Clearly, it was close to the longest day of the year now. Despite it being early morning, the sunrays has made their way into Rudy's face some hours ago and despite him having tried to fall back asleep, he simply couldn't find the right state of mind to doze off again.
Rudy had been thinking of that particluar moment yesterday, when the story rapidly spread that Amos got hitlisted for an incredible amount of money. Word had it that the one that had posted the hit were the kin of the late Seattle Godfather and had inherited their immense wealth. Word also had it that more were to follow..

As he thought of potential bountyhunters that could be interested to give it a go, trying to hit the jackpot by wacking a relatively young criminal, he decided to for once cross the street at the pedestrian crossing, to find his favourite coffee shop, to go order his favourite double espresso from his favourite waitress..

He pushed the door open to see the bar free, with a fresh copy of a national newspaper laying on top. He stepped towards it and nodded as he was greeted with a smile and the question of him wanting the same coffee as usual.

Surpressing a yawn, he opened the paper, first flipping towards the pages to the obituaries, as he usually did. He was a bit surprised to read of the retirement of Don Beko and he felt he got a lump in his throat as he, one by one, read well over a dozen, mostly very personal, heart-warming submissions, praising her character.

An honourable way to leave this world, Rudy thought as he read on

To his surprise, at the next page, he found the name of Amos in the Obits, too. Almost spilling part of his espresso, he re-read..
Yes, this was the same Amos that was hitlisted yesterday, JonnyBeRed's Left Hand..

Would someone have decided to cash in and take a rogue shot at him? Rudy thought, before continuing to read the submissions to his passing.

The first submission he read was @TinyTim's, and Rudy only needed that one word to understand what had happened. He put his empty cup back on the bar and stood up. He wanted to know what the people in his world thought of this. As he walked out, back towards the Streets, he overheard the newest gossip.
After the hit on Amos, now SpikeS was said to hitlisted as well! Apparently he was a bit less valuable than Amos, but still.. The number they spoke off was still huge!

As he stepped out of the coffee store, he walked towards the nearest junction and decided that place would be perfectly suited for, hopefully, starting a discussion. Although, Rudy was pretty confused about what was happening on the streets and what were the current ideas of this world's streets and how they were used, hoping to address Squishy about it again soonish.

Nevermind, he mumbled,
I will just try to draw some attention to the talk by clapping my hands loudly.

He clapped. He clapped until his hands started to tingle.

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow gangsters,

I would actually love the hear your opinions! This is not a version of my newest novel I am presenting here!

He clapped once more, as he tried to find the right words to start

We have seen the death of the Left Hand of a Family.. By choice.. For money!
I agree, it was a vast amount of money.. but still.. A well-respected and important family member's life is shot for money.
Of course, we all know what the reasons could be.. Especially with TylerDurden and his Delawere crew roaming our streets, Amos's life was at stake. And as this clearly was arranged, given @TinyTim's first word after the shot, Amos's kin will probably benefit from the money that was given to the shooter..

As Rudy looked around, he noticed FamousAmos in the crowd. Interrupting himself, he spoke
You look a lot like the late Amos.. My sincere condoleances. From what I heard, you already, despite of your age, have been given the function of being the new Left Hand Man of JonnyBeRed. Congratulations.
I wonder, have you talked about this decision with Amos. Was it hard for him to sacrifice himself for the money? Are you aware of what his considerations were to choose for this? Was it your financial stability? Could he not raise the money for the hitlist or was he scared that if he would pay it off, a new hit would be posted?

Looking forward to hearing from FamousAmos later, Rudy decided to ramble on a bit further
Apparently financial warfare is powerful.. Where does this end?
As he shivered by the thought of his own leader LadyF making a similar decision, he said
Would a Crewleader decide to catch a bullet for the financial future of their kin?
He remembered speaking shortly with Wayne about yesterday's initial hitlisting, after his name, and that of Luis_Patangeli fell in the aftermath of the hit being posted. Rudy paused and then slowly said
A Godfather even..?

And if so, for what price? Is there any honour involved in the decision-making of how to deal with a hitlisting? How far can this be taken?

