Room 203 - Occupied by Tony-DiCaprio and Frankie Messina - Las Vegas, NV
Tuesday Morning

It had been a long couple days but productive.

Frankie sat in her hotel bathrobe, bra, and panties as she held the hotel phone to her ear with one hand and gripped a pencil in the other.  She was making notes as she spoke on the phone.  This was not her first or second call of the early morning (both of which were to her Crew leadership who deserved this tip as well) ... but her third.  "I'm glad to hear it."  She said watching Tony come out of the room dressing.  "Well, please give my best to Sully.  I hope you'll both consider the situation - I don't know how many chances one can expect like this in life."

Tony came over and kissed on her neck.  She swatted him away and gave him a look that screamed, 'damn it this is business!' Tony held up his hands and retreated to the kitchenette and started making coffee.

"I agree, but you don't need to worry about that.  I'm planning on sending a wire to Grandfather tomorrow with an update on the situation.  Better he hears about all this from me than strangers."  She paused, listening to JacqulineBlack talk.  "No.  We haven't told him about Tony's proposal yet.  I hope I can count on you to keep it..."  Frankie laughed.

"Thank you.  When you guys get out here, dinner is our treat."  Frankie laughed again.  "You bet.  Goodbye now."  She hung up the phone and sighed.  "My cousins, you remember Jacqueline... she's here, in New York with her husband SullivanBlack .  Well, they're giving consideration to  coming out to lend a hand.  Can you imagine it!  Actual family here with us!"  She laughed and clapped her hands once.

"Sounds like it's all coming together nicely."  Tony said buttering some toast.

"Yea - now we just need to consider the logistics of removal of these stragglers, setting up our own operations, and ... of course... the matter of putting a bullet in the head of that rat cop."  She stood up and closed her robe.  "I'm gonna go get my own shower now and then dress.  When I'm done, let's talk about where we need to start on this to-do list of ours."

"We could just stay in for the day!"  Tony offered in a jovial tone.

"Business first!  Help me wack this fink cop and clear out those Botticelli bastards from the businesses we want to make our own... and THEN we can stay in bed all day!"  She called out from the other side of the bathroom door. A moment later the shower turned on.

Tony felt good when he knew that Frankie was happy.  A happy woman means a joyous day for her man or you could say a happy momma less drama.  Tony remembered Jacqueline she was a terror as a kid always getting Tony and Frank in trouble most of the time getting them into fights over her honor or pride.  She never did that to Vito.   Tony always wondered did they have a thing or where they partners in crime.  Thinking deeper into it there were a few fights with people Vito didn't like and they really didn't even know Jacqueline. 

He smiled at the fact those memories came back with some clarity to them as his childhood dealing with her started making sense.  Tony didn't really care back then the fun was in the fight and the get away.  He sat in the chair that Frankie was using and made a few calls himself.  He wanted an update on what the boys found out on Tom the rat.  He wanted to make sure that Gus acquired the necessary tools for the upcoming job. 

Finishing his toast and coffee he remembered why he didn't like Vegas as the heat was starting to raise and the fan was starting to lose the war in keeping the place cool.  Tony walked over to this switch to try this new fangled thing called air conditioning.  He flipped the switch up and then he heard a god awful thud and thump sound with rattling shaking noise then it settled down to a hum of a giant fan as cool air started to flow.  Tony nodded and wondered what if every home had one of these.  A guy could get rich off of this. 

Tony then makes a final call to his shop he needed to get in front of the train if they were going to take back a speak easy they needed liquor and lots of it.  The inventory contained Irish and Canadian whiskey.  Rum and Jin it also had Vodka which wasn't really moving at the time.  He got a shipment of British Scotch and Brandy.    No beer and Tony hated not have beer in a joint so he needed to find a new supplier.  He recalled a name of a man that he might be able to get some beer from.  He went through Franks little back book and found a man named Adolphus Busch. 

Tony called the man up and introduced himself.  This man had money and power and was working to get prohibition repealed.  Tony thought that if this happens he would lose some of his holdings while this clown was getting rich off of both sides of the fence.  Tony needed to start looking at diversifying and he needed smart friends and he remember Frank talking with the Brain that was now part of the commission.  Unions and loans Tony couldn't recall it all but he was going to get on that track.  As he made arrangements to meet Mr. Busch.  Frankie was now dressed and looking stunning as always. 

Tony looked her up and down and wanted to mix pleasure with business but she had a not happing now look on her face.  So he rolled his eyes back into the black book and then stuck it in his jacket pocket. As he waited to see what the boss lady wanted to do next. 

