“This is a way of life. This life we chose, to be criminals, mobsters. It becomes who we are for most of us. This life comes with its risks and rewards, two sides of the same coin. We fight day in and day out to keep the cash flow going in the right direction as we perceive it and keep ourselves one step ahead of the competition.”

Walter sits at his desk, as he often does, reflecting on recent events. He sighs as he takes in his own situation as operations resume following yet another disruption bringing the underbelly of this nation to a halt to handle those who might seek to forcefully inject their own ideals upon the world.

“It’s been weeks since I’ve had a fully fleshed out upper structure. The decision to fill those positions is not one to take lightly as these two people will effectively be an extension of myself and my operations. I can’t simply give this responsibility to anyone. No, they must be as resolved as I am to see the changes I envision come to life here. They must be willing to see the whole picture as I do and make every effort to strike that fire within the crew to embody the change we wish to be.”

Walter sat back in his chair as his mind began to race, knowing his family was being held back by his determination to put the right people in place that would complement his desires.

“They have to be willing to uphold the code, the thin line that keeps us criminals civil, despite the risks, just as I have been willing to do. Else, I will simply have to carry this mantel myself, as I have recently, until those up to the challenge can prove themselves up to the monumental task asked of them.”

Walter spun in his chair, moving to face the window of his office allowing him to gaze down at the passersby rushing about their lives of ignorance.

“What bliss they must feel to not have to bear such weight.”

Walter’s hand deftly freed a cigar from a case tucked away within his coat pocket. He struck a match producing a flame that only served to be drawn into the tightly wrapped tobacco causing a steady trail of smoke to rise from the now cherry tip.

“Soon…. Soon we will be whole again. Until then, this is a burden I bear.”

Walter idly puffs on his cigar, watching as the streets of Philadelphia come to life below.

Daisy approaches Walter with a glass, filled just below the brim with vodka and cranberry, 'here friend, seems you could use a drink, I have all the faith when you make a choice, it will be the right one.. you my friend are a great leader' As Daisy walks back into her bar leaving Walter with a smile. 

Brimstone stood silently with the other “youngsters” well back from where his Godfather was speaking. He listened intently, as all those present did, to the words of Walter.

Cleaning the top of each shoe by standing on one leg and rubbing it on the calfe of the opposite leg, he wipes his dirty hands on an old handkerchief before rolling it up and placing it clean side front in his shirt pocket.

“Cigarette?” asks Zohan as he offers him a smoke, to which Brimstone gratefully accepts. “One of these days we’ll be smoking cigars from the Boss’ business” says Zohan as the two Goomba’s huddle around the naked flame of a match igniting their smokes on that cold frosty morning in Philadelphia.

Walter’s words resounded around the gathered masses. The famous, together with the infamous shared the ground with the trusted, the deceitful, the powerful and the meek.

“One day my friend, we’ll get our button and really get to know how to get our hands on the big money” said Brimstone.

Zohan nodded, as the two men stood and listened to Walter conclude his announcement.

They quickly ran alongside the row of vehicles that brought the Philadelphia Godfather and his entourage to town, opening each door to allow the family’s hierarchy aboard. They knew their place within the family, but they also knew of what may come their way by keeping their noses clean, and following instructions to the letter of their superiors.

The winter sun dazzled and bounced off the windshield of each vehicle that moved off from the sidewalk as plumes of white smoke and steam belched heavily from their tailpipes.