It’s summer in 1944, it’s hot and it’s sticky, almost unbearable in this trench coat.  The "Big Apple" smells rotten tonight as the steam rises up out of the sewer vents that line the curb.  I step out of the cab and dart across the damp city street.  I step in a puddle causing a splash of dirty brown water to stain the hem of my dress slacks.  Finishing my cigarette, I stub it out on the concrete with the toe of my polished loafer, adjust my fedora and prepare to enter the smoky bar.  The bartender is wiping off glasses as I take a seat, surveying the cramped area.

 "What’ll you have?"

"Scotch…on the rocks."

 Lighting another cigarette, I see my target ease up out of a corner booth and onto the floor.  I’ve been tailing this little number for a few weeks and she never disappoints.  Different night, different bar, different woman.  She’s got me rattled by her natural good looks and alluring smile.  I sip the warm whiskey and laugh, remembering the first meeting with my current employer.  If I knew then what I know now I might not have been so inclined to take the job……

I was just leaving my office when I was approached by three well dressed thugs.  The tallest spoke first,

"Excuse me? I work for someone in a very influential position that is interested in retaining your services.  Could you be persuaded to take a ride?"

I step back a sly grin appears on my face, "If the price is right."

"Trust me….Mr. Catalano compensates very well."

The name dropped like a ton of bricks.  Associating with a name like that has consequences, but when you hear that name you don’t decline, you do as asked.  Anticipating my willing consent,  one of the men was already waiting with the back door of the vehicle open.  I slide into the car, sitting next to me is, arguably, the most powerful man in New York, if not yet, soon to be. 

"Do you know who I am?"

"Uh…yes sir…I think I do."

"Very good….introductions are always so tedious.  I prefer to get right down to business.  I’ve got this little problem and I think you can help me with it…"

He hands me a picture of a sexy blonde dame. "Women troubles?" I speculate