Stefano Lucchese was born on May 30, 1900 to Gina Capporelli and Antonio Lucchese.  The surname "Lucchese" originated from the Sicilian city of Lucca Sicula.   His father was very ambitious and persistent in eventually moving to America.  His father was too proud to ask for money so instead his grand mother give her son Antonio the money.  She wanted him to have a better life then what his father and brothers had working for the local men of honor.   In April 1906, when Stefano was five years old, the family emigrated to the United States.  They settled in Manhattan's Italian neighborhood of East Harlem.  Antonio worked as a cement paver by day and ran a food store at night for his cousin Paul Magaddino that was also in America 

It was in the streets that Stefano got his real American education.  He was a quick study.  He was recruited by his pal a older kid named Salvatore Lucania aka Charlie to join the Five Points Gang based in the Sixth Ward.  The name "Five Points" was derived from the five-pointed intersection bound by Centre Street to the west, the Bowery to the east, Canal Street to the north, and Park Row to the south; from this intersection Anthony Street began and ran in a northwest direction, dividing one of the four corners into two triangular blocks; thus the fifth "point."  They were a neighborhood gang in Lower Manhattan, Stefano was 12 years of age and Charlie was 15. They were mentored by Johnny Torrio.  However Stefano had many mentors growing up.  

Stefano met Charlie at the age of seven on the way to school when Charlie age ten wanted Stefano’s lunch money.  Lucchese not willing to surrender a penny told Charlie to go screw himself.  Charlie popped the Stefano a few times in the gut and on the arms and then asked him again.  Lucchese told him to go jump off a bridge he wasn't getting a penny.  Charlie then slapped the boy a in the face and that's when Lucchese kicked Charlie where it counts and as Charlie doubled over Lucchese slapped him a twice in the face and ran to school.  Later on that same day Charlie saw the young Lucchese in the hallway and chased him down to the end and around a corner and was shocked to see that Lucchese stopped running and stood there cool as a cucumber leaning against the hallway wall.  Smiling Charlie walked up with his fist balled and Lucchese smiling back pulled the fire alarm.  The noise attracted attention because teacher came out to see what was going on.  Lucchese fell to the ground holding his stomach and yelling help and the teachers looked at Charlie.  They help Stefano up and asked him did Charlie punch him as they saw a few bruises on him.  That's when they became friends.  Stefano pointed to Charlie and told them that Charlie was his cousin and fought them off and that one of the boys pulled the alarm and ran off with the rest of them.  Stuck between a rock and a hard place Charlie agreed and offered to walk Stefano to class.  Charlie whispered as they walked with a teacher to the principal's office that it wasn’t over and Lucchese whispered back you damn right it ain’t which again surprised Charlie. 

The next day Lucchese was waiting on Charlie and Charlie gave a grin that told everyone the Stefano was going to get his butt kicked all the way to School and as Charlie moved quickly toward him Stefano waved his first finger in a notty boy motion and told Charlie that yesterday was a sample of how he simple it was to get Charlie back.  He told Charlie that he needed to pay him a dimel a week  or Charlie would find himself in deep shit at school and home.  He told Charlie that he followed him home a week ago and that he met Charlie’s parents and that they would spank him good if they knew what he was doing at school.  Charlie stood there biting his bottom lip and told Lucchese to go screw himself.  From that day on they were the best of friends. 

Meeting Mr. Torrio

Charlie had joined the Five Points Gang and wanted Stefano to join under him.  Stefano wasn’t sure because his father ran from Sicily because his family were members of the honored society and he didn’t want that life nor did he want it for his children.  Stefano loved his father and respected him.   Stefano's dad could do no wrong.  He saw how his dad loved his mom and him and his brothers and sister.  His dad worked two jobs to keep food on the table and clothes on their backs.  His mother worked as a seamstress and a cook.  She made a pretty penny too.  Stefano was the oldest boy but the second child.  His sister Rita was two years older and let him know it daily.  Stefano also like the fast money and he was already earning a lot with Charlie and the guys.  

One day as Stefano and Rita walked home from school Stefano saw a boy pulling his sister's hair.  Then the boy touched his sister rearend and she jumped looking around at all the people that saw.  She started to cry but fought the urge.   Charlie was nowhere to be seen and stefano was now 12 years of age.  Rita had a crush on a kid named Frank Costello but the boy pulling her hair was Joseph Magliocco who had a crush on her.

Stefano looked around and then he was it, a stick that was five feet long and about three inches thick.  He pick the stick up and walked up behind the older kid and swung for the fences.  It was a home run as the kid fell to the ground.  Stefano wasn’t finished he took his belt off in one swift tug and started spanking the older kid.  This was sending a messages that no one was to touch his sister.  No one touches a Lucchese.  The kids in the neighborhood were horrified at the site.  Stefano spanked the boy until you could see welt marks on Joseph.  The belt flung and whizzed through the air loudly.  The other kids that watched the savage beating were yelling stop so loud that parents came out of their homes to stop it but by then it was to late.  Rita called out to Stefano and as he turned to see her, she was crying and that’s when he stopped.   Stefano told Joseph that if he ever touched his sister again he would kill him.  The parents that came out recognized Stefano and knew this kid was different.  He was a grown man for such a young kid he was going to be trouble so they merely took their children inside. 

Charlie was in a car with Johnny Torrio and witnessed the event.  Then they saw something amazing.  Stefano helped the kid up and dusted off the kids clothes.  The two kids shook hands and Stefano told him that they now have an understanding and Stefano can respect a kid that could take a beating like that without crying out.  Joseph replied that he got those weekly at home.  Stefano walked over to his sister and told her to wipe her eyes and that no one will ever touch her like that again.   The parents went into their homes and the kids went about their way.   Joseph knew that if he touched Stefano that it would not end there.  Stefano had friends, lots of friends that would cause him more trouble then just taking the beating.  Stefano didn’t want bad blood so he told Joseph that if he would ensure that no one touched his sister in class then he would pay Joseph a dime a week.  They shook on it as Rita asked her brother where was he going to get that kind of money.  Stefano never answered her he handed Joseph his first week of pay. 

Johnny sat in the car rubbing his chin and told Charlie he wasn’t so sure about a kid that could display that level of violence in full view of the public.  Charlie told Johnny to look at the outcome.   No one called the cops and the three of them are walking home together.  They even shook hands.  Johnny then told Charlie that Stefano would be his responsibility and that if there are any hiccups Charlie would have to answer for them.  Charlie called over to Stefano and waved him to come to the car.  Stefano walked over and they talked.  Rita keep calling and Stefano aksed Joseph to walk his sister home.  Stefano explained to Mr. Torrio what happen and how it came that Joseph was walking his sister safely home.  That’s when Johnny looked at Charlie and gave him the nod for final approval.  

The Five Points Gang

Stefano was introduced to Alphonse Capone the two were at odds from the start.  AL was a year older and wanted Stefano to act like his little brother rather than his peer.  Stefano only smirked and did what he thought was best for the gang and himself.  After about a month Mr. Torrio wanted to see how Al and Stefano would start earning money.  Paul Kelly wanted results and quickly.   Al went about the mash and dash route.  He would spot a drunk and bash him in the back of the head and take whatever was valuable.   He would steal a truck and sell the goods to other gangs.  He even provided protection to other italians.  He was earning about a $400 a week.  If the truck load was good and he could get one once a month he made about $600 a week.   He did a lot of work for Mr. Kelly as a bouncer and when he bounced someone he usually took a few dollar out of their wallets.  The girls would give him a few extra bucks for his quick reaction time in saving them or beating a dead beat that didn’t want to pay up.  He made another $200 a week in that alone. 

