It had been a while since Uncle Joe traveled out west to LA. He always loved the atmosphere there and shared a close bond with the defacto godfather RomanReigns and Don Syndicate.

Uncle Joe had traveled to LA on the account of business. Joe had recently lent money to a member of the MGM screen directors guild, Jackie D'Amcio. It didn't take long for Jackie to get in over his head. Joe was there to resolve the issue of this over due loan. After meeting with Jackie only to discover that he couldn't make good on his debt, Uncle Joe saw one of two options. He either arrange for Jackie to disappear or he work with him to infiltrate the prestigious Hollywood movie union he was a part of. To do this, Uncle Joe would need to seek the permission of his friends and allies Roman and Syndicate.

Making his way to see the pair, Uncle Joe knew that together the three men could infiltrate the union through Jackie D'Amico and extort payoffs for mob backed extras and skim money from the guilds pension plans. Money that could be used for all sorts of criminal endeavors. With a key member of the union in their pockets the trio could have untold advantages in the industry, it would be their foot in the door. From here they could provide union construction on movie and television sets. They could provide family connected extras no show jobs. The possibilities were endless and all Uncle Joe had to do was sell it to his friends.

Uncle Joe had arranged a meeting with the two to be held at Damon's Steakhouse. One of the more popular steakhouses of the time. Upon reaching Damon's, Uncle Joe made his way in where he was escorted to a private dining room where Don Roman and Don Syndicate awaited his arrival.

"Hey guy's, good to see you, I don't make it our here enough but business called, I answered." Uncle Joe laughed.

Moving in to hug his friend's, Uncle Joe continued on.

"I'm glad we chose a steakhouse. I've been craving a nice black and blue Ribeye."

As the waitress approached to take the trio's drink orders, Uncle Joe was noticeably grinning from ear to ear. He couldn't wait to go into detail with his pals about the opportunity in front of them.

The night went on and the three enjoyed each others company and many drinks before Uncle Joe addressed the reason for the meeting.

"Guys, I know you've been wondering why I'm in LA and why I called this meeting. Truth be told I made a loan out here to a big shot movie director and he couldn't pay me. I thought I was coming out here to ask for permission to clip him in your territory but as it turns out we have a better option."

Uncle Joe took a sip from his drink.

"Come to find out, this guy is in deep with the Hollywood film unions. At this point he knows he doesn't have many options. I wanna propose a joint family racket between the three of us. I don't have the muscle out here in LA to make everything work myself, together though, together we're a force. Together we can infiltrate these unions and make a fixed bid club. If any of the other bosses throughout the various territories want to move in on what we got we can shut it done and dictate who gets what. This is new territory for this thing of ours."

Joe paused for a moment as he reached into his coat for a piece of paper with some notes on it.

"What I have written down here are names and numbers of some of the most prominent Hollywood film union heads. We work our way down the list and send friends of ours to meet with each one of the men on the list. We make them some offers they can't refuse. Our goal should be to dig in deep. If we get the right people on board we could basically take over the industry. From everything from set construction to extras and everything in between. I don't think I have to tell you guys the money that we could potentially make from all of this."

Sitting there discussing everything with Roman and Syndicate, Uncle Joe felt like the two were on board with everything he had gone over. It wasn't often an opportunity such as this presented itself. An opportunity to earn, strengthen ties and do what they do best.

I stacked my plates on top of each other, three steaks with all of the extra fixings. We had definitely chosen the right restaurant for our evening discussion. I took a swig from my scotch and continued to listen to Don Joseph_Ligambi illustrious plan to take over the Hollywood movie scene. He had done his work and was more then serious about the situation. Syndicate and I weren't interested in the blood shed they could be possibly blamed for recently moving into Los Angeles by tabloid news. This Jackie D'Amcio was gonna pay for his mistake for a lifetime, while lining our pockets in  the process.

It sounded like a lot of work, but when glancing over in Syndicate direction I could see the numbers spinning in his head. He was always quick to shoot down someone if there offer wasn't profitable. I could tell by time he was taking to respond that this was a looking more and more likely the three of us were going to make a deal. 

