The sky itself was opened up pouring down drops as big as pennies splashing up knee high. Los Angeles cleans up mighty fine after a summer rain. Secrets and past sins running the length of the curb swirling down the drains washing away, gentle vortices dragging everything under and out somewhere to be long gone forgotten. Black asphalt and gray concrete wet and shiny small pools and puddles gathering among the swales. Water running from the red clay tile and dripping along the mortar joints in the brick facades. The whole city redolent of ozone and God's promise of divine grace.

Into all of this steps a man with little else on his mind but the business at hand. The door at 1111 South Broadway is locked and then double-checked, and the key pocketed. The building itself now silent and empty, power shut off and offices evacuated. Rain collects in the crown of his hat and runs streaming off the brim as he walks across the street to the Brown Derby, traffic slowing to let him pass, carrying a couple of fence steeples and a twenty-six ounce martillo. Once under the protection of the great awning he looks through the window at the customers inside drinking coffee and telling each other lies, passing the time and waiting to see what life would throw at them next. He touches his hat and nods at the few who turn his way, a tacit acknowledgment between them. The envelope in his pocket held the last known words of Judge Holden, and it was his wish that when his time on Earth was over and through it be opened and set out in public for all to see. He slit the envelope and pulled the paper from inside, folding his knife and putting it back in his pocket when finished. It took just a few swings to drive steeple through paper and into the hard wood of the door casing, heavy blows blending in with the thunder. He removes his hat swiping at his forehead with a shirtsleeve , and silently reads the note as a small crowd begins to come outside, curious about the noise and the paper itself. Once he had read through it he steps back and lets everyone else have a look, passing through the men and women gathered up. A kid, no more than twelve catches his elbow and nods towards the front of the mass of people and asks him "What do you think"? Pulling his hat back on and snugging it down he looks in to the eyes of the child and grins. "What do I think, Jovencito? I think John B. Stetson makes a hell of a hat". With that he steps back out into the rain and walks away.

I reckon if you're reading this things don't look so good for me. I kindly figured it was coming. A little bit closer everyday. It got so's that I rearranged the furniture against the Earth's turning. That way at least I could feel like I was being dragged into it rather than rushing ahead not giving a damn. In the end we can't outrun our fate. We're given just enough time to make good on our promises, best not waste a precious second of it. Some of you may feel sad a little bit about this whole affair. Don't think about it too long. Ain't a man worth his powder that wasn't born to die. What we accomplish while we're still living...It goes a long ways to making us ready to move on and begin the next great adventure.

When I came up through the Animas Valley and across't the Peloncillos the last place in the world I ever thought I'd end up was the city of Los Angeles working for one of the greatest men I'd ever meet, standing shoulder to shoulder with the best that this world has to offer. I was born a no-account certified bronc peeler with little more than a hat and saddle to my name and a saltillo to carry whatever I come across that wasn't nailed down in. Looking back on it, if you'd have told me that I'd be a Captain running my own criminal organization for as esteemed a character as Godfather Premier I'd have thought you were plumb loco. Funny how things turn out. Not very many of my kin can ever claim to have become Dons in this thing of ours. If I was a man given to pride and grandiose posturing I might of got a little puffed up over that right there. All in all I made a decent run at it and can't claim to have walked away unsatisfied. Life is short despite of our own plans. All you damas y caballeros reading this the best I can tell you is put your heads down and work hard. Don't let an opportunity to make a friend pass you by, and don't turn your back on anyone in need. If God will take care of an old fool like me he'll kindly do right by you as well.

A few things that need saying while it's on my mind. If I forget something along the way we'll blame it on the tequila. It hasn't been too kind to me lately.

Godfather Premier: You never gave up on me and always gave me enough rein to where I could run. As a boss you made such an impact on me that no superlative would do you justice. The single greatest day I had was when you showed the whole world you were for real and became a Godfather. That meant more to me than becoming your Captain, more than any personal rank I achieved. If anyone still had any doubts about you they were all laid to rest that day. I'm honored to have worked for you for so long, even more so to call you a friend. You taught me so much, and I wouldn't have been anything without your guidance. From learning that words and guns are equals as weapons to the fact that some men just need killing. Every second of this life has been a pleasure Sir. Thank you.

Eepster: You are an infinite well of patience. You put up with me and all of my silly questions, and did it with a wicked sense of humor and style. Working for you was a hoot. You're the greatest.

Ellie: Partner, when it was four in the morning and my brain wouldn't shut down you were the one listening to me ramble on about whatever notion popped into my head. You put up with a lot of bullshit. I threw you into the deep end and to your credit you decided to swim instead of sink. I couldn't be prouder of the job you did. You kept things organized and going while I did my best to run the whole damn thing off the tracks. You took damned good care of me and the family. If anyone doubts that I put her through some bad craziness let me give you just a taste. One time late at night I had received a little over five million dollars in donations. Cash money. All in hundreds. The first thing I did was unband all of it and make it rain. I threw every last hundo in the air and watched it come down in my office. Then I fashioned myself a dorsal fin out of Franklins and tied it on my back and set to swimming around through all that money biting at anyone or anything that came near me while singing "Soy un tiburón" at the top of my lungs..er..gills...you get the point. She never tried to gaff me she just waited until I fell asleep then got everything tied back together and stowed away in the vault. As a friend, as a partner, I never wanted anyone but you in that position. Hearts at you, madam.

