May 5, 2022 • 21 mins
Georgia meets Sammy G. and discovers the seductive world of the mafia.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Teleporce Productions and I Heart Radio presents Wheel Woman. Confessions
of a Getaway Driver. Jesus, Joe, where are you taking me?
(00:35):
The strips? Back that way? Why are you driving into
the desert? I'm not scared, Joe? What are you doing?
What I have to You've made up your mind you're
not coming back to me, So I'm going to do something.
I'll probably end up doing time for Joe. You're not
gonna get away with it this time, Georgia. I told
(00:56):
you what would happen. I told you get away with what.
I didn't do anything. It's been one lie after another.
You lied about Sammy, you lied about driving for the
GAMBI knows you lied when you said you would come back,
I didn't. Who is at this time? George has no
I swear You're not gonna make them fool out of
(01:18):
me again. Nothing but problems. That's all you've ever cost me.
But I'm gonna solve them right here, right now. No
more FBI, no more cambios, no more lying bitch. Please, Joe,
what about Tony? What about your daughter? I'm gonna teach
you one final fucking lesson. You think you can leave me?
(01:39):
You really think so I told you, George it the
only way you could leave me was in death. Yesterday April,
(02:47):
Salvator semig Gin Jelo, charming and dapper underboss in Rochester's
Mafiosa Circles, was killed after a bomb detonated beneath the
driver's seat in his Buick Park Avenue Sedan in downtown Rochester. Sammy,
along with his bodyguards Tom Torpie and Tom Taylor, left
Ben's Cafe on Main Street, a restaurant well known as
(03:07):
a mafia hideout, in the early morning. Ginello, who usually
rode in the back, is said to have insisted on driving.
The downtown streets were reportedly eerily empty as the bomb
went off. The explosion blew the windows out of every
storefront and apartment for two blocks and was felt a
dozen miles away. Torpi and Taylor sustained injuries but survived.
(03:30):
A sordid crowd of drunks, hookers, and pimps immediately flocked
to the scene of the battered black Buick. Women from
a nearby massage parlor ran out into the cold night
in their leotards to see what had happened. When police
finally removed the car, twelve hours later, souvenir hunters and
morbid curiosity seekers moved in to collect jagged pieces of
metal and glass, and even shards of flesh left behind
(03:53):
in remembrance of Sammy g Gingello has been under two
seven police surveillance since his release from prison due to
escalating threats on his life. Typically, Rochester police investigator Gus
Dapriel would have been nearby shadowing Ginello, as he and
his partner Jerry Luciano had done for weeks and weeks,
but the prill was instead home in bed. He and
(04:15):
Luciano had finally been given the time off that they'd
long and previously unsuccessfully requestioned from their supervisors. Was it
pure coincidence that he and Luciano finally got the night off?
Do the police know who killed Rochester mobster Sammy g Gingello?
(04:45):
Please dates your name and occupations? Every occupation? Yes, every
previous occupation? All right? Georgia Durante, model stunt driver, will
woman for the mob? Is that the correct order? Model
(05:05):
wheel woman for the mob? Stunt driver happy? In addition
of working for the mob, you were married to a
member of the mob. Correct? Yes? When are you going
to start asking questions? You don't already know the answer to.
And when did you first learn of salvatorge and Jello's murder?
(05:29):
No one calls him that. When did you first learn
about Sammy Gee's murder? I was in my apartment in
l A when the phone rang. I was just waking up.
I hadn't even had my first cup of coffee yet.
I was one of your FB guy guys, Nelson, who
had helped me with the case. He continued to check
up on me from time to time. He told me
(05:51):
he got some news over the wire. He thought I'd
like to know. He said, they got your friend last night.
They killed Sammy Gee. Damn here dropped the phone broke
my heart. I knew there had been multiple attempts on
his life. I can't say I was surprised. How could
I be? I mean, there was a power war going
on and Sammy he had plenty of enemies. Can you
(06:15):
please list some of these enemies? Oh boy, where do
I start? Was your ex husband Joel Adola one of
Sammy's enemies, you could say that. And your former boyfriend
Frankie also in the mob. He was an enemy. Yes,
Why do you think Sammy was killed? How should I
(06:40):
know you don't know who killed him. What you got
to understand is that everyone was getting killed then. How
every time I called home I heard about someone else
who had been murdered. It's only a matter of time
before that life running in those circles sketches up with you.
