A few week following Luis' Return From Sicily he was sitting alone in his study at his residence, the house extra quiet as his daughter was away for the evening. The sound of the rain splattering across the roof and windows was about the only sound that could be heard throughout his mansion.. besides Joe Delorenzi snoring in the corner with his head buried in the newspaper he was reading.. Luis grinned and glanced back down at the document sitting in front of him..

The Race Street Company

Labor Union:

April 19XX

 

Good Morning Don Patangeli, I hope this letter finds you well! The Union is currently at operating at full capacity, something that has not been said in months, perhaps years! Under your new found leadership, the dockyards of South Philly have been restored and me and my family are forever grateful to you and your business associates for investing in the various industrial companies. If you or your family ever need anything you know I am just a phone call away. Also, taxes are usually due in April.. below you will find the amount of profit deposited in your bank.....

 

Gratzie, Don Patangeli again for your help, and to many more continued months, perhaps years of business. 

 

Amount Deposited: $82,752,321.34

 

Regards,

Bill Richardson, Union Assistant.

Luis picked up his drink off the table and swirled the contents, rattling the ice cubes loudly before taking a swig and gracefully setting it back down on his desk... he noticed Joe was no longer snoring.. glancing over at him, he grinned as he took note of Joe rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as the newspaper slowly drifted from his lap onto the floor, he tried catching it but almost flopped over forward himself before really regaining his composure.. Luis was in full chuckle by the point as he picked up the pack of smokes on the corner of his desk and pulled one from it, sticking it in between his lips as he searched for his engraved zippo, 'Lucky'....

"You getting any sleep at night or what? You've been falling asleep in that chair too often lately.."Luis joked

He continued patting around on his desk until he found his zippo and flicked open the lid and raised it to his cigarette to light, before flopping the lid back closed and tossing it on the desk....

"Ah... sorry boss.. I think I need a new mattress or something.." Joe replied as he stretched out his back

"Well you better get it figured out, someone kicks in my door and your in the corner snoring.. your as good as clipped my old friend.."

"Yea yea... thats why I got my brother Paulie outside by the gate.. nobody's getting in here boss..." he said yawning

Luis shook his head and glanced back down at the number on the document, man that was quite a fucking number.. He could go retire and live the rest of his days like a fucking king on some island somewhere, shit he could own the dam island himself he thought... But then it all started to hit him.. Here he was, turning 47 in a few months.. no wife, one kid who was fully grown... who the fuck did he have to share his wealth with? No one.. after his ex wife left for Detroit some 22 years ago.. he had delved himself further and further into the mafia.. letting himself be consumed with his work... He shook his head and regained his composure, Joe was still talking it seems...

"Ah oh well, what can you do.. you live and learn aye?" he said sarcastically as he stood up from his seat in the corner

"So.. what's the plan for the night boss? We hitting up the cabaret club..." Joe said with a grin

"You know... that's the best idea you've had all week Joe.." Luis said sarcastically and laughed

"Hey! at least I come up with ideas... brains of the operation here" he said pointing at himself

Luis took a long drag off his cigarette and shook his head at Joe as he stood up from his desk and turned to put his coat on...

"Whatever you say Joe.. whatever you say..." Luis said with a laugh at Joe 

Luis and Joe made their way over to the Industrial section of South Philly, just a few blocks away from the Labor Union.. and a block away from the crew's headquarters. The streets were pretty empty as usual, but as they turned onto the street it was located, cars were seen parked everywhere as well as the long line of patrons awaiting to get into the club... There was a single spot directly out front of the spot that was marked 'Reserved' and was there for Luis' cadillac to perfectly fit in.

The long line of people grew a bit silent as Joe made his way around the car and opened it for Luis.. he stepped out and was immediately met with cheers, Luis smiled and scanned the long line of people, shaking a few people's hands before he came across a beautiful young italian woman, she stood out from the rest, and immediately had Luis falling head over heels.. he took her by the hand and kissed it like the gentleman he was, capturing many stares from the crowd as he pulled her from the line and put his arm around her and made his way inside where he was greeted by Melvin Rigazzo..

