The sounds of the station were left far behind as you got into the bowels of the station offices.  The hustle and bustle tapered away to a background hum by the Railroad Company offices.  The floor of Louis’ office reverberated with the sound of him pacing backwards and forwards, the click of the heels of his shoes echoing slightly along the empty hallways.  The post office workers worried him a little.  It was all very well taking over a railroad company but in this business if you were forced to sit idly by while people started to take the piss then you either had to do something about it or just give up.

It had never been in Louis’ nature to let minor setbacks stop him.  The mail workers were concerned that the railroad would be coming after their jobs but initially Louis was looking to keep the Philadelphia stuff local and do the heavier lifting of the out of town contracts and deliveries but now he wondered whether just incorporating them in to his own organisation might be the way to get it done.  Only problem about dealing with the mail might be undue heat from the Feds if inevitably things started going missing.

The mail union boss, George Poulter, had been offered a very fair deal to get the Railroad’s assistance and had been reluctant to accept, going so far as to speak to the Delmonte’s.  These boys were known to agree to anything anyone wanted to get their name known and Poulter was just the kind of weasel to take advantage of that.  Louis needed someone with a little knowledge of the unions to help sort this out.

He poked his head out of the door and found Mildred the secretary chatting to her assistant about goodness what.

“Mildred, can you get me Archie Abraham here, oh and if you could get Luis Patangeli here as well please.”

Louis walked to the drinks cabinet and grabbed some glasses and a bottle of whisky.  He put them on his desk, filled them in anticipation and started to have a drink from his.  It only took a few minutes for Archie to arrive and Louis handed him a glass.  Louis sat down and motioned for Archie to do the same.

“Thanks for coming Archie, I’ve asked Luis Patangeli to come along too.  I don’t know if you’ve met him but he’s been my guy in some of the smaller union stuff we’ve had and would probably be interested in taking on more of this sort of thing.  What’s the story with Poulter and the Delmonte’s?”

“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure but his reputation precedes him.” Archie picked his glass up and had a small drink, “Poulter is using the offer you made to get a better deal.  He’s not played you, he’s viewing it as advocating well for his members…”

Louis slammed his glass down a little.

“He’s a chancer Archie.  He’s trying to line his pockets any way he can.”

“Yeah possibly but what is it you’re wanting?  Are you looking to remove Poulter or have something more accountable to you?”

“Let’s see whJ: OKat Luis thinks when he gets here, I’m happy to go with his judgement on this but I’m not averse to losing the Delmonte’s in all this.”

“Well that’s a decision for you to make Louis, I’m only interested in the union side and making sure my guys are well looked after.  They’re not all bad apples over there but Jack Delmonte is a bit more of a sour bastard.  Some of my guys used to deal with him and they said if they got into a pickle he was never really around to get them out of a jam.”

Luis was sitting in his office at L.P Check Cashing when his phone rang on his desk.. Busier than normal these days, Luis let the phone ring and ring until his secretary answered it for him. As he shuffled through the papers on his desk, and taking an occasional cigarette drag, an abrupt knock came at his office door and Radha stepped inside with a weak smile on her face, she looked exhausted..

"Sir, Mr. Mezzo's secretary just called and said Louis requests your presence down at his office.. she said it was pretty urgent" 

Luis glanced up at Radha and smiled

"Thanks Radha, did she happen to say what it was about? Or that it was just urgent..."

"She didn't say much, just that you needed to get over there as soon as possible to meet with Lous and Mr. Abraham.."

Luis eyes widened as he stood up from his desk and grabbed his coat off the hangar. He took another drag off his cigarette before putting it out in his ashtray.

"I know that name.. It must be Archie.. but that means there must be a problem with the unions for Archie to be reaching out.." 

Luis sighed and moved towards the door where Radha still stood

"Thanks Radha, close the place down for me and take the rest of the night off" Luis said as he walked by Radha and moved for the front door.

"But sir- we don't close for another 3 hours..." Luis turned and grinned at her and glanced around at the few patrons in the lobby area.

"Yea but it's Monday... nobody is coming in here today. Help these folks out and get some rest.. you look exhausted.." 

Radha gave off a weak smile and thanked her boss as he left. Luis made his way outside to the curb where Joe was watching the street, he opened the back door for his boss to step into and scurried around to get in on the driver side. The cadillac fired up and began to purr softly, A few kids that had noticed Luis on the block came running over and sticking their hands out asking for money and autographs, Luis was becoming sort of a legend among these South Philly streets. Joe hightailed it out of there, and made his way to the train station of South Philly.

It wasn't a long drive before Luis and his small caravan of 3 cars arrived at the station. He stepped out of his cadillac and glanced around at all the people staring and gave off a weak wave... Many of them went back to what they were doing.. knowing to mind their own business, while others came up and greeted Luis. He made his way through the crowd and reached the Platform where he was greeted by his bosses' bodyguards who then escorted him to Louis office.