And how did you make it out alive? Mhm M
(07:00):
I drove like hell. Go back to when you first
met Sammy. Was in Rochester, Yes, Rochester, New York. Tell
me how you met. It was the summer of nineteen
sixty three. Rochester was famous for two things at the time,
Kodak film and the Mob. But the night amid Sammy,
(07:22):
I didn't know I'd be involved with either. I had
just turned thirteen and was visiting my girlfriend Rosalie. We
got all dolled up and decided to go out at
night and get some cokes and tucked away in a
rough neighborhood on the east side of town was Skinny's Diner,
hang out for juvenile, tough guys such as the ben
three year old Sammy, and in my teenage mind, a
(07:45):
perfect place for an adventure. We shimmied up to the
counter and opped ourselves on the stools. I looked far
older than my years, with white shorts that showed off
(08:07):
my thin tan legs and a red Paisley halter top
tied unto my prematurely developed breasts. Rosalie well, she looked
like a baby covered in pimples, but that didn't stop
us from getting attention. What can I get you? Two cokes? Please?
(08:27):
Thank you? Oh? Look over there, isn't he dreamy? They
all are eight doll face? What you wanted over there?
You're disgusting. Come on, give us a little look at
those luscious tetchy that off and that's all it took
(08:49):
for Sammy to come barreling over, clearly aware that we
were just babies under the piled on makeup. Hey buddy,
why don't you leave the girls alone? What the hell
are you? I'm your worst knife miss? Are you like that? Huh?
Not so tough now, are you? It wears? That's my
(09:13):
mouth to your good nothing motherfuck stay out your fucking
duck guy. Huh you're motherless? Fuck you sucker? Fire you here?
You disrespecting a lady again anywhere? The only snack you'll
(09:35):
be tasting is a forty five on the back of
your fucking throat. And it'll be a last supper. Look
at me, look at me, see my face again, Suck
your fucking tail and run. I get the funk outta here.
It's been not come around here no more. I'm sin Georgia.
(10:07):
Anybody ever treat you like that again? You just let
me know that you'll be able to find him. I'm
always around here. Did you know Sammy was involved with
the mom? When you met, he was just a young
(10:29):
wise guy back then, trying to maneuver his way up
the ranks. Did you try to find him after that? No?
I didn't think i'd ever see him again, But I
guess I should have known better. You see, East Rochester
was like Little Italy, felt like a small town, and
like any small Italian village, it thrived on gossip. Everyone
knew everyone's business. He ran into the same people at
(10:51):
the same place as when Did you see him next?
About two years later. I grew up a lot in
that time. I looked much more mature, but really I
was still just a kid and had that same insatiable curiosity.
All I wanted was for life to be an adventure.
So one night I decided to go out alone. I
(11:12):
got dressed up put on some lipstick and walked into
the living room for the very first time, as if
I'd been there a thousand times before. The living room, Oh,
it's the bar. Back then in Rochester, it was one
of the regular stops on the Friday night club circuit.
Young tough guys bounced between the Blue Guardinia Restaurant, the
Fountain Blue, and Ben's Cafe Society. Walk into any one
(11:35):
of them and you'd see every familiar face that made
up the sinister side of Rochester's inhabitants. They were all
in the city's East circuit and known mob hangouts. Like
I said, everyone in Rochester talked, Is that why you went?
Not necessarily, I wasn't satisfied with the small town gossip.
I wanted to see what it was all about in
(11:56):
the city for myself. The drinking age was eighteen at
the time, but I knew plenty of underage girls were admitted.
They said the club was open to anyone who dared
to walk in. What was it like on the inside?
To a storry eyed teenager, being at the living room
was almost like throwing your own party and having all
(12:16):
your friends over. But yeah, I was well known as
gangster's territory, so not many outsiders made it their favorite
drinking hole. The outside of the building was an unassuming
plane brick structure sitting next to an abandoned gas station,
not very inviting, but the interior had an appealing, comfortable atmosphere.
(12:36):
On each side of the entrance was a huge picture
window with heavy burgundy draps pulled back in soft folds
with thick gold ties. A muted tapestry materials sat near
the corner, and the majority of the lounge area had
tables for two with solid red table cloths. Cheap red
candle containers on the tables gave off very little light,
which worked for the crowd. You could be almost anonymous.