"Dont Patangeli!" he said with an awfully gleeful tone

"I see you have company.. please come.. your booth is awaiting you as always..." he rushed them over to the booth and scurried off for the bottle

"I'll be just over here boss..." Joe whispered into Luis' ear as he took a seat in a nearby table and assumed guard

Melvin quickly returned with two cups and a large bottle of wine and poured the two a drink before Luis tipped him a crisp 100$ bill and he made his leave.. Luis pushed the wine towards the woman and smiled as he picked his up and took a sip...

"So Miss, do you have a name..." Luis said with a smile as he set the drink back down

"Carla... Carla DiMarco.." she said nervously with a smile

"Carla.. what a beautiful name... how come I have never seen you around here before? I visit this place regularly.. although, not many woman do come in here..." he said with a chuckle

"DiMarco, that's italian isn't it... who's your father?" Luis questioned

"My father is construction worker.. in the Union..." 

Joe was sitting nearby and could overhear most of the conversation, the rest was normal chitchat.. getting to know each other bullshit. Joe was paying no mind until a hand fiercely gripped him by the shoulder and shifted him around.. it was Valencia.. 

"JOE! Who the hell is that sitting with Luis!" she said angrily with a red face

"I think that's Luis' new goomah...." he replied...

Valencia quickly approached the table, picking up a glass of wine off the table and tossing it at her father and the female in the booth.. Joe quickly got up and restrained her as she started kicking and cursing at him and the woman...

"You dirty whore! He loves me not you!"

Valencia was slurring up a storm, it appeared she had one to many drinks.. Luis nodded at Joe to escort her away while he stood up and patted himself dry with the towels Melvin had quickly brought over for him and Carla...

"I apologize about that... I spoil my children as you can see..." Luis said with a sigh as he took her hand and helped her from the booth

"Please, allow me to at least arrange for you cab..."

She nodded before kissing him on the cheek, Luis smiled and proceeded to lead the way out of the club. There was already a cab awaiting them.. pre arranged by him of course.. to which he quickly opened the door and helped her inside...

"I hope our next evening out isn't cut short like this..." he said kissing her on the hand before closing the door

Luis turned his attention to Joe Delorenzi standing nearby his Cadillac not too far from where the cab pulled off.. Vale was already sound asleep in the backseat of the car it seemed, so Luis took a few extra moments to recollect his thoughts and have a smoke... The purchase of his house in the old country had went smoothly, business was picking up.. And best of all, the Feds seemed to be off his back. He smirked at how well things seemed to be going.. Tossing his finished cigarette, he exhaled a large cloud of smoke and converged on his car, entering the passenger seat..

"Alright Joe.. take us home..." Luis said with a sigh as he glanced back at Vale

Joe turned the key of the Cadillac and the engine came to life with a healthy rumble.. He quickly tossed it into a gear and not before long they were off into the shadows of the night...

The South Philly Cabaret Club was bustling as usual, drinks were flowing to tables as woman danced on stage... The place got all but silent as Luis and Joe walked through the doors, followed by Kerrie who happened to be the newest addition to the family, as was the talk around town... Melvin quickly seated them at Luis' booth where the crowd and dancers on stage all gave a round of applause and cheered as Luis stepped forward and raised a drink in respects...

"Tonight is a special evening indeed... as you all may have heard, Kerrie was accepted into the family on this day.." he paused for cheers

"But, the celebrations have just begun as in the coming days.. I will be naming a few more to join along side here..." the cheering continued

"Now let us join in celebration to our maiden guest of honor, Kerrie..." he said as he gestured to her standing next to him

Some other members of Race Street that were present stood up and raised their glass to Kerrie, most notably her longtime friend Cliff_Clavin and newest recruit Nick_Cage were the first she noticed... Luis' daughter, Valencia, was the last to make her presence known.. sneaking up behind her and scaring her as she walked past with a smile and sat down in the booth...

"Now... on with the show!" Luis said as the club resumed its daily routine...

"Enjoy your night Kerrie.. because tomorrow.. there's more work to be done..." he said turning to her as he gently tapped his glass against hers

"Cheers"

He motioned for her to sit down, along with Joe before catching glimpse of his goomah standing near the front door.. she was smiling from cheek to cheek as he noticed her and quickly went to take her hand and lead her to the booth.. Much to Valencia's disliking but Luis' didn't care.. He was smitten for Ms. DiMarco....

