From the moment Gavin's plane touched down in Chicago, everything went wrong. He spent 45 minutes waiting for his luggage before being informed it was diverted to Europe. He was stopped and randomly frisked by a cop outside and had to give the asshole half the cash in his wallet- and intimidate him- just to be left alone. The cab driver got lost. Twice. When he finally got to the bar where the meet was supposed to take place, he sat there for an hour before finding out he'd flown to Chicago for nothing.The woman he'd been here to meet had apparently been jailed for public drunkenness... which, knowing Evelyn, wasn't totally out of character, but it was still somewhat surprising. 

With his business plans shot to hell, Gavin walked outside and sighed- and he immediately ducked a punch from some random thug walking by. Snarling, Gavin began pummeled the amateur- this man was a far cry from Will Bowden as an opponent- but even when threatened the thug wouldn't say anything. Tossing the man to the side, Gavin went to unload some of the cocaine he'd brought from Philadelphia... and found the prices worse than ever. Every single goddamn deal, hour after hour, offered him $6800.

Cursing to himself, Gavin almost didn't see the second thug take a swing at him. This time, when the beaten opponent wouldn't say who'd put him up to it, Gavin pulled his gun. He was tempted to shoot... but didn't want to start shit. The man received the butt of Gavin's pistol in his face, and Gavin found himself stalking out of the alley.

What the hell was going on?

His first day's plans destroyed, Gavin picked up the payphone and called the number he'd been given for getting in touch with Marie Lucania, Godmother of Chicago and step-mother to Isabella-Luciano. With the way his relationship with Isabella had progressed, Gavin didn't consider it inappropriate- and Marie had agreed to a dinner during a recent poker game. 

With a subdued smile as he passed his message on through an intermediary, Gavin hung up the phone and hoped his dinner with the Godmother would be better than the rest of his trip to the Windy City.

Marie had been informed of a man matching Gavin's description having just arrived at the airport.   The news was followed shortly by one of the family's corrupt agents confirming the information.  Marie smirked knowing that Mr. Byrne's day was about to get a whole lot worse for him.  Already she could hear some of her men placing wages on how long it was going to be until he showed up and how many times his face was going to get tagged today.  That more than any of the other things Marie had sat into motion seemed to garnish the most humor among them.  

Normally Marie would not have enact such measures, but this was a special case and it was a lesson she intended to teach the young lad... especially now that she had learned of the engagement.  There was more to marrying into a family than just saying a few words in a church.  

Marie began giving out orders.  Additional cash would need to be withdrawn to cover the bounties and pay off the informants, a meal would need to be prepared, the baby needed to be put to bed and oh..... plans needed to be made for how to get the word out fast should Gavin find his way to her home.  Once he had answered her invitation, there would be no need for him to experience any more harassment.   No need to pay out unnecessary bounties after all.

***** A few hours later*****

Looking at herself in the mirror, she nodded her approval.  Every strand of hair was in place, the simple black cocktail dress was flawless, and the baby was resting quietly.  Everything was going as planned.  She was about to head to the kitchen to check on the evening meal when Rand informed her that Don Byrne had arrived at the front gate.  

"Go ahead and send out the message boys.  We want them to have plenty of time to spread the news."  Marie spoke as she walked towards the foyer to greet Gavin. 

"I sent them out the moment that we received confirmation that he was here, ma'am," Rand replied politely.

Marie smiled, "Always the proficient one."  The comment brought a smile to Rand's face.  

Gavin arrived at the giant iron gate and raised an eyebrow. Well... this was friendly. Still, he didn't blame Godmother Lucania for having a small fortress, after everything her family had been through. When he was shown inside, he waited in the foyer with a handful of bodyguards who had eyed him suspiciously and frisked him, removing his M1911 from his shoulder holster and the knife strapped to his calf. 

As Marie Lucania approached, looking immaculate, Gavin bowed his head respectfully.

"Godmother Lucania, thank you for the invitation to your home; being your guest is an unexpected honor."

Marie smiled warmly as she greeted Gavin with a traditional kiss on each cheek.  "Thank you for coming this evening."  She made note that there were a few bruises on his face, but they were light in nature -- most likely ones he got in his fight with Will.  Well at least he saved her some money by protecting that handsome face of his.  "I am so glad you had some free time to come have dinner with me."

Turning from Gavin she looked at Rand.  "I think we can let these men go enjoy a meal, don't you?"  Marie indicated the security detail that was in the foyer.  The request was meet with a bit of a frown, but he acquiesced and dismissed the detail.  He, however, remained. 

Marie turned back to Gavin, "I believe dinner is ready.  What would you like to drink?"  She motioned for Gavin to accompany her as she lead the way towards the formal dining room.  