Luis entered and found Archie and Louis already in mid conversation, he took off his coat and hung it on a nearby coat rack before turning to shake hands with Archie and Louis. He grabbed a drink and sat down and listened to the end of the conversation that was at hand.

"So you called for me boss..?" Luis said as he took a swig off his drink and pointed his attention towards Louis. 

“Glad you could make it Luis,” Louis sighed.

“Ok, when we got the railroad the postal workers through George Poulter were concerned that we were going to snaffle all the local delivery business.  We’ve offered to have them retain the local traffic in exchange for handling their larger out of town stuff, more of a goodwill gesture than anything else but it looks like they’re talking to those Delmonte clowns.”

Louis swirled the whisky around in the glass.

“Listen, I don’t want the Delmonte’s anywhere near the railroad, the post office or anything we could get our mitts into.  I want you to do two things, sort out the Delmonte’s then go with Archie to talk union business with George Poulter.  I have little or no interest in the methods employed but at the end of this, I want the postal workers either aligned with us or agreeing to do the local work.  Just don’t get yourself in trouble Luis.”

Luis downed the rest of his drink and set it down on the desk and intentively listened to his boss speak. He nodded at Louis and turned to Archie to say

"So, I think our first move would be to back off the Delmonte's first so I'm going to need you to arrange a sit down with the Union boss two days from now. And not a moment sooner.." Luis said with a grin and turned back to Louis

"I'll try and keep Jack alive maybe give him a offer he cant refuse, but If i have to take him out.. it's what I'm going to do.. and once he's out of the way, Poulter will have no choice but to align with us.." Luis smiled as he stood up and shook hands with both Archie and Louis. He grabbed his coat off the rack and put it on and turned around and faced them one more time

"I've got some family who work in the mail system, friends from the old Neighborhood in New York.. they tell me a lot of young italian men have been refuging here and have found jobs in the postal service and at our railroad yard and are ready to Strike against Poulter if needed.." he smiled and tipped his hat

"They tell me they are tired of the way he runs things over there and it's time for a change..." 

Luis smirked and left the room.. closing the door behind him gently and striding down the hall do the stairwell. He quickly scaled down two flights of stairs and out the front door and found Joe propped up against a wall smoking, very rare for him.. he quickly tossed it out and turned to Luis and smiled

"Howe'd the meeting with Louis go boss?" 

"More business then pleasure as usual Joe, we've got some work to do I'll fill you in on the details on the way back to my office.." Luis replied sternly as they walked towards the curb and Joe opened the car door for his boss.

It was a short drive back to L.P Check Cashing.. Luis filled Joe in about the the problem Race Street was having with the Union Boss, Poulter, and his new lackey Jack Delmonte and his crew...

The cadillac purred as it cruised down the block. It was getting dark and people could be seen quickly walking down the block to make it to the safety of their homes. South Philly was a different world at night.. Luis' world.. he smirked as they pulled up in front of his office and Joe parked the car. They quickly got out and made their way inside where they were greeted by Luis' secretary who was just finishing closing up.

"Ah Luis! So glad you are back!" she said in broken english.. the place smelled like bleach again...

"Radha.. what have I told you about using bleach to clean the floors! It smells so strong and it gives me a headache.. where is my janitor at I want my pine sol smell back.." Luis said said, clearly frustrated.

"He call out sick today.. I sorry boss! He lock closet... I use my old supply!" she smiled and opened the door to his office for him..

"I no clean your office yet! It no smell in here" she said leading Luis and Joe inside, who quickly went to sit down and peered at her standing near the door and remained silent...

"Okay... I uh... finish and go home.. night boss!" she quickly turned and left the room closing the door behind her

Luis laughed a little bit and shook his head as Joe poured them both a drink and pushed Luis' cup across the desk...

"So, what do we know about Jack Delmonte's wareabouts?" Luis said as he picked up his drink and took a quick sip and set it back down.

"Well, he stays on the other side of town.. hes got a small crew of wise guys.. maybe 5 or 6 guys under him.. but he employs a vicious mobster by the name of Ricky "Limp" Lenny.. he guards Jack with his life and is usually with him or down gambling at one of the casinos in town.." Joe quickly replied

"Seems like we need to find out his exact place of address... Have Sonny ask some of his guys on the street if they have heard what block he lives on.. and get that new guy Mike Lebowski who's working for him on this job.. I want to see what he's made of.. real big guy I think he's gonna be a premier enforcer for the family." Luis barked at Joe as he lit up a cigarette and exhaled a huge cloud of smoke and smiled

"I'm gonna make a few calls and stir some things up in the postal service, my cousin from back home tells me theres a guy who wants to lead the strike against Poulter.. I think it will be a good distraction to have all the police dealing with that while we take down Jack.." 

