After the last bloodletting that this thing of ours had forced to a head, the city of New York's underbelly had been left gutted. Godmother chairman Macarena and godmother Paradise had quickly went to work at restructuring the way money flowed through the big apple. It wasn't long before up-and-comer Bruno Accardo and his dazzling redheaded wife SofiaAccardo had begun to make a name for themselves. Macarena had taken the couple under her wing and allowed them to further some simple gambling operations Bruno had begun before having a professional crew to back him. 

Money was always set up like water from its inception. Bruno had merely taken up his spot along the river bank and directed the flow of the currentcy. There was a simple truth with the American dollar, it changed hands often. Early into his career, Bruno realized that it always worked out better for him when he wasn't the one gambling. Why play house when you can be the house? Nearly every street corner in Brooklyn had a dice game. The back rooms of many establishments hosted a weekly poker game. There was always someone willing to bet their cash weekly in search of hitting the numbers racket. Bruno had made sure that when that money changed hands, he had a cut of it. 

Before long those cuts from all the illicit gambling began to stack up higher than the Accardos cared to count anymore. Bruno always wanted to have a legitimate business venture to help hide the growing stockpile. Those in the life that made it the furthest knew a low profile was the only thing that mattered. So instead of rushing out to open a bunch of lavish nightclubs, the first generation Italian-American made an investment in his family's future when he opened the doors to Accardo Waste Management. 

The idea was too simple, really. Who the hell pays attention to the guy that's getting rid of the undesirable elements of society? The New York garbage industry, though lowkey, grossed millions every year. The problem was how that money went to too many hands in Bruno's opinion. With the help of some lower associates and thugs, Bruno began to scare the local truck drivers into a newly formed union. Local chapter 327 quickly began to back all the drivers taking refuse out of Bensonhurst. When word on the street got around that it was time to get down with the Accardos or lay down, the union expanded further in the direction of Manhattan. 

No one had a problem with the amount of money coming in because Bruno wasn't greedy. Half the dues from chapter 327 flowed up into Bruno's pockets then half of that on up to the Godmother Chairman. Those that were working for the man were given enough to keep them from starving but not enough to make them complacent. At the end of the day, greed was a death sentence. No one likes the richest man in the room, unless he's handing out envelopes. Money wasn't everything in la cosa nostra, but it sure helped to fuel the rocket that takes one up the ranks. 

Whenever a meeting had been set up with the Godmothers of the New York, Bruno Accardo figured it had to do with his ever growing trash business. There had been a bit of rabble from the lower rungs about him growing too fast and expanding too far now that his trucks were picking up waste in two different districts. So, thinking of preserving their necks, Bruno had SofiaAccardo 's purse lined with $100,000 for each of the bosses when they walked into the quaint coffee shop. The place must have been owned by someone connected because the staff knew to be nowhere near earshot.

The meeting, from the perspective of an onlooker, would look like nothing more than a few old friends catching up over a steamy cup. After hearing about a few of GMC Macarena's latest dancing escapades, the godmother of Manhattan cleared her throat and set her cup on the table gently. Paradise didn't have to be loud to be heard. She was the type of woman that demanded attention and respect with just a look.  

"I need a favour from you, Bruno. Our city," that phrase caused the corner of Bruno's lip to turn up in a smirk. Most of the people walking around the big apple had no idea who really ran the show. He was curious what sort of favour would need two district leads attention at once. "Has made a lot of strides ever since Macarena went dancing around on display for the whole nation. The money is flowing, and operations have begun to flourish once more." Bruno nodded in agreement as his hand slipped down to Sofia's leg. He tapped it lightly for her attention. His eyes darted to her purse and then he winked. Sofia reached for the two large manilla envelopes inside. 

"Agreed, the city is most certainly in bloom. A taste of those recently blossomed fruits." Bruno said as he slid the money across the table. The money was gone and stashed away in a moment without another word on the matter. Bruno wondered if the lady behind the counter knew that 200 grand just changed hands in her little coffee shop. 

"That being said," Paradise continued. "There has been a lot of talk of trustworthiness and loyalty." Bruno picked up his cup and took a small sip as he listened intently. 

"You're name has been bounced back and forth between the two of us, Bruno, and now that your waste management operations have begun to slip over into Manhattan," Bruno wondered if they noticed the bead of sweat form on his right temple. He glanced over to Sofia who gave him a warm smile. That always did the trick to calm down her husband. "Why don't you make the transition permanent? Your gambling operations would do well with all the money flowing on Wall Street, as well. You could slip on over to Manhattan and begin operations under me as one of my caporegimes." 

Bruno sat there momentarily stunned. He then tipped his coffee back and nearly burnt every taste bud he had left after a life of cigars and whiskey. He tried to hide the pain of the burn as he looked between Macarena and Paradise. A large grin began to form.  "You do me a great honor, godmother Paradise. I would love to get a crew together to help strengthen and maintain your hold over Manhattan." He looked to his wife now flashing a set of pearly whites back at him. 

"Sofia has always loved the bright lights of the great white way. I'll have no excuse to not take her to watch a show more often, now." Bruno laughed as his shoulders relaxed. "Now if only this place served something a little stronger to celebrate!" After some further discussions on the boring logistics side of things, they called the meeting to an end.

Bruno stopped by the first payphone he saw to start making calls to all the connections he knew. Tonight there would be a party on 27th Street.

Once the meeting with the Godmother Chairman Macarena and Godmother Paradise had concluded, Sofia allowed the excitement to flow.  The trust shown for BrunoAccardo was nothing short of amazing.  She couldn’t be more proud of her Husband as she was at that moment.  Bruno worked hard all His life and it is paying off in spades.  Who knew that expanding the waste management business over to Manhattan would lead to so many opportunities.  She hugged Bruno tightly before giving Him a much needed congratulatory kiss.

After a waitress passed by muttering something low about how she’d have to get a fire extinguisher soon if the couple didn’t settle down, the Accardos broke the kiss and took a much needed breath.  Smiles adorned both their faces.  Bruno commented He needed to make a few phone calls so she’d best get going with some plans to celebrate tonight.  Sofia sat back in the booth as Bruno went outside to a pay phone to make the calls.  She bet the first call would be to their family friend, TommyVercetti.  

Sofia pulled a piece of paper from her purse along with a pen then began scribbling down a few things needed for the celebrations.  She knew Godmother Paradise would love the first item written down, vodka.  Her mind already jumped from one thing to another, making notes, thinking of what to wear, perhaps something brand new for both of the Accardos.  Sofia tucked the paper back inside her purse then headed outside to wait for her Husband to finish with the calls.  She was excited to get the party rolling on 27th Street.