Marvin and Muttie turned out to be a good team. Very good. Marvin would select the target homes and Muttie was responsible for getting them inside.
Pretty soon became known as the “M and M Boys”. Many years later they would joke about suing Cadbury for infringing on their nickname.
While they preferred jewellery, which was easy to ‘fence’, they didn’t discriminate. Paintings, silverware, even furs were acceptable. Occasionally they would receive requests for specific items which they never failed to deliver. There was the one time when a “buyer” ordered a painting which they then “borrowed” from a prominent home in Westmount. Turned out to be a forgery. Something that the original owner was unaware of. Allegedly. In the end, the buyer paid a substantially lower price, the owner received the insurance money and everyone was happy. Except for Sammy. His take was drastically reduced.
Marvin and Muttie were aware that many of Sammy’s buyers would re-sell the merchandise they had supplied at a significant profit, but it didn’t bother them. They weren’t greedy. One thing however did gnaw at them. Having to give Sammy half of their income. Something they felt helpless to change.
On the way home one day after a meeting with Sammy, they stopped at the Coronet Variety store for milkshakes. Reputedly the best milkshakes in Mile End. Perhaps in Montreal. And the best humbugs as well. They ordered their usual – vanilla for Marvin and chocolate for Muttie.
“Muttie,” whispered Marvin, “we have to stop paying Sammy”.
“Dangerous talk” replied Muttie”, “if he hears that we’re even thinking about this, it’s big trouble.”
“I’m fed up”, said Marvin, “we do all the work, take all the risk, and he gets 50%!”
The conversation ended, but the seed had been planted. They wanted to be rid of Sammy, but neither had an answer how to go about it. Everyone knew that Sammy was a dangerous man – very dangerous. He may have manicured fingers, but he was not to be crossed.
Marvin arrived home that night to a house filled with family and friends. It was his sister Esther’s 13th birthday. A very special time for her and he had forgotten to buy her a present.
Marvin ran to his room, removed a shelf in his closet and took out a metal box. Amongst the jewellery that had not yet been fenced was a dainty small silver brooch with a sparkling jade stone in the middle. He quickly polished it with his t-shirt, wrapped it in a clean handkerchief, and went to find his sister.
“Essie” he said, presenting her with the gift, “Happy Birthday”.
As she unwrapped the brooch her eyes grew wide. Marvin was about to say not to tell their parents where she had got it, but it was too late. His father had seen it.
“Marvin” said his father “it’s very beautiful. Come out on the balcony for a minute. Let’s talk.” Marvin sensed it was not going to be a pleasant conversation. “Nu, Marvin, such a beautiful gift, and expensive too. Tell me. Where exactly did you buy it?”
Marvin could not lie to his father. Never could. So he told him the whole story – from the beginning. Starting with old Mrs. Stein’s candlesticks.
“Let me see if I have this straight”, his father said when Marvin finished. “You do the work and this Sammy takes 50%?” Marvin nodded in agreement.
