It was finally time for a fresh start!. Well not exactly, it was a fresh start with a bunch of my old problems chasing me!. I was finally standing at the final gate...when it opened I would be a free man. Serving time for dealing firearms and other various crimes was no picnic, but I had been through a lot worse. The gate to this wonderful NY prison that I had called home for years finally opened, no longer leaving me and the rest of civilization apart. As I took my first few steps of freedom I heard one of the guards say "Don't screw up again Jimmy!".

I continued to walk and didn't even bother to turn around. Only thing I said was "you got it officer!" while raising my hand in the air sarcastically. Now being free was great, however I had no car and no family to turn to. All I had was a few good connects before getting locked up.

I began to walk considering it was my only option. After 15 minutes of walking I finally reached a place of business, a fish market. I was going to ask to use the phone, then something happened...one of those right place right time situations. I saw the connect I was looking for, my good friend John. I approached him with nothing but the bag of shit I arrived to prison with.

His back was turned as I walked up behind him replying calmly "how are ya John?...its been awhile."

Hot... It was absolutely hot for what should be a cold day in November, but the sun was high and content on turning the wet morning into a blistering sauna day. Shoaltz was bustling as usual; kids rushing for more bait to try and catch the high tide, people looking for some quality fish for meals, restaurants looking for the best deals for their inventory, even the old blind that walked by every day. John groaned as he saw him coming and tried to intercept him, but it was too late.

The man stopped, took a deep breath, grinned, and announced, "Hello ladies!"

John was already in a half jog, but slowed to a defeated walk as he put his arm around the man. "C'mon old man. There be na fillies for ya 'ere. It's a fish market... I tell ya ev'ry day."

"You think I don't know that boy?!" he exclaimed, knocking John's arm off his shoulders. "Didn't your ma ever teach you not to be disrespectful?" The old man raised his cane and swung it low.

Grunting was heard as the solid wood came in contact with John's kneecap, "YOWW! 'Ey now! Watch where ya swingin' that thing! An' get outta 'ere wit' yourself..." Turning to the market, John yelled loudly, "JACKIE! Get your arse out'ere! Take this old fock 'ome!"

Jack hustled over and escorted the old man off before a familiar voice triggered nostalgia... "Naaa, It cain't be." John slowly turned and met James face to face... Sure enough.

"'Ell fire! It -IS- you!" John hurriedly walked up and hugged the man barely a year younger, two tops. "I didn' think ya was gettin' out yet! Ya 'ad anot'er year I thought?" He pulled back, holding his hands on James' shoulders and stared at him. "Ya look good Rev. It's been to long." He chuckled and clapped his hands pulling them away from James. "Come in to me office, brot'er. We go' catchin' up to do."

He waved James to follow, leading him through the market and up to the office.

"Take a seat," he waved through as he shut the door behind them. "Bourbon?" John made his way to the decanter on his cabinet and poured two glasses without awaiting an answer and brought it over, setting it in front of James with a nod.

"Bourbon huh?, its been awhile!."

I took a sip and thought about all the small things I didn't have while locked away, like the familiar burn of bourbon as it goes down smooth. At that point I also realized that my good old friend owned this establishment, I guess I should have caught on when all the bickering was going on between him and the old man.

"So Johnny boy...fish market huh?, never would have thought. I always saw you as more of a restaurant type but hey its better then what I got now." After a brief pause and a swirl of the boos in my glass I continue, only this time I had to be serious for a moment.

"No but John you did good, happy for you. I am glad I ran into you. I uh...need to get back on my feet if you know what I mean?...money wise. You've known me for years, and you know damn well if there's money to be made then dammit I will do what it takes to make it!. So now all you got to do is tell me...where's the money?. and how are we taking it!."

I sat and waited for a response. I was in a bad way with a few Irish hoods before going away, but there was a time for everything. at this moment it was business.

John perked his brow and chuckled, "Allus straight to business wit' ya, ey?" Shaking his head, he moved over to a plush, leather chair and took a seat. "No," stated flatly left James' face shocked. John leaned back and kicked his feet onto the desk between the men. James stammered a bit but John held up his hand, "Tuh answer be no. Ya jus' got out, boyo. Take a moment to get your feet back under ya. Tell ya wot, start workin' for me 'ere an' we can get ya set up. Keep ya clean for a bit while tuh 'eat dies." John sipped his bourbon, eyeing James over the brim of the glass.

