The gun fire lit up the house through the window!. With silencers equipped, you could only hear muffled yelling coming from inside as Jack and another associate cleared the place out. I made my way onto the front porch, hearing the sound of my target, officer Gaines. He yelled "Fuck these broads Billy!, lets go!."

The door swung open, as I lifted the shotgun I had grabbed off one of Gaines guys outside. I fired the only shot left striking Billy, who was Gaines partner. As the shot hit he flew back into the house and onto the hardwoods. I tossed the shotgun and pulled out my colt 1911, as Gaines jumped out the side window. I jumped over the railing and shot at Gaines as he tried to run. Three shots were fired!, first shot missed, second hit him in the back of the leg, and the final hit right in the back as he fell onto his stomach, groaning in pain.

I approached him slowly, knowing he was going nowhere. He crawled while yelling to me, "Jimmy!, I had nothing to do with John getting killed!...ya hear ME!."

There was groaning and gurgling from the blood in his mouth. I heard what he said, but it was a little hard due to his current condition. I stepped on his back with my left foot, stopping him from crawling. As he continued to groan in pain he tried to speak up again. "Ugh...Jimmy!, don't do -". Two more shots rang out in the night, both critical, and point blank to the back of the head.

You could hear a dog in the distance barking. As things settled, you could only hear crickets. I broke that silence by replying while standing over Gaines who was lifeless. "Lets see you build a case on me now you fucking prick!."

Jack and the associate came outside after they made sure the house was clear. It was Jack's last job before his retirement. I gave him a hefty amount of cash, him and his associate split it. We then parted ways. The hit was more of a favor to his former employer John_Shoaltz. All loose ends were tied, and I kept my end of the deal and let Jack relocate with his family.

That night I packed my bags and took a little trip to Chicago to let the heat die down. I was going to stay with Freddie_Lou's sister. However when I arrived to her apartment I found a note that she was heading to Florida to get away from it all. Everyone was gone at this point, and I had no idea what allies I had left in the windy city.

a few days had passed, and I found myself sitting in a bar downtown, in a great spot of Chicago near the airport. My flight back home was in a few hours so I wanted to get a drink before I left. 

It was cold as hell outside in Chicago right now, but inside the little joint near the Airport? You couldn't tell. It was warm and inviting, the fireplace crackled with burning wood, and in the opposite corners two stove heaters kept the cold at bay. Of course, the alcohol was a considerable help to making sure the patrons "stayed warm"... Or at least felt that way.

In a small room connected to the main bar and restaurant area music struck up. A small set of four stairs led down into the room, and people filtered in to dance to the tunes of whichever new swing crew was in there for the night. Roger was about the only person moving against the traffic pushing their way into the dance area.

"Oh for chrissakes, get outta tha way!" Roger pushed through and stumbled his way into the bar area. Standing straight he pressed his clothes down, looking around, and readjusted his fedora atop his head. "Fuckin' animals..." Roger made his way over to the bar and squeezed in between two fellas, bumping in to James Sullivan and spilling his drink across the bar. Lucky it didn't get on the man.

"'Eya pal, sorry 'bout that, ya know?" He grinned, placing a hand on James' back. "Lemme buy you another."

He turned to the bar tender, flagging him down.

"I need two sidecars, and an extra shota gin in one..." he looked at James. "And another one of whatever 'es havin'."

With my eyes forward, looking agitated I reply in a calm way "whiskey!."

It was dead in the place when I arrived, but suddenly the place began to fill quickly. I wanted some peace and quiet, with all the bullshit that was going on, it was much needed. However it was never in me to be an asshole to someone for no reason. I have a take no shit attitude, but I never gave anyone shit without a good reason. I looked at the gentlemen who knocked my drink over, observed a little as he looked Italian, well dressed too. I took a deep breath and lit a smoke, doing all I could to forget about the shit storm I was currently facing. I replied to the man, "Forget it!, you didn't bang into me on purpose right?. Place is crowded, a bit more then my liking. Got a name?."

I took a puff of the smoke and exhaled the cloud into the air, awaiting to hear what the man would say next.