I understand you, Rudy spoke as he looked at SpikeS, are in a very difficult situation, and that you will be thinking of if you can raise the money to pay off the listing, and if so, whether it will be posted again. You probably also will consider leaving the listing out there.. Or.. Won't you..?

He looked up again and finished off his speech with
Ladies and gentlemen.. Is money in full control of our world?

It's been a couple days since EddieClaxton's bloodline rejoined the life of crime. A drug run here, a robbery there; a feeling of monotonous boredom came from having to perform such routine tasks but alas, 'tis was the way to earn in this business. 

As the monotony of crime urged him to take some much-needed respite from routine racketeering ventures, he decided to take a quick stroll through the streets to look for any shred of distraction. He found a small crowd forming around Rudy as he elucidated his questions and convinced the crowd to give their cents on the topic of his speech. After intently listening to several gentlemen speak, EddieClaxton raises his hand and steps forward to grab everyone else's attention. 

​​"First of all, doesn't it seem ironic that ill will ends up benefiting someone's descendants in the long run? If the poor 'victims', if I may refer to them as that, of this so-called financial warfare end up gaining any sort of compensation for their children due to an ironically benevolent hitman, isn't it more of a problem for the one who wished ill will on them since they somehow end up benefitting those they despise enough to put a bounty on?" EddieClaxton chuckled. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​"To your other questions, well, I think I speak for everyone when I say money is one of the primary things that motivates us to pursue this career path, isn't it? I don't get why this is evenr

a question, good sir. These hitlist incidents can only be limited by the attitudes and the pockets of the most influential people in this world so I prefer to not overthink any conventions or moral limits when it comes to these matters." EddieClaxton said as he tipped his hat and stepped back into the crowd. 

Rudy smiled as EddieClaxton replied and was keen to answer on the questions Mr. Claxton posed promptly.

I agree, it's totally ironic that the kin will get rich from it. On the other hand, they lose a father or mother. I am not sure if that can be fully compensated with money.
Rudy's thought drifted off at the idea of how it could have been, should he had had the chance to have known either of his parents..

Anyway, I will tell you why I feel it's a valid question. Of course, money is vital, but there are more things that could be seen as more valuable than money. Or do you feel everything have it's price?
I am pretty sure some of us are in this world for the thrill, the power or the honour..
Besides, I have read that somewhere in my bloodline, that they have seen hits, of similar value of the one that's up on SpikeS right now, were being paid off.

If it is, or will be, simply an accepted way to die for the kin to have a bonus, then what's the hitlisted person's life worth? The amount of the hit? Will we then morally accept bountyhunters to actually go for the hit as well?

Looking at Hurley, Rudy says
I am sure some would see a succesful hit from the outside as the cream of the crop..

A morning jog through the streets took Hawkeye through the city center where a group of people had gathered for some sort of meeting or debate. He paused to have a listen and noticed that Rudy was in the midst of it all. Hawkeye knew that Rudy was someone who got people to discuss hot button topics that most of them avoided. This time around Rudy was talking about hit listing and its ethics.

Few mobsters came forward to share their thoughts on the subject and once they were done Hawkeye stepped forward to share his views. He addressed Rudy saying, "Hit listing is all about finding the right bounty amount. The one placing the hit has to take into account the target's net worth before placing said hit. If the hit is too low it could be easily bought off but on the other hand if its too high, like the one we saw yesterday, then I don't see anything wrong if the target plays it smart and works with the bounty hunter."

"As for what is morally acceptable," he grabs a street urchin playing nearby before continuing, "See little Timmy here. Let's say his father is a wise guy who hasn't amounted to anything in this world. But wouldn't his dad want Timmy to have a better life if possible?"

The kid starts squirming and protesting, " My name is not Timmy, its Johnny and my daddy has a big store."

Hawkeye glares at the kid and mutters, "Shut it kid. Cant you see I'm trying to make a point here." he then adds to the onlookers "Wouldn't his dad, if given the chance, sacrifice his life for Johnny's sake? If the price is right, wouldn't Johnny's dad take his own life if Johnny is taken care off for the rest of his life?"

