6 years old

"Sometimes," Eric's mother had told him as she'd taken him up into her arms, "things don't make sense until later. Even if the sun burns bright, at a certain time of day we still can't see our shadow. But if you wait... well, then you can see it later." She'd hugged him tightly, then, so tight that it had hurt him. But she was crying, and Eric didn't want her to stop hugging him. So he hugged her back as best he could and tried to ignore the cries of his baby sister from the other room. Later, he brought his mother ice for her black eye.

There was silence in the apartment, then, when the baby finally fell asleep. Eric lay in bed, listening to his mother cry in the next room. She tried to hide it, but the walls were thin. Eric stayed awake, staring up at the ceiling as he waited for the door of their apartment to open and slam shut. 

That night, though, was different than the other nights his father had stormed out; after that night, his father didn't come back. 

12 years old

"Mrs. Dillon, I don't want to belabor the point with you, but-"

"You said he's missed so many days of school. Where's he been, then?!"

"That's a question for your son, I think."

Eric tried to sink lower in his chair as his mother glowered at him. 

"And when he is here," continued the principal, "he's a distraction. The other students can't focus due to his behavior, and the teacher has to spend far too much time and energy on him. It's not fair to the others."

"He's twelve! He's just a boy!"

"Well, the other boys don't seem to have the same issues. And he's old enough now where it's his own responsibility."

"What is he supposed to do?"

"Not every child is a student, Mrs. Dillon. Your daughter, for example, is an exemplary student. As for your son... there's plenty of work for young men on the wharf or in the factories."

Mrs. Dillon seemed to hang her head, but just for a moment before she nodded and stood, escorting Eric out with a iron grip on his shoulder. 

14 years old

Eric stretched out his shoulder as he walked through the streets of Philadelphia. He'd lived in the city his whole life, but he'd never really seen it until the last couple years. He was a working man now, lugging boxes on the docks to help pay for the small apartment he shared with his mother. The labor had started to make him strong, filling his frame with wiry muscle even as he shot up, growing taller so fast that he'd been forced to buy cheaper pants, knowing they wouldn't fit him for long. 

As he passed by an alley, he saw three boys beating the shit out of someone on the ground. He walked by the alley with a frown on his face, then froze. Still frowning, he sprinted around the alley and threw a wild punch at the leader, who seemed to be focused on kicking the boy on the ground. Eric felt his fist connect with the boys eye, and the combined shouts of rage and pain seemed to send the three assailants scattering. Eric chased after them for a bit, just to keep them from getting brave again, then returned to the boy on the ground. Extending a hand, Eric helped the boy up to his feet.

"Thanks, mate. Name's Danny Monaghan, and I fucking owe you one," said the battered boy, who seemed to be a couple years older than Eric.

"Eric. Why were they doing that?"

"Ah, they got sent around to teach me a lesson. I'm from South Philly, and the place is fillin' up with so many fuckin' Italians you can't take four steps without gettin' up to your ankles in a puddle o' tomato sauce. You got that big fucker good, by the way."

"Uh, thanks."

"You need an in? I've got a gang of me own, y'know. I mean, I'm not the boss. But I'm kinda a big deal. I could introduce you, ya know."

"That's... I shouldn't," said Eric, "I need to get home to my m- my family."

"Come on, mate. You don't have to join the fuckin' gang. Just come hang out, meet some of the boys. I owe ya one."

Eric paused, then he nodded with a grin as he followed Danny down the alley.

14 Years Old

Two Months Later

"And then," said Danny, "She went into that wop grocery store on 5th and Oxford. She musta saw how Tommy put a brick through the window!"

Tommy grinned and absorbed the hoots and applause of the gang. 

"And how Petey knocked over those fuckin' glass jars of olive oil or tomato sauce or whatever the fuck!"

Petey waved off the praise from the rest of the gang, but he seemed just as pleased as Tommy had.

"You know what?" asked Jack, not bothering to wait for his question to be answered. Everyone immediately grew silent. Jack was the biggest, the strongest, and the default leader. "I think they need a more direct message. Tomorrow night, we're all going back there. And we'll give them  a more direct message, like "GET OUT WOP" painted on the window. That should be a gentle hint, eh? And if that doesn't work..." Jack's voice dropped and grew colder. "... then we'll really turn up the heat on 'em."