Syndicate looked over to me as if he had made up his mind. He smiled from ear to ear and nodded to me. Signifying that we were going to be filthy rich if we could capitalize on the opportunity Joseph had brought between us. Joseph handed over the piece of paper with the names and numbers on them. I skimmed through them to see who we could take care of locally and who would be more of an issue to make contact with. Between the three of us and out capabilities it was certain we could reach out, but how far? If word spread that they were looking for these rich Hollywood executives it would be way too easy for them to go into hiding or leave  the country.

I handed the piece of paper back to Joseph, the three of us stood up to shake hands and complete the deal. It was getting late and we were about to wrap things up when one of Josephs bodyguards walked in and motioned for his attention. He looked to us, nodded, walked over to his bodyguard talking for a moment, then walked back over to us. 

He explained that there was rumor swirling that Jackie D'Amcio had gained knowledge that Joseph was in town. The surprise visit we were planning him was going to have to wait. If he knew we were coming for him then he would spread the word to the other Hollywood executives. It was time I did what was right and called in a favor for all of us. 

"Men, I know it is getting late, but there is a lot of money to be made. If you don't mind I am going to make a phone call and see if I can't get us a little extra help. I know someone who used to be in the movie industry personally and think they could be of help to us all.", I explained.

The both of them looked a little puzzled, but agreed that we needed to get the plan moving before it wasn't an option. I walked outside to a payphone and it dialed through a few times before she picked it up. I had forgot the three hour time difference since I had moved out to the west coast. A voice came across the phone that sounded a little tired, but coherent.

"Hello?", Bubbles responded

"It's Roman, I'm in need of your help. How fast can you get to Los Angeles?" ,I asked.

It was getting late, normally by now Bubbles would have retreated to her room for the evening but the couch in her office was quite comfortable. She laid there on that couch, with an empty wine glass sitting on the floor next to her. The HQ was silent, almost eerily quiet but it was perfect. Her eyes began to close, then suddenly the phone rang. With a sigh she laid there debating on if she wanted to get up or not. Her eyes began to close again but the phone kept of ringing and ringing. 

A bit annoyed she shook her head, tossed her feet to the side and sat up on the couch. The phone still rang.

"Yeah, yeah I hear you..."

Slowly she stood up and made her way to the phone, picked it up and put it to her ear.

"What? What the hell do you want at this hour?"

"Hello" The voice on the other end of the phone was a familiar one.

"Roman? Why are you calling me this late? Everything ok?"

"I need your help, how quick can you get to Los Angeles?"

Almost instantly Bubbles went into panic mode, she figured something was wrong. It isn't very often at all that she gets phone calls like this.

"Uhm... I can probably get a flight out there in the morning. Is everything ok?"

Roman chuckled a bit

"Everything is fine, I just need your help. I'll explain everything when you get here."

"Ok, I'll be there sometime in the morning. I'm expecting you to pick me up from the airport, hope you realize this. As much as I'd love to keep on chatting you do realize we are three hours ahead of you, right?"

There was a brief silence, before Roman spoke again. "You got it, go get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning."

"Yup, off to bed I go. See you tomorrow."

As soon as she hung up the phone, Bubbles made her was up to her room. At this point she was way too tired to do much of anything so she fall onto her bed, snuggled in and that was that. It had only been what seemed like a few hour when her alarm went off.

"Ugh, it's too early...."

Though she knew she ad to get up and get moving. It only took her a couple moments to get ready and toss a couple things in a bag before heading out the door. She made sure to leave a note on ReignMan's desk before left. Letting him know she was headed to LA for a little bit. After that, out the door she went. Made her driver take her to the airport, jumping on the first flight she could.

I quickly hung up the phone and turned my attention back around to the men. We had already been at the restaurant for some time as it was and I didn't want anyone catching eye on our secret rendezvous.  They both stood next to the automobiles, Syndicate leaned up against his while smoking a cigarette listening to Joseph.

"I've got some good news gentleman, I've contacted a close friend from New York.", I explained.

