Tony sat back in the bar. Some listened as he leaned back and began to ramble on about some story every day and some ignored his mutterings and just thought of him as a drunk. But he didn't care much of his appearance to other people of the eight cities. He just cared how his crew leader and the godfather viewed him. But this time, the story was different. It actually was interesting, or at least he thought so. So unlike the other times more than just a few people listened. Not that he noticed because he was in a sleep like transe going back through the events that had unfolded in the past. So he took a drink from his whiskey and began from the start as somebody new walked in and asked him to start over.......

Tony walked down the street of St.Louis fresh off the boat and looking for a place to stay and a meal to put in his hungry stomach. He just came over from Italy and he knew that the main big business in America at the time always involved La Cosa Nostra. But he didn't think he really wanted to get involved in such things. His mother begged him not to while living in Italy and he listened.......well he tried. He would occasionally do a small job for the local Don or one of his hands. But this never got back to his mother so he did not fear her knowing. Even though some men talked to him differently. Somewhat as a man of respect. But anyways, Tony was walking down the street and as he rounded the corner he bumped right into a man with a nice italian suit on and a few men around him. All drawing pistols as he took a few steps away from the man. They all lowered the guns at one movement of the esteemed mans hand. Then he took a step forward and put his hand out.....

I'm SINGER, what's your name kid? Looking back at his guys he smiles and looks back at me. Don't worry about them, they won't hurt you. Well hopefully. He chuckles at his little joke and pats me on the shoulder. So what's your name kid? I already asked that and all I get in response is a dumbfounded look.

It's Tony Castelli. So who are you? Some local Don or something? I just got off the boat at the docks so I apologize now if you're some bigshot and I don't know you. I just don't know anybody yet.

Smiling and looking at his watch he says. Well I have a matter to attend to, if you wouldn't mind walking along with me as we go. And as for your question....Well no, I'm not going to sit here and call myself a bigshot. I am a local crew leader though. A man who is just beginning to build up his family. A man who is looking for a few good men to do jobs for me. Men who can be trusted and loyal. Men that in time can be men of respect within my organization. Do you think you could have some of those qualities Mr.Castelli?

I looked at him in a bit of surprise that a man of his standing in this thing of ours would ask of me such things. I'm surprised I could even speak to him without even being an aquaintance. Well of course, over in Italy I did work for the local Dons. I'm sure I could do stuff for you. I would be honoured to work for a man like you. But what exactly would you need me to do? And well, I'm not sure if I can do anything soon. I am still looking for a job and a place to stay.

The man laughed at this remark. Well your new job is to work for me, that is if you think you want to join my family. That my good man is all up to you if you decide to want to. If so I will of course extend the invitation. And as for where you will live, I can offer you a place to stay at the family compound. Now, the job that I am looking for you to do first will be right now. You see that business over there, the butchers place. I want you to go make the owner pay his protection money. He thinks because he hasn't had any trouble to be protected from that he doesn't need to pay. Remind him that he does....

To Be Continued.....

Nice Story tony will be looking forward to hearing the next episode

This is a good story Tony. I am also looking forward to your next piece of work. Great job.