Before James could speak, John continued, "I know you're good for it, brot'er." He grinned, "An' I know ya be needin' green. We'll be addlin' brass soon enough." He reached out and set the glass on his desk. "So, wot, did ya get out on good behavior?" He laughed, crossing his arms over his chest, his jacket sliding open and revealing the 1911 holstered under his left arm. "Or did ya get cozy wit' one of tuh guards?" John laughed, "I'm jus' faffin' ya brot'er. Glad to 'ave ya out. Get some good rest. I got a cot ya can stay on 'ere... I'll wake ya at close an' we can go get a drink. Maybe talk about your future? Wot ya want to do an' such?"

John slid his foot off the desk and set up in his chair as Jack came in. "Old man is taken care of boss. Maybe he won't come back tomorrow."

"Perfect! That will make me days easier." John started to stand before looking at James, "Jackie, meet Jimmy... 'Es our friend. We called 'im Rev in tuh service. Kinna stuck since 'e was allus gabbin' about 'Our Lord an' Savior'." John grinned between the men, "Show 'im tuh spare room, Jackie. James is gonna sleep 'ere for a bit. 'E jus' came 'ome from tuh slammer. Treat 'im right an' get 'im some company."

John winked at James and nodded to Jack, who nodded back. "Right this way, sir. A friend of the bosses is a friend of ours." Jack lead the man into the back room. It was small; a tiny lavatory with a walk in shower, a single cot, and a small armoire.

"Sleep good boyo, I'll wake ya in a few, unnahstand?" John grinned as the two headed into the room.

I settled into the little room as best I could. Classic John, get out of the can and he jams me in a tiny room. Better then sleeping in the street. I sat on the bed for a minute, then laid back placing my head on the pillow, staring up at the ceiling. my mind began to fill with thoughts, ones that I hadn't even brought up to John yet. The worst was the two Irish brothers who I worked for before going away awhile. I was framed by the two...they wanted me gone but things didn't go as planned. I knew they would come after me as soon as they heard I was out.

I tried to plan it all out but was exhausted and dosed off. All I could do is hope that John had a plan to put me in the right direction. 

*BOOM BOOM BOOM*

"'Ey, wake your arse up Jimmy! It's time!"

John's voice was loud through the thin wood.

Groaning through the door let John know James was waking up. "'Urry up, car's waitin' downstairs."

"Yeah yeah, gimme a fuckin' minute..." James yelled through the door and John nodded to himself, heading over to his safe and opening it, pulling out a gun and setting it on the desk behind him. By the time James came out of the room John had a glass of bourbon in his hand and a cigarette in his mouth. He reached out and slid the gun across the desk in James' direction.

"Take it, lad. Ya might need it hangin' around me." John smirked, taking a drag from his smoke. "I'll feel bet'er knowin' ya go' me back if some shite goes down that weren't expected. Jackie be comin' too." John pointed at the man standing guard outside of the office door. "'E's one of me best men, been wit' me since ya went in tuh slammer." John chuckled, "Needed someone to take your place while ya been away."

Turning to the door John motioned to the gun again, "Grab it an' le's go."

James scooped up the firearm and slipped it into the backside of his pants, letting his jacket cover it from view, and the three made their way to the running car below. "You drive, Jackie. Take us to tuh pub t'ree blocks down. Ya know tuh one." Jack nodded and proceeded to pull the car out into the street and drive the men.

"So wot kinna trouble go' ya thrown in, James? Arms dealin' an' burglaries? Thats na your rap. You're more tuh car man... I coulda seen ya scrappin' an' gettin' caught more than this. So tell me, wot 'appened?"

John rolled down his window, flicking his cigarette out of the car. The cool air spun throughout the vehicle before John rolled up the window.

As the car was in motion for the pub I thought to myself it was as good a time as any to fill John in. I asked him for a smoke before giving him the whole story, after a slow drag of the cig, I began to fill him in.

"Years ago...just after we both finished up our tour, great war ya know?. Well a few months into being home I ran into these two Irishmen, crazy mother fuckers!. I needed money so I started doing jobs for them. this went on for a long time, but eventually as they got more power greed became an issue. I shrugged it off and kept doing what I did best, earning. One night I was told there was a bank we were hitting, big payout...so I went. I was told to go into the back while the leader Ray Reilly along with Pete, his brother kept watch from the car in front. When I got inside there was no take!, and the bank was abandoned!. There was something in there though...a hitman!. Didn't take long for me to figure out what was going."