I had grabbed their attention immediately with the words "New York". Syndicate and I had worked with Bubbles in the past before moving so I'm certain he was catching onto my plan.

"She has worked in the entertainment industry on some television shows and I think she will give us the upper hand when dealing with Mr. D'Amcio. Unfortunately, she won't be able to make it out until some time tomorrow.", I said while scratching my neck.

There was too much money to be made for us not to do things the right way. If it meant cutting one more person in to increase our profits at this level then it was something we had to do. The men processed the information given and we decided that it was best to call it an evening when some of the local heat pulled into the restaurant. 

"How about tomorrow when we meet up let's make it that little coffee shop a couple blocks from the Santa Monica Pier?", I asked?

With Johnny law showing up it was obvious that tonight's adventure was coming to a close. The men shook hands, then proceeded to get into their respected cars and taking off in opposite directions to confuse the cops.

The Next Day

I'd arrived early at the airport but sat back far in the seating so Bubbles couldn't recognize me right away once she got off the plane. We had that kind of relation. Even at the most serious of times we always had time to make the other smile or really angry. I quickly put the newspaper up in front of my face as she got off the plane, but it was too late she was used to my usual antics.

"C'mon let's go...this has to be important is it not?", she asked as I chuckled getting up from my seat.

"Very important, I'll explain once we get down to the car and get on the road. I've got a few people ready and waiting for us down in Santa Monica. Not sure if you know them both but we need your help and I will explain more when the time is right",I said.

We got out of the airport and into the car where my driver was waiting for us. I took Bubbles bag, handing it to the driver as I opened the door for her. It wasn't every day I had the limo rented out, but for certain people special occasions were a must. I popped a bottle of red wine open as we made our way from the airport down to the pier. Pouring two glasses I handed one over to her and gave her the cheers motion. She swirled the wine around before taking a drink and smiled back at me. 

After a short period of time we had come to a stop outside the coffee shop. It looked like Uncle Joseph_Ligambi and Syndicate were there waiting for us already. Bubbles now up to speed on the situation understood the importance of their meeting and how she could be of assistance to them. The driver opened the door for us from the outside and we made our way over to the table where the men were sitting. They both got up at the same time to great us as we made it over.

"Syndicate, I think you already knew who that phone call was too last night, I said. Don Ligambi of Chicago this is Bubbles, the one I told you about last night."  

I stood back and let them introduce themselves to each other. Once we got that out of the way we all took our seats at the table. Syndicate was drinking a cup of coffee and it looks like Joseph might have been adding something out of a flask to his. I brought the bottle of wine with me from the limo and poured our glasses full again.

For the past week Insomnia was staying at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel over in Los Angeles. He was organizing a new underground fight club, an elite group of space monkeys as he liked to call them, ready to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. 

Laying in his bed half awake Insomnia stares at the ceiling while trying to find the sheep that he was supposed to be counting. As he tossed his body around in bed trying to get comfortable the phone rings. "Fuck! I was just starting to get comfortable to!" Crawling he leans over the bed, quickly answering the phone "HELLO!?" It was Reignman on the other line, caught off guard from the shouting. "Sorry sir did I wake you?" Insomnia begins to chuckle apologizing "I was just starting to feel like I found the right spot in bed to fall asleep but it's alright. What did I do to deserve this early wake up call? " Reignman pauses before responding "Bubbles left me a note this morning saying she was headed to Los Angeles..." Insomnia hangs up the phone cursing up a storm as he begins getting dressed, running downstairs out the lobby of the hotel.

Insomnia had no clue where the hell he was going, lurking around aimlessly regretting not staying on the phone longer with Reignman to hear where she was headed. The city was huge, there were endless possibilities of where they could be at this time of day. Insomnia stops walking realizing something...he left his car at the hotel. His memory was at a loss lately but one thing he knew was his captain and friend RomanReigns quite well. Knowing Roman he would only be getting her into some kind of trouble, assisting him in whatever scheme it was.  The two meant the world to him and he felt this uncomfortable feeling seeing his services go unwanted not knowing if it was something dangerous.

