Apartment of Tony-DiCaprio and Frankie Messina - Bronx, NY
Sunday Morning

Frankie sat up naked in a tangle of bed sheets and blankets.  She could hear the shower running and Tony's voice singing BLUE MOON.  The memories of the night before came flooding back to her, she peaked out the door and could still see dinner set out on the table nearly untouched.  She laughed and fell back into the pile of pillows, stretching and yawning like a cat in the sun.

Frankie threw on a robe and scrambled out to the dinning room and cleared the table (that was to say she moved it all to the sink without care for what had food or didn't have food upon it.)  Wanting to surprise Tony she began to make breakfast.  How hard could a breakfast be?  Throwing bacon into a pan she turned it up to high - bacon cooked hot.  She knew that.  And her mother use to cook eggs in the bacon grease so all she had to do was crack a few eggs into the pan with the bacon - that would save time!  Now toast and coffee ... she could do that!

Stepping back to look at her breakfast on the stove, listening to her lover singing in the shower, she considered how happy she was.  She was a made man, engaged to be married, and before long she'd find her father - could the world BE any more perfect?!?  That reminded her... Lucky Lucy's second note - she could open it now! 

Frankie went back into her room and pulled out Lucy's stack of letters.  Finding the one labeled #2, she opened it... and began to read.  Forgetting utterly about the huge pile of bacon and eggs on the stove as it began to burn.  She was so engrossed in the letter and it's instructions she didn't notice the smoke beginning to fill the next room nor the sound of Tony coming out of the shower, just in time to save them all from the inevitable grease fire.

Stepping out of the shower Tony grabbed a towel to dry himself.  He stepped out of the bathroom and looked at Frankie reading a letter then he smelt smoke and ran to the kitchen.  The bacon and toast was burning he took his towel off of him and grabbed the pan of burning bacon off the stove.  Looking at it he raised an eyebrow and started smiling.  He thought the maid now has job security then when he saw the piled up dishes in the sink he thought dam and a pay increase. 

He could not save the toast so he just unplugged the toaster pulled the toast out and put the burnt bread it in the sink.  He looked at Frankie and shook his head.   He walked over to her knowing she was in deep thought as she was reading.   Rubbing his chin as he glanced back at the kitchen and then back to her he decided to sit next to her. 

What are you read Francesca?   You missed me heroism a few seconds ago so I know its important?  Is that about the heist in Indy? 

He waited for her reply but she was still so focused that she didn't answer him.  He started getting dressed as she finally folded the letter and looked at him.  She was in shock that he was half dressed as she jumped up and ran into the kitchen as saw the remains of the toast and bacon and dropped her head.  Seeing her disappointment he walked over to her and wrapped her arms around her and kissed the back of her ear. 

Don't worry about the food, I'm marrying you for your heart, mind and body.  I love the woman you are and will become as time passes.  Now again what was that letter you were reading? 

The toast, at least, wasn't burnt.  She offered the note to Tony as she plated the toast, got out the jam and poured cups of coffee.  Thank God he wasn't like half the men she knew back home or this would have been a marriage deal breaker!

Tony sat down as she worked on preparing what was left of breakfast and he read.

Congratulations Frankie,

What you have done no one can ever take from you.  You should be exceedingly proud of yourself for achieving this goal you have set in life – let it be a testament to the power of your dedication and can-do spirit.  The first of my next instructions is for you to take time to celebrate.  Go to the Cotton Club – dance and drink, but also... pick up your gift. 

There’s a man who washes dishes in the back by the name of David.  He’s a simple fellow and the manager looks out for him.  He makes sure that David has good food to eat and a place to sleep.  In return David is one of our best employees making sure you can see your face in the plates and keeping an eye out for things we need to be worried about!

Introduce yourself to him.  He will have my ‘button-gift’ for you.  Tony will recognize it.  It’s probably larger than what you’re used to, but it will serve you well.  Where I will help you become a keen mind in this thing of ours... this will help you become truly deadly! 

The cash you should use to get yourself better accommodations, clothing, and other necessary items befitting your new standing in this thing of ours.  I can’t have you looking like a street rat, because your real work begins now.

Let’s begin.

You will get to know the Mafioso of the United States.  Not just New York, though you should start there for certain – but each day you will try to contact one new face in this thing of ours.  Each day you will by happenstance or manipulation – put yourself in front of another person who may one day be the deciding voice in your fate.  I can not make you hold to this... of all the things I have puzzled out how to do, this one I have no sure way to guarantee you do.  I will, however, note this – of all the advice Godfather Varys gave to me... this was one of the best. 

No matter how small or powerful a man or woman in this thing of ours – the smallest gesture on your part to them might one day separate you from a shallow grave. 

I lived for as long as I did because good people saw fit to give me safe haven or to send me from harm at the last possible moment; and while some fucking cunts can’t stop howling like little bitches about my alleged disloyalty – the truth is that the dead can bitch and moan all they like about my ‘failures’ ... they are none the less dead and I, for a time, held everything in the world they wanted and all the moaning and bitching of their descendants will never change my success and their failure.  In their descendants’ wails of my ‘survival’ being unjust... the name LuckyLucy is made immortal. 

So, let your enemies bitch about you (and your enemy’s children), and may you live to tolerate their stupidity for generations longer than those who speak poorly about you, because THAT is the true victory in this thing of ours.

Now – as for the thing I CAN ensure that you do... your mission for this letter, the thing you must do before opening my next letter.

I wish you to take a trip to Las Vegas.  While you’re there I want you to look in upon a young woman named Barbara whose home address is 5583 Silver Springs Drive.  Bring a present for a toddler boy.  Let her tell you her story such as she knows it.  You may let the woman know that you are visiting her as a final favor to me – and if she has any needs, please see to them as best you are able not because I ask but as a matter of Christian charity.  It’s good for your soul... Lord knows you’ll need the good deeds to offset all that bad that you will be doing in this life when you’re called to answer for your crimes by St. Peter.

Once you’ve completed your visit with Barbara and come back to New York, you may open the next letter.  Simple as that. 

-Don DiCaprio

Tony read the letter and shook his head Lucy was running his life from the grave.  She was dictating where Frankie had to go and do and he couldn't stop Lucy or Frankie.  He looked at Frankie. 

I don't think you need much help with this task but I am here if you do.  Whatever you need I will do or find someone who can. 

He handed her the letter back while trying to show full support.  He was viewing Lucy in another light and it wasn't pretty.

"Well, I suppose going to the Cotton Club alone isn't quite my idea of fun and... well, we could have some fun tossing dice at a casino... if you like?"  She took back the note.  "Do you have any idea who this Barbara is, or why Lucy might want me to hear her story?"

Tony looked at her and shook his head no.

To be honest love do you want to do this errand of hers? 

He looked at her face and knew her answer she was Made and ready for excitement.  He handed her a key.

So when are you going to go?  This is the key to the cotton club.  Barabra is a unknown person to me so you need to proceed with caution.  Do you have a plan on what might happen if you get into a jam out there?

He stopped asking questions as he realized that he wasn't sounding supportive.

Okay lady I love you but if I'm not going with you on this then you better return to me alive and well.  This I'm not joking on Francesca.  I have been waiting fifteen years to become your husband.  I'll be dam if I lose you now. 

She sighed.  "Of course I don't want to go on her errands... but it's clear if I don't play along something might happen to my father - if he's alive like she says.  Is she the sort of person who would lie about something like that?  You knew her in life... do you think she'd go to all the trouble of setting up these tasks and people to watch that I did them how she asked, if my father wasn't at the end of it?"

Frankie stood up and paced.  "I don't know this woman from Job, Tony.  I know that Frank loved her... and you loved her..."  She hated saying that out loud after the night they had shared, but as she completed her thought it was clear Tony knew she held him in no low regard for the affections he still kept for the dead.  "So, I can't help but think that some part of this woman was worthy of respect and that maybe she means what she says."

"Maybe she is doing this because I'm a woman in this thing of ours - like she was.  Maybe she wants to help reunite me with my family after all these years... the only family I got left now that Grandfather won't speak to me."  She shakes her head.  "How can I not do as she asks of me?  It's a game but she's got all the cards - if I open those letters now and try to race to the end ... well, I don't have to tell you.  You know the amount of money and influence she commanded in life.  I can't be sure her people won't move or God forbid even kill him before I'd ever get to him!"

She covered her mouth to stifle a sob and then made the sign of the cross for having taken the Lord's name in vain.  "She warned me Tony - she told me if I kept reading if I opened the letter's I'd be trapped in this thing and I think she's right.  I have to see it through to the end.  Whatever *it* is..." She opens the letter again.

