After spending the rest of the day at his apartment with Fleur, recovering from being shot Kenny finally was feeling himself again. Kenny could never thank Fleur enough for what she did for him, being only a seamstress she handled the stitching up part very well. She changed his bandage more times because of course he would fail to follow her instructions so the poor woman had to do everything again but Kenny probably fucked up the bandage on purpose just to see her taking care of him, seeing someone caring for him like that warmed his heart.

They stayed up until late so Kenny woke up around 11 AM. Fleur was still sleeping, the lazy bastard. But Kenny didn't wanted to wake her up, he had business to be done and she was there for leisure, not work. So he allowed her to sleep as long as she wanted. Before leaving the apartment, he left her a note by the side of the bed. He struggled to write since he is right handed and he was shot on his right shoulder, so not so much movement on that arm. The letter said that he would be back soon, he had to have a talk with Stefano.

Kenny left his apartment and knocked on Vice's door, they lived in the same building and Vice promised to give Kenny a ride back to HQ, they walked to the garage of the hotel, they got into Vice's and he drove to the Russo HQ. Upon arriving Kenny noticed Stefano_Lucchese car parked outside on the garage, the man was already there. Kenny thanked Vice as he parked his car near to Stefano's and he walked in, looking for him. He found Stefano and his boys having some drinks at the bar and joined them.

"Hey, brother." Said Kenny, extending his left hand to the men, he greeted them and had a seat. The men were drinking some whiskey and Kenny grabbed the bottle that they were drinking of and took a sip out of it, looking at them. "So, any news? Talked with your pals from New York? I still have to talk with Vincent but I'm sure he will help out. Maybe I'll find him on the HQ today - but no work for me though, still very sore on this fucking arm."

Stefano had a few drinks he was in a great mood.  He had more details on the size of the operations that Peter and Paul had set up and there location.   He also had a offer for Kenny if Kenny played his cards right it would be a bright day for everyone in Detroit.  

"Kenny you might want another swig of that juice there.  The cash that they are spending is real, them boys have a shit ton to spread around.  They are buying old distilleries and warehouses to include trucks.  They have heroin to deal distribute in place of cash to anyone willing to back them against you.  They were hiring any body willing to put a bullet in you Russo's.  They got fifty buttons ready to rain down on you.  Now that's, was the bad news.  The good news on that front none of them are professionals.  They are mostly backwoods boys and shop keepers looking to earn to feed their families.  New York has turned that well off, so has New Jersey and Philly thanks to the fact that Palermo is behind us and we need Palermo.  We will soon have that heroin deal and dealing directly with the five families.  They want every ounce they can get.  I hear there's a lot of money to be had in that white powder. "  

"Now the two idiots Peter and Paul came over with fifteen or sixteen men and yesterday I and my guys took out five plus the guys that you got and what not that should leave them with about six or seven real soldiers.   We need to get whatever information we can get.  We have to go down to this building on the east side of Detroit.  They are in this building that sits on the corner of Gratiot and Harper  they say we can't miss it.  The mail that the two idiots get from the old country to New York gets forwarded to this address weekly.  No one knows why they just didn't do an change of address.  Bad for them and good for us.  These two were never bright but they always followed orders to the letter.  So whatever they were told to do they well do it the scare part is they will not change up tactics however they are vicious killers." 

"I say we send four or five men down there to sit on them.  They set up on each corner and bring us as much detail as possible.  I'm talking cars make and models to include colors.  How they travel , the size they travel in and where they go.  When they go and  when they return.  I want to know who many men outside and go inside the building around the clock  to they work in shifts.  I want to know where they eat at and what they eat and when they took their last shit." 

"We can pick some off daily and watch the rest run scared. That's my thought rushing in when we should tread lightly.  I would like to know what we are walking into but its your call.  The info is solid.  Now New York is willing to send a few hitters.  They handle work for the commission and they want this problem to go away quietly however it will cost you.   They want a shipment of 500 cases of Canadian Whiskey a month.  The first shipment is the cost after that you will get $30 dollars a case.  We do this right and you my friend will have a seat at the table.  Yeah the commission Detroit will be a formal member with say in every thing that happens here.  The old Mustache Pete are out effective today.  That's why we are drinking.  This is your time my friend you can seize the moment or let it pass.  Your call Kenny; your call."

