Tony Capazzo had on one of his finest suits. This was a big day for him, he and Paulie walked through the halls. Tony had gotten a generous loan from Nighthawk and was embarking on a very big business deal, one that had been on his mind for a while now, one that he not only owed to Philadelphia and himself but also his father.

The process was now on the phase where Tony had to go to the Mayor’s office to obtain a permit for a building to be made. He already had one of the best construction teams under his payroll now he just needed the permit so it was ‘legit’. Sure he could bribe city officials and the local police department, but he knew the potential to make tons of cash in the venture and because of that reason, he wanted everything to be on the up and up.

They walked through the halls of the Mayors office and there were pictures of guys on the wall. Tony looked at them and joked with Paulie.

“Who the hell are these people?”

Paulie knew it was a rhetorical question and just smiled as the two got to the end of the hall. Tony nodded to the receptionist and with his ever so charming smile leaned over to her.

“Hello, I am here to see Mayor Wilson.”

The girl smiled and told both Tony and Paulie they could have a seat. She excused herself and went to check on the Mayor to see if he was available. After a few moments she came back out.

“Thank you for being patient gentleman. Mayor Wilson is available and you can go see him now.”

Tony smiled and thanked the young receptionist. Paulie waited for him. Tony wasn’t here to stronghold the Mayor it was all business, legit business, so no need for Paulie.

Tony walked a few doors down and he saw a sign with the Mayor’s name on it. He slowly opened the door and could hear yelling on the other side of the door.

“FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT…BUNCH OF GOD DAMN LOSERS!!! FUCK THEM!”

Tony walked into the room to see the Mayor ripping up pieces of paper and throwing a newspaper from one end of the room to the other. Tony wanted to burst out in laughter but he stayed composed. This was a serious thing he was doing today, one that could pave the road for his future.

Tony looked around the Mayor’s office. It was a normal office, not to fancy…more bland then anything. Tony thought if this was his office it would look one hundred times better and would be way more classier then this dump. The Mayor then noticed Tony in the room and quickly stood up.

“Mr. Capazzo, nice to see you son.”

“Thank you for taking time to see me Mr. Mayor.”

The Mayor and Tony shook hands then the Mayor signaled for Tony to take a seat and the two began to talk.

“As you know sir I am here to obtain the proper documentations. I am interested in opening a establishment in Philadelphia. I am in the process of graduating from MIT sir with my business degree so I think I have a wealth of information that will get me goi-“

“Yeah yeah yeah, so who do you like in the National League, you think our Phillies have a chance?”

Tony was caught off guard. He was here to talk business about his soon to be new company and the Mayor wanted to talk…sports? That was odd, Tony couldn’t help but question this.

“Mr. Mayor I am confused, I came here today to talk about the space in Old City for my new ni-“

Once again the Mayor cut off Tony.

“Yeah yeah, don’t worry about all that...I already had my secretary take care of everything.”

This information shocked Tony, he never met the Mayor before nor had he discussed this new business proposition with him. How did he know about it?

“But Mr. Mayor, how do you kn-“

And again the Mayor interrupted.

“Tony, I have been a close personal friend of some of your colleagues. I had a meeting the other day and everything has been taken care of. Now enough with that, you can grab your documents on the way out of here. There are all taken care of and you are free to build wherever you want. I really don't care. Now onto more pressing issues...”

Tony smiled at the Mayor, this was easier then he thought it’d ever be. Tony was thankful he had friends..more like family members, in high places. What was this pressing issue now Tony thought. The Mayor then showed him some papers.

“Tony, which of these games look hot. I hear you can pick winners with the best of 'em. Pick one for your good ole Mayor would you?”

Tony smiled. How do you like this, even politicians were greasy. The Mayor had obviously heard of Tony’s talent at picking winners in sports betting and was asking for his help on the upcoming day’s games.  Luckily Tony had already did some research and calculations on those games. He pointed at the paper and began to explain which team the Mayor should pick and why. The Mayor was taken aback at how brilliant Tony had broken down the game to its core and the reasons why that particular team was the one to back.

“Tony, thanks so much. I am going to go have someone send a message right now and get this game locked up. You come here.”

The Mayor grabbed Tony by his arm and walked him over to the other side of the desk. He was now behind the Mayor’s desk.

“You sit there Tony, in that comfortable chair. The other one is hard as a rock and a pain in the asshole…literally. You just sit here and pull that draw out, take one it’s yours.”

The Mayor clapped and left the room feeling giddy as ever. He knew Tony had a eye for the sports world and this bet he was going to make would surely make his day tomorrow A LOT better. Once the Mayor left his office Tony did as he said and opened up the drawer. Tony grinned from ear to ear. It was a drawer with some cigars in it. Tony pulled one out and smelled it.

“Ahhhhh.”

It was the good stuff Tony thought. He took care of the tip and lit up the cigar. He then propped his feet up on the table, the Mayor wouldn’t mind, Tony was literally going to make him truck loads of cash. As Tony sat back in his relaxing chair with his feet on the Mayor’s desk he took another puff of his cigar. Just then Paulie walked in, Tony didn’t move a muscle, he just continued puffing his cigar like he owned the place.

“Tony…what are you…”

Paulie was laughing so hard at the sight he saw that he couldn’t even finish his sentence properly.

“What are you doing man?”

Tony smiled and winked at Paulie.

“Everything is roses Paulie. The Mayor said to relax and I am doing exactly that!"

Tony sat back and continued to do just that. Tony turned to Paulie and jokingly said..

“Mayor Capazzo…..hmmm, that has a nice ring to it.”

Paulie laughed and Tony shook his head.

“Nah, who wants to be a fuckin politician anyway."