Something about this place didn't sit right with Luna...

She opened up the crumpled piece of paper in her hand, and looked at the address again with knitted brows. 2836 Chipmunk Lane, Seattle WA 98101.

Luna felt a sick feeling settle in her stomach when she looked up again, and faced the tall, abandoned, two-storey house. The two windows at the front were cracked, the grass looked like it had not been mowed for years and the porch steps creaked. This is where she's supposed to deliver the suitcase that was filled with 500k in cash? Was this all a set-up by the 'friends' she thought she could trust? The ones who looked her in the eye, told her this would be an 'easy job' as long as she delivered it to the address that was on the paper? Specifically, Luna was promised that she'd get that fine, white powder. However, she realized that maybe her so called friends had a crueler intent.

Luna felt terror in her bones and nothing had even happened yet.. 

As she held onto the handrails of the front wooden porch, her eyes zeroed in on a message carved into the door by a knife. This is what it said: THOSE WHO TRESPASS SHALL NOT COME OUT ALIVE. She put a hand to her mouth, screamed as loud as she could and quickly took a few steps back. 

With trembling hands, she turned around and ran back to her vehicle. That was a very, very big mistake though. A small street gang surrounded all corners of her car. The man with the twisted smile, who looked like the leader of the crew, was casually swinging a bat. His three other accomplices looked like they were ready to feast. "W-what do you want from me?" Luna cried out, her eyes unsure of where to land. She didn't want to look any of them in the eye, in case they would recognize her.

She prayed silently in her head hoping that somebody, anybody, would come to her rescue.

Sal was walking down the damp barely lit street towards his parked car. He was leaving from the club, after meeting a beautiful blonde-haired woman, she was running through his mind as he continued walking down the the street. As he furthers down the street, he hears a scream and instinctively runs towards the commotion. There was this woman carrying a suitcase, surrounded by some greaser hoodlums. He knew these guys from a local street gang, they were not the ones to mess around. They tend to mug people and take all of there money for the fun of it.

Sal sneaks over and goes behind one of the men, as he reaches for his switchblade, which was concealed in one of his jacket’s pockets. He goes behind the closest greaser and winds up for a large haymaker which sends the hoodlum to the ground. The others look over. “Hey, Sally boy I didn’t mean no disrespect. We will leave.” The rest of them run off and I walk over to the woman. “Are you okay miss?” The other greaser gets up, holding the back of his head, with his nose gushing from the impact of the concrete sidewalk. He runs away with the rest of them.

Just as quickly as they had come and tried to frighten Luna, they hurried away like small ants, followed by some painful groans and rude mumbling. It took a while for Luna to regain her composure, before eagerly thanking the man who came to her rescue. "I-.. Thank you so much. If it wasn't for you, I would have been dead meat." 

She was still holding onto the suitcase. Luna wondered if he realized it yet. She awkwardly walked over to the driver's side of her vehicle as her keys dangled in her fingers. Was he going to question it? 

"Do you need a ride anywhere?" Luna suddenly asked with a smile as she raised her chin to face him again. It was an appropriate offer. After saving her life, the least she could do was offer him a free ride. 

Even though Sal drove here on his own, he couldn’t not accept the woman's request. She seemed interesting enough to get to know. Sal followed the woman into her car, closing the door behind him. “Can you take me to The Gentleman’s brothel down on the third street please.” Sal needed to talk to the manager since he was trying to screw the family out of a few thousand dollars in revenue. The car flew down the street, filling the street full of fumes .

We got there about thirty minutes later and could tell, this was not a good area to be in. Two gangsters were outside talking in a drunken manner and carrying a 40 ounce in one of there hands. I began to walk over, running into the bouncer which was blocking the front door. “20 bucks for entry.” I looked him up and down, before answering. “I am here to see your boss, we have some business  to get too.” The bouncer quickly moved out of my way and we walked through the brothel. Characters from across the city littered it, from lawyers, corrupt cops and too gangsters from other families in town.

The office was on the other side of the brothel. I turned around and told her, to wait outside for a moment. I walked inside the office and sat on a adjacent chair from where Leo was sitting. Leo was a chubby man in his forties, with a worn-down grey suit that seemed to have not been washed in a few weeks. His gaze seemed very worried stricken and he knew in the back of his head why I was here but played it off like he had no clue.