Stefano opened another bottle as he waited for Kenny to speak.  He laid a lot down and Kenny needed to think things out he was not just looking at cleaning house and protecting what was his.  He was looking at sitting on the commission where everything gets resolved one way or another.  New York was sending members of their hit squad down.  Murder incorporated was coming to help clean this old vendetta up. If he does things right Detroit gets a seat and a pin on the map.  Kenny gets to call shots from coast to coast and socialize with Charlie, Myers, Bonanno, Profaci, Mangano and Gagliano.  Even Capone would have to show some respect.    

Kenny just sat back on his chair, listening to all Stefano had to say, and he had a lot. Kenny payed full attention, nodding occasionally to let Stefano know that he is following. He grabs a cigarette with his left hand then drives it to his lips, then he reaches for his pockets, still with the good arm he has and grabs a lighter. He lit his cigarette and continues to listen to Stefano.

"It's truly worrying my friend. I don't think they could be so bold to try and pull this off but we need to shut they're operation down quickly. And about the good news.. I'm listening, go ahead." Kenny nodded and allowed Stefano to continue speaking, still very focused on everything. Stefano was solid as fuck and Kenny already trusted him completely. The good news indeed seem good. Kenny takes a drag out of his cigarette. The information that they aren't truly soldiers set Kenny mind at ease a bit, his men are well trained so that shouldn't waging war against them wouldn't be a problem. What Kenny is worried is the losses he will have, there is no other way around - Kenny knows he will lose some good people. He already lost four good men in that Clemente ambush, including his long-time bodyguard Jimmy. After Stefano finishes talking, Kenny gets ready to talk.

"Look, Stefano." Kenny moves himself on his chair, trying to get comfortable. "I trust you completely. We may only know each other for some days but you're a Lucchese. My resources and my men are at your disposal, you can do whatever you want with them. About that New York thing - I want you to handle it. Say that I am up for it." Kenny signals his man Arthur and tells him to go find Vincent-Valentine and he goes to do what he was told.

"I want you to meet one of my guys, the man is new in the crew but he is solid and has a lot of connections, his name is Vincent."

Arthur arrived with Vincent and Kenny told him to have a seat and some drinks. Stefano poured him some whiskey and Kenny took a sip of his glass.

"So, I'll assign a task to both of you." Kenny takes a drag out of his cigarette and looks over at Stefano. "For now, Stefano. You'll work on building us a good relationship with your New York buddies. That seems like a great idea, and a friend of yours is a friend of mine. Arrange a meeting." Kenny turned his look over to Vincent, now addressing him.

"You, Vincent. I need you to try and find where these fuckers are hiding and organize a hit on them. Talk to the crew members, rally our troops. You will be my captain on this hit."

Stefano looked at Kenny and then looked at Vincent.  

Vincent hold on there my Friend I think Kenny is in a lot of pain.  I'll fill you in on what's what and then you can form your plan.  Kenny I'll call New York and tell them your in but you don't need the assistance from Albert and his guys.  

Stefano tells Vincent where the men are held up and what he is looking at.  He also tells Vincent that New York doesn't want a lot of noise they want this to go away without backlash so plan it carefully the main target is Peter and Paul their cash and drugs if possible is a bonus.   They have five or six real killers not including the two brothers.   The other men will more than likely scatter when shot at.   Vincent seem to understand the sensitivity of the problem.  Stefano then explained that if done right Kenny could get the city a seat at the table with the  Commission and a seat at the table means power for the city.  

Stefano then looked at Kenny's men and told them to watch him and go down the street and get a doctor to look him over.  Stefano was worried that Kenny may have taken a pain pill and with him drink it could cause a few problems.  Stefano then walked over to Rob and Ray and told them to get a few more boys that they knew could handle themselves in a tight spot and wanted the life.  Guys from the old neighborhood that they grew up with.  The Barone brothers looked each other then smiled and went to the phone booth down the street.  They already had the names of seven more guys.  

Stefano looked at the bottle Kenny was sipping on and poured a bit in his hand and smelled it.  It smelled like whiskey and he had a bit himself but he wanted to be sure.  He looked at the men in the club and they all had concerns.  Stefano was new to them and Kenny was their boss and now Stefano was working for Kenny.  Rubbing his chin he then told the guys to relax he wasn't giving any orders everything will come down the pipe as it always has.  Kenny calls the shots they just needed to keep sober and a sharp eye out.  The boss needed them all now more than ever.  

