The hot summer night in New York had just broke into a down pour of rain and thunder. Storms blustered around Times Square, blowing trash up and down the street. Cryo was walking down Jackson drive, towards the Brooklyn side of town. His coat was pulled far over his face, shielding himself from the rain whipping around like a torrent from hell. Cryo stepped between an two buildings and lit his cigarette. He stepped out of the alley and saw a well dressed man walking proudly down Jackson, head held high to the rain. Cryostasis knew his name, Deimne.

Cryo dodged back into the alley, watching the man walk. He suddenly realized that Deimne was actually being followed. Two big jewish thugs, obviously out of Doc Zimmermans syndicate. The two men began to close the distance on Dem, and fast. Cryo could see both men had their hands on pistols concealed in their belts. Deim still hadn't seen them.

Where are his body guards? Cryo thought

One of the men drew his pistol 30ft behind Deim, lining up his shot. Cryo stormed out of the alley, butterfly knife in hand. He put the tip of the blade through the pistol-wielding thugs neck, dropping him instantly in a shower of blood and the sound of gurgling. The other drew his weapon, aiming right for Cryo's head. Suddenly, a bullet wizzed by Cryo's head from behind him. The jew in front of him dropped to the sidewalk with a crack. Cryo turned around and saw Deimne with his pistol drawn, smoke still billowing from the barrel.

Lowering his pistol, his heart still racing, he gazed at the young man standing in front of him. He expected to see fear, he expected panic, but the young man simply looked pleased. He didn't know this man, but somehow he looked familiar. Deimne's attention fell to the two dead bodies on the sidewalk, blood draining from the bodies as the life slipped away, and he slowly tucked his pistol back into his jacket.

Thank you young sir. I can't for the life of me figure out why, but you just saved my life. I'm sure there must be some way I can repay you.

Reaching back into his jacket, he could still feel the heat from his pistol. He pulled out a roll of one hundred doller bills and began peeling notes off. His eyes once again caught the young mans face and he saw a look he recognised from his own youth.

You stike me as a man who values honour and respect more highly than you value monetary gain. What is your name young man? I wish to know who I owe my life to. Maybe I can find a more meaningful and suitable manner in which to repay your valiant efforts.

He fold up his butterfly knife, stowing it in his jacket pocket.

You owe me no money sir. Any man willing to shoot another in the back is a cowardly dog to me. Better dead than alive, you could say. But, I am seeking one thing. Protection, and business ventures. I have seen your name in the Times. Gave $7 million to the cure for Polio. You are a honorable man yourself. But, I also know that you work for The Black Hand, the Underworld, The Mafia. My family has been in the same business for many years, serving in various cities. I am seeking employment in the same field, if you catch my drift.

Taking a card from his pocket, he looked the man up and down. Nobody had ever just asked to join the business like this, but this kid had just saved his life. He looked eager, keen and certainly knew how to handle himself on the streets. He reminded Deimne of himself as a young man. Raw and unpolished, but with a desire to succeed. His comments seemed noble and honourable, he seemed like... one of the family. He held out the card, waiting for the young man to take it. The gentlemans club, the address of which was detailed on the card, was a known headquarters for one of the New York crime families. A notorious group, known commonly on the streets as the Flying Monkeys.

Go to that address at noon tomorrow. Dress well, you'll be meeting some important people. One of my associates will be waiting for you. We have room for eager young men like yourself and I'm keen to see what we can do with your potential. We might just have a few jobs for you to do, see if you can't earn your wings.

Looks at the card, feeling the gold flake around the edges. It was professionally done obviously. The card read

The Monkey Cage Gentleman's Club It's the apes pajamas! 0621 Faybrook Ave

I'll be there. Gives me just enough time do dump these bodies and get my finest suit pressed over in China Town. You can count on my presents sir.

Any chance one of your employees has a car and a tarp I could borrow? Looks kind of suspicious dragging two men down the street.

And I apologize for my slurred words, the sight of blood just gets me excited

Alex just happens to be walking down the street, noticing all of the mayhem going on across the way. He steps from under cover and flips his hood up. He crosses the street tossing his cigarette into the puddle in front of him. Alex makes his approach to the two men standing before him. He walks up behind Cryo and places a hand on his shoulder.

I have to say Cryo, you always have been good with a blade...

Alex steps under a nearby over hang to protect himself from the rain. He, being a chain smoker, lights another cigarette, and looks into the eyes of Deimne, his boss.

The two of you know each other? Deimne says trying to shield his face from the New York rain.

Yes, actually. Cryo and I grew up together. I couldn't help but overhear that you need a vehicle and some cover to get rid of these bodies. Could I be of some assistance?