"Sounds like a good plan boss.. I'll be back in a few hours..." Joe stood up and tipped his hat to his boss before making his exit.

A few hour went by and it was starting to get dark outside when Luis noticed Joe pulling up while he smoked a cigarette out front of L.P Check Cashing....

The black cadillac hummed down the black and glided gracefully into the parking spot directly in front of where Luis was standing. The two men made eye contact and grinned at each other before Joe stepped out and approached Luis on the sidewalk. Luis glanced at the man sitting in the back seat who also slowly got out of the car and approached Luis.

"I went down and seen Sonny boss, says one of the guys who works for him happens to be a cousin of Jack Delmonte and he owes him some money..." Joe turned and gripped the man by the shoulder and turned to Luis..

"This here is Brad... he is Jack's blood cousin and has been working for Sonny for about 6 months now.. he a solid guy and he's loyal to us.. he's got some good info about where Jack's safehouse is" 

Luis took another drag off his cigarette before exhaling a large cloud of smoke and stomping it out on the ground and staring at Brad...

"Well, what's in it for you besides what he owes you.. how can I trust a blood cousin of the Delmonte's... you guys are all snakes..." Luis scoffed

"Look uh - Don Patangeli - Me and my cousin may be blood related but me and him haven't seen eye to eye since we were kids. He's always had it out for me and quite frankly, I could care less for the guy. I'm interested in my money and proving my loyalty to you.. and Sonny..." Brad said sternly as he made himself stand tall

"Alright, Alright.. if Sonny vouches for you then I guess you're alright.. quick lets get inside it's fucking cold out here" 

Luis motioned everyone inside where they proceeded to move to Luis office where they could discuss things more privately.

"So Brad, give me the low down on your cousin.. where does he operate out of?" Luis said as he sat down peering at Brad

"He lives on the East Side of Philly in Bella Vista... nobody knows where for sure.. but he goes to this Cafe EVERYDAY at the same time in the morning to read his paper and have a cup of coffee. His bodyguard, Limp Lenny,  usually takes this time to walk across the street and do his banking, as they have the Bank Of Philadelphia right across the street" Brad clears his throat and continues on

"The bank has an armed security guard who is usually standing right out front, he would most likely hear the gunshot and approach the cafe almost immediately, leaving who ever is inside to deal with him and then of course Lenny.... But if someone were to call in an anonymous tip and alerting staff that a man was planning to stick the place up.. they would be on high alert and the guard would be stationed inside the bank instead of outside." 

Luis grinned and lit up a cigarette and quickly exhaled a small cloud of smoke before replying

"That's pretty smart kid.. you think of that all by yourself?" he said as he glanced at Joe and motioned for him to pour the kid a drink

"You got a pretty good head on that shoulder of yours... You stick to your word of loyalty to me and I won't forget that, my friend believe me" 

Joe handed Brad his drink to which he thanked him and took a large swig before setting it down gently on the desk

"Just want to do my part for Philly.. boss" Brad said proudly "If I may ask one more thing.. sir in order to prove my Loyalty to you... I want to be the one to pull the trigger"

Luis eyes widened before he leaned forward and smiled

"You want to kill your own cousin? My friend there is other ways you can prove your loyalty to me.." Luis said softly

"No, This is the way I want it to be done and I think it's the best way.. If Joe or one of your other members walk through that door he is going to shoot first and ask questions later.. with me.. I can get in close and make sure the job gets done..." Brad said as he picked up his drink off the desk swiftly and downed the rest of the drink.

"Have it your way kid... Just know if you fuck this up.. Joe is going to finish the job and your going to be dead along with your cousin..." Luis said sternly.

"Stay at Joe's place tonight, I want to see you both here at 5am sharp, 1 hour before your cousin is due for his morning breakfast... I want that sorry son of a bitch taken out.. one bullet to the head and out kapeesh?... Now wait outside I need to discuss something real quick with Joe.."

Brad nodded and stood up and shook Luis hand and waited outside the door

"So the strike is all set to happen in the morning, the police will be too busy dealing with that... Make sure the Job get's done or it's gonna be YOUR ass dead too" Luis said as he shooed Joe out of the room. He rolled his eyes and tipped his hat to his boss and left.

The following morning 10 minutes to 5am...

Luis was sitting in his office, chain smoking and going over the plan that was set in motion the night before. A loud knock came at his office door and Joe stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him and finding a seat in front of Luis who glanced at him and grinned before continuing to smoke. The two sat in silence as Luis was staring out the window at the dockyard and the sunset that was just starting to make its way up when he noticed a car pulling into the compound.. it was Brad. Joe heard the car and stood up to investigate and let off a grin as he turned and looked at his boss.

