On her private flight back to Chicago, Charlie worried about her growing family in Chicago.  In an effort to quell her fears she decided to write a few letters she had been meaning to write for a while now.  Asking the stewardess for five pieces of paper she began composing her thoughts.
 

Greetings Don @Cesare_Torretta,

I hope this letter finds you well.  In the short time I have gotten to know Capazzo, I feel I have also gotten to know you more.  He cares very deeply for you and speaks of you often as one might speak of a dear family member.

I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for your gift towards the restoration of my bar.  The out pouring from all the Chicago crews were quite unexpected and a bit overwhelming – especially your gift.  Your generosity was much appreciated and will not be forgotten.

My very best wishes go out to you and the poets.  I look forward to celebrating with all of you at the upcoming wedding reception.

Sincerely,

Charlie

Sitting the last letter to the side and picking up a new paper for her next letter, Charlie smiled when she thought about Don Sandberg.

My Dear Don @Sandberg,

As I sit flying home this evening from Los Angeles in a private jet paid for by you, I find my thoughts centering on you. 

Of all the people in Chicago, I probably owe you the most.  The life I how now, the family I now call home, even my growing relationship with Capazzo would not have been possible had it not been for you.  It was you, who first took noticed of this quiet, soft-spoken dame with a mean right hook.  A certain nobody just trying to make a way for herself in this often-cruel world.  You offered me friendship and eventually a place to call home.

As I write this letter, I know you are very hard at work trying to keep that home and family intact for all of us.  Please know that I would do anything, pay any price, to ensure the health and well-being of Don @The_Kid, yourself and our crew – who have grown so very dear to me.

Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do!

Sincerely,

Charlie

“Thank you,” Charlie told the Stewardess as she brought her a ginger ale toddy.  Of all the nights, tonight was definitely a night for this drink.  She closed her eyes and breathed in the steam that was wafting up from the warm drink.  The aroma itself helped to take the edge off her nerves.  As she took a sip the warm liquid passed over her lips radiated outward as it began to flow through her.  It wasn’t just the temperature of the liquid that warmed her, as the whiskey in it added to the experience.  It was by far her favorite drink in the whole world.

Setting the drink to the side she began the next letter.

Dear @Wrench,

I wanted to take a moment to tell you some things that I have not yet properly expressed to you thus far.  This life that we live can be so fleeting and I do not wish to live with regard or die having not communicated my feelings towards you.

You are quite frankly the older brother I never had.  You truly are one of the bright lights of my life.  You look out for me, give me advice, and inspire me to be more than I ever thought possible.  The courage in which you live your life provides me with a foundational rock that anchors me during troubled waters and supports me in all my endeavors.  You are the kind of person I strive to be. 

I look forward to next we meet.  I have been working very hard with a tutor whom Lucy recommended and I can’t wait to be able to communicate with you better.  I want to know more about you.  You are a very dear friend and your life adds value to mine.

Stay safe my brother,

Charlie

Writing the letters were really helping Charlie take her mind off the fact that the love of her life was out risking his life for the sake of their family and their city.  Starting her fourth letter of the night, Charlie started writing next to someone else whose husband was currently in dire straits.  The entirety of the Chicago and New York was at war with Frank’s crew, and Lucy must be worried sick for him.  Hoping against all the odds, she prayed that somehow Frank managed to survive and found his way into the good graces of the Chicago leadership.

Dearest @LuckyLucy & @Frank-Dicaprio,

My heart is heavy this evening as I write this letter.  I had intended to write this letter as a means of properly thanking you both for your more than generous gifts that went into reopening the Bees Knees.  Both the physical assistance and the emotional assistance.  Both of which I can assure you will not soon before gotten.

However, I am writing this as I am flying back to Chicago from LA.  I desperately hope and pray that when I land I will get news that you both are well and that miracles still do happen.

Charlie looked up from the letter.  No, she could not write this letter right now.  When she got back to Chicago she would check in on Lucy.  She had to be there for Lucy like Lucy had been there for her.  Crumpling up the paper she threw it to the side.

Dear Don @The_Kid,

I had a few moments and I wanted to take the time to let you know how much I truly appreciated your coming out to the re-opening celebration that was recently held at the Bees Knees.  Your support meant so much to me.  I have often spoke of Chicago being my home and our crew as my family.  I just want to say that it is only that way because of you.  You are the glue that holds us all together through the good and the bad times.  I am so very thankful. 

Please know that I am willing to do anything and everything to see that our crew remains healthy and alive.  If ever you need anything, please call upon me.  All that I have is yours.

Sincerely,

Charlie