Stefano offered protection to anyone for a dime a week but that grew so fast that it became a quarter a week to local neighborhood kids but that was his and Charlies side business which netted them about $100 bucks a week to split.  He needed to earn more.  He was walking down the street when he saw a tall Irish kid mugging a fruit stand that belonged to a man that would often give Stefano and his family free fruits.  Stefano went after the kid and they tussled the taller kid started beating Stefano but that changed when Stefano was able to get a good solar Plexus shot that folded the irishmen in half.  Then Stefano went to work punching the kid and kicking him while he was on the ground.  He kicked the poor boy in the sternum so hard that he lost his breath and started gasping for air.  Then he took the stolen money and told the kid that if he wants to work in this neighborhood he needed to pay first.  The cost was 30% a week or a minimum of $50 bucks a week.  That Irish kid would become a pain in Stefano's and Charlies ass his name was Jack (Legs) Diamond.  

Stefano returned to fruit stand and gave the money back.  The old man was so grateful that he wanted to give Stefano a reward but Stefano refused because he had been kind to the Lucchese family.  The old man then gave Stefano free fruit to take home.  Then that’s when it hit Stefano.  Stefano would charge the people for his protection and if they didn’t pay he would let the outside thugs have reign over the non payers.  He went to the shopkeeper’s and offered them a window washing service, those that paid gave him $20 dollars a month and they got the windows washed twice a month.  Them that didn’t found a brick had tossed into their windows which costed them $75 to replace.  Which he charged the local window repair business $10 to for the added business they were getting.  Before long he was earning $5000 a month after payout to the guys that worked for him.  He added new stands and fruit stands their cost was $15 dollars a month.  Those that refuse to sign up for the Lucchese business insurance over time lost everything.  They found a brick in their windows the next morning after they replaced it.  The news stand burned to the ground and the fruit stands stollen and the fruit sold at a cut rate deal to the fruit stands that did pay.  

Then Stefano had real talented for spotting opportunities to increase profits.   As Charlie sold drugs Stefano realized that Charlie’s customers kept losing their jobs and the companies need new employees.  He made a deal with every business that need cheap general labor.   They could save a bit of cash if they hired the people that Stefano sent them.  They would pay three dollars less a week to the employee the first year and two dollars less after that however Stefano would receive 50 cents a person per week.  The business that agreed never run short of general labors.  The people that wanted the jobs agreed to give Stefano ten dollars a month for the job that came with a guarantee that if that job didn’t workout he would get them another within a week.  However they had to refrain from using narcotics.  Drinking alcohol was a harmless vice that the police and judges can turn a blind eye too.  This racket turned to about $3700 a month between the two rackets Stefano impressed Mr. Torrio and Charlie proved that he had an eye for talent.  

First Time

Stefano was 16 and still had clean hands and no record to speak of.  Charlie had been busted three time twice for gambling.  He loved the fast easy money and wasn’t scared of the consequences.   He had friends on the outside that had connections.  Frank Costello and Stefano had judges and cops and other local politicians.  Meyer Lansky had Arnold Rothstein and money.  Vito Genovese and Ben Siegel had the power of persuasion they could get people to accept deals that the normal man would refuse if a gun wasn’t present.    Charlie was never booked for drugs but was arrested 25 time for gambling, robbery, and blackmail. 

Charlie at the age of 16 had killed a Irish thug that was in a fist fight to help a friend.  That fist fight became a knife fight as the Irish thug pulled out a knife when he was fighting Charlie.  Ben and Vito had so many that by the time they turned 21 they stop counting the bodies.  Frank and Meyers never had to do that type of work but had someone to do it for them.  Stefano was clean even his two pal Ray and Rob were clean cut in that arena.   Ray and Rob helped Stefano out from time to time since they got along so well.  However things came together the wrong ways.  Charlie got pinched by the cops when he was working to deliver some lady hat’s.  The cops got a tip from a man that didn’t like Charlie.   This guy was also trying to muscle in on Stefano rackets. 

Charlie got out but needed help he was accused of selling heroin to an undercover agent and Stefano was at the hospital Ray had been beaten for collecting money from a few business owners that paid for their windows to be washed.  The guy that called on Charlie was Nicholas Morello also known as Nicolò Terranova.  He was ten years older then Stefano.  This had to be answered and the answer needed to be understood by all.  Stefano could not let this pass or others would start taking advantage and then Stefano would be out of the rackets and washed up in the life.   He started putting fillers out along with cash for some info.  He and Rob did the asking as they wanted it to be contained.  When Rob got a hit on a secret meeting it was only because Nick had the young man beaten over a woman. 

Rob heard that Nick was going to a meeting in Brooklyn to workout a deal to stop the war he was engaged in.  Stefano went to the local boss in Brooklyn and arranged a meeting with the hopes of forming a business opportunity and the date of the meeting.  So he sat with Rob and they waited for Ray to get out.  Stefano wasn’t a fan of asking for help but he knew Vito and Benjamin loved to kill.  Stefano paid Vito and Benjamin ten grand each for the help.

The five of them met in Brooklyn on September 7, 2016.  Nick was going to his prearranged meeting with his rival out in Brooklyn.  Stefano already met with the rival and made a deal.  Stefano would get to operate in Brooklyn and pay a fee of twenty percent but would be paid fifty thousand dollars to remove Nick.  Stefano took the deal and on September 7, as Nick and his bodyguard exited their car two boys walking across the street opened fire two more can from the alley behind Nick and opened fire.  Stefano run up to Nick after the shooting stopped he took out his switchblade as he knelt down next to Nick. 

Nick was hit nine times and he was still alive.  Stefano stuck him gutting him like a pig that was going to be roasted.  He then stuck a C note in Nick’s mouth and closed it then stood up and yelled help his uncle had just been murdered in broad daylight.   By the time the cop’s came no one was their except the two dead bodies.  The man that paid Stefano was later charged for the murder and Stefano never was connected.  Charlie was happy and impressed about the way it went down and looked at Stefano and whispered was this your first time.  Stefano looked at Charlie and smirked and said no he had set a lot of people up to be killed going all the way back to Charlie in grade school.   They laughed as they recalled how they became friends.  

Learning 

Stefano had spent a lot of time with talented mentors. Frank and Meyers for starters, they understood low profile and fitting in without showing off.  They understood that you can get just as much with a friendly hand as you could with steel in your hand.  They knew the balance of both forms of the business.  Vito and Albert was handy with the Steel and if Bennie was added then the fire was lite.  Charles always thought Bennie was missing a screw Bennie would do it just in case the boss might want it done.  Charlie knew Albert could control his use and he made it an art form and Vito was Vito quick to use it but if it wasn’t his call to make he would attempt to contact the leadership. 

Stefano was a cross between Frank and Albert peace first and if all attempts failed then you painted another picture one that was so pretty that they forget it was a murder scene and marvel at the technique.  Stefano loved to make money with his friends he loved that fact that if the split is fair then no one can complain.  Stefano had a way of dealing with those that thought they deserve more but when he would ask  them to explain why and how much skin they actually put in the game they always saw that yeah Stefano was fair.

Meyers taught Stefano about the gambling aspect and how you pay the winners and advertise that someone won big so people will keep coming to the table and if the games are fair you keep them at the table and at some point the house will will.   The house always wins.  After all they are winning what someone else lost and you already pulled your take from the top. 

Frank taught Stefano about the bribes.  You keep the politicians in your pocket local law is for small favors it the politicians that can change laws to help or hurt your business.  The politicians that take the blame and the politicians that keep you out of prison when the local laws come after you.  They can open or close and eye if you keep them in office and help them enjoy their vices.  

Albert taught Stefano that every detail to a hit must be planned, you study their habits and you follow them sometimes you can scare them into doing what needs to be done and sometimes you have to send them on their way.  Stefano like to say introduce them to their god.  He learned that if there is no body then there is no crime.   If it looks like an accident then there is no investigation into who would want them dead. 

