The game was winding down and eyes were heavy. The room smelled of stale smoke and whiskey but Lena and a couple of the guys made out alright. They were gossiping about some gringo who made a fool of himself the other night and caught a bullet for his behavior. 

“I heard he was dipping into his product pretty heavy; that’s why he did it”, Maurice anted up. Lena looked around the table and sighed at the stone faces. “I heard it was the syphilis that got to his brain”, she laughed as she folded her hand. “I’m out. Time for me to head back and check in with the bossman”.

The game had run until the birds began to chirp, and the glow of the sun was peaking on the horizon. 
A short time later, Lena entered Miguel’s dimly lit office. The dark drapes were still closed and the air smelled of expensive cigars and leather. The Godfather, leaned back in his chair, studying her. 

"Lena," he began, voice steady, "With the recent events, I think it's time to expand your role." 
She rested her arms behind her back and canted her head; unsure of where he was going. "What did you have in mind”?
He tossed a folder onto the desk. Inside were pictures of potential new headquarters in Las Vegas. “This is big. You’ve got the wealth and the experience. You’re ready.” 

She felt the weight of his words. It was a huge honor and honor and loyalty meant everything in her book. But she felt there was something more that he wanted to say, as he was swirling the last of his drink in his hand, those dark eyes, lost in thought. 
“I am putting you in charge of Paradise. It is time for both of us, wouldn’t you agree”? In a rare appearance, his eyes now smiled as he threw back the last of his drink. 

“What if they don’t accept a woman in charge?” she pressed, knowing this was probably the least thing to be concerned with as they had a good crew.

“Oh, I don’t think that will be a problem”! He chuckled. “You’ll soon see…. And like I just said, you have the experience to lead. I will still be around, but at my age, I want to enjoy a bit of life while I still got it. You’ll be fine”.

Miguel's eyes hardened. “Just remember, respect isn’t given, Lena. It’s earned. Show them who you are.” 

"I will do that and carry on as you have taught me. Thank you, Miguel. I will make you proud".

Now, the challenge lay ahead. Her crew would need her leadership. She would set out using her namesake, and decided on the title, Casa Del Sol for the new headquarters. Lena held high hopes and  ready to forge her own way in this brutal world.