Doyle's Jewelry Shop 

Luc was sitting in a large oversize black leather chair his office while working in his Detroit operational headquarter when his phone rung.  He picked up on the receiver and answered.  It was Jake O'Malley an old family friend that he had not seen in many years.   Jake needed help he needed fast cash and to stay out of the eyes of the feds.  He asked Luc to meet him in upstate New York.  He paid for Luc's train tickets and set him up in a fancy hotel.  Luc took the train ride the next day with Popeye and Apples.  They arrived and Jake had a car waiting on them.  Luc trusted Jake and knew him since he was a small child.  

Jake walked outside of his home to greet Luc and his friends as they pulled up to his driveway.  Jake had his maids take there luggage to their rooms as Jake took them deeper into his home.   He had a large brunch prepared for them and as they looked over the food that laid before them the three men smiled.  There was cold cuts and Italian bread, fruits and cheeses there was hot cakes with maple syrup, bacon and sausage patties and links they had Italian sausages and toast with apple butter jelly and grape jelly.  Bagels and muffins, coffee, tea, apple and orange juice.  The four of them ate along with Jakes family as Luc and Jake cought up on the family and current events and Luc's men stuffed themselves and laughed at some of Jakes stories about Luc's childhood and infancy stages.    

After the brunch Jake took the three men with him to his den that he used as a home office.  As they sat down Jake poured them all a Sctoch and then sat next to Luc and then stated telling him why he asked Luc to come.  Jake was in trouble and needed cash more cash then Jake could provide him with.  Jake had some expensive jewelry sitting in a safe at Doyle's Jewelry shop.  He wanted Luc to steal that Jewelry, the insurance would then pay him the value of the jewels, Doyles will also pay him for the cost of the jewels and the buyer would pay for those Jewels.  Doyle will also have a large sum of cash on hand as he hates banks.  

Jake promised that Luc will get his cut from a third of the cash.  Jake esteemed that Doyle kept five to six million in large domomenations to but and pay their bills.  Luc smiled but was unsure why he needed his help when he could have done it with the people that worked under him.  Thats when Jake smiled and told him exactly what he was thinking.  Jake explained that most of the men under him was a new generation and not people he could trust to return the Jewels or the money to him.  This plan has to come off without a hick up and the people involved has to disappear so he needed people that would leave the state and people that he trusted.  Luc nodded indicating that he understood then jake tossed caveat.

Jake had someone that he wanted in on the job also a young woman that they are to meet here at dinner, she was someone that was a up and comer and could ensure that they get in and out and the Local cops would not get invovled for twenty minutes after a call or alarm was set off.  Jake warned Luc that she was a seriuos woman that has pull with friends of theirs.  Jake then refilled their glasses as Luc looked at his guys the cash was going to be a lot and they needed to see the layout and where the loot and cash were?  Jake said in time he wanted Luc to meet this woman and ensure that they would be compatable and that they agree to the plan that they formed together.  Luc knew Jake well and looked at him thinking that Jake was still witholding information back.  Jake told them to get some rest and they would be woken later to shower and dress to meet his guest of honor.  

Jake sent his maid to wake Luc up.  She knocked on his bedroom door and after a minute Luc stood at the half way opened door trying to focus on the woman that was knocking.  She told him that Mr. O'Malley was waiting for him in the den and that he sent the car to pick up his other guest.  Luc nodded then closed the door.  Then he pulled out his shaving bag and went to shave and shower.  When he was done he put on a light blue suit with very light gray pin strips he had a white dress shirt with light blue spenders and white dress socks with white leather dress shoes.   Then He went down stairs as Jake explained that this woman was a Capo in a powerful family.  Luc understood and told Jake not to worry he wasn't that hot headed little boy that followed his grandfather around like a puppy anymore.  

Jake asked Luc to sit tight until he gets a few minutes to greet her then he would bring her into the house.  Luc nodded in agreeance an sat in the den.  The car pulled up shortly after the two men talked and Jake walked out and greeted the woman.   The woman bags were carried in by the two men that came with her.  She was a long legged Platinum blonde bombshell.  She could have been a movie star if she applied her self in that field.  Then Jake and the woman both came into the room and Luc stood up as Jake introduced Jane Mansfield to Luc.  Luc smiled and told Jake that he could have told him that this lady was very attractive and then Luc apologized in advance for staring at her.  As she sat down Luc sat across from her and Jake sat on the couch with her.  Jake explained to Luc that she was such a young woman when they first met, she was doing a job when she ran into him and he was planning on doing the same thing she just got there first.  Then Jake explained that he hired her on two other jobs and has known her to do quality work.  

The Jake explained to Jane that Luc's family and his family have been friends for many generations.  The Luc was running a nice operation that spanned across the states and that he was doing this as a personal favor and of course getting a good cut.  Jake wanted Luc and Jane to spend a few days getting to know each other as they plan out the job.  They would go to Doyle's with him tomorrow Luc will come in to look at some items of interest while Mikari will walk with Jake posing as his consultant.  She will see the inside of the joint as he cases the block and store area.  Luc nodded in agreeance as Jake looked at Jane as she smiled in agreement.  

Luc and Jane had spent three days getting to know each other over breakfast, lunch, dinner and as they cased the jewelry shop.   Luc sat out side looking at the traffic on the streets.  He spent a day on each corner whacting the busy times of the day and he looked at law enforcement travels around the area.  He needed two cars to get to the site to do the job and two more to be staged just outside of the nearby town in areas where the crowd is heavy but the access roads are easy to get on and way.   He needed to ensure that the old cars were burned and the clothes worn during the robbery from to bottom shoes and sox included.  They would need a person to have clothes ready for them to change into an watch the cars and watch for the cops.  

