remained seated, just twisting his head around to see who was walking into the office. It was Mugsy Ricci followed by Debbie Lynch with a latte in her hand.
    Pastak looked at Ricci but directed his enraged comments to Lynch.
    “ Debbie, I thought I told you to let me know when—“
    “ Mr. Pastak, you ordered me to alert you when Mr. De Niro’s car entered our gates,” Lynch interrupted. “This is not Mr. De Niro. Gentlemen, this is Captain Louis Ricci, United States Navy, retired.”
    Now Santappia stood up, this time unable to suppress his smile. He winked at Lynch as he offered his hand to Ricci.
    “ Please to meet you, Captain. Would you be Captain Mugsy Ricci, by chance?”
    “ The one and only ...”
    “ Please, call me Charley, Captain.”
    “ I will and it’s Mugsy, Charley.”
    It was obvious that the two men both liked each other from the start. Pastak, on the other hand, had been standing behind the desk with a look of confusion on his face while the two men were introducing each other. His confusion finally wore off being replaced with anger at everyone else in the room.
    “ Excuse me; we were having a private meeting here. Debbie, please show this gentleman out of my office and then I want to speak to you after I speak with Mr. Santappia, is that clear?”
    “ Belay that order Ms …”
    Lynch offered her hand, “Debbie Lynch, sir, I was Executive Assistant to Mr. Gerolitis.”
    “ Pleased to meet you Ms. Lynch, Ricci said, shaking her hand.
    “ Excuse me!” Pastak raised his voice.
    “ Please Captain, call me Debbie.”
    “ EXCUSE ME!” repeated Pastak even louder.
    “ Okay. Debbie, belay that order.”
    “ EXCUSE ME!!! Pastak repeated one more time, this time banging his palms against the desk as he did.
    Ricci finally turned to face the enraged man.
    “ Les, may I call you Les?” Before Pastak could say no, Ricci went on.
    “ Les, my name is Captain Ricci. I’m here on behalf of Cris De Niro to inform you that, effective immediately, I’ve been appointed by him to take the helm of this firm as President and CEO.”
    Ricci handed Pastak a sealed envelope.
    “ This is the letter of authority signed by Mr. De Niro, stating such.”
    Ricci could have continued but he decided that it would be more fun to pause and give the utterly beside-himself Pastak the opportunity to read the letter. After reading it, Pastak looked up at Santappia with the look of someone who just realized he didn’t win the lottery after all and Santappia countered with a mock shrug of his shoulders. Apparently he was enjoying this as much as Ricci was.
    Pastak blinked a few times then tossed the letter onto the desk and picked up the phone.
    “ This is outrageous!