***

The weight of the world almost pinned Stefano Cavelli's mind into nothingness. In less than five years, he already tasted the overflowing bile of death many times. First from others, then next from his own cold descent. He can still feel the whizzing of bullets, their searing heat, and the torrent of blood. Oh yes, he died...but only for a short while. Cavelli was rescued by a benefactor, but the Crown Prince felt nothing like an empty husk. A barren desert, yearning for life.

To recuperate, Stefano bought a small piece of land in Philadelphia. Nothing fancy. A land, a two-story home, and a basement full of arms that could make Mussolini weep. Stefano tended the land, aided by his loyal underground companions. But these companions are mere paid thugs. Miss a payment and they might look employment elsewhere. 

Somehow, Stefano missed Thaddeus - his old friend. Gone with the wind. The moment guns blazed, Thaddeus vanished, and Stefano Cavelli was left alone. Cavelli drafted a plan to hunt down Thaddeus, but not today. And perhaps, not in a few years.

***

This month's harvest was good. Better than expected. The bosom of the earth paved the way for healthy corn, and Stefano made a killing. He bought seven trucks, all ready to take crops, swag, bodies, and anything that can be hauled. He dispatched the trucks all over the growing nation, ready to help anyone for a price. After getting the boon of the harvest, Cavelli decided to open several accounts and leave something for the dilapidated stock market. Wall Street clowns were more than thankful. Cavelli just shrugged his shoulders - he's just planting seeds of favor. A real strategy borne from the heart of La Sicilia.

***

Now, Seattle is a monumental promise. It's like a giant snowball that would eventually grow into something bigger. Cavelli believes that Seattle is a representation of the new hustlers of the nation. An excellent haven for wiseguys and wisegals who are working hard to build their legacies (and guns). The Atlantis took him in, so Stefano Cavelli is more than willing to repay the favor...at least through small efforts. Small efforts that would become big leaps someday. Cavelli also wanted to pay dear respects to Seattle. 

And so, Cavelli prepared with haste. He beckoned his troupe and paid the cops to block off a small street section. Traffic was redirected to a different avenue, and only few complained. The first few hours of preparation was hectic; more than ten stalls were built, rousing the curiosity of onlookers. Is there a feast? Someone asked, but no one gave exact answers. Cavelli gave off hints to local street thugs, but that's that. The stalls were soon filled with all kinds of delicious food.

Meat. Lots of it. There were bacons, cold cuts, sandwiches, hams, sausages, franks, lamb chops, patties, and everything. It's like a meat buffet, but not just a meat buffet. Other stalls were filled with different seafood variants, including sea urchin (fresh!), crayfish, dried shark fins, and lots of oysters. 

A pastry stall contains all the best delicacies - cakes, shortbreads, muffins, chocolates, cannolli, croissants, sandwiches, and a free-flowing fondue. Lord have mercy for those who have sugar intolerance.

Tables were finally set up, and Cavelli's guys prepared a unique looking silvery spit on the middle. Minutes later, they brought two stuffed pigs and placed them gently on the pit. The guys turned the rods, slowly roasting the pigs. People eventually entered the celebration area, and they were welcomed with glee. Mobsters and hustlers were led to important tables and stalls. 

"Good day, gentlemen, gentlewomen, and all the hardworking fellas of our world. I can see that everyone is now working really, really hard to meet their goals and aspirations. Perhaps the era is good for us, and we should be thankful. The markets are thriving, despite the shenanigans with the Chicago terrorists. But still...we are lucky. We are fortunate. The rest of the world is shambling into political and wartime chaos, but 'Murica is strong. We are strong," Cavelli spoke and raised his glass.

"To everyone who can hear this, feel free to grab a meal and a drink. Or stay as long as you'd like. I'll keep these delightful stalls as long as possible in order to fill the bellies of everyone. There's more than enough for everyone, and we'll even add more in the coming days. This is to give respect to this Thing of Ours. So, I won't keep this long - let's eat, let's feast, and let's all relax after a day of hard work!"

Stefano sipped from his glass and shook hands with some local officials. He took a deep breath upon seeing the people visiting the stalls and taking their place on the tables. This will be a long day, Cavelli said to himself.

~

MS arrives at the place of feast to which she received an invitation not long ago. While almost everyone was busy in their meals, the host took notice of the guest and came to greet her. MS is shown her table which is not far from where they were standing. MS looks at the food and picks up a sandwich. While MS is busy dining a hand reaches her shoulder from the back, MS stands out of respect for the BIG MAN and offers him a seat. 

The BIG MAN opens the bottle of champagne and raises the glass for a toast. A toast for prosperity and friendship between the different houses that control the underworld.

After the toast everyone resumes with their food and thanking Cavelli for such a delightful meal.