He heard the click of the locking mechanism as the guard turned the key.  Nikolai stood, dressed in his grey and white prisoner's outfit, holding a folded blanket and pillow in his outstretched hands.  His eyes were blank and cold, still dealing with the shock of the ejection from his family by Tiny_Tim and the accelerated judicial process that resulting in his conviction and sentencing.  How many times had he played the events through his mind?  How had Tiny_Tim and Staledonuts turned their back on him so quickly?  

As the gate opened and the first guard stepped through, he felt the other guard push him from behind and say "Move it asshole, I have better things to do than play chauffeur!"  Nikolai stumbled forward, chains around his ankles preventing him from taking his normal strides.  As he shuffled forward, jeers and insults were aimed at him from numerous inmates as he passed their cells.  Finally reaching a cell with a previously opened door, the guards took positions on either side as he entered his future home.  As he entered, the door was closed and locked behind him as he heard the guards walking away.

He was relieved to have a cell to himself and sat down on the bed.  After a few minutes, he laid down and closed his eyes, repeating the turn of events through his mind.  He remembered the sentencing, but had no idea what he had been convicted of at the trial.  As he thought, he drifted off.

With a start, he sat up in bed as his cell door was opened.  He looked up to see two guards staring at him with the larger one finally saying "the Warden wants to see you."  Nikolai shuffled over to the door, hearing the clinking sound of chains around his ankles.  After several minutes and the opening and closing of two more gates followed by exiting the main cell block via a large solid metal door, he found himself in an ornate hallway with the smell of cigar smoke in the air.  The guards continued to escort him down to a large door that carried a plaquerd that said "Warden Thompson".  The guards stood back and said "Instructions were for you to enter by yourself".

Nikolai turned the door knob and pushed the door open to the right.  As he entered, his focus was on the older balding gentleman sitting at a large custom carved desk.  The man motioned for him to come forward and have a seat at the single leather chair in front of his desk.  As Nikolai sat down, he noticed that while the smell of cigar smoke was stronger in this room, the Warden didn't appear to be smoking anything.  With realization, he turned to see Tiny_Tim and MustachePete sitting in two large leather chairs.  Nikolai hadn't noticed them, as the door had blocked his vision to the right and then he had been focused on the Warden.  Tiny_Tim and MustachePete were both taking long draws on their cigars, staring and smiling at Nikolai.

With a clearing of his throat, Nikolai's attention was brought back to the Warden.  And as if on cue, both Godfathers stood from their chairs and walked over to stand on either side of the Warden.  With that, Tiny_Tim said "You look good Nikolai.  No worse for the wear.  I knew you would handle this with ease.  You've done a great job for me and I wanted you to be rewarded"  Nikolai just stared at his former Godfather before saying "You rewarded me by having me incarcerated?"

Then it was MustachePete's turn as he said "Nikolai, we had to make it believable.  And boy, from your facial expressions during the trial and sentencing, you could never have faked those looks of shock.  We needed someone on the inside.  The Warden and I go way back, having went to high school together.  With Tiny_Tim's blessing,  I've authorized you to be a crew leader in Chicago, based on your great work in New York.  The good news is that you'll be in Chicago, with me.  The bad news is that you won't EXACTLY be with me.  Welcome to DEATH ROW!"

Just then the phone rings on the warden's desk. MustachePete motions Nikolai to answer. Nikolai walks over and picks up the phone. Without a word the person on the other end of the receiver speaks.

Sad to see you, Stale says, but its good to see you with you own family. Pete will treat you well, you already know that. I'll miss you. Stop by the donut shop the next time you're in town.

with that the line went dead....

Everything went as planned. The secret deals during the trials were exactly what the Godfathers had planned. The reward for Nikolai was the best they could offer him for his unwitting efforts.

Losing you will be a sad time for this family. And you setting up with Pete will be the best thing for our Nations Family.

You are a true leader and NY is better for your time with us. Make us Proud out in Chicago!

Just stay away from the Vodka!

Tiny_Tim