"She's having me get to know people - build connections... she's clearly got money and something else waiting for me at the Cotton Club - what the hell is she setting me up for?  And this mystery woman... Barbara?"  She sighed.  "I don't like the idea of flying to the West Coast just to meet some woman I don't even know for God alone knows what reason - but shit... I can't puzzle it out.  Why do all this?  Why do any of it?  Bringing me here to reunite us, I can get that... sorta.  But the rest of this?  Why not save this advice for her own daughter?  You said she and Frank have a little girl you're looking after?"

She walked back to Tony, "Why not save all the speeches and advice for her?  I don't know this woman this Lucky Lucy - why would she pick me for this?  What the hell could Frank have told her about me that would make her think of me for whatever she's got planned?"  She looked at the note.

"Whatever it is... I have to see it through to the end.  And you're right, so far these read like errands you send some goomba to do - not a made man... so I don't know."  She put the note down on the table.  "I'm gonna go shower and get dressed and then I'm going to the Cotton Club to find this gift she left me.  If you wanna come... I'll ride there with you.  If not... I'll call a cab and come straight back once I'm done there.  I'll need to pack and book a flight to Vegas.  Hopefully this cash she's got waiting for me will be enough to do that."

Tony finished getting dressed and then waited for Frankie to finish her shower.  He then got on the phone and booked two tickets to Los Vegas. Then he called a friend in Vegas to have a car ready to pick him and Frankie up.  He gave them the time and gate that he will be landing at.   Frankie was coming out of the shower.  He had loaded his two pistols and tucked them in his shoulder holsters he then took an envelope of cash and stuffed it into his inner jacket pocket.  He then turned to see her dressing and he smiled like he was sneaking a peek for the first time.  She glanced at the mirror and saw his smile and shook her head.

Tony nodded in agreement then walked out of the bedroom.  He said a little prayer as he hoped that this was not going to turn into a hit or lead to a war with the Durdens that seem to continue to keep popping up at the wrong time.  Tony had his four extra clips in his over night bag with a few boxes of ammo and three days of clothes then he yelled out to Francesca.

I booked two ticket to Vegas.  You need to pack some clothes three or four days and some ammo for your tools of the trade.  I will drive you to the Cotton club then we go to the air port.  I have transportation ready for us once we get there. 

Tony poured him self a shot of brandy and gulped it down with a deep exhale and a smile.  He heard Frankie yelling as she had a run in her stocking then a few choice words in Sicilian as she changed dresses because she wanted the right color stocking for the right dress.   Tony looked at his watch and wondered if she was taking a nap or did she change her mind.

Tony walked into the room as she was looking at herself in the mirror.  She was slimming and turning and she looked like a movie star.  He smiled as he watched and she blow him a kiss as she watched him watching her. 

Beautiful doll, you always look gorgeous to me.   

The Cotton Club - Business District, NY
Sunday Afternoon

Since coming to the United States her travel itinerary had been limited the places she could reach with public transportation within New York.  It did excite her, the thought of flying to Las Vegas for a few days with her fiancee.  She looked at her hand as she offered it to Tony who helped her out of the car.  The ring shone in the sunshine like the stars which is was fashioned after.  

The Cotton Club stood on the corner of 142nd Street and Lennox Avenue in Harlem.  At this hour of the day it was closed for cleaning and preparations for this evening's business - closed to everyone but the owners; which, effectively, Tony was.  Frankie couldn't help but thrill at the power holding that key in her hand represented.  This place wasn't just a jazz club - it was the place where politicians and mafioso met and shaped the world everyone else was living in.  Futures were made and broken in such places and for the moment it belonged to Tony DiCaprio, the man she was going to marry.

"Shall we?"  He asked, offering his arm which she immediately took.

The inside of The Cotton Club was stunning.  She'd been living far too poor of a life to have justified coming here before she'd met up with Tony and so she'd not taken the time to truly appreciate it.  "The greats really have all played on that stage... haven't they?" she said with a smile.  Her eyes wide with wonder.  

"Signor DiCaprio!"  The head Maître D' appeared from seemingly no where and made his way to the man who now wrote his checks - Tony.  Tony took his hand and shook it and immediately turned to Frankie.

"This is my fiancee, Francesca Messina."  Tony spoke the words with such pride and the man smiled brightly at them - seeming to be genuinely happy for Tony.  He kissed her cheeks in greeting and again shook Tony's hand wishing him congratulations.

"I'm very glad you're here,"  Frankie said, pulling the note from her purse.  "... the late Mrs. DiCaprio."

"God Rest Her Soul as well as her husband, Frank."  The man made the sign of the Cross.  "So sad - how is little Miss DiCaprio?  Has she made it safely to the Old Country?"  

Tony nodded, "Yes.  Thank you for asking after her.  I'll let her know in my next letter that there are men here who are loyal to her and eagerly awaiting her return."

"You do that.  I owe everything to that little girl's father... if ever I can help her, she has but to say the word." The man, who clearly knew something of this thing of theirs, inclined his head respectfully.  It was clear, this little girl who was an ocean away, really had no idea the empire awaiting her return when she came of age.

"Well, I have here some of the final words written by Mrs. DiCaprio, and she said that you've got someone on staff here that Tony wasn't familiar with - a dishwasher who you might be looking out for?"

"Sì! Sì!  David!"  The man brightened at the mention of this secretive employee so far beneath anyone's notice that even Tony hadn't been aware of him.  "Signor DiCaprio asked me to look after him - he was a kind soul Signor DiCaprio.  He could see to the heart of a man, that one.  A good eye for business, but a keener eye still for the heart of men.  Most look at David and see a simple mind - they disregard him and leave him to die as a pauper - but not Signor DiCaprio... no.  He saw a harder worker looking for opportunity ... some people lay down and die these dark days, but David... not him.  We give him a cot and three meals a day - in return he's here to let shipments in, to call if there is trouble during the day hours, run errands for me, and I've never had a bus boy work half so hard as him.  He is a God send.  Truly."

Frankie looked to Tony and then back to the Maître D' - "Well, I need to speak with David."

The Maître D' turned then and headed towards the kitchen.  Frankie and Tony followed close behind and sure enough, inside the kitchen - among a good number of employees who were busy prepping this evening's dinner service, they found one who did not look like the others.  His neck wasn't quite as long as it should be and his face seemed... flatter that was right.  His head seemed large but his smile was bright enough to light up a room.

"David?"  The Maître D' called out to the sunny haired man, who instantly turned away from his work to come to his boss' call.  There was a devotion in the way he looked at this man.  She'd seen too few people look at their bosses this way and she instantly could see the qualities that must have made Frank give this man a second glance.

His voice, when he spoke, was slightly childlike though his words showed no hint of mental slowness which she might have expected based on his appearance or the tone of his voice.  As the Maître D' introduced David to both Tony and Frankie (who he called Francesca) David offered each of them his dried hand to shake and greeted them by the name he was given.

Tony thanked the Maître D' and made it clear they didn't need his presence any longer.  The Maître D' excused himself and disappeared into his office.  Frankie turned back to David, "It's so good to meet you David.  I understand you were acquainted with a childhood friend of mine... Frank DiCaprio and his wife Lucia?"

"Lucky Lucy."  He said chirped happily.

Frankie nodded.  "Lucy... she told me that you might have a present for me?"

David shook his head no.  "Nope."  He seemed troubled, unable to look her in the eyes.  His discomfort lead him to backing away from her.  "I don't got nothin'."

Frankie found herself following him, fearful he wouldn't give her what she needed.  Tony, however, kept his cool and realized quickly the issue.  He put a firm hand on Frankie's shoulder to stop her from scaring the man.

"David?"  He said softly, his tone was warm and kind.  "I know you've seen me with Frank and Lucy before - surely you have?"

David nodded.  

"Then believe me when I tell you that Frankie here is telling the truth."  Tony stressed her nickname and David's eyes came up to meet her own again.

"You're Frankie?"  He asked.

She nodded.  "It's a nickname for Francesca."

"I thought Frankie would be a boy."

She wanted to kiss Tony for being so brilliant!  Of course Lucy would have told David her name was Frankie not Francesca and the Maître D' hadn't introduced her as Frankie because Tony had introduced her as Francesca!  Now that she realized why the poor man was deflecting, attempting to protect Lucy's secret, she felt truly silly.  David walked towards the meat locker and waved them to follow.  

Inside he walked to the back and under piles of frozen beef he pulled out a case that Tony instantly recognized as the one that held Frank's sniper rifle!  It was speculated by Vito and Giuseppe that Frank had stashed it somewhere and it was likely lost for good - somehow Lucy had found it and had it brought here to the Cotton Club... but how?  When? 

