Standing in Black Bottom McDermott can't help but find himself at a loss for words. In front of him stands a condemned old building boarded up for generations. The lion head masonry missing a few chips here and there. Blood splattered in between the corners of steps and the cracks on the sidewalk.

This place sure has seen better days. Hopefully the inside is in better shape...

Prying the old dried out plywood boards off the front door McDermott gets a strong musky smell. Opening the door a loud creek sounds as if the door hadn't been opened since the Revolutionary War. Stepping in the main entry way is cluttered with papers and old boxes that had been knocked over. Bending over and picking up some of the papers it's clear that these were financial logs. They documented every penny from every account in terms of drug runs, donations and other business deals.

Such an organized operation left in a mess after the effort put in is simply amazing.

Shaking his head McDermott turns to his left. Walking up to the pocket style doors McDermott slides them open. The sun beaming through the cracks in the boarded up windows highlights the near pristine Oak floors. Subtle light bounces off the dusty glass wear and old finished brass beer taps.

This is where we start. This is where the beginning of a new chapter will occur. It's not much, but one day it will be.

Smiling to himself McDermott walks behind the bar. Attempting to open the cash register McDermott knocks loose a key. Falling to the ground the sound echos throughout the headquarters after it hits the ground. On the key is initialed AL.

What the hell?

Picking up the key McDermott stands and holds it up into a bit of light. In the background across the room McDermott notices a room. Above it reads Action League. Walking out from behind the bar McDermott goes up to the double door room. Inserting the key into the door McDermott unlocks it pushing it open.

Clearly Great-Grandpappy had the right priorities. His office and his booze.

As the smile grows larger McDermott walks in and takes a seat behind the desk that once belonged to his Great Grandfather, McDermott senior. Leaning forward a bit and sending his hands over the desk McDermott admires the craftsmanship of the desk. Later discovering a letter in one of the drawers McDermott reads it allowed.

“To whom that finds this letter,

Let it be known that I have no ill feelings towards any I leave behind. Any grudge I have dies with me and those enemies I may have created. All my life I preached equality for mafiosi that come to these shores. Especially those whom have tainted bloodlines. No person, mafia or not has a perfect family. I openly welcomed bloodlines to my family and city to make a new. To prove to those in this business that everyone deserves a chance. If you find yourself in the position to be different. To go off the beaten path. Take that opportunity. You may make mistakes or even fail entirely. However, it's not that you failed that matters. What matters is you tried. Stand strong for those who are weak. Always remember, you once came from nothing as well.

Signed,

Godfather McDermott ~ Detroit”

Folding the piece of paper up McDermott places the piece of paper in his inner jacket pocket. Sitting back he lets the words sink in. After having a moment to absorb everything in the last twenty four hours McDermott stands up. Lighting a cigarette he steps out from behind the desk and walks out of the office. Closing the doors and locking it he continues out the front door of the boarded up headquarters.

Ladies and gentlemen. Mafiosi and those that call these shores home. My family and Detroit go back for generations. Many happy memories have been had in this fine city. Though some of the worst as well. My great grandfather once ruled this city and sat amongst great company in this thing of ours. The bloodlines he encountered though are what truly made his journey worthwhile and prosperous. I'd like to think he did the best he could in the time he had.

The bloodline I share with this great man has had many ups and many downs. Some choose to pass down the negatives over the positives. However, like my great grandfather I share the belief in a second chance. At one point or another our family at some point did something some would deem unforgivable. Even my bloodline was once held to this. Though through hard work and dedication to the cities my great grandfather served he was able to earn respect for my family again. Some bloodlines still don't see it that way. It's at this point that fault only lies in them self. I come to you as a leader in Detroit. Not to act above anyone but to offer a hand to anyone that needs it. Any mafiosi will be welcomed in my family.

I believe in second chances. I believe to be successful you must be different. In time I hope to work with many of you towards a better future. A future not just for my family, district or the great city of Detroit. But for all organized crime. With that I give you...

The Action League.

Zombie Edition.