Jane cased the inside of the shop.  She was shown every area by the owner as she accompanied Jake posing as his business partner and and risk consulatant.  Mr. Doyle the shops owner was taken by her and Jakes gems.  However she didn't see Mr. Doyles drop safe nor where it was kept.  Doyle made sure that Jane saw the jewels and was guaranteed that they were safe and the if for some reason the jewels were stolen he had insurance to cover the lost.  Jane even read over the insurance documents to ensure that Jake was fully covered and that Doyle cost if the place was robbed didnt effect Jake lose or chance of gainning his cash.  Jane did spot two rooms that had locked doors and Mr. Doyle skipped over one when she asked about them the other he was very vague in his answer.  

Popeye and Apple were out looking for two cars that had the power for speed and great at fast turns as they would be hauling tail out of town.  Then they had to find two more cars that had speed but look like family cars.  One of Jane's men was locating the address of the local law enforcement stations and checking and marking them on a map.  They would also review the cops reaction time and help test driving the speed of the cars at which they could get there in light traffic.  Jane men where also out looking for tools to use in the robbery such as lock picks, dynamite sticks, crowbars and cars that they can us as distractions.  

The plan was starting to form as the needed information was collected.  Luc was not used to conducting robberies as Jane was.  Luc understood hi-jacking trucks and escape routes and police tactics on highways and city streets.  Jane was a skilled safe cracker and thief so Luc had no problems allowing her to enter the building and steal the gem's and cash as he and his guys tote the money to the cars.  However the locations of the safe and the combinations would make things easier and reduce the time inside and increase the chances of escape significantly.    However Jake would also tell them the other side of the story and how he was working to het them.

The plan was set they would hit the shop and drive towards the main road to hit Seventh Avenue driving through the Lincoln Tunnel to Union City in Jersey.  Then they would me at Abe's store change clothes the old cars would be left and take the new cars.  They would meet Jake in Hoboken and split the money at Jakes office building.  Apples would stay out side with the two cars.  Jane and her two guys would enter the building followed by Luc.  Popeye would watch the back and the second car.  Jake had his trusted soldier a block away with a diversion car.   The day was set for everyone to be at their local house of worship.  No one would be around the area.  There would be three people in the building that works for Doyle.  One would be a inside guy with a red handkerchief.  They new the times and the when and where.  Jane and her men would fine the safe and back up safe and Jane would select the jewels and grab Jakes gems.  They new that they had 30 minutes to get in and get out. 

Jake asked Luc to wack the man on the inside.  He was someone that if he gets drunk enough or a pretty woman comes alone he would rat on them all.  Luc nodded and then Jake asked Luc to ensure that no one see him kill the man but leave him in the store in the managers office.  Luc was puzzled by that request.  Then they decided to have a feast because if they fail they would either get locked up or killed.  They sat and eat several types of defferent culture meals.  Italian, Jewish, Indian, Chinese, German, Greek French and Russian.  They stuffed them selves and drunk wine as Jake told stores the of the old days.  

The day had come and the plan was set and in action.  Apples and Popeye placed two cars on Park Avenue in Union City New Jersey.  The keys were in the glove box and they were filled with gas.  The shop that the were going to hit was across from Central Park on E 60th street.  They knew what time they needed to hit the spot and to get to and through the Lincoln Tunnel.  They had two get away drivers to cause a distraction if needed and if not they would follow behind the getaway cars and block the Lincoln Tunnel by having a little fender binder in the middle of the tunnel.  Luc had two colt 1911's with two extra clips. he was going in light because this was either a simple snatch and grab or he was going down for the count.  Jane was dressed like she was going horse back riding but she could move faster in that outfit then in a dress and being that this was a Sunday most women were in Sunday best or if they were wealthy they were riding horses and playing a little polo.  

Jake spoke with Luc once more he reminded Luc of te man with the red hankerchief and to rub him out when they get everything.  Luc nodded but wondered why was Jake asking him to kill someone when that was never Jake's M.O.  Jake was a man that belived in negotating with his opposition he was given the moniker Proposition Joe because he was always wheeling and dealing and objecting to the use of guns.  When a deal could not be reached then Jake would turn the gun play over to his partners.  Jake's philosophy was a small piece of the pie was better then none and its better to over pay up front if the net value was going two make up for it later.  Luc grandfather made a lot of money with the man and it was his grandfather that introduce him to Jake and called Jake the wises gangster, the boss with no bloodshed.  Luc was always concerned when a man changes up his normal operational tactics when it's him that has to carry out the orders.  

They got into two cars Jane and Luc both in the back seat looking like a couple with a driver taking them into town and Luc's guys with one of Jane's guys name Sam Hart.  They drove off first and parked a block away from the shop.  Apples stayed with the car with a loaded thompson with the car facing towards 8 avenue to take off towards the tunnel.  Popeye was dressed in a army dress uniform.  He walked toward the shop and stop to building short of the shop and walked towards the alleyway. while Sam walked into the shop liking at wedding rings to give to his girl.  

Then Luc and Jane pulled up and parked in front of the shop.  The driver exited the car and opened the door for Luc and Luc stepped out and turned to help Jane out.  Then they walked into the shop followed by the driver.  To their surprise the door was open but only one person was in the shop.  The kid smiled and asked were they here for the pick up and Jane replied yes.  The kid quickly locked the door and told them that he would be with them shortly and that he was short handed today as his two clerks called off sick.  Jane smiled and said this was the perfect time.  Luc saw that they kid had a red hankerchief and was excited.  Luc asked was there anyone else in the shop other then that customer?  The kid said nope and Sam stood up and pulled out his pistol.  

