[Geewiz]

Gracie - I once witnessed a similar situation with a slightly different outcome.

My family was very connected to the Chicago Outfit and about every other Sunday we went to dinner with Lenny Patrick (google him - an interesting guy). We would meet at DeLeo's - an Outfit owned joint. I think I was 10 or 11 years old when this happened.

My grandmother was a large woman and when we were leaving after our meal she upset some guy at his table. He made a nasty comment about my grandmother's size and how it upset his dinner.

Lenny was right behind Nana and heard the rude comment.

I was behind Lenny when he leaned next to the offended diner and with a slight smile said, "Let me help you with your meal." Then, very quickly grabbed the guy by the back of his head and slammed it..4 or 5 times into his plate...very hard - very fast - and very final. Then with pasta and sauce covering this guys face, Lenny leaned back over and whispered, "I hope that helped."

As we were walking out, the guy stood up and yelled, "Someone call the police" (I guess he didn't know this was an Outfit joint). The host, owner and 2 bus boys picked the guy up like a sack of dirty laundry and threw him out on the street.

As we were driving away, Lenny rolled down the window and gave him a Queen Elizabeth wave...then laughed --very hard and very loud.

My Papa, before our dinners, would whisper to me - "Gary, be good - be quiet - tonight we are eating with a killer." I thought Papa was just kidding. After that night, I knew he wasn't kidding.

This was the beginning of a long history with Lenny - who for some reason, took a liking to me. Given this history, I was amazed when I got a government security clearance...but, that's the government for ya.

Lenny - an incredible guy...and one never to cross.