Frankie sat down on the couch.  "We need information about where this retired rat lives, what he spends his days doing, and most importantly who he's currently on the hook with and for how much.  Babs said that there wasn't a table in all the world he'd pass up - my guess is that his gambling habits haven't stopped since his retirement.  That means he's probably in deep with someone and if we off him... we're going to have someone pissed as hell at us should they ever figure out we did it."

"So, I was thinking we need to have the boys begin some observation of our target while we're handling other more delicate business.  If we're going to take a shot on this guy, we need to plan for when and where he's best hit... now, its also possible if he owes someone a good deal of cash, and if he does, maybe we hire this shit out?" 

She smirks.  "That is to say we could pay the other family what Tom owes them - squaring off his debt - and let them put a slug in him for us so we take on less risk and make good with whatever passes for local backroom gambling outfits.  What do you think?"

Tony sat there as Frankie spoke.  He looked at her with a smile.

I got a couple of the boys watching his every move.  They will get me his likes and dislikes and where he wets his whistle and when he farts.  I think you should cozy up to him and invite him to a private game.  Let him know that your willing to front him for a split of the profits with these high rollers.  Then when he comes we take him out to the dessert and bury him out there. 

We also pay off his debts to whomever he owes and then let him know that these high rollers will make you both rich.  He will think this pretty woman needs him for his connections and this fleece.  He will lower his guard and trust you.  Then we will have the rat in the trap.  Thoughts?

Tony waited to hear her reply.  

Frankie smiles at Tony - clearly finding her own thoughts funny, "To avoid another incident like the one at The Cellars the other day... how are you gonna handle it when this sleaze gets handsy?  Back home in Sicily you'd have broken a man's nose for looking at me cross-ways or his fingers for touching me wrong." 

She shakes her head.  "If I'm using my seduction skills to get a mark where we want him... that won't play well.  I know you're not an overly emotional rage monger like Frank could be - but things are different now.  Now I'm going to be your wife.  I just want to make sure this is something you really want me doing and that you're really okay with this tactic."

Tony thought about it and his face finally showed an emotion of pure rage as he imagined Tom touching Frankie.  Then in a loud voice said

Dam your right!  I should just walk up to him and pop one in the back of his head just because I imagined that stupida merda. 

Tony shook his head and then turned towards Frankie. 

I trust you love you decide which one and we will execute the plan but it needs to happen soon.  Gus and the boys will swing by here with there findings and then you can decide which plan works best.  Killing him is a matter of a shot I just don't want a bunch of witnesses or a shot from long distance.  If some one steps in the way I may not get a second shot.

Frankie smiled, satisfied she could still illicit such a response from him.  As a girl it was a point of pride for her that she could, with a word, send Tony, Frank and even that cunning little Vito running after any boy (no matter how much bigger he was than any one of them!)  Now, as his future wife, that power felt none the less satisfying.  In fact, it felt even better.

"Now now," She said, pretending she was the calm rational one the whole time - as if she hadn't really wanted to see that spark in his eyes, "No need for all that.  We'll just avoid the situation.  How about we keep it casual... maybe less elaborate of a plan is better?  Hit him abrupt, really fast, without any warning - then boom - we're gone.  Hit and run, so to speak.  Do the hit, disappear into the chaos that is Las Vegas, and get lost in the crowds."

"Best part is, you know the cops have to be wise to his gambling habit... we do this hit while there are no established families in Vegas and the cops got no one to even question for the hit.  Everyone walks away with clean hands."

She waited to see his thoughts.

Tony sat back and smiled as he realized that she has him wrapped around her fingers.  He nodded that less profile and quick is much better. 

I agree, quick down and dirty.  We will hit him coming out of his home walking to his car.  We walk away in different directions.   Do you want to use guns or a knife?  The knife makes no noise and its up close and personal.  Thoughts?

"Un fottuto ratto merita di essere bloccato e lasciato a morire sul marciapiede quando tradisce la famiglia che si è presa cura di lui." Frankie sneered.  "But it's a bloody thing to go at him with knives, also risk of him surviving."  She shrugs.  

"In truth, we might consider this an opportunity though... FBN Agents, I'm sure our family - Dovahkiin uses them too?  Would be nice to remind them what happens to men who rise high with our help and turn away from us in times of need.  Maybe this death sends a message so others don't forget that loyalty matters?"