Luc told Sam to relax no one is getting hurt on this job.  The kid had the both safes open and the jewelry ready for the taking.  Jane quickly went to the jewelry and started placing them in her over sized purse.  Luc and the driver to include Sam grabbed the cash out of the two safes.  Then the driver loaded the cash into the car truck and came back to get the rest.  Luc called Popeye in from the back door that lead to the alley and handed him the filled army duffle bag and Popeye walked towards the car that was down the street. 

Luc went back inside and asked the kid his name.  The kid was a Dolye, Luc then asked the kid way was he willing to steal from his own shop.  The Kid looked Luc in the eyes smiling and said that he came up with this plan the day after Jake said that he would allow him to marry Jake's daughter Rebecca and would even pay for the marriage as soon as he gets out of debt.  So once he told Jake the plan Jake said he would set everything up and thanked him for the plan.  The two women calling out sick that was a sign that this was meant to be.  Luc knew then that Jake wanted this kid dead so he didnt have to let his daughter go.  Luc would be on the spot as the hot head that Jake always knew.  Luc then switched coats with Sam and Sam then walked out with Jane and got into the back of the car as the driver closed the door for them and then got into the driver seat and drove off.  

The kid said that Luc needed to rough him up a bit so he could say that he tried to fight them off and his father wouldn't disown him or have this investigated deeper with his own people when he just had to call the local police and the insurance company would cut him a check.  Luc nodded then started punching the kid several times in fact Luc was angry not at the kid but at Jake and took it out on the kid.  Then he caught himself as the kid was laying in the fetile position bleeding from his mouth and nose while holding his ribcage slowly rocking from the pain.  Luc wishpered that the wedding will take place once he gets out of the hospital.  Luc stood up and walked out of the Shop and down the street where his men were waiting.  

Luc changed his plan and went to Jake's house were Jake was in the back yard tending to his prised roses.  Jake was shocked to see Luc and when he saw Luc facial expression he was concerned.  Jane was pulling up to give Jake his jewerly and his share of the cash.  Luc watched as Jane gave him the hand off and a hug thanking him for the opportunity to earn some cash.  Then she turned to Luc and blow him a kiss and told him to come and visit her in Detroit.  Luc smiled and told her he would then he looked at Jake with peircing eyes and Jake went to reach for his pistol but Luc was to quick and grabbed his hand and took the small daringer.  Luc told him that the kid is alive and that the wedding will take place.  

Jake was in fear and simply nodded to Luc's demand.  The he took Jake's cash and took out about one hundred thousand and called Jake's daughter Rebecca and gave her the cash in his hands and told her that this was for there wedding and honeymoon.  He hoped to be invited depending on when the date was set.  Then he looked at Jake and said your father Jake is a good man, he was just telling me how he can't wait to have Joseph as a son-inlaw.  Then Luc looked at Rebecca as she kissed him on the cheek and thanked him.  Luc then walked over to Jake and whispered that he was alive because his grandfather loved him and that he always called him uncle Jake because that how he used to view him but after this he would never call him uncle again and they would never have any dealings again.  He also whispered that if the wedding doesnt happen and its because of him interferring he would be back and that would be bad and he needed to apologize to Rebecca for missing the wedding.  Jake nodded as he slowly exhaled as he realized that Luc was allowing him to live.  

Capo Tutti Di Capi

Luc was making good money and his boss JohnWalton left Luc to his own devices as long as the money was rolling in.  He knew Luc preferred to make friends when it came to making money.  Luc was friends with Charlie, Frank, Meyers and Benny they believed that making money was for everyone no need to exclude anyone for any reason.  The idea is that if you could make a steady dime compared to a buck with a bullet you lose in the long run.  The big picture was making every penny you could and like Meyers Luc thought dollars and you needed 100 pennies to make a buck.  Luc had his hands in the liquor, drugs, unions, gambling, protection and legitimate businesses.  He had taxis, trucks, nightclubs, a casino, and department stores, pharmacys and five and dime stores. Hotels, apartments and estates; he had friends that were in the Port Authorities in Seattle.  He had pull with Quebec Canada political machine and they allowed him to transport his goods down into Detroit and from there he distributed his products to Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans.  

Luc was proud of his accomplishments and connections but he had eyes on him.  Joe the Boss Masseria and Salvatore Maranzano both very powerful and both wanting Charlie on their team.  There was going to be a battle but Luc knew that when the mob goes to war collecting their money was hard, it attracted more eyes law enforcement eyes to be exact.  Luc didn't want a war and having uncontrolled Law enforcement watching his operations he didn’t know how long his cash flow would be dried up for.  This would cause problems for several families and earners across the country.  Charlie was currently with AR but he was being pulled as he also formed a partnership with Masseria which cause Luc to become a member of Masseria.  Luc dislike for Joe was because Joe would eat all his food then start eating off your plate.  Joe bragged about being shot at 18 times and survived them all without a scratch.  Benny wanted to see if he could survive 19 and Luc wanted to use the Chicago typewriter on Joe the Boss.  Meyers wanted to make the hit look like an inside job.  AR was against it and Charlie thought it would be better if Maranzano and Masseria killed each other and they killed the survivor.  Frank wanted them to get it over and done with and they make peace with the winner.

Luc was in Detroit when he was met by Joe the boss while getting ready to eat dinner.  Luc was going to catch a train to Atlantic City to meet Charlie and AR because Nucky Thompson wanted to talk quality booze and not that bathtub gin Legs was pushing or the poison Dutch was bringing up from the southern states.  Charlie wanted to put this over on his own but Meyers didn't want to further AR.  Luc had a few dealing with AR as he sold AR hundreds of cases of Canadian whiskey and Cuban rum.  Joe was Joe he walked in and sat down with a smile asking where was his plate.  Luc was surprised as he saw that his men were busy watching Joe’s men they were outnumbered three to one.  Luc called for an extra plate but before he could get the waitress over Joe had reached over and took Luc’s plate and started loading it up and eating.  Luc watched Joe stuff his mouth and talk as he chewed.  Luc was starting to feel annoyed and his stomach was turning from watching Goofy eat his food.  The second plate had arrived but by this time Joe had ruined Luc appetite.