Roughly seven miles of walking Insomnia was feeling exhausted, looking around for a place to rest he notices a coffee shop off to the side of the road. Walking inside the building he quickly flops his body down into the booth, almost falling asleep until rudely awoken by the waitress "Hey! Read the sign! No loitering! You either buy something or you can get lost!" rubbing the sleep from his eyes he lets out a yawn, cupping his hand over his mouth while checking his breathe before replying "I would like to get a cup of coffee and.." pausing he looks up at the waitress, pointing on the menu smirking.  "I'd like everything on your menu please. Also I will give you an extra fifty dollar bill if you'll kindly leave me the fuck alone and let me get some sleep in peace" As the waitress huffs off pissed he cracks a grin. Yawning he lays his head down on his arms, creating a pillow falling asleep as he waited for his food and coffee.

Leaving the meeting that night, Uncle Joe headed back to his hotel to get some much needed sleep. He arose the next morning at the crack of dawn. He awoke eager and enthusiastic. Uncle Joe was excited to begin organizing things with his friends Roman and Syndicate. Roman had mentioned that he called in a favor from his friend Bubbles in New York city. Uncle Joe didn't know Bubbles directly but knew of her reputation. Any friend of Roman and Syndicate's was a friend of Joe's.

As Uncle Joe made his way to the coffee shop for the meeting, he couldn't help but think of all the possibilities these unions could afford him and his friends. They all had families with smart, capable men and women that would be able to aid them in their efforts to put the squeeze on Hollywood.

As Uncle Joe pulled up to the coffee shop he noticed he was early. He was the first to arrive, he went inside and picked a nice big booth in the back where they could all discuss things. As Joe sat there, in walked Don Syndicate with a smile on his face. Uncle Joe stood to greet him.

"Hey there Syndicate, have a seat."

Shaking hands the two sat down together and ordered coffee. Uncle Joe spoke up.

"Last night was good. I have a good feeling about everything so far. I think when we get to talk with Bubbles, we'll get an idea of how she can help with these Hollywood union guys."

Uncle Joe and Syndicate sat there making small talk when Don Roman and Don Bubbles walked in. Greeting the pair and being properly introduced to Bubbles Uncle Joe smiled and shook her hand.

"It's nice to finally meet you. I think I remember you from the old neighborhood in Chicago. Wild times back then. I appreciate you coming out here to meet with us so quickly."

Uncle Joe extended his hand to Don Roman.

"Morning Roman, appreciate you setting this up for us so quickly. Let's all have a seat. The coffee here is good."

With everyone there and ready, Uncle Joe didn't wanna waste any time. After all, if Jackie D'Amico got wind that they were looking to lean on him and his union, he may go on the lam. 

Joe began to speak, when suddenly they all heard a familiar voice from another booth around the corner. It was the Godfather chairman of New York, Insomnia. 

"Insomnia, what're you doing here? I didn't know you were in Los Angeles. I tried to reach out to you in New York but no one knew where you were. Come have a seat with us. We're discussing business and breakfast is on me" Uncle Joe smiled at his friend Insomnia.

The group made room for Insomnia as he slid into the booth. 

"Glad we could bring you into this Insomnia, this is something that could be good for all the various leaders from the various territories. We're talking about a pie so big everyone can have a slice. Out of all the places you could of been, I can't believe you were here. This must be a good sign." Joe smirked.

"I think we're all pretty much up to snuff with what's going on and what our goal is. Insomnia's playing catch up but he'll pick up quick. Don Bubbles, Roman says that you have an in with the entertainment industry out here. We're going to look to use that in arranging meetings with these Union heads so that we can get them behind closed doors. We need to start with Jackie D'Amico. He's the one that defaulted on a loan and gave me this idea from the start. He knows I'm out here and my people and I can't get close. We can't afford for him to run on us. Jackie is the head of the MGM screen directors guild. If we lean on him we'll be able to get to the directors. If we can get to the directors we'll be able to get to the writers and so on and so forth. After we deal with Jackie we move down my list. I'm going to reach out to friends of ours in Philly, Detroit and Las Vegas to see if we can get added help on this. Like I said earlier, this pie is big enough for all of us to share." Uncle Joe explained.

