Chicago, The Viti family compound

"You swear so many oaths that it becomes a bit boring to continue swearing them, obey the boss, obey the Don, obey the Family and obey the commission. What did they ever do to rise so high? Married the right broads, connected with the right people and played the right games. This is what this life brings out Carime, you have to see what we all bring to the table, a new perspective. We can't deal with Hunter Solomon right now, he's old news. No, we have something bigger on our minds and that is Michael Pavanno."

Carmine scoffed, his sister needed to get with the times, the family named Pavanno hadn't been seen or heard from in quite some time. They lost their pull in these here states and yet their names were still mentioned, people still remembered the 'Cat-Man' or people still knew the Hot-head Joseph Pavanno. It was a time where shit changed and people with it, no one cared for the old ways anymore and the Pavanno's paved that way. 

"A kid? I don't recognize his bullshit family in this thing of ours. Does he have a foothold here, in the states? Fuck no. Cause he knows that if we either catch wind of him, he's as good as dead. No one is going to support this fucker, especially those costumed freaks that you seem so ready to ally with. They are not big enough to make a Carla, settle down, whatever your advisor is telling you is wrong. He's using you."

Carmine disliked Richard Peterson, the man was a leech and someone who was clearly using his own family to gain what he wanted, power. Now that was something, everyone craved it. The power to control life and death, to have a new way of life under you and become the new regime in this thing of ours. Carmine disliked Richard because he was willing to kill his own flesh and blood for it, for something to call his own and that is what the life did to you. It turned you inside out, you had to make it your own or it would make you. 

"Sure you don't but others do, New Orleans, Upstate New York, fuck even back in Detroit that Casino of theirs is still hanging around thanks to Charles Pavanno. Then there was the Ultra-Luxe in Philadelphia, they have footholds that you are not willing to recognize but they are still there, earning money and giving the fucks a good name in this world. We have to crush them and soon, otherwise they will bring a revolution to your doorstep and we will be trampled along with anyone else in their way."

Carmine saw it, for the first time, he could see the fear in her eyes, the way they lit up at that family's name. She was fearful of the influence and power it held, maybe it was all set and done. Maybe they were too late but Carmine was going to protect his family, even if it meant buddying up to one of those costumed freaks in order to save his family. 

"We won't be sister, these families that support the old ways, it's going to end. Michael Pavanno will not set foot in this place and if he does, I swear I will be the one to kill him myself, his family line has since come to an end. It's time they rest and we end it there. No more, the Falcone family is the only ruling authority between Pavanno and us, if they wish to join with them, they will die."

Carmine settled her with a steely look in his eyes before sipping his bourbon, already planning on ending this so-called threat of the old Pavanno clan.

"You want my help, why? In case you haven't noticed, I've lost my speed and since have not been able to perform as well as I used too. Things have changed around Solomon Incorporated, I have changed as well as some of my staff here What is you want from me, Mister Falcone?"

Carmine would have swallowed his tongue than come here but he found something out, the costumed freak known as Hunter Solomon was apparently losing his speed ever since a battle with his own counterpart and it was fluctuating to the point where at times it was non-existent and others, it was bursting at the seams. The doctors had stated that the man was dying, Carmine decided that he would have been a big help now to his family, maybe even bringing him in as a personal bodyguard. 

"Solomon, I know you lost your speed. I know some people are going to be rejoicing that you are normal for a time, it's going to be fun to see you this way. A normal Hunter Solomon walking amongst us normal mobsters, its interesting and not something I am going to take for granted, I want you with us here in the Falcone industry, let us help you and bring you to new heights that you have never seen before."

Hunter growled and knew that Carmine was tormenting him with this, people were going to be happy that he was dying, now that was a cruel twist of fate but either way he focused on the situation currently. He had been told to work with some families, he could no longer access the speed force and that left Eobard, as well as Jesse Quick to deal with that but since it was no longer his territory he allowed them to use part of the building. 

Since the battle with Orion, Hunter felt off but continue on and never wavered, until now that is. His speed was shorting out, he could no longer be the best that he truly was. So he settled, now going in for the life of a businessman and a security firm, something that he loathed but it paid and that is what mattered right now above everything else.