(13:00):
Did you expect to see Sammy? Crossed my mind that
someone like him might hang out there, but I didn't
think much about it beyond that. But as soon as
I walked in and my eyes adjusted to the darkness,
the first thing I saw was Sammy g holding court
and he immediately clocks my entrance, and mid conversation, he
breaks away and strutted over and greeted me warmly as
(13:22):
if we were alled friends. And that was that. Suddenly
I was in I was part of it. And you know,
being made to feel special was part of the lure
of this world. But with Sammy it was genuine. We
had a connection, but his protective streak hadn't gone away.
What happened by now, I was well aware men were
(13:43):
attracted to me, so nothing to pace me much. But
Sammy didn't like it any more than he did the
first time we met. We were standing there talking at
the bar, and the guy next to me keeps staring
and he's had one too many, was swaying back and forth.
He didn't notice Sammy was keeping an eye on him.
Eventually the guy opened his mouth, A young lady, those
(14:06):
are some pretty nice tits you got there are the
real Sammy snapped around and fixed him with such a
deadly look. The man stumbled away without a word. He
was smart, and Sammy didn't even have to say anything.
I was impressed, but also nervous, you know, after seeing
him in action once before, I didn't think this was
(14:27):
going to be the end of it. Though Sammy remained
agitated for several minutes. After the guy staggered out of sight,
that was it. The moment passed and no one took
any notice. The living room was like a cess pool
for out of control echos, constant threat of violence lingered
in the air no matter what. How often did Sammy
(14:47):
act violently around you? Not often, and never towards me,
though I don't know how he was other times, but
he just didn't like creeps hanging around. Like I said,
he was protective. That doesn't mean we didn't have fun. However,
most of the time it was drinking, laughing and talking,
not fighting. And these guys were all big spenders, each
(15:09):
trying now do the next. In all those years, I
don't ever remember buying my own drink, and I have
to admit that impressed me. My parents struggled to put
food on our table, and you know, these guys were
throwing around hundred dollar bills like there was an endless supply.
I guess there was. Did you keep hanging around because
of the money? I hung around because Sammy treated me
(15:39):
like a princess in a town full of small minded
people who decided they disliked me and never let up.
And as the years went on, the respectful way Sammy
treated me never changed. I felt protected and safe in
his company. Hey kid, how are you doing? Sammy was
(16:09):
sitting with two women but once I arrived, he paid
them no mind, and they did not seem all too
pleased with me. What are you drinking? I'll have a scotch, Sammy.
In fact, make it a double. You've got it, Bring
us another round and the double shivers for the lady.
You got it, sam take care of Jimmy stable. Line
up another shot propriety too while you read it than
(16:34):
the double? Huh? What was going on with you? Kid? Oh?
Rough night. I'd rather not get into it. That's fine,
and I'll just say this. I want you to really listen.
It'll pass, I hope so it will. You're go and places, kid.
I knew that the day first laid eyes on you.
What were you the thirteen? Fourteen years old? Just about?
(16:56):
And since then I watched you blossom in to a beauty.
I mean, you deserve a world. Kid. Won't let anyone
gets you down. Thanks Sammy. Bunch of us going to
best cafe from me? Like to join us? Sure? Why not?
That's what I like to hear. M I remember Sammy
(17:23):
left me a hundred dollar tip as we got up
to leave. But he was always like that, so generous. Yes, Sammy,
get these ladies whatever they want to put it on
my tip. Hey, why aren't those girls coming with us?
They seem surprised you're leaving them behind. Come on bringing
(17:43):
him sandwich to Schmogg boo. What I love most about
Sammy was his sense of humor. Really, he's not exactly
(18:06):
known for that. Well, that's because he was such a
powerful force. He was the man in town, and that's
what people saw. They couldn't see past it. But he
knew how to turn on the charm. He really had
the easy going manner most of the time. That's what
I saw. But you know, maybe I didn't look too close.
(18:27):
I knew there was more, but I never wanted to
see what lurked underneath. But what you gotta understand is
Sammy wasn't your typical cigars smoking gangster stereotype. He was
in a class all his own, very handsome, always impeccably dressed.
He wasn't what you called tall, about five nine, but
(18:47):
his clothes were expensive and he wore them well. I
don't think I ever saw the same diamond tie pin
with matching cufflings on him twice. The same goes for
the three shoes and the custom made shirts he hit
the streets movie star style, surrounded by an entourage. He
walked with pride, his appearance commanding attention wherever he went.