"Lucky's friend said that this was your birthday present and she wanted me to keep it safe and I did.  Just like she said."

"You did a very good job, David."  Frankie complimented him and tried to pop the locks only to find she did not know the combination.  She sighed and looked to Tony who then gave her a look that suggested he could get it open.  He then turned back to David.

"Lucky's friend?  You said this was brought here by Lucky's friend?  Had you ever seen him before?"  Tony asked.

Frankie suspected that it had to be one of Don Lucia's bodyguards, that was why Tony was asking if the man had seen them before but when David shook his head no, her head snapped back to look at Tony who was as unreadable as stone.  "Did this person share their name with you?"

"He was an Irishman, spoke like one too, said 'My name is Mr. Davies, I'm a friend of Lucky Lucy's and she's gonna need you to do her a small favor - keep this case safe for Frankie.  Frankie will come here asking you for a present Lucky left to her.  This is it.  Hide it and tell no one about it.  After Frankie gets the gift, a package will come for you as a small token of Lucky Lucy's appreciation."

Frankie marveled at the man's imagination or perfect memory.  For someone who was allegedly simple, he was deceptively brilliant in his own way - a savant in his own way.  "Do you know what the reward will be?"  Frankie asked.

David shook his head no.  "But maybe a new suit!  I asked Mr. DiCaprio for shiny church shoes and a tie.  He said I'd get them if I worked hard."  He smiled.

Frankie shuddered from the cold.  

"We should go - the plane will be waiting for us... David, when that gift comes, why don't you open it with the Maître D' and have him give me a call... alright?"

David nodded enthusiastically.  "I'll remember."

"I know you will."  Tony said ushering Frankie out of the meat locker, she carried Frank's case tight as if it might run away if she let go of it for a second.  After a few brief goodbyes, the two made their way out to the car where, inside, Tony entered the combination into the case and popped it open to reveal Frank's gear.  His gun, clean and broken down - unused.  Photos of his family, tokens from Lucy, and below the gun in the false bottom, a pair of Frank's clothing, body bag, cleaning supplies, gloves and his bolt money.

"Is this..."

"It was Frank's."  Tony shook his head.  "I don't think this is just a button gift... it's a tool for the job."

"But I've never used a rifle like that one I..."

"No.  And you wouldn't have known the combination - Lucy knew I wouldn't leave you and she knew I wouldn't let you go to Vegas alone."

"She means for you to kill someone."  She said flatly, betraying neither her surprise nor her disgust that this woman had put Tony into the position of performing a hit from beyond the grave.

"She wasn't like that.  She was a lot of things, but the woman in those letters is a grieving widow.  If Lucy left me this gun it's because I'm going to want to kill someone and she wanted to make sure we had the right tools for the job." 

With that Tony closed the lid and re-locked it.  If he was right, Lucy's 'mission' was clearly more than it appeared on the surface.  Silently she wondered if they would all be this way. 

Beside her, silent as well, Tony now understood why he said she couldn't do this without him.  Nothing about her letters was going to be JUST as it appeared.  Lucy had enemies in death and it was not beyond Mafioso to do all they could to settle accounts even from beyond the grave... especially with Katy's future on the line and THAT was something that Tony knew that Lucy could bank on him killing to protect.

Still holding the case in his left hand Tony took Francesca hand with his right.  He glanced at her and gave a slight nod as she looked into his eyes.  She smiled and they both said good by to David.  They went to the side door of the Cotton Club to quickly reached his car.  As they approached the car Tony opened the door for her as she slid into her seat he closed her door and walked around to the driver side.  He placed the case into the back seat and then slid behind the drivers wheel. 

He looked at her with a poker face and replied.

We have time honey before we have to reach the airport.  I hope you packed well.  The bolt cash Frank left and the cash I took should put us up good for a few weeks if we need to stay longer.   Frank owns a few operations in Vegas so we can get are hands on more cash if needed. 

He started the car and away they went; twenty five minutes later they were at the airport parking he pulled into long term parking and came to a stop.  He could feel her eyes on him as she was finishing her conversation about completing this job and what she thought of Lucy.  Tony stepped out of the car and walked over to her side opening her door.  Her long silky legs in her black dress exposing her muscular thighs causing Tony to stare and smile. 

Then closing her door he goes back to the driver side and retrieved their luggage and the case Frank left behind.  Frankie took Tony's over night bag it was the lightest of the two bags and case that they needed to bring with them.  They walked to the check in counter and Tony presented his license and the clerk handed him the two first class tickets to Vegas.  They went to the lounge to get a drink before boarding.  still carrying the bags. 

Frankie turned towards Tony and told him to stay focused and stop staring at her bum and legs.  Tony without skipping a beat said no he gets to look at her all day every day as much as he wants.  Frankie had a martini and Tony had a rum and coke.  They sat their as Tony explained what Vegas was like and the operations that he was managing for Katy and the upgrades he was making.  They heard over the loud speaker that everyone boarding flight 622 to Vegas must head to gate 6 for boarding.  Then it repeated as they quickly went to the boarding gate.  They were directed to go onto the tarmac to board the plane.   Tony closely followed Frankie up the steps to the plane as Frankie found seats five and six in first class. 

Frankie slept leaning on Tony's shoulder this flight was five hours long from New York to Los Vegas.  Tony thought about her and the mission he was going to have to shoot someone who was a unknown to him.  It could be a friend or a stranger a man or a woman would he kill for Lucy again is this really to help Frankie.  Looking down at her he knew that he would shoot anyone to help Frankie just as Frank did for Lucy.  Tony nodded as he vowed to himself to care and support Frankie.  He heard the captain over the loud speaker that they were on the final approach to Los Vegas and would be landing in about twenty minutes that they needed to take there seats and put all trays in the upright positions.  

The landing was smooth as far as landings go.  Tony woke Frankie up and as she was stretching he gave her a quick kisses as she was surprised at his speed she shook her head and wagged her finger in his face as he laughed at her.  She laughed back and stood up as Tony was handing her his carry on bag.  The grabbed her suit case and the case with the rifle.  They exit the plane and cross the  tarmac straight into the airport they were greeted by Gus.  Gus worked for Frank and now for Tony.  He took the suit case from Tony and the carry on bag from Frankie. 

Gus explained that he had a swanky hotel top notch with excellent room service all paid for.  That several men that once worked for Frank are watching and willing to support Tony.  Gus was a straight man he was loyal to a fault and not that service is given to Tony.  Tony thanked him for getting everything ready.   Gus put the bags in the trunk of the car as Tony opened the back seat door for Frankie then he got into the front passenger seat of the car.   Gus drove them to the hotel and he was right.  This was a top notch hotel this place was on main street minutes from the Flamingo casino.   They reached the hotel the hotel stewards tried to take the bags for Tony and Gus but they were waved off by Tony and the look he gave let them all know not to approach him again.   Frankie turned towards him and told him to be nice and smile.  Tony laughed aloud and nodded that he would follow her instructions and smile.  However his smile was kind his eyes showed that they still needed to back away from his bags.

They were on the second floor room 203 and Gus was in room 202 across from them.   Johnny and Carmine in room 201 and Pete and Joseph were in room 205  to the left and right of them.  Frankie smiled as she saw how big the room was.  It had a seating room then a bed room with a master bath room.  their was even a kitchenette.  Frankie drove onto the bed as Gus dropped the luggage he was toting for them in the seating room.  Gus left and Tony walked into the bedroom looking at his fiancée.  She was all smiles looking as beautiful as she did since he first saw her. 

Summerlin - Las Vegas, NV
Monday Afternoon

Frankie and Tony spent the night together in their room.  Mostly it was a choice of a practical nature, the need to keep a low profile while they were yet uncertain what their purpose was here or who this Barbara was exactly.  

Tony spent the evening talking about Frank's time here, his first wife Nikki and her best friend Lucy Fazzone who had been living here at the time and running an Irish Family restaurant called Brennan's Cellars - a front for a speak easy that was popular with the local mafioso.  He'd met Lucy only after Nikki and Frank and parted ways, but it was his understanding that Frank and Lucy had met prior to the divorce as friends on several occasions.  None of this, of course, yielded any hint about their mission here or who this mystery woman and her son were.

