The Search Warrant
A number of Agents tried to open it by putting their ears to the combination dial while turning the dial and listening to the tumblers. Nothing happened, the handle did not turn.A number of Agents gathered and whispered among themselves, then one turned to Marie asking, “Do you know the combination?” “I don’t know it.” Immediately the Agent stated, “So we’ll break or drill the lock or blow it open!” I interjected, “Well, before you do anything let me call Mr. Accardo.” The Agents conferred and it was agreed that I call Tony. I called him and explained the dilemma. Tony was thoughtful. The FBI looks like it is serious to blow the safe. After Tony and I exchanged a few more words, I hung up the phone having come up with a solution to the dilemma to get the combination. With the FBI following me close behind, I went to the kitchen, located a cabinet opposite to the grill, opened it, located a stack of dinner plates, counted down to the fifth plate from the top, removed it, turned it over, and read the combination from a piece of paper taped to the bottom. I pulled the taped paper from the plate and went down to the basement pantry room where the safe door was located with two Agents following me. I was nervous because I never did this before and with my past experience of opening my high school locker lock I was hoping that all would go well. As I stooped over to focus on the dial two Agents crowded and hovered over my shoulder trying to look at the numbers as I started to dial. I stopped and turned to them, “Just a minute. Get away from me. You don’t get these numbers. I will open the safe.” They moved away from me so I stooped down and dialed. When I finished the handle didn’t turn. I felt concerned realizing what the results could be. Again, I bent over to try. This time I was more secure in turning the knob more accurately and firmly. Finished, I took a deep breath grabbed the handle and it didn’t turn. Now I was fearful and frustrated, a voice said, “Give me the numbers and I’ll try it.” “No,” I immediately answered, “I will try again.” I took a deep breath, twirled the knob both ways several times, slowly and firmly I dialed the numbers. I grabbed the handle and it turned and the safe door opened. Before I could open the door and get out of the way, the Agents pushed me aside and entered in first. It was a narrow room about 10 feet wide and about 15 feet long with shelves on both sides with boxes and things. I was outside of the safe when one Agent said, “Wow! Look at this. A box full of money,” while he was walking out holding the box in both hands. I asked, “Where are you going with it?” “I’m taking it with us.” “Aren’t you going to count it?” “No, don’t you trust us?”
© Copyright B. Bruno 1968, 2014