(19:09):
But it was who he was that commanded respect. Did
Sammy no Joe and Frankie when you first met him?
I'm not sure, but I think so. I mean, all
those guys knew each other. He never talked about him,
not then, not that I can remember. Did Sammy ever
asked you to do any favors for him? Only much later?
(19:32):
At that point, at the beginning, I was just hanging around.
I felt included, I felt safe, like I was untouchable.
When Sammy was near, I was just a kid and
his world was mysterious and seductive. Was it Sammy that
got you involved driving for the Gambinos? Oh? No, that
was Frankie. Did Sammy knew about it, Yes, but he
(19:55):
wasn't thrilled. Sammy never wanted me to be a part
of that life. What about your husband, Joe, How did
Sammy feel that you married a well known mafioso. Sammy
definitely didn't want me to have any part of Joe
in my life either. We have testimony that Sammy attempted
to have Joe killed. He didn't kill him. Could Joe
(20:18):
have been seeking retribution? Maybe it's possible. I mean, I guess,
but I don't think Joe could have done it. You
don't think Joe was a killer? Oh? No, Joe could
have killed a man, but I don't think he could
have killed Sammy. It sounds like there was no love
lost between them. Yeah, but killing Sammy was not on
(20:40):
Joe's mind then why not? Because at the time Joe
was too busy trying to kill me. Wheel Woman is
written by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jacqueline and directed by
Sabrina Jacqueline, Produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina jack Hum,
Executive produced by Georgia Duranty and Noel Brown for I
(21:04):
Heart Radio. Wheelwoman stars Lilia Symington as Georgia, with additional
performances by Tanner Beard, Zachary Webber, Simon Jaguline, Chase Mullins,
Nick Williams, Gabe Greenspan, Dylan McCullum, Garrett Bear, Nora Garrett
Duncan Kaladeen, Victoria Foyt, Max Georgie, Mariah Bess, and Max Jacobe.
(21:27):
Edited by Chris Childs, with sound design and theme music
by Chris Child's adapted from the book The Company She
Keeps by Georgia Duranty. Wheelwoman Confessions of a Getaway Driver
is an I Heart Radio production. For more podcasts from
i Heeart Radio, visit the i heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,
or wherever you get your podcasts.
Teleporce Productions and I Heart Radio presents Wheel Woman. Confessions
of a Getaway Driver. Jesus, Joe, where are you taking me?
(00:35):
The strips? Back that way? Why are you driving into
the desert? I'm not scared, Joe? What are you doing?
What I have to You've made up your mind you're
not coming back to me, So I'm going to do something.
I'll probably end up doing time for Joe. You're not
gonna get away with it this time, Georgia. I told
(00:56):
you what would happen. I told you get away with what.
I didn't do anything. It's been one lie after another.
You lied about Sammy, you lied about driving for the
GAMBI knows you lied when you said you would come back,
I didn't. Who is at this time? George has no
I swear You're not gonna make them fool out of
(01:18):
me again. Nothing but problems. That's all you've ever cost me.
But I'm gonna solve them right here, right now. No
more FBI, no more cambios, no more lying bitch. Please, Joe,
what about Tony? What about your daughter? I'm gonna teach
you one final fucking lesson. You think you can leave me?
(01:39):
You really think so I told you, George it the
only way you could leave me was in death. Yesterday April,
(02:47):
Salvator semig Gin Jelo, charming and dapper underboss in Rochester's
Mafiosa Circles, was killed after a bomb detonated beneath the
driver's seat in his Buick Park Avenue Sedan in downtown Rochester. Sammy,
along with his bodyguards Tom Torpie and Tom Taylor, left
Ben's Cafe on Main Street, a restaurant well known as
(03:07):
a mafia hideout, in the early morning. Ginello, who usually
rode in the back, is said to have insisted on driving.
The downtown streets were reportedly eerily empty as the bomb
went off. The explosion blew the windows out of every
storefront and apartment for two blocks and was felt a
dozen miles away. Torpi and Taylor sustained injuries but survived.