Vincent wasn't wasting time he had the address and he knew what needed to be done.  The moment Ray and Rob returned Stefano would drive back to the drug store and call New York and tell Albert not to send the squad.  He would then tell Charlie that the booze was going to be shipped in a week or two with a steady shipment.  Kenny was going to show his stripes and clean this mess up with his own men.    He looked at Kenny hoping that this would go off without a hitch.  If it falls apart Charlie would have no other choice then to remove Stefano.   Death wasn't a thing he liked to think about but he knew the risk the day he joined the five points as a kid.  Johnny Torrio once lead the gang told him a wise man knows when to get in and when to get out.  Stefano knew when to get in but wasn't sure about the exit strategy.   

"Mmm. Sorry Stefano, I wanted to keep working on the case but obviously I can't because of this damned shoulder." He looked over his injured arm and let out a sigh. He hates to be dead weight, a good for nothing, but it happens. He judges that is best for him to get some rest, recover  then he can get back on working. He ordered Arthur to bring his men together for him to have a word. While the Arthur went to fetch the boys, Kenny this time listened to Stefano explaining everything to Vincent and the men who were already at the bar. He struggled to stay awake since he wasn't supposed to be out of bed. Arthur finally arrived with some more of Kenny's crew members, he slowly got up from his chair to address his men.

"This man here." Kenny tilted his head over Stefano. "He is a Lucchese. His family is very tight with mine back in Sicily, you boys can trust him. Since Gaetano is out of town and I am.. ermm" He showed his shoulder to the men. "So, Stefano will be charge until I recover, alright?" The men nodded in agreement. They knew better than challenge their Don and they knew that this Clemente problem had to be led by someone who was familiar with them. Kenny slowly walked towards Stefano, placed his hand on his shoulder and said. "Don't fail me, brother." Kenny nodded, respectfully. He signaled Vice to help him walk towards the garage and onto the car.

(...)

Kenny arrives at the hotel and orders Vice to go back to the HQ to help Stefano out if he needs it, Vice nods then drives back to the HQ. Kenny walks in the hotel, trying to pretend he isn't injured so people won't bother him asking what happened since Kenny knew almost everyone in that building. He waved at some with his good arm, nodded then went to the stairs. Kenny finally arrived at his apartment and entered, closing the door behind him, he looked over the couch and noticed that Fleur was already awake. He slowly walked towards her, feeling a bit dizzy, maybe mixing the pain pills with whiskey wasn't a good idea after all. He sat next to her and laid his head on her shoulder, breathing heavily.

"I shouldn't have got out of bed today.." He said, still laying his head on her shoulder. Kenny is very worried about the Clemente situation in America. They've grown bold, attacking and ambushing Kenny and his crew on their own turf, he wonders what their next move will be. Kenny just hopes Stefano can deal with this while he is back home, recovering from his wound. He tilts his head, looking up at Fleur. "I hate to admit that but we may need some help."

Stefano nodded to his new boss and then looked at the men around him he knew that they were going to build a strong bond and family or die trying.  He helped Kenny up as Vice took him towards his car.  Vincent was out the door and went to collect as much info as he could.  The men still in the club gathered around Stefano and introduced themselves.  Then Stefano told them about himself.  Time passed and Stefano told the men they travel in groups of three or fours when they go to collect.  Then he told them that Kenny needed to be protected and to keep their ears to the ground and their eyes open.  

He wanted extra security around Kenny twenty four seven days a week.  That the clubs and the gambling houses needed more security also.  He wanted the local cops patrolling the neighborhoods and picking up anyone that's doesn't belong or from that area he wanted names and addresses.  He told the men that this fight was going to be a long one however if done right Detroit will be recognized as a family on the commission.  He then told them to tool up at all times they were going to the mattresses.  He would provide them with a list of spots and have them stocked with food.  Cash on hand and no contact with there wives or gooma's they should leave them with enough money for a month or two.  Everything else would be funded by the boss.  

