It was an early Sunday morning, I'd gotten up before sunrise today for a reason. Today opened the next chapter for Los Angeles and I wasn't going to miss a minute of it. Exiting the headquarters I made it to where my driver was waiting for me, he opened the door and closed it behind me. Once inside the car I saw that Freeman was already sitting in the back waiting for me. Shaking hands with him once inside I nodded to the driver and off we went.

Freeman was new to Los Angeles, but had deep ties to me during my time in New York. The drive was bumpy, but didn't take us long to get to our destination. Once we exited the automobile I explained to him that we had about a half mile hike to the top of the hill to make it to our destination. I grabbed the bottle of scotch from the back seat of the car and we made our way up the hill. This was a special moment for the both of us and I wanted him to be welcomed in properly.

Once we made it to the top of the hill, not even the mornings darkness could hide the HOLLYWOOD sign we stood atop. Sho_Nuff ,Topgun,Syndicate, and Adorkable had all been up there already waiting for us. We all stood together watching the sun rise in Downtown LA across the city. I took a big drink from the bottle of scotch and handed it to Freeman.

"Today we are taking the next step in Downtown LA and it's an honor to give you the opportunity to run your own family. I look forward to sharing this opportunity with you all and that it brings. Now please take a drink of that scotch and pass it down. These guys are looky thirsty and ready to celebrate." 

Freeman took the bottle a took a swig out of respect for the others around him, but he let out a slight grimace as he finished the drink. He was more of a Lagavulin man, but he didn't want to seem ungrateful. Once each of the individuals on top of the sign had taken a drink, the bottle was passed back to him. He paused for a few seconds before lifting up his head to speak.

"I know I'm a bit of an outsider especially compared to how long you have all known each other but when I received word that my dear friend Roman needed assistance in his endeavor here in Los Angeles, I caught the first flight out here because nothing in this world means more to me than loyalty. Loyalty to my friends, to my family, and to our way of life. I look forward to joining you all in your journey to restore this city to its former glory and to build something extraordinary, not just for us but for all." said Freeman as tapped the side of the bottle with his fingers.

They weren't up there much longer as there was business to tend to so they all began to head down as the hike down would take a bit, and they wanted to be the first ones in and out of the diner down the street. 

"Hey Roman, I'll catch up with you guys later. I'm gonna linger around for a bit, see the sunrise. Sentimental shit you know?" said Freeman as he shook Roman's hand.

He stood there watching them walk away until they were out of eyesight then Freeman turned around and walked back towards the Hollywood sign. He placed the bottle on the nearest rock and just merely waited. He said nothing, and he thought nothing. After a few minutes, he took seat next to the bottle and continued waiting. He didn't fidget or looked around; he simply stared off into the horizon. Then it happened; the sun began to break through the horizon. Slowly but surely the rays of a new day began to pour through. It wasn't until Freeman heard the chatter of the first tourists that he thought of leaving but time was up and his moment of bliss was fleeting, so he stood and grabbed the bottle of scotch. He looked around for a bit before he found it. The perfect hiding place; he stashed the bottle in hopes of returning one day to finish it. Before heading off, he looked back one more time. 

"We ride again old friend." said Freeman.

It was early morning and the sun had just begun to rise.  It had been awhile since I stepped out and actually saw a sunrise.  I realized there can be nothing more pleasing to the senses than the sunrise. It’s nature at its best. It made me appreciate how the golden rays of the sun gave a bright coloring to the clouds.  There was a quiet and peacefulness in the air.  I felt at peace with myself.

As I looked up and saw Freeman approaching my way.  I don’t know if it was the fucking sun or what but I felt so honored that he was also taking me along for the ride.  The beginning of his leadership in LA.  It looked like he was in deep thought so I didn’t want to disturb him.   I would talk and congratulate him later.