Even in mugshots, Gavin had never stood so still and faced straight ahead as when Marie Lucania kissed his cheeks.

"I am so glad you had some free time to come have dinner with me."

"To be honest..."

"Marie" was far too formal. He'd called her that at the poker table before, but it seemed wiser to have to tell him to be more familiar, rather than just assuming. 

<font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">"... Godmother Lucania, I would have made the time. After our last discussion at the poker table, how could I resist? Admittedly, I did have a business deal planned for tonight</font> originally<font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">, but it seems as if my main contact here in Chicago has managed to get herself tossed in jail. Nothing particularly difficult- a misdemeanor.  Still, it was enough to throw off our meeting. I had hoped to set our meeting up for tomorrow; I'm not in the habit of showing up relatively unannounced."</font>

<font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">Well, I am. But certainly not when city-leaders are concerned. </font>

Gavin almost said something as the security walked away; he just hope the one who'd stayed was the one holding his gun and knife. Someone must have slipped it into their pockets at some point.

"I believe dinner is ready.  What would you like to drink?" 

Gavin grinned, and it carried up into his light blue eyes.

"Whatever you're having, Godmother. Happy to expand my horizons. If you're abstaining, then I'll have a glass of whiskey."

Even in mugshots, Gavin had never stood so still and faced straight ahead as when Marie Lucania kissed his cheeks.

"I am so glad you had some free time to come have dinner with me."

"To be honest..."

"Marie" was far too formal. He'd called her that at the poker table before, but it seemed wiser to have to tell him to be more familiar, rather than just assuming. 

"... Godmother Lucania, I would have made the time. After our last discussion at the poker table, how could I resist? Admittedly, I did have a business deal planned for tonight, but it seems as if my main contact here in Chicago has managed to get herself tossed in jail. Nothing particularly difficult- a misdemeanor.  Still, it was enough to throw off our meeting. I had hoped to set our meeting up for tomorrow; I'm not in the habit of showing up relatively unannounced."

Well, I am. But certainly not when city-leaders are concerned. 

Gavin almost said something as the security walked away; he just hope the one who'd stayed was the one holding his gun and knife. Someone must have slipped it into their pockets at some point.

"I believe dinner is ready.  What would you like to drink?" 

Gavin grinned, and it carried up into his light blue eyes.

"Whatever you're having, Godmother. Happy to expand my horizons. If you're abstaining, then I'll have a glass of whiskey."

Marie chuckled at the clarity.  He was happy to drink anything as long as it had alcohol in it and if he had a choice it would be whiskey.  It was perhaps the most subtle move she had ever seen Gavin make and to be honest, it surprised her a bit.  "Whiskey it shall be tonight."  Something told her Gavin could hold his liquor and she needed to be careful.  She knew her limitations and when it came to drinking she was a light weight.    

The formal dining room was very large indeed.  The table could easily fit 12 people, but tonight there was only place-setting for two -- one setting on the end and the other catty-cornered.  Marie took her seat at the end which left the setting to her left for Gavin.  Speaking politely to the woman who obviously was going to be serving them tonight she informed the woman of their drink choices and asked that she also be brought a glass of water along with the whiskey.

Rand took up a standing position in the corner that was slightly behind Gavin.  The distance gave them a bit of discreetness, yet was close enough should the unthinkable should occur.  Ever since the incident with the nanny, Rand had greatly tightened security around Marie despite her constant protest.

Marie smiled as Gavin took his seat, "I apologize for such an informal atmosphere.  If I had had my way, I would still be living in my small two story home with a white picket fence."  She chuckled.  "My husband on the other hand felt it was necessary for us to maintain a home supposedly worthy of our station.  Though I suppose he is right in some regards.  This is more appropriate when hosting Governors and Presidents." 

Gavin's eyebrow raised as he entered the dining room. Impressive. He took his seat to the left of the Godmother and smiled at the woman who'd be serving them. He rested easily in his chair.

"Well, I do consider myself a Governor of Mischief and a President of Poker, so I don't think it's entirely inappropriate. I can see where the white picket fence would be tempting, though."

He grinned- then paused.  Did Marie know about the proposal? He'd assumed Isabella had told her... but he definitely wasn't planning on breaking the news casually. Better to give her an opening to discuss it, if she chose to.

"Although not for me personally. I don't expect to ever settle down like that, really."

"No, you don't seem to be the type." 

Marie thanked Molly when she served them their drinks and told her to go ahead and bring out the meal.  Turning her attention back to Gavin she asked him, "I will be honest with you, Mr. Byrne.  I do not know much about you and your past.  Are you familiar with the structure of traditional Sicilian families?"