Giovanni was on guard duty for his boss at the docks that Alex and Cryo planned to take the bodies to. He nervously gripped his pistol as he walked. Rumors were that people were going to move in on the good drug territory. He hears footsteps nearby, and sees to figures carrying something heavy. He snuck over and put his gun to the back of Alex's head (because he didn't know it was him).

Who are you and what the hell are you doing on this dock?

Pulls his pistol out of its holster, flashing it to Giovanni

It is none of your concern who we are or what we are doing. You have two options, and you must decide right at this moment. As my southern friends say, Plata o plomo?

Without paying any attention to the man threatening with his gun, Alex picks up one of the bodies and tosses it into the water. He grabs the other body, which is still twitching, and attempts to toss it to the water below. On the way, he bumps the head on a wooden post on the dock. He shrugs and tosses the body.

Awesome...

Alex tosses a coin to Giovanni and nods. Alex then lights a cigarette and makes his way back to the car.

Grins a bit

Good choice, plomo was the correct answer.

Looks in the trunk of the car and notices something

Looks like we got ourselves a wallet. Cash and a nice looking wife.

Pockets the items and gets back into the car.

Nice looking wife eh?

Alex grabs the picture out of Cryo's pocket and takes a look. He takes a long drag on his cigarette and studies the picture.

You can have the money...I'll take the wife.

Alex then turns the car on and pops it in reverse.

Sinckers

Keep it, I have women to please at home. To busy for another.

Alex laughs as they drive off.

Palmala and Rosie Palms don't count Cryo.

Alex laughs a little more and tosses his cigarette butt out the window. He rolls the window up and begins searching the back seat for his flask. When he finally finds it he pops off the cap and takes a swig of his favorite rum. He then turns back to Cryo.

So are you going to need a ride to the club tomorrow?

I actually do. Haven't stopped by Detroit to pick up some wheels yet. This car stolen, or you actually pay for it?

And what the hell are we doing with this tarp?

Alex takes the rest of the rum in one swig, and tosses it in the back seat. He seems a bit disappointed because he likes his booze. He turns to Cryo to continue the conversation.

Honestly...do I pay for anything? Some dumb broad decided to run in the convenient store without turning her car on. She had a small dog in the front seat, so now I have a small dog as well.

Alex chuckles and continues.

It's kind of weird having a dog in the apartment with me...whatever...and also, we probably should have tossed the tarp in with the bodies...

Sitting at his desk, Deimne slowly begins to work through the large volume of mail from the previous day. His mind still racing from the previous nights events. They tried it, they really tried to kill him. Deimne had always been known as a straight talker, a man to shoot from the hip, something that didn't always endear him to others. Making a move on a Don of New York was a very big step up in the recent troubles that had been brewing. Turning to one of his associates, he sips from his large scotch, contemplating the next move.

Get Alex, now. Tell him to bring the new kid Cryo and get down here now, we're going to need every man we have for this. I talked with the Godfather, he says it's time!

"The fun and games are over Cryo, get in the car." Alex said in his most serious voice

Cryo got into the car. He knew something serious must have been going on. Alex had arrived at his residence at 3 a.m pounding his door down. "Have the bodies been found? We fleeing?" Cryo asked from the passengers seat as they screamed down 44th Street. The nerves in his stomach were almost sickening. Jail was not something that he wanted to ever experience. "Nah. No cops, yet. The boss has a job for us to do. He called me early this morning spitting orders to get to the MonkeyCage asap. He asked that you be there also, so here I am. I know about as much as you do my friend." He gripped the wheel tighter as they approached the club. They approached the door where the guard stood blocking the entrance. Alex flashed his tattoo and the guard stepped aside. They entered the club, waiting for the next move

As they enter the club Alex walks over to the bar and grabs a quick drink. He takes a sip and walks back over to Cryo.

Right this way...

Alex reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a cigarette. He can't seem to find his lighter, so he grabs a lighter out of the hand of a passerby. He lights his cigarrete and hands the man his lighter back. They make their way to Deimne's office.

Alright Cryo, the boss is still a little on edge after what happened. So only speak when spoken to, and be respectful...

After going straight to the club after leaving the airport, Soniix see's Deimne heading to his office. He walks over and stands in his way.

Don Deimne I need to talk to you its important. Don't worry I don't have a weapon.

He takes off his jacket and shows the Don that he is unarmed.

Its about what  happened last night and the men you tried to kill you.

They walk over to a quite seat away from people that could hear.

My younger cousin is in a small street gang back in Detroit, I heard about the attack on you and asked if he knew anything. He has a contacts who gives out hit lists, turns out the owner of a shop you take protection money from got sick of you and hired some thugs to take you out. Not sure who it was but Im sure if you ask round town someone will talk.

Soniix takes a sip of his drink as Deimne thinks. He stands up and looks at Soniix "wait here" he walks over to his office and shuts the door as Soniix waits behind.