"I've done things that you could only imagine Carmine and yet here you are, coming to me as if I was the one that needed you. No, I do not but you need me because you're scared of the rising threat in England. Michael Pavanno, a man that could challenge you in the ways that no one has ever done for a couple of years, it could be fun to watch now. This life, this type of business has its interests and maybe I should focus on it more."

Hunter was not even mocking in such statement, he was clearly serious as his lips thinned and an arched eyebrow towards Carmine had him wondering what could go wrong if he did this. Nothing much, he would gain a new sense of purpose and thrill if he went through with this. Maybe it was time to become one of the wiseguys, Hunter smirked before turning away and wondering what kind of shit could he get into if this happened and worked. 

"Mr. Falcone, you have yourself a deal. I will support you in your war against Michael Pavanno and his people. In exchange, you will allow me to take a percentage of your business income that I will use to start my own group of people that are loyal to me. I wanna see what it's like to be one of you guys, to be a made guy."

"This is him, Hunter Fucking Solomon. We've heard of you and your little escapades, we're not having that here. This here is Chicago and we wanna keep our place nice and tidy. I have my boy Joe doing a job for me, it seems one of the families have trouble with the Pavanno loyalists, one that you are acquainted with. You met the families of the Chicago outfit, all of them are working for us and we have our problems but they understand the role they play."

Hunter stood side by side with Frankie 'The Wise' Benisimo, he was clearly a high-ranking member of the Falcone family. Now he was here in front of him and that had to mean something cause already, he was being given a job as they walked throughout the streets of Chicago, having a nice little coffee along the way as they both needed a little breather from the cool air. 

"This family is the Ancelloti family, they've had some trouble and now are looking to call in some reinforcements. That's going to be you and Joe, plus a couple of goons to go along for the ride, I want you to hit up Philadelphia, knock a few heads and see whose still loyal to those motherfuckers. I don't want Pavanno on these streets, the fucker has done enough, make space for the new generation I say."

Chuckling, Hunter found this to be not so different from his own former escapades. The life that now escaped him and somewhat still yearned for, was not that different from this. Only instead of defending family, you would defend the earth as a whole. Something that he missed dearly but soldiered on, knowing that there was no way for him to get it back now. 

"Anything else? What am I to do there, I assume there are couple big fish of our own people that I should reach out to there, see who might be willing to knock a few heads with me or Nah? Handle this solo with Joe and the goon squad?"

Frankie looked down at a notebook in his hand, turning back to face Solomon with his own smirk in place. Now that was some nice thinking, still, it was a bit short. They didn't have anyone in Philly that would be willing to lend a hand to this small little operation, it was a quick removal of some shit-talkers and from there, they could move in without any problems. 

"I doubt it, we don't deal with Philadelphia that much. The families over don't like this, especially that Gigante motherfucker, that guy needs to get a fucking clue, embarrassing our way of life with his crazy act. The bosses say leave him, he's earning his keep, I say we put a bullet in his head and be done with him. So what if he runs the Diban Outfit? None of their lines even runs that organization anymore."

Hunter frowned, there were other outfits besides Chicago? Who knew, that was certainly interesting and who was this Gigante fellow? This was turning out to be an interesting moment of intrigue for him, he wondered what he could learn from Frankie and so prodded for more with a simply raised brow. 

"His name is Tony Gigante, he runs the Diban Outfit in Philadelphia. Small operation but one that we take notice in, he's never liked us or Carmine. He believes that he should be granted more respect for being on the commission longer than us, there are outfits all over the world Hunter and not all of us are friends."

Frankie walked off, leaving Hunter to wonder what the underworld had in store for him now but first, it seems that he was going to the city of brotherly love for a meeting with these Pavanno loyalists.

Hunter sat in his hotel room, pouring himself a small glass of bourbon, he was no longer drinking large amounts of alcohol, he was changing slowly but surely and he did not wish to end up dead. Now he had contacted Joe, the man who was supposed to be in charge of the Chicago Outfit in Philadelphia, some time had passed before he even got a word back. It seemed like Joe was a busy man, instead, he had sent someone else, someone that instantly had him on edge. 

It was Alphonse Varietta, now something that rung out to him was the fact he used to work for the Pavanno family. More specifically, he was the Street Boss and now ends up working for the people going to war against his former employers, that speaks of grudges and a fair bit of it. 

