The call box on Amira's desk buzzed softly, followed by the voice of her assistant, Shannon.

"Mrs. Ligambi, your eleven o'clock is here. Should I send him in?"

Amira reached over and pressed the button.

"Yes, that's fine, I'll see him now."

Glancing up from his paper that he was reading, Dr. Garrett Mitchell gave Amira a quizzical look.

"Standard procedure? Stay in the corner and look like I'm not psycho-analyzing your new hire?"

"Do you really do that to all of them?" Amira asked with a crooked grin.

"Sort of. It doesn't take much- I've been studying human behavior for more than ten years. If someone is going to be a problem for you or Mr. Ligambi's organization, it is fairly simple to see from the start."

Amira Ligambi shrugged.

"Well I'm glad one of us can see the unseen. I go purely on instinct."

She stood from her desk and smoothed out her blouse.

"Oh, you're more perceptive than you give yourself credit for. Your thought process is just less...pedagogical."

"That's a word I'm going to have to look up later."

Dr. Mitchell chuckled and went back to his paper. Amira stepped toward the door of her Top Job Studios office. This would be her first actual meeting since things had finally settled down, and she was looking forward to moving forward with a growing slate of projects.

Blake sat in the waiting area outside Amira's office, resisting the overwhelming urge to wipe the palms of his hands on his jeans. New to the whole situation he was supposed to exude confidence, but as Amira's assistant, Shannon, announced his presence, he felt nervous. Blake wished he could brush off the idea of being nervous, but he couldn’t. There was something about her—how effortlessly she commanded authority within a room, a blend of sharp intelligence and unyielding power.

Blake stood, squared his shoulders, and smoothed his black shirt. He was just a no body trying to find his place in a world riddled with crime. This will have been his first real time trying to find his place after 10 years on the road.

Stepping towards her office extending his hand. Blake was never really good at introductions.

“Hi, Amira, this place is bigger then I thought!" 

He grinned, hoping for the best.

Amira's usual polite smile grew a touch bigger- it wasn't often she got to meet with someone that didn't seem either terrified of her or out to intimidate her from the start. She took the young man's hand and shook it, then gestured for him to come inside. 

"Hello! Come in, please."

She closed the door behind him as he moved inside.

"Hollywood is a game one has to play- go big or go home, as they say. We knew we'd have to come onto the scene in a big way if we were going to compete, so we built the place to rank with the big boys. Glad you like it."

Amira made her way to the little cluster of seating that centered around a coffee table, already set with cups and a fresh pot of coffee. Garrett joined as well.

"This is Dr. Garrett Mitchell, he's a consultant and works very closely with me in most matters. Garrett, this is Blake- he's a new recruit to the Ligambi organization."

They all settled down to their chosen seats. 

"Well, as I said before, I'm glad that you reached out to me. I've been in need of new talent around here in all areas. Filling out a whole movie studio is hard enough as it its, but making sure that each department has trusted men of our own makes it more complicated. People in...our profession...don't generally like the idea of being around cameras and things like that. But, like I said, there are plenty of things one can do. Before we get started, though, have you got any questions for me?"

She reached out and poured a cup of coffee into a pretty, white china cup and slid it across the table to her guest before pouring one for herself.

Stepping into the world of the Ligambi Organization Blake felt as if he was taking his first breath underwater—alive with danger but filled with possibilities. Blake shifted nervously in his seat, the firm grip of Amira’s handshake still lingering on his mind. The spacious room was both intimidating and inviting. Amira stood before Blake, her polite smile radiating warmth that eased the tension. 

Blake cleared his throat, trying to suppress the urge to make a joke about the strange man standing in the corner. "Nice to meet you Garret, I hope we can work together." 

"Have you got any questions for me"

Blake eyes widened taking it as an invitation to reveal more about himself rather then ask a simple question.

"I heard Hollywood is a cutthroat business. I'm guessing that's True?"

"And I guess you could say I’m here for…it’s cutthroat industry." Blake smirks, then quickly added, "Figuratively speaking, of course. I've also enjoyed the idea of a challenge."

Blake reaches out for the coffee. Taking a drink. To hopefully finally settle his nerves.

Cutthroat. Amira lifted an eyebrow just slightly over her smile. Well, it wasn't as if she didn't have a reputation. His choice of words could have been purely coincidence, of course. Then again, perhaps not? She cast a quick glance at Garrett, who was pouring a ridiculous amount of cream into his coffee cup and seemed to hardly be listening; the man had a fantastic poker face.

"You aren't wrong. Hollywood can be as ruthless as the Organization itself. People will do anything for fame and money- perhaps that's why this business settles in so well with what we've already established."

