The street was cold and dark that September evening. An uncommon cold front had slid into New York and held the city in it's grip. SupBud grimaced against the cold wind and leaned on his crutches. It had been nearly 5 years since he lost his leg to the cancer,yet he was out every night gathering his envelopes,keeping tabs on the young bulls in the family and watching his Boss's back. Many people had asked him why he continued in his line of work. Why had he not hung it up or even called in a favor from The Godfather Premeir; maybe get a cushy job in the HQ. It wasn't in his blood, sure it was tried for a brief time but SupBud knew he could not pull the hours and be as efficient as he had been 5 years earlier. Certainly not a caliber of mafioso who would reside in a GF's HQ. So here he was, back on the streets that he loved doing what he did best.

SupBud checked his watch, it was nearly midnight and the temperature was dropping. He cursed aloud and leaned against the hood of his car.

"Where in fuck is that sack of shit? 2 hours late and not even a call? That prick better be fucking dead to keep me waiting this long"

He hobbled over to the payphone and checked for a dial tone, it was still working. If it had been any other job he would have cut his losses and went home and hoped like hell the morning fixed everything. But this job was different. Nothing spectacular or flashy,just a personal request from LoveGun his Boss. Get the package from the courier and bring it to the HQ.

"Who is this fucking courier anyways?"

LoveGun only said that he was a young Wiseguy making a name for himself. Trying to get himself Made as quick as he could.

Suddenly a car rolled around the corner and pulled to a stop beside SupBud. The headlights went out and three young turks got out and sauntered over to SupBud. The lead thug tossed a small hefty package at SupBud. Barely able to get his hands up in time from his crutches, SupBud caught the package.

"You know we set times for meets for a fucking reason right? You had better have a good fucking excuse for being 2 hours late!"

"Relax old man" the young Wiseguy said. It ain't like YOU would have anything too pressing nowadays."

 SupBud's blood began a slow simmer and and he felt like snuffing this arrogant young fuck for his disrespect. But it was late and explaining why to LoveGun and Premeir at this time of night was not his idea of a good time. He smiled and spoke to the little prick.

Disrespect is a dreadful thing young fella, disrespect amongst family is unnacceptable. Now appologize and head on your way.

"Fuck you man, nobody gives two fucks about a washed up crippled fuck like you anymore. Certainly not any of us young,strong up and comers. You old worn out mobsters are just in our way. We earn more,we do bigger jobs and we live a better lifestyle. What the fuck do you do?"

SupBud's blood hit full boil as he twisted the grips off of his crutches to remain calm.

"You young one's seem to have it all figured out I see. You are forgetting family and loyalty, you are forgetting those who paved the way for you to even walk these fucking streets. But I digress, I do not believe there is anything I could say that would make a bit of difference to you.

The young wiseguy smirked and walked over to speak right into SupBud's face.

"You see old man, this is the jungle and this young lion is gonna take the old lion's place."

SupBud's eyes grew steely and his voice lowered.

"You wanna talk jungle? Obviously we both agree that a lion is a dangerous, strong,fierce fast and efficient killer. Yet when that same lion grows old,tired,injured and weak. He becomes an even bigger danger to the jungle's inhabitants. Why you ask? Because he becomes an opportunistic predator out of necessity." 

The young punk shrugged it off and hopped in his car with his buddies and sped away. Like it or not LoveGun and Premeir were gonna get a phone call tonight regardless.

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It was 4 am and SupBud sat in the dark,still cold and still fucking waiting.

"Where is this fuck?" he mumbled to himself.

Just then the sound of keys, fumbling for a doorlock alerted his attention. SupBud watched as the door opened and the young Wiseguy drunkenly staggered through the door. It had been 2 hours since SupBud had spied his car parked at the Tavern on 37th street.He knew the young punk was in there drinking and bragging how he showed up the "Old Man". The young wiseguy flung his hat and jacket to the floor and fell backwards onto the bed. He groaned as the room spun above him, he was mere minutes from passing out,throwing up or both. SupBud waited until the young wiseguy's breathing deepened and slowed. As it did he silently moved across the room from his darkened corner. He pulled out an 8 inch stilletto and touched it to the young punk's chest. As the tip slightly punctured the skin on his sternum, the youngster awoke. His eyes widened in horror as he looked into the eyes of his assailant.

"Looks like the jungle is too wild a place for you young fella, this old lion still has some claws"

SupBud shoved the stilletto into his heart and drained him of his lifesblood. He wiped off the blade and headed downstairs to his car. His arms were killing him, fucking 3 flights of stairs on crutches were a bitch. As he entered the car he sat back into the leather seat and heaved a sigh. He tapped on the window and ordered the driver to the HQ with a stop at the bakery, early morning fresh muffins and coffee may be in order for having New York's GF awake at 4 am.