"Apologies.. for barging in like that in the middle of your speech..." she said softly, but glaring at Valencia

"Ah! No trouble at all! I'm happy you could make it..." he said with a big smile

"You have already met my daughter... Vale..." he said gesturing to her, they both glared at each other...

"Yes I have-"

Valencia abruptly stood up and glared at her father before stomping away towards the bar... Luis sighed and shook his head...

"You will have to excuse her.. she is not to happy I'm sharing my attention with another woman..."

"Completely understand! I was too upset when my father started dating anyone than my mother.. but now.. I couldn't be more happy for him! In time she will like me I'm sure...." Carla said gleefully

"I hope so.. anyways.. you already met Joe.." he gestured to his bodyguard

"But you haven't met my business associate, and newest member to the family.. Kerrie..."

They both shook hands and smiled, Kerrie blowing some cigarette smoke out as she leaned back into the seat again..

"Nice to meet you.. Luis has told me much about you..." Kerrie said with a grin

"Your all he talks about-" Luis shushed her as he sat down and motioned for Carla to sit next to him

"Let's all just enjoy the show, huh? Enough small talk..."

They all seemed to agree to that just fine, pouring drink after drink and getting drunk into the late night....

Valencia had just joined the party, fashionably late as usual but nonetheless she was there. It was Kerrie big day, it was time to celebrate and that was what she was doing. Sitting there with her family, the Labor Union family, throwing back a couple drinks. Everything was great, stories were being told and laughs were being had. That was until she walked through the door.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Luis smile then stand up. Vale turned herself in her seat to act as if she were joining another ongoing conversation. Though in reality she only turned away to not look at that woman. There was just something about her that didn't sit well with Vale, she couldn't quite put her finger on it but it was something.

The place was packed and noisy but Vale could hear her fake designer heels clicking on the floor, getting louder the closer she came to the table. Until they stopped, she could hear Luis embrace her, welcoming her to the get together. Why she was even there didn't make any sense to Vale. She was no way a part of this thing and frankly she had no place to be here.

Once the woman opened her mouth, Vale turned her head slowly around. Her eyes locking in on the woman, there was hate in her eyes. Vale's eye's that is.

"You have already met my daughter... Vale..." Luis stated, the woman answered while Vale stayed quiet. The glare continued for another couple seconds until the woman looked away. Vale grabbed the drink in front of her downed the contents, which was about a half of a glass then slammed it down on the table. The sound echoed through the place and everyone went quiet for a moment.

That's when Vale stood up and stormed off to the bar. She wasn't happy, in the slightest.

"Give me a bottle of whiskey!" She said to the bartender whom gave her a look, walked away and came back with a glass. Vale slammed her fist onto the bar top.

"I said a fucking bottle, did you not fucking hear me?"

The bartender opened his mouth to say something but never had the time to get it out. Vale immediately jumped down the mans throat.

"When I ask for a bottle of whiskey you get me a bottle of whiskey. If you don't get me a bottle of whiskey I will shoot you in the face, right here... right now..."

He went to open his mouth again but again was interrupted by Vale who this time took her gun out from her waist line and held it in her hand. The bartender immediately dropped to the floor and huddled into a ball. Vale sighed and tucked her gun back in it's holster. She then made her way behind the bar, grabbed a bottle off the shelf and looked down at the bartender who was still in a ball.

"Don't worry, I got it!"

She made her way back around the bar and took up the first seat she found. Opening the bottle she took a gulp directly from it. If that woman was going to be here then Vale needed to get drunk, which was a double edged sword. A drunk Vale was an unpredictable Vale....

Luis was still making small talk when he noticed the commotion over at the bar.. he let out a deep sigh and glanced at Joe who gave Luis the nod as he got up from the booth... Luis, furiously, walked over to the bar and snatched Vale by her arm.. pushing her towards the back door as she fought against him every step of the way until they were finally in the back alleyway..

"What the hell has gotten into you lately! And why are you beating up on Melvin like that.. he didn't do anything wrong to you..." he questioned

"Also.. you've been drinking an awful lot since you came back Vale.. what's up? Has the life gotten to you that much? Or can you not stand to see your father with another woman than your mother..."

