Tara walked through the streets of Philadelphia, heading north. It had been a tumultuous few days, but the business of acquiring South Philly was done. Now the business of running it began. Her heels drummed a quick rhythm as she passed radios droning lazily into the evening sky. The sun had sunk below the horizon, although it still stretched out and illuminated the sky in shades of purple as a few bold stars made their presence known above her. Philadelphia was bustling with activity, coming awake as evening approached. 

For Tara, it would be the first quiet evening in awhile. The Race Street Pier soon came into view: over a dozen businesses, and it had all begun in the mind of JackMezzo, like so many other things. 

Countless street speeches, hoping to spark debate among the masses. 

Organizing the Pier, bringing in business owners for the most active business district in the seven cities, while simultaneously offering to sponsor businesses in other cities. 

The jobs board, providing work to those looking to make a name for themselves- both in Philly and elsewhere. 

The scavenger hunt, both the local edition and the national one.

Raiding the Pier opportunities for tens of millions of dollars in prizes. 

Working with partners to create an entirely new system of boxing that entertained both fighter and spectator alike.

Who among them had done more to push new ideas? To provide for the society as whole, offering opportunities not only for his own city, but for all of them? 

Tara smiled as the East Cat Cellars came into view. She was the last to arrive- well, the second to last. She looked around the room to see dozens of people- with nearly all of them holding at least one bottle of their own.

There was Gavin with one arm around a bottle of whiskey and the other around Isabella-Luciano.

Eddie_Stobart was talking to someone about the liquor in his hand, perhaps pursuing another distribution deal.

William_Bowden stood grinning inside the door, his arms crossed and his physique seemingly straining his coat.

Yvette stood near William, whispering in his ear as she tossed her singular red hair over her shoulder.

Adonis, as usual, seemed to be everywhere at once. She'd never met anyone who could keep up with the man. Even on her best days, Tara could never catch him.

ArturoStrigliori stood near Adonis and Tara gave him a wink. He'd been with them since the very beginning, and he looked good in his new suit.

Ilaria_Santoro stood on the other side of Adonis, resting a hand on his forearm as she raised her glass to her lips.

Seated in the center of the room in a place of honor was Spaceman, who was giving medical advice to a terrified looking waitress. 

Perched on a chair next to the Godfather-Chairman was Rubix, the very best boy in the whole city. On the left hand of the Godfather-Chairman was KingOfMeatPopsicles.

Alongside the Godfather-Chairman's table was Star, ConstanceBonacieux, and Cary_Grant, who all grinned up at Tara. Surrounding them were other members of The Pharmacy and The Observatory.

Another table held the guests from Bella Vista, as Godfather Arya_Stark was accompanied by Indifference and TheAbominableSnowman, as well as a few other members of The Faceless Men and The Midnight Society. 

Most of the place, however, was full of the members of Race Street. Bunny sipped an orange drink as she relaxed near the bar, while Paul_Manna held an unlit cigar between his lips. doogle, as enterprising as ever, was making the rounds and introducing himself, while Bagpuss kept an eye on everyone from the corner. Maldini sipped a drink and laughed at a joke KillianQuinn was making.

As she made her way inside, she waved excitedly at RogerConiglio and JessicaConiglio, who'd returned from a business trip for the occasion. Tara smiled as she recognized KodakBlack, back from New York to celebrate. Brom and Henry_Cooke seemed to be reminiscing about the old days, and Tara felt lucky to have worked so closely with both of them. AlexanderKnight was chatting with MaggieGreene and Romana_Alfonsi, and Tara found herself smirking yet again at the sight.

LondonHolmes was leaning against the wall, and Tara warmly shook his hand as she made her way to the front of the room. Jack should be arriving any moment, and she wanted to be ready. ralph_lombino seemed to be napping in the corner, and Tara tried to get the attention of Nikita to wake him up. Realizing she didn't have a drink, she turned toward the bar but Itachi_Uchiha was already handing her one.

On the other side of the room stood many faces from other cities that she couldn't identify due to the crowd. She was able to pick out MartaCirillo, Wednesday, and a few other associates of Jack's. She hoped that Salvatore_Luciano, Marie_Lucania, Jemaine_Clement, Coltrane, Joseph_Ligambi, SomnyOneShoe, JasonLeeScott, DeeSe7en, Rafa, and the other crewleaders and guests from all around the country had been able to attend.

Finally arriving at her destination, Tara took a moment to compose herself as she looked at the pictures on the wall. 

