Confessions of a Mob Boss

[The Jersey Devil Diva]

Act 1: A Good Catholic Girl

“You don't need to be Catholic to be Catholic anymore. If you dissent, you don't get out. Martin Luther looks like a prince compared to these people because he knew when it was time to go.”
James P. McFadden

The scene opens on one of the many suburbs in the Jersey Shore area. A white bricked Roman Catholic Church looms over the homes around it, and the colors from the stained glass windows seemed to dance in the late afternoon sun. The brass railings, and door handles sparkled, while the white marble stairs sparkled with each sunbeam that streamed from the sky. The old oak tree that sat to one side was now littered with bright green leaves, and the grass was a bright green was neatly trimmed and well kept. The sign outside on the manicured lawn gave the times for Mass and the Sunday services for those that attended or went for confession. We soon see a black BMW stop at the bottom of the stairs, and go silent. Joanne steps out of the drivers side of the car, and starts up the stairs.

Joanne: *Voice Over* I know what you're probably thinkin'... What is someone like me doin' goin' to a church? A lot of people don't know this, but I am a Catholic... In the business I'm in I need to cleanse my soul every once in a while, but then again... Who doesn't?

Joanne reaches the doors and walks inside, feeling the cool air coming from the central air unit that was installed in more recent years. In front of her sat a small table filled with lit and unlit candles. Joanne lights one before opening the door to the sanctuary and stops making a sign with her hands before moving down the plush red carpet that lined the aisle.

Joanne: *Voice Over* It seems so strange, to be in here. It's been to long... I just hope I don't bore the Father. Why do I wait so long? Last Thursday night, once again I proved that I am the best at what I do, and once again Rick Mad is goin' to be in the ring to face me. What lesson has he not learned yet?

Joanne walks down the aisle and sits on the first pew waiting for the confessional to be vacant. She looks up at the crucifix that hung above the altar, and sighs, as she wraps her hand around the one she wore around her neck.

Joanne: *Voice Over* I remember when I was a little girl staring up at that. I thought he was going to jump down from it and get me if I was bad. Of course at 5 what do you expect? Rick I don't know how many times I can kick your ass before you get the hint, and back off. I mean how many times have we faced each other now? I know it's been a few and it won't surprise me when you lose on Thursday night, once again.

Finally the door to the confessional opens and out steps a young woman dressed in a very tight looking outfit, and Joanne sighs. She was probably a prostitute making her confessions of what happened of the night before. Joanne gets up and walks over to her, before she gets to far.

Woman: What do you want?

Joanne: I can help you out of the business you're in now if you want.

Woman: Who in the hell are you? And why do you give a rats ass what I do?

Joanne: I know the business and it's a hard one. You give almost everythin' you make to some jerk, when you could be makin' major money dancin', and gain some self respect back.

The young woman sits on the pew and looks up at Joanne.

Woman: I'm listening. I've tried at a few places and they didn't give me the time of day.

Joanne: I own a place in Jersey, and I'm sure they would give you give you a chance. Take to Red, and she'll get you set up. But the thin' is are you clean?

Woman: Of course I am. I've been tested for everything and I am clean. I don't do drugs, because I don't see a point. I came to Jersey trying to make a life for myself.

Joanne sighs, and puts a hand on the girls shoulder.

Joanne: Bad place to do that honey. People here will take advantage of you at every turn. Here's the address and I know Red will let you stay there until you get a better place.

Joanne writes down the address of the club, and hands it to the woman. She looks at Joanne and then the piece of paper before taking it.

Woman: Why do you care about what happens to me? You look like you had a silver spoon in your mouth all your life!

Joanne: I have, but I've seen you around before. Trust me I know the guy you are being pimped from... He doesn't like his girls to say no. At least this way you'll be safe.

Woman: Tyrone isn't that bad.

Joanne shakes her head and sighs. She had heard it a million times from girls like her, and sometimes they ended up dead.

Joanne: He already killed one of his girls... Don't ask me how I know... But if you want a fresh start go to the club and talk to Red. She'll make sure you're ok, and no one touches you if you don't want them to. The bodyguards make sure of that.

Woman: No one has ever been this honest with me. He told me she fell.

Joanne: Fell onto his fist a few times maybe. Oh and don't worry about him... I'll get that taken care of.

Woman: I don't know...

