“I don’t have to worry about building a case or following the rules of evidence. This is private. I have reason to believe that Charlie might be involved in something that he doesn’t want the rest of the family to know about.” Rollie’s eyes shifted over to me when I said it. “You got any idea what that might be?”

Walter shook his head. “No. I’m sorry. I know quite a bit about what the DeTillios are into, and the Gambozas, but really very little about the DeLucas.”

“Could be anything, Walter. Maybe he’s cheating one of the other capos. Maybe he’s ripping off Sal.”

Walter shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

I sat back in the hard chair and crossed my arms and looked at him. “Okay, forget that angle. I’ll take any dirt you can give me.”

Walter closed his eyes and drew in deep on the Lark. “There are maybe other people who might help you.”

“Like who.”

The smile. “Mr. DeLuca often used an intermediary to acquire films featuring young women of color. I’m told that he had a taste for black hookers, especially those who had appeared in films and videotapes.”

Rollie said, “Who told you this stuff?”

“A fellow named Richie. A sometime customer of mine. He spoke of Mr. DeLuca with great familiarity. He said they were associates.”

I said, “Does Richie have a last name?”

Walter gave me sad and shook his head. “I’m sorry.”

Rollie said, “So the man likes kink with black chicks. Mob dagos been going for the dark meat since the speakeasy days in the twenties. Sal ain’t gonna give a shit about that.”

“It’s more than just a taste for the dark, Mr. George.” The smile, the cigarette glowing hotly. “I’m told that his passion is short-lived, but that he pays very well. I would think that if anyone would know something, a person in that position might.”

“You got a name?”

“There was a woman named Angelette Silver, though she’s no longer in the trade. I believe she works in a florist shop on 122nd Street, in Harlem.” The smile. “But she may not be likely to help.”

“Why not?”

“Charlie uses them up rather quickly, you see. He can be quite a violent man.” Walter’s eyes twinkled when he said it, as if somehow the knowledge of it was delicious. Then he shook his head sadly. “Their parting wasn’t on the best of terms.”

“But he pays very well.”

The smile. “Yes. For every buyer there is a seller, for every seller, a buyer.”

Rollie said, “Shit.”

I said, “Walter, you in here ratting on the mob, aren’t you scared they’ll nail you?”