As they all sat there going over the details, Uncle Joe could see things were going to work out well with the help of everyone present.

Bubbles extended her hand, properly greeting Uncle Joe.

"It's nice to actually meet you, have heard a lot of good things about you."

After a quick introduction Bubbles followed as the group slid into the booth at the breakfast nook he had brought them to. She was lucky enough to get to sit on the end, didn't have to deal with being stuck in the middle and not being able to move. That was until Insomnia popped his head around the corner and made sure to sit right next to Bubbles.

"Come on scoot over..."

With a reluctant sigh and after a brief pause that's what she did. Moved right over, now she was smack in between Roman and Insomnia.

"Go figure right in the middle of you two..."

Giving both of them a quick glare she focused her attentions back to Uncle Joe and began speaking.

"First off, I would like to thank you for inviting me to join you all in this little thing. Roman caught me up to speed on the ride over here and I think I will be able to help you guys out quite a bit. So I'm not sure how much you know about these Hollywood unions but the unions can be a tricky thing to work with or try to work with. There are a lot of different aspects that make up unions and they're specific to directors, actors and so fourth."

Bubbles stopped speaking as the waitress came over to the table to take a quick drink order.

"Coffee for me please and make it the biggest one you have."

She went around the table gathering the rest of the orders before taking off.

"Ok, so where was I... Oh yes... Ok, so here is the thing. There are a ton of moving pieces here. Luckily for you all, I have an in. I know I haven't done any acting recently but I am currently a member of the Screen Actors Guild."

Bubbles looked around the table, the guys were a bit speechless and still confused.

"You know, SAG. The actors/actresses union. I know the founder quite well, actually owes me a couple favors. Do you guys see where I'm going with this?"

Not sure why they sat the Big Dawg on the inside of the booth every time, but that was just my luck. Bubbles slid in next to me and to my astonishment Insomnia had been sleep walking though down town and somehow had caught here this morning. The dark circles under his eyes explained what most of us already expected. The black and blue marks resembled the old days of fight club, was there a chance Insomnia was fighting again? The questions I had for him would have to wait, he was snippy with the waitress. I turned my attention to Bubbles and she was trapped between us and whispered something to her. She gave me an awkward look and glanced down as I put a small glass jar of sand in her pocket.

After listening to Bubbles explain her way in I looked across the table and saw Joseph_Ligambi eyes light up. It was all coming together quite nicely. 

"I think the best bet is setup a meeting with Mr. D'Amico, with your connections I don't see that being a problem."

I slammed my fist on the table to wake Insomnia up as if he was going to fall asleep after just joining us. He slowly lifted his head and gave me the look of death.

"Hey, c'mon! Focus, I need some of your men. I'm sure you flew some of them down here with you since you never travel alone."

Insomnia flipped me off, laughed and said something that sounded like "Ok, Bye", before he laid his head back on the table. I Focused my attention back to those that were more alert at the table.

"If we can get some men from out of state to show up it would take a hell of a lot of the heat off me seeing as how I call this place home. Once we get inside the room with D'Amico and scare the piss out of him I am certain he will comply without effort. We usually go in with chainsaws and ski masks, but I will leave that decision up to Insomnia and his men."

I turned my attention to Syndicate who had been sitting there quietly for most of the time. This man was always busy even in his down time crunching numbers and in constant contacts with his employees in the NYSE.

"There is some kind of award ceremony going on tonight. There all gonna be there and I think if we plan it soon enough we can get to Jackie before things kick off. It will be in our best interest to have  Bubbles get into contact with him and see if she can't stop by and say hello before he gets seated. We will need a list of the who's who that is gonna be there, once we are done with Jackie another opportunity may arise and we have to be ready at all angles."

The smell of the coffee being brought to the table woke Insomnia up instantly. Taking a look at everyone around the table as he took a big sip from his glass. He was now alert, and looked like he had something to say.