Joe wanted to know why he wasn't receiving a taste for the pie that he and Charlie  were making.  Luc leaning back in his seat feeling sick as he tried not to watch Joe eat.  Joe went on t say that he wasn't greedy that 25% for the first six months should catch them up from the rears since they didn't start kicking up from the beginning.  Then it would go to 20% and there would be the peace of mind for them knowing that Joe wasn't upset with them.  However the drug business was to go to him and they would get a 10% peace as a finders fee.  Luc held his peace as he realized that the drug business was half his profits and operation.  Luc stilled didn't say a word because Joe started talking about Charlie would have to pay a special tax for not bringing Joe into the drug business at the start.  They he was willing to over look Luc error because Charlie was Joe's number two.  Luc nodded and then told Joe that he needed to talk with JohnWalton but Joe smiled and told Luc not to worry.  Joe was going to make an introduction and square it all up.  Joe wanted a payment by the end of the month and the first of the month each month thereafter.  

Just then Luc partner walked in looking around but when she saw Luc face and the man he was sitting with she walked over to the bar and asked for a glass of water.  Big Moe her body guard saw the tension in the faces of the other men facing each other.  Joe boys were smiling and Luc men were looking for the signal to go to town but Luc was not going to have that happen now that Rain was in the Place.  

Luc watched Joe as he finished the meal that was for Luc and Rain.  Joe wiped his mouth and hands with the napkin and then smiled at Luc.  Luc looked down at his own shirt the napkin what covered it to his surprise the napkin had italian gravey splatter on it.  He exhaled very slowly as Joe asked him if he had an issue with his demands.  Luc then nodded and told Joe that taking over the drug business wasn't possible he had partners that went beyond Charlie, Frank and Meyers he would have to deal with Sicily.  Then Luc went into the other operations explaining that 20% was too much of a tax.  Luc explained that he was the Boss but not the boss of bosses and that he wasn't his boss.   Joe then laughed and said if he was doing business in New York he was going to get a cut and that he had connections in every major city in America.  

Joe then said that he was now Joe the King.  Luc looked at him and replied that he wasn't joking and he would never say that Joe was ever joking.  Which through Joe off and irritated Joe.  Joe look at his right hand man Jasper and Jasper explained in italian that when he calls himself Joe the king it sounds like he was saying joking, and when Gyp Rosetti called him Joe the King he was saying it to save his own life.  Luc looked at Joe and then told him that he knows Rosetti and that he was something different and that Joe should watch that guy.  Joe nodded and then said you gonna save me from him?  Luc smirked and then told him that Rosetti likes to play big but can't keep it together.  That he will be pushed out of New Jersey just as he was pushed off the blocks he had in New York.  Joe looked at Jasper then back at Luc and asked Luc if he   work with that fella AR and Luc thinks that AR can protect him.

Luc said that in order to make more money you have to make friends and you can't let the past effect the future.  Money is green and green is the only color that matters and the only color that speaks.  Luc leaned forward and said he was a businessman and he makes money for himself and his friends.  Joe leaned forward and replied that he was like the government he taxes every business and businessman if they want to continue to do business.  The money flows up to him even if it has to come from JohnWalton or Luc Decaprio himself.  Then Joe stood up and walked closer to Luc and patted Luc face as told his men that it was time to go and paused and looked back at Luc and thanked him for the meal.  Luc touched his face where Joe touched him looking at this fingers to see if Joe left any of his italian gravey on his face.  Then as Joe exited Luc was up and off to the restroom to wipe his face and shirt.  He walked past Rain with a serious look on his face.  

After cleaning his face and checking his shirt he walked back to the floor and walked up to Rain and gave her a sweet tight hug that made her squeek out a load Ohhh.  Then she stepped back and looked up at him not sure he he was trying to come unto her or just excited to see her.  She asked him if he was okay.  Luc replied that he just had a sit down with Joe the boss and that Joe wasnt a friendly guy.  He was a greedy fat fuck that wants more then half.  That he needed to meet with Charlie and Meyers.  That he also needed to talk with their boss JohnWalton.  Luc knew that he needed to not just talk but develope a plan to remove the issue perminately.  Charlie would have to get Frank on board.  Meyers would have to get AR to agree or at least keep him out of it.  Rain nodded and told Luc he needed to slow down and talk with John first.   

Old Pal's can be Pal's from Hell

Luc was visiting the east coast when he got word that his pal Francesco Loele better known as Frankie Yale just ripped off a few trucks that everyone thought was Luc’s.  Luc was puzzled as to why Yale would do such a thing if everyone thought that those trucks belonged to him.  Luc had heard that Yale was ripping off Al’s loads and then reselling him his merchandise weeks later.   Luc was hurt by this possible act of betrayal and wanted to check it out.  Luc, Charlie, Frankie Yale and Al Capone were all recruited by Johnny Torrio back in New York to join the five points gang.  It was Johnny that taught them the ropes and helped them grow in this thing.  