Frankie opened and re-read her first letter and the second one several times and of all the things held within - only one small turn of phrase kept nagging at her like food caught in her teeth: 'my first heir apparent'  - she had said that in the first letter.  What did she mean?  She wasn't Lucy's blood and so anything that had belonged to her surly could not be passed on to her in the traditional sense.  As for her standing in the mafia - well, Lucy was but one face in ocean of obituary.  She was loved, so Frankie had learned, but she would soon be forgotten; a name recalled only by those who lived during her time and forgotten as those people left the world as well.

So, if Lucy and Frank had this daughter that Tony was looking out for... wouldn't SHE be the heir apparent to whatever legacy Lucy thought she had?  Re-reading the passages about darkening of her soul, of the need for good deeds to counter balance all the bad she would do; Frankie considered the idea that maybe Lucy had hoped to keep her daughter out of the mob as her own grandfather had.  After all, Lucy seemed to agree with her grandfather's viewpoint that you should keep people you love out of this thing to which they belonged.  So it was, there were no answers to be had - only a pleasant dinner on the patio of their hotel room and another night of lessons from Tony. 

They dressed early and met Gus and the boys for a quick lunch in the hotel restaurant.  Frankie liked the men that Frank had hired and was glad that Tony had kept the on.  Loyalty and skill such as those these guys had were in short supply.  More than once she heard the men ask after Frank's little girl and Tony talked about her in only the loosest of terms, never revealing her exact location or who was protecting her - still, he gave each man to know that she would reward their continued loyalty when she came home to the United States as an adult.  If Lucy had meant to keep her daughter from becoming her 'heir apparent' then Tony was doing a fine job of working against that plan and it made Frankie smile.  At least Lucky Lucy didn't control every aspect of their lives.

Together the group of them drove to a toy store where Frankie picked up a small wooden train set and then they drove to the address they'd been given, 5583 Silver Springs Drive in the Summerlin district of Las Vegas.  The men got out first, but before her door was even open, Frankie had seen it.  A realtor's sign and the words 'Bank Foreclosure' on the top.

Frankie stepped out onto the street beside Tony and she shook her head, "This can't be happening - how can I talk to a woman who's not even here!  Tony what will..."  

Tony held up a hand, forestalling her meltdown, and walked over to the mail box.

Frankie followed.

Inside Tony flipped through the mail and sighed.  "No forwarding address written on any of these, but we do have a last name ... and now I have some idea of why we're here."

"Why?"  Frankie asked.

"We're going to The Cellar's... but something tells me we're not going to find anything good there either." 

"Lucky's Speak Easy - why would Barbara be there?"

Tony turned and handed the mail to Gus.  "Find Don Pollution's widow, don't approach her when you do... you come find us and we'll decide what to do after."

"Sure thing, Boss."  Gus said, taking the mail and heading right back to his car without a moment's hesitation.

"Pete, Joe, Johnny, and Carmine - you're with us."  Tony finished instructing.

"A Don's widow?"  Frankie asked after they began to split up, a little more shock in her tone than should have been there.  "Why the hell would she send me to meet a Don's widow?"

"Not just any Don... HER Don.  After she left Chicago she took up with an operation called SMOG.  It was run by a man called Pollution... a close friend of a notorious Godfather by the name of Disorder."

"I think I know that name..."  Frankie said allowing herself to be escorted back to the car.

"Yea.  Probably a fair chance that you heard it in your Grandfather's house.  That man's shadow was large enough to have reached the Old Country for sure.  Man was well known for wearing his iron gauntlet on the outside and there were some who thought Lucy might have been mentored not just by her Don - a man known for his violent temper and blood lust - but also by Godfather Disorder."  Tony held open the car door for her.

"Did you ever think that?"

He hesitated seeming to give the thought serious consideration and as he did, she got into the car.  Only after he got in behind her did he reply,  "Lucky was different before the events that occurred in Sicily - though maybe the change really happened after she lost her crew in Philly."  His expression was darker then somehow, "Her entire crew, the woman who raised her to Made Man, all gunned down in a war and she - she had a gun put in her face and she was shot.  For a while after that... she was, troubled." 

Tony shook his head after a moment, dismissing some thought he did not share, "If she was closely mentored by such men as Disorder and Pollution, then their lessons didn't take hold until after she went to the Old Country.  But yes, it's possible - Lucy had a mean streak, and she knew how to ruthless at times; but I had never thought she'd done so without good reason."

The drive across town seemed a long one.  Several times Frankie was convinced they were doubling back before moving forward - as if trying to lose a tail... but no one seemed to be following them.  She presumed that Tony and the boys were being extra cautious and so said nothing until they pulled up restaurant.

The place was filled to the brim, cars lined the street - it wasn't the sort of place that looked hard up for cash; the sort of place that the owner would be in home foreclosure from running.  The glance Tony gave her seemed to suggest he was as surprised to see this as she was.  The group crossed the street, hands tense and near waists and coats open to access holsters more quickly as they went to the door only to find that a bouncer stood just inside.  If this had been a family restaurant on the front side at one point, the pretense had been dispensed with utterly.

Tony stepped up to the man and offered him a fifty dollar bill.  The heavily muscled mook, as Irish as the decor, stepped aside letting the group of them enter the room which was thick with smoke.  The bar was soiled and stained as if it hadn't been properly cleaned and shined in some time.  Whores sat on men's laps around the room as they played cards, irons were visible on almost every person in the room, a fact that caused her own muscle to stand up a bit taller with hands a whole lot nearer to their own weapons.

Tony flagged down a cigarette girl with a sizable bill.  She came prancing over to Tony wiggling everything God had granted her, "Whatcha havin' today, Sexy?"

Frankie clenched her teeth so hard they could have cracked.

Tony didn't respond to her flirting, but remained stoic putting the money in her hand.  "Barbara in today?"

The girl looked confused.  "Hmm I'm not sure... give me a second."

"HEY!" The girl called out.  "Paulie!"  She shouted at the man as if she might be his girlfriend, surly no regular employee would yell at what must be the manager in such a way.  "PAULIE!?!"

A greasy looking man with auburn hair and green eyes looked up from his cards and pulled a ratty cigarette out from his dry lips, "WHAT NOW!" 

"These nice folks wanna know about one of our girls - did you hire a gal named Barbara?"

Beside her, Tony tensed as if he saw something he didn't like and the men around her seemed to adjust as though they noticed it too.  Did Tony know this Paulie guy?  Frankie looked to Tony, and then looked where he was looking - it wasn't to Paulie... but the bar.

Paulie snapped, not having looked up from his hand of cards yet,  "Can't you see I'm busy here, Doll?!?"

"Come with me - I'll ask the owner.  He knows everyone!"  The girl made for the bar, almost exactly where Tony had been looking.  Tony looked at the floor as they walked, was he hiding his face?  Frankie was seriously unnerved now.  Who were these guys?  

From behind she could tell they were some fairly rough looking men - but nicely dressed compared to the rest of this lot with better guns... they had rank - Captains?  A boss perhaps?  Frankie had grown up around mafioso and she knew what it looked like when wise guys sat grouped together this way, clearly speaking privately, and not wishing to be disturbed - it was obvious this girl was VERY new to this life as she strut right up and tapped the smallest guy in the room on the shoulder.  Notably, the only one wearing wing-tipped shoes.

"Mr. Durden?"  She said with some respect in her tone.

"These nice folks were wondering,"  The man turned, clearly angry until he locked eyes with Frankie.  Whatever he was going to say to the waitress died on his tongue as his expression switched from rage to sweetness faster than a light coming on after flipping the switch.  And so, the girl finished, "... if we had a Barbara workin' here?"

"Go sell drinks Chrissy."  He ordered her away.

"Missy."  She corrected him.

He rolled his eyes and offered his hand to Frankie, totally ignoring Tony and the men with her.  It wasn't all that uncommon that a gentleman would acknowledge her presence first - not even among mobsters - but somehow it felt different this time.  

"Mr. Durden?"  She asked inclining her head ever so.

The man and his compatriots chuckled.  Frankie didn't get the joke and it was showing on her face.  "Nah, I ain't Durden... girl's confused, too much information for one little brain.  I work for Mr. Durden though.  Name's Benjamin Botticelli, but you can call me Benny, Miss...?"

She smiled, "Messina.  Francesca Messina."  as she offered him her hand, she used her full and proper name to see if he registered it as familiar.  There were a lot of Messina's in the world - but if this man held any rank or ties to the old country it might give him pause and she wanted to see if he was or had either.  When her name did not elicit a reaction, Frankie knew it was best to play things low key.  Whatever Tony hadn't been able to tell her was clearly potentially deadly and the way this man kept looking at her blouse, gave her to know he was certainly not the sort of Mafioso she was use to dealing with in Sicily.  No man would dare look at a woman in such a way - at least not without expecting a reaction out of her male escorts.