Tara and Jack, that night at The Observatory. She'd never find a better friend, and she counted herself lucky to have Jack in her life. The next picture showed Gavin and Jack in parallel hospital beds. God, she'd almost forgotten about that one. Her eyes drifted over all the pictures, depicting all the times they'd shared together, and she found her eyes resting on the picture of William, Paul, and SneakyTibz. 

At that moment she heard a familiar staccato click-clacking, and quieted everyone down. When JackMezzo walked in, he was greeted by polite applause from some, and thunderous shouting from others. Tara grinned and began to  speak when the noise had finally faded.

"Jack... I could talk for days about you. I do talk for days about you, to anyone who listens. You are, in my eyes, the pinnacle of what our world should aspire to. You're a man who can move with ease through the streets or the business districts, starting a debate or throwing back a drink with the best of them. You've done more than anyone, I think, to try to innovate and present our society with new opportunities for entertainment and profit. You're not only content with established excellence, but constantly seek new challenges to better our world as a whole. You have as much substance as anyone, but you also carry more units than anyone else as well. You're a man who is equally comfortable in high stakes backroom negotiations and greeting new members of our society, which I know you take a particular pride in."

She paused.

"Who does it better than you? If you retired today, your legacy is guaranteed to echo for quite a long time. But beyond everything I mentioned today, all of the things that make you so excellent... your biggest impact will be the people. Look at the faces around this room- and on the wall. Long after everyone in this room has departed our world, your influence will be felt for generations. The memories made with you on this Pier and beyond will echo for... well, if not eternity, than a long damn time."

Tara took a breath than indicated for someone to give Jack a drink. There were many volunteers.

"Let's raise a glass to Jack Mezzo. His last name means "half", but he's never done anything halfway in his entire goddamned life. Not sure he knows how. Here's to you, Jack- and to many more years of the Race Street Company. And someday, when we're gone, here's to all the stories they'll tell."

Tara raised her glass and downed it as the band hidden in the back began to play.

Now? Now it was time for everyone to party.

Gavin tossed back his whiskey and stood, slapping Jack on the back. 

"Congrats, Jackie. You're a hell of a man, and I'm proud of you. Nobody deserves it more. Let's get a few drinks in you, huh?"

With a wink, he filled another glass for his boss. 

"Party." That was the only word Arturo needed to hear to commence his hostile takeover of the dance floor. He may not even have heard the word party. That's a possibility. Arturo hadn't been drinking, he just had been tired and probably over-stressed dealing with the logistics of the mini version of Breads and Spreads to be opened in the airport. What a mess. Jeez. But when that word "Party" appeared in his mind, he had decided to let loose. He gestured over to Adonis and Ilaria, the latter of whom he had still needed to formally meet, to aid in taking over the dance floor. 

There were so many people Arturo recognized at the party, from around Philly, some of the jobs he had pulled with people, Fight Night. He was glad they had taken time to come to this event, which was very near and dear to his heart. Don Mezzo- Godfather Mezzo, that is, had been a great leader and inspiration for Arturo's career and Arturo was happy he finally got to get the big title everyone knew he was going to get. Philadelphia had grown in Arturo's heart so much, and the community that Jack had taken a large part in building was enjoying a luscious time of peace, much like the rest of the country. 

Arturo turned his attention back to the task at hand and realized he had been taking up a little too much space, quite uncharacteristically. He was just excited. Or something. Arturo retreated to back to the tables where people were chatting and decided to hang about to get the gist of the conversation and say hi to whoever was there.

"Here, here!" Joe said as Tara's speech came to an end. He raised his glass high in the air, then took a small sip. He wasn't exactly use to taking things slow, but he figured he'd have to given his new role and responsibilities. He couldn't always be a quarter glass of something or other into some Guaio. Or, could he?

Adonis made sure to nod and raise his glass at ArturoStrigliori, flashing him a smile as he did. They were only in their new found digs because of the man of the hour, and before he made his way over to JackMezzo, Joe leaned in and hushed a few sweet nothings into Ilaria_Santoro's ear. She was his rock at the worst of times, and a much needed distraction at the best. Her expanded flying doctor service, also courtesy of the new Godfather of South Philly.

Things were roaring along. Dirty at times. But that was the era they were in. A few nods to familiar faces as he weaved through the crowd, before Adonis finally happened upon the Godfather himself. He looked sharp. All the attention seemed to not phase him, as he seemed to just continue doing what he always did, make an impact and improve the morale of others around him.

Joe let the man finish who he was conversing with, nodding at a few others as people passed by, before stepping in and giving his usual cocksure grin.