She reclines a bit on the couch, stretching out some.  "It is something Grandfather would do.  Use one traitor to warn off others who might consider turning rogue, but I'm new to this country ... and the ways here are not what they were in Sicily.  Corruption is the same here and there... but how we address it - I don't know.  I yield to your wisdom on this.  Can we use this useless bastard to send a message to the other agents who might consider betraying the Vegas families in the future?  Or is the risk too great?"

Tony looked at her and loved when she becomes all riled up showing her Sicilian hot blood.  Tony agreed as said.

Così siamo d'accordo il ratto muore per coltello e lasciato a morire per le strade.  Prenderò la sua lingua e le cose la sua bocca con una banconota da cento dollari. 

Their was a knock at the door.  Tony grabbed his pistol holding it behind his back as he moved to the door.  Frankie grabbed hers and hid it under a pillow she was holding pointing the business end it at the door.  Tony turned towards her and gave her a grin letting her know it was okay.  Gus and carmine walked in as then Tony closed the door locking it as he tucked his 45 into the back of his pants.  Gus reported that they found the rat they know where he likes to go drinking and what car he drives. 

They were not sure where he lived because he came out of an apartment.  His friend's contact said Tom moved after he retired but gave us a forwarding address that was a PO box.  they sat there an he showed up we followed him all around town. but not this cop was also making collections.

Carmine reported that they know that he worked for a small time gangster that he owes money to.  This guy is connected to the men we shot at the club a few days ago.  His name is Steven Sorrano he's a wise guy at best and has maybe three or four men pulling protection for him around the clock. 

Frankie was thinking that they can take over Steven's operation and kill the rat still sitting on the couch she asked where were the rest of the guys and Gus said they are still watching him to find which apartment was his.  Tony nodded and then looked at Frankie.  There eyes told each other that the rat will go soon and the gangster will be visited.

Tony told them that they did good but they wanted them to double check the gangsters connection and what businesses he operates.  They where going for a hostile take over and they needed to know the net worth and what fire power they needed.  Carmine and Gus ndded and left immediately.  Tony locked the door and walked over to Frankie.   

She smiled up at him.  "We still make a pretty good team.  So I guess now we're left waiting on them to get us that information and then we can put our weapons to work." 

Frankie glanced at the bedroom door.  "I hear they call this place Sin City..."  She nodded to herself, barely hiding her smile.  "Got any ideas on what we should do while we're waiting for them?

Tony didn't need her to offer a second time.

Somewhere Near The Strip - Las Vegas, NV
Tuesday Evening

The flashing lights, music, and women barely dressed parading to and fro - offering ever pleasure that man had ever conceived!  It was enough to make even the most seasoned criminal overwhelmed, let alone a country girl from rural Sicily.  Frankie, for all her talents in murder and mayhem, had never seen anything like this place.  The wanton depravity, the decadence, the absolute disregard for any sense of shame or morality ... she was going to make a fortune in this place if it didn't destroy her soul utterly.

Lucky was right, I probably do need to worry...

As she stalked the streets, silently judging the masses - in one pocket she fidgeted with a knife... and the other, her message. The plan was as simple as it could be.  Tony was several blocks from her, coming towards her - Gus coming from another direction.  They'd catch him on his way out for an evening of gaming.  

After, they'd ditch their weapons, and head out for an evening on the town themselves; making sure to be seen all over so that no one would tie them to the crime even if the cops did find some way to connect them to Babs and Babs to Tom.  More importantly, by letting themselves be seen their men could meet up with the last of the Botticelli gang and finish affairs with them.  They'd kill the rat because that was personal - but the take over would be done all while they were rubbing elbows with Vegas elite.  

Tom wasn't an impressive looking fellow.  Older, soft around the middle, and a bit of balding on the top.  Frankie thought he might have been a wall of muscle at one point, but his lifestyle was causing him to fall apart at the seams.  Frankie went through the same process she went through every time she'd killed a man in the past.  It was another thing she'd stolen from her Grandfather while he was teaching some fool who thought he was worth of the Messina family name... while she, a girl, wasn't.

In her memory she could hear his voice, so clear and even keel and even caring... though he was the most blood thirsty man she'd ever known, 'Taking down an enemy should NEVER be an act of passion.  A man has to have a sense of calm when he does a thing like this.  He must to know why he does what he is doing, how he is to do each part, and move with confidence - no hesitation.'

Calm.  

Why?  If one man gets away with turning his back on the families... if one cop makes good on the back of little people they will all ride those below them rough-shod; just as they did in the Old Country.  An example had to be set.  A widow and her song were wronged - the matter had to be set right.  

