Bridge Four.

Those who survived the difficult time usually ended up here, one way or another.

Godmother FutureScare requested his attendance this evening, which worried Drieza, because she usually called a meeting instead of having a one on one with each other. Especially when it came to the criminal running of her organization.

When Drieza approached her room, he gave a soft knock and let himself in. Godmother FutureScare looked tired and since there was no one in the room, it looked like she wanted to be alone.

“You wanted to see me, Godmother?” Drieza asked as he shuffled into the room, his blue cloak dragging the ground behind him.

“I’m done, Drieza.” FutureScare spoke softly from behind her hand in front of her mouth.

“Done?” Drieza was confused.

She threw up a hand as if Drieza should already understand where she was coming from. “I’m not done with the criminal business aspect, but I’m finished with running the Scare Syndicate. There comes a point when sometimes you want to take a step back. And if my family and the city of Queens should go to anyone, it should be my Underboss. Would you agree.”

Drieza’s heart sank and he swallowed, not sure how to respond. He didn’t like it, not one bit and he was going to say as much.

“You’re great, Godmother. I’d rather you not.” He wanted to continue, but she held up a hand to silence him.

“Only question I asked was if you think it should go to my Underboss, not if you liked it or not. Time makes people tired, Dreiza.” She did sound tired.

“I understand.”

FutureScare stood up from her couch and gave him a hug. Drieza was slow to hug her back, knowing that he’d rather just stay with her as Underboss until their deaths. However, she had a different vision.

“Queens is yours and I know you will make me proud. I’m sorry. Say the words, Drieza.”

Another pause, but Drieza continued.

“Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.”