Stephen King
A special task
Russell had his first test when Mr Cats, renowned gangster, unceremoniously gate crashed a meeting and wanted to join the Young Man’s Society. His presence cast a chill over all those present but he had a very good reason for wanting to join. Every member was entitled to a burial plot in the Society’s Jewish cemetery, and he needed to bury his dead mother.
And so impressed was he with Russell that he entrusted him with making all the arrangements.
Everyone attended, they knew what was good for their health. A good number of members of the Society were encouraged to be there. Hoods from every side of town made it their business to pay their respects. Some weren’t sure about how to handle the Rabbi when he produced a knife for the ritual cutting of clothes. Shushan Cats insisted that Russell read the eulogy, came back with him after the funeral, and stayed for the ritual period of mourning. Who was he to argue the toss? That’s when Russell got introduced to all the gang leaders, met Cat’s sister, Terri the psychoanalyst, and came across Cohen and Kennedy – two New York cops who had a job to do.