As you enter the car, the mood is gloomy. Neither man will speak to you, nor make eye contact. They take you outside of recognized territory for the family and into an unfamiliar neighborhood. Soon the car creeps to a stop in front of a dismal looking decrepit mansion. The windows have all been boarded and the only car in sight is the one you've arrive in. The men walk up the porch steps and gesture for you to follow. Opening the door elicits a terrible creaking noise that seems to echo through the halls.

"Finnigan!"

You hear the authoritative voice of Cesare Torretta issue from one of the side parlor rooms. Inside the room is a long table lit with candles. With the little light you can make out the faces of Capazzo, Capo of the Dead Poets, Mak the Left Hand Man, Nikki Torretta the Right Hand Woman and acting Consiglieri to the last face, which belongs to Cesare Torretta. They are all seated in on the side of the table opposite you.

"Sit down, Finn."

Cesare's voice is stern and authoritative. The other eyes simply watch you as if waiting for something to happen...

The Irishman took a seat in the smooth leather chair in front of him. He eyed the panel of people spread out before him. All the heavy hitters of the crew were in attendance and it caused an uneasy feeling to creep up the back of Finn's neck. This was not going to be a good thing.

Shit man. This has got to be about Vesper. You really should not have taken her with you. The boss man is about to make an example out of you. You should never have left Blue Note Label. This crew is completely different and not about slip ups. You are about to get your ass handed to you...

Finnigan feeling very much the object of observation said nervously, “Mr. Torretta, sir. Have I done something to offend you or bring discredit towards the crew?”

He looked Cesare in the eye with great anticipation though to the man's credit, his body and face remained completely masked and calm.

Cesare watched with the rest of the group as Finnigan sat and cautiously inquired as to the matter of the meeting. He took a deliberate pause before he opened his mouth,

"Finnigan, when I set up the Society, you came to me personally and asked for a place among us. You shared the vision of the Dead Poets and risked your own life to obtain a release from the Blue Note to join us. You've shown initiative in your businesses and drive in the jobs you've completed."

Cesare began to motion to the others at the table.

"It takes a great deal to be able to sit on this side of the table. These Dead Poets have all proven themselves to me many times over, and I owe my life to them. I do not add to their ranks often or lightly."

He turned back to Finnigan,

"However, it has been decided by the others in this room, upon my recommendation, that you be allowed to wear the title of Dead Poet. If you wish to continue this path, stand and we will begin the process."

Well that was completely unexpected. Good thing you didn't say shit about bringing the girl along.

All of the doubts and second guesses faded from Finn's head as new words spoken by his boss began reverberating in his mind.

Do not add to their ranks often....you be allowed to wear the title of a Dead Poet....Do not add to their ranks often....you be allowed to wear the title of a Dead poet.....

STAND

The Irishman stood up somewhat unsure of himself and faced his boss in an almost military like pose. Finn slyly eyed the others in the room in an attempt to gleen who might speak or move next, but nothing was offered. Unsure of what to do next, he remained silent and focused his attention upon Cesare.

This is it man. Don't fuck it up.

Cesare stood with Finnigan. This movement prompted the rest of the table to join them. Cesare produced several articles which he placed on the table. First, he placed his gun on the table, followed by an open switchblade, and finally... a fountain pen dipped in a vial of ink.

Placing his hand over the gun, Cesare spoke, "There are many men who believe this is the most powerful weapon man possesses. Much power has been granted to men who wield this."

He then removed the pen from it's inkwell and held it up in the air, "But this... this is what forms empires. This is what makes men great. This is the grandest weapon you will ever wield."

Placing the pen on the table he slid the inkwell to the middle of the table, "Give me your hand." As Finnigan complied, Cesare retrieved the blade from it's place and stuck his finger with the blade. A red bead of blood appeared, and Cesare held it over the inkwell. The drop of blood fell into the ink and Cesare replaced the pen into it.

