It was a cold Friday night on the South Side of Chicago. Uncle Joe had been spending more time these days expanding his families operation's in the Loop. Earlier in the day, Uncle Joe had phoned Sal_Morertti, aka Sally boy, his Underboss and long time friend. 

Joe had arranged for Sal to meet with him in his pork store Salumeria Biellese after close. When Sally boy arrived, the two went to Uncle Joe's back office. Joe had big news for Sally boy. Uncle Joe needed Sal to step up for him in the South Side with all the time he was now spending in the Loop. He needed someone to watch over the families various business interests in the area. The Loan Sharking, the bookmaking, daily numbers game, etc. 

"Sally boy you've been with me a long time. They don't make many stand up guys like you anymore. The loyalty and dedication you've shown this family and this city in our darkest hours can never be measured with words. You've been there through it all with me. You've been my soldier, my underboss, my brother and now I need you to set up and skipper the ship here in the south. You know the rackets and you know how to conduct yourself in this thing of our's. What do you say?"

Reaching for a bottle of scotch and two glasses, Uncle Joe was eager to hear Sally boy's response. This thing of ours needed him now more than ever. 

Sal arrived to the Salumeria Biellese after close like he had done several times before to discuss business with Uncle Joe. Sal entered the shop relieved to get out of the brutal cold. Sal unlocked the door and he greeted his Don. It was always good to see old Uncle Joe.

Sal then listened to what Uncle Joe had to say...and was honored to hear these things coming from someone that he respected so much...

"There would be no greater honor than to run the South Side for you Don Ligambi. It will be in good hands I assure you this. I am very honored to have spent the time with you that I have. You brought me in off the streets, showed me how to be a solider, showed me how to be your hand and underboss, and you've now put me in a position to run a crew for you. I am forever thankful for this opportunity and all you have done for me up to this point. I look forward to our future here in this city and I pledge to do all I can to help you build it."

Sal again shook his Dons hand and kissed him on both cheeks. Taking the glass of scotch from Joe Sal raised his glass and said

"To our great city of Chicago, may we grow and prosper together! Salute!"

"Sal took out his fanciest cigars and handed one to Joe, then took a sip of scotch...never had it tasted so good"

Carmine had received a special invitation from his friend Joseph while he was in Chicago taking care of a few things. Never one to turn down an invitation from a man of honor he made sure he had enough time to show up at the place his good friend had asked him to show up. Of course Joe had also went on to inform him about what this meeting would be about. It was to welcome another well respected man of honor into their circle of leadership, in other words there was another member of cosa nostra getting a chance at leadership. That always brought a smile to his face personally.

He'd found an ally in his friend Joseph who wanted the old traditional ways of the old country to return strongly. He made sure he would not miss this meeting. He was actually honored to be invited in the first place.

His car pulled up to the destination and seen the light on inside but it wasn't exactly filled. His guards were on edge as always especially Eduardo. He was a good kid, he was very diligent sometimes to the point of over doing it, but he was very loyal not ambitious and that was one thing Carmine respected in this world of everyone looking for their big break at the cost of loyalty.

He patted his guard on the arm and told him to follow him inside he could wait in the front of the store. He pulled the door open and wasn't surprised when it wasn't already opened. So he knocked and waited to be let inside by one of Joe's guys. Once the recognized who he was he was showed to the back office where he seen Joe and another man in the middle of having a drink.

"Getting the party started already huh Joe?" Carmine asked Joe in a joking manner before turning to the other man in the room.

"This must be the new man taking over the South Side. It's an honor to meet you. I'm Carmine Maldonado, with a family out in LA. I can't tell you how excited I am to hear about another man of honor like Joe and myself getting an opportunity at leadership. I'm sure you'll do a great job with this opportunity you're being given and let me say the Maldonado's will be there to help should you ever need it. A friend of Joe's is always a friend of mine." Carmine genuinely spoke to the man with an honest slight smile on his face. He was honestly happy to be here to witness this.