Benny took her hand and instead of shaking, turned it, and kissed the back of it for longer than was comfortable.  "Francesca."  He said her name with a prolonged emphasis, as if savoring the feel of it in his mouth.  "Fresh off the boat and new to our shores?"

She nodded.  

"So, what does a fresh faced kitten like you - so new to our country - want asking after some bar wench on the west coast?"  For the first time, he looked to her companions as if sizing them up.  She worried the man might recognize Tony, as he seemed to have noticed something familiar about this man or someone with him, but Benny gave no sign that anyone with her was familiar to him. 

Frankie needed a believable lie and fast!  She considered for a moment everything her grandfather ever taught her (by word or his own actions) about lying.  The number one rule, as she had come to understand it, of lying was to always tell as much of the truth as was safe to tell.  And so... she did.

"I'm trying to make a name for myself.  Picked up a job to make a delivery to this woman named Barbara who lived over in Summerlin - but she wasn't there... seems they foreclosed on her house.  Found out she once owned this place and..."

"Babs?"  The man said laughing.  "You're lookin' for Babs?  Oh that's rich.  Yea, I know Babs, Kitten.  I can help ya out."  Benny waved to the bartender.  "Get me another scotch and the lady will have?"

Refusing a Captain or Boss who was going to do her a favor wouldn't have been wise and so Frankie responded with appreciation, "Whatever you boys have that passes for wine will do."

The men laughed and Benny seemed to relax quite a bit at her willingness to drink and poke fun.  He motioned to a nearby table with two seats.  Frankie took one and he the other.  She could feel Tony looming behind her, like a shadow cast long across them.  His boys leaned against the bar some feet away - continuing to drink and smile.

The bartender passed out Benny's scotch and her red wine - which looked more juice and vinegar than actual wine.  She tried not to be snobby though and raised her glass, "Per la tua salute e quella della tua famiglia."

"Fancy!"  Benny said with a laugh.  "Tell me, what did you say?"  She watched the men around the room look as ignorant to her Italian as their boss and immediately smiled.  If she had to - she could speak their native tongue to trade information with Tony right in front of them.  That might be handy if it came to pulling weapons to get out of here.

"I said, To your health and that of your family."

He nodded.  "Well, here's to beautiful women like you - may more of you end up here on our shores."  Clearly the man was ignoring her engagement ring or he was taking pleasure in being crass as he continued to shamelessly look her over and flirt - Frankie had endured far worse in her time here in the US and so she did not rise to his taunts... she hoped her mountain was holding his stony face as well, but she dare not look back to check on him and give away his value to her.

She sipped her wine.  Yep.  As terrible as she thought.  She put the glass down on the table.  "So... Babs?"

"A woman who gets right down to business - I like you more and more by the moment."  He leaned back in his seat, his legs spread wide as if he owned the whole of the world and meant to dominate the space utterly.  "Babs had a run of real bad luck these last few weeks.  See... my boss sent me out here after reading about an enemy of his finally getting put in her place.  He told me that I was to come out here and secure this business as our own cause his enemy owned it... a matter of letting the local families know not to fuck with Tyler Durden; ya know?"

Frankie nodded.

"Well, imagine my shock to find out that Lucky Lucy DiCaprio wasn't one for sentimentality... and she signed the damn place over to Babs before that corpse Cletus put a bullet in the back of her pretty red head."  The hair raised on the back of her neck, confident now that the man did know who was with her - certain that he meant to insult Tony's former Don until it got full on ugly and while Tony might hold his trigger finger - Frankie had just about all she could stand of this prick.

"Abbastanza..." She breathed the word like it was a seductive invitation, but the word translated to English was it's own order.  'Enough.'

She leaned forward, letting her breasts rest atop the table, giving the man a full view down the front of her swoop neck collar.  He took the bait and as he did, she pulled the Derringer from her garter and under the table pressed it right into his crotch.  "Shhh!"  She said softly, their faces so near to one another they might kiss.  "You flinch, you scream, you so much as wink at one of your men... and I promise you'll bleed out through that sorry excuse for a prick that's deflating under my gun, so fast, that you'll be dead before they get you to a hospital."

"You .... bi..."

Frankie pressed the gun harder and clicked her tongue.  "Language.  There are ladies in this room.  Now... where's Barbara?  Did this Tyler Durden have her killed?"

Benny shook his head no.  

"Where is she?"

"You're not getting out of this bar alive."  He whispered.

"You hear that?"  She whispered, leaning her ear close to him.  "That's the sound of your balls begging you to fucking tell me where Barbara is before I start getting worried about your boys so much that my finger twitches."

"Homeless shelter on 34th and Waverly.  She and that brat of hers are staying there ever since I took the place.  If she's not there then she's stalking that fucking cop again."

"Cop?"  This was a unexpected twist. 

"Corrupt Son of a Bitch by the name of Payte."

"Why the hell would she be stalking a cop?"

"I ain't got no clue - but like I said, you're not walking out of here alive, so you're not ever going to find out either."

Frankie held perfectly still.  Her gun where it was, she had the tiger by the tail.  What happened next would no doubt end in someone's death.  She wished she'd kept her gun in his holster and just trusted Tony to keep his cool... damn it but she was the hot head of the two of them!  Silently she considered the fastest route to the door and how she would signal the guys to move for cover when Benny did something completely insane and unexpected... he called her bluff and kissed her.

Frankie pulled back, in rejection of the undesired affection, taking her gun from Benny's groin in doing so.  Which, upon later reflection, Frankie would realize was his plan all along.  This gave him a moment to call out alarm to his companions.

We are so fucked.

Tony recognized Benny and his blood started to boil from anger.  He know he had to remain calm and keep his wits about him.  The boys recognized Tony movements and subtle gesture as they started sizing up everyone in the room that could be packing heat.  Carmine walked out first while Benny and Frankie were talking.  Then Pete walked out, both men went to the cars bringing them around to the front of the bar. 

Joe moved towards the left side of Frankie away from Tony who remained at the right side of Frankie.  Benny was so busy looking at Frankie assets that he didn't realize that Johnny was standing behind him back to back.  Tony wanted to kill Bennie for many reasons but the most important was for a personal one.  Months before Franks death Bennie made a slight against Frank.  Benny also made comments about Franks death as if he had something to do with it.  Benny also made his comment about Lucy a few minutes ago.  Tony counted nine men including Benny and Tony knew that Bennie skimmed off the top and that his Don had suspensions about Bennie but Benny was a charismatic mobster that had a loyal backing. 

Taylor Durden wanted  an excuse to wack Benny without causing an internal civil war.  Today Taylor will get his chance and he can focus on Delaware and Detroit.  Tony would get his chance to do a favor for Frank and Lucy as atonement for the wrongs done.   Frankie leaned back and then Benny signaled his men.  Tony saw that the cars were out front and Tony yelled get down  Frankie grabbed Benny pulling him to the floor.  Tony Joe and Johnny immediately dropped to floor below the window line as bullets crashed against the window panes causing them to shatter.  People were screaming and four of Bennie men had been killed.  Both Carmine and Pete memorized the location of the men that were playing cards and knew that most of them were with Benny.  They sprayed that area heavily with two Thompsons.     

The bullets stopped as they reloaded there Thompsons.  Tony and the boys jumped to their feet each pointing two 45's at everyone that stood up with them or were drawing a gun.  Frankie with her derringer at Benny's neck in her left hand and pulling her 45 from the small of Tony's back with her right hand as Tony had his two 45's pointing at anyone moving.   Tony was yelling at the people still in the bar telling them to relax and stay faced down on the floor of the nice lady would pull the trigger taking Bennie's head off.  Benny agreed with Tony's words as he echoed to his men to relax.   Benny knew that Tony didn't want a war so he could still get out of this alive.  Tony was hoping that's what Benny would think.

Hearing Benny telling the rest of his men to relax gave the people in the room confidence that everything was going to be ok.  They formed a square with Benny in the center as the moved in lock step towards the door.  Benny moved with them slowly with the nudging of Frankie's derringer directing his every step.  They reached the door and the square rotated with Frankie now becoming the first person walking out backwards pulling Benny with her.  Then Tony and then Joe and finally Johnny they all reached the cars safely.  Tony had his gun at Benny's forehead as Frankie got into the front seat of second car with Carmine placing his Thompson in the back seat and then moved to get into the drivers seat.   Frankie had already opened the back door on the drivers side.  Tony waited as Pete gave his Thompson to Joe who was now sat behind the drive pointing the Thompson at the bar.  Johnny got in the front seat as Pete got in. 