Stefano learned from his parents that talent is rare and when you want to build something great you surround yourself with talented people and get them what they need to stay happy and perform their craft.  Then you exploit their strengths and develop their weaknesses.  Stefano knew that the fish stinks from the head down so if you lead you be a stand up guy.  Your a leader so the buck stops with you. 

Two P's Prohibition and Philly

It was December 5th, 1919.  Stefano was in New Jersey locking down last minute details.  He was walking out of his hotel when a man that he saw before approached him.  That man was Smiley.  It was his smile that was eerie and his eyes that gave away the details.  Stefano didn’t have time to reach for his pistol as two other men got to him first.  Smiley took Stefano’s pistol and told him that he wouldn’t be needing it. Stefano wished he had listened to Ray when Ray suggested that they go with him to New Jersey.  Stefano thought was no one knows him there so he should be safe.  He was wrong as Smiley told him to relax if she wanted him dead he would have been dead two nights ago when he got to New Jersey.   That’s when Stefano knew he had been watched for some time.  He didn’t tell anyone when he was going to get there.  He went with Smiley as they drive from Atlantic City New Jersey over into Camden Pennsylvania.   They pulled up into a big estate and Smiley looked over at Stefano smiling from ear to ear. 

Stefano exited the car and walked with the three armed men into the large home.  They took him into the room that had a large fireplace with flames licking the pile of wood.  Stefano was too surprised to see a woman sitting on a sofa with a drink in her had.  She was smiling as she was telling a joke to the other two people in the room.  They were laughing then she looked over at Stefano as smiley pushed him forward.  Stefano gritted his teeth as he hated being handled by anyone.  The woman waved her hand and Smiley stepped back and then she spoke.

"You’re Stefano Lucchese, a young upstart with friends all over.  Charlie, Frank, Vito, and Albert.  You also know Meyers and Benjamin.  Not too thrilled with them at all.  But you young man I’ve watched as I heard some good and not so good things about.  Please have a seat."

Stefano sat in a chair that seemed to have been placed there specifically for him before he arrived.  Smiley had the other two men with him step out of the room.  Then the Woman spoke.

"You don’t know me or my friends.  To my left is my Consigliere and to my right is my number one or what you young Turks would call my underboss.     Say hi to the young Turk." 

The underboss looked at Stefano as if Stefano was nothing more than a piece of paper blowing in the streets. He gave Stefano a simple nod.  

"I’m Isabella Byrne and welcome to my humble abode.  I asked you here because you, young man, don’t seem to be a team player.  We live on the same block and you're going around making plans and not including your neighbors when you are arranging for the environment to change. Now that's not nice nor fair is it young man."

Stefano didn’t answer as he was looking at the older woman and amazed that she wasn’t so much older than him and she was quite attractive. Yet she was doing the talking and he was apparently doing the listening.  When he didn’t answer smiley smacked the back of Stefano’s head and Stefano gave a grin as he looked at Smiley.  She waved her hand again motioning Smiley to back away from Stefano and he did just that.  Stefano looked at her, he was a kid compared to the people in the room yet he was also a person they wanted to do business with and he never conducts business from a position of weakness.  He sat up in the chair and then looked at Isabella. 

"I mean no one any harm here nor do I intend to be a threat to anyone, I’m a man making plans to conduct business and I don’t think my business interferes with your business Don Byrne." 

She shook a finger and Stefano stopped talking.

"Young man you are in the process of buying all the liquor in the tristate area and importing more liquor from friends of ours from across the pond and south of Florida and I hear you have product coming up from as far away as Mexico.  Not to include that garbage from the mountains of Tennessee or is that Kentucky?"

Stefano smiled and nodded.

"Don Byrne you have me at a disadvantage if I have done something that has cost you please tell me I will be happy to compensate you for the Damages."

She nodded then took a sip from her glass and stood up and walked over to her desk and spoke to her Consigliarie.

"My dear tell the young man what he did or did not do."

Isabella Consigliarie was at best three years older then Stefano and she wasn’t bad on the eyes yet Stefano was bracing for whatever she had to say.

"You Mr. Lucchese aren’t listening to Isabella you know Prohibition is going into effect next month and you have made arrangements with everyone to buy liquor and sale that liquor yet you failed to make the need permission to sale in Philly.  You failed to include your neighbor and that’s not friendly.   So how are you going to make it right Mr. Lucchese." 

Stefano could see where this was heading.  He chooses to not make an offer but hear what they wanted and if need be to make a few alterations if their request was beyond his authority.

"Okay, I and my business associates haven’t been neighborly and I do apologize for our behavior so what can we do to make things right with my neighbors?" 

Then her underboss stood and spoke as he walked over towards the bar to refill his drink.

"You will provide us with some of your product with a ten percent markup, after all, we are not communist.  You will deliver, monthly to our warehouse, 500 cases.  100 cases of Canadian Whiskey, 100 Cases of Irish whiskey 100 Cases of Rum and Tequila each and 50 cases each of Bourbon and Scotch."  

Isabella looked at Stefano and gave a smirk as he looked around the room then she said.

"Don’t agree just to get out of my home alive Mr. Lucchese.  I had you picked up today and I can easily do it again.  If you agree just know I will hold you to it."  

Stefano looked at the floor for over a minute he inhaled deeply but slowly then exhaled as he looked up at her.

"Friends are friends and they are hard to find and it takes an effort to keep them sometimes.  However, when I give my word to a friend I keep it, it’s not hard it just me doing what I say I would.  The question is, are you my friend?

Isabella was quick and sharp as she immediately replied.

Stefano, if I wasn’t your friend would I have brought you to my home for dinner?  Would I offer you drinks?

She looked at Smiley and Smiley handed Stefano a scotch on the rocks.  He took it and nodded to Isabella.  

"You have my word on the 5th day of each month I will supply you with the amounts you requested of me today and should you require more then I would be happy to accommodate you."

Isabella Stood and walked over to him smiling she touched his face with one hand and caressed it then told everyone look we have a new neighbor and he's a handsome young lad.  Then she looked into his eyes and without saying a word said more and loudly.  Then they went to her dining area to eat.  After that Stefano was returned to Atlantic City. 

The next morning Smiley gave him back is a pistol with advice.

"You know Stefano you're a smart guy but dumb when it comes to your own security.  You need to keep those two buddies with you when you're out in public."  

Stefano looked at him and nodded with a smirk and walked away back into his hotel.   

Not again

December 16th 1919,  Stefano was checking out of the hotel after he was returned from his meeting with Isabella Byrne a godmother out of Philly.  He thought of how much easier it could have been if she had of just made a phone call and skipped l the kidnapping.  He chuckled to himself as he was loading his bags into the back of his roadster.  Then as he closed the truck he felt cold metal pressing against the back of his head.  He heard a new voice saying Joe the Boss wants you kid and you’re going to come the question is peaceable or in Pieces.  Stefano rolled his eyes and dropped his head as he was still standing there not facing away from the man.  Stefano slowly turned to face him when another guy walked up and removed stefano’s pistol.   

Stefano was surprised that these guys with another family and picking him up as he was about to leave New Jersey.  His thoughts were should he ever get home Rob and Ray will be at his side with twenty other men.  They put their guns away and walked Stefano back into the hotel.  Amazed that they would take him back he began to wonder did he not pay a bill.  They escorted him into the dinning area.  There sat a in one section of the joint several men all encircling one guy.  Stefano knew he was the Boss.  They walked him to the table and the guy that took his gun told Stefano don’t sit wait till he tells you too. 

The man sat there eating he had sausages, and meatballs, peppers and noodles, his plate had rigatoni, garlic bread, lasagna and stuffed shells.  Stefano thought the man was having dinner with a few other people there was so much food on the table.  Looking around the other guys were just there as the man ate.  He never looked up at stefano until he finished chewing his food.  Then in a heavy italian dialect spoke. 

“yous know who I ya am?