Gavin shook his head, then raised his drink to his mouth.

"I'm not, no, although I'd certainly appreciate you telling me. I'd tell you about my background, if you ask. It's not a particularly happy story, but I could give you the quick version. You're in a position where you deserve to know, if you'd like to."

Also, we both know you could find out anyways. In fact, I wouldn't be totally surprised if you already know. Not for the first time, Gavin was reminded of his sister's penchant for planning and strategy. 

Marie too, picked up her glass of water and held it.  "I thank you for the offer and please know that I would be honored if you ever chose to speak with me about such matters, but I would not make such a request.  A man's past is his own to share as he so chooses."  She lifted the glass and sip on her water before sitting it down.

The two continued on with their conversation as Molly and another member of the kitchen staff brought out trays of food.  Tonight she served roasted rack of lamb and grilled asparagus.

"In Sicily, the center of the family is the la madre -- the mother.  She is held second only to the Virgin Mary.  She runs the household and manages the finances.  Now obviously the Luciano family is not your traditional family.  I have kept my first husband's last name, Lucky and I live in two separate cities, and I have risen to the status of a Godfather. You would see no of these things occur in the old country.  That said, we recognize the need for traditional values and behaviors.  They are the very fabric of our society and it is what holds us all together."

Marie picked up her fork and knife and began to first cut the meat and then to eat the small morsel.  She was curious to see how much Gavin would be able to pick up on the subtle hints she had laid out for him or it she would be reduced to bluntly telling him his misstep.  She hoped for the first, but expected the latter would be the case.

Gavin thanked the server as she placed his food in front of him and waited for Marie to begin before he started eating. About halfway through her comments, he realized where this was going. As Marie knew, he had a pretty good poker face, and he only froze for a moment as he chewing before he continued. His icy blue eyes met hers steadily, but respectfully. 

"Godmother Lucania, if I've offended you by not seeking your blessing to marry Isabella, then you have my sincere apologies. I could offer excuses, but I don't think they really change things, and I don't think that's what you're interested in. Instead, perhaps there's some service I could perform for you as a sign of my respect? After that, perhaps we can return to the subject of your blessing."

He raised his glass.

"Although, if you're not in any particular rush for that service, I would be willing to share my story with you. Perhaps it would provide some context."

Marie was stunned and it was her turn to be frozen in mid action for a mere moment.  She had under-estimated the lad and found it to be a pleasant discovery.  Not only had he picked up on the subtle hints, he had analyzed them correctly, and responded with the skill of a master.  Returning his stead gaze with equal respect she nodded slightly, "Your apology is accepted.  As a matter of fact there is something that you can do for me, but we can talk about that later before you go.  For now please honor me with your story."  She motioned for him to continue before cutting up a bite of her asparagus. 

Gavin bowed his head as she accepted his apology, and he also tried to exhale without her noticing. He finished his drink before speaking.

"I'll give you the shortened version, since it's not an overly pleasant story."

He paused for a moment, searching for the words.

"I was born in Newfoundland- a cabin in the woods with my father, mother, and twin sister. My father was the worst human being who ever lived. My mother was... much, much better. Well, I was out with my father every day. Tracking... fishing... mostly hunting. He was a bastard. The first time I tried to kill him I was five years old. I saw him backhand my mother and I snapped. Picked up a knife... it didn't work. He gave me my first scar that day. He'd give me a scar every time I tried to kill him and failed. Or every time I disappointed him. Which, if you saw my back and my shoulders during the match... well, that was often."

Gavin appreciated the pause as the server refilled his drink.

"Anyways, I finally got him when he was 16. He'd... done something real bad. Tara and I hung around a couple years, then headed south to make our fortune. Wound up meeting Jack Mezzo in Phillly... and the rest, as they say, is history. Tara and I took over the docks, and its been a wild ride ever since. Anyways, that's the background... there are some more adventures in there, but that's how I got started, at least. What else would you like to know. Unlike at the poker table, I'm happy to be an open book."

He grinned before tucking into his dinner again.

Marie smiled genuinely at his mention of the poker table.  "Speaking of poker we missed you last weekend at the tables.  If you had been there you would have witnessed me mopping the floor with the lot of them.  I had a run of cards like you would not have believed."  Marie put her fork down and used her napkin to blot at her lips before placing the cloth on the table. 