He took a step back and stuck a cigarette in his mouth... letting Vale curse to herself as she paced back and forth... he took a long drag off his cigarette and waited for her to cool down a bit and talk to him...

Kerrie sat back in her seat, smoking her cigarette, and watched with bemusement on her face as Luis pulled Vale towards the back door, their voices fading. She looked around the room to see if anyone else noticed what had happened. Poor Melvin was still on the floor shaking like a leaf. She stubbed out her cigarette in the crystal ashtray and reached for the bottle of whiskey Valencia had helped herself to from the bar.

"Can't let good whiskey go to waste!"

She topped off her glass and raised it in salute towards her departing new family members, chuckled, then took a deep drink.

"Saluti!"

 Vale was furious, the rage getting more intense by the moment. The grip Luis had on her arm was quite tight, she tries to pull it out of his grasp a few times but each time he clamped down harder. That was until they got outside as he gave her a tug through the door. Sending her flying, she tried to ignore him and tried walking by him to go back inside. It didn’t work, as he stood in the doorway giving her an earful. 

Vale backed up and pelted the nearest garbage can with her right foot, which sent the van and trash all over the place. 

“What’s gotten into me? Are you fucking serious? I should be asking what the hell has gotten into you lately? Do you not see what that whore is doing, how’s shes weaseling her way in. Of course you don’t see it, all you’re thinking about is getting into her pants. She playing you and you’re letting her do it. You really have the nerve to ask what’s wrong with me.” 

She chuckled twice in a deeper tone. 

“I’m looking out for the Union and I will not let her interfere with that nor with our relationship. I will tell you this right now, it’s either her or me.”

She tried to push her way back into the bar but Luis still didn’t budge.

”Let me back in there, I have a bottle of whiskey waiting for me.”

Luis had to push Vale back a few more times before she stomped her foot and stood there glaring back at him.. Luis didn't care about whiskey.. didn't care about Carla... he did know he cared greatly about he Union.. and for her to throw that in his face.. he began to question his thinking.. intentions.. desires in life.. he paced back and forth in front of the door before stopping and letting out a deep sigh...

"I get where your coming from.. when I was your age.. fresh off in Race Street.. I was just as quick to pull the trigger on the next person.. for fear of them backstabbing me in the end.." he chuckled

"I see more and more of you in me as the years pass and it amazes me.. you truly are a "Father's Daughter"..."

He pulled his pack of smokes from his pocket and stuck one in his mouth, quickly lighting it with his zippo and exhaling a cloud of smoke...

"Look... your my daughter.. and Race Street... the Union.. it's my life. I would never choose a woman over that.."

"But she is not going to harm the Union! She's innocent! She told me herself her father works in the Union himself, his name is Antonio... he's a dock worker..." he sighed and took another drag off his cigarette and exhaled

"His brothers I hear have some Mob ties.. but she's harmless I swear! Besides... I picked her out of the crowd one night. It's not like she came to me..."

He could tell Vale was still not satisfied with this response.. he let out a deep sigh and took another drag off his cigarette before tossing it away..

"Look.. we will talk more about it in the morning.. alright? After you had a good night's sleep... go get that bottle of whiskey if you must..."

Luis stepped to the side and allowed her to pass through if she so pleased..

It was nice to see that he finally looked through her eyes at the situation, it eased her mind a bit though she was still super pissed. Not only did he pull her out of the club like a child but he also took her away from the bottle of whiskey. A bottle of whiskey that better still be sitting on the bar. Then on top of everything else that bitch was still inside, having the time of her life. The thought of it made Vale clench her fist, she wanted to punch something but the only thing in front of her was her father.

She thought about it and wanted to but she knew the repercussions of that wouldn't have been good. So she loosened her grip and took in a deep breath. 

"With as much as I'm about to drink, morning may not be in the question."

Vale took a step towards the door, stopping as she was at his side.

"You know, I don't care what ties she has and who her father... brother.... anyone is to her. She may look all pretty and fancy but she's no better then that trash in that can over there."

She gave him no time to even respond to that before she pushed herself back into the club through the backdoor. Immediately as she stepped foot inside, Vale adjusted her outfit and took another deep breath to compose herself before heading back into the mixture of people. First thing first, grab that bottle of whiskey off the bar.