(03:30):
A sordid crowd of drunks, hookers, and pimps immediately flocked
to the scene of the battered black Buick. Women from
a nearby massage parlor ran out into the cold night
in their leotards to see what had happened. When police
finally removed the car, twelve hours later, souvenir hunters and
morbid curiosity seekers moved in to collect jagged pieces of
metal and glass, and even shards of flesh left behind
(03:53):
in remembrance of Sammy g Gingello has been under two
seven police surveillance since his release from prison due to
escalating threats on his life. Typically, Rochester police investigator Gus
Dapriel would have been nearby shadowing Ginello, as he and
his partner Jerry Luciano had done for weeks and weeks,
but the prill was instead home in bed. He and
(04:15):
Luciano had finally been given the time off that they'd
long and previously unsuccessfully requestioned from their supervisors. Was it
pure coincidence that he and Luciano finally got the night off?
Do the police know who killed Rochester mobster Sammy g Gingello?
(04:45):
Please dates your name and occupations? Every occupation? Yes, every
previous occupation? All right? Georgia Durante, model stunt driver, will
woman for the mob? Is that the correct order? Model
(05:05):
wheel woman for the mob? Stunt driver happy? In addition
of working for the mob, you were married to a
member of the mob. Correct? Yes? When are you going
to start asking questions? You don't already know the answer to.
And when did you first learn of salvatorge and Jello's murder?
(05:29):
No one calls him that. When did you first learn
about Sammy Gee's murder? I was in my apartment in
l A when the phone rang. I was just waking up.
I hadn't even had my first cup of coffee yet.
I was one of your FB guy guys, Nelson, who
had helped me with the case. He continued to check
up on me from time to time. He told me
(05:51):
he got some news over the wire. He thought I'd
like to know. He said, they got your friend last night.
They killed Sammy Gee. Damn here dropped the phone broke
my heart. I knew there had been multiple attempts on
his life. I can't say I was surprised. How could
I be? I mean, there was a power war going
on and Sammy he had plenty of enemies. Can you
(06:15):
please list some of these enemies? Oh boy, where do
I start? Was your ex husband Joel Adola one of
Sammy's enemies, you could say that. And your former boyfriend
Frankie also in the mob. He was an enemy. Yes,
Why do you think Sammy was killed? How should I
(06:40):
know you don't know who killed him. What you got
to understand is that everyone was getting killed then. How
every time I called home I heard about someone else
who had been murdered. It's only a matter of time
before that life running in those circles sketches up with you.
And how did you make it out alive? Mhm M
(07:00):
I drove like hell. Go back to when you first
met Sammy. Was in Rochester, Yes, Rochester, New York. Tell
me how you met. It was the summer of nineteen
sixty three. Rochester was famous for two things at the time,
Kodak film and the Mob. But the night amid Sammy,
(07:22):
I didn't know I'd be involved with either. I had
just turned thirteen and was visiting my girlfriend Rosalie. We
got all dolled up and decided to go out at
night and get some cokes and tucked away in a
rough neighborhood on the east side of town was Skinny's Diner,
hang out for juvenile, tough guys such as the ben
three year old Sammy, and in my teenage mind, a
(07:45):
perfect place for an adventure. We shimmied up to the
counter and opped ourselves on the stools. I looked far
older than my years, with white shorts that showed off
(08:07):
my thin tan legs and a red Paisley halter top
tied unto my prematurely developed breasts. Rosalie well, she looked
like a baby covered in pimples, but that didn't stop
us from getting attention. What can I get you? Two cokes? Please?
(08:27):
Thank you? Oh? Look over there, isn't he dreamy? They
all are eight doll face? What you wanted over there?
You're disgusting. Come on, give us a little look at
those luscious tetchy that off and that's all it took
(08:49):
for Sammy to come barreling over, clearly aware that we
were just babies under the piled on makeup. Hey buddy,
why don't you leave the girls alone? What the hell
are you? I'm your worst knife miss? Are you like that? Huh?
Not so tough now, are you? It wears? That's my
(09:13):
mouth to your good nothing motherfuck stay out your fucking
duck guy. Huh you're motherless? Fuck you sucker? Fire you here?
You disrespecting a lady again anywhere? The only snack you'll
(09:35):
be tasting is a forty five on the back of
your fucking throat. And it'll be a last supper. Look
at me, look at me, see my face again, Suck
your fucking tail and run. I get the funk outta here.
It's been not come around here no more. I'm sin Georgia.
(10:07):
Anybody ever treat you like that again? You just let
me know that you'll be able to find him. I'm
always around here. Did you know Sammy was involved with
the mom? When you met, he was just a young
(10:29):
wise guy back then, trying to maneuver his way up
the ranks. Did you try to find him after that? No?
