Identity Theft

Twenty-Two

Chapter One

The corporate headquarters for Manhattan Capital Bank sat on Park Avenue in midtown Manhattan. Their clients included the world’s most prominent corporations, affluent people, and third world governments. As a leading global financial institution with assets of a half trillion dollars, Manhattan Capital had the ability to hire highly qualified employees, create money out of seemingly thin air, and charge their customers mysterious fees in the form of interest.

The hiring policy of Manhattan Capital complied with all laws and usually involved resume review, intense personal interview, credit check, background check, physical, and drug screening. Tony Wolfe, however, gained employment without going through any of them. He never had a drug test, physical, credit check, or background check. He did not submit a resume, nor was he ever interviewed.

The CEO of Manhattan Capital Bank, Alfonso Thomas, was a Harvard graduate. He was enthusiastic, passionate, and dedicated in his role. Alfonso was in his early thirties, medium built, and gay. Although he never advertised his sexual orientation, it was obvious. But he had the respect of every employee, executive, and customer that came in contact with him. So when he said he needed a personal messenger, the HR department contacted a local temporary agency immediately. The agency sent Tony.

If anyone was blessed with good looks, then it was Tony, a.k.a. Pretty Tony. Tall, light-skinned, with short wavy jet-black hair and intelligent eyes complemented by a pencil-thin mustache. With a mixture of European and Asiatic ethnicities, it was very difficult to determine his race. He could pass for Spanish, Middle Eastern, or Indian; and some people even thought he was white. The truth is he was black. His maternal grandfather was Indian, and both his parents were products of interracial unions.

Tony was a well-mannered, friendly, and outgoing guy, an extravert with a magnetic personality who enjoyed people. He was also a lady’s man who lived up to his pretty boy image and lady-killer reputation. Most women found him irresistible.

The CEO liked Tony at first sight; he even felt a sexual attraction toward him but couldn’t show it because he knew Tony was straight. Alfonso had gaydar, the built-in radar that could detect if a man was gay or straight; and if his gaydar wasn’t working, he gave the stare test. There was a certain amount of time that straight men could look at each other before taboos kick in and they would quickly look away. Gay men stared for as long as they wanted to, openly. The CEO tested Tony; he stared, and as expected, Tony looked away and cringed. Alfonso said to himself, Damn … straight, oh well, all the good ones are straight. But that didn’t stop Alfonso from liking him; Tony was a hard person to dislike.

Everyone has a pivotal moment, person, or thing that changes the course of their lives; for Tony, being given the temp assignment at Manhattan Capital was his. After working two weeks as a temp for the CEO, he was hired permanently. Tony was excited because he needed the steady money to help out at home. He had dropped out of college earlier in the year for that same reason. His family just couldn’t afford it. They weren’t poverty stricken, but there wasn’t enough money in the house to splurge on his college education.

Tony hung around the receptionist’s desk flirting with her whenever he was waiting for Mr. Thomas. Her name was Tracy Jones. She was tall with a slim athletic build, light complexion, and wavy black hair. She was cute with dimples on each cheek and had an angelic personality.

Tony entertained her, kept her laughing, made her day. One month later, he began to make her nights too. Tracy enjoyed every moment of their affair and sexual adventures. Tony was the most sexually creative man she had ever been with, and she could still feel the sensation of him inside her the day after they had sex. It was the most sexually gratifying experience she ever had.

Everything was going great, or so it seemed until suddenly, and without any warning signs, the CEO began treating Tony differently and seemed to have lost respect for him. He started talking down to him and sometimes ignored him. The novelty of the job had worn off, and monotony had set in. Alfonso was getting harder to deal with each day, and what made it worse was he was gay.

Alfonso talked to Tony as if he was a piece of shit. He even stopped calling Tony by his name and started calling him boy, the ultimate insult for a twenty-two-year-old black man.

I can’t take this shit anymore! Tony told Tracy. I’ve lost my understanding the same way he lost his respect for me. The next time he call me boy, I’m gonna fuck him up!

No, baby, you can’t do that, said Tracy. You’ll get fired! You don’t want that on your resume. And what about us?

This thing is bigger than us. Tracy, you don’t understand. I don’t let nobody disrespect me.

Just take it easy, baby, it will work itself out.

