Another day that was too hot. LA has cooler months right? Not really sure they'll ever arrive some days, still it's a great city just this is what happens to someone used to cold cities who moves out here.

Paper was burying the desk in front of me but most could wait - again glancing at the clock I saw it was later than expected. Still a bit before @TomRhodes had been told to see me though. So back to the papers? Like I said those could wait but knowing me I'd find the most important ones right before the door opened so no, time to just push papers to the sides of the desks and get a drink.

While drinking was time to reflect on what had happened and wonder what to expect - I knew it would work well but still wondered about the surroundings as the door finally opened.

"Come in, have a seat." I said gesturing to the chair in front of the desk as I stood asked if anything was wanted.

Tom walked in like each step gave him pleasure. He had a grin that would take more than a slap to wipe off his mouth. He had heard the news about Maurice. He hoped the rumors were true. The boss said he was off to have a chat with that fucker. The fact that he was still here before him, said it must have gone in his favor. 

"I'm good, thank you." Tom offered before finding a seat across from Maurice-. He had been busy lately. The city was shaping up wonderfully, and Tom was always happy to have a chat with his friend and leader. Something felt different about today, though. There was an electricity in the room. The excitement was palpable. The accumulation of hard work and dedication sprinkled with just the right about of luck had led them to this very moment. Tom could tell what came next. It was something they had discussed. 

Five frantic pockets later, a pack of Lucky Strikes was found. Tom went about the tired task of bringing one to life as he stared over at Maurice-.

"This what I think it is, Bossman? Is it time? I've been buying up property over on Abuser's Avenue. Just like we talked about. Don't tell me. Did you do it? I get to call you Godfather now?" Tom's laugh of joy that followed was interrupted by the coughs of a man who didn't give his lungs the break they needed.

"Oh, fuck's sake. Me and that motor, sorry boss. You was sayin'...?" Tom actually had a bit of red in his cheeks. He still couldn't believe he had held together his nasty habit and this life of crime. He was excited. He wanted to build something people would be proud of here in the City of Angels. 

As I watched I thought about the answer and finally said "I did but this is more about you than anything. See we both know an auth is done about that time. And I figured from what I've seen you should expand LA further." I said before wondering how the Avenue was first named. Mugging capitol of the old city perhaps? Didn't really matter but I did ask "So, have the keys to your new place with you or will the opening of it need to wait?"

Tom pulled out a set of keys with a small metal hypodermic needle dangling as a keychain ornament. Abuser's Avenue was were drugs moved throughout Pasadena. You could head there to find anything you like, including the ones held down by the chains of addiction themselves. Tom didn't mind setting up in the seedier side of the city. 

"Say the words, I'm ready as I'll ever be."He put the key back in his inside pocket. Tom took a drag from his smoke. He was excited as could be to jump at the opportunity. Abuser's Avenue would become a place respected by others. He'd see to that. Tom took this as his chance to really prove to Maurice how wonderful of a choice he had made. 

"Guess this is goodbye to my old office at, Dark Steel." His eyes stared off into the distance for a moment. He'd miss it there, but now was the time to step up, and build a home for others. Tom scratched at his forehead for a moment in thought. "Time to get to work. Let's do this thing." He said with gusto as he grabbed a hold of a bottle of whiskey. A drink first and he'd get to work. Tom thanked Maurice several more times as he took down the whiskey. He'd make his city proud. He just needed time to do so.