I didn't think i'd ever see him again, But I
guess I should have known better. You see, East Rochester
was like Little Italy, felt like a small town, and
like any small Italian village, it thrived on gossip. Everyone
knew everyone's business. He ran into the same people at
(10:51):
the same place as when Did you see him next?
About two years later. I grew up a lot in
that time. I looked much more mature, but really I
was still just a kid and had that same insatiable curiosity.
All I wanted was for life to be an adventure.
So one night I decided to go out alone. I
(11:12):
got dressed up put on some lipstick and walked into
the living room for the very first time, as if
I'd been there a thousand times before. The living room, Oh,
it's the bar. Back then in Rochester, it was one
of the regular stops on the Friday night club circuit.
Young tough guys bounced between the Blue Guardinia Restaurant, the
Fountain Blue, and Ben's Cafe Society. Walk into any one
(11:35):
of them and you'd see every familiar face that made
up the sinister side of Rochester's inhabitants. They were all
in the city's East circuit and known mob hangouts. Like
I said, everyone in Rochester talked, Is that why you went?
Not necessarily, I wasn't satisfied with the small town gossip.
I wanted to see what it was all about in
(11:56):
the city for myself. The drinking age was eighteen at
the time, but I knew plenty of underage girls were admitted.
They said the club was open to anyone who dared
to walk in. What was it like on the inside?
To a storry eyed teenager, being at the living room
was almost like throwing your own party and having all
(12:16):
your friends over. But yeah, I was well known as
gangster's territory, so not many outsiders made it their favorite
drinking hole. The outside of the building was an unassuming
plane brick structure sitting next to an abandoned gas station,
not very inviting, but the interior had an appealing, comfortable atmosphere.
(12:36):
On each side of the entrance was a huge picture
window with heavy burgundy draps pulled back in soft folds
with thick gold ties. A muted tapestry materials sat near
the corner, and the majority of the lounge area had
tables for two with solid red table cloths. Cheap red
candle containers on the tables gave off very little light,
which worked for the crowd. You could be almost anonymous.
(13:00):
Did you expect to see Sammy? Crossed my mind that
someone like him might hang out there, but I didn't
think much about it beyond that. But as soon as
I walked in and my eyes adjusted to the darkness,
the first thing I saw was Sammy g holding court
and he immediately clocks my entrance, and mid conversation, he
breaks away and strutted over and greeted me warmly as
(13:22):
if we were alled friends. And that was that. Suddenly
I was in I was part of it. And you know,
being made to feel special was part of the lure
of this world. But with Sammy it was genuine. We
had a connection, but his protective streak hadn't gone away.
What happened by now, I was well aware men were
(13:43):
attracted to me, so nothing to pace me much. But
Sammy didn't like it any more than he did the
first time we met. We were standing there talking at
the bar, and the guy next to me keeps staring
and he's had one too many, was swaying back and forth.
He didn't notice Sammy was keeping an eye on him.
Eventually the guy opened his mouth, A young lady, those
(14:06):
are some pretty nice tits you got there are the
real Sammy snapped around and fixed him with such a
deadly look. The man stumbled away without a word. He
was smart, and Sammy didn't even have to say anything.
I was impressed, but also nervous, you know, after seeing
him in action once before, I didn't think this was
(14:27):
going to be the end of it. Though Sammy remained
agitated for several minutes. After the guy staggered out of sight,
that was it. The moment passed and no one took
any notice. The living room was like a cess pool
for out of control echos, constant threat of violence lingered
in the air no matter what. How often did Sammy
(14:47):
act violently around you? Not often, and never towards me,
though I don't know how he was other times, but
he just didn't like creeps hanging around. Like I said,
he was protective. That doesn't mean we didn't have fun. However,
most of the time it was drinking, laughing and talking,
not fighting. And these guys were all big spenders, each
(15:09):
trying now do the next. In all those years, I
don't ever remember buying my own drink, and I have
to admit that impressed me. My parents struggled to put
food on our table, and you know, these guys were
throwing around hundred dollar bills like there was an endless supply.
I guess there was. Did you keep hanging around because
of the money? I hung around because Sammy treated me
(15:39):
like a princess in a town full of small minded
people who decided they disliked me and never let up.