Like their mentor Johnny Torrio, they all believed in putting business ahead of their own ego’s.  This business was about dollars and common sense.   Yale took control of Brooklyn's ice delivery trade by selling "protection" and creating monopolies.  Yale's gang engaged in extortion activities and ran a string of brothels. Charlie, Luc and Frankie were the first new-style Mafia members that included Italians from all regions and worked in partnership with other ethnic groups if it was good for business.  These men started by providing services to customers like offering "protection" to local merchants and controlling food services for restaurants, as well as ice deliveries in New York, New Jersey and Philly.   At the beginning of Prohibition, They all became Bootleggers and here is where the degrees of separation began.  Yale was one of Brooklyn's biggest bootleggers while Al was Chicago’s.  Luc and Charlie believed and supplied anyone anywhere that was willing to purchase from them.  They didn’t want a local territory and why should they when the entire united state’s was open for business.  

They had made a pack when they were in the five points gang.  To never betray one another and here it was word on the streets that these trucks belonged to Luc DiCaprio and Frankie hit the load and killed three of the five drivers.  The booze wasn’t a concern it was the powder that came with the false bottoms of the booze that belonged to Luc.  Furtunity Whispers was there and removed that snow from the barrels and drove to the Cotton Club.   The Booze belonged to Charlie and Charlie was under the impression that Frankie boys had his share on the smack.  

Word got back to Luc that Frankie Yale was going to be at the cotton club tonight with his girlfriend.  Luc wanted to talk with him so he sent Bobby and Whispers there to call him once Yale walked in.  Apples and Popeye were with Luc.   Popeye was telling Luc how the folks in Harlem now refer to Luc as the pusher man of Harlem.  Luc asked what the hell does that mean? Apples was laughing as Popeye explained that he was the dealers dealer Luc gave Popeye a look and then told him to find out who and how this started.  To wack everyone that created it and to ensure that his name is not spoken on the streets in such a manner.   Then he told them that going forward they were not to sale to street dealers that they were to go to Charlie for their products.  That type of fame was bad for business.  This will give Vito the impression that Luc was out of that business and then Luc could continue to buy strictly from his Asain source  and leave the french connect to Vito.  Popeye stopped and changed the subject and just then the phone rung and apples answered it.  Yale the boss of Brooklyn was in the club.  Luc stood up and off they went.   

They walk in and greeted the people that came to socialize in the cotton club, Luc was the owner an a host and they loved him.  Luc made them feel respected and appreciated every time they came to his joints.  Then Luc spotted walked over to Frankie Yale’s table and sat down.  Yale girl went to powder her nose and Yale looked at Luc. 

"Hello my friend, I hope you are enjoying your night?"  

Luc smirked and then shook Yales hand.   Then Luc went started the conversation with   last night’s truck heist that happened just outside of Brooklyn.  Frankie leaned back but didn't say a word.  Luc asked why was he hitting his own friends.  Yale never said a word then Luc ask him why when he (Frankie) has a monopoly in Brooklyn.  It was Luc that set Frankie up with the purchasing of Canadian Whiskey.  Luc explained that when you turn on your friends those Monopolies are taken away and are broken up and divided out to ex friends and your new friends alike.   Then Frankie spoke and told Luc that no one was going to take what he built.  That he didn't touch Luc's stuff and why does him and Al believe these rumors.  That Luc should look into this or write it off as a lesson learned in paying taxes or tribute.

Luc started nodding and smiled and told him that he wasn't greedy.  Luc always makes money with his friends and he likes having small slices of pies because when you add them up they give you variety and it equals out to be as big as anyone's pie and cake.  Luc explained that with several slices if someone hits one he still makes $990,000 they hit ten he make $900,000 but the man that hits him that many times would have lost half his men and that's when he takes there pie and splits it with their pal and his pals until they all are pals.   

Frankie replied that he likes his cake its his favorite and he gets full of it and its easy to make because he makes it every day so its fresh.  Slices make him want more when he gets a taste he likes or his stomach turn when he taste something he doesn’t like.  That he doesn’t know who or why Luc’s trucks were taken but that he would be happy to look into it and should he find who did this he would handle it and get Luc product back to him for a small finders fee.

Then Luc stood up and smiled at Frankie then Luc shook Frankies hand and walked away.  Apples ask Luc why he let Frankie think that he hit them and Luc smiling replied that because Frankie will be a little slower to try again and this will give them time to reroute their loads and where they receive their shipments.  Then Look told him that Whispers and Popeye need to escort the next few pick ups in New York and ensure that they have their boots laced up tight.  Apples nodded and they went to their table.

Luc got word that Yale was trying to sell some Irish whiskey that same amount and quality that Charlie lost.  Luc smirked and then called Charlie and they spoke and Charlie tried to convince Luc that Frankie was bad for business but they did  agree that Luc should speak to Al since Frankie has stolen so much of his product over the last few months.  Al once worked for Frankie as a bouncer so did Joe Adonis, Anthony "Little Augie" Carfano, and Albert Anastasia. Now he was going against the grain.  Frankie was putting to much faith in Willie "Two-Knife" Altierri who got the nickname due to his preferred method of dispatching his victims.

Yale moved into Little Augie’s and  Alberts rackets when he started making inroads into labor racketeering and dockside extortion.  Yale supplied much of Capone's whiskey. Yale would oversee the landing of the booze and make sure the Chicago-bound trucks made it safely through New York. Soon, many of the trucks began being hijacked before they left Brooklyn.  Luc had reached out to Al and Al explained that he started suspecting a double cross, and asked an old pal James DeAmato to keep an eye on his trucks. DeAmato reported that Yale was indeed hijacking his booze..

In a last-ditch effort to mend the relationship with his longtime friend, Capone invited Yale to Chicago to view the Dempsey-Tunney heavyweight title rematch at Soldier Field but it didn’t go so well.   Al said that their friendship began to rapidly deteriorate.  Capone had a plan to retaliation but wanted the blessing from everyone.  Luc gave Al the go ahead and explained that he was the last hold out and that everyone agreed with Charlie who wanted Frankie gone a month ago.  That call ended and Luc asked Noodles for a drink.  Noodles had Luc a scotch and Luc looked at it and Noodles then filled the glass.  Luc sat back in his chair and remember being Frankies best man when he married Maria.   

