Don Ross was extremely fatigued, although he would never allow his face to show it. The night before had been extremely hectic, what with taking down the former Godfather of Paradise and all...

The decision had been made during an uppers meeting of Las Vegas residents who, at that point, all lived on The Strip. Darwin had expected the meeting to go as it usually did, with topics being the regular things like famiyl income, upcoming promotions of well known associates to Made Man and what not. When the Darwin thought it was all over and doen with, Godmother Sydney caught him off guard when she began talking about expansion. His body nearly turned to gelly when she went on to say that Darwin would be moving to Paradise to take on teh role of Godfather.

Once the meeting was over, Darwin held a meeting with his hands and a couple of his most trusted members. He didn't tell them exactly what was coming, but he informed his Diamonds that there were big changes in the near future and that everyone be on their best behavior, push hard for earnings and continue to make a name for themselves within the district to earn their promotions.

It wasn't until a couple days ago that he pulled Four20 and ReverandMM80, his Right and Left hands, that they will be making a move on the Godfather.

And now, he was sat behind his desk in his large, circular office in the family head quarters, in the company of every button man that worked on The Strip. 

"My Strippers! I am so glad that you were all able to make it today! I know I haven't been available to cater to you all as of late, but it is only because I have been very busy with sit downs and meetings with Godmother Sydney, as well as other prominent figures in Las Vegas and across the country. 

A couple of weeks ago I passed a message out to all of my Diamonds, stating that we need to tighten up our belts for the next bit of time. I wasn't very clear on the reason why, and only said that it involved some upcoming changes for the city of Las Vegas and the Diamond Crime family. It hurt me, not being able to come forward to you all and be honest and open as I always have been, but I knew that it was for the best. You see, Godmother Sydney and I wanted to be sure that we went about planning this big changes the right way, and didn't want to disrespect or step on the toes of anyone in the process.

That being said, everything has finally fallen into place and I am now able to come forward and shed light on these up coming events."

He looked over to Four20 and smiled, then stood up from behind is desk and began to walk around the room. He looked into the faces of the men and women that were in the room with him, the men and women he loved, the people that he considered his own flesh and blood. Walking by Rev, he placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed slightly, then patted him on the cheek lovingly. Then he looked to Godmother Sydney, who was sat on an antique victorian sofa that was placed against the left wall of the room. Rw317Plus1 was stood to her right, and Liquid Ocelot to her left. He took a deep breath, held it in for what felt like for ever, then let it out and turned back to the men and women in the room and spoke.

"With the blessing of Godmother Sydney, I, along with all of my lovely Diamonds, will be moving from The Strip to Paradise, where I will be taking on the role of Godfather of the district."

He looked around the room at the faces as they all began to shift and change. Smiles were now spread out from ear to ear on everyone, and some began to clap and congratulate Don Ross. He politely raised his hand, asking for everyone to be quiet.

"I have a couple announcements to make in regards to this move. Firstly, I would like to let everyone know that with the change of district that I operate out of, I will also be changing the name of my family. After all of the blood, sweat and tears that my Diamond have poured into this family, I feel it is only right that we no longer consider ourselves "Diamonds In The Rough." We have made it to the top, my brothers and sisters, and we shall from now on be known as 'The Diamonds'.

In terms of family structure: Four20, you have been loyal to me from day one and have been with me since this family was but a dozen men and women trying to make a quick buck. You, my friend, shall continue to work as my Right Hand, and will take the title of Underboss of Paradise, Las Vegas."

He turned his attention to ReverandMM80. He had been working for Darwin for a bit now, and had already shown that his loyalty knows no bounds and that he would spill his own blood or the blood of others if needed to for this family. 

"Rev. You have done so much for me my dear friend. You know I have a lot of love for you, and consider you my brother. You shall be working beside me as well as my Left Hand."

Finally, he turned his attention to Naomi Diamond. He and she had been working very closely together lately. He had gotten to know her very well, and with the help of Four20, molded and trained her into what he believed would be an excellent leader.

"Naomi, as we have discussed and been preparing for, you shall be stepping up and running your own family in Paradise under me. You shall be my captain, a job that I know you will do to the best of your ability. "The Blood Diamonds" of Paradise have my blessing, and I wish you all the best in the future. I will be there for you every step of the way, Naomi, and will help you with anything as you have done for me."

He stood up and nodded, bowing slightly to everyone in the room, and then people began to clap their hands and cheer. While people shook hands and kissed one another from cheek to cheek, he walked over to Four20 and whispered in his ear.

"Send out a Telegram across the country. Let them know about our move to Paradise, and about Naomi setting up with my blessing. And make sure it's encoded. I don't need any feds gettin' their hands on this shit and making my first few days as Godfather a living hell. If anyone writes back, make sure that the messages are brought to me right away. And make sure that everyone informs their associates of the move. Don't want the younger fellas feeling left out. We all worked together to get where we are, they deserve to know as well."

Four20 nodded as Darwin walked away, heading towards Godmother Sydney...

Naomi walks over to Four20.

Now that you have you hands out of my pockets I would like to say you are the man.  I thank you for everything you have done and it’s been a pleasure working with you.

She then turns and approaches the new Godfather and extends her hand.

Godfather I know you have been preparing me for his day but I still can’t believe this day has finally arrived.

You are the most honorable person I have ever met and you are my inspiration. 

