Francis by Patrick J. Marrin for September 06, 2021

Anytime Michael Corleone kissed someone and said he was like a brother, that guy should get his affairs in order quick.

1. I’m worried for Gabby. Those two watching her seem ominous.

2. A Mafia kiss can signal different things. On the cheek, the hand, or (some claim) the ring it can have positive meaning. On the lips, not so much.

Gabby, go to safety, now! Leo, you’re in for a sad awakening.

Back in the 1960’s there was racial tensions in the school where my wife was attending. As class president, she received death threats. It was a nursing school and the student nurses boarded in a dormitory.

One Friday, as she was ready to go home for the weekend, she got a call from the front desk. “You have a couple of gentlemen callers waiting for you.”

She got to the lobby and there were two men and they were classic: fedoras, pin striped suits and sunglasses. “We’re here to see you get home OK.” they said to her. She looked over at one of her classmates, Suzy (very Italian name) who gave her the thumbs up. Suzy claimed that the men were her “uncles” and that they could be trusted.

They took my wife to her house. She never gave them the address.

I hear you paint houses.

Uh-oh; that was NOT good!

Poor sweet, innocent, Leo.

Sounds like the kiss of death.