Banjo: You were always perfect and that slanty hat fit you like you were born in it. Every time I talked to you I walked away with a goofy grin plastered across my mug. You had a knack of always saying the right thing to lift me up whenever I was down. You were all about the business, and still had a silly streak a mile wide. That gun and that brain put you in my heart. Thank you for being there for me and doing me the honor of having you as my LH. I'm proud of you Banjo. No matter what I threw your way you got the job done and then came looking for more work. Love you.

Gina: Your love kept me grounded. It kept me sane. You are in my heart and you always will be. You are destined for greatness in this world, and you don't need me holding you back getting in your way. I'm just a rounder from the country and to get to know someone as worldly and sophisticated as yourself has been the absolute thrill of a lifetime. I could just listen to you tell stories and stare into the fire for hours. You taught me a lot about the world, a lot about myself. Your selflessness, your intelligence, your sense of humour, your tenacity, your dedication to friends and family...you are fearless and everything a man could ever want in this life. You are the most beautiful person inside and out I've ever met. I love you. The next time I see you up yonder you best not forget you owe me a celebration. We'll have us a time, Gina. I'll save you a spot.

Kates: If I'm a fire you're gasoline. You put something back inside of me that I had forgotten even existed. My God we were perfect together weren't we? The first time I saw you ride at the estancia I knew you were the one. The one I had waited all my life for. I can close my eyes and still picture every detail. You were riding that grulla of mine named Lola, wearing little more than a rebozo and a skirt, your hair spilling out from under your hat. And your smile...it melted me. I lost my heart to you right then and there and I never did want it back. I reckon I was bit hard. I could talk your ear off about soul mates and endless love and all that, but I know I don't even have to go down that road. We'd just look at each other and nod and know. I've never met anyone like you and I suspect I never will. You made me the happiest man on this Earth the day you said yes. I hope you'll pull that ring out form time to time and think about me. I wish we would have had time to stand up there in front of the Pastor and see how it would have all turned out, I bet we would have tore all the stars down from heaven. I love you Kates. Hearts don't change. I'll see you again some day. We'll take us a long ride down the trail by moonlight. Point that pony at the north star and see where we wind up. I can't wait.

Godfather Marietta: I only have one regret in this deal, not having the time for you to get those grandbabies we were talking about. They would have been a sight. They'd have gotten all the good out of Kates and an ornery streak from me. I had the best of intentions ma'am. My hearts always been in the right place. I'm much obliged to you for the kindness and patience. Thank you.

RonMexico: I never did make it down to Juarez to bail you out. I reckon it's up to Ellie now. See you on the other side.

All the members of the Chido organization: I couldn't have asked for a better family to represent with. Thank you for the hard work and sacrifices. You all kick every available ass. Much love and respect to you. Don't be sad. Every arc, every chord, still unbroken. Gran Circulo.

The Spanish Inquisition: We never forget where we come from. My brothers, my sisters, thank you for all of the kindness and gracious help along the way.

So many friends to thank for all of the fun. You made this whole life worth living. Sidious, Kizzy, and Velma, you all have a place in my heart. You're doing great things and I wish you many long years of prosperity and happiness. Take care of yourselves. That goes for the rest of Chicago as well. Las Vegas families and Godfather Aurora, thank you for letting me run wild in your beautiful city. Your kindness and generosity is legend. Naomi, hearts at you. We have unfinished business to get to. I look forward to that day. Starshine, you have a beautiful soul. Thanks for putting up with me. Nirvana, damn you make me smile all silly and get happy. Chiara, you are one hell of a woman and one hell of a friend. Hearts at you. Silvia, I thought of you as the daughter I wish I had. Seeing how far you have come in such short time made me proud. New York Families and Godfather Rourke, You set the standard. Thank you all for the help and for setting the bar so high. You gave all of us an example to live by. Deimne, every time I needed something you were always the first to help out. Gracias mi amigo. Godfather Odd and families of Philadelphia, thank you for the hospitality and taking care of our family. Godfather Death-Knight and families of New Orleans, best wishes and good luck to all of you. Families of Detroit, I came to think of the city as my home away from home. Thank you for the many enjoyable hours and good times. Everyone else who I forget to mention in my rambling state of mind, forgive me for not including you personally. You're in my heart and in my thoughts.

I don't know about your interpretation of Heaven but in mine it's full of horses on a high plain where the spring rains bring up the grass and the wildflowers out of the ground and the flowers run all blue and yellow far as the eye can see and you can run with them, run among them, and course the young mares and fillies over the plain where their rich bay and chestnut colors shine in the sun and the young colts run with their dams and trample down the flowers in a haze of pollen that hangs in the sun like powdered gold and you run out along the high mesas where the ground resounds under those thundering hooves and there is nothing else at all in that place and everything moves in a resonance that is like music and none are afraid horse nor colt nor mare and you run in the resonance that is that world itself and which cannot be spoken but only praised

~OOC~ It's been pretty much a pattern for me to swing by here when I can, have a little fun, and then get back to taking care of business in the other world. I'm going to get the twins potty trained and get caught up on guitar orders for a time. I can't guarantee success with either so keep your fingers crossed and send some prayers my way. It always amazes me each time I'm here how as a community everyone is so nice and you make my time so enjoyable. Some sort of majick seems to draw intelligent witty people here, an ersatz compass of cool. This time out was a blast. A couple of you have my email addy, it won't be hard for anyone else to guess who to ask for it if they want to get in touch. Take care and God bless.