Stefano replied: “I assume your Joe the boss Masseria? “

Joe: “Yous veri smart ta younga man.  I lika yous, yous no lika Charlie.  Charlie worka for me and for him’ma self.  Charlie even wanta worka for that guy A R’ah.  Me no lika dat.  Me no lika A R'ah either.  Yous Charlie partner the bright one?”

Stefano knew he better tread likely.  “Yes I’m his partner.

Joe:  “Yesterdaya yous go to Philly delphia.  I know dis because I tell the woman boss you selling the booze and shipping it in and out of her territory.  Likes yous try and do in my territory.  I no like dis. But you going’na maka dis right with me.  Eacha week yous pay me ten grand and I no maka trouble for yous.  You no pay I’ma going’na maka big trouble for all yous guys.  I wanta the moneys every friday.  The first week you no gotta pay cause I like you Lucchese.  You understanda the business we are in’na.  No lika Charlie doing dis and tat. Tat second week the new law works yous pay me no late you understanda?”

Stefano nodded then Joe told him he could go as he finished eating the rest of his dinner.  Stefano looked around and walked out with the two men that grabbed him.  The guy that took his gun was Carlo Gambino.  He handed Stefano back his pistol unloaded and smiled.  Stefano got into his car and quickly drove off.

Prohibition

January 17, 1920

The guys had been buying all the alcohol they could get there hands on since Congress elected to make America dry.  For the last four months they put there plan into place.  They had four small warehouses three of them completely filled and the fourth waiting on shipments from afar.  Stefano worked tireless as Frank, Vito and Charlie were busy with Masseria warehouse and deliveries.  They were making a ment but selling low end product called rot gut.  While Stefano was following AR in selling top shelf product to the wealthy.  The high society clubs and turning a bigger penny. 

The first week was on the house, after that Masseria got Ten large and that was after AR got his 65% per week.  There was no skimming because AR watched the books and to keep the peace shared info with Masseria which in Stefano’s book was weak.  AR liked Stefano but Stefano knew at some point AR was going to have to step down permanently.  Charlie wasn’t going to give the okay nor was Meyers and Benny followed Meyers like a oversized little brother.  Stefano looked at Vito but knew he would need Charlie blessing.  So Stefano put it in the back burner and planned a way to make a few extra dollars under the table.

The local cops were taking bribes to turn an eye but then the government created another task force to ensure that the Manufacturing transportation and sale of Alcohol was completely over with in America and the crack downs started happening.  So now the local cops and sheriffs were providing tips on the whens and wheres.  This gave Stefano the idea the bigger operations get hit and these guys get a tip off and Stefano helps empty their warehouses and stocks his own speakeasy and then just buy a few more each raid.  His shit is off the books of AR and Masseria.  He would also have them store there stuff in a warehouse that was more like a are service and repair shop and charge a few cases. 

After the first year the guys made over a million dollars each, however stefano made two.  He sold free product and keep buying more speakeasies.  Then he had a few smaller warehouses because the guy thought that they were to small so he went alone on those purchases and turned a nice penny.  That worked so well that Charlie and Meyers started chipping in to help with the skim and soon they were clearing three million each in addition to what they were making AR and Masseria.  Until a new boss wanted a peace of Masseria action.  In fact Stefano was taking over some of Terranova’s territory as Ciro Terranova was taking a back seat to Masseria and the new guy Maranzano. 

Stefano knew that one day those two would take everything not standing or nailed down and Stefano was not going to get pushed out or tossed aside.  Charlie and Meyers agreed and they stuck closer to AR who seemed to be immune to the posturing the old mustache Petes were doing.  Stefano knew Masseria was bigger but Maranzano was far more aggressive.  Stefano also held a grudge against Massiera.  It was because men were trying to gun Massiera down that they killed two bystander.  A street sweeper and a little girl.  The news was more about the little girl and the violence in the streets.  

The street sweeper that was killed was Stefanos oldman.  His father took the job so that the family could continue to eat better and so the kids could keep going to school.  He buried his father before he could make the big money to spoil his parents.  Stefano was able to place a few extra dollars in his father’s pockets and in his mother sugar jar that never had sugar.  They knew it was Stefano but never said a word or asked.  They knew he was with a bad crowd but he never brought it home.  His father saw that life back home and stayed away.  He also knew it was in Stefano’s blood.  He saw it in him when Stefano first started walking and would take candy and hide it in his mother’s purse. 

The Lucchese family bond was strong and Stefano would never let that go.  Stefano was the reason Massiera was having issues every now and then the federal agents would know when Masseria’s trucks were coming in or which warehouse to raid however they would raid the empty ones while Vito and Stefano raided Masseria’s full ones.  Just one truck load and then they would stock the smaller warehouses or ship the product out of New York to Philly or Jersey.  Masseria knew a raid on him was coming because the local knew who just not where.  Sometimes the feds got lucky and hit a full stock but the locals would allow a truck or two to get moved out the back while the feds were taking photo ops for the press.  This was always great because some of that rot gut would get mixed with the good stuff and make a few extra long dollars. 

Stefano always remained calm around Masseria but he was favoring Maranzano even though he didn’t like either of the two.  Stefano liked the concept no boss of bosses.  He wanted to set up the plans that Paul Kelly used to talk about with Johnny Torrio.  He with Charlie and Torrio talked about setting up a panel of bosses and vote of issues that was good to get into or those that they all agree to stay away from.  This panel would agree to keep the peace and decide on who goes and stays.  Other bosses could bring their gripes to this panel and whatever the decision was that was it and the feud was over.  

Stefano had no plans to be a low level soldier he wanted to be free to run his businesses his way.  He wanted to sit on that panel and judge fairly.  He wanted his own family but that day was far away he had to stay on track and ride this wave of income that prohibition was giving him.  He also needed to start forming a new business where he could make a buck after this ended.  As rumors spread that a few of the states wanted to make and sale liquor to collect tax revenue.  They would be in full control and all the sales dollars would go to state run programs and help keep taxes low.   Stefano knew if enough states were to vote this way while other were on the fence that prohibition could find a death date soon.  Meyers and Charlie also agreed and they wanted to get into the labor unions all over the country.  Charlie was starting to get heavy into the distribution and sale of narcotics.  While Meyers was putting money away into one arm bandits and gambling houses.  

Stefano was already into the garment unions and trash collecting businesses and unions.  He was working on getting into the pavers unions.  Stefano also turned his eyes west ward where the markets seem ripe for the taking.  Movie unions and teacher unions and the best of them all the trucking businesses.  He knew that he who controlled the over the road transportation unions could cripple the united states.  He even wanted to get into the railroad unions.  These were easier to control and harder for law enforcement to track.   

April 25, 1921

Michael stood there dressed in a black suit his mother sat behind him along with his three remaining brothers Carmine, Angelo and Tommy.  He stood watching as they lowered Stefano and Peter into the ground.  Michael was the man of his family now.  He would be giving the directions and ensuring their safety.  He looked across the caskets as Charlie, Frank, Vito, Albert and Meyers sat waiting for permission to pay there last respects to the Lucchese brothers.  Michael took a step forward and tossed a rose into both graves then he picked up a hand full of dirt and tossed some into both graves.  Then he looked back at his brothers and Carmine and Angelo did the same.  Tommy was only eight years old and he sat with their mother.

Michael looked at Joey A and he gave the nod for everyone else to pay there last respects.  Carmine and Angelo stood next to Michael and Funzi stood back by the brothers mother and youngest brother.  Michael knew that he would have a sit down with Charlie and Meyers and he Knew that he would have to use some muscle to keep what his brother Stefano built with them.  Peter didn't live long enough to build anything but long enough to claim it.  Now it was up to Michael to show his talents and prove that he was just as sharp and Stefano and even more ruthless as Peter.