I began to speak. “Now Leo we both know why I am here, you have been skipping your payments the last two weeks, why is that?” Leo looked like he just saw a ghost, as he repositioned his tie. He answered me. “It’s just that business has not been booming since that drive-by shooting that killed four customers last week. Customers are staying away.” I got up angrily and grabbed him by his tie. “Now listen here you scumbag, I don’t care what the circumstances are you made a deal and you are going to pay us. Now either give over the money or I am going to punish you for your bad decisions.” I throw him back into his seat, as I fix my hat, before sitting down once again. Leo goes through his drawers and pulls out some money. “Here, just leave me alone.” I walk out of the office and back to the car.

Luna bobbed her head energetically, taking note of his request, as she plopped onto the drivers seat. The car started rolling along the driveway and they were heading to the destination. During the drive to the brothel, Luna cackled loudly when he started telling her about some nasty experience with a stripper. "Guess that traumatized you from ever touching another stripper again, eh?" She smirked.

Fast forward thirty minutes later, Luna and Sal arrived. Her laugh was long gone when she saw how... unsafe... this place was. Not to mention, the streets were fucking polluted with trash. One of the two gangsters that she saw puked on the sidewalk, almost aiming at Luna. She quickly dodged the disaster and cussed the guy out. "Fuckin'.." She followed behind Sal feeling annoyed and irritated.

She looked around and cringed. The Luna she knew would never be in a place like this. And she felt kind of belittled. Just as she was going to ask Sal if she could wait outside, he granted her wish and pointed to the entrance door. "Okay. Cool. I'll wait outside. Don't... take too long. Those gangsters looked not okay." 

-- 

When Sal came back to the car, Luna was sitting inside. She fell asleep but awoke to the sound of his knocking against the window. "Done? That was quick. What did you do in there anyway?" She cocked her head, raising an eyebrow. 

Sal jumps in with some blood splatter on his newly bought two-piece suit….. I mean stolen from another dead mobster but that is not here or there. I look over at her, falling asleep in her eyes but I shake my head out of it. Not a good idea to mess with someone from another family. “So where are we off to now?” She asks as I reposition my hat, I then answer her question. “I mean I don’t want my car to just sit there on the street, so we should probably go check on it.” She nods before starting the car's engine and heading back down the street.

“So where are you from? I have never seen you around these parts before. Are you part of a family, just guessing since of your attire.” I twiddle my gun in my hand, as I become very anxious just sitting in my chair. As we pull up to the car, we see the greasers from before have done some damage to my car. The headlights are smashed into many small pieces and many more things. “WHYYYYYYY” I run over, hugging my car, as a small tear comes down my cheek. “Baby say something to me. Don’t die on me please.” I wipe away the tear quickly before Luna can see. “I guess I will take her down to the local shop. I might need a ride back to my place if you don’t mind.”

Luna's eyes went wide when she saw his blood-stained suit. She inhaled a sharp breath and instantly started to worry. She told him to ignore her question - she didn't really want to know - but was happy he made it out of that brothel alive. She suddenly asks where they're going to next, an attempt to distract herself from worrying even more. She heard that Sal wanted to check up on his car. Luna nodded, turned the key into the ignition then started the engine.

Sal had tried to make conversation in the car, but Luna had sensed the awkwardness and she forgot to answer his question. Few minutes later she just says... "I'm here cuz I have a job to do, I guess..." Luna clears her throat and continues, "my line of work requires me to travel constantly." Hopefully that answer was enough for Sal to get the hint.

As they both had come back to the place that they had first met, Luna parted her lips in shock. "Uhhh.." She pointed to Sal's car, scratched her head and looked sorry for him. The car was completely trashed. Probably by those good for nothing hoodlums. Luna frowned slightly. "Maybe we should call someone to tow the car for you. I got contacts. Hold on." She made a couple of calls at a nearby phone booth, surprised that this abandoned area even had one, before returning back to the damaged vehicle.

"They're coming. Sorry about your car." 

She paused, feeling her heart break into pieces about how bad this night turned out to be and got an idea. It wasn't going to help his situation, but at least it could distract him from worrying about it. "I have leftovers from last night. My house isn't too far away from here either... So uhh if you wanna come over and get to know me more, my home is open." 

Luna hopped back into her own car, then turned to Sal with a sheepish smile. "Oh. And I can introduce you to my husband, BirdPerson." 

Sal looks at Luna for a moment, not sure how to respond. He thinks over an appropriate response and says “That would be great, I hope your husband is okay with me staying over though. I don’t want things to become awkward.” I follow Luna back to her car and open the door, before closing the door behind me. “Can we turn on some tunes?” I reach for the radio and turn on some smooth jazz. “This is one of the best songs I have heard, you should really dig it.” Sal smiles and leans back in the chair.