"So you worked for Charlie Pavanno, what was he like?"

Al smiled, his eyes holding a deep longing and he coughed a moment later. Clearly he had some feelings to work on but for now, he seemed alright and that is all that mattered. He leaned forward, taking a sip of the bourbon in his glass before settling it back onto the table with a sigh. 

"He was a man that we all respected and came to love, he was the leader that we did not ask for but he was what we needed. He had an amazing go while he was at, some people state that he could have become something more than that. A man in his own right, someone to be respected and feared, a man to become the next leader of this world but those are nothing but words. Charlie had faults and he had his own ideas, but he was far from material to lead people and to make decisions."

Hunter noticed that there was no bias in his tone, he was being honest and the former speedster could respect, he was clearly not ready to be a leader but there was something else said there. Almost like Al was saying Charlie could have grown into his position, only no words were said, only a deep sigh had left him and soon silence had settled over them. 

"His son, Mael or Michael as he is known as now is someone that wishes to be in control, he is born of an affair. Not sure you know that but he is, he once had an adopted brother and sister, I have no clue what happened to either of them but something has happened for one of them or the both of them to assume a mantle beside their adopted sibling. This is not something that can or will stand, they are disrespecting their father's legacy by doing this and I will be the one to honor him."

And there it was, he was cast aside for the younger son. Al pictured himself as a son to Charlie, just as Charlie did to many others. Only the old man had not seen him that, instead of taking a different stance and making Al become something different from him. It worked but now it turns against his son. Something that the old man probably didn't foresee, knowing that would be something he hoped to never see in his lifetime. 

"We're doing a job first, something for the family in general. You are not going to be doing anything else at all until we get done with all the families first, is that clear Al? I don't want anything getting back to the boss about how you're a loose cannon. So, what can you tell me about the DiBan Outfit?"

"They were formed by Antonio DiBan, he was a drug dealer from New York, made his bones working for one of the old-time families, never got the name but maybe it was Carmine or something. He rose through the ranks and became one of the reliable guys out here, he became known as the Baron of Brooklyn. He muscled his way up and soon, the DiBan gang was formed. They did odd jobs for a guy named Giovanni Gambetti. One of the families in the old country, soon, they were officially brought into the ranks and became inducted into this life."

Hunter bowed his head, he wondered what Antonio had felt at that moment, rising up all your life to become powerful and be one of the more prominent people in the states. A single job had elevated him to that status, it was amazing but the former speedster knew there was more to the story than he was letting on. 

"After that, it became known as the DiBan Family. Recognized as a family in Brooklyn, they owned the escorts, bookies, speakeasies, you name it. They were living large and Antonio wanted to expand, he brought his operation to Philly, now to be fair, no one was ruling from Philly and it became clear that something was happening."

Growing intrigued, Hunter poured himself another glass of the fine bourbon, savoring the sound of it being poured into the glass before taking a calm sip. Offering a refill to Alphonse who nodded his head in thanks and soon continued his story as he poured. 

"Some mobsters were not happy, people disliked working with the DiBan family, one man did something about it and that was Carmine Falcone. He was still a young man back then but his father had commanded much respect in La Cosa Nostra. He was soon recognized as the next man in charge and so a war broke out. And so began the DiBan-Falcone war."

Hunter's eyebrows had risen, never even hearing of such a story happening in anytime, this was interesting. He leaned forward, clearly wanting to learn more and see what this was all about now. Territory, it sure did remind him of fighting the Silver-Flash and Orion but then again, they fought one on one, this seemed different. They were all a bit different, these wars were fought with numbers and clearly had some huge backing to even launch these type of things. 

"So what happened? It seems like Falcone kicked his ass, gaining control of New York and some other shit in the process."

Al laughed for a moment, gaining control of himself before taking another sip of his bourbon, he could see that the former man of speed was looking forward to knowing what happened next. It was nice telling these stories, he didn't feel so old and in truth, he would be retiring soon, the old country called to him and he would be foolish not to go now. Unless he wanted to die, he would retire peacefully, an old made man. 

"Falcone made DiBan, he had to vacate all of his territories except for Philly and swear that he would never take up arms against him. Now with this new big fish coming into town and shaking things up, the DiBan outfit thinks they can make a move, little does he know that he is stepping on the bigger player's shoes. The person stepping in for the Pavanno's is Charlie's adopted daughter, Cassandra Pavanno."

