NationStates Jolt Archive

The heat was oppressive. Mist was setting down slowly as heavy raindrops bore down on the city in the late morning. The freighter Veritas cut slowly through the river as raindrops slammed upon the deck. The crewmen barked orders in French as Armando Giorgessi and several others pulled along the hull of the boat. The crew slowly lowered crates with a Canadian Maple Leaf painted on the side of the crate. The thick fog obscured their activities from anyone who wanted to watch.

Across town, the rain began to crash down upon the procession standing in front of the Cathedral of St. Leoluca. Men dressed in suits and women in dark dresses crowded outside the old wooden cathedral. As the procession slowly filed into the cathedral (which was becoming almost intolerably hot and humid), the priest took his position in the pulpit and began the mass. "In nomine de la Patria..." An open casket faced the congregation. The face appeared to be that of a normal, resting old man, however upon closer observation, the skin on the right side of his face was slightly discolored, with distinct lines along a rough circular edge. Directly beneath the skin was a large cavity, starting at about 7.62 mm wide at the skull, but expanding to much larger inside his brain.

The death of Jack Mackenzie was truly a tragedy. His reign was absolute, and while he was considered a menace to the city, he was a proverbial bear. A bear that everyone knew was infinitely more tolerable (and easier to keep track of) than the snakes that would be released upon its death.

Mayor Ryan Callahan sat in the second row, directly behind Mackenzie's family, flanked by his bodyguards and entourage of those seeking favors. He prayed silently, with his eulogy on a slip of paper folded in his pocket. He simply prayed, his mond clear of thoughts...

Kurt Reinhart sat at the back of the church smiling. He did not know or really care who the sniper was or who put the hit out but he was glad it was done. He was now free to start distancing the SSBU from everyone else and maybe he would make a small empire from what he could do. The drydocks he used could very easily filled every night for some smuggling. At most times he had about 3 open so three shipments a night very good business if he could slip them in and out unnoticed that is.

Callahan looked up from his meditation and looked around briefly. He saw the union boss from the SSBU. Is he actually smiling? Callahan looked away, pushing his face into his hands to conceal his disgust. No asshole would come to a funeral smiling. Either he did it and has brass balls, or he didn't and thinks he can get away without paying his dues. He made a mental note to catch up with him after the funeral.

After this breif moment of allowing himself to see the brighter future he put himself back into a somber mood and went through the motions of pray for Jack Mackenzie to go to heaven. I don't see the point everyone knows that if there is such a thing he won't be going. Horrible man who did horrible things and not of it for the betterment of others. Kurt thought to himself.

Carlo was driving his black Cadillac to the funeral service of Jack Mackenzie. The only man that was powerful enough to keep the ambitious Mafia chieftain out of the city of New Bedham.

Carlo was not alone he was with his friend and Consigliere Antonio Valazini. Antonio was a thin wiry man about five six and with a bald head and a large noise. He was a stereotypical lawyer and was dressed in black attire. Carlo was also wearing a black suite with a tie to match with the occasion. He was slightly taller than his companion and much wider. He was clean shaven and had blue eyes.


The black Cadilliac pulled up to the church and Carlo parked it a little away to avoid it being spotted by snoopy investigators. Carlo and Antonio walked to the service to pay their respects and privately make deals with the locals…

The Mayor had made his way to the pulpit and was delivering the eulogy. It was a shame that he couldn't speak what he was truly thinking. While he spoke of philanthropy, he wished that he could describe how completely and admirably amoral he was. In "The Uniter's" words, there were two types of crime. The acceptable and the abomination. The abomination was the murders, the perversions, the hell wreaked upon families, while the acceptable was what no one saw. Mackenzie always said that it was acceptable, because everyone, all the way to the top did it. Everyone simply took their fill and passed on. Callahan remembered growing up in an orphanage, how he was always told to eat his share of the meat passed to him at the table and not ask for more, but to simply be grateful for what he had. And thats how it was. "The Uniter" built and empire. And from it, he gave everyone their share. Those who knew what was good were loyal friends, and those who complained now rested under the muds of the bayou. And what was absolute was the loyalty. No one, not anyone who valued their family or anything on God's green Earth ever spoke of this to anyone outside the city. Outside the circle of friends.

He scanned over the crowd. All the faces had gone solemn, including the man that had been smiling. Several Italians were walking in. Goddamn sharks. Always attracted to blood. Better let them know who runs this town.

After he stepped down from the pulpit, facing the applause he took his seat next to one of his bodyguards, who he quickly whispered to.

Within a few minutes, Carlo and Kurt received a small printed card bearing the following note:

Mayor Ryan Callhan wishes you to join him on his estate for brunch after the service.

Kurt read the card and looked up to where the mayor sat raising an eyebrow. Well now at least I am being noticed. The SSBU might have a shot now. Then again you never know with the mayor. he poundered and reached down to check that he still had his Colt .45 M1914.

Carlo and Antonio had started to take seats and silently prayed for the soul of Jack. They really did this out of a show of respect to the locals. The Italian mobsters were secretly happy Jack was dead. He had been a major obstacle in moving into town now that he was dead these locals would be like divided sheep looking for a Shepard. It was a perfect time to gain some turf and expand their influence.