The kid starts crying so Hawkeye releases him from his grip. He shakes his head before speaking once more, "So its really up to the one placing the hit. Assess the target's bodyguard count, units, age,rank, activity and all the other factors before deciding on a hit amount to make full use of the hit list option or it might end up being counter productive. The intended target should make a decision based on the hit amount. Crew leaders and godfathers are more likely to buy the hit off but again it could be a personal choice. We will need to hear their views from their mouth first."

EddieClaxton walked back into the middle of the crowd after Hawkeye's speech. It seemed like Hawkeye already spoke most of the what was on his mind so he just spoke to affirm the gentleman's statements:

"I believe I can't articulate my thoughts as well as the previous gentleman has so I would like to inform our discussion-starter, Mr. Rudy, that I agree with what the good gentleman Hawkeye had to say. I am also curious about the thought processes of the men of power and influence in this world of ours considering they are the ones most likely to be in the giving and receiving ends of these incidents, and are the ones who have the final say in what these so-called 'victims' do to deal with their misfortune. Perhaps I may even learn a thing or two from this great men and women that may help me in my hopefully lengthy career in crime."

EddieClaxton then stepped back into the now-large crowd as he eagerly awaited any responses from the criminal elite. 

FamousAmos was walking along the street when a man began to clap -- thinking it peculiar he stopped, and listened to the man speak. He was talking about hit listing other gangsters in this world -- something FamousAmos was acutely aware of. 

The gentleman noticed FamousAmos, and singled him out of the crowd looking for his thoughts; FamousAmous let him finish speaking, hearing a few more pieces of discussions from others in the crowd before stepping forward.

"It's true that my kin was hit listed, and subsequently killed for money" he began, not really keen to speak infront of others "but he did let me in on the thought process of why he let himself be killed, and why he was hit listed, and I believe the latter is important in his decision"

FamousAmos cleared his throat, and continued "Amos believed he was hit listed by mistake, or maybe by purposeful deceit from a third party. He had been chatting with others in the nearby Lounge when he noticed the kin of the late Godfather Chairman Jerry there. It wasn't long before Jerry's kin contacted Amos -- accusing him of besmirching the good name of their forefather."

"Apparently, the night before Amos died, he was accused of openly talking and insulting Jerry himself; a point which Amos contested to the grave. When Jerry's family contacted Amos, he was given an ultimatum: tell the "truth" about what he had said regarding Jerry, or die. They did not have any proof of what Amos was done, nor provided any context -- all they knew was they were sure he had done it. Amos tried to explain he had not done it -- he was away for the night in question celebrating with his family, and was barely around town -- but they were having none of it. Amos then refused to admit to something he didn't do, and was hit listed later that night"

FamousAmos looked amongst the crowd, feeling like he was babbling -- "I know this may not seem relevant, but the decision on what to do next was influenced heavily by who placed the hit, and I feel the context is important -- as my Fathers good name was also smeared in the listing."

"Amos knew he was in a tight spot -- sure, he was afforded some protection because of his status within the New York Families as a Left Hand, but that protection would only last for so long. The amount of money, was such that paying it off would be taxing on both Amos and the family, and as many know, the bloodline of Jerry has a substantial amount of assets, so there would be no guarantee that he would not find himself on the hit list again even if he did pay it off." 

"Amos was never a fan of surprises, and knowing he wouldn't last with such a sum on his head, he opted to ensure the money went to friends and family of his own. It's not an easy decision, but there was only one simple solution to this problem." FamousAmos said.

"To the matter at hand about the efficacy hit listing -- clearly it works -- Amos died only because he was hit listed; it gave those who wished him ill an easy venue to cause it. Those with deep enough pockets could certainly abuse the hit list, and it could force many in our life underground or even from returning to these shores -- the amount used to list Amos waspeas in the eyes of the lister, who could very well list me for the same amount or more without batting an eye." 

"I believe the list can be used to get anyone in our world killed, maybe not as quickly as it did Amos, but I'm sure eventually anyone finding themselves on the list for hundreds of millions of dollars would find themselves dead -- to someone else who is willing to die to secure the future of their own kin."