And as the years went on, the respectful way Sammy
treated me never changed. I felt protected and safe in
his company. Hey kid, how are you doing? Sammy was
(16:09):
sitting with two women but once I arrived, he paid
them no mind, and they did not seem all too
pleased with me. What are you drinking? I'll have a scotch, Sammy.
In fact, make it a double. You've got it, Bring
us another round and the double shivers for the lady.
You got it, sam take care of Jimmy stable. Line
up another shot propriety too while you read it than
(16:34):
the double? Huh? What was going on with you? Kid? Oh?
Rough night. I'd rather not get into it. That's fine,
and I'll just say this. I want you to really listen.
It'll pass, I hope so it will. You're go and places, kid.
I knew that the day first laid eyes on you.
What were you the thirteen? Fourteen years old? Just about?
(16:56):
And since then I watched you blossom in to a beauty.
I mean, you deserve a world. Kid. Won't let anyone
gets you down. Thanks Sammy. Bunch of us going to
best cafe from me? Like to join us? Sure? Why not?
That's what I like to hear. M I remember Sammy
(17:23):
left me a hundred dollar tip as we got up
to leave. But he was always like that, so generous. Yes, Sammy,
get these ladies whatever they want to put it on
my tip. Hey, why aren't those girls coming with us?
They seem surprised you're leaving them behind. Come on bringing
(17:43):
him sandwich to Schmogg boo. What I love most about
Sammy was his sense of humor. Really, he's not exactly
(18:06):
known for that. Well, that's because he was such a
powerful force. He was the man in town, and that's
what people saw. They couldn't see past it. But he
knew how to turn on the charm. He really had
the easy going manner most of the time. That's what
I saw. But you know, maybe I didn't look too close.
(18:27):
I knew there was more, but I never wanted to
see what lurked underneath. But what you gotta understand is
Sammy wasn't your typical cigars smoking gangster stereotype. He was
in a class all his own, very handsome, always impeccably dressed.
He wasn't what you called tall, about five nine, but
(18:47):
his clothes were expensive and he wore them well. I
don't think I ever saw the same diamond tie pin
with matching cufflings on him twice. The same goes for
the three shoes and the custom made shirts he hit
the streets movie star style, surrounded by an entourage. He
walked with pride, his appearance commanding attention wherever he went.
(19:09):
But it was who he was that commanded respect. Did
Sammy no Joe and Frankie when you first met him?
I'm not sure, but I think so. I mean, all
those guys knew each other. He never talked about him,
not then, not that I can remember. Did Sammy ever
asked you to do any favors for him? Only much later?
(19:32):
At that point, at the beginning, I was just hanging around.
I felt included, I felt safe, like I was untouchable.
When Sammy was near, I was just a kid and
his world was mysterious and seductive. Was it Sammy that
got you involved driving for the Gambinos? Oh? No, that
was Frankie. Did Sammy knew about it, Yes, but he
(19:55):
wasn't thrilled. Sammy never wanted me to be a part
of that life. What about your husband, Joe, How did
Sammy feel that you married a well known mafioso. Sammy
definitely didn't want me to have any part of Joe
in my life either. We have testimony that Sammy attempted
to have Joe killed. He didn't kill him. Could Joe
(20:18):
have been seeking retribution? Maybe it's possible. I mean, I guess,
but I don't think Joe could have done it. You
don't think Joe was a killer? Oh? No, Joe could
have killed a man, but I don't think he could
have killed Sammy. It sounds like there was no love
lost between them. Yeah, but killing Sammy was not on
(20:40):
Joe's mind then why not? Because at the time Joe
was too busy trying to kill me. Wheel Woman is
written by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jacqueline and directed by
Sabrina Jacqueline, Produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina jack Hum,
Executive produced by Georgia Duranty and Noel Brown for I
(21:04):
Heart Radio. Wheelwoman stars Lilia Symington as Georgia, with additional
performances by Tanner Beard, Zachary Webber, Simon Jaguline, Chase Mullins,
Nick Williams, Gabe Greenspan, Dylan McCullum, Garrett Bear, Nora Garrett
Duncan Kaladeen, Victoria Foyt, Max Georgie, Mariah Bess, and Max Jacobe.
(21:27):
Edited by Chris Childs, with sound design and theme music
by Chris Child's adapted from the book The Company She
Keeps by Georgia Duranty. Wheelwoman Confessions of a Getaway Driver
is an I Heart Radio production. For more podcasts from
i Heeart Radio, visit the i heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,
or wherever you get your podcasts.
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