"Congratulations, Godfather."

A solid handshake was met. A few pumps and Adonis had his hand back in his pocket.

"I wont keep ya, it's a busy one, eh? But I look forward to working for you in this new role, and can't thank you enough for the opportunity you have given. I'll miss that wolf killer, but I think I'll do you proud. If not, I'll die trying, that's for sure. Salute, Godfather Mezzo. Always dangerous."

After a less vain yet still handsome as fuck smile, that took on a more appreciative and softer quality, Adonis was off again.

Isabella stood up just after Gavin, bending down to take the hand of JackMezzo in her own.  Placing her lips to his ring finger she spoke reverently in the tradition of her bloodline's forebearers.  They were old words, words of women who had lived and died in the shadow of Jack's predecessors.  Truly, in this way, she had come full circle and now the descendants of so many deserving men and women (people who had died before their time) finally stood shoulder to shoulder... one large family once again.  

"Prego che i tuoi forzieri siano sempre pieni e che i tuoi nemici non conoscano mai la pace. Se con la mia vita o la mia morte posso servire questa famiglia, Padrino, è il mio onore."

Upon standing she embraced her Godfather and Crew Leader, kissing his cheeks emphatically.  A massive smile lit up her doe-like eyes with warmth and sincerity.  "You're the man of the hour tonight Jack, whatever you want, just say the word and we'll get it.  Do you want the moon?  We'll find a way to pull it down if so... and we'll place a Race Street Flag atop it!"

She laughed and raised her glass, "To a one-of-a-kind leader, a man of one-thousand stories... my Godfather, my friend in this life and the next.  To Jack!  Saluti!"

Isabella curled back under Gavin's arm, nursing her alcohol - positively blissful.  Looking around the room, so many people she cared about were here, truly everything was as perfect and the future only promised many more days of the same yet to come.

Ilaria couldn't recall seeing such an esteemed group of people since the last fight at the Gym. This time, however, she wasn't on duty and was dressed for a party. She'd chosen a simple but elegant strapless gown in a dark red hue with a matching bolero, both of which complimented the treasured white gold and ruby bracelet on her wrist. 

Among the crowd, she would have felt quite intimidated had she been alone, but tonight she was among these people because Joe trusted her with his greatest project yet. As his Left Hand, she was now among colleagues. For herself, and especially for him, a sense of pride seemed to ease her nervous energy. That, or the champagne, anyway.

She waited patiently in the receiving line that had formed, chatting politely with other guests until she had her moment to speak to Jack. 

"Congratulations, Padrone. It is an honor to work for you. Many fortunes in your future."

Not wishing to take any more of his time, she briefly grasped his hand and bowed her head respectfully, then stepped away for the next in line. A server passed her with a tray of champagne, and Ilaria grabbed one then set about looking for the other half of Adontoro. It didn't take long to spot him - near the bar, eyeing a bottle of whiskey. Chuckling to herself, she moved again to his side, slipping her hand into his. 

William waited patiently to find a gap in the rush to greet and congratulate the man of the hour. The room was full of friends, colleagues, and conspirators of all stripes and each had found their lives touched upon and improved by Jack in some way. When the opportunity arose, William approached the new Godfather with a firm handshake and a beaming smile.

"Congratulations my friend. This moment has been a long time coming, and I am proud to be able to stand with you going forward as we have stood together leading up to this moment. You've helped me and all the rest here today reach heights we wouldn't have thought possible without your guidance and I'm sure we'll see this place grow even further under your watch."

William stepped back and raised the glass of scotch he'd been nursing in a salute to Godfather Mezzo.

"To the future! May the road ahead be as fortunate as the one that led us here."

A swift drink later and Don Bowden stood back for the next to give their regards to the man he'd built such respect for. Now it was time to return to the crowd and catch up with all the familiar faces in attendance.

Paul has picked a double-breasted pinstripe suit for the occasion. He chatters with some friends of his while he waits for Mr. Mezzo to appear. 

Finally, he notices Mr. Mezzo, leaving his drink on the table and putting his cigarette out. Paul approaches with a wide smile. 

"Congratulations Jack, I'm glad because of ya. No one would've done it better than ya." Paul's hand meet Jack's and they shake hands, but Paul pulls Jack in for a hug and gives him two pats on the back.

Paul glances around. "Oh, you must be busy as hell, Godfather, lemme not keep ya anymore." Paul separates from Jack and continues to catch up with so much familiar and friendly faces.