I took a brief pause to take a drag of the cig and stare out the window before continuing.

"I got away!, never found out who the hired gun was...to this day I don't know where he is. Anyway as luck would have it there were a few cops nearby, and seeing me run through the area with a firearm didn't play out well. I was only suppose to serve a year...but Ray knew some people in the NYPD, they got me for all types of charges. selling firearms, laundering...extortion. ended up with a 20 year sentence!. Only served 6 years!, only reason that happened is because recently they found out that the chief of police was in tight with Reilly. Chief retired and because Ray wasn't lining his pockets anymore, he confessed everything. Problem is that shortly after that he vanished. No witness...no trial. So due to that and a good lawyer, here I am!. Problem is Ray and Pete are still around, I just don't know where."

the car was about to make its stop at the pub. I let John take everything in while I finished my smoke.

John listened and nodded along slowly as James spoke, his eyes squinting at bits of the story. His brow raised when there was talk of a hitman, and his arms crossed over his chest. "Fockin' crooked cops. They're na bet'er than we are, pretendin' to be so 'igh an' mighty. Up'olders of justice. Full of shite, all of 'em." He sighed, "Sound like ya go' an Irish problem. Good thing ya go' a gun on ya now then."

John opened his door and stepped out into the cool New York air. "C'mon. Le's get a drink." He looked up to the sign. The Three-Legged Mare. "Jackie, take tuh car around an' park it then join us inside will ya?"

Jack nodded and put the car in drive, pulling around the block.

"Well then, Jimmy. After you!" The two headed into the tavern and made their way to the bar. It was smokey inside, and packed with people from all walks of life. In the corner of the room there was a small three piece band playing some old ballads; English, Irish, Scottish, even Spanish. The guitar, penny whistle, and fiddle cut over the commotion around them. "Allus like comin' 'ere. These guys play pretty well, an' they play a variety of different things." John grinned and leaned over the bar, "'Ey! T'ree gin rickeys down 'ere!" The bartender turned and gave a nod, "Just a minute, I gotcha." The two nodded then John sat down and urged James to do the same.

"You're gonna like this one, I think. Good flavor to it." He leaned against the counter top and looked out over the many patrons crammed into the tiny spot. He spotted Jack coming through the door and waved him over.

The fun lasted awhile, the drinks, the music, the mingling. I hadn't laughed that much in years. Unfortunately the fun had to stop eventually, and this was not the way I wanted it to happen. I was at the bar with John when I happened to glace to my right, I immediately saw a familiar face. One of Reilly's goons, he was having a drink at the table about 20 feet away from us with another guy, younger looking Italian, but all that shit was irrelevant. I was being watched and I had to take care of the problem fast!.

I put my hand over my mouth and leaned close to John and said very quietly and calmly "got company!, remember earlier I told you about the Reilly brothers?. Looks like they found me!, I don't see Ray or his brother...but I do see one of his main guys, names Kevin Flanagan, key enforcer!. Anyway I need to do something...I am going to walk outside and lead them away from here. And I am not going to the fish market, I don't need that kind of attention there. Stay behind, but try not to lose me."   

I walked out of the pub carefully and made it about 10 steps before the two men came out. They stayed on me until I decided to run for the woods located right off the parking lot of the establishment. As I ran I heard gunshots, and muffled yelling. Small branches whacking me in the face, sound of bullets hitting trees. Brought back memories from the war. I kept going until I gained some separation between us, then took cover behind a tree. I needed to even things up. I grabbed a smoke that John gave me earlier at the pub and lit it, then placed it in a safe spot and moved position. After about a minute I heard one guy coming, he said out loud that he smelled smoke and called me a stupid bastard. He finally reached the tree and went around it quick, only to find a smoke sitting on a stump, at which point all he uttered "Oh SHIT!". BANG!, one shot from the colt 1911 to the temple, just like that it was one on one. I heard Kevin yelling, I stepped on the smoke to prevent a huge fire and kept running through the remaining woods. Bullets still flying by me. I reached the end of the woods and made my way into an old mill building, Kevin was right behind me. I took cover inside as Kevin started yelling.

