The Godmother (Part 13)

The Godmother Part 13


New York City 2000


It was a bright sunny day in New York City when all the top Democratic leaders gathered for the big announcement. Nita was going to announce her candidacy for the US Senate. It had been a long day coming for Nita. For years she had loyally worked her way up the political ladder in New York Democratic politics. Now it was her turn. As she stood on the platform next to the head of the party in New York, Nita was plainly excited. This was the moment she had worked for.

Suddenly, a swarthy man in an all-white suit with matching fedora stepped onto the stage. Someone whispered, "La mano nera"-The Black Hand. And right next to him was the Godmother.

The man in the white suit motioned for the party boss to come over to where he was standing with the Godmother. Dutifully, the boss walked over to the man. As the Godmother stood in the background, the man whispered into the party boss' ear pointing his finger at him-then to the Godmother then back at the boss. The boss nodded then walked slowly over to Nita.

"I'm sorry, Nita, but it's....I mean, well...."

Nita nodded. She knew what was happening. She understood. Her dreams of running for the US Senate were over. There was nothing she could do. "It's alright. It's alright," she assured the boss.

In minutes it was over. The Godmother walked to the microphone announced to the crowd that she would be running for the US Senate, not Nita. All Nita could do was feign joy at the announcement, smile, and applaud as the Godmother took her bows.

As the crowd gathered around the Godmother promising her their full support, Nita began to walk home. Halfway down the block, the party boss came running up behind her with a bag of groceries he tried to shove into Nita's arms as he profusely apologized.

"It's alright. It's alright," Nita persisted as she declined the groceries and continued her long walk home.