It was done. Jack had proclaimed himself Godfather of South Philly, and nobody deserved it more than him. He'd worked hard, risen through the ranks and made one heck of a family legacy. Eddie was proud to say that he was a part of what Jack had created.

The party was on and the night seemed to be brimming with nothing but good times, plenty of memories to be made. Eddie couldn't help but smile all night as he chatted away to the guests that had been invited along for the booze and speeches that was sure to come. 

Eddie takes his place on the stage that was at the back of the room, furthest from the entrance. He had a whiskey in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other. The top button on his shirt had been undone and the tie he had on was let down a little. He almost looked like he was enjoying himself for once. After all, wouldn't shouldn't he? They'd fucking earned this moment.

He clears his throat and gets the attention of the entire room.

"Thank you all for coming here tonight. This guy..." Eddie points at Jack. "What can I say about this guy? We all owe him. His achievements are are fucking outstanding and reflects fantastically on all of us. We wouldn't be here right now if not for this guy and I'm so happy to see all of us here together to celebrate this excellent accomplishment."

"When I first came to work for Jack, I was a nobody. Some low life prick on the run from Queens with no money and no fucking future. Jack took me in, gave me a home and turned me into a somebody. Truth is he did the same thing for all of us. We owe our lives to this guy."

"So I'd like to raise a toast to Jack Mezzo." Eddie lifts his glass high into the air. "The King of South Philly. Salute, boys!"

Eddie drains the rest of his glass and walks down the stairs to the right of the stage. He began shaking hands with those on his way past to Jack.

"Jack, fella. Congratulations. Thanks for bringing me along for the ride and believing in me the entire journey. I put my trust in you and I was right to do so. None deserve this more than you. Well done my friend."

Pride was a powerful emotion. Jack's attempt to quell its physical symptoms from bubbling over was with a neat whiskey, which he was soon handed on entering. He was able to sink it and avoid opening his mouth while others spoke, his words would probably be a stutter right now. The voices of his brothers and sisters instead rang with emotion in his ears. His glass was soon refilled and he carried it with him while approaching each and every one of them. 

Tara was in particular given a meaningful embrace, while the men and women of his inner circle were greeted as they should be; like family. The aging mafioso soon found himself presented with an open floor. A silence soon fell, Jack simply looked between the faces of those present.

"We did this, famiglia. We are the architects of this that has been created. I cannot possibly word how much you all mean to me. Young and old, from near or afar. We don't stop today though, we drive onward."

He raised his glass. A emotionally charged, yet stoic voice followed. 

"You have lifted me up so that I could reach this platform. Now, I will pull you up to join me. It is here we will stand, brothers and sisters, on the highest peaks.

"Saluti, Race Street. Saluti, famiglia."

Jemaine had of course been at pier that night at the invitation of Tara. He wouldn't have missed it for the world. He was indebted to Jack in so many ways and couldn't be more pleased for him to be taking charge of his own district. The problem was that he had a vitally important weekend that he had to leave early for. Family stuff. As a result he made sure he heard Tara's full speech but from somewhere near the back of the crowd so he got make a quick exit for the airport when all the ceremony was through. 

His weekend complete, he jumped straight back on a plane to South Side to check in on the celebrations, make sure they were still going on, he was sure that they would be. This wasn't just any celebration, it was sure to last at least all week. 

On turning up in the Sunshine State, evidence from the antics were clear on arrival. In the arrival lounge alone there was familiar faces from the criminal world strewn about in various stupors induced from the celebrations. Jemaine's limousine was waiting outside the terminal and he jumped straight in heading first back to the pier. Sure enough the tunes were still blaring and the bars still serving. Jemaine sought out the man himself to personally wish him the heartfelt congratulations that were owed. He grabbed a couple of drinks from the bar and shook Jack's hand as they exchanged warm smiles. Well done sir, genuinely impressive effort in literally every aspect of your role. I have to Echo everything Tara and Bryne have said, your an absolutely inspiring mobster and my hat is off. Super :)

Heston quickly changed out of his chef whites packed away his precious knives and left the ordering to his sous chef and raced down to the pier he had been down here earlier on his split shift working out at the gym and taking a sparring course he had run into Jack and he had been invited to his godfather party 

Heston arrived with a bottle of twelve year old single malt which he gave to jack with the finest Cuban cigars he could of found at short notice it was going to cost him a favour or two but he didn’t mind it was for a good cause 

Congratulations Jack Heston shook the godfathers hand and wondered into the crowd to mingle and find a bite to eat