Meeting at the Ritz-Carlton, August 8, 2011

Lunch with Buddy Shuler, the radio talk-show guy at the Ritz-Carlton on A1A, where Manalapan meets Palm Beach. The Ritz is a class act and has a stellar view, but when I arrive storm clouds are swirling and jagged streaks of lightning are flickering over the Atlantic. Not that we planned on dining al fresco, and by the time we get seated at a table overlooking the terrace, it’s coming down cats and dogs.

I know Buddy from my days in New Orleans, when he used to be a sportscaster covering the Saints. He knows who I am, what I do, and what I used to do. Anyway, he’s an okay guy, and we get together every now and then. But Buddy’s on the air five days a week saying things a lot of people don’t like, and he’s picked up a stalker. It’s a crazed eco-terrorist who’s taking shots at Buddy’s Palm Beach house with a high-powered rifle. Buddy wants to know if I can help him put an end to his problem. Hmm. “Not me, personally,” I say. “But I know someone who can.”

(This is similar to a scene that takes place in Bellomo’s book, Louie Morelli’s Daughter.  If you enjoyed this little anecdote, you may wish to purchase one of Bellomo’s books, available on Amazon.)

Bellomo writes mob fiction and mafia romance.