Michael took a short walk with his two younger brothers as everyone paid their last respects.  He told Carmine that he would have to bite his tongue and hold back that temper.  To think things out and to ensure that their mother and siblings need for nothing as the money would still be coming in.  Tommy was to get an education and mother was to live comfortable.  Nothing happens with out him knowing first.  Carmine was quick with his hands and always ready to get into a scrap.  Angelo was more like Michael and Stefano they were slow to anger and when it was time to fight they believed in total domination to ensure that your enemy never gets a second chance.  

He wanted Angelo to watch Carmine and to be that rock Tommy would need.  He gave Angelo a number where he could be reached in and emergency and he told him where certain thing would be should they have to go on into hiding.  He trusted Angelo with the details of things and up coming events.  He wanted Angelo to watch out for them that come in friendship and to keep an daily eye on them that they know hate them.  Angelo understood and promised that he would do the same job that Stefano had entrusted Michael to do.  Then gave each other a hug and returned back to the Funeral.

Later that evening!

It was time to discuss business and promises.  Charlie, Frank and Meyers sat in a room as Michael walked in.  Funzi and Joey A stood outside with Vito.  Michael unbutton the bottom button of his suit jacket before sitting down.  He folded his right leg over his left and leaned back into his chair.  Charlie began to speak but Michael cut him off.  

" Excuse me Charlie, but first things first, I want know inquiries about my to brothers nor no act of vengeance made.  My brothers understood the business and that is the business they and I choose. "

Charlie was surprised as he looked at Meyers and Frank.  They all nodded in agreeance.  Then Michael spoke again.

"My brother made you all a lot of money and I intend to do the same.  I know the split that you all agreed to and I know the heart of my brother when it comes to you all.  We are in the Business of making money with anyone and everyone.  The booze we will continue getting the high end stuff and purchasing the low end.  I will be moving out to the west coast to get into some of the unions and introducing the numbers rackets and hosting some high end gambling.  Of course I will sent my partners a piece of the actions.  Meyers I'll also need some of those one armed bandits.  See Charlie I'm much like Stefano and I love that Yiddish saying.   Think pennies get pennies, think dollars get dollars.  But with me I think dollars and cents and that makes sense and dollars and cents adds up quicker."

Meyers smiled and nodded as Charlie could see that Michael would fit in perfectly.  Meyers agreed to get Michael as many slot machines as he wanted and he would provide added muscle should he need it.  Frank promised political support and cash if needed.  Charlie promised that all his holdings on the east coast was secure and that his siblings would be treated as if they were Charlies own siblings.  Michael nodded and agreed that the slits from his west coast actions would be the same as his east coast holdings.  Then they drunk to the agreement.  Hearing the celebration Vito, Joey A and Funzi walked in and enjoyed some of the celebration.  Michael had a private talk with Meyers.  

Michael and Meyers talked about Cuba and one setting up gambling joints in Florida to LA and maybe having Bennie come out west.  They also talked about getting into unions a lot faster as the prohibition would not last forever with the money they were making and how Chicago was now ordering more and Detroit was the center for all Canadian whiskey coming into the states.  Meyer and Michael knew that they could get this off the ground and that once Charlie and Frank saw the numbers and the low risk that they would throw in their full support.  Michael shook Meyers hand and they were agreed and if Meyers agreed Charlie would agree also.  Returning to the group Michael shook every ones hand again and then lift with Joey A and Funzi.  

The Move to Vegas 

The young Lucchese stepped off the train onto the train platform where he was met by Nick Volli a friend from his childhood that moved out west a few years ago.  Michael had plans to make connections to build something bigger then what his brother had plan.  Nick told him that the cops in Vegas look the other way when it comes to drinking and gambling this was a hole in the wall city with potential to become a gangster paradise.  Michael had Nick find the top hotels that were suffering financially.  The hotel had to have at least 5 floors and a good solid flat roof.  Nick called him up a week after his brothers death.  They had several hotels but none that tall.  There was one hotel that have fifty rooms and about to be taken over by the local bank.  Two weeks later Michael had arrived and with Joey A and Funzi and they were ready for the new beginning.  

They arrived at the hotel and Michael walked in with the other three guys in tow.  They had booked four rooms and after they checked in and unpack their luggage they walked around the hotel.   It was in the center of town and had three floors.  The roof was perfect for a after hours roof top bar.  Michael then went to see the manager.   Mr. Jose Torres, he was strap for cash and looking for a business partner.  His wife was riding him because the bills were growing and less customers were coming to the place.  They laid off half the staff and the bank was calling weekly.  Michael knew the man was in deep debt and would take his offer and when a fruit is reap for eating you eat it quickly. 

Michael sat at the dinner tables in the hotel dinning area and met with Jose.  They traded small talk as they ate.  Michael got a little history lesson and some details on how the rich control the state and its politicians.  Nodding as he wiped his hands off from the fried foods Michael got down to brass tax.  Michael told Jose that he will pay off the loan and put five thousand into Jose pockets.  Michael also promised that in two months the hotel will be packed or he will give Jose another five thousand dollars.  Jose was surprised at the offer.  Michael explained that Jose will manage the joint however the roof and the third floor was for Lucchese  and his guest.  Jose was a little fearful as he didn't understand.  Then Michael explained that the cut was seven five - twenty five in Lucchese favor or he could wait for the banks to take it over.  Jose nodded and shook his hand and the deal was struck.  

Michael was going to run high price prostitution out of five rooms on the top floor.  Three rooms would be for high stake card games.  Two rooms for stocking booze for the roof and the gamblers on the third floor. the other is where the staff and Michaels men would meet.   Two rooms with have twenty five slot machines each.  The rest of the rooms would be for gamblers.  Michael wanted gamblers that could afford to spend money without fear.  He was also going to run gambling in the hotel lobby in where he would put twenty slot machines.  The guys along with a few security members would live on the second floor and Michael had Jose recall all the laid off staff back immediately he wanted the hotel spotless every day.  He wanted a menu set up and a cooking staff that work around the clock so that the guest can order room service anytime of the day or night like in the top hotels back in New York. 

Jose eyes widen at the thought of what he just agreed too and became very agitated.  Michael handed him the envelope with the five grand in it and then nodded for Joey A and Funzi to go pay the bank loan off on the Hotel with Jose.  Nick sat with Michael and they discussed getting the bar on the roof licensed and the word out in three weeks it needed to open and income needed to start generating a return on investment.  Michael had time but hated tying his money up when he could have that money working on the streets.  Michael told Nick that the slot Machines would be arriving in a week.  Nick needed to escort those Machines to the hotel and ensure the correct pay offs had been made.  Nick understood that there was no margin for error and Michael was serious about making money.   

To Partnerships New and Old.

Michael had now been operating out of Vegas for a month and a half.  The hotel he was working out of was called the Hotel Apache it was on main street.  The first week alone the one arm bandits paid out three thousand dollars and word spread all over town what they didn't know was that Michael made six thousand a night and ensured someone won big every other day.  The card games were high stakes and the house got a ten percent cut that made Michael on average fifty thousand  a weekend and the girls kicked out half their take and that totaled Michael two grand a night.  Everything was turning into gold.  The staff was working hard and the hotel was full to capacity which covered Jose pockets and Michaels promises.  However somethings the devil isn't happy.  Jose who was making over a grand a week after all expenses just off the hotel was starting to get greedy and cocky.  He wanted more and his greed was so strong thanks to his wife, his big encourager stroking his ego as if he had a pair.  She egged him into believing that he deserved more after all it was his hotel and he created the place out of nothing.  

Jose went to meet with a friend that got him in contact with a beautiful woman who was looking to get in the hotel business.  Jose thought that he could get her to invest and get Michael out of his establishment.  The plan in his mind was she had connections with the black hand and with her as a partner she would ensure that people like Michael would stay the hell away.  He could get a sixty forty split in his favor and give Michael a few bucks to cover his losses.  His wife agreed that Michael should go and they could buy the one armed bandits and kick the girls out and keep the high stake card games.  To bad they only knew Michaels good side, unfortunately they would have to pay the piper to play the devils song.  

