The Escort - By Gina Robinson Page 0,26

many but elusive. Many women would covet the chance you have with him. In all the years I've known him, he's never brought a woman with him. No matter that he claims he's doing a favor for Nonna Gia, even she couldn't convince him if he didn't want to do it. And we must ask ourselves, what benefit is there for him in this situation?" Maria paused significantly.

"A final word of warning for you. Tonio can be very seductive, but if you want to catch him, hold out." Maria winked. "Why buy what he can get for free? He's used to too much of that already." Maria glanced at the clock. "Come, let's go find the men. They've had their time alone. Why should they have all the fun? I feel the itch to toss a few dice myself. You know, I'm much luckier than my husband."

It was the first perfect day that Chicago had seen all year. Winter's white blanket had disappeared only days before under the onslaught of heavy rains and warm winds. Dirty traces of snow still clung tenaciously under the protection of the eaves and heavy shade. But the day had been sunny and the evening was pleasant. And if it was somewhat cool, the residents of Chicago's Italian enclaves didn't seem to notice. The entire neighborhood took to the streets in the age-old tradition of the evening stroll, feeling for the first time in months the gentle warmth of the low slung spring sun and reveling in the long hours of daylight.

The mood was jovial as Maria and Angelina took to the streets. Children ran and skipped ropes along sidewalks, chanting their childhood rhymes. Strong-willed grass and weeds were popping up between every sidewalk seam, lending their bright greens and delicate blossoms to the festive atmosphere. In every alley old men played bocce, the Italian game of lawn bowling, their shouts of joy and defeat erupting at uneven intervals.

Angelina turned to scan each alley for Tonio, but Maria walked purposefully on, stopping to chat briefly with neighbors and introduce Angelina. It was largely a southern Italian community, but each person they met spoke a slightly different dialect. Angelina found it all very familiar and pleasant. The people were much more casual than in Italy. Several men called out greetings to the two women, even though they were unaccompanied by their men. They turned the corner and Maria spoke.

"They will be at Dorso's Bar, in the back room. That's where the private games are always held. No one bothers them there."

Dorso's was a typical Italian bar, long and narrow, with a bar counter that ran the length of one wall. There were no stools at the counter. Patrons stood and paid less for their drinks as was Italian custom, because they required little service. Small tables were scattered throughout the open area. Old men sat and played cards at many, drinking either coffee or liquor, depending on their mood. They happily paid the higher prices for their fare for the privilege of resting.

Maria walked through the room toward a separate, private room at the back.

"Dorso." She nodded to the bartender.

"Maria." He did not seem surprised to see a woman in his establishment. In the mornings, before alcohol was served, many women stopped by for coffee and a brioche. The Italians did not hold the taboo against women drinking. Wine was commonly served at meals and all partook. Many women accompanied their husbands for an evening drink, though on this particular night there were no other women present.

"It's a good thing you showed up. Sal's losing. He could use a bit of your luck." He looked questioningly at Angelina.

"This is Angelina. A friend of Tonio's."

Dorso smiled and gave Angelina the up and down. "Pleasure, signorina. Tonio always could pick 'em."

Maria ignored his remark and marched past toward the back room, but Angelina didn't like his comment. "How many girlfriends has Tonio had in Chicago?"

Maria brushed his comment aside. "Ignore him. What does it matter?"

The betting room was cramped, with one small transom for ventilation above the door, which stood slightly ajar. A group of men huddled around a table. A large, slick man stood behind it, obviously the house's banker. The two women stood in the door, watching the game, unnoticed. The men were intent on their betting. Angelina picked Tonio out of the crowd immediately.

He was a head taller than any other man in the room. He had his jacket off, his shirtsleeves rolled up and