They all agreed and then Stefano started planning shifts to watch Kenny and his RHM and Rain.  They even agreed to change up collection dates and routes.  They made points of collection spots and distribution times and locations.  Only the leadership would know.  Once Vincent had all the who, what, when, and how's they would go on the offensive and end this vendetta.  They also understood that it was paramount that it be done quickly and as quietly as possible.  The Commission was watching and they didn't want a ripple to come back on them.  Planning and speed was the key.  The men liked what was said and how it was said.     

Three days passed by and Kenny finally was feeling better. He was still had some pain and couldn't move his arm like he used to, but he was going crazy by being stuck in his apartment, even if he had good company. He deemed that three days was enough and he was ready to get back in the streets. He left his apartment in the morning, went to the garage, grabbed his car and drove it over to his HQ where he planned to meet Stefano_Lucchese. He parked on the garage and didn't saw Stefano's, what made Kenny a bit worried. He left the car and walked over to the lounge of his HQ where he met some of his boys.

"Hey, Stefano's around?" He asked one of the new boys, the lad nodded and said that Stefano was getting some shut-eye in his office. Kenny thanked him then walked towards his office to meet with Stefano.

The man slowly opened the door and peeked inside, Stefano was there, seated on Kenny's couch sleeping with his mouth open, snoring. Kenny entered the office, laughing. For Stefano to be snoring like that, the man should be pretty tired. Kenny walked towards his desk and grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the drawer, he slowly opened it up because of his fucked up right arm then took a long sip out of it. He walked over to Stefano with the bottle in hand and said, loudly.

"Yo, lazy bastard!" He laughed as Stefano opened his eyes. He took a sip from the bottle of whiskey and placed it on the nightstand next to the couch. "You must be really tired my friend. Let's grab a cup of coffee in the kitchen and you can tell me what you found out." Kenny extended his hand over to Stefano and he grabbed it. He helped him up and they walked together to the kitchen.

Stefano walked with Kenny to the Kitchen he was extremely tired.  He had been up making collections and checking on the men ensuring they had everything they needed and were traveling in groups.  He and Kenny stood in the kitchen Stefano looked around and started making himself a ham and cheese sandwich.   Taking a big bite and chewing his food slowly as he was still trying to wake up.  Then he exhaled and shook his head.  

"Did you drive yourself here?  Dam I told Vice to sit in your car that way you don't put yourself at risk.   Anyway Boss hears the skinny.  The men I have stashed all over the city in about ten different homes so they can make the collections and do a few drop offs.  I have them travelling in groups of threes and fours and they are all armed no need for chances.  The cops are on patrol to pick up anyone that doesn't look like they belong.  So your businesses are still operating just with a little less visibility.  No Vice was suppose to pick you up and drive you everywhere but with two other guys.  I have set up protect for you and your cousin.  Rain on the other hand she's a tough nut to crack but after begging and pleading she caved and took the extra security.  So do me a favor stop driving yourself around."

"You didn't see out front but we hired some local thugs to watch this place and your apartment.  Anyone driving around or looks like they are watching your place they will deal with.  Also stop driving yourself around this city please until this shit is over with.  I hate repeating this but if you go we sink with you."  

Kenny nodded and smirked then took a sip of his hot coffee, he knew that Stefano just wanted to keep him safe.  He just love going where he wanted to go.  But he was a boss now and those days of doing what he wanted alone has to come to a stop.  He did need to travel with security he had so many people counting on him for direction.  What was the point of making it big if some punk and sneak up on ya and remove you from your throne.    

"I made the call Albert will keep his men on standby and say's if you change your mind they can be on the next train smoking and be here in 48 hours.  I spoke with Vincent too.  He did a great job verifying that the address checks out and the guys that they recently recruited you can scare off easy.  Vincent thinks we send the cop's there and rustle the rookies up haul them down town.  I agree less risk for us and the nose will die down quickly and this issue goes away and the commission will be happy and the seat that they have open will be a Detroit seat now.  We go the quite and safe route and then we hit Peter and Paul and there six guys that do know the score in full force.  We can get any info you want and as a bonus Vincent found out that they keep the cash and the drugs in the building.  So we can pay for this extra expense bullets, and mattresses and the houses are a large overhead.  You just say the word on when."  

Then Stefano finished eating his sandwich as Kenny thought it over.   

Kenny grabbed himself a cup of coffee and another one for Stefano. He placed them on the dining table and pulled up a chair, seating on it. He listened to Stefano while taking some sips from his black coffee, he was tired too, sleeping with that wound was horrible - nothing like some good coffee to wake you up.

