My recently released mafia thriller, titled GET EVEN, brings you an up-close and intimate look at the trials and tribulations of the #3 man in the Detroit Mafia, Blackie Giardini. It seems appropriate to feature mob boss #3 in book #3 of my “Thorn Birds of Detroit Defy Mafia” series reflecting historical events in Detroit in the 1970s and 80s.  See GET EVEN

 

Blackie Giardini and Johnny Cash?

What do these two have in common? Street Boss, Blackie Girardini was born the same month and year as Johnny Cash; and, like Johnny, Blackie always wore black clothing and often donned large black sunglasses. Date of birth and attire may be the only similarities; to my knowledge Blackie did not sing or play the guitar.  Hmm – – did they both spend time in a locked cell? 

Blackie Was a Made Man

All mafia leaders of the time were expected to be a made man. Yes, this is mafia talk, but it means Blackie had at least one documented killing to his credit.

Blackie’s Job Description

Being the third ranking individual in the mafia, Blackie functions like the corporate vice president for operation. Boss Jake Nicolette is the CEO and Angelo Travaglini, the Underboss, is like an Executive Vice President. Below the Street Boss is numerous lieutenants responsible for what might be called divisions—prostitution, gambling, local business protection, drugs, unions, motorcycle gangs. The capos, the soldiers who do the dirty work, are the mafia members reporting to the lieutenants.

 Insightful and Smart

As a former university president, I’m wondering if Backie’s degree from Notre Dame University helped prepare him for his management role in the mob. My research revealed that he’s always one or two steps ahead of everyone else, as illustrated by the following excerpt from GET EVEN:

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Blackie’s mind slipped into high gear. “They hit our ten best blind pigs at the same time. Not one of our police officers knew about the bust until it happened. Each of the ten blind pigs had just been newly remodeled.” He took a long sip and drew his brows together in puzzlement. “Arrest warrants included seventy-five or so capos.”

 “There has to be something else, he said to his assistant, Carmen.

 Carmen’s mind wandered aimlessly, hoping he might come up with an intellectual gem. “They didn’t indict any lieutenants or anyone in the upper circles.”

“Right.” Blackie felt the answer was near. “And, why was that?” he asked rhetorically. “Because they didn’t have the goods on us,” Blackie answered. “Okay Carmen, write these points down.”

• How’d they know these were our most profitable blind pigs?
• How’d they know the addresses?
• How’d they know which ones were open?
• Why did they hit only the newly remodeled ones?
• How’d they get the goods on that many capos?
• And, why weren’t they able to come up with enough evidence to indict anyone in the top tier?”

“Wow boss, how’d you come up with all that?”

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Did Blackie GET EVEN?

Well. . . I guess you’ll have to read “GET EVEN:  Detroit Thorn Birds Defy Mafia” for the rest of the story.  Quick order link.

 

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