They were not surprised to get a card from the Mayor’s representative. It showed that the man was smart enough not to snub the Barlucchi family. Carlo kept his face impassive and continued to show his respect. Antonio had a sneer on his face when looking at the card that Carlo passed to him……

Bump for later post

The summer heat and humidity surrounding and beat down on the people. It was an ungodly heat, unrelenting. "Big John" Cobalt sat near the back, sweat dripping down his face. Though, it didn't bother him. Cobalt labored in the fire underbelly of the steel mills for much of his life. Heat was not a stranger to him, despite the sweat it did not irritate him. The fire of the mills were worse than this heat. He had met with the dead mayor several times when the union came to the table with the company. Stackwell Steel was notorious in thier lack of safety precautions, pension plans, and general mistreatment of workers with long hours and little pay. Cobalt rose through the ranks of the union, starting as a blast furnace operator and now he was one on the union's negotiation team, second in command. His life was hard and genuienly cared for his fellow workers. Also, he was always on the front line at the picket lines, rushing groups of scabs and strike breakers with a bat or a 2X4. Mackenzie's death meant serious problems. The union and Mackenzie made an agreement which allowed the union a good amount of power and improving conditions at the mill. Now that Mackenzie was dead...everything was uncertain. The union distrusted and was wary of the mayor but knew when they had to make friends even though they were liekly to be stabbed in the back. Cobalt put his hat back on.
"John, you see those two guys over there, the ones with all the muscle around 'em?" quietly asked Conner, the union head who patted down his forehead with a hankerchief. Cobalt squinted his eyes and focused in on the men.
"Yeah, what about 'em Conner?" he asked, thinking little of it.
"Trouble...all we can expect from this whole sort is trouble" he simply said and sat back.
"We should probably set up an emergency meeting with the guys either tomorrow or tonight"
"Sounds good, put the word out" Conner replied. Conner was merley a cover man with a few good ideas here and there. The workers respected Cobalt ten times more than Conner. Cobalt had an iron will but a kind heart at the same time. He'd do anything to help you, but he wouldn't lose sleep over ''correcting'' a mistake than you made.

As everyone filed back from receiving Communion, one of the mayor's entourage passed a card inviting Cobalt to the Mayor's brunch. Though no one may have noticed, about half of the congregation received these little cards.

As the final blessing was said, the crowds slowly filed out of the church. In what could have been a Divine metaphor, the rain had ceased and the sky was nearly a spotless blue. The sun, however, beared down oppressively, with the newfound humidity making it even more oppressively hot.

Ryan Callahan was never really bothered by the heat. Though he was born in Chicago, he had lived in the South long enough to completely adapt to the environment, even gaining an accent and all of the mannerisms of a Southerner. Even the patience to deal with the sharks and pirhanna that seemed to nip at his heels every day. He spoke quickly to one of his aides who then immediately stepped into a car and raced to the Mayor's house to help prepare the food for the brunch.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a tall dark man. Turning his head ever so slightly he smiled and the man waved his hanckerchief up and down twice. The mayor smiled even wider and took off his hat, and the man disappeared back into the building. The mayor faced the crowd of people seeking advice from him and requesting favors, while keeping an eye out for the two union bosses. Should probably watch for those damn wops as well. He'd heard rumors about there being five families in the north that set out to control all vice in America. He was tempted to call some of his loyal dockworkers and have them give these gentlemen a tour of the underside of the wharfs. "It will never kill you to pretend like you are glad to see someone. Even if you are planning to kill someone, always be as gracious as you can to them. We are civilized human beings, and if we must beat each other by deceit and guile, then so we must. But at least we can be civil about it." He remembered Mackenzie always saying.

The most important thing for him was the unions, for the time being. Find out what they wanted, reconcile with what he wanted. And assure them that the new gentlemen in town of Mediterranean descent were not going to trouble them.

"Well Johnny" Conner began as the crowd began to disperse "I have other business to take care of today. You go meet with Callahan at this brunch. Save me some blueberry pie if they got it" he joked and walked off.
"Will do, Conner" Cobalt replied with a grinding smile. The two of them weren't friends but had a common goal. They never stepped on each other's toes so most of the time it went well. From time to time they knocked heads but rarely so. The Irishman walked through the crowd, conversing in small talk with several people, reasuring that Mackenzie's death won't turn the union into a hive of hornets. He could already envision the meeting, men yelling at each other, nothing being accomplished, and everyone pointing their finger at someone. Usually he'd have to slaam his fist on the table, all hot in the face yelling above everyone else. He was average height but had a spirit ten times his size and an ego to match it.
"Want me to come with ya, boss?" asked Eli, one of his aides. Mickey was in his late twenties and a reliable person. Eli was one of the musclemen for the union, one of the best. A sharp instrument with blunt force trauma.
"Nah, I can handle this" he replied and patted Eli on the shoulder with his large rough hands and walked off.

"Mr. Cobalt. Am I glad to see you." The Mayor smiled a toothy grin extended his hand. "I wish you to be the first to know that while though Mr. Mackenzie can only be with us in spirit, the prosperity he brought will remain in more than just spirit. I do hope you are joining me for my brunch."