Tony looked into Benny's eyes and Bennie locked eyes and then he knew that Tony was going to kill him as Bennie shook his head in disbelief almost ready to beg for his life.  Tony squeezed off a round and Bennie fell to his knees then his upper trunk fell face down to the ground as Tony quickly got into the car.  Joe fired off the Thompson and Tony picked up the Thompson from Carmine and started firing off rounds as the two cars quickly drove off at a high rate of speed. 

Frankie looked back at Tony and saw that he was still the mountain of Massina.  She didn't smile at him as their eyes locked onto each other she could tell that he felt a small taste of relief from that but that something deep inside him still wanted more.  More what she could not tell but she saw that he was there to help her and he had thinks well planned like when they were kids.  Tony knew that Frankie enjoyed that part of life and she would have pulled the trigger herself if she wanted to.  He knew she gave him the kill because she felt his need to destroy Benny the moment he laid eyes on him.

The drive away from Brennan's Cellars was silent.  What could she say when her hot headed action had put them all into grave danger?  If not for Tony, again, she would be in a box - if buried in the desert by those filthy Botticelli goons!  There was only the smallest bit of satisfaction in knowing Tony got to hit back at those who had taken his family from him - very small.  She wanted to turn around and look at him again, but that stony expression of his wouldn't tell her a damn thing about what was going on in that head of his - for now, she had to trust that nothing had been changed by her poor leadership and this exchange of hot lead.

"Where to now, Boss?"  The driver asked.  She looked to him and realized he was looking in the rear view mirror to Tony in the back seat.  She sighed.  She wouldn't blame Tony one bit if he had decided to drag her to the airport and back home; but the tone of his voice gave her to know that he wasn't yet done with business.

"34th and Waverly... the homeless shelter." 

"Yes, Sir."

Frankie looked into the backseat when he gave the order to go to Don Pollution's widow Barbara.  

"After what just happened - the Botticelli's will kill her just to stop you from getting whatever it is we need from her."  Tony pulled a kerchief out of his pocket and began to clean himself off.  Small bits of Benny's blood decorated his hand.  

Frankie turned around and sat in her seat properly, her mind wandering to all the what ifs of the situation they had just walked away from and her mind came back to the only question that probably mattered after what she'd just done.  "Who the hell is Tyler Durden?"

Tony chuckled.  God, but it was good to hear some small hint of levity out of him.  It gave her to know that he wasn't mad - sometimes it was so hard to think of any man not being like all the ones back home in Sicily; but Tony had never treated her like everyone else.  The temptation to cast him in the same light as her uncles and grandfather was one she knew better than to fall to... he was his own man, different than most she knew and that was (in truth) why she adored him so.

"Tyler Durden, is the self-proclaimed Godfather of Delaware City.  He's a fucking agent of chaos, a rogue of the worst sort... more organized than the average jackass who turns his gun on his own family - this guy literally wants to bring the whole system down."

"This thing of ours?"

"That... and the governments, and corporations... the guy's a lunatic.  Crazy bastard claims he hates all the commercialism, capitalism and yet... his operation moves millions every day - he's one of the most powerful men on this continent even though he really is lord of nothing.  Constantly raiding other cities - recruiting armies of mindless gombas to break down better operations than what he's able to raise up."

"You really hate him - don't you?"

Tony threw down his blood stained kerchief violently. "Yea. I do."  He said blandly.  Frankie looked over her shoulder to see him looking out the window at the buildings and people they passed by as they drove.  His stoic expression still betraying nothing.  Tony hated few people, as Frankie recalled.  Hate was, after all, a very strong way to word things... if someone was gonna go to the trouble of hating a person, it seemed far more logical to just put a slug in them rather than waste the energy.  This Durden guy was clearly too powerful for that or Tony would have done it by now.  But why?  Why did Tony hate him?  She suspected it was tied up with Lucy and Frank somehow.

"They'll tell him about you."  Tony said softly.  "Tell him that you're running with me."  

Frankie nodded, understanding now.  While she was sitting her lamenting that she'd put Tony in danger - he was lamenting that Durden would now tie her to the DiCaprio name... and whatever enemies Tony had inherited among the Durdens from Lucy and Frank; were her's now too.  This was the last thing he ever wanted, and she knew it.  Tony did not want to be the reason guns were putting her in their cross-hairs, but with her having come to The Cellars looking for Lucy's late Don's widow with a DiCaprio in tow... well, there was no avoiding it. 

"Benny was a boss then?"  she asked.

"Yea.  The Botticelli family is based out of Chicago - they're from the Old Country.  Your Grandfather knows them."

"Wait..."  Frankie looked in the back seat.  "Botticelli - as in the painter?"

Tony nodded, "The same."

Frankie fell into her seat.  "Quella cazzo di puttana!" She slammed her fist on the door.  "He understood my Italian."

"Most likely." Tony admitted.  "Though with people born here in the states, it's never a certainty they ever learned the old tongue."

"Grandfather is going to eventually get word of this."  She said flatly.

"Possible."  Tony admitted.  "I'm sure he won't be happy to hear you've hooked back up with me."

Frankie laughed.  "He thinks the world of you.  Hated that you had to leave Sicily.  He'll probably send you a gift for bailing my sorry ass out again."  She thought about it then - she'd have to tell her family about their engagement at some point.  "We should give thought to when it would be wise to send a wire about the engagement and what we'll say."

The car pulled up to the curb just a few doors down from the shelter.  There was a line of people waiting for soup, bread, and coffee.  They were people of all ages and in various types of clothing.  It was a sorry state this country was in - that so many poor waited to be saved rather than pulling themselves up by their bootstraps as they would have in the old country.  And yet, not all men were real men... not all women had that sort of steel bred into them; such people needed the protection of people like her and Tony. 

In this world there were wolves, men, and sheep.  Most of the world was filled with sheep - waiting to be lead, saved, or sacrificed.  Then there were the wolves.  Wolves honored their family - would die for them - worked together with them to take all they wanted from the world around them, fuck the sheep!  Too many wolves or sheep in the world, and everyone dies.  Thankfully, God also gave the world men.  Real men (and women) had the good sense to work together for mutual survival like wolves... but they also had wisdom enough to keep the sheep, who kept their bellies full, safe from wolves.  All people are born as lambs at the feet of God, and can grow as sheep in His flock... or they could learn to become wolves and prey on the world that God gave to them... but Men, real men, they were Made.  Or so went the story went - the one her Grandfather would tell as he raised up men within his organization.  

"Frankie?"  Tony was standing outside her door his hand extended to her.  Blinking her way out of the distant memory of her Grandfather in his basement surrounded by his crew; Frankie took his hand and got out of the car.  This time she brought the bag with the toy train inside.  

The building was shoddy, and rows of cots lined the walls.  Many had men passed out upon them, their skin yellowed and eyes bearing the telltale marks of men so addicted to and poisoned by American alcohol that they could not function anymore.  Alcohol here in the US was far different than that in the old country.  Stronger.  Deadly strong.  Where she could drink wine all day back home, one glass of American alcohol might set her to sicking up all night long.  No one drank to enter that sort of state back home - but here it was common to see men literally laying in gutters hung over and out of sorts.  America was a nation of addicts and it was a sorry thing to see so many men so utterly weak and pathetic in the face of something as foolish as drink.

The guys began asking around, trying to find Barbara.  Frankie spent some time smiling at and making faces with a few of the children who were playing in the open areas of the large space that had been turned into a flop house.  The odor here was terrible.  It was no place for children to be living.  Men and women came to places like this as if they were waiting to die - it broke her heart to see so many young ones here... especially the ones who were so gaunt that she suspected it had been some time since they'd eaten properly.

"Miss Messina?" Pete touched her arm.  "I think that's her over there."  He waved Tony and the guys back and they came to join Frankie just as she was reaching the once attractive blonde sitting on a cot, her small boy playing on the floor beside her.

"Barbara?"  Frankie asked cautiously.

"Who's askin'?"  The woman put a hand out and pulled her son over to her protectively.  Frankie could see a bit of steel in this woman's eyes, just a hint.  Something in her wasn't completely broken and that gave her to know she wasn't wasting her time.  Whatever Lucy had wanted her to learn - it might yet matter.

"I'm Francesca Messina.  Lucy DiCaprio sent me."

"How am I suppose to know that?"

Frankie reached into her pocket and pulled out the second note.  "Are you familiar with her hand writing?"

"Yea.  She use to send me letters with her checks."  

Frankie passed Lucy's note to Barbara.

"Checks?"  Tony asked.

"Who's he?"  Barbara asked, clearly not comfortable answering any questions to someone she didn't know.