Al gulped down his glass of bourbon, leaving Hunter to stand there, already realizing that the world he found himself in was one of politics and bloodshed, maybe he should have stuck to being a scientist and working on stuff with Caitlin.

The Philly Social Club

Hunter and Al had eventually received the call from Joe Lucino, now this was a surprise as Al had said that no moves were being made yet and here they were in the Philly Social Club, something was happening and it already had both men on edge. They needed to find out what was going on, soon enough, they would as Joe arrived with someone else, clearly a veteran in the life of a mobster. 

Hunter was introduced to Gino DiRazzi, learning more about him, he found that the man was funny and clearly still had his wit about him, he was here in an advisory role while himself and Al clearly acted as the muscle in this little meeting. It was here they learned who they were meeting, now it was surprising but this whole thing reeked of a trap to Hunter. He was not going to voice his thoughts, simply scanning his surroundings, finding some exits, noticing in which ways he could take Gino and Joe, then make a mad dash for it.

Joe soon started speaking once more, reminding what was going on and Hunter paid attention, his eyes staying on the authority figure before him for a moment.

"We all know the role we're playing here, alright? This thing gets anymore out of hand, we going to have to call in the bosses. You sit down, be quiet and observe. These boys won't give anything away but we'll here something alright, they were loyal to Joseph Pavanno once upon a time, he styled himself as the Bastard of Ballard once upon a time and now he winds up back in London or wherever the fuck he's hold up. He left his crew and his family to rot, business is damned, now we gotta pick up the pieces. Be easy."

And so entered Tommy Drino, once a highly established Captain of the Pavanno family in Seattle. Now he was nothing more than a sought after relic, since the days of Joey, it looked like he had fallen into some hard times and now dressed like a schmuck but still, Joe Lucino had a chance to bring him in and he was going to do exactly that. Plus this man could give him what he wanted, some information on the current ongoings of the Pavanno family. 

"Mister Drino, it's a pleasure to see you here. Don Falcone sends his warmest regards, please have a seat if you will and let us welcome you to the others."

Guiding Tommy over to the loud and booming music, this is where someone could lay eyes on the newest inner circle of Joe Lucino. In the middle sat Alphonse Varietta, now a Soldier and hitman for the Chicago Outfit, on Al's right sat Hunter Solomon, former vigilante, and now a runner for the Chicago Outfit. Then there was Gino DiRazzi, a Made guy and one of the oldest men to survive the DiBan-Falcone war in Philadelphia and still, be breathing today. He was a respected Mafiosi and his word was as respected as Carmine or Carla. 

"I want to introduce, the guy in the middle is Al Varietta, former street boss of the Race St. Company: Tops. Then there is Hunter Solomon, he used to be one of those guys running around in capes and shit, he's turned into one of us now and is looking to get a button in the future like all good associates. That man right there is an Elder in this thing of ours, he's lived through the first DiBan-Falcone war and now is one of the few men that bring Carmine to see reason."

Tommy nodded his head in turn to all of them, finding them to be quite a bunch of assorted men with different pasts and futures ahead of them. He sat down opposite them, finding a drink already poured for him, he set it aside, wishing to keep his mind clear and still a bit on edge if the drink was poisoned or such things like that. 

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you and I thank you for meeting me here today, I did wish to speak with a former member of the Pavanno organization and I guess I am speaking to one right now, that makes it all the better."

DiRazzi leaned forward, he whispered in Joe's ear to which the young man had nodded his head and smiled thinly before turning his attention back onto Tommy. 

"Gino here was just wondering, why did you wish to meet a former member of the Pavanno family? Surely, from what we've heard, there are plenty out there, looking for men like you to take up arms against us again."

Tommy nodded, knowing that he was going to be under suspicion, it was why they met here of all places, it was protected. They would know every piece of this place, Tommy smiled disarmingly, hoping to ease their worry before going into his reasoning. 

"I was abandoned, loyalty does not go one way, my father taught me that and he was killed soon after. As if he expected to die, now I have to carry that with me. It's a cod that while I give loyalty, I expect it back, it is not a one-way street, that is not loyalty, that is serving without questioning. Still, I guess that does play into the loyalty card, huh? Joey Pavanno left me to rot, fled and packed his bags. He was nothing more than a fool, I wish to become something better than Joe Pavanno, I want to become the only Tommy Drino."