She took a sip of her coffee and settled back in her seat.

"You should know that this room is secure. Before I got into this business, I ran a security company and had my specialists outfit this office as if it were a government facility. Nothing you say here will end up anywhere it shouldn't be, so do not worry there. Now, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself- things you enjoy, skills you have- and we'll see what sort of work around here might fit you best."

Blake leaned back in his chair, his heart pounding as he caught Amira’s eye. The way she lifted her eyebrow sent shivers down his spine—of course Blake knew of Amira's reputation. What was true, what wasn't? Who knows? Blake looks over towards Garrett, still distracted by his mountain of cream. Taking a sip of coffee Blake clears his throat feeling much more confident knowing the room was secure.

“I... I’m good at being unseen, Stealth isn’t just a skill, its much more useful, I’ve trained myself to blend in, to execute with precision. I like to take care of problems in a discreet manner. I also know how to read people, to understand motives. Which I imagine can come in pretty handy when you need to navigate both sides of this game—the shadows and the spotlight."

As Blake spoke, he wondered as Amira and Garret studied him—were they intrigued, or sensing danger? Either way, Blake was ready to risk everything for a chance to prove himself, especially if it meant winning Amira's trust.

With this information, Amira immediately knew what "hole" in the organization Blake could fill. Placing her coffee cup and saucer down on the coffee table again, she had a rather pleased look on her face.

"I cannot tell you how happy- and relieved- I am to hear that you have this particular...skill set. As it happens, I am going to need a second."

It had been just about six weeks since Amira had given Joe the news that she was pregnant, and both had agreed that she would absolutely have to give up several of her more demanding activities. To her dismay, assassinations was obviously among them. Blake's arrival, however, gave her something of a project in that she could train a partner. After all, she could pick it back up in a few months; and it could be quite a lot of fun to have another blade slinger to work with.

Amira looked over at Garrett and gave him a Cheshire-cat grin.

"It looks like Christmas came early. Why don't you go take Shannon to lunch or something? You can do your part later."

Dr. Mitchell perked up at her suggestion, but paused briefly.

"Your certain?"

Nodding, Amira stood.

"Absolutely. Blake and I have plenty to talk about."

Draining his cream-and-sugar-with-a-little-coffee, Garrett nodded and put his cup down.

"Fine with me. I have an idea where this is going anyway, and I'm not one for playing with sharp objects."

He grabbed his coat from the rack nearby and gave Blake a whack on the back.

"Just don't let her talk you into standing against the rotating target. Nice to meet you."

Whistling, Dr. Garrett Mitchell headed out the door, shutting it behind him. With a grin, Amira motioned for her guest to follow her to the large oak cabinet on the other side of the spacious office. Taking a key from the pocket of her slacks, Amira unfastened the lock and then pulled open the double doors. Inside, the cabinet held several velvet-covered risers, each holding many shining blades of different kinds. There were dozens of smaller stilettos, six karambits, three kukri, quite a few daggers with various types of ornate hilts, and two military style, serrated bowie knives. In the center, on a riser of it's own, there was a very old looking sica in a jeweled scabbard. The short sword was clearly a treasure among the others. 

Amira stepped back so Blake could get a look.

"Tell me, are you familiar with any of these?"

As Garrett made a joke about standing against the rotating target, Blake smiled.

“Nice to meet you too." 

Blake watched as Garrett left the room shutting the door behind him. Blake contemplated what had been said. Standing against a rotating target he chuckled inwardly. What does that mean? A challenge of sorts? Amira then motioned Blake Over.

Blake stepped forward, his eyes widen scanning the collection of blades glimmering under the office light. Each weapon seemed to whisper tales of bloodshed, of contracts fulfilled and enemies silenced. He felt a thrill course through him—not just at the sight of the intricately crafted steel, but at the prospect of entering this world.

"I've encountered most of these styles, but I have a preference for the karambits over the others."

Blake's voice steady as he reached for a sleek karambit. Its weight felt familiar in his hand. 

“The craftsmanship is exquisite, especially that one.”

Blake gestured towards the old sica in its jeweled scabbard.

Amira smiled, watching him handle the curved blade. He clearly knew what he was doing, and it was becoming clear that he sought her out very much on purpose. 

She reached into the cabinet and took the sword from it's place, then gently pulled the weapon from it's sheath. She held it first parallel with the floor, looking over the length of the blade before flipping the hilt over the top of her hand and swinging it up and over her head to a high guard stance, as Corrado had taught her.

"This belonged to my father, Ezra Dayan. After he and my mother were killed in Morocco, I thought it was lost. But it was returned to me by a very dear family friend who taught me quite a lot about edged weapons."

