The gates of California State Prison creaked open, and Frank stepped out, wearing the same clothes he had on when he walked in six years ago. As he passed the guard who had slid the gate open, Frank gave a nod, and the man nodded back. Over the years, Frank had gotten to know many of the prision guards. They were an essential part of the intricate game that is prison life, and staying on their good side was never a bad idea.

"See you soon, David!" Frank joked and they both laughed.

Parked across the yard was a car, with one of Frank's old associates leaning against its roof, elbows resting casually as he lit a cigarette. He watched as Frank made his way over, each step deliberate, savoring the moment. The air outside felt different, cleaner, freer, and lighter, as though it carried none of the tension of the confined world Frank had just left behind.

When Frank finally reached the car, Tony stepped around to meet him, wrapping him in a warm embrace. The two had been partners in crime, literally, and caught during a jewelry heist nearly seven years ago. Frank had spent six years locked up because of that, while Tony had served four.

They climbed into the car, and Tony hit the gas, heading toward Los Angeles. As they drove, Tony filled Frank in on everything he’d missed. The changes, the people, and the updates from the world that had been just out of reach for him behind those prison walls.

The underworld had endured turbulent days, with bloodshed and violence erupting across the country. Don Joseph Ligambi had been the target of a brutal attack and was now recovering in hiding, while his wife, Amira, took command of the operation with an iron will.

Before his imprisonment, Frank had been an associate of the Ligambi family. In fact, the very jewelry heist that landed him in prison had been orchestrated by one of Ligambi’s soldiers. Joseph Ligambi deeply appreciated the fact that Frank had kept his mouth shut during his time behind bars, in a loyalty that certainly earned him some valuable points with the family.

Thus, when Don Joseph Ligambi had sufficiently recovered and was ready to reestablish a crew in Los Angeles, Frank was invited to a dinner at one of the Don’s properties in the city. Over plates of delicious pasta with sardines, they discussed a variety of topics before Joseph Ligambi revealed the true purpose of the meeting. Some old acquaintances of Frank, Jelly and Nuccio Carrara had been sent to Detroit to rebuild the family’s operations after the chaos of the recent war. The plan was for Frank to join them as the third-in-command, serving as Jelly’s left hand man.

Frank, deeply honored and grateful, accepted without hesitation. Within days, everything was arranged for his move to Detroit.