"C'MON OUT JIMMY!...CANT HIDE FOREVER". After he calms down a bit he starts to speak normal while still searching. 

"you know when Ray finds you your dead!, just come out and accept your fate already!." I sat in cover for a minute before yelling out "FUCK YOU KEVIN, YOUR JUST A PAWN!." I fire a few shots as a gun battle breaks out. I taunt some more. "Ray knows no one earned like I did!, your trying to fill my shoes but we both know that's not happening."

The gun battle continues until he runs out of ammo. I still had a few shots left. After hearing his gun click I stood up from behind cover. As I walk towards him he replies "Jimmy you know its just business!." inching closer I reply "fuck you Kev!" and fire two shots that strike the torso and put him down. Walk right beside him and fire one more in the head for good measure. I thought it was over but then I hear two more rush in!, I fire 2 shots, one misses and the other was a clicking sound, I was out of bullets. I took cover and hoped John saw where I went.     

John kept his face forward but eyed the men as James talked, nodding and giving him a pat on the back hard, "Reight then, lad. I'll see ya tomorrow mornin' bright an' early! Go an' get yaself some sleep." John smiled and raised his drink, bowing his head as James headed out of the tavern.

"Jackie boy, get ready. We got company." John nodded slightly to the two that stood and followed James out. "We're gonna need to 'elp tuh boyo wit' it. Stay wit' me an' keep your eyes on 'em..." John payed the bill and as he made it to the door, four shots rang out loudly. He shoved the door open just in time to see James tuck off into the woods with two men behind him. "Fock, le's go Jackie!"

"The men took off running across the parking lot like their life depended on, and James' may very well might. Another single shot was heard as they reached the edge of the woods. "Shite, this way Jackie." The two cut to the right toward the sound of the shot, moving silently as John had done in France during the war; as John had taught Jack to do since he'd joined the man. He could smell smoke and chuckled, an old trap he and James had done in the past. He followed the scent to the dead man where the bullet had come from. Waving at Jack, the two continued following the path laid out by James and his other pursuer. More gunshots rung out in the distance...

James pulled his trigger two more times, one bullet flying and a sickening -click- sound as he ran out of ammo. "Fuck!" he exclaimed as he dove behind cover. "C'mon John, where the fuck are you?" The man scurried around barrels and stacks of pallets in the old mill. Gunshots continued to ring out as the other two men fired away.

"Come out Jimmy boyo! Ray jus' wants ta talk, hi? Ya understand t'aht, don't ya, tá?"

The sound of two guns cocking could be heard, but no more gunfire ensued. John and Jack pressed their guns against the heads of the two men who'd been firing off multiple rounds

"'Ey up, lads. Glad to make your acquaintance. Unfortunately, ya waint be shootin' me boyo tonight. Put tuh guns on tuh ground an' kick 'em away. Slowly."

The two Irishmen slowly lowered their arms to the ground, but one tried to get smart and spin to attack... A single gunshot rang out, blood and brain spraying out as half of the man's face exploded from the .45 calibre bullet passing through his head. John's 1911 smoked from the barrel as he slowly panned the gun across the room to aim at the second man.

"Fock me! Tommy! Brot'er! You're gonn-" the second man's voice trailed off as John's gun found it's aim on his head.

"Rev, c'mon out lad... Ya be reight now, an' this boyo is gonna help us find Ray an' 'is brot'er. Jackie, go get tuh car."

"Right boss," Jack nodded as he raised his gun and slammed it into the back of the other Irishman's head.

"So Jimmy, this been 'ow ya expected your first day back?" he chuckled, watching the man emerge from his shelter. John kicked the new gun from the dead man over to James and picked up the second man's, holstering his and sticking the back-up in his jacket pocket.

"Jackie is pullin' tuh car around, an' we can take 'im back to me work an' make 'im squeal." John grinned wide, nodding to James. "'Elp me drag 'im outside."

With a nod, James grabbed the man's feet, and John grabbed his arms. He groaned, but stayed asleep out. As Jackie pulled the car up John opened the trunk and pulled out a rope to bind him. "Tie 'em up James, an' you two throw 'im in tuh trunk." John hopped into the driver's seat and waited until James and Jack were tucked away in the car with him before driving off to the market...