Today has been a crazy day for him and he just wants it to be over. The only good part was getting to know Luna, who seems interesting enough to keep around. About five or ten minutes later, we pull up to her home. “Nice place.” I get out and begin making my way up the front porch.”

Luna noticed him hesitating before he answered. She wondered if it was too much to ask. There was no harm in it though - Luna reassured him. "It's fine. I'm not my husbands slave. I'm allowed to have friends that aren't girls." She lifted her chin, smiled and felt grateful that she had such an understanding hubby. Nowadays, so many women are forced to confine to their homes and not make any friends. She let Sal play with the radio while she turned on the engine and burned rubber on the road. 

The roads began to get familiar again and she just knew they were getting close to home. "Nearly there." 

Finally after a few turning of corners, she pulled up to the Imperial Nest mansion and gave a brief nod to Sal. "Thank you." Luna smiled tenderly. All her husbands hard work paid off and their future children would be able to live comfortably and hopefully inherit all the riches of their parents. She rubbed her belly, feeling a kick from her future child. Luna raised her brows. "Oh my, looks like someone else is happy to be home too." 

She locked her vehicle before heading inside. The front entrance doors were pushed open by the men that stood guard. "Honey, I'm home!" Luna called out. She turned to Sal and gestured towards the dining room. "Take a seat, don't be shy.. I'll be right there. Just going to talk to the personal chefs and see what they have cooking for us." 

Sal sits in the beautiful dining room, sitting on one of the chairs of a large table. He could tell her that she found someone with a lot of cash, which would make sense as the don of a family. He waits for a few moments before Luna reappears with some chefs, bringing out a huge meal. Sal felt pampered already and he damn well loved it. He was brought over an appetizer which was some breadsticks and he grabbed one from the basket before it was put in the middle of the table. He waited before Luna came with BirdPerson, they seemed to have changed into some fancy attire. Sal felt very underdressed for this occasion.

Now everyone was sitting and enjoying a nice meal, with some small talk being exchanged. Sal was having a great time and got more excited as the main course arrived. It seems to be a Italian cuisine which made sense. He grabbed some pasta, another piece of bread and some other small servings, even some of the salad.

As she watched Sal make himself comfortable, Luna ran off to fetch the chefs and the maids. "We have a guest tonight. Please prepare us your best meals." She nodded briefly and smiled to all of them. They were not just people working for Luna, but she treated them like family and never once underestimated them. All Luna had to do was tell them, and they would do everything in their power to fulfil the request. 

After that, she headed upstairs, searched for her hubby and found him fixing a tie. Luna made her presence known as she knocked on the door gently and smiled delightfully. "Let me help you, baby." Even when she was just there to fix his tie, Luna couldn't help but stand on her tippy toes and reach for a kiss. She let go of his tie and nodded towards her love. "You look handsome. As always." 

--

Silence filled the air except for the metal banging against the dinner plates. Everyone was busy eating. The food was spectacular. Luna would have to tell Marissa later that she was amazing. After a few minutes, Luna started to make small talk. Putting down her fork, Luna asked curiously:

"So.. How long have you been in this thing of ours?" Luna wasn't sure at first if he was involved in the criminal activities, but after some time she started to guess right. It was the way he carried himself, probably. Very.. gangster-like. The whole tough guy charade. 

Sal finished the food in his mouth before he answered. “I have been in this life since I was very young. My family was on the rougher side of town and I knew this was a life I did not want for myself. There was a large mob figure in my local area and I went to his pizzeria one night. I told him my name and I was interested in doing some work for him. He apparently admired my forwardness and threw me his keys. He told me to bring his car over. I ran down the street to his car and did as he asked. I was only like ten at the time, driving a car. I could barely see over the steering wheel, but I managed to do it.” Sal takes a swig of water and continues talking.

“He gave me ten dollars and told me to come around again. So I began to sneak away after my school ended and work for him. I would work in the pizzeria, taking peoples orders and cleaning the floors. When I got older, I began to do more serious work. As an example, I would steal cars and vandalize businesses if someone did not pay what they owed. I worked my way up doing more serious jobs, even doing a small stay in juvenile hall for robbery. When I got out I was introduced to the family and I am here now.”

“This life is glorious at times and is full of bad times, but it is the only life I know. I would not change it for the world. I just hope I can make a decent name for myself.”