On Sunday afternoon, Yale was in his Sunrise Club, when he got a phone call that said something was wrong with Yale's new wife Lucy, in a rush Frankie refused to have Joe-joe drive him home.  Frankie dashed out to his brand new, coffee-colored Lincoln coupe and took off when a sedan carrying four of Al guy’s stopped next to him. While Yale's new Lincoln was fashioned with armor plating, the dealer had neglected to bullet-proof the windows.  When the light changed, Yale took off.  After a brief chase Yale's car was soon overtaken and Al’s boy’s opened fire at close range. A shotgun blast struck Frankie on the left side of the head while a submachine gun bullet sliced through his brain. Either wound could have killed Frankie instantly. The now out-of-control Lincoln veered to the right, hopped the curb, and crashed into the stoop of a brownstone.

Frankie Yale received one of the most impressive gangland funerals which thousands of Brooklynites lined the streets to watch the procession. He was buried wearing evening clothes, holding grey suede gloves and a gold rosary. Thirty-eight cars were present just to carry all the flowers. Luc paid fifteen grand to bury his old pal.

Expansion 

Whispers was one of Luc’s trusted friends and bodyguard.   He was visiting a friend that was locked up for a hijacking of a state police car.  While visiting his pal Whispers overheard a conversation between two older men at the next table.  One was explaining the problem he was facing with his new business and how their old friend betrayed him thinking that the man would not get a government contract.  The issue being he had won three of them and didn’t have the trucks to meet the needs of all three contracts.  He needed to find a new partner that had at least 15 trucks or more.   Whispers had said see ya to his pal but stuck around to introduce himself to the gentleman and offer his services.  The man was walking out when Whispers walk up to him and greeted him. 

Whispers then told AW that he had a boss that owns 45 trucks but 20 of them just sat around because he needed to drum up some business.  That his boss also had a line to get a few more trucks but needed the business to put them to work.  AW eyes lit up and wanted to meet with Whispers boss and Whispers said that he would set up a meeting with in a week or two.   AW asked for the name of the Gentleman that he was going to meet Whispers told him that the man own commercial carriers and was growing and wanted a partner or two form a lager transportation business or own a few smaller partnerships.  AW expressed in having a partner but him being allowed to manage it.  

Whispers smiled and nodding in agreement.  Whispers didn’t catch up with Luc for two days due to traveling from California to Detroit.  That’s when Whispers presented the deal to Luc and Luc jumped on the wagon and had Whispers set it up.   This was another way to clean his money and boost his rackets.  The potential could be worth millions over the long run of this deal.  Luc had his attorney’s look into AW past to see what issue would hinder there deal and if he was connected to any powerful government officials.  Whispers had already started looking to see if he was connected to anyone of power in their world of trade.  Two weeks had passed by and Luc had all the information in front of him.

Luc was back in Seattle sitting in the Seattle Seaport Spotlight.  Luc was ready and excited to meet with AW Herrington.  AW was awarded with three very lucrative contracts,  two were government contracts which AW was in need of trucks he had 16 of his own and his so called partner thinking that AW would not get the contracts sold his 20 trucks.  AW contract gave him 120 days to get up to 50 trucks and an additional 90 days to get up to 60 trucks to haul product from the seaport of Seattle to Southern California and East to Texarkana.  The second contract is to transport product back to the Seattle Seaport.  The third contract was to haul liquor from there to the capital of Pennsylvania.   Luc could give him 20 trucks to used immediately with drivers and would secure him another 40 trucks in 60 days by purchasing them from the Kansas City Boys a gang that hijacked trucks carrying liquor.  

Luc deal was a 49 percent stake in the Herring trucking Co.  Luc had his lawyers draw up the paperwork to be signed.  Luc was going to have that signature even if it killed AW.  AW also did his homework.  He knew that Luc was a connected man and carried weight in the right social circles in the world.  AW also knew that Luc influence would add a bit more safety to Herring Trucking Co.  AW had already purchased the insurance to cover the lost of any load.  This was a win, win for them both.  AW was surprised that Luc only wanted 49% of his company with Luc buying and adding all the needed trucks and drivers.  AW would find out later that 49% was just on paper Luc would have his way with the trucking company until AW could afford to buy Luc out at ten times the amount.  

Luc knew that he would have to take his time before he started raking AW over the proverbial coals.  The business needed to grow and his partner needed to learn Luc’s process.  At some point Luc will start hitting a few loads here and there from time to time and then start unionizing Herring Trucking and then strong arm the union into letting Luc use those union dues to loan fund to bigger business and return some of that interest back to the union while keeping the lion’s share of the interest and fees for negotiating those loans. 

Then Luc would add a bit into the union retirement plans as his man Whispers would be in charge of that part of the Union management team.  That money he would be able to loan out at any moment to any one at a higher interest rate.  Growing the Union money and backing it with bonds all while fatting his own pockets.    Whispers had set this up and it was going to be a done deal.  Luc then sent Whispers and Popeye to Kansas to look over the trucks they took 15 drivers and purchased 15 of the boys best trucks the next day and returned again a week later to do it all over again.  Each time they were caring forty five thousand in cash until they had a total of 75 trucks purchased from the Boys.  However Luc did promised them that he would help smooth things out with Al in Chicago and the Purple Gang in Detroit.    