The boys hooted their approval, and Eric joined in. He didn't know these people, and he was certain his mother wouldn't approve, but she was drinking so much lately that she didn't approve of anything, really. So fuck 'em. He'd stick with his friends. At this point, they were all he had.

***

"Jesus Christ," said Danny. "Get a load of that broad. 3 o'clock."

Eric looked, and his mouth dropped open. "Holy shit," he said, blinking. The woman in question was wearing a light blue dress that ended above her knee, and she walked with purpose toward the market. Her strikingly beautiful face seemed angry.

"I don't even know where I should look," muttered Tommy.

"If I had a girl with a body like that," said Eric. "I'd never come up for air. I'd just lock us our bedroom for the rest of my life. You guys could throw food in through the window..."

The other boys remained respectfully silent, staring across the street.

"She's a wop," said Danny.

"I don't even care," said Eric, who was immediately punched in both shoulders, only half-playfully.

"Keep your eyes on the prize," said Tommy.

"I am," said Eric.

"And the prize is not that pair of bouncing dago tits," said Danny.

"Sure," said Eric, staring. He watched as the woman offered cash to the police officer, who refused her. His eyes drank in her face, her body, the way she walked, the way she climbed into the car. Eric barely noticed the passage of time, and he felt a heat spread through his entire body. A black woman opened the car door for her, and then the mystery woman drove out of his life.

***

The next day, Eric made his way to the Italian market. He brought a bottle of pop and a sandwich with him; if anyone in the gang asked, he'd say that he was scouting the place out some more. Mostly, he was hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman again. 

He'd been there for an hour, starting to question whether he should leave, when her car pulled up again. He stared at her legs as she emerged from the car, swallowing so loud that he was convinced she could hear him, even though he was on the fire escape across from the street. She was wearing yellow today, and it showed a stark contrast with her tanned, olive skin. 

As soon as she walked in the store, Eric ran down the fire escape. He moved to the edge of the alley, making sure to stand where the driver couldn't see him. The other bodyguards were with the woman, and Eric could barely catch a glimpse of yellow as the woman's guards surrounded her and she headed into the shoe store.

Fuck.

And who the hell walked around with that many guards?

***

"Tonight's the night," said Jack to the assembled gang. "We're going to burn the market down and send a message to every slimy, greasy Italian who thinks they can come into our territory and take over. By the end of the week, they'll be running out of here like cockroaches. Load up the gas and the matches, but be fucking careful until we've got the place ready to light."

Every boy in the gang cheered, except for their youngest member; Eric stood in the back with his lips pursed and his gaze down at the ground.

***

Eric kept the lookout like he was told, but he wouldn't have noticed if a cop had walked two feet in front of him. Mostly, he was trying not to throw up. He should tell someone. He should have- but now it was too late. 

When it was done- after the young men had lit the blaze and watched it climb into the night sky- they stood like master craftsmen to watch their work. But when the old woman began to scream in agony, they ran.

Eric would hear those screams in his head for a long, long time.

14 Years Old

Later That Night: The First Day of the Rest of Your Life

Eric, once again, had been given the role of lookout. Perhaps it was because he was the youngest, or perhaps the older guys had seen the discomfort on his face about what had happened. He could imagine that. Not wanting to taint their celebration with Eric's disturbed face, they toasted their whiskey inside while he stayed out under the stars. All seven members of the gang were inside, thought Eric, not realizing that he hadn't counted himself as one of them. 

He'd have to talk to Danny about it later. Danny was his best friend- he'd understand. But then again, Danny's eyes had gleamed as brightly as all the others in the flames of the market fire.

Eric was lost in his thoughts of the fire as he trudged from one end of the building to the other to keep watch. He never saw the woman approach behind him- never heard anything until the gun was cocked and held to the back of his head. In a way, he wasn't surprised when he turned around to see the beautiful Italian woman who'd knocked him off his feet. Now he was literally off his feet, kneeling on the pavement and shaking with fear. Taking in a deep breath to scream, to warn Danny and the others, the woman with the black skin had pun a gun in his mouth and put his face in the dirt. He'd pissed himself. 

