Bent Coin

by Stephen P. Byers

This is a story of greed and altruism, deceit and naivete, revenge and disillusionment between two people whose lives become inextricably entwined. They crave each other's company for selfish reasons. Their marriage, which is founded on false foundations, crumbles. Even as they live their separate lives, they cannot escape. Their son grows to a fine young man who assesses his parent's life as a battle of inflated egos in a marriage void of affection. Each blames the other, neither facing the reality of failure to create a sincere relationship. In the end, the insatiable desire for revenge destroys them. Seven years after Joe Haldimann married Elizabeth Arlene, she drowned in a boating accident on Lake Michigan in 1898. Joe faces the prospect of raising the only child of the marriage, Suzanne, who is four years old. She becomes an attractive, determined executive but the sudden death of her father traumatizes her. Alone and unhappy carrying the responsibilities of her father's estate, she falls for Harry Matheu whom she sees in the image of her father. Harry, a cartage contractor, associates with Rocco Rossetti, a well-connected mobster. Suzanne's inherited wealth is the answer to Harry's dreams. On a whim, Suzanne persuades Harry to join her in establishing a haberdashery store. He thinks it's crazy but yields because of her wealth. In her efforts to understand his lifestyle, her lawyer directs her to Sergio Cellini an underworld fixer of dubious reputation. Harry and Suzanne marry. Despite promises not to have a family, Suzanne becomes pregnant. Harry insists on an abortion; she refuses. When the child comes into the world with hereditary features of an earlier ancestor, Harry is distraught, refusing all paternal love. He sets out to prove he is as capable as his wife in conducting business. He learns to invest in marketable securities and sets-up candy and ice-cream stores. When his wife's lawyer recognizes his achievements, Harry considers he has reached the peak of success. He becomes a modestly wealthy man often dining with the president of his bank. He borrows heavily. Disaster strikes in the form of the market crash of '29. Harry is destitute and the marriage is all but over. On his departure from Chicago, he cons Rocco with a magnificent swindle that leaves his former friend as the butt of underworld jokes. Harry's Mafia associates find him a year later, beat him brutally and leave him for dead. Blaming his former wife for his troubles, he waits for the opportunity for revenge. Meanwhile, their son, Sam, becomes successful in his own right. He spends his summers at the Magdalene home in Calumet City where he learns about life through his baseball coach and the local parish priest. He matures and grows into a responsible young man. After the war he returns to Calumet City where he organizes a professional softball league, buys a store, marries and becomes a local hero in the community. Harry accidentally learns of Sam's success viewing it as an opportunity to gain the revenge he has sought so long. He devises a plan to extract money from his former wife. When Harry finally puts his plan into action, Suzanne, obsessed with hatred, returns to Sergio Cellini for help. She tries to protect herself and her son with cataclysmic results.

331 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999