The Card Game

Luc was sitting at a table with Whispers and Carlo when Popeye walked over to him and told him that Meyer Lansky called about a card game on 110th and Lenox Ave across from central park.  Standing to his feet he walked over to his end table and picked up his 45 and put it in his shoulder holster.  He picked up his car keys  and looked at his watch.  Luc put his suit jacket on and walked out followed by Whispers and Popeye.  Carlo was told to hang out at the house Apples and the rest would be there shortly.  Luc walked towards his car as Popeye opened that back passenger door Whispers was sitting behind the wheel waiting as Luc told him where to go and apark.  

They pulled up and parked behind the hotel and walked around to the front of the hotel.  This is where the card game was held.  Luc didn't speak but his facecial expression said a lot.  This wasn't going to be just any card game this was going to be one to remember.  They entered the building and the bellhop walked them over to the elevator and entered with them taking them up to the 8th floor.  The three men exited the elevator and walked to room 804.  Popeye knocked on the door and within a few seconds the door opened and they walked in.  There was laughter and ball busting until some of them saw Luc.  The man still talking was Robert Loggoso and he was telling everyone of his plans to make money once he gets his taste of some of DiCaprio's rackets.  

A hush fell over the room and Robert looked around as he saw Luc's face and cold steel blue eyes looking through him.  Benny was there and knew the score as he told everyone to take a break as they started to stand and walk to another room Luc made a small hand gesture for Robert to sit back down.   Then Luc sat next to him looking the man in his dark drown eyes.  Luc gave a smirk that made the man quake in his shoes.  Then Luc asked him to tell him the story from the beginning about taking over Lucs heroin business on the west coast?  The man started studdering and talking in non cohearant sentences and Luc looked at Whispers.  Whispers told the man to relax and handed him a glass of water. 

Robert drunk the water as if he hadn't had water in years.  Then he explained that he was told that he could run the heroin trade and keep 10 percent of the profits for himself and that it was Salvatore Maranzano that was the one that made him the deal unless they commit to Maranzano's side soon to help end the war.  Luc asked what about what they were going to do to Charlie and his friends.  Robert replied that Meyer and Benny were out too.  Robert looked around but didn't see them; Robert started to explain in detail that Marazano didn't want to do business with them and that they were on the fast track for extermination after the war ends.  Luc nodded and then looked at the center of the table and picked up the bottle of whiskey pouring the man a double shoot.

Robert took the glass and tried to smile with fear on his face and then slowly drunk it.  Luc smiled and gave him a refill and then looked at Whispers as he stood and turned to leave the room.  Popeye opened the door for Luc and as Luc walked out the door closed.  Luc walked over to Benny and they talked.   The card game was moved across the hall and as Meyers requested the men that where playing were allowed to win.  Benny agreed to dispose of the body after everyone was gone and relay the message to Meyer and Lucky.  Then Whispers and Popeye walked out and the three men walked to the elevator and rode it down to the lobby and this time they went out the back door to get to the car and drove him.

A Trip Home

Luc was standing looking out of his office window of his estate in LA.  He loved his home but he was missing home.  He booked a flight to New York then a steamer to Endland then to Sicily.  This was the perfect time to get away it was May 1931 an Luc did his part in ending the Castellammarese War two weeks ago when he went in with Joey A, Benny and Vito to send Joe the Boss on a vacation.  Luc's businesses would be managed by Apples for the West Coast operations, Popeye on the East Coast and Whispers managing the Central Region.  Rain would control the hotels and apartments.  Luc loved the view of his garden from that window as plants and the trees were just starting to bud.  

Then his teleophone rang he turned to answer it and to his surprise it was Meyers wishing him well and all the best as he goes home to Sicily.  Meyers also told him that Vito will be going over there after his murder marrage feasco.  Luc thanked Meyers for the heads up and then hung the phone down.   Not many people can stomach Vito but Luc found ways to ignor him or shut him down.  He recalled their last two fist fights were Vito attacked him forgetting that Luc once studied boxing as a kid and won his weight division golden gloves at 15 and 16.  Vito was a brawler and Luc could side step Vito all night and clobber Vito's ribs until Vito couldn't hold his hand high enough to protect his own face.  Luc started laughing as he realized that those dark circles under vito eyes could have come from those beating he got when they were teenagers.  

Luc saw the Bobby had brought the car around and that Carlo was loading Luc's luggage into the trunk of the car.  Luc put on his overcoat and took one last look around his office.  This was Luc's first trip back since he came to the states at the age of 12.  He recalled a spot that he and his family would go to high in the mountains overlooking the town and view the mediterranean sea was beautiful.  Luc remembered the first girl he ever kissed.  Carmen Racolta she was a short but tough little cookie that refused to be pushed around and who's family was also part of the Honored Society.   He heard that she was getting married soon the a young wealthy man that had a few political friends in Rome and Sicily.  

Walking out to his car Luc checked for the tickets he had all the tickets in his overcoat and he was ready to go.  He slid into the back seat and Bobby and Carlo sat up front.  Luc leaned his head back and closed his eyes as they drve to the airport.  He was thinking of the seven day cruise to get from New York to England and then to Sicily.  He was hoping that he would not run into waves and storms.  The Storms at sea can be very brutal and cause walls of waves that can be as high as 100 feet high come crashing down as if it purposely slapped his ship like a toy on the tub.  Then he thought about the food on the ship and the food at home.  He was travelling first class and recalled the swell he had to eat on his trip in third class coming to America and vowed to never travel that way again.  