Shaking with shame, fear, and concern for his friends, Eric tried to focus on the black-haired woman as she spread the gasoline around the building. The guys must all be passed out by now... Eric closed his eyes, then opened them again to watch the woman. At least he'd die looking at her. Some small consolation.

Her hair was so dark it was like a shadow. She didn't seem human- more like some sort of demon or a monster, despite her beauty. Eric just watched her, and quietly cried to himself. God, his mother would be broke, when the cops told her he'd been killed. 

A part of him wished this was a nightmare, that he'd wake up in his bed safe and sound, but he knew that wasn't going to happen.  Gasping for breath, trying to cry as silently as possible, the young man kept his eyes on the building just as he was ordered to do.

As the building went up in flames, Eric heard himself whimpering. He could only watch as the raven-haired woman removed a gun from her car.

For him? No. He saw her watching the door, waiting to see if any of the gang escaped the flames. "Be ready," she said to the black woman.

As the gang began to emerge, they were shot down. Tommy came out coughing, and the beautiful woman shot him in the chest. Jeff and Danny split and ran in opposite directions. Jeff died wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. Eric's eyes went wide as he saw his best friend, and he threw himself at the black woman, knocking the gun from her hand. 

"Run, Danny! Run!"

That was all Eric had time for before a fist slammed into his stomach, doubling him over. A blow to his head sent him to the ground.  He heard two more gunshots. God, Danny. Eric exploded up at the black woman, not caring if she shot him, but his wild punch went wide and she grabbed his shirt collar, dragging him to the ground again.

Then the raven-haired woman was approaching him; she punched Eric in the face, and he raised wet eyes to look at her. It was the closest he'd even been to her. God, he was fucked up. He was about to die, this woman had just killed his friend, and he was still-

"Do you really want to die?" snarled the woman, visibly shaking with rage. " "DO YOU!?!  That old woman's skin was so thin you could see her veins BEFORE you left her to FRY in that fucking grocery store... ARE YOU PROUD OF THAT?  DO YOU THINK THESE WERE GOOD MEN?  IS THIS WHO YOU ARE?  IS THIS WHO YOU WANT TO BE?" 

Eric stifled his cries; the woman grabbed his collar with her free hand. As she looked at him, her voice seemed to grow quieter and sadder when she said, "You can do better than this.  You can BE better than this."

Shattering glass drew the woman's attention away, and Eric was left with her words rattling around in his head. The black woman dragged him away, but Eric was almost deadweight in his shock. Almost as a detached observer, Eric heard his mothers voice: ""Sometimes things don't make sense until later. Even if the sun burns bright, at a certain time of day we still can't see our shadow. But if you wait... well, then you can see it later." In the shadow of the inferno, Eric lay with his eyes closed.

For a brief moment, everything was peaceful. Then Jack ran out of the gang's headquarters with his machete, charging at the black woman. Jack was shot by the beautiful woman, but he wasn't killed until a gun from somewhere else shot him. Stunned, Eric barely registered it.

Eric heard a cheerful "Hi!" from somewhere he couldn't see; it must be the other shooter.

"Your Wolf," said the black woman.

"Nice shot. I'll see you at home soon!" yelled the Italian. Then she turned to Eric. "Get him in the car."

"You said you'd let me go if I watched! I swear I'll do whatever you want!" he begged. But it didn't matter; he was thrown into the car all the same. 

***

Eric sat in terrified silence as the car pulled over to the curb. He was, frankly, surprised. He expected to wind up in some nice, quiet spot where he would catch a bullet. Instead, he was on a street corner.

"This is your stop," said the black woman.

"You really are just letting me go?" asked Eric.

"You could try to run, but I think we both know how that would go for you.  Pretty sure you realize now how far my boss' reach is... she's got friends in high places all over this thing of ours, and maybe if you're smart then one day you will too.  Just do what she asked you to do and do it well.  Trust me when I say, being her friend has its advantages."

Eric took a deep breath and looked out the winow.

"But if you forget what she told you..."  the woman warned, "Our paths will cross again."

Eric nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat, "I won't forget."

"Then that's it."  