Cobalt whipped his body around to see the mayor standing before him. He didn't know what to make of the new mayor so far, despite being a good judge of character, he couldn't figure Callahan out...yet anyways. So, he was rightfully suspicious of the man. But, he extended the same courtesies.
"Nice to see ya too Mayor Callahan. Though...I wish it weren't under these circumstances" he replied, surveying the crowd of black clothed citizens. A smile came to his face to lighten the mood "I certainly will join you for brunch later today. I hope whatever uncertainties we have can be settled today" Cobalt said as he gripped the mayor's hand and shook it vigorously.

OOC: I should have made it clear before, but Callahan has been the mayor for a while now, even under Mackenzie (Mackenzie made Callahan mayor in exchange for getting criminal charges against him dropped. Mackenzie was a classical political boss who had no official power butheld all of the real power.)

IC:

"I feel, personally, it is inappropriate to discuss business matters over the supper table, but I would like to clear the air with you. Would you care to ride with me to my humble abode?

Cobalt tried not to snicker at the mention of 'humble abode'. The politicians didn't exactly live in that manner. But, he remained polite and smiled.
"You're right" he replied then he paused "Sure, I'll accompany you"

The Mayor's Silver Packard pulled in front of the Church. The Mayor ushered Cobalt in and got in himself, while a young man in a grey suit got into the passenger's seat. The small crowd of suit-wearing young men discretely but effectively formed a human wall, preventing the crowd from following the mayor into his car. The driver accelerated gently away from the Cathedral. The mayor took out a box of cigars, taking one for himself and offering one to Cobalt. His face was no longer smiling, and was now serious and focused.

"Did you see those gentlemen in the black suits? Personally, I hope they are here to open a pizzeria or sell some olive oil, but I suspect they are not."

Cobalt passed on the cigar. Not that he didn't like a good smoke here and there, but this was no time in his mond for smoking. There were important concerns that needed to be addressed. The one just brought up by Callahan being an alarmingly new one on top of all the others.
"I saw them, Mayor" he replied, nodding "They're bad business for everyone. We all know what will happen if they get a foothold in this city. There will be dead bodies in the streets and fewer voters for yourself" after that being said he looked out the window to see the world rushing past him. Times were roguh...for everyone except for the politicians and the mobsters. Sometimes, both were difficult to distinguish.
"Things will turn for a worse if they get their hands into any of the business. Bad for the union because the company heads will wanna hire the mobsters to be strike breakers and use their muscle to intimidate us and coherce us into accepting unacceptable terms. The union's worked too hard to get to where we are today and I won't let it be ruined by a bunch of low-lifes like them!" he got a bit tempered, but recollected himself and sat back.

"I'm glad you share my sentiment. Mackenzie tried to stave off their influence as best he could. Of course, he had to make a few compromises here and there, but I have friends up north who tell me that there is some sort of comission that sends these thugs out to try and mettle in our affairs. As I see it, the most important thing for now is maintaining the status quo. It is my foremost desire to see that this rough patch we're going through is smoothed out as best we can get it." He spoke plainly although the remark about politicians touched a nerve.

He took a drag on his cigar, turning to blow the smoke outside the car. The car drove outside of the downtown area and was passing through the upper class suburbs.

"I'm no fool, Mr. Cobalt. I know that Conner runs the union on paper, but really he's just a dime pretendin' to be a dollar. The people listen to you. I know this. You probably know that I have a few friends over at Stackwell Steel, and they've been leanin' on me to deal with your strikes. I do know Mackenzie was good to you boys, but Stackwell thinks they can go about and change this. I have heard about some of the abhorrent conditions in the plant. I have a request to make you." He said, looking at Cobalt. "Do not let your men succumb to the threats of weak men. I'm not unwilling to give them a slice of the pie, but I won't have them taking anyone elses and I won't have any out-of-towners telling me how to run this city. Keep your men strong. Do not solicit their businesses and do not be intimidated by them. If you do this, I will see to it that your boys will be treated like men instead of horses."

Carlo Barlucchi and Antonio Valazini left the services and headed towards their Black Cadillac. Carlo was driving and his Consigliere was riding shotgun giving his boss the lay out of the political situation of the city.

“Carlo, Jack is dead and the Families are displeased about this situation. Jack was giving the Commission a sizeable amount of the take to stay out of New Bedham. The guy whom seems to be taking over this situation is Jack’s patsy the Mayor Callahan. The Mayor has a good reputation but is considered weak publicly. He is no Jack Mackenzie. I think we can get a crew down here and start some rackets. We need to get police protection and some local lawyers on the payroll.

I suggest we make friends with the Union Bosses and get in the Mayor’s good graces for a few months before we make a move to take this place over. We need friends to secure our interests here.”

Carlo silently nodded as the Black Cadillac speed towards the Mayor’s residence….

The encouraging and sympathetic words from Callahan eased Cobalt a bit, but he didn't let his guard down too much. Callahan was a politician, not a saint. Keeping this in mind he nodded to every word he said, listening. The union wasn't weak. Roosevelt's New Deal so far seemed like a good idea. The president appeared to sympathize with unions. It was a shame that elsewhere, unions and the mob were in bed with one another. Cobalt would do anything to keep the mafia out. They were only trouble, polluting the watering hole, poisoning everyone who takes a drink from it.
"I appreciate your stance with the union. Together, we can keep these bastards from takin' over." he replied. "We'll beat 'em back with brains or bats, it don't matter" Cobalt preferred to talk and prevent a confrontation than use force. But then again, he would use it if needed and wasn't skimpish about it either.

