(For the time being, we will ignore the double negative ...as not taking nothing is taking something. And in reality, Frank took plenty from lots of people. But, even with the double negative, if he were taking something, who did he say he took it from? He said 'nobody' ...and that's how Frank viewed people, as 'nobodies'.)
(Okay, I didn't ignore the double negative ...my comments seemed to describe Frank rather accurately, though how could anyone really begin to do an adequate job with that. There are good Franks ...and there are not so good Franks, but let's be frank about this one.)
Frank had many people doing his bidding ...not at the racetrack, though he was involved in that too. I mean, many people did what Frank asked ...well, most everyone did. Anyone who didn't usually ended up missing, or dead. Let me say, that some people did what Frank asked more adequately, or efficiently. Perhaps the best at doing that ...or you could say, the best at doing the worse, was Jack.
Jack didn't say much, and Frank liked that. Jack was a good listener ...but, more importantly to Frank, was the fact that Jack was also quick to accomplish what Frank wanted done.
When Frank would boldly and bluntly say, "I don't take nothin' from nobody!" ...well, Jack knew who Frank was referring to. Jack would then leave the room, and not return until he did what he knew Frank wanted accomplished. When Frank made a statement like that, it was more than a challenge ...and it was even more than a threat. It was a promise. And Jack was the one who shined Frank's reputation as a promise keeper.
Frank was angry most of the time, it seemed ...but lately, he seemed beyond angry. He seemed beyond reason.
Now, how can anyone find a reason for senseless killing?? Well, the reason is like trying to establish motive in a crime. Before guilt can be established, three aspects of a crime are ideally determined ---means, motive, and opportunity. No one could ever place Frank at the scene of a crime ...and no one had ever even had a clue about Jack. Frank had such an intertwined organization, no one had as much opportunity as he did. And it would be nearly impossible to establish motive ...as even the people that worked close with Frank didn't understand him.
Jack didn't bother with this useless criminal psychology, or court proceedings ...as no one was going to nab him. No one even suspected him, and he worked alone. And he didn't concern himself with the 'why' of things, he just effectively did what he knew Frank wanted done.
Some things are driven by greed or a lust for power. Others are driven by anger, and sometimes it reaches insanely to revenge. Who can say what motivates someone? Yet, who can say it's not evil ...whatever the motivation??
Yet, even evil can sometimes be somewhat understood. There are patterns ...and sometimes, it seems there is nearly a script. Yes, a plan ...and methods to carry it out.
But now, all sense of predictability is lost. Though it may appear strange to say, some of the people around Frank felt relatively safe in the organization. They benefited from his loyalty ...or let's say, his trust. No, not really trust either. I dare say it was not friendship.
Confidence.
Yes, he had confidence in some people.
But, no more ....
It's difficult to imagine how people make a living with no morals ...and that they'd be so upset when they feel they themselves are betrayed. But, this is what Frank feels. And it must have come from the 'inside' ...there must be a leak somewhere. It seems that too many times the police, and even federal law enforcement has been tipped off, causing Frank to abort his plans.
Frank becomes suspicious ...too suspicious to even effectively continue to run the city like he has been. He is so determined to get the guy in his organization that has been tipping off law enforcement ...he starts acting more on whims and suspicions. And Jack becomes very busy ...knowing that Frank feels he can ill afford his organization to collapse from the inside. Frank's associate at the funeral home increases his order for having boxes made.
Jack sees to it that Frank is happy. Well, maybe not happy ...Frank has never been happy. Maybe it is enough to see Frank's confidence in his work. Jack does good work ...which is actually wicked work, but that is the sick satisfaction derived by people who cannot take a breath without knowing they are taking one away from someone else.
Jack felt he had the best job security ...even better than the undertaker, and definitely more exciting. And to him it was simple ...no questions asked, and no witnesses.
Jack's work was bona fide ...and in thinking about it, he smiled. Jack was no dummy ...and had studied extensively about World History. One of his favorites was the Roman Empire. He had studied all the pagan deities, and he had a particular fondness for Fides, the female deity of trust. Jack knew that Frank was satisfied with his work, but that he also had to provide proof. Frank only trusted if he saw the bones ...dead bones. Jack would show Frank, and wait for the nod of approval. It would be one of the only times Jack would speak. He'd smile, and say, "Bona Fide!"
For an evil empire to continue to exist, it must sustain itself ...not self-destruct. But, what drives an empire? Usually money is a big factor ...but, that was no longer a concern for Frank. He had accrued enough money in the first year alone. It seemed more like control that drove him from then on. And he would not tolerate anyone crossing him.
But, Frank didn't realize he was losing control. It was driving him mad, trying to find out who was leaking the information. He had replaced most of his organization ...all of those whom he felt were part of the inner circle. He was furious ...and Jack listened as Frank once again screamed, "I don't take nothin' from nobody!" Jack was attentive, as he saw the wheels turning inside Frank's head. Jack knew that look ...and he was eager to do the job, as soon as Frank would let him know who'd be fitted for one of those boxes next.
The next day, Jack was in a box.
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