I thank you for your confidence and trust in giving me the opportunity and responsibility in taking on the leadership of The Blood Diamonds.

You shine like a diamond and I hope to follow in your footsteps and shine like one also.

Leaflet had just awoke was really settling into his daily retinue, retrieved his paper from the drive, walked with dogs to the gate, returned to his kitchen bench for his waiting Coffee Pamphlet had prepared, half way thru his coffee he heard a car approach, Shark and Illusion hopped out, they were early, Leaflet likes punctuality but after coffee time, with a sigh he got up, greeted them by the door.

Of they went Sydney's sit down closely followed by Moonbeam Little Aphpa, Chylean, the rest were waiting out side the Casino smoking carrying on amongst them self's. after a few speech's a few glasses of this and that, it was all decided upon

Congratulations to you Crisscross you are now an old man time for you step up into a new role, after working beside you for a life time, and to all the best Nomai if need anything at all both of you i be in the Strip or at my lake house.

It was a sunny day on The Strip and yet another sleepless night for Illusion, which had been up all night going over a ton of paperwork that Leaflet had prepared earlier that same day. He looked up at the clock and sighed loudly - he knew a city-wide meeting was scheduled this morning and he had a feeling today was just going to drag on. Getting up to the bathroom he splashed his face with the cold water, attempting to wash away the tiredness from his face - to little avail. He quickly got ready and dressed up for the event, which was said to include some big news. He then opened his front door and stepped out into the sunlight - his eyes not adjusting immediately to the brightness, possibly because of the lack of rest. He quickly lit his cigarette and looked at his watch once more - he was still early, plenty of time to grab some take-away coffee from his local seven-eleven. Suddenly a loud roar of an engine pierced the quiet surroundings followed by a screech of a vehicle rounding a corner - a red mustang rounded the corner and stopped inches from where Illusion stood.

 

"C'mon get in!," said the driver. "I just got this baby as payment for the debts that Mickey owed us."

Illusion stared, unimpressed by how lively Shark was at this time of the morning. But nevertheless got in as Shark drove to Leaflet's accommodations. "We're too early," Illusion thought. "Leaflet is probably going to be grumpy". He told Shark to pull over at a local drive-thru and picked up two coffees, Judging by the time of day - Leaflet probably wouldn't have had a chance to drink his coffee yet...

 

"Yes..." Illusion thought. "It was going to be a long day indeed..."

Congratulations to you CrissCross - a well deserved step up in this world of ours. You are indeed no longer a diamond in the rough - but just a diamond - amongst ... smaller diamonds..?

Diamond Squared?

*cough*

/eats popcorn

I stood tall exerting a sort of confidence in myself among many of the other powerful figures that stood in the room. Dressed finely for the occasion that was mentioned prior to me, I knew something big was soon to come, you could had read it all over Darwin's face; his poker face never got me.

A sudden smirk grew on my face when he finally announced just why we were all here tonight. When the excite settled and the celebration began, I quickly acted on my chance to share my piece on Darwin Ross. "Congratulations mio fratello!" I spoke patting the man on his back.

"I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you in this position! Knowing your story... your past, it's incredible to note just all you've accomplished. It's been a long time coming but this is more than deserved, it's kismet. And if there was anyone the late Godfather AK, GRHS, would had wanted to take his place... It would had been you brother!"

There was nothing left for me to say, at least, not what I could had formulate quick enough without sounding dumb. I just smiled and raised my glass, may the grace of God watched over us all and blesses us with a peaceful year. I took a shot to aggravate my tolerance and sat quietly.

"You gave me a shot in your family and I was lucky enough to see you achieve greatness. I wish only for the best Godfather Ross. I'll forever be in your employ."

I looked around to see the heads of different families throughout the country in attendance.

After the news was given Sydney made her way to the back of the room, away from the others, so she could breathe. She sighed quietly at the news that things were set in stone, and there was no going back now. Seeing CrissCross approaching her she held out her hand to the new Godfather who swiftly lifted it to his mouth and kissed it gently. She pulled him in close and hugged him, her arms wrapped tightly around him unwilling to let go.

"Darwin, look at you hon... That new suit fits you so well, as does your new title..."

She pulled back slowly, and looked deep into his eyes and she smiled. It was about time something absolutely amazing happened in Las Vegas, and she was thrilled. Sydney reached into her pocket and pulled out an old skeleton key, her fingers gently caressing the tarnished metal. She looked at the Godfather standing in front of her and placed it into his hand, tightly squeezing her fingers around his. Quietly she started to speak to the beaming man in front of her.

"No words can describe how happy I am that this day is here. From the moment we met there was a spark between us, you were my partner in crime... I knew that one day we would be running Las Vegas together. Our destiny has finally arrived. I know that you've been wanting to go home to the place that you held in your heart, and now is your chance. You will continue to blossom, and as you do Paradise will too. Just know that I will be here, if you ever need me. I would never dream of leaving you alone. We are The Las Vegas Crime Syndicate, we will always be family. Congratulations Godfather"

Sydney kissed the Godfather's cheek before nudging him towards the crowd celebrating.

CrissCross, you and I haven't known each other that long, but you have welcomed me with open arms into your family, and for that I am extremely grateful. I am happy to congratulate you on this most highest honor in this thing of ours. And I am honored to serve at your side everyday!!