A long line of cars clogged the way leading to the mayor's residence. The gravel road was muck from the rain, but the scent of the citrus and apple trees filled the air. Ripening peaches and pairs could be seen on the trees in the orchards. Across the farm was a large lake that the Mayor had often used for fishing. Large picnic tables had been set out in front of the house, and from the kitchen drew smells of fried chicken (served cold on days like this) while giant blocks of ice had been placed on either side of the table, with giant fans blowing air from the ice (possibly the most ineffective means of cooling). Children played in the gardens and oggled over the many beautiful horses the mayor owned. Anyone who wanted to be someone in New Bedham wanted to be seen here.

It was difficult to notice, but in the orchard groves, young men in suits walked gently, monitoring everyone who came and went. Similar men stood just inside the mayor's house, preventing people from going too far into the mayor's house. Several more of these men sat on the second floor balcony casually watching the crowds.

The mayor's Packard drove off the gravel road through a concealed driveway that led to a junction in the forest. The mayor came upon a gate, which was promptly opened by one of the men in suits and, just as promptly, closed again. The car sped along the private road that let out of the woods and went along the lake and into a discrete carport in back of the Mayor's residence.

The mayor led Cobalt to a door which he held open, revealing the large crowd that had congregated in anticipation of the picnic. "You go on ahead. I need to take care of something first." He said, disappearing into the door that led into his mansion.


The mayor had his men insure that the union bosses in attendance would be able to sit fairly close to the mayor, while the Italians would be kept at a slightly further distance. After about fifteen minutes, the mayor emerged with a large platter of fried chicken, followed by servants carrying large platters of sweet potatos, cakes, biscuits and every imagineable food. Large pitchers of iced tea and lemonade appeared as well. The mayor said a few good words about Mackenzie, while a man on the second floor with a camera snapped pictures of the Italian men. As soon as the mayor stopped talking, he closed the blinds.

OOC: Last post for tonight. I have to go to work and a storm is coming that might ruin the power lines again…

IC:

Carlo and Antonio were not surprised by the rude treatment they were receiving. They had to deal with many people just like Mayor Ryan Callahan. These self righteous hypocrites that probably made a body count that was much higher than anything the Barlucchi family could perform on its own. These supposed men of Christian values that participated in the rackets of gambling, booze, and prostitution. This kind of people made Carlo and Antonio sick and they despised them as much as the politicians despised them publicly.


Antonio spoke for his boss once the blinds were closed, “Mr Callahan, The time for us staying out of New Bedham is over. Jack Mackenzie is a corpse and the Commission is not getting its cut. We have been sent here to represent the Five Families in this delicate matter. We have discussed this and the Families all agree that one of our families is going to have to come down into New Bedham to insure our cut.

The fact now remains that you now have to deal with us directly. We are not going to hover around getting handouts like the days of Jack Mackenzie. The Barlucchi family is coming in to regulate all Family related business in the area.”

Carlo Barlucchi said nothing as he continued to eat without adding a word. He seemed more intent on dining on his chicken than adding to Antonio’s long winded speech. This was his way of snubbing the Mayor by showing his disinterest to the situation…

OOC: You realize that this is in a crowd, a fairly large crowd with wives and children and people not in the business.

IC:

Callahan had been afraid of a situation like this. He sat completely expressionless, showing no signs of being phased by the outburst, while all the men and women around him were mortified or remanded him for cursing on a dead man. Mackenzie's widow began to cry. The only thing Callahan did was tip his hat. His corral sprung open, releasing three of his prized stallions. The horses tore across the garden into the orchards with many stable hands chasing after them. Amidst the confusion several of the young men in suits descended upon Carlo and Antonio and quickly struck them upon the side of the head with the butt of the pistols they kept inside their jackets, and dragged them inside the door of the hidden carport. Inside, the men were quickly bound and gagged and wrapped in rugs so they could not see anything. The rugs were also bound and thrown into the trunk of a small pickup truck that was parked behind the manor.


A telegraph was immediately wired to Don Vito Barlucchi

To: Vito Barlucchi
Re: Your son

Your son's friend expressed ill thoughts of the late Jack Mackenzie. Stop. Many people were offended. Stop. Reliable source indicates he and your son may have been kidnapped. Stop. Have initiated own lines of inquiry. Stop. All measures are being taken to insure his safety. Stop.

Your faithful servant
-Ryan M. Callahan

The rug was cut open and Carlo Barlucchi was tossed onto the couch. The room had no windows. "Sorry about the handling son, but you hurt a great many feelings back there." A large man with short black hair, wearing a suit, stood above him. The man took off his suit coat and rolled up his sleeves. Several men sat around the room. On the desk table was an open physicians suitcase with several brass surgical tools strewn across the table. "You northerners haven't a notion of decency. You never speak ill of someone who is dead, especially in front of his wife and kids. If I had my way, you'd be cut up into tiny pieces and fed to the gators. But thats not how it is." he took off the gag. "Can I untie you and trust you won't try to do anything foolish like try to escape?"

OOC: Sorry I have been gone. Also sorry this is short, not much I can do to pass time if its only him.

IC: Once the funeral was over Kurt started walking to the mayor's house. He got there after the meal had started. On his way he mauled over the recent events, what he could do, things like that. Once he had finaly gotten to the Mayor's house he knocked on the door and waited to be let in.