Roger turned, eyeing James as he turned down the drink. He didn't stop the bartender from pouring the three beverages, however, and simply smirked at James... "Fugeddabout it? I don't fuckin' think so, pal! I spilled it, ya getta new one. That's just tha way things work with me."

Looking back to watch the drinks being made, he pulled a silver cigarette case and a zippo lighter from his vest pocket. Flicking the case open, Roger plucked a cigarette from it and flipped the zippo, producing flame and lighting the stick. 

"Got a name? Everyone's got a name, amico." Roger chuckled as he tugged on his cigarette and exhaled over the bar top. "What's it to ya, anyway? I'm just tha guy buyin' ya a drink."

Roger grinned and looked away. Over his shoulder, James' would hear, "Roger..." He chuckled and slid the whiskey to the man now behind him, as his eyes fixated out into the dance floor area.

"Yours, il mio amico? What do I call you?"

I now had 2 shots of whiskey in front of me. Downing the first, I reach into my pocket to pull out some cash to pay for the drinks I already had. While reaching for the cash I reply "names Jimmy!."

As I pull the cash out, a card falls out of my pocket onto the floor, landing in front of Roger's feet. It was a business card for John_Shoaltz fish market. As I noticed the card, I downed my second shot, as the agitated look came back. At this point I would imagine Roger knew that it was not him why I was upset, and rather something a bit more personal. But then again I knew nothing about this guy, or where he was from.

I leaned over and scooped the card up, placing it back in my pocket. Grabbing my smoke from the ashtray, I took another puff, exhaling the smoke and tossing some cash on the bar top.

Roger had seen the card, his facial expression had changed since we first met. but I didn't pay it any mind, we had already gotten off on the wrong foot. I sat and listened as the music was playing, and the other customers were dancing. I sat and continued to enjoy my smoke, left arm firmly on the bar top as I wondered what Roger was thinking. The look on his face was still a bit off, but hard to read.

Roger eyed the card at his feet, then looked at James. His face was twisted a bit, confused to why James felt he had needed to lie about who he was, or at least that's what Roger was assuming. Maybe this guy had done something, or maybe it's because that fish market on the card was located in New York and they were in Chicago. Regardless, Roger looked back up to the man.

Chuckling, he gave James' a pat on the shoulder, "Ya know, bud. I don't know what brings ya out here to Chicago from New York, but if it's bad enough to not say your real name then I might like ya." He patted the man's shoulder two more times and turned away, grabbing his drinks.

"An' from the way ya get angry from that card, I'm assumin' it has somethin' to do with your market. Hope everything works for ya, pal"

He started back out to the dance area with his two drinks... Maybe James would follow and set his thoughts straight, maybe he wouldn't. Who knew? All Roger knew was he wanted to make his way back to the other room to be close to his bun bun. There was shit going down in the city and it was best if he wasn't away too long so she didn't worry...

As Roger headed towards the music, I followed behind and caught up quick, calling out his name. "Roger!."

He turned around, as I once again went into my pocket, this time removing my business card. It read "Sullivan's auto". As he took the card and glanced at it quickly, I spoke up. "I think we got off on the wrong foot!, name really is Jimmy. John is a fr-...was a friend of mine. He lived out here. I came down to visit him at the cemetery, pay my respects. I do appreciate the drink. And if you ever need work done...that card will tell you where you can find me."

I put my hand out, trying to shake Roger's hand out of respect.

Several songs passed in the small dance-room while Roger went to fetch their drinks. Jessica was bored, and lonely. They didn't know anyone here yet and she felt quite out of place in the odd little bar. If she had her way, they'd still be out in the blinding snow searching for a place to call their own. But with the already bad weather worsening, Roger had insisted they seek shelter... at least for a little while. So here she sat, demurely awaiting his return; mindlessly stirring the ice in her empty glass and staring out over the crowded dancefloor of total strangers feeling utterly conspicuous and misplaced. 

The city was in a state of utter unrest, which only heightened Jes' wary sense of unbelonging and mistrust. By the time the third song come to a close, Jes could hardly stand it. She was snaking her way carefully through the crowd when she heard a strange voice call out Roger's  name from the bar. Scurrying to his side, her wide green eyes searched his face for any hint alarm but found none. 