Eric opened the door and stepped outside, a part of him wanted to run like a rabbit looking for the safety of a hole, but he knew the woman with the strange accent was right.  Where could he hope to run and with what money?  The Dragon was going to pay him better than he ever made on his own and the work she had him doing was far less terrible to be sure. He never expected to do any sort of work for the woman who killed his friends, but... well, it didn't make sense to die just to be stubborn.

As he closed the door behind him and his captor's car pulled away, leaving him all alone on the southernmost corner of Fifth Street in Philly, he thought about what it was he was tasked to do and what it meant for his days to come.  He had two jobs now. 

The first was the easiest.  Everything he saw, everything he heard, it all was to be reported back to the Race Street Company.

The second was to make sure that everyone who wasn't a cop knew damn well who had taken care of Danny's gang for shaking down the businesses on 5th Street & burning those old people.  He was supposed to let folks know and to warn them away from pissing off the Dragon ever again.

So long as people knew who took care of this neighborhood now, and so long as he brought in all the information he came across, he'd always have a safe place to sleep and food in his belly.  Anything less, and the Dragon promised she would find him again and send him to join Danny and his friends for his part in what happened to Giovanni's grocery.

Eric could hear the beautiful woman's voice in his head.

"One day you won't be a thug in the streets Eric.  Stay loyal to Jack Mezzo and one day you'll be a Made Man and no one will cross you.  You'll have the power and the money to protect yourself and everyone you care about too.  Just don't let me down.  Don't make me regret the decision to leave someone alive tonight.  I did that once before and didn't go so well... show me that guy was a one-time thing.  Do better.  Be better."

Eric would do better.  He would be better - better than Danny and better than every other thug he knew.  Maybe he'd even be better than the Dragon herself one day.  But for now, he would only be one thing: loyal.

Hands in his pockets he made his way down 5th Street watching for people he knew, keeping his ears open, ready to tell anyone who mattered that there was a new protector of the neighborhood and unless you wanted to end up a smoldering pile of ash, you didn't fuck with what belonged to the Dragon.

17 years old

Eric had had to grow up fast. His mother had been drinking more and more, and Eric had taken responsibility for the household. He'd gotten a job at Isabella Luciano's- well, now Isabella Byrne's- Treble Club; mostly, he worked as a busser. She hadn't noticed him much, but he saw her every so often, and that was enough for him. Occasionally, she even spoke to him, checked in to see how he was doing. Those were the good days. Eric had kept his nose to the grindstone, working hard and, if he admitted it, keeping an eye out for her. She'd been married, apparently. 

As he made his way over near Bella's office to drop off some paperwork in the manager's folder, Eric caught a glimpse of his reflection. He was much taller than he used to be, stretching up to be nearly six feet. And his muscular build had only just started to fill in. Soon, he promised his reflection. Soon. 

But for now, he was just lanky, teenaged kid working at the edge of Bella Byrne's most popular business. A single blade of grass trying to catch a glimpse of the sun.

He'd seen Gavin Byrne walk into her office twenty minutes before. The sniper from a couple years ago was well known around South Philly. Well, he had no intention of meeting the man. Eric carried his paperwork past Bella's office. As he approached he heard shouting and nearly started to run, to break down the door to protect Bella. But, was that.. He froze, listening to Bella's shouts.

"Ohhh. Gavin. Don't you... Yes. Yes. Yes! Yes!"

As her cries repeated, Eric stood outside the office door, imagining the scene: Bella Byrne bent forward over her desk, her dress hiked high up as her hands were splayed in front of her. And behind her, Eric would grab her hips and... he listened to her sounds of pleasure from the hallway, pretending it was him that made her feel that way. 

He wasn't sure how long he stood there, but after a particularly loud shout he decided it would be bad to be found standing in the hallway. He dropped the paperwork in the folder on the wall, returned to the restaurant, and began rolling silverware to prepare for the next day.

After a few minutes, Gavin Byrne walked out, zipping up his pants and whistling innocently. Eric waited a few minutes, long enough for most of the other bussers and servers to leave. 

Bella walked out, a vision in a little black dress that stopped his heart. Her clothing seemed slightly disheveled, and Eric found himself staring so much that he'd attracted her attention. She started walking over to him, and Eric moved slightly behind a chair so she wouldn't notice his excitement.