"Guess the kid is pretty serious.." Joe said as he sat back down in his seat

 A few more minutes went by in silence before Brad knocked at the door and entered, finding his way to the seat next to Joe and glancing up to find Luis glaring at him. Luis took another long drag off the end of the cigarette he was smoking before placing it in the ashtray and smiling at the two men and saying...

"Glad you could make it Brad, was getting worried I was going to have to send Joe to go find you and kill you instead of Jack..." Luis laughed as he got a rise out of Brad.. who quickly noticed he was being toyed with and settled down...

"You best watch that temper of yours or you will be Joe's next target..." he continued on

"I like you kid but you need to learn your place.. now everything is all set in motion, my guy Vito is down at the restaurant already inside eating.. he is gonna be your backup kid in case anything goes wrong.."

Luis leaned back and turned his attention to the outside world and away from Joe and Brad...

"I want it to be clean.. 2 shots to the head and one to the chest and then you get out of there quick... No mistakes..." Luis said as he stood up and stared out the window

"You can count on me... Luis.." Brad said softly as he glanced at Joe and then back to Luis...

"Good... the waitress knows your coming and will place you at the booth nearest to your cousin... there's a gun taped under the table.. no serials and its untraceable.. use that to blow your cousin's brains out..." Luis turned and had an evil grin on his face

"Now go, get to work.. you got about 55 minutes until your cousin shows up" Luis said as he looked down at his watch and back to Joe and Brad who stood up and left in a hurry.

Joe got behind the wheel and drove the two across town to the small restaurant in Bella Vista...

It was a pretty long drive and Joe had to gas up before leaving South Philly, it took an extra 10 minutes of their time schedule, causing Joe to drive like a madman across town.. luckily he did not attract any attention and made it safely to their destination where he pulled up alongside a curb and cranked the cadillac into park.. He turned and glared at Brad who was seemingly lost in thought and hadn't said a word since leaving the compound

"You alright kid? Haven't said a word since leaving the docks.. you getting stage fright or something?" Joe said as he slapped Brad's cheek lightly, catching his attention quickly...

"Huh-- oh uh no.. just going over the whole thing in my head.. " Brad said nervously as he glanced at Joe who grinned at him and laughed

"Well don't choke up on me now kid, your in the big leagues now... we're here.. your cousin arrives in 5 minutes get your ass in there and get to your table.. don't shoot until you see Lenny go in the bank across the street..."

 Joe said as he pushed Brad to get out of the car and get a move on. Brad snapped out of his funk and quickly walked inside and was seated. He reached under the table and could feel the gun taped to the bottom.. a few moments later he noticed his cousin park right outside and make his way inside the restaurant. Brad pulled up his coat around his neck, trying to hide his identity, as he watched Lenny walk across the street and enter the bank. 

Jack Delmonte sat down directly in front of where Brad was sitting and grinned at him before pulling a newspaper out of his coat and flipping it open.. Brad thought to himself.. wow he didn't even recognize me... he began sweating as he was glancing back and forth between the bank door and the newspaper directly in front of him... he rest his hand upon the gun under the table for a few moments.. as he thought things over.. sweating profusely on the gun before pulling it and standing up and drawing it on Jack who glanced up with widened eyes... he dropped the newspaper slowly and put his hands up and glanced around at all the people in the restaurant who were watching the events unfold...

"Easy there fella... You don't want to do that.. do you know who I am? Wait-" Jack tilted his head as he realized the man behind the gun was his cousin...

"Brad...? What the fuck are you doing here.. put the gun down man what's wrong with you.. gonna kill me over 5 grand? I got your money right here man..." Jack smirked and reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a rolled up wad of cash and began counting it out.. this was taking too long...

"I didn't come here for the fucking money Jack.. you piece of shit.." Brad said as he started shaking nervously.. Jack glanced up and smiled before setting the cash down on the table and standing up.. Brad took a step back..

"Put the gun down then Brad and lets talk this shit out man, what you need a job? I told you those Race Street Bastards were no good-" 

Lenny walked into the restaurant, he finished his business early, and caught Brad in the act and pulled his gun and began letting bullets fly.. customers started running out screaming ad Brad took cover and Jack ran for the door... Vito stood up and pulled a shotgun from underneath his jacket and let Lenny have it right in the side with a rapid two shot shotgun blast, sending him flying up against the glass down as Jack stumbled and tripped over his dead bodyguard body as he ran out the door towards the street....

Joe, realizing what was transpiring, immediately turned the car on and peeled rubber around to the front of the restaurant and jumped out of the car and pulled his gun from his waistband and aimed it directly at Jack who glanced up at Joe and leaned back on his knees and smiled....