Joanne: It's up to you... Just give me a call if you need anythin'. My number is on there too.

The woman looks at the card, and realizes who she was talking to. Her eyes get wide, as Joanne nods.

Woman: I didn't realize... My father knows you. He said if you were to ever offer anything to me to take it.

Joanne: I see... Where are you from?

Woman: Chicago...

Joanne: I know a few people from there. The next time you talk to your father, tell him the Don said hello. Now go you have a new life to start.

The young woman gets up, and walks out of the church, as Joanne watches after her. She had done a good deed for the day, and managed to save the young woman from becoming another victim.

Voice: Nice work Ms. Canelli.

Joanne turns around and there stood a young man, a little younger than Joanne dressed in Priestly robes. Joanne smiles and walks to him hugging him. They were old friends, and she knew she could tell him anything.

Joanne: Thank you Michael.

Father Michael: You improved her life, and saved her from something that I couldn't even do. Are you sure you don't want to become a nun?

Joanne: Nah, I love sex to much. Plus I don't look good in the whole nun thin'.

He just smiles as Joanne laughs. It had never crossed her mind, and it never would.

Father Michael: Shame... What do I owe the honor of a visit from the Don of Jersey Shore?

Joanne: I came for confession but it's all right. It can wait.

Father Michael: Well I have time. If you want to step inside we can start... Or if you just want to talk we can do that too. I don't mind.

Joanne: Sure. I don't know where to start really. I have a match this week against against the same guy that I have faced a few times now, and I just don't know what to think.

Father Michael: You mean Rick Mad.

Joanne smiles softly, and shakes her head.

Joanne: You keep up with everythin' I take it?

Father Michael: I do... I get bored on Thursday nights, and I tune in once in a while.

Joanne: Michael I know you, and you have been a die hard fan since I started my career. But the thin' is if they keep tossin' him in the ring with me, I know that I'm goin' to end up beatin' his head in, or endin' his career... Whatever comes first.

Father Michael: I think I know what you're getting at Joanne. You want a challenge and you're not getting one. You know that you can beat him, but is there really a point in doing so? Is that it?

Joanne: I think that's it. I mean I know I can beat him, and I haven't lost to him yet. I've defended my title against him, but then he turns around and gets the World title. I've had World Titles before but for some odd reason I don't think he deserves it.

Father Michael: Not a good thing. You are coveting what he has. One of the seven deadly sins... Never good.

Joanne: I know... I shouldn't care but it still haunts me. I had it for two weeks and had it taken away just as quick. I was the one to finally end Manabu's streak. Do you know what that is like?

Michael shakes his head, and leans against the pew.

Father Michael: No I don't. I wish I could give you more advice Joanne, but I am a man of God.

Joanne: If you weren't a man of God what would you do if you were in my place?

Father Michael: I would make sure he could never walk again, and end his career so he wouldn't be a pain in my side again. But that's neither here nor there.

Joanne smiles, and gets up from where she sits. Michael gets up behind her and walks up the aisle with her towards the doors.

Joanne: I figured as much. The next time the show is in town, I'll make sure you get tickets. I'm headin' out later today to go, so pray that I have a safe travel will ya?

Father Michael: Of course. Go with God my child, and be safe in whatever you do.

Joanne: Thank you father. I'll see ya later.

With that Joanne hugs him again, and walks out of the sanctuary. She opens the front doors and walks down the stairs with her mind reeling.

Joanne: You know I should take Michael's advice and just end you Rick. I'm gettin' tired of you steppin' into the ring against me, time after time. What do you want from me? I mean if you want to end my career then do it! Don't just mess around and hope that someone else will take me out. But Thursday night I'm not goin' to be playin' games. Play time is over, and it's time to take the kid gloves off. I want to put an end to you and your career so I don't ever have to look at you again. I've beaten you time and time again, and yet you always come back... But not this time. We are the Mafioso, and we get paid to kick your ass. See you soon.

She reaches the car, and finds a piece of paper stuck under the windshield was a note written in lipstick. Joanne smiled as she read it.

Thank you for the offer. Called, and talked with Red. Going to meet her in a couple of hours. Thanks.

Joanne leans against the car, and slips it into her pocket, as she opens the car door.

Joanne: My one good deed...

Joanne slips into the car, and soon she is pulling off back onto the road to head home, and to get ready for her match as the scene fades to black.