Cesare then reached into his jacket and removed a parchment. Sliding it in front of Finnigan, the names on the paper were those of all the Dead Poets present at the table. Their signatures all added to the paper in black-red tones of ink and blood.

"If you truly wish to become a Dead Poet, answer.

Do you swear to spill your blood in the defense of our family?

Are you prepared to raise both the pen and the sword in honor of those in this room?

Will you add your name to the list of the Dead Poets?"

The gravity of the commitment required of him was beginning to dawn on him. This wasn't just a job that had paid his bills but had become something much more deeper and meaningful to him. It had become a family and this family was now asking him to officially join their inner circle.

He stated his answer aloud to all those present in the room so there could be no doubt of his dedication to his...no...their way of life.

“I, Finnigan Debonaire swear to spill my blood in the defense of our family.

I will raise both the pen and the sword in honor of those present in this room.”

Finnigan approached the table and drew the pen from the inkwell with a single minded determination. There was no doubt in his mind that this was a culmination of all the hard work he had put in from all the days since the first day he had walked the streets of Chicago. Feeling extremely honored and humbled, he added his name the list of previous members who more than likely had been standing in the very spot her currently stood.

Finnigan Debonaire

Stepping around the table, Nikki smiled for the first time that evening. She leaned down and placed a kiss on both of Finn's cheeks.

"Congratulation, Finnigan. I have no doubt whatsover that you will do this family proud. Welcome, Poet," she said with a respectful nod.

Cesare watched proudly as Finnigan signed his name to the Roster of the Poets. When he'd finished he picked up the parchment and blew on the ink to dry it before replacing it into his jacket pocket.

"Finnigan Debonaire, I'm proud to be able to be the first to call you a 'Dead Poet', Congratulations. Welcome to the family."

In a quick movement, he rounded the table and shook Finn's hand before pulling him in and wrapping an arm around him.

"I'm proud of you."

Cesare then stepped to the side and allowed the others present to offer their congratulations to the newest Dead Poet...

Capazzo stood there and listened to the boss say the very sacred words of this life, once he was done the boss and the Consiglieri Nikki Swango gave Finn the congratulatory greetings. Capazzo waited his turn, he had flashbacks of first meeting Finn at Headquarters, he didn't know much about him but in only a few days Finn was someone he thought highly of. Cesare was a genius at noticing these things so it was no surprise that Finn got the call up and the books were being opened for him.

Capazzo took a step and grabbed the face of Finn. He smiled feeling very pleased of his friend's new status.

"Finn, congratulations."

With that he gave Finn a kiss on his left cheek then the right cheek. Capazzo grabbed a few things off the table and presented them to Finn.

"I have three gifts for you my friend."

Capazzo first reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a cigar.

"This is freshly imported, the good stuff, smooth as hell."

He handed the cigar to Finn then he picked up a box.

"You can open this on your own time."

Capazzo handed Finn the box, it was a big bottle of gel, Capazzo wasn't quite sure why he was giving this gift but he was compelled to do it. Finally he reached in and slipped an envelope into Finn's pocket.

"Enjoy this day my friend, take it all in...remember it and honor it. Make us proud Finny."

With that Capazzo hugged Finn once more then took a step back allowing others to congratulate the new man of honor.

Makavelli sat in silence and watched as Cesare officially welcomed Finnigan into the Dead Poets. The look of relief and pride on Finn's face as he signed his name, had the LHM smiling to himself. He understood all too well. Nothing would be the same from here for Finn. After Cesare and Nikki congratulated the newest Poet in their own way, it was now Makavelli's turn.

He rose from his seat and made his way around the table to where a still stunned Finn stood, extended his hand and firmly grasped Finn's hand in a handshake.

"Congratulations indeed. You earned it. Welcome to the family. If you ever need a drinking partner...

Makavelli trailed off as he felt Cesare and Nikki's eyes fall upon him.