"Joe Delorenzi... I can't say I'm not surprised to see you here.." he spat on the floor next to him and glanced back at Joe 

"You fucking Race Street bastards are finished, when Poulter contacts the feds and fills them in on all your illegal business, you all will get locked up faster than I could snap my fingers..."

"And that RailRoad Station of yours..." he musters the strength to clap his hands together "Bravo on that, a nice cover for your illegal shipping business dealing with booze.. but not everyone around here is so happy about that.. Especially Poulter... his business took the biggest hit.."

The streets were getting quiet around them now, no sirens were heard coming their way and the only remaining characters on the street were Vito holding a shotgun, Joe, Jack, and the sweat monster..Brad...

"Poulter should be happy.. because we could have taken all the business and not just left local parcel delivery for the union..." 

Joe cocked the trigger of the gun and immediately drew hid attention to the sound of a car coming down the block.. it was another black cadillac that slowly pulled up and parked.. Luis stepped out of the vehicle and all 3 men turned and tipped their hat to the Don who approached smoking a cigarette...

"Well well well, Mr. Delmonte.. how are you my old friend?" Luis said with an evil grin as he took another drag and exhaled a cloud of smoke

"Luis.... wish i could say I was doing better.. old friend.. but I don't feel that way.." Jack said sternly and sighed

"It's a shame you and your family refuses to work for us.. we could have done great things together... So you do know how this is going to end right?" Luis said glancing at Joe who was still holding the gun to Jacks head who also glanced at Joe and sighed.

"Makes no difference. You guys are fucked anyways.. Poulter is going to squeal like a pig to the feds and you all are going down..."

Luis turned and let off and evil grin as he took a final drag off his cigarette and put it out on Jacks face who cried out in pain...

"Not if i make him squeal like a pig first..." Luis nodded at Joe and turned to walk away.. and before Jack could say another word, his brains were cast all over the sidewalk as he body went limp and slumped over... Luis got back to his car and smiled before climbing in. The two cars left the scene slowly.......... there wasn't a soul in site left around......

The following day around noon....

Luis was sitting in his house, smoking a cigarette and watching the news on the T.V and waiting to hear about the events that transpired in Bella Vista the day before... About twenty minutes into their broadcast and the murder of Jack Delmonte started airing over the tube... Luis grinned and picked up his coffee and took a sip, setting it back down gently... He listened to the reported attentively and cried out in joy as she said the assailants were unknown and remained at large... He leaned over and grabbed the telephone sitting on the nightstand at the end of the couch and picked up and called Archie and told him to meet him at his office in about an hour and hung up the phone and proceeded to start getting ready.

Luis threw on a semi formal outfit, dress shirt, slacks and a tie, and headed out the door and down the stairs, draping a jacket over his shoulder and pushing the front door open of the apartment building and stepping outside to find Joe sitting on the stoop smoking. He quickly stood up and smiled at Luis and nodded at him as he told him to get the car.. Luis stood there and took a final drag off his cigarette and stomped it out before strolling down the steps to his car that Joe swiftly pulled up.

The two men drove down to L.P Check Cashing, as they turned onto the block Archie's car could beseen parked out front and Joe pulled up and parked in front of it and quickly got out to open his boss' door. Luis stepped out and grinned at Joe and the two made their way inside where they were greeted by Radho who said Archie was waiting in Luis office for about 10 minutes now.. she had brought him a coffee per his request but he seemed antsy..

Luis and Joe stepped into the office and Archie turned quickly and looked at Luis and let off a weak grin before turning back around as Luis made his way to his seat and smiled at Archie before lighting up another cigarette and exhaling a large cloud of smoke....

"You should lay off the smoking my friend, I hear that shit can kill you.. some shit called cancer..." Archie said to Luis

"Well, my friend, If it's not the smoking it will probably be the end of a gun, were all destined to die in this life we live the question is when and how..." Luis said with a grin taking another drag and setting the cigarette in the ashtray

"I assume you know why I called you down here..." he said leaning forward.. Archie cleared his throat and spoke

"Yea.. you need me to set up the meeting with Poulter.. but how is he going to trust us! He must know we killed Jack.. his death is all over the news and in the papers!" Archie said with a concerned look on his face..

"Well, that's for you to figure out.. tell him it's in his best interest if he wants to stay alive or something..." Luis said as he turned and started rummaging through some papers in a filing cabinet

"That's exactly the reason WHY he won't sit down with us! He knows your going to kill him!" Archie exclaimed as Luis turned back to him and smiled as he pushed the paper across the desk he pulled out of the cabinet towards Archie and leaned back...