"How are things, Eric?" she asked the question with a small smile on her face. The doe-like eyes focused on him and he nearly felt his knees go out. He swallowed, maintaining eye contact and resisting the biological imperative to look at her chest; one edge of her bra was visible, no doubt the aftermath of her office rendezvous.

"They're okay, Miss Luciano- sorry, Mrs. Byrne. Working here a lot. Working on the streets, too, starting to move a handful of units and keep my eye out for things."

"Good," said Bella. "And how's your mother?"

"She's... okay."

"You let me know, Eric, if that situation gets to be too much. Don't try to handle it alone if it gets too bad."

"I know. I mean, thank you. I will."

With a final nod, she headed out the door. Eric watched her go, then returned to rolling silverware, lost in his thoughts.

22 years old

Eric let his hands play through the raven hair as the woman’s head repeated its slow, pleasurable motion. He lay back, stretching himself out to his full length on the bed. The lanky teenager was gone, replaced by a tall, muscular man in his physical prime. He enjoyed his body- even more than the raven haired woman climbing on top of him. He squinted and, for a moment, he could see Bella on top of him, long hair falling down to her breasts. But when he opened his eyes, he saw the escort he’d paid an hour ago.

“Spin around,” said Eric. “Let me see that ass of yours…” 

And not your face. 

With the woman facing away from him, Eric gave himself over to the fantasy. 

***

When he was finished, Eric walked along the Old City sidewalks, and he was happy to see that he got more than a few nods from Gangsters and Goombas as he did so. He was only a Wise Guy, but he was moving up in the world. Moving product. Pulling jobs, sometimes on his own and sometimes helping out the big fish. Eric was enjoying his time in Bowden’s crew, and his boss had even noticed him working the heavy bag in the gym, promising to train him as a fighter. Maybe this was his way forward. Rise up in the ranks, maybe even get the nod from Jack Mezzo to start his own crew. He’d start small, but he could build something. 

Eric strolled along, daydreaming about working with Bella Byrne. Spending late nights in the office, going over crew reports. He already saw her once a week or so for brief check ins. But if he could move higher up the ranks…

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw the smoke coming from the direction of the Race Street Pier. Eric took off running.

***

The next day, Eric stayed in bed. He’d inhaled a lot of smoke running through the Pier, looking for bodies. He’d helped a few support staff get out, at least. 

But fuck. What the hell would happen now? His Godfather, Jack Mezzo, was dead. His crewleader, William Bowden, was dead. So many bodies had dropped around the city. Word on the street was that Bella’s sister-in-law had stepped up in Jack’s place, and that Bella was her new right hand.

Gavin Byrne had survived, too. He steadfastly battled against feeling disappointed about the news; not only was Eric a man of honor and respect, but losing her husband would have devastated Bella. He valued her happiness more than his own. And Bella’s daughter, Aurora, was a sweet kid. The whole district looked after her, and despite his desire, Eric could never hope for anything that would take a father away from his child.

***

One Month Later

Eric walked out of the apartment he shared with his mother. He closed the door, then leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. It was too big for him, he knew it. His mother had always been a drinker, but things had gotten so bad... she'd be dead soon, if she didn't stop, and Eric had done everything he could. 

It was time to go see Bella. There were a couple things that he had to discuss with her.

He rang up the office and April answered the phone. Her voice got even more excited as she realized it was Eric; he'd seen her looking at him more than once. He didn't mind it; April was a good looking girl. Maybe he'd take her out sometime. It just didn't seem fair, when his heart belonged to someone else. A hooker was different- a girl who actually liked him, though? Eric frowned. Although dating April would certainly bring him closer to Bella's orbit.

For now, he dismissed the question. One thing at a time.

A few hours later, he arrived at the office of Bella Byrne and knocked on the door.

Bella was sipping her tea, trying not to stress out over the pile of documents from this or that insurance company.  Race Street Pier had been a total loss and getting anything back for it should have been easy... would have been easy for any legit operation, the problem here was that people knew who Jack Mezzo was... they KNEW what Race Street Operation was.  No one wanted to pay mobsters money.  

