I rose from my chair, uncertain about what was happening, and clasped his hand in mine. He grasped my hand and gave it a firm shake, at the same time reaching out to hold my forearm with his other hand. Then he leaned in and kissed me on each cheek. I was completely overwhelmed. The handshake holding the forearm, the kiss on each cheek, was a sign of respect shown only among men of a certain level within organized crime. That this man had bestowed such an honor on me was both exhilarating and humbling. Still holding my hand in his, he looked me straight in the eyes. “I know exactly who you
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I cried!
