Mark Sway and the Mafia Lawyer’s Secret
The Story of Mark Sway
The story begins with two children, Mark Sway, eleven years old, and his younger brother Ricky, eight years old. Mark is teaching his brother how to smoke when a large, black car pulls up. The children approach the vehicle, and inside they find a large, disheveled man. This man intends to commit suicide by connecting a hose from the exhaust pipe to the car’s interior, sealing it shut.
The two brothers attempt to prevent the man’s suicide, removing the hose twice. On the second attempt, the intoxicated man exits the car and grabs the older brother, pulling him inside. Inside the car, the man threatens Mark with a gun but cannot bring himself to use it. He then begins to talk to Mark. His name is Jerome Clifford, though he is known as Romey. He reveals that he is a Mafia lawyer in Louisiana. His client, Barry Muldanno, was convicted of killing a senator, but there was no concrete evidence because the body was never found. Muldanno had confided in Clifford, telling him that the senator’s body was hidden in his garage. Clifford, therefore, wanted to commit suicide to avoid further involvement in the case. Before taking his own life, Romey confesses to Mark the location of the body. Then, the man grabs the gun and finally kills himself. The two brothers are terrified.
Ricky’s Condition
Ricky is hospitalized, suffering from severe shock. Doctors are unable to explain his condition, unaware of the events that transpired.
Mark’s Dilemma
Mark calls the police but withholds his name. He is unable to tell the whole story and lies, claiming he was not present when Clifford killed himself. Soon, the FBI learns of the lawyer’s death and wants to speak with Mark. However, he does not reveal everything, fearing the Mafia’s retaliation and not wanting any trouble. He tells the doctor everything, but she says she was inside the car.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Frightened, Mark seeks out a lawyer, Reggie Love, a fifty-year-old woman with short, white hair. The boy tells his lawyer everything except the location of the body. Reggie accompanies Mark to the hospital to speak with the FBI, who pressure them to tell the truth, but Reggie skillfully deflects their inquiries.
Threats and Protection
Muldanno hears the news about Mark and sends his associate, Gronke, to silence him. Gronke follows and threatens Mark with a knife. The boy informs his lawyer, who arranges for security at the hospital to protect the two brothers.
Imprisonment and Escape
Mark is placed in custody because he refuses to talk, providing him with a degree of protection. However, he manages to escape and contacts Reggie. He instructs her to drive to New Orleans, and they head to Clifford’s house.
Discovering the Body
Upon arrival, Mark approaches the house and, through a window, sees Barry “the Blade” digging up the body. Reggie has an idea; she throws a rock at the window, setting off the alarm. Once the commotion subsides, they enter the garage and find the senator’s body in a plastic bag.
Witness Protection
Back in Memphis, Mark and his family await the FBI’s arrival, as they have accepted the Witness Protection Program and will be relocated. Ricky will receive treatment at another hospital, and the family will be safeguarded.
The Truth Revealed
After the family departs, Reggie reveals everything to the FBI, potentially leading to Muldanno’s arrest.