Hunter looked at the kid with a smirk, he had balls, he would give him that. It seems these Pavanno's had pissed some people off and were now paying the price, the business failed them, they would need to ease up if they ever came into power gain.

 Then Hunter noticed something, placing a gun on the table, the footsteps coming from outside was clear and the sound of fighting reached everyone's ears before a single female backed by multiple gunmen and men wielding baseballs stepped into the Philly Social Club. 

"Gentlemen, I know my brother is not the best when it comes to interactions but this is just unacceptable, holding a sitdown without a true Pavanno to back up the accused party is rather rude is it not?"

The woman smiled wryly, clearly enjoying the little amount of fear in the traitor bastard's eyes that had the gall to talk about her uncle as if he knew him. 

"And just who are you, Miss?"

Gino asked, deciding to be the calm one as Hunter, Al, and Joe had all reached for their guns, placing it on the table. Many of the bar's customers had done the same thing, who they were supporting was unclear, maybe they were just protecting themselves though. 

"Cassandra, Cassandra Pavanno and Joseph is my uncle, adoptive but still my uncle. Now I do believe we have some things to talk about gentlemen, do we not?"

She did not wait for an answer, sitting down with a chair that was brought by one of her many guards that now flanked her as she sat down. 

Two opposing sides have a sit down as a former speedster continues to look on with interest.

"Well, are you gentlemen going to keep a lady waiting or are we going to talk business?"

Cassandra asked mockingly, she noticed the faint twitch in all three except one and that was the speedster himself who looked too intrigued to even be bothered by how she was asking. It was clear to all of them that this type of meeting was going to be usual as no bullets were flying and Cassandra looked peaceful, not dressed in an attire that would have meant something else entirely. 

"Talking business with a Pavanno? That seems out of the question if the rumors are to be believed then that you guys are planning a big move to wipe us all out. I don't trust you girl and I don't think I will, why should I stand here and allow myself to talk with one of you old-timers? Hm? The new blood has settled in, let it rest and go back to London."

Cassandra turned her eyes onto Joe, the chill that went through him as those icy blue eyes settled on him was something that he would never forget. He remembered a certain rule in La Cosa Nostra, even if they were enemies, you would treat a high-ranking member of another family with respect, it was called for given their position.

"First of all Joe, do not call me 'girl' again or I will end your miserable existence right here. You're a street boss, a figurehead for the Falcones, they can find a dozen of you in their local joints. Respect is to be given, remember the rules and you might just leave this meeting alive, as for the reasons coming here, well like I said before, we're here to talk business."

Gino leaned forward, placing his hands on the table. Even as the oldest member here in the social club right now, he commanded respect and all of it was placed on him as all of the attention was on the elderly Mafiosi who stuck out his hand to Cassandra, shaking it with respect. 

"Excuse Joseph, Miss. Pavanno. He has a good head on his shoulders and is one of the greater soldiers and bosses on these here streets of Philly. He has the best interests for his family and his guys right now, so when you show up armed like the military and beating up a couple of our guys then he will react accordingly. I am sure you understand, after all, your father was not the best when it came to his temper."

Cassandra nodded already knowing of the temper that Charlie possessed when angry at his enemies, many of them ended up dead, others had fled for their lives in witness protection, while many of them simply showed their own claws. It was a known rumor that the biological Pavanno's were hot-blooded, their passions ran high, their love for family was deep and their anger was deeper. 

"I understand and that is why he is excused as my man do not take kindly to me being insulted in such manner. My position for my family was earned, no matter the cause or case. I am here to talk business regarding the DiBan. Under no circumstances did we endorse or allow them to move in. We've been handling other business, such as Sicily and Mexico. We have had no interests in the states until recently."

Gino's eyebrow raised questioningly, clearly, something had happened that made come here, knowing that it could not have been the DiBan Outfit. They were not large enough or that big of a threat to even get worked up about, it had been a matter of pride for Don Falcone to even send them here, he wanted to finally squash the bullshit DiBan assholes. 

"The Pavanno family is at war with the Upstate commission and we would ask for your help in assisting against these motherfuckers."