FOR A HAZARDOUS JOB, HOBNOB WITH THE MOB.(Main)

Byline: Larry King with Peter Occhiogrosso

One of the reasons I enjoy public speaking is that I get to do what I do best - make it up as I go along - so I very rarely turn down speaking engagements. As long as I can fit it into my schedule, I'll speak to just about any group that makes me the right offer.

Once, however, someone made me an offer that, as they say, I couldn't refuse. I picked up the phone one day years ago and found myself talking to a man of few words, all of them heavily accented. He said, "King?"

"Yeah," I said.

"This is Boom Boom Giardella," the voice said. The only reason I'm telling this story is that I'm sure Boom Boom sleeps with the fishes these days.

"November 7, War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale," Boom Boom said. "Boys Town of Italy is the charity, Sergio Granchi is the singer, you're the emcee. Eight o'clock, black tie." And he hung up.

I never said a word. I went because something told me to go. When I got there, I saw a sign with my name and Sergio's. Boom Boom met me at the door. "Ay, kid, ay," a familiar voice said. "We're glad you came."

I said, "You're glad I came?"

I went backstage and said hello to …