Michael spent the better part of two weeks setting up a meet with HarperLane.  She was Rain's sister and majority owner of most of Stefano's holdings.  He wanted to discuss business and get a good look at this chick that everyone was raving about.  Her looks were to die for and her smile to behold.  According to half of New York and LA her beauty was equally matched by her brain.  She was a great white in shark infested waters.  Michael was extremely curious at this person.  He had Charlette from the Midwest contact her to arrange the sit down.  They were to eat at a place called the white Spot café.  It was always busy it was to make sure she felt safe.  Little did Michael know she was a member of the same outfit he was plus she had protection out the wazoo.  Three cars pulled up when she arrived She exited the middle car as he was star struct.  

She did look a lot like Rain the woman in Stefano's photos but she was younger and her smile kicked him like a mule.  He looked at Joey and Funzi how where sitting at a nearby table then he looked at Nick who was at the counter.  The two men he had at the door were not expecting so many men to walk in and their eyes were fixated on HarperLane.   The men sat around the entire café they could see everything from the restrooms to the kitchen area and the front and back doors.  Harper walked in just like a movie star.  Her hair in place, the way she moved impressed the God's above.  The way she held her head up Michael could only smile at such confidence.  Each step she took was as if it was choreographed and she was playing the role well.  Michael tilled his head to the side because if thought she was walking a little French poodle but she wasn't.  He chuckled as he reached out to shake her hand.  His first thought was that he better stay focused or she will be walking him as her French poodle.

They sat and covered the operations from east to west and north and south of the states.  They came to an agreement to sale off most of the businesses they had a create a new one somewhat like what Michael already created in Vegas.  Harper had a name for it and Michael didn't care what it was he was so busy looking into her eyes as she kept looking away.  She finally asked him was he comfortable work with a woman and made him aware that they would be business partners and nothing more unless it was something she wanted.  Michael smiled and leaded back and nodded then explained that he meant no disrespect but in Sicily a woman such as Harper is rare to see in such actions and business dealings as she is.  She was something to admire and think on.  He also told her that to have a woman such as her was a good thing even if it was only business to start with.  That last comment made her raise her eyebrow and catch herself from smiling.  Then Harper told him a story about a business man that wanted to make her a partner and force his old partner out when she told him the man's name and the hotel Michael knew that Harper had did her research on him.     

Harper told Michael the plan and Michael was disappointed, he came to think of Jose as a new friend.  Michael was impressed at how this woman was able to get him to agree to most of her concessions and her study of him.  Michael was also impressed at they way she cared herself.  She wasn't a diva.  She was a business woman that earned respect after the first meeting.  He shook her hand and walked her to her car.  It was late but not late enough for Jose.  Joey, Nick and Funzi were outside with Michael.  He had them drive him to Jose's home the two men that were also with them Michael sent home.  Michael made Jose and his wife sign over their share of the hotel as Joey held a pistol to his wife's head.  Then he promised Jose that if he didn't sign it his two teenage girls would be working in a brothel in Vegas to payoff the funeral cost of their parents.  Michael then took the signed papers and left them three hundred dollars and told them to move to Denver or Tulsa but they had a week to get out of Vegas and never return.   He only allowed them to live because Harper didn't want them killed as one of her final concessions.

Michael was sitting having a business lunch with his business partner HarperLane.   They were reviewing plans and coming up with new ideas to generate income for the family.  As they ordered their lunch and older gentleman walked over after watching Harper.  He leaned over and asked her for her name.  Harper being friendly told him her name was Harper.  The man ignored Michael then asked her what does she do for fun and what where some of the things she liked.  Harper know he was flirting and decided to play his game and answered some of his questions with questions of his own.  Michael listen to them both then the man introduced himself and Johnny Boy Gizzo from Kansas.  He took his seat between Harper and Michael as Michael heard the two men Johnny Boy was with laughing.  

Michael smiled and finished his meal as Harper realized that Mr. Gizzo was part of the Kansas Mob.  Michael also aware allowed this to continue as Harper smiled at Gizzo.  Gizzo then turned to Michael and asked him if it was past his bed time or nap time.  Michael smiled again and tried to introduce himself but Gizzo cut him off and again the men that he was with laughed.  Harper stated that she needed to go and would hopeful meet them later and do some business but Gizzo had other ideas.  He told her to stay they were just getting to know each other as he grabbed her arm.  She removed her arm and stood and Michael stood with her.  Gizzo replied that they would see each other again and how he could  never forget a piece of tail like that.  He went on to tell Harper that she should lose the little boy that she had with her.     

Michael and Harper approached the car that driven to lunch and Nick exited.  Michael whispered to him and Nick looked and nodded.  Michael drove Harper back to her hotel as Harper looked at him and said nothing to him.  He tried to open the doors for her but she just opened them for herself and went to her office.  Michael nodded to himself and went to his room.  Hours past and as night creeped over the city Michael's phone rung.  He immediately got dressed and went to the location that was given him.  Michael met Nick and Funzi and they told him what was what. and Michael gave that famous Lucchese grin and walked into the building.  

This was a house of ill repute and Michael walked it with his head held high as he found one of the two men that was with Gizzo.  He was having fun with one of the women as he had his back to Michael.  Michael walked up to the bust gentleman and silenced the man's grunts the woman turn around and before she could scream Michael put his hand to her lips and she nodded.  Michael took the mans wallet and gave the woman all the cash within it and whispered to her asking where was his friends she held up nine fingers.  She pointed to the direction of the next room.  Michael then put a finger to his lips a signal for her to remain quite as he went to the next room.  His glove on his right hand was soaked in blood.  He exited out of room four and went to room nine.   Bingo it was Gizzo and Michael smirked as he walked in and the man was sitting on the bed with his eye's closed.

Michael moved with such quickness and stuck the man several times with his right hand and covered the mans mouth closed with his left hand.  Michael once worked in a butcher shop and gutting pigs was a afterschool job that he did to toughen up.  It paid off because Michael called out each organ and artery that he was stubbing while he whispered that his name was Michael Lucchese.  Gizzo eyes was locked in Michaels stare and his body frozen with fear and pain.  Four puncher wounds and the job was done as the woman walked out of the bathroom Michael was putting the blanket over Mr. Gizzo and turned to her.  She was the Madame of the house and she new Michael as she had to pay him twenty percent of the house take.  He told her that the bodies will be removed and to keep everyone out of this room and room four.  

He then asked Beth the house Madame where was the last guest of this trio and she told him in the basement gambling.  Michael smiled and told her to help herself to his cash but make sure that the wallet stays with the body.  Then he went down into the basement.  There he was playing cards with two other men were drunks and degenerates.  Nick stopped Michael from doing the deed and whispered to Michael and Michael nodded then went back to the car.  Nick wanted to try out something.  He took his revolver and stuck the gun barrel of his 22 into a potato to see if it suppresses the sound.  That shit didn't work but the bullet landed right behind the right ear and the man fell dead.  Funzi took out the other two men.  

Michael had them remove the bodies later that night and a week later Harper came to see Michael and she asked him has he heard the news.  Surprised that she was talking to him about something other then business he replied he didn't know what she was talking about.  She explained that the Kansas mob was looking for three of there guys that went missing a week ago.   She looked into his eyes and she gave a smirk as she realized that Michael wasn't a little boy and could handle business without getting her all trapped up.  Kansas was a small family and very little power when it came to the commission giving them directions to leave that search alone.  Michael had called Charlie and Charlie made a call out to their underboss Peter Sugarhouse Pete DiGiovanni.   

San Fran.