"What is this...-" Archie said as he picked up the paper and started reading it.. his eyes began to widen as he set the paper back down and looked at Luis

"That's BLACKMAIL! of a government employee.. are you nuts? Poulter is Philadelphia's Labor Union Boss you can't just throw allegations around like this..." Archie said slamming the paper down on the desk and standing up

"It's not an allegation.. its factual evidence my friend!" Luis said softly as he motioned for Archie to sit back down, who was really reluctant but knew he had to work with Luis on this.. Mr. Mezzo's orders..

"Look.. Luis.. you've caused enough damage already.. we can't risk a fiasco like this.. Louis will have both of our heads if this shit falls through.." Archie said and sighed as he slumped down in his chair 

"You worry too much my friend! The information is solid.. he's as dirty as they come.. election day is only a few days away.. if the citizens get ahold of that sheet and see he's been skimming off their paychecks the entire time.. theirs no WAY he's going to get re elected..." 

Luis said smiling from chin to chin as he picked up the cigarette burning away in his ashtray and took another drag and exhaled

"Well.. I get that but what does running Poulter out of office do for us? Other then keep him quiet about all the shady shit going on down at the railroad.. are instructions were to get him on board not take him out..." Archie said with a confused look on his face

"Because.. the people are going to vote ME in as Union Boss...." Luis took a final drag and put his cigarette out in the ashtray

"Luis! Are you fucking nuts?? Your not even on the ballot and its two days until election day..." Archie said with a concerned tone

"That's why I told you to call him and set up a meeting for tomorrow and tell him I need to have a few words with him in private and that his life isn't in danger..." he turned and pulled another paper from the cabinet and set it down on the table and tapped on it a few times

"This is the paper stating that Mr. Poulter will be dropping out of the race DUE to medical reasons and that "me" Luis Patangeli, will take his place as temporary Union Boss until he is "Medically Cleared" to return to work.." 

"I don't know Luis.. there seems to be too many lose ends.. what if Poulter doesn't sign that paper? Archie questioned and let out a sigh

"Don't worry about that... I'll make him an offer he can't refuse.." Luis smiled with a malicious grin as he shooed Archie away to go and call Mr. Poulter... Archie sighed and tipped his hat to Luis and left...

The following day

It started storming something fierce overnight and into the late morning. Luis was standing there, looking out his apartment window at the rain falling and hitting the streets. Locals were hiding under umbrellas trying to keep dry as car drove by and splashed water up unto the sidewalks.. Luis laughed and though to himself..idiots... The phone started ringing and Luis turned and moved to pick up the phone.. taking it off the hook gently and pressing it to his ear...

"Good morning, this is Luis speaking..." he stood there and listened for a few minutes, nodding his head and smiling before replying to the person on the other line

"Good good, I'm glad he came around. Tell him I will be there at 2 O'clock sharp..." he hung up the phone and moved to the window and opened it to call down to Joe

"Get the car ready.. we got a meeting with Mr. Poulter in about 2 hours.." Luis barked at Joe who looked up at him and nodded and then started barking orders of his own at the guys on the street. Luis shut the window and proceeded to start getting ready

About an hour went by before Luis stepped out of his apartment and made his way to his cadillac and climbed in the back. Joe proceeded to hop in the driver seat and the two were on their way. Joe had an extra car of bodyguards come along, among them were Vito and Mike, the other two were fresh recruits. It was about a twenty minute drive to the other side of South Philly where Mr. Poulters Labor Union building resided. The crew turned onto the block and pulled up and barked close to the front of the building on the street.. as they all got out a few men who were sitting on the steps stood up and went to reach in their pockets.. a figure stepped forward out of the building and motioned for them to put their guns down.. it was George..

"Luis.. good to see you my friend.." George said as he walked down the steps and smiled, embracing Luis with a friendly hug and taking him around the shoulder as they turned to walk inside the building

"How is our good friend Mr. Mezzo?"

"He is doing well, George.. He has sort of assumed the role of head of the family as Tara is sort of retired and traveling the world..." Luis said with a smile on his face, holding a briefcase at his side..

"Yes I heard! I'm so happy for her! Not many people live to retire in this life of ours.."

George replied with a monotone as they reached the building and entered. His office was on the second floor and it wasn't long before they entered... Archie was already sitting down in the office and one of George's bodyguards was present holding a shotgun.

"Please come in and sit down... Make yourself at home Luis.." George said as he sat in his seat and motioned for Luis to sit across from him. Joe entered behind and Luis and took note of the guard in the room. Luis sat down and smiled at George who sat across from him.

"So.. Archie tells me you want to talk about our problems.. so.. talk." he said ending the friendly sharade

"Yes.. I came down here because I have the utmost respect for you and because you, me, and Louis we are all friends.." Luis said as he cracked open the briefcase and pulled out a document

"But you see, you went behind our back.. so far as to try and employ the Delmonte's which I see a few of their boys here today.." Luis said with a grin as he looked at the guard in the corner who was an associate of Jack's

"A man's got to do what a man's got to do. You know how business is. Jack offered me a better cut and the way I see it, he's the better man for the job then Mr. Mezzo." George said leaning forward raising his voice

 "And quite frankly you guys are finished once I tell the feds what your smuggling through that station! And that my parcels have been going missing that run through there.. oh them boys is gonna be sniffing around that place like hound dogs and you all will get locked up!