"What's taking so long HunnyBunny? Is everything alright?" 

His carefree smile set her spirit at east. And she smiled up at him as she slipped her arm into his, taking one of the drinks from him as she snuggled in close, "I was getting lonely... all by myself with no one to dance with." She pouted at him playfully,"I was beginning to think you were never coming back." 

Roger spun as James' called his name. Blinking a bit, he listened as the other man explained the snafu. Refraining from a chuckle at the miscommunication, Roger offered condolences...

"Sono spaciente. I'm very sorry, amico." A smile did cross over his features as the man offered his hand. Roger held up both drinks with an apologetic look, just as Jessica slipped into his arm and took a drink from him. Seemed it was perfect. As she bombarded him with extra conversation, he reached out and took James' hand to give it a firm shake. Still holding on, he answered Jessica...

"Everything's fine, amore mio." Roger grinned, comforting his girl. "Sorry I left ya. Bumped in to..." he turned to James, "James, sì?" James offered a nod as they finally released hands. Turning back to Jessica, he smiled. "Bumped into him, literally, and knocked his drink over. I replaced it, and we were speaking for just a moment."

He held a hand out to James to introduce the two. "Bun Bun, James... He works at an auto shop in New York." He looked to James and held his hand out at Jessica. "James, meet..." He trailed off to allow the woman to introduce herself. We wasn't so old fashioned to think that his wife wouldn't speak up for herself.

"Jessica Coniglio," the redhead answered, offering her hand with a disarming smile. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence, James. So sorry about your drink. Roger can be so clumsy sometimes." Jes giggled and slapped his arm teasingly. "So... Are you on your way out, or would you gentlemen like to sit down to finish those drinks?" Her gaze flickered between them, "Roger and I should be going soon, but I'm sure we can spare some time. Afterall, house hunting in the snow is... difficult... at best." 

"Pleasure is all mine Mrs. Coniglio."

I glance the room until I see the time, pausing for a moment to think about the schedule I had to follow.  "I have about an hour until my flight leaves, so I have some time to spare. You said house hunting?, I might be able to help with that. shall we sit?." 

*The phone rings* BRRR! BRRR!... BRRR! BRRR!

All three of the party looked at the direction of the ringing phone, but as the bar tender answered it they paid little attention. Roger looked back to James. "Sure, ya just might be tha lucky break we're lookin' for, pal. Come join us at our seat."

Roger lead James and Jessica back to their table down in the music room. Sure it probably wasn't conducive to conversation but it was fun and entertaining none the less. Roger favored his left leg a bit as they went down the stairs leading in, but he seemed fine otherwise aside from a busted lip and somewhat swollen looking jaw on the left as well.

Taking a seat, he tugged over a third chair and offered it to James.

"Heya Jess, tell tha man what ya want in a house. Maybe he knows some since it's been probably ten or so years since I been here..." He laughed. "Or maybe tell'em about tha car we been lookin' for too. Says'e works at an auto shop or somethin'. At least that second card'e has does... Maybe tha coglione can help us there too, hmm?"

He looked at James and smiled, digging in his vest pocket and pulling out another set of smokes, and offering them around.

Jes' eyes lit up when Roger mentioned the car. What a perfectly wonderful idea. She lit a smoke looking positively ecstatic. "Oh that's just perfect, darling. I didnt even think about the car!"  she leaned across the table, speaking excitedly, "I want the new model Rolls Royce Phantom Jonckheere Aero Coupe. You know, the one with the round door? OH!" 

Jes' curls bounced as her head rolled back in mock orgasmic delight, "I just love it." Her heels clicked excitedly against the hardwood of the danceroom floor as she smiled at the men, "It's so sexy. With that red leather interior. Especially in black. Could you get it for me in black?" 

Jes looked at James with almost childlike expectancy, begging him with her eyes to tell her yes. Even if he couldn't get it leagally, how could anyone say no to such imploring green eyes?

I leaned back in my chair, keeping eye contact with Jessica. I soon break the silence by replying.