Leaning back in her chair, Marie sobered and she looked at Gavin with gratefulness.  "I never did get an opportunity to thank you for what you did for my family."  Marie's eyes drifted in the direction of Aurora's room.  "It is something I will not forget easily."  Her eyes moved back to the drinks on the table and she quickly reached for her whiskey for the first time.  The memories of that night came flooding into her mind.  It had been the first time in her life when she had truly known fear.  She used the act of taking a drink to cover for her temporary loss of control over her emotions.  With well practiced skills she stuffed the emotions back into the recesses of her mind and imagined jumping up and down for good measure on the trap door that held them in place.

Marie coughed a bit as the whiskey burned going down and she quickly changed the subject.  "So why do they call you the white wolf?"

"Well, I'm hoping to be there this weekend. We'll see if your run continues, I suppose."

Gavin grinned. Marie had busted him at the poker table on several occasions, and he knew her to be a formidable opponent. Still, he was no slouch himself.

"Your family is... unique, I think. I was happy to help how I could. Helping people in general is something that I'm growing accustomed to. It's not so bad, once you get the hang of it."

Gavin looked up at Marie when she mentioned "white wolf".

"That was a handle they gave me in Jamaica. When Isabella was imprisoned, I worked with a group of mercenaries and gangsters to help orchestrate her freedom. I didn't want to give them my real name to avoid any difficulties, so I asked that they call me "Wolf". The white was... well, all the men I was working with were dark-skinned. I don't think they were expecting much out of me, since I was still recovering at the time, but I managed to impress them before I left. The name stuck."

He shrugged, smirking.

"I don't mind it. I've spent my life as a hunter- one way or another."

He'd seen Marie's eyes drift, thinking of her family.

"And how is Aurora? Well, I hope?"

"She is doing well.  Thankfully, she has out-grown the colic and is finally sleeping through the night."  Marie's face lite up as she spoke about her baby daughter.  "She is crawling all over the place and starting to get into everything."

Picking up the whiskey again she sipped on it and allowed a moment of silence to fall between them for a brief moment.   Then she circled back around to one of her original purposes for this meeting.  "So the service I need you to perform for me should be minor.  It is not like I need someone killed or anything."  Marie smirked a bit at her humor.  "I simply need you to use your influence in Philly and with Don JackMezzo to make sure that Chicago get's the midwest gym that he is planning to launch in the very near future."

Gavin toasted Marie when she mentioned "sleeping through the night".

"I'll drink to that. I don't expect to ever be in the position to have to worry about it myself, but I heard that can be difficult."

He listened to her request with his poker face up.

"Killing someone would be far easier than influencing JackMezzo. He's a man who charts his own course- and he's nearly as stubborn as I am. With all my focus on the fight with William, I have no idea what his plans are for his other gyms. I can promise to try to do this for you, but I'm being honest here when I tell you that that is something beyond my power. I can accomplish quite a lot, but that particular service may be an impossibility. I'm not refusing you, of course."

He paused, thinking.

"But perhaps there's a compromise we could reach. My guess is that you want the gym as a stimulant to the business district. To draw people in, increase activity... well, I was actually planning on meeting with a friend tonight about some business ideas. I was planning on inviting her to Philadelphia... but if you'd instead like me to help drive interest here, perhaps I could launch our business here in Chicago, instead? It would, of course, require me to be in the city more... would that be an appropriate substitute of a service? I hope that my offer to move the greatest bar in the world from the Pier to Chicago shows you how serious I am about wanting to maintain a positive relationship here."

He grinned. Tara would be pissed. But he could handle Tara. Hopefully, the Godmother would realize that while he had no control over the gym- indeed, he had no idea whether it was already decided by Jack- that his offer to voluntarily launch his own business in Chicago, rather than Philadelphia, was a sign of how much he respected her and wanted to make things right.

Marie looked disappointed, but she spoke as statesmanly as ever.  "I will appreciate it if you will at least try.  However, if it does end up being beyond your abilities I will be satisfied with the compromise."  She smiled a bit.  "You will find that I am not a difficult woman to get along with most of the time."

Marie stood up and went around the table to pick up the carafe of whiskey which she used to pour them each another glass.  "So tell me, how did Isabella and you meet?"  She picked up her drink and returned to her seat at the table as she eagerly awaited the story.

Gavin held his drink in his hands as he studied the Godmother.

"One thing about me, Godmother Lucania... I rarely make promises. Very rarely- but I don't think I've broken a promise since I turned 15. I'm a lot of things- many of them bad- but I'm not a liar. I wouldn't want to tell you something that I couldn't do. I'll still try to talk to Jack, though."

He sipped his whiskey and smiled at the memory.

"She was having an ice cream in Philly... waiting for Eleonora, I believe. I... inserted myself into a conversation, and we wound up hitting it off. Within a day, we'd taken off for Montreal..."

He grinned... now THAT had been a trip.