Kurt was led to where the picnic was being held. Mayor Callahan was visibly aggravated, barking instructions to one of his aides. The horses that had escaped were recaptured and the bulk of the picnic-goers were leaving. Those Damned pricks think they own this town. No respect. The mayor grinded his teeth. He turned and faced Kurt, "Mr. Reinhart. A pleasure to see you could make it. Unfortunately you were a bit tardy and someone has already taken the opportunity to ruin this occasion." He quickly suppressed his rising temper. "But, not to worry, there is still some fried chicken left, and the desserts were untouched. Help yourself to what you like, and then I'd like to talk business with you."

OOC: You realize that this is in a crowd, a fairly large crowd with wives and children and people not in the business.

IC:

Callahan had been afraid of a situation like this. He sat completely expressionless, showing no signs of being phased by the outburst, while all the men and women around him were mortified or remanded him for cursing on a dead man. Mackenzie's widow began to cry. The only thing Callahan did was tip his hat. His corral sprung open, releasing three of his prized stallions. The horses tore across the garden into the orchards with many stable hands chasing after them. Amidst the confusion several of the young men in suits descended upon Carlo and Antonio and quickly struck them upon the side of the head with the butt of the pistols they kept inside their jackets, and dragged them inside the door of the hidden carport. Inside, the men were quickly bound and gagged and wrapped in rugs so they could not see anything. The rugs were also bound and thrown into the trunk of a small pickup truck that was parked behind the manor.


A telegraph was immediately wired to Don Vito Barlucchi

To: Vito Barlucchi
Re: Your son

Your son's friend expressed ill thoughts of the late Jack Mackenzie. Stop. Many people were offended. Stop. Reliable source indicates he and your son may have been kidnapped. Stop. Have initiated own lines of inquiry. Stop. All measures are being taken to insure his safety. Stop.

Your faithful servant
-Ryan M. Callahan

The rug was cut open and Carlo Barlucchi was tossed onto the couch. The room had no windows. "Sorry about the handling son, but you hurt a great many feelings back there." A large man with short black hair, wearing a suit, stood above him. The man took off his suit coat and rolled up his sleeves. Several men sat around the room. On the desk table was an open physicians suitcase with several brass surgical tools strewn across the table. "You northerners haven't a notion of decency. You never speak ill of someone who is dead, especially in front of his wife and kids. If I had my way, you'd be cut up into tiny pieces and fed to the gators. But thats not how it is." he took off the gag. "Can I untie you and trust you won't try to do anything foolish like try to escape?"



OOC: I was under the impression this was in private between the mayor and the Union members. I can work with this situation but I will need to extend Don Vito’s life span by a few more years….


IC:



The message would have taken three days to reach the Don Vito Barlucchi in New York. He was currently away on business in Chicago. The Dons of Chicago had long been sort of outcaste by the Commission of New York. The infamous Don Barlucchi had always made deals and talked to other underworld leaders across the country to expand his influence. This policy had even carried to the outcaste commission known as the outfit. The old man would in three days learn of his son’s fate down south in New Bedham…


Carlo and Antonio were not surprised by their sudden predicament. They realized they had crossed a line but Antonio defiantly said, “Why should we be afraid of you? You should be afraid of us, We have friends you could not even imagine.”


Carlo looked his friend over and said, “Shut up Antonio, We are in this stupid situation because you could not keep your damn mouth shut.”

Antonio was silent as his boss glared at him with a steely gaze. Carlo then looked at the man and said, “you have my word we will not try to escape. I would just like to ask that if you plan to kill me that you at least give my body back to my father for a decent burial.”

OOC: In hindsight, I realize it was very confusing. What happened was the mayor saw that there were several new/important people in town and he wanted to be seen with them/give them the opportunity to be seen with them. I was thinking afterwards they could talk about it. Sorry it wasn't clearer.

IC: The man walked over and uncut Carlo's bonds. "I'm tempted to remove your friend's jaw, but then I could lose my job." The man sighed. "You feelin' ok? It looks like you really got hit hard. Sorry 'bout that. Need some ice? I also got some bourbon..."

Carlo got up and said in his best tough guy voice, “I am alright, I am just disappointed that in the outcome of our meeting with the Mayor. I mean my father is going to be very displeased with the whole situation. He may even hold me responsible for this mess. That could mean my death sentence or his.”

Carlo looked at his friend sadly and added, “So, What’s the Mayor have planned for me and my friend?”


Antonio looked frightened for the first time in the whole meeting. The idea of Don Vito Barlucchi ordering his death had him shaking in his bonds….

Carlo looked at his friend sadly and added, “So, What’s the Mayor have planned for me and my friend?”


The man smiled. "Negotiations." The man said, lighting a cigarette. "For the time being, you and your friend are to be kept reasonably comfortable. If all goes well, I won't need those." He motioned to the tools on the table.

It was late afternoon, the weather was hot and muggy but a cool breeze blew in downed windows of a White and black 1930 Packard Club Sedan that drove down a nearly deserted road in New Bedham. Dominick Biondo, an Italian American agent working for the treasury dept. sat in the drivers seat puffing on a ciggerette listening to the radio, his eyes were becomming heavy due to the long drive from Chicago..

Jesus...i need to find a hotel.. he thought...