"quality taste in vehicles huh?, six cylinder, 7.66L OHV inline six engine and a four speed manual transmission. Hand fabricated to include round doors, split opening half-moon windows, twin sunroofs, bespoke luggage and a stabilizing fin at the rear."

I pause to take a drink, watching as Jessica's eyes stayed lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Red interior, black exterior?...Cant do it!". After a brief pause, I chuckle a bit, Jessica's face goes from ecstatic to confused.

"Due to a deal that I made with someone right here in Chicago...I will not say who or how. Just so happens I do have one at my shop in New York. however the car is silver on the outside, but I can arrange a nice paintjob for you." I look to Roger while replying "I am sure me and Roger can work out a fair price."

I take another sip of my drink before looking at both Jessica and Roger.

"In terms of your house search. I have a home that I bought out here!, due to my relocation back to New York I no longer use it. If you two want to take a look at it, I would be more then happy to show you before my flight leaves."

I wait for a response as I take up the offer on the smoke. Lighting it up and taking a drag.

Roger shrugged at James, "I think we can come up with somethin' fair, yea. We can drop by New York in the next couple'a weeks and take a look at the Phantom. As for tha house? That's up ta Bun bun, here."

He puffed on his cigarette and took a sip of his drink. "But a few questions on tha joint, first... What part of tha city is it located in, an' how big is it? I don't want a small, one bedroom place."

Roger chuckled and looked at Jessica. "I think we need a nice place like back home. Something like the penthouse or the house in Venice."

He turned back to James and offered a nod. "So, what kinna house is it? Ya know our tastes in cars... It's 'bout tha same for houses, capisce?"

A grin crawled across his features as he looked between the two, waiting on a detailed explanation of the floor plan, amenities, and location of the house James was speaking of.

A smirk came across my face as I looked to Roger.

"I like the both of you!, don't pull any punches...I respect that. Well...I am not as familiar with homes as I am cars, but I do know its a brick colonial, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Has a garage in case you want to hide the phantom." I look to Jess as I smirk and take a puff of my smoke.

"Hardwood floors, top of the line kitchen. Nice foyer and a fireplace located in the living room. Might be in your best interest to take a look, that is if your wife wants to?. Worst you can do is say no, and I can always sell the place to someone else. Place is located on Davis Ave, the loop".

I finished off my drink, waiting on the two to make a decision.  

Jes looked over at Roger, "Well, colonial's not really you're style, baby. But depending on how much you want for it," she shifted her gaze to James briefly before continuing,"we might be able to find a use for it. What down the neighborhood looklike? What are the surroundings? And... just for shits and giggles, when might you be back in town for us to have a look?" 

Jes smiled as she leaned back in her chair, taking a long sip of her sidecar. With a puckered grimmace she scowled down at the drink, "Why do you always get these for me? They're so strong." With a soft smile, she slid the drink back for the time being and focused on enjoying her cigarette as she waited for the men to talk it out. 

Roger chuckled. "Yeah, colonial ain't really my thing, ya see? I'm more of a Tuscan kinn'a guy. Reminds me of pictures I've seen from mia famiglia in Sicily." He took a drag of his cigarette and then exhaled slowly, blowing the smoke upward. "But like Jess said, we could certainly look into it and find a use for it..."

He turned to Jessica, "And I get them for you because you're perfect after just one." He grinned almost wickedly. "It loosens ya up just right, baby; my little, play bunny. OH!" Roger had a thought... "We should start a publication! The Women of La Cosa Nostra!" He cackled a bit in a slightly buzzed stupor, a rosy red flush coming over his cheeks with his warm smile.

Before heading out to catch my flight, I grab the card I gave Roger. On the back I write the address for the house, then slide it between both Roger and Jessica.

"I have a flight to catch, but go by and look at the house. If you like it then we can talk numbers, if not no big deal!. As far as the car is concerned...just head over to my shop when you guys come down to New York. We can discuss everything there."

I grab my bag before looking to Roger. "Nice meeting you!."

I then look to Jess. "And you as well madam."

I then make my way for the exit to catch my flight.