Michael received a call from Charlie early in the morning.  It was very brief go to San Francisco and meet Frank Lanza.   Michael knew the gangs that operated out in San Francisco.  Jerry Feri was the top dog out there.   Jerry was into everything that made a fast buck just like the east coast was.  Their main rackets were bootlegging, drugs, gun running, prostitution, loan sharking and gambling like every other city gangsters.  Lanza was more into making money and building a family that didn’t just deal with Sicilians.  Lanza had an open mind and money was always at the top.  Lanza had two motto’s the first was “Make a buck with me and we can sit an agree.” and the  second was “Always keep a low profile and a big back account.”  Jerry Feri was closed minded his motto was “To hell with that and you, it’s all belongs to me.” 

Jerry had reneged on a few deals that cost the East Coast a lot of money and Meyers and Charlie were not to happy with being on the losing end.  Bennie was to busy to go out west and Vito was now learning the art of selling narcotics for Joe the Boss.  So because Michael was already out west in Vegas it was the most logical choice for him to handle this problem.  Michael arrived in San Francisco by train and met with Lanza the next day.  Lanza laid down the proposal to help him become the new boss of San Fran.   Lanza agreed to help the East Coast with supply shipments of Opium and purchase booze and other vices to include form a partnership would so that the East could expand and make more money out west and give Lanza a boost in cash by receiving a cut to provide security.   Michael sat there still not sure if he wanted the job.  Lanza smiled and then informed Michael that he would get a cut of the new San Francisco’s family action.   

Lanza would allow Michael to start and have exclusive rights to the numbers rackets within the city however he would have to kick up twenty percent to Lanza.  Nodding slowly Michael looked at Lanza and Lanza smiled and told him that Charlie and Meyers were right when they said if you’re dealing with a Lucchese you better put all the cards on the table.  Lanza commented that Michael and Stefano were identical when conducting business.  Lanza then offered Michael a chuck of the union rackets such as the pavers union and the state unions and the teachers union and they would partner on the gambling business.  Lanza promised Meyers the rights to the slots machines and race tracks but would send Michael high rollers that wanted to gamble outside of the state.     

Michael liked Jerry but this was business and Michael was one of the few that Jerry would invite into his home.  Michael had Funzi and a new man with him named Lou.  Lanza gave them a car to use.   Funzi  drove them over to Jerry’s apartment and surprised Jerry with a few gifts.  Jerry got a gold watch and a brown paper bag with fifty thousand.  Jerry was expecting Michael to arrive next week with the cash.  Jerry was sending big spenders out to Michael which Lanza vowed to continue to do for the same deal.  Jerry offered them drinks and as he poured the scotch Lou poured the lead into Jerry’s back.  Four shots and one to the head for safe measure.  Funzi went into the back bedroom and found Jerry cash and came back asking for help to collect it all.  Four hundred thousand dollars in total and a few guns and jewels.  They tossed most of the rifles unto the bed and then pulled the blanket into a big makeshift carrying case carrying it out to the car.   Lou filled two of Jerrys suitcases with the cash and Michael stuck the jewels into a lager brown paper bag.  Then they drove off to the next target on Lanza list. 

Alfredo Scratchy, an accomplished bootlegger with goals of running the city himself.  He was a captain under Jerry and wanted the leadership of all the rackets.  He saw himself as a money maker and thought he could expand each racket to generate more money.  He was also greedy and hated by most of the gangster that conducted business with him.  Alfredo had habits and routines so picking him off was easy.  He was feared so he walked the streets at night knowing no one would dare attack him.  Funzi was driving and Lou called out his name, calling him over to the car.  Alfredo didn’t know Lou and being curious as to why this man called out to him as if they were friends decided to walk over.   Michael and Lou both raised their shotguns and cut Alfredo in half.  Lou jumped out and fired his second shot into Alfredo head and ran back to the car as he got in Funzi peeled off. 

They returned to Lanza to ditch that car and got another.  Mario Funtelii and James Boca were the next subjects.  They were in one of Lanza gambling houses winning and having fun with a few of the ladies of the night that Lanza set them up with.  He wanted them there so they would be easy targets for the hitmen Charlie was sending.  They both worked for Alfredo and would seek vengeance over his death.  Funzi asked Michael if he remembered the hit a year ago when Ms. Harperlane had been disrespected.  Funzi wanted to do this hit like that hit.  Michael agreed as he asked Lou if he have a knife.  Funzi pulled over and handed Lou a pocket knife and told Lou to just slice the man’s neck stabbing him with such a small blade would take all night to kill him.  Lou smirked as he loved killing with guns; this was going to be a new experience for him.  

They all walked into the gambling house.  They were meet by one of the greeters that Lanza had waiting for them to show up and guide them to the men.  The Man asked if they were friends of a friend and Michael nodded yes.  The man walked them to the restroom were Mario was using the facilities.  Mario was known to Funzi and Funzi hated him.  When Lanza laid out the plan earlier that day and Funzi eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas and asked to do this one; it was personal something between them going way back to the tenement they lived in back in Brooklyn.  Mario saw Funzi and smiled and went and hugged Funzi as if they were the best of friends then Mario eyes widen and stumbled backwards as he looked at the blood oozing from his stomach.  Then Funzi moved towards Mario grabbing the hair on his head and sliced his throat as he whispered remember Monica.  Mario eyes closed as his hands grabbed his own throat to stop the bleeding in vain.  Funzi then spat on Mario as he wiped the bloody knife on Mario’s jacket. 

They then went into a bedroom where James was sleeping off his liquor.  Lou walked over and took the pillow next to James and pressed down over his head.  Michael walked over to the other side of the bed and as James struggled to fight off his attacker Michael grabbed James Left hand and held him down as Funzi grabbed the other.  Lou had to sit on the man’s chest holding the pillow over his face.  When he thought James was dead he removed the pillow and Michael and Funzi released his arms.  James wasn’t dead he just relaxed his body and in the struggle was able to get a breath of air in and hold it.  Then he opened his eyes and socked the hell out of Lou causing him to fall into Funzi.  Michael hit James in the head with a ashtray James turned and dove at Michael and they engaged in a tussle.  Funzi and Lou pulled him off away from Michael and unto the floor then Michael stood and started kicking James in the ribs and they all started to stomp on James.  They kicked and stomped the man to death and what they thought  took them what felt like a hour but was only fifteen minutes.  They found out later that the corners reported that the beating was so bad that a few of his bones had punctured his lungs and pierced his heart.

They looking at each other as they stood over James body and started smiling and pointing at each other.  Then they knew they need to go back to the hotel and get their things to leave the city.   They went to the hotel got their suitcases out while Lou grabbed the suitcases with the cash out of the car and waited for them.  It was their bonus money.  They then took a cab to the train station at 3am.  The next train was at 5 am.  So they sat there until it was time to board and head back to Vegas.    Two weeks later Lanzi called Michael and confirmed that he was now the boss of the San Francisco Family.  

                                                       A day at the beach 

It was a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze blowing off the atlantic ocean.  Michael was there with laughing and joking with a woman that he adored.  She had the most gorgeous liquid brown eyes he ever seen.  When she smiled all of heaven smiled with her.  They were having the times of their lives as they road a few carnival rides on the New Jersey boardwalk.  She like Atlantic city it was where Michael collected his Irish Whiskey from friends across the pond.  She like the gambling and the food and the service she got when she was with Michael.  She liked being pampered but don’t get it twisted she had money of her own and she had powerful friends that would do anything she ask. 

As they strolled down the boardwalk Michael bought her a small cone of cotton candy and she laughed at him because she wasn’t a kid but she did like cotton candy and she knew he had done his homework because he got her favorite flavor.  They even had a small food fight with popcorn as she tried to toss a piece into his mouth a few times and missed horribly. As the sun faded and the moon started to appear they started to hold hands and she even laid her head on his shoulder.  That’s when his heart started to pound from the joy of her loosening up and finally letting him into her heart. 