"At the end of the day, if someone with deep pockets truly wants another person dead it will happen -- with or without the hitlist. All the hit list is doing at that point is facilitating the murder, otherwise the rich person would have to mingle with the poors to find the right person and the right price to get their will done."
 

With that, FamousAmos stepped back into the crowd, pulling from his pocket a small package of bite-sized cookies. He offered some to a few of the folks nearby, and continued to listen...

Wilson had been listening to the conversation for an extended period of time. He wasn't sure it was his place to comment on such a personal endeavor by the late Amos. With Amos' son coming out and speaking Wilson decided to give his two cents on the situation. 

"If I am entirely honest here, at first when I saw what was going on I was a little perturbed by it. The concept of killing your own to satisfy the need of someone else's bloodlust should be a bothersome concept to all of us. To me, it sets a "we negotiate with terrorists" type of precedent." 

Wilson can feel the disagreement coming from others in the conversation. 

"Now, that's not to say I wholeheartedly disagree with what happened here. I would like to extend a thanks to FamousAmos for shedding some light on what happened."

"Obviously, I think people need to grow thicker skin and we shouldn't cater to those people only because they can pay us tons of money to do so. However, as FamousAmos stated his father didn't believe there was a good way out of the situation that had presented itself. By the sounds of it Amos made the decision to have someone he knows end his life and collect the bounty. Not only to support his next of kin but also to help fund the organization he worked for I assume."

Wilson nods as if to approve

"I don't think there is anything dishonorable about that. As a matter of fact I would say it is just as honorable as dying fighting for your family. The only dishonor here is that the hit was put up because someone supposedly said something about someone who is no longer alive and that certain someone who presumably posted the hit didn't like it... I think sometimes it's just better to move on." 

"As far as where this ends? Who is to say? It all depends on the price, and mentality of the person that's marked. I don't believe we would see a CL or GF volunteer for this sort of thing unless they intended to retire anyway. The financial future is often set for like at least two generations for people of that status. As demonstrated if the person placing the hit was in fact a kin to the late Jerry."

​​​​​​​Wilson extended a hand to accepted one of FamousAmos' cookies  

Tutte had also seen that pretty high amount of the hitlist yesterday and also heard all rumors about it and all the coulö do was shaking his head when he thinks of all old stories between people that doenstseems to can be forgotten, he could understand it even if he absolutely not know all about it an also don't care so much about it either.

One thing he was very surprised over was that no one yet trie to get the high amount of cash, it must itch pretty much in many fingers to use the A-button there but luckily so far bo one has done it, well see what's happening in the coming hours...

Striphe exited the airplane quickly as it landed with a car awaiting. He had heard through the streets about a large hit being placed on one of his capos by an unidentified mobster. He knew of a couple different options and together he knew they would ponder them all over some drinks and cigars. As the car sped off into the city he rolled the windows down and took a deep breath of the country air before reaching the city. It smelled sweet with a brisk smell of alcohol from he distillery that had just opened in town.

The limo arrived at the headquarters of Godfather Angelo as he stepped out and before entering the golden doors he made a statement to the crowd speaking

We recognize the hit and we are considering all of the options during these times. There are a few different options as everyone knows and what will happen will be discussed between family, like it should be. We live in a world with a system of anonymity such as this and every now and then we have seen this happen in the history books. Its tough we have coffee shop memories, old memories, current memories and sometimes people cant tell the difference or not willing to try a difference.

You simply cannot make everyone happy you find the older you get. We have a world with a series of written and unwritten rules and just because you sometimes can, does not always mean you should. Plenty of people could have killed him but is it worth it? We work together daily most of us and we strive for goals other than a impulse kill for some cash.

Grudges run deep and stuff I get it...but I sure hope there is a legit reason to punish somebody's son over something their father did many moons ago.