Frankie looked up to Tony and said, "He's my fiancee... Tony Dicaprio."

"Dicaprio... you related to Frank then?"

Tony nodded.  

"Lucy kept sending me tribute."  She said softly.  "Helped with the debts, kept bankers off my back."

"What about The Cellars?" Frankie asked

"It helped, but people aren't eating out like they use to and without Lucy around - well, the usual high dollar clients weren't coming in.  I was discussing with her what we might do about that when..."  She looked down at her son and kissed his forehead.  "I'm sorry for your loss."  She said to Tony.

He nodded and went quiet as the woman looked at Lucy's note and handed it back to Frankie.  "I don't know why she wouldn't have just told you herself.  Not like she didn't know - hell it was her boys who figured it out for me.  We just... she was busy up in Chicago so she never had time to come down and settle affairs."

"Why don't we take you and your son back to our hotel for lunch.  He can play and enjoy a proper meal."  Tony suggested.

"I couldn't possibly."  She tried to be modest.

"Actually," Frankie said standing.  "It would be in the interest of your safety... I'm afraid the people who took your bar know where you are and this isn't going to be a good place for you and your son to stay going forward.  We'll help you get something worked out... all I ask is that you join us for lunch and share your story like Lucy said you would."

"You're gonna help me get on my feet?"  Barbara asked.

Frankie nodded.  "All I ask is that you share your story.  Simple as that."

Barbara looked at Tony then back to Frankie and agreed.  She quickly gathered up her things, her son, and followed the group out of the shelter and back to the cars.  

Summerlin - Las Vegas, NV
Monday Evening

Frankie and Tony enjoyed an early dinner of chicken and roasted potatoes - it was a late lunch for their companions, Barbara and her son.  The little boy, James, loved the train and played with it endlessly as they enjoyed coffee after the meal on the patio of their hotel room. 

Babs, as she asked them to call her, was a generally sweet woman.  Frankie could see why a Don would marry her.  Most likely she'd been a pleasant hostess and charming figure to have on his arm about the town, their son was also adorable beyond measure - the picture perfect family only... the father wasn't here.  He was dead and now his lonely widow had been victimized by the system her husband use to run and was raising her son in utter poverty.  Sometimes, Frankie reasoned, there were too many wolves and not enough Men in this thing of theirs.

Finally, after all the niceties and as the sun was setting over Sin City, it was time for Babs to hold up her end of the bargain.  So, Pete and Carmine played with James inside while his mother shared the darker details of her story alone with Frankie and Tony out on the patio.  

"I was pregnant with ou... my son."  She clearly self-corrected.  Tony looked through the glass door at the boy before looking back to Babs who had tears in her eyes.  "Our marriage wasn't perfect, but my husband - he loved me.  He provided for me... and while we were going through a bit of a rough patch, I betrayed him."

She looked down at the cup between her hands.  "I broke his heart."  She said softly.  "Maybe that's why all of this is happening now?  I'm paying for what I did to him?"  Frankie leaned over from her seat to take Babs' hands and squeezed them.

"God, loves you Babs, He doesn't want you and your precious boy to suffer.  And neither does your husband."

This last comment, about her husband not wanting her to suffer broke the poor woman.  Tony gave her a handkerchief from his suit jacket.  She sobbed into it for a moment before finding the strength to continue.  "I thought he'd leave me... divorce... when he realized I was carrying another man's baby, but he didn't.  He came home after drinking with his Right Hand Man and he told me that child was our child - he didn't care who helped create the child, he was going to be it's father."

"Your husband was a good man to see it that way.  He must have loved you both very much."

She drew a shuddering breath, "He had a terrible temper, especially when he drank, but ... he was good.  He was handsome in his way - strong - people feared and respected him and when I was with him I felt like a queen."

Frankie glanced to Tony who, she found, was looking at her and not Babs.  She silently wondered what he must be thinking in that moment, but looked back to Babs as she continued to tell her story.

"Your always know to expect that call.  In the business, a wife knows that it could happen at any time, but there comes a point that no one talks about; when your husband and his friends have become so powerful that it seems no one in the world can touch them or would even want to try."  She nodded.  "You find yourself forgetting what it is your husband does for a living and when he goes out for the day you imagine it's to a job like anyone else.  You forget about the guns, and knives, and all the people who he hurt over the years and... you think to yourself if he were to die that could only come from the hand of God himself."

Frankie understood Babs' weird thought process.  So many women back home were of a similar mindset.  So wrapped up in their own goings on with children and wives of other family members that they just put their heads in the sand as to what was happening under their own roofs.  They knew better than to ask their husbands about their business, or that of their friends, they did as they were told obediently and understood that this was 'just how business was to be done.' It was how the mind coped with impossible situations - a woman could go mad sitting up every night wondering where her husband was and if he was safe. Babs had done what so many women in her situation had done.

Babs shook her head 'no' and said, "But when I got the call I was stunned.  So many others - people in power who he knew and respected - they died that night and in the days that followed.  Naturally, I and everyone assumed some sort of war had happened.  Your friend Lucy... she was a wise guy under my husband.  An earner and courier - nothing she would have served hard time for - I assume that's how she got away safely when she did."

She sighed.  "A week after he passed, we had the funeral and Lucy showed up.  A few of his crew did, but Lucy alone was willing to help me out.  She told me she'd joined up with a crew in Philly and couldn't manage The Cellars.  So, she asked me to do it for a cut of the cash.  She took out 10% for herself.  On top of that she kept sending me a tribute - said her father would have rolled in his grave if she didn't look out for the widow of her Don." 

She smiled.  "Lucy was one of the good ones, but I had no idea how good until a few months ago when two men came to my house.  A young man by the name of Lenny and ... this Irish goon who Lenny introduced as Bruce.  They said they'd been doing some work for Lucy, investigating who killed my husband.  I had no idea she'd been doing this - or for how long - but these men said they'd gotten to the bottom of who had killed Pollution and the others - the entire power structure of Las Vegas at the time and the answer was so much more twisted than I'd ever have guessed."

There it was again.  That glint of steel shining in the woman's eyes - some flicker of life or hate or something with in.  She wasn't a woman going to that place to die like all the others... she still had hope!  She wanted revenge.  "My husband's operations relied upon cooperation from a series of agents within the local FBN.  One of them, recently retired, was a childhood friend of mine by the name of Payte.  Thomas Payte."

Barbs pulled a small cigarette case out of her pocket and took her last cigarette out.  Tony, quicker than Frankie had thought to look for a lighter had one at the ready and lit it for her.  Frankie smiled, but thought it strange he had a lighter at all - did Tony ever smoke that she'd seen before? 

Babs took a long drag before continuing, "Tom use to come by our place for drinks and to play pool with my husband.  He had a bad gambling habit and in exchange for helping my husband and some of other other Dons from falling under any serious charges - Godfather Disorder kept his ass out of a shallow grave in the desert.  We loved Tom.  Had him here all the time.  He was like family."

She took another hit, clearly trying to steady her nerves, "But we're not the only game in Vegas... the Cosa Nostra has a lot of pull but the Jews, even some Coloreds they have started opening clubs of their own.  Dumb fucking Tom never could say no to table with an open seat.  Lucy's guys learned that he was in deep to another family.  Upwards of two million.  And even though my husband, and Disorder, and all the others wrote his dinner check night after night... when this family told him it was time to pay up; he didn't do what would have been smart.  He didn't come ask his Godfather for the cash to pay off his debts.  Instead he apparently took a deal to betray his own."

She flicked her ashes, "Should have seen it coming.  If a man would take oaths to the FBN and then betray them - what made my husband think that he'd stay loyal to us?"  She shook her head.  "Lenny tells me the dirty fuck killed my husband while he was wearing his FBN uniform.  Son of a Bitch was on the on the god damned clock when he left my husband dying in a gutter like trash!  And... now, he's retired.  FBN gave him a gold watch and party... sang songs for him, and got shit faced drunk to celebrate this asshole they called a hero.  The man who betrayed and murdered my son's father."

She used the kerchief to wipe her tears.  "How's that fair?  We're starving to death, lost our home, the business that Lucy was so kind to give over to me... and this prick - he gets to walk away like a hero.  The cop who was here when Las Vegas organized crime finally got cleaned up."  She said the words with a bitterness that suggested perhaps she'd read that in a paper somewhere.