How?  Frankie opened her knife in her pocket.  She could see Tony walking towards her and the man between them.  Their eyes meeting briefly... Tom has no idea what's about to come at him from all sides.  

Confidence.

"Tom?"  She said as if she knew the man.  "TOM!"  She said excitedly, as if an old friend he should know - someone he should remember.  The man turned his back full to Tony, who was pulling his knife from his pocket.  Frankie's hands came out of her pockets too.  Tom was smiling when their bodies connected. 

For a brief moment he was happy - excited that a beautiful young woman seemed to know him from somewhere.  He was positively glowing with hope that she'd come up to him so fast and with clear intentions to physically touch him.  Then, it was gone.  Replaced by the moment when Tony's knife punctured flesh multiple times as he came past the old rat.  Then Gus appearing to do the same from a whole other direction the man had not seen or accounted for... quick lethal jabs that caused such surprise it gave her the chance to leave their message.

Frankie grabbed his face as if to kiss him & brought her knife up fast.  

Who knew tongues bled so much?

There was a new law in the City of Sin.
Loyalty would be remembered.  Treason repaid.
With this action they had put the world on notice.  

Tony was back at the apartment washing the blood of himself.  He stuffed the bloody clothes in a brown paper bag to burn later today.  Tony smiled at the thought of how Frankie cut the rats tongue and he handed her a c note to stuff in his mouth to show this one was a rat.  Standing in the hot shower he thought about what was next.  Pete and Joe were cleaning the get away car from possible blood stains.  Johnny was coming to get the clothes used in the hit to burn as soon as Tony gives him the call.   Tony had already cleaned both knives and dried them.  He used a soapy solution to let them soak in then dried and oiled them.  Frankie was already clean and dressed and eating a sandwich. 

Stepping out of the shower, drying himself off tony thinks of what else is coming next from Lucy in those letters she left.  Dressing himself and hoping that today's event doesn't come back on them.  Tony was amazed at how quickly Frankie was adjusting to the new country.  Her Sicilian up bringing from the old country made her valuable and tough as nails.  Thinking back she was a dangerous woman in the old country and she is showing no signs of slacking in that department. 

Completely dressed Tony walks into the Kitchenette and noticed that Frankie didn't make him a sandwich and there was no need in asking why or why not.  He took a cup from the cabinet then poured a cup of coffee however the pot was empty.  Rubbing his chin he realized that they will need a nanny for the baby if they have one, two maids to keep the house clean and a cook to himself alive.  Shaking his head and smiling she looked so dam cute sitting there with her feet curled up under her reading the news paper. 

Tony turned on the faucet and got a glass of cool water.  He saw a sandwich made wrapped in brown paper.   He looked at Frankie who was laughing at him as she said

Really?  You thought I would eat and not having something for you silly man.  

Tony replied

Sorry love I wasn't thinking and I didn't see the sandwich when I walked in.

As he ate the sandwich he was still thinking that the nanny, maids and cook were going to be a necessity.  He thought he might want a on call doctor in case she gets upset with him.

So have to opened another letter?

Packing my stuff, including some fun little numbers for the nice weather, in what is so called the strip, I leave NY in the frigid cold. Sending with with the luggage guy everything I wanted, and some dark sunglasses , little else under a fur coat I planned to throw under a bus (as I would want a new coat to hang in my closet in Vegas, one that was all of the rage in the fashion magazines). I hopped off of the plane, giving instruction to the tempoary residence I would be using until a more suitable one would be located.

Smiling, looking up at the sun warming my olive skin.. the sun always made me happy. My blue eyes, blue as the ocean, though did not like it as much, and as such I had to get extra dark glasses. As soon as I could I threw off that fur coat as fast as possible, and blended in with the rest of the people to look like I had been there for years.

I pulled out the piece of paper out of my jeans, and slipped my sunglasses up on my head to read the address written on it. I was going to surprise some people.. snickers.. I was so sneaky, they would never know I was coming..I loved surprising people, and with a wicked grin.. I headed on my way.

I found Frankie and Tony's place rather quickly, and without incident. I pondered how to make my entrance, quiet or loud...snickering to myself  out loud. I decided to be nice this first time, and walked up to the door, knowing they would pack heat of course, and be ready for an out right war practically on their doorstep. I peeked in the windows to see if I saw signs of life, and knocked on the door, listening for signs of life inside (honing my skills at all times, of course).