You and your family have known as well as worked with many generations of mine sir. Each record I find and my own personal relationship with you simply boils down to what I just told you - you know my heart like no other as have all your past generations known mine. Take care and Salut

Good by Judge you were and stillare a great guy. Noone could have asked for a better crew leader and am very sorry to see you go. If you ever need anything, ill be here. Looking forward to a nice chat with you.

Ell stands in the rain listening to Judge's words come out of a stranger's rich vibrato, while dropplets fall splashing her coat collar and painting her face.  She fingers the black Stetson in her hands, old and weather worn, still smelling of his hair and speckled in red clay dirt.  He'd left it in her office one afternoon, when he'd come in to talk, shifting his weight and sitting on the edge of her desk, sweeping the hat off in a grand gesture and tossing it onto a spare chair.  Lingering longer than was necessary, he was trying to coax her away from her work.  Just one drink, he'd said.  His smile had been dazzling, a million promises beaming out of that cocky exterior, and she couldn't help but give a little of her heart to him.  So she'd gone with him, one drink with her friend... which had turned into one drink and dinner and a midnight walk down the Boulevard.

Now, those days were gone, drowned out by the warm summer rain.  She listened to the words and was glas for the rain when a single tear escaped her.  Others, some she knew and some she didn't, stopped to listen as well and when they'd gone, she walked up to the paper the stranger had posted and carefully tore it down.  She folded it while still standing under the restaurant's awning, so as not to let the rain make the ink run in rivulets, and tucked it into the hidden breast pocket of her coat.

Taking a deep breath, she walked off into the rain again, back the way she'd come but different now.

Some things have to change.

He'd always said, some things have to change.

One of the lessons I've learned through the years is that one should wear themselves down to the bone to show their feelings for someone while they're alive, so as not to be left with regrets once they've passed. I gave you everything Judge and, to be honest, I don't expect to ever love another man- they'd only suffer in comparison. I hope you heard your requiem, wherever you are, and I'll do my best in moving on to make you proud.

What more is there?

Good-night, sweet prince. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Mac, I cannot say how delighted I was to see your family line rejoin this life. It had been awhile since one of yours had made any splashes and stirred things up. Judge was definitely the one to change all of that though. Even though less often that I had hoped, he was there for a good conversation. I know we get busy in our day to day dealings, and let opportunities slip by. It's a sad thing, but realistically and inevitable one. Your father was always respectful, and I don't think he made a negative impact on anyone. At least no one that I know.

Good luck in the legit world, Mac. If you get bored of business life and aren't making the money that you could be, then please come back to this life. You have many connections around, and will be making the money in no time.

Marietta tries not to tear up as she hears the letter being read. But she does anyway. What a sap. God damn it. Wiping at her eyes quickly she smiles and calls to the forefront of her mind the last memory she had of the man called Judge; standing in her office, asking for her daughter's hand in marriage.

He had told Kates they would approach her together, but had decided to come alone at the last minute. He did things his own way, and that was the main reason she had admired the free spirit.

The world had lost a great mobster, that was for sure. A man with an innovative and creative mind. He was a friend, he was a leader... he was the Son-in-Law she'd never have. Bundling her coat closer to her body, the older lady walks out into the rain. She needed to call Kates. They were long overdue for a dinner. Her mouth was curled into a smile, in spite of everything.

Looking towards the sky, Deimne had a heavy heart. The loss of a good friend was never easy.

Judge, I'm sure you can still hear these words. In this world or the next, you were never bound by the laws of mere mortals.

You sir, were a true gentleman. A man of honour, a man of respect and a man of undoubted intelligence. Though we never spoke as often as I would have liked, I always finshed the conversations we did have with a feeling of having gained something from each and every word.

Though your life on these shores was cut shorter than any of us would have wished it to be, you did yourself and your bloodline proud my friend. Should any of your kin ever grace this thing of ours, I hope they search out my own bloodline. The stories of you and yours will be passed along the generations, so your kin will be welcomed with open arms as a friend.

Rest well sweet prince, you earned it.

Gaius had been forming his words quickly... it was never easy losing a friend, or a family member... but to lose judge was a hit. Sure Gaius had wanted to become a leader in this thing o' ours but not like this... not with the death of a friend.

Gaius cleared his throat and lit a smoke...

I've got to say, I've never seen a leader with more charisma, more spirit, and more sheer love of his crew. I hope and pray that I can one day be as loved as you have been through out your career.

We all know its coming, the day when that bullet will end it, but none of us, especially me expected you to die like this. Should your blood line ever return, let me know. 

I've got your back, SI 4 life!