The Midnight Story - Surprise Confession
Then … Joe is convinced that Malatesta is Father Tomasino’s killer. But why? He goes to see him at his restaurant with a plan ...
… and Now, The location of the restaurant was described in detail an earlier post. Today, much larger and modernized, it’s the well-known Scoma’s in Fisherman’s Wharf; back then it was a small waterfront cafe called Andy’s Lookout.
Joe lies to Malatesta, telling him that he, Joe, is a suspect in Father Tomasino’s murder and that, despite being innocent, he intends to kill a man who is blackmailing him by threatening to incriminate him. “Don’t do it”, says Malatesta … “You’ll never be able to live with it”.
He surprises Joe by confessing that he himself has been through that - he had killed somebody - a girlfriend who was about to run off with another man during the war. When Joe asks if he had confessed to Father Tomasino, Malatesta realizes he had revealed a motive and snaps, attacking Joe in a desperate fight.
Then … Malatesta breaks away and rushes blindly outside just as a truck is approaching …
… and Now, Scoma’s dining room has expanded into much of the original boardwalk.
Then … the truck hits him, leaving him mortally injured.
… and Now, this is Al Scoma Way, Scoma’s approach road thats tees off Jefferson Street, crossing at the far end.