Tony heard a knock on the door.  He looked at Pete and gave him a quick go ahead nod.   Pete went to the door as Tony sat there looking.  Pete saw a beautiful young lady and smiled then he moved to the side to let Jazmine in.  Looking at Tony who gave him a wave that she was okay.

Tony stood as Jazmine walked in he offered her a drink as Gus went to pour her a shot of brandy.  Tony and the rest of the men stood until Jazmine took a seat.  Tony called out to Frankie letting her know that Jazmine was here.  Gus handed Jazmine the drink then the men took there seats.  Tony respected Jazmine not because she was a fellow member but because she had talents not to far off from Frankie. 

How are you doing Jazmine and what brought you out this way?  Are you and Frankie going shopping or is this a business visit?

smiling my jazzy smile, walking in saying thanks to Pete. I took the drink, and drank some, wanting to reply to Tony's question.

" Well, I just got into town and thought I would check out your new digs. If she wants to go shopping, i am up for it.. who wouldn't be, in this beautiful weather!"

Tottally forgetting , the guys were standing for me, I took a seat, admiring the new digs... Beginning to get an idea for myself, cause who wants to live in a hotel, when you can live like you are in  one for way less money. I drank a little bit more, to wet my parched throat. I had forgotten to realize how the temperature changes affect one's thirstyness.

Tony smiled as Jazmine was talking.  He looked at the men that were with them and they took that cue to go about their business.  Then Tony called out for Frankie a second time. 

Jaz that woman has a knack for long sleeps and even longer phone calls to the old country.  She doesn't admit it but her love for her grandfather is pure and strong.  She talks like he's a all bite but he has always had a fondness for her as she has one for him.  She checks up on him three times a week and sends him tribute however he's loaded so it just tickles him that she does.   She thinks he doesn't know that she calls but that old man is sharp and he knows.   I wouldn't be surprised if he knows that I asked her to become my wife.

I am glad you made it out west.  She needs good people around her you know?  She has a lot on her mind and so much she wants to get done. I worry about her.

Tony stands and then refills Jazmine glass. 

If I can be of help to you in anyway feel free to call on me.  So how do you like this place?  I'm still getting used to the heat myself.

" Thanks so much, Tony. The place looks great. It is right up you and Frankie's ally, I think. Yeah, I know the grandfather thing.. family is family, the blood runs warm and deep, no matter what you say or don't say. Thanks for the offer of help as well. I just arrived, I haven't even unpacked yet. I am staying at a nearby hotel for the moment, and plan on checking out the area for MY house, if you know what I mean."

I laugh a little when Tony talks about Frankie's time spent sleeping or on the phone. I whipped out a piece of paper and a pen and wrote my hotel room number down, and gave it to Tony, saying, " Here, she can or you too for that matter, can call it anytime she likes. I know she is a busy girl, I mean woman. I will let you know my new address when I find one. Thanks for the great drinks, I should head out to do that unpacking thing. 

With that I stood up and slipped on my sunglasses on my ocean blue eyes, hugging Tony, and giving those air kisses those stars in Hollywood give to everyone.... giggling a little bit thinking of the dahling they usually, or I have heard, in the movies.

Frankie came out of the back room with a smile, walking over to Jazz she gave her a hug.  "You made it!"  She looked her friend up and down carefully, "God you look incredible.  I wish I had your sense of style."

Looking back to Tony, "Thanks for making her feel welcome.  Your Aunt Teresa says hello by the way."  She smirked, knowing he'd be surprised to find she was on the phone with the DiCaprio clan and not her own family.  For now, he'd have to wait to hear about why.

"So," She said to Jazz, "Did I hear someone mention shopping in this lovely weather?"

grinning at seeing Frankie gracing me from her phone calls. I hug her as if she is long lost family from timbuctu Saying to Frankie, 

"shopping, who said that? Wait, Tony did, (snickering). I was coming to se your new digs and Tony mentioned shopping and distracted me. If you are up to it, we can go shopping, I haven't a thing to wear, and I don't know what kind of places they have here. Everyone has their own sense of style , I think..Frankie.. your new digs here, are gorgeous, simply beautiful!"

"This?  Well, it's not permanent, but that's so nice of you to say.  Tony and I will need to do some serious shopping before I lock into a full time place to stay.  I fear I'm going to be a bit picking when it comes to a new home.  I had a very lovely estate in Sicily that I grew up in and I miss it all the time.  Grandfather really did give me the very best of everything and while I know we're not as well off as him, I certainly don't want to settle."  She smiled at Tony then looked back to Jazz.

"Do you know if Don Dovahkiin has made it town yet and if we've set up a new headquarters?"