He walked up the steps and one of the men opened the golden door. Walking inside as he took his shades off the large doors closed and the people continued to talk outside

He stood there, in the crowd, and was delighted with how the discussion was being picked up. There were a bunch of great well-thought replies. And Tutte was there, too.
Rudy smiled as StripheVenzetti stepped out of the limousine and decided to take his valuable time to speak up. Despite him not giving any disclosure on how the matter was picked up internally, he, between the lines, gave his very clear opinion on how he felt about the recent hitlist postings.
After Consigliere Striphe left, Rudy stepped forward once more, saying

I see how you agree with Hawkeye, EddieClaxton.
He made perfect sense in what he said. And I must admit, if I look little Timmy in the eyes, I can't say I disagree, myself either.

There was some high-pitched voice objecting for a moment, but Rudy felt he needed to finish first
Shut up, Timmy! I want to thank FamousAmos for his explanation first, so just.. Shut up.
I am pretty impressed and also grateful that you have shared what you know, FamousAmos. Also, I must say that I do feel sorry to have seen you lost Amos for what may have been an mix-up. That is brutal..
I can only agree with Wilson on how he feels about what happened..

Yet he also said something that keeps echoing in my head. I have heard a similar punch-line before..

Rudy raised his hands to make some quotation marks, saying
'We don't negotiate with terrorists'

Is this true? Don't we? Or do we always somehow?
Do they force 'us' to by using the hitlist?
And are people that post hits actually terrorists?

And talking about that hitlist, what's the benefit of showing it publicly? Is it done to cause havoc?
It's a funny thing that Gnarly now has listed a hit on themselves there, denying to have been involved in SpikeS's listing..

Rudy paused as the news just reached him that SpikeS had been shot.

He mumbled
Lord, this listing proves to be effective..

Raising his voice to a normal volume, he said
If Gnarly is the late Seattle Godfather's wealthy kin.. and they did not post that hit on SpikeS..
Maybe someone outsmarted some others here..? Some people that are not as opulent, yet were wealthy enough to force StripheVenzetti to arrange SpikeS to be shot..?
Maybe I should just step back, as I am making too many assumptions, am only speculating and have no evidence to support any conspiracy theories..

As he indeed stepped back, with muted voice he added
It's interesting, though..

Baby Beel removed his pacifier and cleared his throat.

"Agah (It seems to me that the recent hits were for the purpose of venting. Amos was supposedly hit listed  because he leaked information, if the main room of the lounge is to be believed. The same reason could be associated to hit listing SpikeS. If Premeir (an alias) could be believed, Premeir wanted to reconcile with SpikeS, but SpikeS ignored them. Then, a hit was put up. Oilspot was written on the hit. It was a phrase used in the previous war, and it suggested a mafioso related to that name. Gnarly, however, claims that it wasn't him.)"

"Adah (There is a lot of guesswork going on around here, as we often work with never enough facts. Mafioso make decisions partly based on facts and partly based on their understanding of people. The best ones know how to work with both well.)"

"Apah (Anyways, is it right to hit list in this way? I think that's an odd question. Mafiosi work on few principles, based on loyalty, family, money, and the like. However, is it unbalanced if someone could influence so many things by flexing their financial power, both through dollars and credits?)"

"Ayah (I have mixed feelings. I want the mafioso way of life to be pure in its corruption. I don't want it to be so easily influenced by credits that come from the beyond. On the other hand, these same credits sustain this thing of ours. Without it, it isn't here. Maybe it's ok for those who invest in this things of ours to get a bit of advantage, especially since they too aren't immortal because of it. They have a lot of power, sure, but their financial power is drastically reduced by the GodFather giving away so many credits and perks himself, and making everyone, inlcuding the tycoons, vulnerable to a strong gun.)"

"Chah (I don't think there's an easy answer. On one hand, we want an ideal situation. On the other, we are weighed down by realistic concerns. Personally, I don't like being manipulated by my enemies. However, Amos' suicide also gave a chance for his future kin to benefit from a hefty inheritance. My kin and my history stretch only for three months. Based on our limited experience so far, I can accept the status quo.)"

"Pah (To end, I just want to say that I am sad for acting Godmother Beko's retirement. I hope her spirit rests well in the beyond.)"