After drving for a little white longer he seen small motel along the stretch of road he was currently on, Dominick turned into the parking lot and pulled up to the front door. The federal agent got out of the car dressed in a nice white suit wearing a matching fedora which he pulled further down over his eyes to block the sun as he went in to rent a room.

"Yeah, id like to rent a room for the night" He said to the person working the desk..

Dom looked around at the hotels office, it was shabby but would do for acouple hours of shut eye...

"Name?" The clerk replyed..

"Dominick Biondo"

The clerk rang him up then removed a key from the back wall setting it on the table, Dom payed the money and picked up his key...

"Thank you!"

Dom walked over to a coffee pot and started to make a cup for himself, he seen a newspaper sitting on a table by some chairs in the corner and nodded while thinking to himself...

Well...not too, too bad...

Once his coffee was done, he poured his cup adding two sugar and some cream while having a seat looking at the paper.......

OOC:
Biondo's 1930 Packard Club Sedan
http://www.classiccarclub.org/images/1930%20Packard%20Club%20Sedan.jpg

Armando, a tall, dark olive-skinned man with fairly long black hair walked in, followed by two men of Mediterranean descent and a dark skinned man of Carribean descent entered the hotel. The hotel clerk looked up and his face lost all of its color.

"Money?" Asked Armando

The man lifted up a briefcase, and behind it, he held a small revolver. Armando put his hands on the briefcase, opened it quickly, content to see the money. He then slammed the lid shut, and smiled upon seeing the revolver pointed at his face. He quickly grabbed the man's arm and pulled it away from himself and over the counter. He then reached with his lanky arms and grabbed the coffee pot and dumped the contents onto the clerk's arm. The man screamed and dropped the revolver and Armando kicked it away. Armando's crew drew their weapons and Armando slammed the man's head against the counter. The Kamaican man reached over the counter and removed the cash box while Armando continued to slam the man's face against the counter until several bits of tooth lay on the counter. "Be back next week. Have double." Armando yelled as he tore out the door.

OOC: I am fast forwarding the Don's response....


Don Vito Barlucchi read the telegram and did not show an ounce of emotion. Don Vito had learned early not to show anger. He kept his aura of business like coldness and sent his response in the form of his Under boss Emilio Stracei. Emilio was the Don’s right hand man and best caporegime, He was a tall man with black hair and had a tan skin. His eyes were green and he had a group of thugs with him at all times.

Emilio was ordered to drive down to New Bedham to meet with Mayor Ryan to discuss this rather tragic situation. Emilio was with his entire regime a group of thirty five thugs armed with Thompson submachine guns or choppers as their street name called them. They drove in several Packard Club Sedans and headed from New York towards New Bedham with orders to meet the Mayor.







Carlo looked the man dead in the eyes and smiled in a cold way and said, “I hope that it does not come down to that my friend. If you harm me you and your family may find out how we do things in New York. I would hate to be the reason why you were found in a shallow ditch covered with bullet holes.”

Carlo looked at the man firmly to show him he meant what he said. In New York if you cross the Commission you faced the consequences. They usually tended to be fatal when someone messed with a made man.

Dom watched the men rob the clerk and sat there reading his paper, it was no good to hop up and pull his own gun out because he had no cover and would get shot down instantly, the men were robbing the hotel had payed no mind to him sitting there, when the men had what they wanted and began to leave he heard the one who seemed to be the leader..

Be back next week. Have double!

Dom knew that they were collecting protection money....

Uhh..well..here we go.. he said to himself..

He neatly set the paper back on the table folding it over then walked out the door following the men, he knew they were armed but decided to play it cool, he unbuttoned the strap under his arm holding the Colt.45 in the holster and stood in the doorway lighting a cigerette....

"Hey now! that wasn't very nice ay, boys?"

"I see you like to play rough!...well..?"

He nodded his head upwards...

Dom stood in the doorway smoking his cigerette. Biondo was often mistaken for a made man or mafia figure himself because of his class and smart ass additude, he was very understanding and patient aswell.....always staying calm and never loosing his temper..those were the kind of men that one should worry about.

“I hope that it does not come down to that my friend. If you harm me you and your family may find out how we do things in New York. I would hate to be the reason why you were found in a shallow ditch covered with bullet holes.”

"Son, I can guarantee you most everyone in this town would rather be in a shallow grave before they bend for you. You can't just threaten us and expect us to work for you."

(OOC: Not sure how this is going to play out chronolgically. The Mayor is, in RL time, still at the plantation, but for now he is out somewhere handling business. The men will be met by the deputy mayor)

IC: Deputy Mayor Gaertner stood in his office and watched the fleet of cars pulling down the main drag. He was indeed nervous, but smiled to himself. They are, after all, fighting on our turf. He stepped outside the office, lighting a cigarrette as he made his way towards the main doors.

"He want to play cowboy man?" The big Carribean man asked, nodding back to the man standing in the doorway. "Ignore him. Probably some Sicilian prick think he owns the hotel." The crew continued walking, ignoring Dom.

"He want to play cowboy man?" The big Carribean man asked, nodding back to the man standing in the doorway. "Ignore him. Probably some Sicilian prick think he owns the hotel." The crew continued walking, ignoring Dom.

Dom laughed and shouted out,

"Ok, ok! ..."

He stepped outside into the sun from the doorway,

"Ok!...you gentleman must not have understood me or somthin' there was no need to be rude..but.....do i need to rephrase what i asked so you? you dumb lookin' smelly mother fuckers understand the words that are comming out of my mouth?"

