Peterson Investigations - Confidential

Line Tap Transcript
Howard Hammack with Marco Bennett
Recorded: November 6, 1959 6:14 p.m.

Hammack: Yeah, Marco? That you?
Bennett: (Noise, chatter in the background) Yeah, listen up here. I'm down at the pub knocking back a few with some of the guys and the big Chicago boys come in.
Hammack: No kiddin'?
Bennett: Yeah, some of the big boys from the local are down here, makin' a lot of noise about this fellow Jeans Bello, you know the one?
Hammack: The wop from the Chicago outfit, Ernie's brother?
Bennett: Watch it, Hammack. Yeah, that's the guy. Get this. You know all the buzz about kickbacks to the union agent, right?
Hammack: (Child crying in background) Hey kid, pipe it down and shut up, I'm on the phone here.
Hammack: Marco, kickbacks, yeah? What are they into him for?
Bennett: No, no. This guy ain't givin' kickbacks, he's takin'. Word is he's taking more than that, too. Got a girl on the side.
Hammack: A girl on the side, so what?
Bennett: She happens to be Fats Menzzini's girl over in Highland Park.
Hammack: No shit?
Bennett: Yeah. Word is Menzzini's hot as hell over it. It's bad news all around. These guys are saying the investments in Atlantic City could be in jeopardy. You know about that, right?
Hammack: Over a broad?
Bennett: Well, who knows what all it's over? Bello is big buddies with those Reds from the Chicago plant. Something ain't right about it. Mr. P. and Jimmy Mohr are up to their necks in it. They've got these Chicago guys up here, some of Fats' people too.
Hammack: What do I have to do with this?
Bennett: Menzzini's looking for some muscle. They're talkin' about holding a rally.
Hammack: A rally?
Bennett: You're goddamned right a rally. They want Bello to learn a big lesson. The guys want to know if you're in on it.
Hammack: Hey, I busted a skull or two in my day. It's a fast, cheap way to get some sons a bitches' attention, I can tell you that. Quickest way I know.
Bennett: You know, you're wantin' to move up. This is your red carpet, buddy.
Hammack: You give 'em the green light from my end. I'll go down to that bastard's place tonight and stick a fork in him.
Bennett: No, no. You just lay low, sit tight and tone down the juice. They aren't gonna want you all juiced up. I'll see you a little later.
Hammack: Yeah, thanks.
(Line disconnected)