A knock at the door broke her concentration and she sighed.  She put down her cup.  "Come in," She called out, deciding she needed a break from the monotony anyway.

It surprised her to see Eric's face come into the room.  She leaned back in her seat and crossed her legs.  "Eric.  Great timing.  I need a break.  Please, come in."  She motioned to the seat across from her on the opposite side of the desk.

Eric took a deep breath, then opened the door. He was stopped in his tracks for a moment, and only his respect for Bella kept his eyes away from her legs. He bowed his head.

"Donna Byrne."

He walked to the seat and lowered himself in it carefully; his large frame had broken more than one chair, and he had no intention of embarrassing himself now. 

"Thank you for seeing me. I am most grateful."

"Of course."  She said nodding to him, pleased with his deference.  The boy had grown a lot over the years in more than just size.  There were few gambles on people which she had made in her life that had paid off as well as Eric.

"You're looking well."  She said to him appraising the man before her.  "What brings you to my office today?"

"You're looking well."

Christ, that hit him harder than any punch he'd ever taken in Purgatory. Eric took a deep breath and smiled. 

"Thank you, Be- Donna Byrne. First... I hate to bother you with a personal issue, but... my mother's drinking has gotten worse in the last few years. With the money I make, I bought a house for her and for my sister. I was hoping the change of scenery would help with her... problem. But if anything, things have gotten worse. In the past you've mentioned treatments, facilities... things I know nothing about. I hate to impose on you with this; I can only imagine how busy you are dealing with everything... but you asked me to tell you when it got too big for me and I promised I would. It hurts my pride, but I am a man of my word."

Bella's gaze softened as she realized the reason for the visit and she sighed,  "Oh Eric."   

Bella stood up and came around the desk leaning against the front of it, putting a hand on the younger man's shoulder, "You don't need to feel any shame.  I had considered asking you to let me step in sooner, but I know how personal these things can be.  I didn't want to insert myself into your life any more than I already have over the years."

She shook her head sadly, "So many people are struggling with the same issues facing your mother and God knows this fight isn't just hers... it's been yours these many years.  I've had such respect for how you've taken care of your mother and sister.  You're a good man."  She said the last with absolute conviction giving him a gentle squeeze on the shoulder to put emphasis on her statement.  She believed it to be true, despite how they had initially met.

"I know you did everything you could and the fact that you're not too proud to ask for help... well, it speaks to your character.  Only fools let their pride get in the way when a thing needs to be done for those they love.  You, my friend, are no fool.  So... let's talk about options.  I know there is a facility in upstate, a lovely place in the countryside.  Your mother could convalesce there.  You'd be a short drive away.  You and your sister could visit on weekends or whenever you had some free time.  Doctors, professionals would be on hand to help her... she'd get the best care possible and be able to sober up, learn to fight her urges and face her demons."   

Eric dropped his eyes as Bella leaned forward- for once, not to avoid looking at her but because of the subject matter. It had been a long road with his mother, and it had taken a lot out of him and his sister. Still, even in that frame of mind, her hand felt electric on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Donna Byrne, for your kind words. I've never forgotten what you told me that night, about being better. And the facility sounds like it would be a good solution. I tried inquiring there, even offered a bit of a bribe... but they said they were booked for months. I thought maybe with your connections..."

"Of course.  I'll make some calls.  It won't be easy at first.  She likely won't want to go and she's going to be quite cross with you I think, but for her own good... she needs this.  I know one day when she's well she will thank you."

Bella took her hand back and walked back around her desk to push the intercom.  "April please get me the phone number for Liberty Center."

"Yes, Mrs. Byrne."  Came the reply.

Bella smiled at Eric, "How is your sister these days?  What's she been up to?  Working?  School still?  Gosh, how old is she now?  Sometimes it feels as if all these years just blur together."

"I expect that I'll have to tier my mother down just to get her in the car. She'll be pissed, but you're right. She needs this."

He nodded, thinking. 

"Rhia is sixteen now," said Eric, with his first grin since he'd walked in. "Getting to be a handful. Getting too much attention from boys. Though most of her admirers have second thoughts when they get a good look at me. But she's doing well in school. Better than I ever could."