"Lucy said she'd come... told me she'd bring her husband Frank... guess he's some sort of crack shot.  Said he'd never see it coming, they could hit him from streets away.  She said they'd take care of it for me.  Said that whether Tom liked it or not, he was a part of this thing of ours - and his betrayal of the family who looked out for him, wouldn't go unanswered; but now she's gone."  Babs shrugged.  "And with her being gone the bar was doing a nose dive, the bank came after my house, and then the Botticelli family forced me to sign over the bar ... so I don't even have that anymore.  I've got nothing left."

The sounds of the city by night was all that Frankie could hear for a time as Babs finished her story and sat quiet.  Frankie reached out and took her hands again.  "I'm so sorry for your loss."  She whispered softly.  "I'm sorry someone you trusted betrayed you like this - I can't even imagine what you've been going through."

Babs sat forward and allowed Frankie to take her into an embrace.  As she did, she looked up and met Tony's eyes.

Tony understood the issue fully as he began to see that Lucy had a heart for the underdog and was also loyal.  He squeezed his knuckles by making a tight fist then he relaxed his hands.  He looked at Babs and then Frankie. 

The paperwork for the bar will be checked and if it wasn't filed correctly we will have our people convert it back into Katy ownership.  Then I will have you managing it again but this time you will have real protection around you.  

Tony Looked at Frankie as she nodded to him that she was willing to help this woman out not because of Lucy quest but because Frankie felt for the woman.  She turned back t Babs and informed her that everything was going to be okay and that soon she will have her house back from the bank and money to care for her son. 

Tony called for Gus and had him get a room next door to him to do agreeing he called to hotel manager and they made arrangements to move the guest in room 204 to another room.  Babs was excited to sleep in a real bed instead of a cot.  Babs looked at her son with tears of Joy and she realized that even from the grave Lucy was able to help save her again. 

Frankie suggested that they go shopping for clothes for Babs and her son Tony looked at Carmine and Carmine took Johnny and Pete with him. Tony reached into his Jacket and gave Frankie a enough money to buy them enough clothes that they could ware every day of the week for a month before they needed to wash them.   Babs asked if it was okay to leave her son there while she and Frankie shopped.  Tony nodded and then as they left the kid feel asleep on the sofa.  Gus carried him into Frankie and Tony bed room and then came back out.

After a few hours the room was ready but Babs and Frankie were still clothes shopping for Babs and her son.  Carmine and Johnny followed close behind with Pete in the front.  Tony, Joe and Gus remained back at the hotel discussing their options on locating Tom and getting the details of his habits.  They needed someone on the inside to get the whereabouts on him.  They also wanted details of how they can draw him into their trap t kill him.  Tony needed Frankie because she was good at drawing men in while Tony was good at ambushing or storming a place. 

Gus knew a guy that had a friend in the FBN that owed money and would be willing to give up some info.  Joe would follow Tom around and get the in's and outs on this rat traitor.  Tony told Joe to take Pete with him seeing the same guy over and over may tip him off that he's being watched.  They sat around as Joe poured a drink for everyone.  Tony was playing with a silver zippo lighter flipping the cap open and closed.  Gus realized that Tony didn't smoke an asked about the lighter.  Tony paused then with a smirk tossed the lighter to Gus.  Gus looked it over it was engraved.

The engraving read To my husband F.D. with Love from L.D.    Gus nodded slowly then walked the lighter back to hand to Tony.

They really loved each other Tony.  That's a good keep sake. 

Tony nodded and without saying a word he put it in his pocket. 

Frankie will devise a plan t get Tom out of the casino and I will pop him from across the street.   I have a friend that lives in a high class residential area I can use his house as when set him up to come to visit.  I'm sure Benny wont mind. 

Joe chuckled at the thought of Benjamin not wanting to take the kill.  Tony finished his scotch and then walked to the window.  As he looked out he saw Frankie and the gang returning.

Frankie dropped Babs off at her room and then came back to join Tony in theirs.  The woman was beyond grateful and certainly would prove a valuable resource whenever they were here in Vegas - of course, that was the sticking point that Frankie kept coming back to since earlier today.  So, that would be the topic of discussion tonight with Tony.  Sad, because she'd rather spend the night doing other things with him - but what had to be done, had to be done.  Blood debts long over due required payment and Frankie wasn't about to turn from that and leave it undone.

Lucy might not have meant for her to do this exactly - but Frankie was willing to bet her shoes on the fact that she expected Tony was too good a man to have turned his back on the woman and her plight.  It just so happened she felt the same way.  And while all of that was well and good, and could be handled in short order, there was a much larger and long term problem she felt needed addressing.

She took off her coat and put it on the chair without a word.  Tony stood up and nodded to the guys, dismissing them.  He could tell she was in a mood.  "Things go well shopping?"

Frankie nodded and went to pour herself a glass of water.  "She's grateful - as she should be - you've saved her life in more ways than one."

"Lucy."  Tony said softly.

Frankie sipped her drink, making a noise of agreement.  After swallowing, "Yes, she set this up, but we're doing it.  We're making the calls and ... well, I think we need to be taking a moment to consider our own future in all this."

She drew breath, "You got money right now because you're looking after Frank and Lucy's affairs... you've been a loyal cousin and soldier to them.  I have NOTHING but respect for you in these things, but ... if we're going to get married, if you're going to ask my Grandfather for my hand, we need something to show him.  You're not in Sicily anymore.  Where he might have left his legacy in your hands, we can't go home.  Me because of my choices and you... well, simply put, because of my choices."  She shrugged.  "Sorry."  She said meekly.

Tony chuckled.  

"What if we stayed in Vegas and invested in this place for our own reasons?  I mean... the Botticelli family are assholes, but credit where it's due... they got a great idea.  The whole damn city is empty.  Drug trade is wide open, hooch needs to flow here too ya know... and gambling?  Don't get me started!"  Frankie got excited at the idea of it all.  So much money to be made - just waiting for her to do it!  "We could build something big enough my Grandfather would HAVE to respect it, we could tribute to him as we should - and your family too, AND have something for ourselves besides.  Something that's ours... not someone else's."

She walked over to Tony and put a hand on the center of his chest.  "You love that little girl and I'm not saying give up on taking care of her affairs, that's a blood sworn duty and I would never ask you to stop honoring it; but before you know it she'll be a woman and here taking over her own affairs.  True, she may reward you for your hard work... but she might not.  She might thank you and send you on your way and what will we have... for our children?  What will those we leave behind inherit?  Babs and her situation ... well... I just can't help but thinking about what the hell I'd do in her position.  Without you.  With our child."

Frankie had NEVER in all the years they'd known each other, EVER given any hint that she might be even REMOTELY open to the idea of being a mother; but with marriage came such unavoidable consequences if one was ever not 100% vigilant and she'd heard stories of women who were very attentive and if they so much as slept in the same room with their husbands they ended up with child.  So, she had to accept it was a possibility and one she needed to plan for.

"What do you say Tony... while we're here putting things in order for Katy and Babs... maybe we keep kicking in the teeth of the Botticelli Family and TAKE a piece of this action for the family we might one day have?"

Tony smiled down at her, at first she thought it was a smile that was pleasure at her business savvy, but the illusion of his stony facade melted utterly as he said, "Our Family?"

She nodded, with a tight smile of her own and half-rolled eyes.  She saw where this was going.

"Children?"  He said with all the glee of a child on Christmas.

"IF."  She emphasized.  "If we have them.  I'm still not wanting to run off and..."

Tony scooped her up as a groom carries his bride.  

"Do we really have time for this?  Don't we need to put together a plan to take out that dirty cop?"  She asked as he carried her towards their bed.

"Vegas and all the possibilities will still be here when we wake up tomorrow.  For now - I think you're right.  Maybe we should put Lucy, Frank, Babs, and Katy all to the side for the night, and spend some time thinking about us and what we'll be leaving behind... just a bit more."

"You're positively incorrigible, Tony!"  she laughed.

"You know you love me."

"Lo voglio. Ti amo."  She confessed with a kiss and Tony pulled the door to the bedroom closed behind them.

Tony woke up happy at the thought of Frankie actually talking about having a family.  She never talked like that before and he was happy at the thought of having a child.  He was so excited that he over slept.  He slowly got out of bed and put on his robe.  Then he walked into the sitting room.  Frankie sat there listening to the radio as she sat drinking her coffee.  She was bright eyed and bushy tailed. 

Tony asked her what was going on.  She replied that Don Dovahkiin has set up shop in Vegas so we here and things need to accelerate if you want to get ahead.  Tony agreed and then poured himself a cup of coffee. 

We better get showered up and dressed if we plan to conduct business.  Back in Vegas again dealing with this God awful heat.

Frankie stood up and headed for the shower as her robe fell off Tony spilled hot coffee on himself with a smile.