She enjoyed holding the sword, as it reminded her of both her father and Corrado, but she dared not keep it out too long, and then put it gently back in its place.

"The karambit is my personal weapon of choice, as well; but I'm wondering if you already knew that."

She gave him an easy smile, to let him know he was in no danger, but that she was genuinely curious.

"What did you know about me before you reached out?"

Blake watched as Amira handle her father’s sword with a fluid grace that left even seasoned fighters envious. The way her fingers danced along the hilt sent a thrill through him.

“What did you know about me before you reached out?”

Amira didn’t know it yet, but Blake had maneuvered his way into this moment, seeking her out deliberately. Blake wanted to learn everything about her, to know the woman who held the title Mafia Queen. Blake recalled the tales he had heard muttered in dim lighting at the back of the smoky bar.

“More than I should, probably. The Ligambi name carries weight.”

Blake only knew the surface though—the rumors and the whispers. What he craved was knowledge and opportunity to be apart of something real. A family.

As Amira returned the sword to its spot in the cabinet, he felt a flicker of loss, as if a part of him was being locked away. It gnawed at him, but it was nothing compared to the feeling of urgency growing within.

"That it does. Joe has an enormous amount of influence all over the country, and protecting the organization he's built has been my priority since he took me in after The Firm went down. I have done so fiercely- for The Firm and for Joe- and will continue to do so for as long as I'm able. Loyalty means everything to me, and I have no qualms in spilling blood to protect those who have taken me as family."

Locking the cabinet again, she replaced the key and turned back to Blake. Her dark eyes looked squarely into him as she spoke. She had made up her mind about something, and the look said it all.

"I am going to level with you, now. I'm going to have to step away from several of my usual areas of responsibility in another month or so, as I have recently discovered that I am pregnant. That puts me out of the enforcement game for quite some time, unfortunately. So, I need someone I can trust to step in and handle things the way I like them handled; and I believe that you might be just the man for the job. Why don't you shadow me for a couple of weeks; get to know the men and the operation, we will do some training one on one, and if all goes well and you like the idea, the job is yours. After the baby is born and I'm back to work, we are partners. What do you think?"

Blake’s mind whirled at the prospect. The fact that Amira was considering him for something so vital sent adrenaline coursing through him. Blake nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the karambit in his pocket.

“I’ll do it. I’ll shadow you.”

As Blake and Amira exchanged a nod of understanding, Blake hopes that this was the start of something far greater than either of them could have anticipated. Partners? More like Family.

"Excellent. This really couldn't have happened at a more perfect time. There are some paperwork items you'll need to take care of, but that can wait a day or two. I have specific procedures set up for those who work with me that are meant to keep you very well protected. You'll also need to meet with Garrett for a conversation."

Suddenly having this item on her 'to do' list taken care of made her feel unexpectedly more at ease. She looked down at her watch and rolled her eyes.

"I am sorry, I do not mean to hurry off, but I have a meeting with some producers of a movie that is going to start production here in a few weeks. These guys have been nothing but a pain in my ass since they approached- but it's a big name film so I have to play nice. For now."

With a mischievous wink, Amira reached out and shook Blake's hand again, placing her other hand on top of his with a sincerely warm smile.

"I will be in touch with you in a day or two. We have work to do."

Shannon then stuck her head in the door.

"Mrs. Ligambi?"

"Coming- I'm coming. Blake, it was a pleasure."

With that, Amira took her suit jacket and slipped out.

"You'll also need to meet with Garrett for a conversation"

"No problem, I'll be available any time you need me. I just need to make a quick stop, I'd like to view the city from the rooftop."

After saying his goodbyes to Amira. Blake makes his way to the TOP's studio Rooftop. To admire the city from overhead.

To be back again? Is it the right time?

Blake clutched the handle of his karambit knife, the cool steel familiar against his palm. It was a great tool, a reminder of survival, of transformation. The sun dipped beneath the buildings, painting the city in shades of crimson as he stood on the edge of a rooftop, feeling the pulse of life below, but to Blake LA was more than just a city, it was his birthplace and it was time for him carve out a name for himself.

When Blake was just a teenager, all he yearned for was a normal life, before his father’s death threw him into chaos. He remembered the screams, the sirens, the way his mother had crumpled to the ground, life drained from her. For ten years, he drifted from town to town, learning to fend for himself and honing the skills that would bring him back to this moment.

The Ligambi family had taken notice of Blake for his instincts and his knack for stealth. On the streets, he was the ghost of a man who knew loss all too well, and it was this void that made him both a fierce leader and a deadly hitman.

It was time for Blake to get to work!