Sal finishes the rest of his food and sits back in his chair, stretching his back. He could feel his stomach from all the food he digested. Sal’s eyes began to get heavy, it was later in the night, he had a long day. “May I ask if I can stay the night. If not no worries I can stay at the local hotel, I don’t want to bother you further since you have shown me much hospitality already.”

Luna saw the twinkle in his eyes as he shed light on his background. She felt like was reliving the moments with him and she even stopped eating. Her husband was listening intently too, giving a nod here and there and back to eating his food. Luna sat there, with a glint of hope in her eyes, admiring the determination Sal had when he was just a little boy.

When he was going on about the cycle of life, Luna partially opened her lips and nodded - she knew exactly what he was saying. Life is really like a box of chocolates. You never know if your tastebuds are going to like what's coming next. 

When she noticed him leaning back into his chair - it was clear that his appetite was satisfied. Luna waved over a maid, smiled politely and asked if she could start cleaning up. Luna picked up her napkin from her lap and wiped the corners of her mouth. She mirrored his tired expression. Luna looked at the clock and was taken aback when she realized it was already quarter to midnight.

"Yes, yes. Stay here. I wouldn't want you going out at this time of the night either. Consider yourself a special guest here. My-- I mean, our home is always open to kind fellas like you." She whipped her head quickly to her husband and smiled. 

There was a guest bedroom upstairs, Luna remembered. She shifted her eyes to Eva, her personal assistant and gestured for her to escort Sal. "There's already blankets and towels there. As well as a spare toothbrush. I'm not sure if you're intending on leaving early in the morning... But if you stay long enough tomorrow we will have lunch prepared for you." 

It was very clear to see - Luna was very hospitable and kind. 

Sal thanked Luna and BirdPerson for the meal and made his way around the table and out the door, to find where the guest bedroom was. As he was making his way to the room, he saw one of the maids cleaning an area by the stairs. She was a younger brunette woman with nice curves and other things that made Sal go crazy. He made sure to walk close to her and start a conversation. “Hello darling my name is Sal and I am a a guest staying here for the night. I was wondering……..”

To not go into all of the details, Sal managed to get a smile out of the woman. Sal continues to speak. “My room needs a cleaning still would you mind checking it out for me?” Sal gave that universal wink and she made her way up the stairs, Sal following shortly behind. He watched her………… personalty closely as she walked up the staircase. They made a right and down the hallway to the guest room. She opened the door and made her way in. She left all her cleaning supplies outside and the door closed behind her. A do not disturb sign was placed on the doorknob as well.

15 Minutes Later................

Sal came out of the room, fixing his tie and putting his shoes on. He quickly made his way down the hallway, and down to the kitchen. He began searching for something to drink, he was very parched.

Luna was busy relaxing downstairs when suddenly she saw Sal heading down the stairs. She raised her chin and cocked her head. "That was a quick... sleep. Not tired anymore?" She heard some ruckus upstairs but didn't question it. He deserved his privacy. Little did she know that he was messing with one of her maids. 

Then she walked with him into the kitchen. "I'll get that for you. Sit down." Luna grabbed him a glass of lemon iced tea, her favourite. She had a quick fifteen minute nap and she was already energized. Her husband was already snoozing in their bedroom. 

She poured a glass for herself and leaned her back against the sink. Then she looked up and eyed Sal. Luna smiled. She wondered where he was going tomorrow. Luna didn't have anything planned except for shopping for groceries and heading to the book store. Maybe Sal wanted company? Hubby wouldn't mind. As long as Luna kept the watch on her. It tracked her whereabouts and sent it to her husband's watch. They were connected.

Luna analyzed Sal - who was sipping on his drink. He really did look like he needed a drink. What even happened upstairs that made his thirst so real? 

Then she asked, "what are you up to tomorrow? I could come with you, if you like. Any jobs I could help you on?" 

Sal finished off the small cup of water, before answering Luna’s question. He put down the cup in the sink and turned around. “I actually have a small job, I need to collect on someone. If you would want to come with me, feel free. I normally work alone but you are my exception.” Sal smiles and goes through one of the adjacent cupboards looking for some scotch, or whiskey or whatever really he could find. He found a small wine bottle and poured two glasses. One for himself and one for Luna if she so wished to drink with him. It was five in the morning but Sal does not play by Father Time’s rules, the rules have to follow him. Sal puts the wine bottle down and reaches forward with the shot glass in his hand. “To new friendships and too our future health and well being.”