JimmyLuigi threw his bottle of whisky against the wall. He had lost too much of late. With the return of Tyki_Mikk back to the old country, followed by the untimely passing of Al-Bundy, and then his son's decision to move to Chicago, rather than back the West Coast Jimmy was feeling disconnected. Jimmy screwed up the letter he'd found lying around on __________I_________ 's desk. DangerClose letting everyone know how he'd be planning the future again.

Friends fallen, never invited to a first wave, feeling disconnected from the inner circle and contemplating the future...Jimmy walked over to the broken glass, it crunched under his feet. He smiled and continued over to his gun cabinet.

It had been many months since he'd purchased this weapon. A very fine import with a bespoke artisan handle. He'd never fired it in anger, but today would be the day.

***

It was raining when he reached Chicago. Dawn had not yet broken. He turned up the collar of his jacket and tipped his hat and began the long walk into town. No need to be seen in a taxi this time.

Finding an abandoned office available for rent he slid some money under the owners door and started setting things up. It wasn't The Waldorf Astoria, but it would do.

After a coffee [Irish of course] Jimmy clutched his weapon and headed to the place he'd heard DangerClose was said to be sleeping. He turned the handle gently, placed a pillow over his face, and pulled the trigger.

***

The time has come for the Outer Circle to move on the Inner Circle. We have the guns, balls and help...but we could always use more.