Luis smiled and put the paper down on the table and tapped on it before pushing it towards George..

"Read what the paper says George... I've got some of your boys claiming they are going to take you to the Labor Board and claim you have been skimming their paychecks and stuffing your pockets!" Luis said leaning forward as George lifted the paper off the desk and his eyes widened and he slammed it down on the desk

"This is god dam blackmail! You fucking guineas are the ones who made me do this! It doesn't go in my pockets it goes in YOURS!" George said said enraged he turned and looked at his bodyguard and gave him the nod to shoot and before he could raise the gun Joe had already pulled his 9mm from his waistband and shot him dead.

The sound of gunfire could be heard echoing through the building.. it stopped and Luis' men armed with tommy guns appeared through the door and George fell back in his seat thinking he was a dead man....

"Jack is dead George... the rest of his men are now dead as well.. see you have no choice but to fall in line to our demands.." Luis took another document out and set it on the table and tapped on it and slid it across the desk

"That's the document that you are going to sign.. which is an official statement that declares you pulling out of the local re election..."

George picked up the document and looked it over and shook his head and put it back down on the table..

"Where do you expect me to go? This is the only place I know.. This Labor Union is all I have and your just going to steal it away from me? No fuck you.." he went to pull a gun from the table and Joe shot him in the shoulder and George fell back into his seat and shrieked out in pain. Luis stood up and smiled, lighting a cigarette and walking to the other side of the table and patting George on the face

"I don't care where you go.. George.. go to Florida and sit on a beach.. Or California I hear they got beaches there.. but if you dont.." Luis took Georges head and slammed it against the desk, leaving some blood behind as his head split open...

"Your brains instead of your signature are going to be on that fucking desk over there.. so what's it gonna be George.. signature or brain fragments??" Luis said as he stuck Georges head on the table and pulled a gun from his side and cocked it against his head... George started crying and muttered some words...

"Signature....." he said as he spat a little blood up as Luis flung him back and smiled.. handing him a pen and moving his chair closed to the table... George slowly signed the paper as he coughed up blood and started losing consciousness... Luis smirked as George finished and fell over out of the chair and Archie swiftly moved around to help him...

"Jesus fucking christ Luis.. you're a madman!" Archie picked up the phone and called an ambulance as Luis picked up the documents and stuck them in the briefcase and turned and looked at Archie

"He's a dead man already.. leave him and lets get out of here.." Luis said as he motioned for Archie to come.. he finished the call and scurried out with Luis.. not wanting to be here when the police arrived and found the pile of bodies..

The two associates who were along for the ride were seen dead downstairs along with everyone else.. they would be used as pawns in the scheme of things.. the press would write about two disgruntled worker who shot up the building and killed thugs who were oppressing them, along with George... The crew continued out the building and heard sirens wailing in the distance and seemingly getting closer as they hopped in the cars and hightailed it from the scene and back to L.P Check Cashing....

It was early morning the next day..

Luis was just waking up and rolling over in bed to sit up and look out the window. He smiled as the sun shined through the window, beaming him in the face.. the sound of birds and people passing by outside was evident, the world was in full motion but Luis was barely going through the motions.. he stood up and made his way to the kitchen to start up a pot of coffee before he moved to the front window and called out to Joe to bring up today's newspaper... A few minutes later Joe appeared through his front door and set the newspaper down on the table in front of Luis and moved to get him a cup of coffee per his request...

Luis picked up the newspaper and leaned back as he folded it open to the front page news and grinned as he looked it over and showed Joe as he came over with his cup of coffee... they both laughed as they read the first article that said " Union Boss George Poulter Clinging To His Life!"... the article mentioned a few details of what transpired the day before.. or atleast what they could get out of George.. he was being non co-operative in fear of his life so the police had nothing on Luis... it also stated he was stepping down as Union Boss leaving a huge vacancy in the local parliament for all the local Unions of South Philly... George was the boss of bosses and Luis intended to step into that role...

He folded the paper down and stood up and ordered Joe to get his car ready... He took a few sips of his coffee before proceeding to put his finest suit on after freshening up and making his way out the door to the street where Joe had pulled up his black cadillac. He hopped in the car along with Joe and ordered him to make his way down to city hall where he was going to address as many local citizens as he could... The drive was a short one before they pulled up and Luis stepped out of the vehicle and took a gander around.. he ordered his security to set up a perimeter around him as he found the highest point in the square and began speaking

"Citizens of South Philadelphia! Please gather around! I have important information that pertains to all of you!" Luis said shouting in the deepest voice he could make.. a small crowd started forming as close as his security detail would allow and he continued on

"You all may know who I am! Some of you may not.. but one thing that you should all know is that I STAND WITH YOU!" the crowd began to mutter and grow in size as Luis talked on..