Then the shit hit the fan so to speak.  Cops walked up to them and behind them they had an arrest warrant for Michael.  They put the cuffs on him and he just smiled as if he knew he would be free in minutes.  She stood there asking questions but the cops ignored her.  Then she looked at an older cop and pleaded and feeling for her the cop told her that he was wanted for a homicide that took place a few months back.  Michael was spotted at a murder scene of a man and his wife.  She looked at Michael with fear and still smiling her told her it will be okay as she knew what needed to be done.

They tossed him into the paddy wagon and drove him to the city jail to fingerprint him and interrogate him.  Michael never said a word as the cops slapped and kicked and punched him.   Michael was no rat and he would never squeal on his pals.  Then tired of beating on him the tossed him in a cell.  As Michael laid on the floor laughing and yelling that they couldn’t break him he was spitting up blood.  He had a few broken ribs and a bloody mouth and a swollen eye.  He looked up and saw an old man laying on the bottom bunk and looking down on Michael on the floor.  Michael asked the old man what the hell was he looking at.  The old man was cool as a cucumber he replied he was looking at a idiot.

The old man sat up and came into the light.  Michael recognized the man he was an old school mustache pete.  A real gangster from the old country and a stone cold killer in america.  He helped Michael sit up as Michael yelled in pain for the broken ribs.  The man took the sheet off the top bunk and started to rip them into long strips of so called bandages.  He wrapped the strips around Michael to help support his torsel as he moved.  Then they started to talk about why Michael was in the joint.  The beating he took the old man remembered his own beating and knew Michael didn’t snitch.  

Michael began telling him of the charges and what took place but he never told the old gangster any names.  Michael was smart like that.  He told him that his friend was given a contract to carry out unknown to him.  It was there first time to atlantic city together they both had been there a few time but never together.  He was in his room when he got a call from his pal.  Michaels pal needed help they had just carried out a hit and had to kill the mans with whom they knew and was once good friends with.  However in doing so it delayed the exit plan by a few minutes.  The man had a ice pick enter the base of his neck then in the tempo killing him. 

The wife was supposed to be out shopping as she normally did at that time of day on a saturday.  Then saturday she remained home in the bed room.  She exited as saw her husband on the floor bleeding out.  The ice pick in the hands of the killer.  She was so scared that she couldn’t scream good thing to because the neighbors had already called the cops on a issue unknown to the killer.  The Killer saw the wife and moved towards her as she tried to get back into the bedroom but her legs felled her and as she tried to crawl she loved as slow as a turtle.   The killed grabbed her by the arm and tried to calm her down but she had so much fear that she could only say no no no no a few dozen times and then hearing the police sirens the killer started to panic and the woman tried to free herself twisted her body into the ice pick which was in the killers free hand and it punctured her lung.   The blood was so dark and poured out into a large pool that the killer was now covered in a bit of blood that couldn’t just be washed out.  The Killer looked out the window as the siren sounded like they were right out front and they were.  Four squad cars and a paddy wagon.  The killer looked to change clothes but the victim’s clothes were way to big on them.  So the killer called Michael asking for help.  The Killer told Michael where to go and what things to bring and Michael was close to the killer and didn’t hesitate to help the killer out.  It took Michael a hour to get there with everything needed.  The cops were still out front.  The Killer was able to change clothes and put on a disguise with dark sunglasses an a blond wig.   Michael took the ice pick and the gun that had blood on it and disposed of them.   What Michael didn’t know was that a drunk saw him get rid of the gun.  

Michael had been spotted by the drunk again and called the cops and that’s how Michael landed in jail for questioning.  Sitting up on the cold floor the old man looked at Michael and told him keep your trap shut and they got nothing.  When you get your call call the hospital and tell them you’ve been arrested and beaten by the same offices that arrested you who are sworn to protect and serve.  The Hospital has to send for you.  Then you can call your friends from the hospital phones without the cop listening.  Michael nodded and thanked the old man.  

Meanwhile Michaels love interest was making phone calls to friends of hers to help get Michael out but on a saturday it was not going to happen.  Michael would be in there over the weekend.  However she was able to get a hold of a friend that had a night Judge in his pocket.  The night Judge issued Michaels release papers but they would not be able to release him until later that morning.  By then Michael had made his call and was in the hospital not knowing he was released but instead calling a pal of his to help get him out but to no avail.  When the doctors saw his condicion they put him in a body cast and keep him for a week for observations.  He didn’t have a phone in his room and could make it down the hall to make a call.

The Nursing staff were told he was a killer and that he couldn’t make any more calls unless they were present.  His love interest couldn’t find Michael and thought that the cops that arrested Michael killed him because he wasn’t in jail and his release papers was still with the desk sergeant.  

To be continued     

Day's had passed and Michael was still being held in Jail.  The detectives beat him for every question he refused to answer or gave them a derogatory answer for.  Michael remained defiant at every turn.  Then the allowed a doctor to look him over and bandage him up.   They held him and processed his paperwork so it appeared that he had just been picked up for resisting and arrest.  For a week he laid there recovering before he appeared before a judge.  When asked how he would plea he plead not guilty.   They Judge nodding and smirked as he made comments to the condition the prisoner was in.  Then the Judge released the man.   Unaware that the Commission had taken an interest into the future of Michael Lucchese.  

When Michael stepped out of the court house he was immediately picked up by his friends.  They had bad news to give him.  Harperlane was killed and everything in Vegas was still his but his operations places him back in New York.  He was stunned that Harperlane was dead.  His tears fell slowly as he told them to take him to her grave site.  He was lead to her head stone and then they gave him some alone time.  He dropped to his knees and cried as he looked at her name craved into the headstone.  He sat there and confessed that he loved her and that she was his everything and without her he had nothing.  

After he was all cried out they came back and helped him up and walked him back to their car.  It was then that they told him he had a new partner a chick named Roxie.  Her and Harper went way back and they were good friends.  Michael was confused as he had heard that name once before but could not place where.  Then he was taken home and helped to his apartment to rest and recover.  He was already unshaven and that stubble grow into a full beard.  Michael didn't want to eat and day and night he could be heard calling out Harpers name.  Day and night he laid in bed.  He refused to meet with anyone and he started to stink from not showering.  

Then he heard a voice his mothers voice as she was yelling at him to get up and shower.  Michael laid there think it was a dream until a splash of cold water hit him and soaked his bed.  He sat up and now he could she and hear his mother demanding he get up.  Then his youngest brother Tommy was standing next to her then his brother Victor appreared from out of his closet and laid a suit out for him.  Michael called out to his mother as she smiled and grabbed him by his ear as if he was a kid and lead him to the bathroom and told him to wash.  Michael showered and shaved then with sadness in his face got dressed.  

Michael walked into his kitchen where Joey and his family sat and quickly walked to his mother and hugged her and kissed her.  They spoke for hours then they eat the dinner she cooked them.  Later Joey whispered that Tim the Godfather of New York swung by and wanted to talk with him but Michael wasn't ready for more business deals.  The next morning he met with Tim and when the meeting was over he was a member of Tim's family.  The books had been open and Michael was inducted.  He was also given a crew to manage and with that a few perks.  Then as he walked out and back to his car there sat a woman named Roxie.  His new partner.  They spoke for a while infact they spoke so much that it became a daily routine.  

Michael began to trust her as they talked she was a quick study and took up where Harper left off with the businesses.  Michael had faith that Roxie was able to handle business so much so that he made her his right hand.  Then as he sat at a resturant he meet with KennyRusso an gangster that was kind to his brother Stefano they spoke as michael explained he need Kenny's wisdom and skills and Kenny agreed to work with Michael as his left hand.  Together they started assembling the best and brights the streets had to offer to become members of their organization.