Vale made her way directly to the bar, the spot she had left the bottle of whiskey before being rudely gripped up and dragged outside. There was an issue though, it wasn't there. Coincidentally though just a bit off from that spot stood Kerrie who was in the midst of taking a sip from a bottle. A bottle that looked quite like the one she picked off the shelf a bit ago. 

Paying no attention to anyone else Vale hustled over to Kerrie, stood in front of her and shook her head.

"You're my kind of girl, don't know many that will drink straight from the bottle like that. Only one issue, that's my bottle."

Vale gave Kerrie a bit of a glare before snatching the bottle from her hand, instantly taking the bottle to her lips and taking a couple gulps. She pulled the bottle off her lips and held the bottle down to her side. She could see Kerrie standing there in a bit of awe, trying to figure out what to say.

"Eh, it's your night. Let's drink!"

She took the bottle from her side and extended it towards Kerrie.

Kerrie was enjoying her party. Being new to the area, she liked to observe and read people from afar, see their real sides when they didn't think anyone was watching. There was Cliff_Calvin chugging back his beer, guffawing about brain cells and that very handsome Nick_Cage was puffing on his cigar, checking out the legs of the dancers on stage. 

She heard the sound of the back door slamming shut followed by the click of angry stilettos and from the corner of her eye, noticed Valencia had come back in from the alleyway and was heading towards the bar looking like she was ready to spit fire. Looking for her bottle of whiskey no doubt.

Kerrie wasn't at all surprised to find Valencia standing over her, glaring. Before Kerrie could even utter a word, Vale rudely grabbed the bottle and drank deeply, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. 

Both women stood eye to eye, defiance mirrored with interest, for what felt like minutes rather than seconds, then almost as though Vale came to some inner conclusion, she extended the whiskey bottle towards Kerrie.

"Eh, it's your night. Let's drink!"

Kerrie took the proferred bottle, brought it to her lips and also gulped. She hooked her arm through her new ally's arm and steered them in the direction of Miss DiMarco.

"C'mon Vale, let's get into some mischief. You game?"

Taking the bottle back from Kerrie, Vale began to tilt it towards her lips. That was when Kerrie hooked her arm giving it a tug in the direction that bitch was sitting. Vale dug her heels into the floor and pulled Kerrie back towards the bar. 

"Now mischief sounds like a blast but if we go over there it won't be mischief, it'll be murder. So if that's how you want this night to go then lead on."

Vale was dead serious, the look on her face said it all. As she glared in the direction of the bitch sitting there acting like she was so special. It was a glare that was interrupted by a whiskey bottle dangling in her face. The glare quickly turned into crossed eyes and then a smile as she focused on the half drank bottle. 

She quickly snatched it from Kerrie's grasp and took another swig, followed by another large one. The second gulp was so big that some of liquid came out the corner of her mouth, dripped down the side of her mouth and onto the floor in front of her. With her free had she wiped off the bit that was left over before handing the bottle back to Kerrie.

"So, what will it be? Mischief or Murder?"

Luis walked back into the club, noticing Vale had re situated herself at the bar with Kerrie.. He stopped and glared at her for a few seconds before shaking his head and returning to his booth, sitting down next to Carla who smiled as she glared at Vale sitting at the bar.. as if she had won or something... Luis pulled another smoke from his pack and stuck one in his mouth, quickly lighting it and exhaling a cloud of smoke..

"Everything okay boss?" Joe muttered as Luis sat down...

"Fine...."

The glares from the bar continued, and Luis knew that something was bound to happen.. he waited until the end of the show and stood up from the booth, taking Carla by the hand and leading her out as Joe followed behind... His car was still stationed out front and he ordered Joe to take them back to his place..

He opened the door for Carla and allowed her to get in before climbing into the back himself and slamming the door shut... Joe stepped on the gas and took off into the shadows of the night..

"So, what will it be? Mischief or Murder?"

"Well Vale, since I'm not wearing my red gown, the blood would show if we committed murder and I would hate to ruin another pretty gown. Besides, looks like Carla is leav-"

Kerrie barely got her sentence finished before Valencia started screaming.