I think that these hit lists are a very sobering reminder that everything in this society has a monetary value which is often competing against each other. 

In this case - the bank account of the person posting the hits won.  But - at least amos didn't get out of it with nothing like if Tyler had come calling.

Personally, I see it as splitting the pot in a game of russian roulette.

Rudy... Hmmm Perhaps you're correct. I was merely using the punchline as a means to convey my point. Allow me to explain. 

The hitlist is considered a legitimate  means of marking someone for death in our society. So no I would not say people using the hitlist are terrorists in a conventional sense. Nobody forced death upon Amos even if he did feel that way. I would say we very rarely do any negotiating with people that threaten our families, lives, etc.. When people rogue, they are hunted until dead. We don't try striking deals with them... We kill them. As such we don't negotiate with terrorists. 

Now the points I was trying to drive were 

A) If we exhibit that we will kill our own for large amounts of money... What does that tell our potential attackers? It tells them that they can try and win with money? If I was a would be hitlister and I thought I could really get someone just because I have money and I don't like them... I would do that EVERY time. Just because it is that much easier than conventional rouging. Let us not forget that Amos was an LH with his family.. That is a pretty big deal. Again though, this was Amos' choice and there is no fault there. 

B) Are people using the hitlists to get their revenge terrorists? I would argue yes. For example: If I don't like someone or the current power structure or whatever and I decide I am going to train, recruit some friends as pro'ers maybe and I am going to make an attempt on someone's life. Even if I succeed or fail my destiny is sealed. I am going to be killed and if I had pro'ers they would be too. Now chances are nobody else knew of my intent to rogue otherwise I wouldn't have. They have called this concept "incognito" Now I would be killed because why? Because I took an unauthorized shot against another person and created a threat to the community. 

So now we put up a large sum of money slap an anonymous tag on it and suddenly it's different? In essence, you're just paying someone else to rogue for you, right? Unless you have an Amos situation where he volunteers to fill the contract. This brings back to my original point as we now see another hit for a not so small amount of money up for SpikeS.. If people think they can away with it, they will do it. 

As such why I think we should set a precedent.. Leave your petty grudges at the door, we won't do your bidding. 

That is all thank you for time Rudy.

Rudy was impressed by Wilson's analysis of recent events, the influence of wealth and the mafia morale.
Instead of speaking up once more, he applauded after Wilson spoke. A very different clapping though, from the one he started the discussion with, as he made sure this applause surely was not loud enough to distract any of the higher placed mobsters in this world from speaking about the points @Wilsomn just raised.

As FamousAmos listened to the conversation continue, including a Baby who he somehow understood he felt compelled to continue the conversation. 

"I don't agree with the concept that killing ones own is 'negotiating with the terrorists'; I actually believe it's the contrary" he began, "There were limited options at the time and I feel the only one that would fall under taht category is trying to have the hit removed."

"Hitlisting is clearly effective, and for those who have unfathomable wealth it will always be a viable means of influencing the world around us -- Amos was afforded a great deal of protection given his postiton of Left Hand of a New York family, and with his own bodyguards - and he may have lived on for quite some time;  however, it was a bit like the story of Damocles' Sword -- there would be an ever present danger looming over him despite his position -- perhaps even because of his position.

"Many people succumb to paranoia, and it wouldn't be a healthy way to live. While the 'terrorists' in this situation win, I do not feel we negotiated with them. They played their hand, and Amos made what he felt the best play; better to show himself willing to sacrifice everything -- then to admit to something he didn't do, or to bend knee and beg for his life, thereby showing weakness."

"I appreciate your comments regarding my forefathers actions and your understanding Wilson, and your insight is certainly interesting into this subject -- unfortunately I don't know if there is much to be done to reign in the power afforded to some by the hitlist. To my knowledge we have no means of discovering the identity of an anonymous lister, and with the amounts being posted paying off the fee is untenable."

"I fear this isn't the end of prominent citizens being listed for exorbitant amounts -- and if the amount is enough -- could very well lead to the next large war"

FamousAmos shakes his head - concerned for the immediate future of this world if things continue...