"Sixteen?"  she shook her head.  "That's a tough age to be without a woman in your life.  Did you get someone to help you with her?  I know you can provide and keep her safe, but sometimes a gal needs a woman's sound advice.  Especially in the weightier matters of life pertaining to one's future."

Bella lit up and her voice got a bit more cheery, "In fact, I'm sure the Godmother probably knows the name of a few good finishing schools in the area.  We were just talking about some of those for Aurora in a few years.  I know you're probably not pulling in the kind of money to make something like that happen, but I might have a few things that need doing.  I mean, if you decide you want to go that route and need a way to make up the difference.  Certainly, you've proven your ability to handle some heavier lifting in the operation.  Lord knows after our recent losses a lot of seats have opened up.  A young man with ambition and drive could make his bones in times such as these."

She settled back into her chair, "You just say the word and we'll figure it out.  I know I can trust you and I take care of the people who take care of me and mine.  We'll make sure your sister and your mother both have everything they need for their best possible futures."

"Bella, you mentioned a dragon.  Have you ever heard of a dragon named Puff?  He lives by the sea, and is believed, by some, to have magical powers."

"I... no. We don't really have any other family." 

He frowned, trying to explain.

"I- my mother isn't bad all the time. She just has increasingly bad days. But a finishing school is a good idea, I think. I..."

Eric sat up a bit straighter in his seat and nodded. His large hands laced together in his lap, and he leaned forward Bella could see his muscles strain under his jacket. 

"... I'll do any job you have for me. I can handle any heavy lifting you have me. I just..." 

Eric paused.

"... one of my greatest dreams is to become a Man of Honor for you and Godmother Byrne. But I- my mother and sister have no one else. As you mentioned, they are in a vulnerable spot. If anything were to happen to me, even if they were financially provided for... it would break them. Especially my mother. For now, I request that I remain a Wise Guy."

Consciously or unconsciously, he gripped his hands tightly.

"But Donna Byrne, please do not mistake this for a lack of ambition- and especially not a lack of commitment on my part. I will gladly die to protect you. Or kill for you- it's my understanding that sometimes a Wise Guy can pull a job without attracting as much heat as someone better known. But if I can serve you and be slightly less conspicuous- for my family's sake- as your personal associate, even, I would be thrilled to do any work you have for me."

Bella considered the young man in front of her and nodded.  "I don't have any doubts about what you would do for me Eric.  Your loyalty, your honor, is without question.  You've done everything I've asked of you and always to my satisfaction.  You're one of the associates I know I can always rely upon when I have needs that need to be met.  As for your dedication to your mother and sister, putting their needs before your own in this thing of ours, well... that speaks for itself."  

She smiled proudly at him, "You really have become the man I hoped you'd be one day.  Therefore, I'll respect your wishes and withhold your name from the desk of Godmother Byrne.  She'll probably think I'm insane, we have spoken about you in private on one occasion, but she trusts me to only put forward those who are ready.  Whether for your reasons or my own, today is not that day for you.  One day though... I will be proud to hear you speak the words that will bind you to our family forever."

The intercom buzzed then and April gave Bella the phone number.  Picking up the phone she dialed and after a very quick conversation, she had made the arrangements.  A small donation would be made to the hospital and miraculously a bed just happened to be open.  Bella thanked the person on the other end of the line and took down some information on when and where to bring Eric's mother.  Hanging up she looked to the young man once more.

"Easy as that.  They have room for your mother after all.  Now, about how to get her there... do you think you'll need help?  I'd be happy to send someone to help you, or if you prefer, I might be able to make time to join you.  It's quite the trip and they know me there.  I know it would probably make the paperwork end of things easier for you if you let me tag along.  Plus, honestly, it would get me out of the office for a few hours.  I'm dying for an excuse really... of course if you'd rather do it alone... I'd understand."

If Eric let his self-esteem inflate any more from Bella's compliments, he'd pop all over her office. 

"Plus, honestly, it would get me out of the office for a few hours.  I'm dying for an excuse really... of course if you'd rather do it alone... I'd understan-"

Eric had never been so quick to answer a question in his entire life.

"That would be excellent- only, of course, if your schedule allows it. If you'd like the break, as you said. And paperwork... it's not my strong suit. I'd be very happy for your assistance there."