Stepping out onto the street the cold air began to sting at the skin exposed. The face and ears began to feel almost slightly numb to the cold night air. The fog of air being exhaled through the nostrils distorted the mans shadow on the ground. Waiting for his bodyguards to pull the car around the man began to think back to his younger days. Turning to his bodyguard the man began to speak.

I remember growing up on these streets. Crime and corruption weren't something spoken about so freely but kept behind closed doors. The mom and pop shops often kicking up protection pay for the local thugs and gangsters. They often acted like they ran the streets, but we all know they were only there to show presence to rival crime syndicates.

The mans bodyguard began to nod his head trying to think back to the old times. McVadon had stood beside his boss for a long time. Though he never saw Asylum as his boss. Instead he saw him as a brother.

Think back to it McVadon. Think about the time when we had nothing. Back when we first met in the Army. We were young, out of school and looking for adventure. Casting all notion that death could touch us but often flirting with it as if it was like the buxom blonde inside. 

McVadon smiled. He could remember the times when he and Asylum would sit there at night trying to listen to the baseball games on their make shift radio. They had to hide it from their sergeants as it was considered contraband. Often joking over the women that would flock to them once they were free from what seemed like hell. When in reality they both knew it was one of the best times of their lives.

It was so simple back then McVadon. You work hard, collect a paycheck, drink some beer with friends and it was an honest days work. Now you have shop owners, employees of companies and hunger everywhere. An honest buck to be made is no where to be found. 

McVadon looked at Asylum. He knew that in Asylums eyes a part of him missed the simple times. That he missed the most valuable lesson he learned when he had far less. Honor. Something that many forget.

It's amazing to think back on the hours spent in the hot summer son. Doing physical training until we puked our guts out. Having discipline to follow orders no matter how crazy or silly they seemed. I never thought we would find ourselves here. It's scary to think that some would say we've lost our discipline or worse our honor. 

As the car pulled around McVadon finally decided to chip in his two cents. 

Honor and discipline are never forgotten. We simply learned it in a different way. In what may seem to others as a different life. It still lives and pumps through our blood today. No matter how distant it seems. Military or mafia. Neither would function without these two principles.

Asylum smiled handing McVadon an envelope. He knew money was of little use to McVadon as he was always a simple guy. He also knew his brother appreciated the notion and that his few words often echoed in his head. As the car came to a halt Asylum opened the door for McVadon. 

Never above you, never below you, always beside you. 

Both men climbed into the car leaving the speak easy. Heading back to the family headquarters Asylum looked to McVadon. 

Do you think we'd be different if we found the life of crime before the military?

McVadon hung his head pausing for a moment looking down at his hands. Embracing the shaking of the car and the cold air. 

We'd be very different, but there's no sense in worrying about things a lifetime ago. Don't lose yourself.

Coming to a halt McVadon reached for the door handle. Pausing and turning to Asylum looking at the shell of a man he once knew. Looking him from head to toe he could tell the man was tired. That the late night drug deals, hookers and killing began to wear on him. 

Are you getting too old for this Asylum?

Smiling at McVadon Asylum could only help but begin to laugh. Thinking back onto the days they first met. Knowing that McVadon knew Asylum had plenty left in his tank. He let out a long sigh.

McVadon this is only the beginning.