Luc had flown from LA to NY and then straight to the peir where he was boarding his steamer to England and then Sicily.  He was in room 110 and Bobby was in 108 and Carlo was in 112.  They were in Luc suite talking abouy the voyage over that will start in a hour.  Luc was sitting in a chair as Bobby was pouring drinks and Carlo was looking out at the ocean.  They were in First class suites and they had the best liqour and food services.  The knock on the door was the waiter that bought burgers and beer Bobby opened the door and the waiter sat it on the stand.  Bobby paid the waiter and gave him the change as a tip.  Carol walked over and grabbed a Burger and finished his shot on rum.  Luc also grabbed a burger his had cheese on it.  The beer was ice cold a went down smooth and fast so fast that he poured himself another.  Bobby was smiling as he thought that everyone was hungry like he was.  

After the burgers and beer were gone Luc explained that this trip was business as well as personal.  Carlo was hoping to see his family as well as Bobby.  Luc assured that they would get time for that a the start.  He didn't go into the details of the business but explained to them that one this one he would have to roll up his sheelves and dig in deep.  Luc then poured them all a scotch and toasted with them to family and Sicily.  Then they walked up to the top deck as they walked passed a mini casino on the boat.  Luc ask was this gambling for real cash or for a fundrasier.  The swert replied all cash win or lose you gotta have cash to play.  Luc smiled as he also owned a casino and knew the odds which always favored the house.  

They went to the Captains formal dinner and actually sat at the Captains table.  There sat several very wealthy people Luc was asked several questions about the work he did.  Luc found it to be a bore but competulated and told them that he was into Shiping and he owned a string of hotels and apartments.  He owned the largest taxi company in New York and he owned a contruction company that built things from department stores to state buildings across the united states.  They countined to probe into his business when he told them that he also owned a few pharmacy stores and a department store.  Then Luc turned the tables as the food came.  He probed into their affaires as they were hoping he would as they loved to boost about their lives.  The steak were tender and well favored.  The mashed potatoes was thick and the beef gravy was tangy.  The steamed Vetegables tasted fresh and they were lighly buttered and seasoned.  The dinner rolls were buttered and firm on the outside and soft on the inside.  The wine was sweet and fruity.  

Luc smiled as they carried the conversations for hours as he was looking at the wives of each successful man.  They had one thing in common they were all looking for someone else and wanted a man like Luc, Bobby and /or Carlo.  The men kept quite as they looked at each table seeing that they could walk out with anyone of these clowns wives.  Luc then finished his meal and then they brought out desert.  Cakes, pies and danishes of all sorts.  Luc passed on them as he excused himself to have a cigarette.  Bobby and Carlo ate a slice of apple pie and a scoop of ice cream.  Luc walked out to the deck and he could feel Bobby and Carlo eyes on him as he looked around and then nodded to them.  Then a small blonde walked over towards him.  She had sat across from him at the dinner table her name was Gloria Falaise Luc smirked at her and called her Ms. Swanson.  She smiled and asked him why didn't he try to manager her career.  Luc started laughing and told her that she was doing quite well.  It had been three years since they last saw each other.  

Luc enjoyed the conversation with Gloria Swanson but she was on her third husband and he started remembering why he left her.  Then her Husband walked out and saw them.  Luc was still smoking his cigarette when he approched them.   They all talked as she acted as if they just met and Luc was kind enough to give her a cigarette.  Her husband was full of him self and was a bore as he started retelling of his business and the films he has directed, none of which Luc saw.  Luc looked at the man wondering does he ever just shut up or does he just let his lips babble. Then Gloria stepped in and told him that they have kept Mr. DiCaprio way to long as she lead her husband away.   Looking back at Luc as he gave her a thank you nod then looked back over at the moon light watching the light cacade over the ocean.  

Luc returned to his suite and sleep well and to his surprise he went upstairs to the top deck to see what they had for breakfast as the serive were clean his room.  They had everything he could imagine for breakfast.  To include his new pain in his tucus.  He was there and quickly walked over to where Luc was setting.  Luc smiled but thought could he get away with killing this man and dumping him over board.  Then Gloria came and sat as they talked about everything that they loved doing in europe.   Luc wondered out of all the ships heading to europe how did he get to be so lucky that he was on the same boat as his ex and her husband.  He knew he could have her but he didn't want the headache's she brings or the drama that he husband would cause.  Then he started feeling a bit sorry for Vito that went through something close to this. 

Bobby and Carlo walked over and Luc used that to excuse himself.  He told the people that they had made arrangements to talk business and that he might see them all later.  Knowing deep inside he planned to avoid all of them for as long as he could.   Bobby and Carlo were confused as they wanted breakfast.  Luc told them to get a plate and take it with them he needed to get away and its their fault for waking up so dam late.  They met in his room and they played cards and then after three hours they went back to eat lunch.  Again the ship out out a spread that made many resturants look like small time diners.  This time they sat in a back corner and they were joined by texan ranchers that wanted to talk oil.  Luc learned a lot at that table.  He even made arrangements to start hauling oil for Hunt Oil.  Luc was going to use sixty trucks to haul oil to a refinery which he would become a part owner after he had his lawyers look it over.  

That night at the captains table for the second time in two days this time Luc started talking about getting into the Oil business and doing some wildcatting himself when he returns.  The shipping and refining is a way for him to ensure his gas stations stay in stock and that he gets the best prices for oil and gasoline.  Everyone at the table was surprised that a man like Luc could be so lucartive and think out of the box.  They had questions as to why he wanted gas stations.  Luc explained that the automoble is growing and American will be building highways that link every major city to another and they will need gas and he was going to be a chief supplier.  That people are not just driving to family dinners and picnics that soon they will drive out to see all that america has to show them and that college kids love to drive so its money waiting to be collected.   When he left the table that night several men wanted to talk more about his gas stations and the oil business.   Luc then realized that if he could partner the Oil men up who needed money with these want to be investors he could make more money as the bank and broker.