He spit on the ground and stood there waiting for their reaction to his insults, Dom's adrenilline started to rush and an evil look crossed his face, did he love a good fight or what.....

"What? im right here! you boys like to play rough? rough me up you bunch of yellow bellys!"

The group of men just kept walking and then entered a small door with a sign above that read "Mack's pub".

The group of men just kept walking and then entered a small door with a sign above that read "Mack's pub".

Dom watched the men stroll into the pub,

Ahh fuck! this just became difficult.. he thought...

He rushed back into the hotel and helped the clerk to a chair, after picking up the revolver and stuffing it in his suit jacket pocket Dominick headed down the street on foot, then rounded the bend going around the back of the building....

Why's this type of shit always have to happen to me...god damn it..can't get no sleep..can't read the paper...fuckin' degenerate assholes...

He tossed his cigerette on the ground and took a deep breath, before he tryed to open the door he stoped..

They don't know im a FED...but if i walk through that front door they might even shoot me.if i come this way..they will shoot me for sure....front it is..

Biondo walked around the side of the pub and walked in through the front door.......

Mack's pub was unusual. Mack couldn't afford the rent for the building his pub occupied. Ultimately, his gambling problem delved him into deeper debt, and this situation was remedied by Mack renting the entire first floor of the pub as warehouse storage and using the small loft above as his pub. There was a ladder permanantly fixed for those who were coming and a sharp drop and a stack of hay for those going. Mack also took to helping Armando, who usually made his severe debts disappear...

Dom was suddenly doused in hot tar. As he stumbled around blindly, large clumps of chicken feathers were thrown at the man by the drunken patrons who laughed as the man in the fancy suit staggered around.

Deputy Mayor Gaertner stood in his office and watched the fleet of cars pulling down the main drag. He was indeed nervous, but smiled to himself. They are, after all, fighting on our turf. He stepped outside the office, lighting a cigarette as he made his way towards the main doors.


Under Boss Emilio stepped out of the car and was followed by two other thugs. They all were big an Italian dressed in large coats and holding their choppers in ready positions. Emilio walked up towards the man that was coming towards them. He held his hands up to show he was unarmed and headed towards the well dressed man.

Emillio was going to talk to Deputy Mayor Gaertner and “convince” him to talk to him at a nearby bar about an hour drive from the Mayor’s estate. The bar was already empty thanks to the efforts of several key regime members. They had waved a little money in the owners face and told him to shut down for the rest of the day. They also got his permission to use his place to hold a private meeting….





************************************************************************************


Carlo breathed calmly and replied, “Only a brave man or a fool would say such things and mean them. I would have preferred to make a reasonable deal with the mayor. We merely wanted to start some rackets down here and get start some drug routes through the docks. We would have even given the Mayor a sizeable cut of the take. If he provided protection from the cops and allowed us some autonomy. I fear my father will not be so generous.”

Emillio was going to talk to Deputy Mayor Gaertner and “convince” him to talk to him at a nearby bar about an hour drive from the Mayor’s residents. The bar was already empty thanks to the efforts of several key regime members. They had waved a little money in the owners face and told him to shut down for the rest of the day. They also got his permission to use his place to hold a private meeting….

"Welcome to our fair town, Mr. 'Under Boss' Emilio Stracei." The deputy mayor leaned against the doorway, calmly speaking. He looked the man in the eyes and dropped the cool act, appearing with an expression of grave concern. "I suppose its pointless to introduce myself, so we shall get down to business. The police department is searching night and day, as is a volunteer coalition of citizens. And the mayor's office has initiated its own line of inquiry at great personal expense. Is there anything we can do to ease you in this time of uncertainty?"





Carlo breathed calmly and replied, “Only a brave man or a fool would say such things and mean them. I would have preferred to make a reasonable deal with the mayor. We merely wanted to start some rackets down here and get start some drug routes through the docks. We would have even given the Mayor a sizeable cut of the take. If he provided protection from the cops and allowed us some autonomy. I fear my father will not be so generous.”

"Son, the only thing hurtin' now is your ego. Its up to your father's infinite wisdom whether you walk out of here with a briefcase of money or someone else walks out of here with a briefcase full of you."

Mack's pub was unusual. Mack couldn't afford the rent for the building his pub occupied. Ultimately, his gambling problem delved him into deeper debt, and this situation was remedied by Mack renting the entire first floor of the pub as warehouse storage and using the small loft above as his pub. There was a ladder permanantly fixed for those who were coming and a sharp drop and a stack of hay for those going. Mack also took to helping Armando, who usually made his severe debts disappear...

Dom was suddenly doused in hot tar. As he stumbled around blindly, large clumps of chicken feathers were thrown at the man by the drunken patrons who laughed as the man in the fancy suit staggered around.

Dom stumbled around cursing and swearing, he fell backwards through the open door and crawled to his feet, he could barely see brushing his fedora off as he made way to the Packard in the hotel parking lot. After tripping and falling 2-3 times he finally made it to the car,

"This shits hott! and you fucked up my suit! you assholes! FUCK!"

Dom pulled off his suit jacket quickly pulling the holster off, then his vest and shirt came off also hitting the ground beside the other articles of clothing after wiping his face off with the inside...