Tony cooled down and decided to try harder to ignore things and make it work; after all, he did need the money. A few months later, he’d had enough. Fuck the job, and fuck that cum-drinking motherfucking faggot! He stormed in the CEO’s office and barked, Motherfucker, I’ve had enough of this shit! His nostrils flared, and the veins in his neck stood at attention. He struggled to control his temper. He called it the nigger in him. If he lost control and the nigger escaped, things could get ugly because the nigger’s off button didn’t work. The button was broken at birth. It was a genetic flaw.

Alfonso looked at him intently. That’s right, he said to himself, attack me … keep attacking me. I love it! There was a hint of a grin on his face. The outburst excited him, almost like a sexual experience.

While Tony threw his name tag at the CEO, he shouted, Motherfucker, I quit! You can take this badge and shove it.

Alfonso stifled a grin. Tony, I understand you being upset, but I had a reason for my actions.

Tony stood in front of Alfonso’s desk, trembling with anger and struggling to control his temper, the nigger within. What the hell was this fuck boy talking about?

Hear me out, and afterward if you still want to quit, then quit. I won’t stop you.

Fuck you, man! I’ve heard enough of your bullshit. I don’t want to hear anything else from your dumb ass. You can’t say anything to justify the way you’ve been disrespecting me! Tony shouted.

Just listen, please. Have a seat, he said as he pointed to a chair that guarded his desk. I’ll explain everything to you.

Mumbling under his breath, Tony sat down, and the CEO began, Tony, I knew that a position would be open soon, and I thought you would be perfect for it, but it’s a high-stress position. You have to have balls of steel. Well actually, you need balls of steel for my job. He chuckled at his own joke. For the position I have in mind, you need balls of brass. You would have a staff, a budget to manage, and a cute little secretary to get your coffee. But people are people, and they will test you, so I had to test you first. And I must say, you passed with flying colors. Most people would’ve left here a long time ago if I treated them the way I’ve been treating you.

Tony stared at him blankly. Mr. Thomas had caught him completely off guard. He stormed into the office ready to quit just as he had rehearsed for days. But this … this wasn’t part of the plan. His mind raced in a sea of confusion as he sat frozen in the chair. What was going on?

The CEO interrupted his thoughts. Mr. Wolfe, he said. After being called boy for a few months, being called Mr. Wolfe jarred him. The CEO paused dramatically for a few seconds then said, I am promoting you to the position of … purchasing agent. The position offers you an office, a secretary, and a twenty-thousand-dollar petty cash account at your disposal. You will be responsible for purchasing and distribution of all paper products for our U.S. office. Mr. Thomas extended his hand to Tony and with a broad grin said, Congratulations, you deserve it.

Tony was in shock as he shook the extended hand when he rose from the chair. He had just learned a valuable lesson that would serve him for the rest of his life: it’s not what you know but who you know in this world. There was no way he could have gotten the position if he had applied for it on his own. Sure, he had excellent interpersonal skills and was bilingual in Spanish and English, but he only had one year of college under his belt. He didn’t have the experience or credentials; it was clearly all about whom he knew and being in the right place at the right time.

The first thing Tony did after accepting the new position was change his wardrobe to a replica of a Brooks Brothers store. He quickly became the best-dressed man in the building complete with the latest pocket accessories and matching underwear. It was all a part of his new image that complemented his natural good looks and gave him fringe benefits with the ladies.

Tony also changed the places where he socialized and began to go to Bentley’s. Bentley’s was the spot on a Friday evening, an upscale nightclub in midtown Manhattan on Fortieth Street, where some of the most famous entertainers, athletes, and celebrities in the country went to party on any given day of the week. Corporate people went there on Fridays for the afterwork party. Tony loved the atmosphere at the club and became a regular.

The second time he went to the club, it was crowded; there were only a few seats open at the bar. An old-school mix flowed from the speakers. Couples were slow dragging on the dance floor, holding their partners close as they grind to the slow beat of the music. Actually it was closer to a dry fuck than dancing.

Tony was in high spirits and floated toward the bar when he bumped into a woman. Excuse me, he said. She nodded her head as if to acknowledge his apology and walked away. Tony followed her. Excuse me, miss lady, he said as he walked beside her, smiling. I didn’t get your name.

I didn’t give it to you, she said sarcastically. I’m sorry, I didn’t ask.

Correct.

What is your name? Stephanie.

My name is Tony Wolfe. Do you have a last name, Stephanie?

