Through the cracked pane window, the old wooden shutters swayed gently as EveGato peered between and out onto the gloomy street. The sky was overcast, grey and white blanketed the view, which was normally quite beautiful, and a light drizzle dusted the city. Stood out in the rain, a small crowd had gathered. High collars and fedora hats adorned the figures, no single individual stood out from the group. She watched for a while as they shuffled back and forth, talking between themselves, patiently waiting. 

Eve withdrew from the window as the droplets gathered on the glass and began to distort her view. Turning to face Sammy, her brother was fastening up his rain coat while calmly drawing on a smoke. Eve approached him and finished fastening up the buttons, as he was clearly struggling to not scorch himself or his coat with the cigarette. 

"What would I do without you."

She finished the last one and smiled warmly at him. Sammy fondly tapped her cheek and kissed her forehead, in that typical Italian way. 

"Best not keep them waiting"

She nodded as her brother finished his cigarette and donned his hat, before making his way outside. 

The front of the building was humble, yet habitable. The large pane windows looked out over the street, framed by a simple wooden front, in dire need of a paint job. The sign above the door however, was brand new. It spoke of potential for the old shop, the first step in a new chapter. 

Eve stood in the doorway, as Sammy approached the crowd. 

"Benvenuto, paisano's, I appreciate your patience, especially considering the weather. 

"Mi chiamo Sam Gato, as you will know, I've been fortunate enough to be given permission to reside and operate in Bella Vista, under the watch of Signore Credits and my Don, CerseiLannister. I'm indebited to them for this opportunity, a debt which will be repaid through my service to them both.

"As a result of my successful application, I would like to announce the opening of la mia famiglia's business venture, Bella Importazioni. Back in the old country, our grandfather ran a small company out of our home town of Capizzi. Capizzi Exports shipped our home grown, natural products across all of Italy. Now, nearly five decades later, our famiglia is returning to that business."

Sammy stood silently for a few moments, observing the crowd. The sound of the rain gradually fading as the clouds passed.

"Those of you who know me, know I keep my business, as well as la mia famiglia's business, to myself. That being said, I'd like to encourage your interest in the way I operate. I have a fondness for our traditional values, one I am not adverse to sharing. I hold men and women in high regard who practice respect and loyalty.

"If you don't know me, I wouldn't be surprised, my family have not spent much time on these streets. 

"So, if you seek employment in Bella Vista with a fresh perspective and feel my business could become your business, don't hesitate to get in touch. Show me loyalty, I'll repay you with trust. Offer me respect, I'll repay you with opportunity.

"Devo andare, paisanos, my gratitude for your time, grazie."

congratulations mate well deserved

The pendular motion of the gold pocket watch was mesmerizing to Ezio. At the peak of it's swing it seemed to suspend time for exactly a second. When the needle ticked and indicated the start of a new second, it seemed as if it's vibration started up time again as the watch started on it's descend only to climb again shortly after. He had just nicked the watch at an art gallery here in Bella Vista. The owner was obviously wealthy and probably wouldn't miss it. Not that Ezio needed it, but it was a custom. Business in America was good, but the little boy that roomed the streets of Venice and lifted aristocrat after aristocrat would never leave Ezio.

When the door of the building across the street opened and the confident looking man stepped out to address the small crowd that was gathered, Ezio observed him. The rumours seemed to be true. A Gato is opening up a new operation in Bella Vista. Ezio crossed the streets and took up position somewhere between the people gathered. Ezio listened, while comparing his memories with what he saw. It must be.

After the announcement Ezio lingered around to wait for a moment to speak to the man. A brief moment later he saw SammyGato turn around and their eyes met and Ezio knew for sure at that point. Like with the watch, all things seemed to pause for just a second and then Ezio stepped up and introduced himself to Mr. Gato.

"Hello sir,"

"My name is Ezio and I was looking forward to meeting you. In a bar earlier I was overhearing talks of you starting a new business here and I had to come see for myself. You see, I knew a different Mr. Gato once, but I recognize some of that man in you. I've met him a couple of times when I was running messages for his former, well, boss I think. That man taught me a lot, but he always said I was too young for his line of work. Anyway, I met a Mr. Gato there and he was always well-mannered and efficient in his dealing. I remember that as a little teenager I looked up to that man. If his blood runs through your veins, I'm more then confident that you'll be able to run a smooth business here in this lovely part of Philadelphia. You'll bring great things to this city."

After a short conversation Ezio said he had to go to catch the nighttrain to Chicago.

"I'll be sure to check by later around here to see how your business will help shape Bella Vista."

Ezio nods and before he turns to leave the neighbourhood he says "Make sure you enjoy that view sir, cause it's only reserved for a small group of people!"

 

Senza heard SammyGato was choosen to set up his own regime in Philly. Though Senza already talked to Sammy she wanted to steo forward and offer her congratulations. She notices Ezio talking to Sammy. Patiently Senza awaits her turn. As Ezio is finished she gives him a nod and walks over to Sammy and sticks out her right hand,  while she puts her left hand on his left shoulder.

"Dear mister Gato, although we already have spoken in private I feel it's needed to come out here to offer you my congratulations. I am looking foward to working with you and wish you the best of luck in running Bella Vista alongside Credits under the wings of CerseiLannister."

After saying that she hands him a bottle of the finest red wine. "You should drink this together with CerseiLannister" Senza says.
Senza then continues her way back to Chicago, joining Ezio on the nighttrain.

Eve looks on with pride as Sammy accepts the well-wishes from the small crowd gathered.   "Congratulations, brother" Eve murmurs to herself with a silent toast in the air.

"Ahh what an excellent opportunity for the city of Philadelphia to flourish.  Believe in the process, together we build :)  Salute Sammy and cheers to all of Philly. Let us drink!"