Heading down the elevator from my uptown apartment I looked at my feet, intense thought going on in my head. I emerged on the streets below where Shaun was waiting for me in the car. Without a word I jumped into the back seat and we pulled off. 

We pulled up down town at the club; Truth. There was a special night planned. 

All of New York was there. It was fantastic to see everyone's faces in one room. Shaking the various hands and nodding to the smiling gangsters lined up throughout the club. I walked past the bar and up the steps to the VIP balcony. A nod to the DJ and he holds the music for me. 

Standing there with both hands on the railings, Rafa emerged from over my right shoulder and stood with me facing the crowds below. Over my left at the nearest table were the rest of the NY hierarchy, some stood, some sat down. 

Ladies and gentlemen it is with sadness that we are all here this evening. What a joy to see you all here and yet what a shame also. 

I open up my body to Rafa and take hold of his arm bringing him into the light. 

What can I say about this guy?! Hes been here since the beginning. All that has been achieved, we have achieved. He's been my Manhattan Rock and I couldnt have wished for anyone with wiser council than he. Its because of this that today is such a shame. After a ridiculously long period of hard work and perseverance, Rafa will be enjoying retirement. More time with the ones that matter and the things that count. 

I hope you will all join me in congratulating and celebrating a very successful tenure as Godfather of this city. 

This wont happen over night so please, I implore our colleagues around the country to show restraint as Rafa steps down his operation and hands it over. 

The club cheers and Rafa gives a wave to the baying crowds. As the cheers die away Rafa takes a step back wards and over my left shoulder Shelley comes forward. The crowd rise again, the cheers are deafening. As I wait for the noise to fade away, I begin to talk again...

That says it all! Shelley needs no introduction. Shes an example of true professionalism and a very trusted of mine since we began our operations here so long ago. She will be taking over the role of Godmother of Manhattan in the coming days to oversee Kamille and also our newest crime family....

I look over my shoulder once more and beckon Roper to come closer. 

Please help me congratulate Mr. Roper in stepping up his own family but thats not all. Replacing Shelley under me please welcome Mr Space Pole. 

Space joined them on the balcony and gave the crowd a wave. It was beginning to look a bit like strictly come mafia in here and I knew it so I ushered the faces back from the crowd and tailed off this gushing speech. 

Ladies and gentlemen lets enjoy our evening and remember the New York that has been and the New York that will be. I look forward to a new era.

I grab Rafa's hand one more time and hold it up to the crowd before beckoning over a filthy hot waitress with a silver tray and two fat slugs of cocaine lined up on it.  

Its been a good few months since i got off my arse and got interested in the operations in New York. Id like to second the work that Rafa has put in previously to reach the esteemed rank of God Father. Its not an easy task. So id like to tip my hat to Rafa and wish him all the luck in the world with his retirement- take it easy big guy.

Cities evolve and New York is no different to that. We maybe a smaller operation but we are a close family and we have decided that this is the best for us moving forward. 

grats to all involved.