I don’t give strangers my last name. Only my close friends know my last name.

Oh, I see. Well, what do I have to do to become a close friend? You can’t.

Why not?

Because I’m not interested, she said as they approached the bar. Will you at least let me submit my application?

No! I told you I’m not interested. I have a son and a fiancé. And I don’t need any drama in my life, she said.

Tony watched her as she called the bartender, waving her small hand. Stephanie was more intriguing than beautiful. She was medium built with a smooth round face, average-size breasts, and her hair swooped down her forehead and over her left eye. As far as her looks were concerned, she had no special qualities. The only edge she had on the average woman was her walk or trot. She had an overstride and held her head high and didn’t use her arms for balance. Her walk was unusual and sexy.

She was confident and sassy. On the other hand, she could come across as conceited and uppity but was neither diva nor bitch. Stephanie was a career woman who was focused.

Little did she know she was the first woman to reject Tony since he was an adolescent. Tony found it hard to believe and harder to accept the fact that she was not attracted to him. Unlocking her mystery would be a challenge to his pride. It was a challenge he relished.

So, Stephanie, where do you work? Tony asked as he sat next to her. I work at Manhattan Capital Bank.

See, Tony said calmly as he exhaled from a drag on his cigarette, we have something in common already.

And what is that?

We work for the same company. Why are you lying to me?

Tony pulled his wallet out, found a customized business card with his picture on it, and gave it to her. You owe me an apology for insulting my character.

Stephanie silently sipped her drink and pretended not to hear him as she tapped the top of her cigarette pack on the bar.

Well … I’m waiting, Tony said as he lit her cigarette with his gold lighter.

Stephanie smiled, after taking a drag, and said, Okay, I’m sorry.

I’ll accept your apology on one condition.

What’s that?

Let me have your phone number.

Tony looked in her eyes and noticed when she smiled there was a hint of mischief. I don’t know you well enough to give you my phone number.

Then have dinner with me next Friday night.

God, are you always this persistent and aggressive?

If you mean do I always go after what I want, the answer is yes.

That’s not what I asked, she said, smiling.

Half an hour and another round of drinks later, Stephanie began to loosen up.

Okay, I’ll go out with you. But I’m warning you, no drama.

Tony raised his hand, as if to swear. I promise, no drama.

Tony prepared himself all week for Friday night. He went to work and took some money out of his expense. He wanted to knock Stephanie’s fiancé out of the picture.

Eight o’clock on the dot, Tony arrived for their date in a superstretch Benz. While he sat in the back with his legs crossed and smoking a cigarette, the driver rang Stephanie’s doorbell.

Good evening, miss, the driver said with a gentle tip of his black-uniformed hat. Mr. Wolfe is waiting for you in the car.

Stephanie was speechless, but she never let on that she was impressed as she trotted to the superstretch luxury vehicle. The driver opened the door for her, and she stepped in. Tony was pouring her a drink from the bar. So how was your day, Stephanie? he asked as he handed her a glass of Dom Perignon.

It wasn’t too bad. You know, thank God it’s Friday.

They made small talk and laughed as the limo moved quickly up the FDR Drive. Stephanie looked out the window with disbelief as the driver pulled in the parking lot of a heliport on Thirty-fourth Street. Why are we stopping here? she asked almost out loud.

I know you’re probably wondering why we stopped here, Tony said as he got out. He stuck his head back in to complete his thought. I wanted to take you to Atlantic City tonight, but I only have you for a few hours and don’t want to spend them on a highway. So I rented a helicopter to get us there faster and to take you where no man has ever taken you before.

Stephanie sat in her seat of the superstretch Benz dumbfounded and watched Tony walk toward the heliport office. She didn’t know what to expect next. The red-carpet treatment she was getting was more than she expected. In fact, it was beyond her wildest dreams. This was something you read about in books, see in the movies, or dream about. I must be dreaming, she thought to herself. She pinched her arm. Awww. Yup, fully awake. The chauffer opened the door; Tony extended his hand and said, The pilot is ready.

Stephanie got out and walked to the chopper with Tony. Once they were strapped in, Tony put his arm around Stephanie, and she laid her head on his shoulder. The chopper took off and headed toward Atlantic City.

Chapter Two

The helicopter landed in Atlantic City, and they caught a cab to Caesars. Noise from the slot machines filled the air. The