"Together.. we shall rebuild the great Labor Union of South Philly, together we will bring change to the Dockyards and make it a safe working environment for all who choose to work there! And a most profitable one at that!" the crowd began clapping and letting off a few cheers now gaining to a proportional size

"Let me set the record straight here today that I LUIS PATANGELI, will work to provide you, the citizens of South Philly, with a stable working environment that is equally profitable and one that you deserve! Vote me in as your next Union Boss and you will not be disappointed in the results!" 

Luis finished as the crowd was in an uproar and chanting his name LUIS LUIS LUIS! He couldn't help but smile as his entire plan was falling into place... he motioned for Joe and the security team to clear his way to the car as he climbed and and waved to everyone as they made their exit.. he ordered Joe to go straight down to Mr. Mezzo's office right away.. it was time to let Louis know about his success.. although it was all over the news...

Luis pulled up in front of the railroad station and noticed Archie's car was already present. He sighed, wondering what shit Archie was spewing to Louis inside. He took another drag off his cigarette and stepped out of the car and slammed the door. Joe stepped out and followed behind his boss as they walked toward the train platform. Luis stopped and finished his cigarette and stomped it out on the platform before making his way inside and to his boss' office, as he reached the door.. it was already cracked open and he stepped inside to find Archie and his boss, Louis, in discussion. The two paused and glanced at Luis as he entered and hung up his coat on the rack and sat down.. he glanced around at the two before saying..

"So.. I'm not exactly sure what you have read about in the papers.. or seen on the T.V.. or what maybe Archie over here has filled you in on..." Luis gently grips Archie on the shoulder and grins

"But the job is done boss... Unfortunately Jack Delmonte was killed in all of this.. he even gave me information that Poulter was going to go straight to the feds about our whole operation..." Luis, releasing his grip from Archie's shoulder and leaning forward..

"I took care of everything.. There's going to be no heat from the feds.. Poulter signed a document stepping down as Union Boss.. I've also got the document showing he was skimming off his worker's paychecks.. you were right boss he was lining his pockets any way he could..." Luis pulled out the document and set it down on the desk and tapped on it and pushed it to Luis

"Also, I figured you wouldn't want to get your name involved in all of this and seeing as we need a representative we can trust on that side of things, I took it upon myself to place my name in the ballot for Union Boss.. the other local union leaders will vote on it tomorrow after their meeting.. but I think I will win.. most of the other Union Leaders know about us and wouldn't dare to challenge us after this whole fiasco..." Luis smiled and leaned back and waited for his boss to reply...

Louis looked up from the latest timetable revisions when Archie knocked on the door frame.

“Done Louis.  You should have no problems, I’m not going to say I agree with the methods he used…”

“Come sit down Archie, what’s up?”

Louis pushed the chair opposite him out a bit, to have him sit down.  Archie approached the desk an Louis put the timetables down.

“You know Archie, I’m sick of dealing with timetables.  Why the fuck it has anything to do with me is beyond me really.  Why can’t that idiot Alcott deal with them?  Anyway, what was the problem?”

“His guys got a Delmonte, George is half dead in the hospital and…”

Louis held his hand up to stop Archie.

“Look Archie, the brief was come hell or high water, this issue was to be solved.  I’ve read the paper.  I don’t think anyone is going to talk, do you?  I mean…you guys apart…who really knows what went on?”

A movement over Archie’s shoulder caused Louis to glance up, Luis approached them both and sat down.  Listening to Luis, even though he was hardly old, he sometimes didn’t always keep totally up to date.  Louis laughed.

“You young guys and your technology…see Archie, he comes in here with talk about television.  You ever hear of it?  These young guys go on about it but where’s the future in that?  It’s not like you can watch a movie on it or anything.  I predict it’s going nowhere.”

He sat back a little.

“Archie, thanks for your help in this.  It’s good to know we can count on your support when things need done. Luis and I have some business to discuss.  I’ll catch up with you later?”

Louis stood up and Archie did likewise.  They shook hands and as Archie left, Louis grabbed a couple of whiskies.  Putting one in front of Luis, he raised his glass.

“Here’s to you Luis, union boss extraordinaire!”

Louis sat down again and nodded towards the departed Archie.

“Like the guy, but he’s one to be wary of.  You might end up with another union if he doesn’t keep his mouth shut.”

Louis raised his glass again.

“To the Labor Union!”