"Vice was asleep and I didn't wanted to wake him up. But don't worry I wasn't alone. I saw those thugs you placed in the hotel to protect me. It was little Eddie and his friends, right? They're good lads. They escorted me to the HQ in another car. I just wanted to drive and feel useful again."

Kenny took a small sip from his coffee while listening to Stefano_Lucchese. The man's been busy, he was glad that he was doing awesome work.

"Hey man thanks for taking care of the boys. You're a solid dude. No don't worry, what matters is that the operation is still running and we are making profit. And yes.. Haha!" Kenny laughs a bit when he listens to Stefano complaining about Rain. "Rain is a strong woman she doesn't need any men protecting her but you are right to annoy her into getting some protection. I would never forgive myself if the Clementes do something to her. Thanks my friend."

Kenny got up from his chair and walked over to the kitchen sink where there was an ashtray there, he grabbed it and returned to the table. He slipped one cigarette out of a pack and lighted it. He placed the pack in front of Stefano in case he wants a smoke. He took a sip from his coffee then a long drag out of his cigarette. He smiled at the feeling, he loves the mix of tobacco and caffeine. Stefano continues speaking and Kenny nods.

"Yeah brother send the cops to put some fear into them, we can't take any risks dealing with associates and thugs. And where Peter and Paul are hiding? We could hit them right away but I think that we need to thin the herd." Kenny leans back on his chair and reaches for his pockets, he grabs a small letter and slides it closer to Stefano.

"One of my boys Narly was M.I.A. for a month and he showed up in my apartment today with this info. Seems like the Clementes are building a small Cocaine operation in South Side, Chicago. We can't let that happen since The Don, Carlo Gambino set up his operation there. I was thinking that we could round up some of our boys and torch it, they are running it on a warehouse. Peter and Paul won't be there for sure since they are running their operation in Detroit but I thought we could get rid of the threat in Chicago before it gets worse. Then after we are finish we can start organizing the final hit on Peter and Paul. What do you think?"

Stefano looked at the letter and then at Kenny as Kenny explained that that the Clementes started an operation on the south side of Chicago.  That's the first place Kenny wanted to strike.  To help his pal Carlo Gambino Kenny wanted to go there with Stefano Lucchese.  Stefano wasn't sure about that they were going to help Carlo Gambino who Stefano did like but this would create more noise then the commission would be expecting. Kenny was the boss so Stefano had to think of the best way to approach this.  Chicago was a mob city it had many different crews and gangsters The Irish gangs where not something to over think or underestimate.  For the right price they could be bought.  The Clementes had money to burn which made it a risk. 

Stefano took a cigarette from Kenny's pack the lit it and then slowly exhaled as he pulled out a flask and poured some whiskey into his coffee and offered Kenny the flask.  He then looked into the coffee and saw a lot of risk and took a puff from the cigarette then he exhaled again then took a drink of his coffee whiskey mix.  He leaned his head back and closed his eyes then he spoke.

"This trip to Chicago will be risky but doable.  We will have to strike and get out of town that same night.  The Commission will be upset but we can explain the situation to them and if you provide them with some of that white powder they will look the other way.  Then we have to strike here fast, the two brothers will get wind and get more seasoned men and that mean more blood shed on both sides.  The next step is to form a plan.  Carlo may have one he has always been a smart guy.  The issue is getting you out of town to pull this off without scaring the two twins.  I know you want in on that also but we have to get someone that looks like you to sit around here to keep the two boys confused should they here about the Chicago event before we get back."

Stefano opened his eyes and then smiled shaking his head.  He realized that Kenny like killing but he hated to admit it just as Stefano did.  He finished his coffee and cigarette.  He saw that the letter had an address and that they had good security .  He shook his head and then in a quick second said.  

"This warehouse instead of blasting our way in what if we just lock the place down and set the building on fire.  We miss out on the cash and drugs but its clean and safe.  Yeah no musk or fuss!  The guys come back safe Carlo owes you because you kept the civilian by standers out of harms way.  It looks normal no one the wiser and you can then tell Carlo he owes you one."

Stefano was hoping that Kenny would agree but that was just a dream.  Kenny was old school he wanted to taste there blood this was a vendetta and blood was the cure.