Damn you Dominick...you screwed up this time He said to himself..

He took the .45 out of the holster and stuck it in the back of his pants, his badge was in his trouser pockets along with some other random items. Biondo walked back towards the pub remaining calm and relaxed, although he had just been made a fool of, this time he decided to take a different approach..

Dominick strolled around the side of the pub and picked up a large metal barrel then made his way back around front, lifting the barrel over his head he threw it right through the large window in the front of the pub..

**SMAAAAAASHHH**

"How you like that! huh? better get that fixed ay!"

Dominick stood there with a grin on his face quite pleased at his counter actions towards the men who got a laugh at his expence, he then turned around and headed back towards the hotel...it was pointless to keep this up because he knew it would result in failure and he wasn't here to pick on the common thugs of the area...Dom would see them again, thats when he would get his vengence..

Maybe this isn't such a good hotel to stay at anymore..

He sighed but then somthing caught his eye laying on the side of the hotel, a small wooden crate with a red maple leaf on it..

Canadian wiskey?

He walked over and stared down at the crate...he had seen many of these in Chicago, illegal liquer was being brought in here too?

He glanced back over at the pub to ensure no one was comming for him after the window inncident, he had a feeling that those men knew somthing about this crate.....

However...

Dom walked over to his suit which was tared and featherd removing his room key and the clerks revolver, he kicked the jacket, shirt and vest aside...his now black fedora lay in the middle of the road,

Fuck this..they want me..they can come and get me..

Dom opened his trunk and took out a black box which he held close, he stopped at his hotel room door and pushed it open carrying the box inside he placed it on the bed. After he brought in a new suit hanging it in the closet he returned the clerks pistol and got the spare room key from him incase anyone wanted to come by and get in his room.

After a shower Dominick changed into some different clothes, he layed out a shirt, tie and jacket for a grey suit then dropped on the bed....as he went to sleep he mumbled to himself..

I dare you fuckers..come in here..i'll kill you..messed my suit..god damn....ignorant..

As he fell asleep he thought carefully about how he was going to take care of this 'situation', now that he found that crate..the whole situation had changed...he couldn't call for backup either because this was a 'quiet' operation and he didn't want to blow his cover this early in the investigation.

Emilio smiled like a man that had met a long lost friend. He even embraced the Deputy Mayor in a warm hug and whispered into his right ear, “My friend, I would like to talk to you in a more private area. I have rented out a nice Bar about an hour’s drive from here. I will leave a friend of mine here to ensure your safety. The Don is pissed and wants this little situation resolved quickly.”

Emilio broke the embrace and looked chest fallen and said in a sympathetic tone, “My Employer, is most upset about the disappearance of his beloved son Carlo. He would like to extend his thanks to the Mayor and the police of New Bedham for their heroic effort in finding of Mr. Vito Barlucchi’s son.”


*******************************************************************

Carlo sighed and added, "We could do this all day. I suggest we just quit now and avoid wanting to kill each other until we have to."

Emilio smiled like a man that had met a long lost friend. He even embraced the Deputy Mayor in a warm hug and whispered into his right ear, “My friend, I would like to talk to you in a more private area. I have rented out a nice Bar about an hour’s drive from here. I will leave a friend of mine here to ensure your safety. The Don is pissed and wants this little situation resolved quickly.”

Emilio broke the embrace and looked chest fallen and said in a sympathetic tone, “My Employer, is most upset about the disappearance of his beloved son Carlo. He would like to extend his thanks to the Mayor and the police of New Bedham for their heroic effort in finding of Mr. Vito Barlucchi’s son.”


*******************************************************************

Carlo sighed and added, "We could do this all day. I suggest we just quit now and avoid wanting to kill each other until we have to."


The Deputy Mayor faced the Underboss with a severe look on his face, one that could pass off as intense concern. It even seemed to have a trace of pity. "Very well. Let's continue this discussion at your venue of choice, but I have only one stipulation. I must be taken to the post office before five o'clock this afternoon. It is of the utmost importance."

***

The man chuckled. "The more you talk, the more I pray I don't have to kill you. You've got balls, kid."

OOC: What's happened since my last post?

OOC: Mafia guys crash the picnic, get kidnapped. More heavily armed thugs sent to negotiate. A fed came into town and got tarred and feathered.

OOC: Is the picinic still going on? I'm trying to find a place to put my guy back in

OOC: Everything is a little anachronistic, but yes, the Mayor is still at the picnic. Its just that after the mobsters made their little speech, the mayor's horses were released as a distraction for his goons to grab them. People are leaving it now.

OOC: Okay

The picnic turned out to be more eventful that Cobaly believed it would be. As he stood over the tables filled with food, he saw some blueberry pie, remembering what Conner asked of him he promptly picked up a slice, examined it, and bolted it down his throat. He drank a glass of water and ate some other things, all the while he chatted with several important people and shared a few good laughs. All of a sudden the horses sprang loose which was quite exciting. He and a few men made a bet to see which one would be the last to be captured, Cobalt lost the bet but he didn't let it damage him so he laughed it off. After sneaking behind a shed and taking a few swigs of his flask he reemerged to see that people were beginning to leave. He saw Callahan stomping around, barking orders with his face red.
"What's got you all steamed up?" he asked, approaching the mayor.

The mayor calmed immediately and faced Cobalt, smiling slightly. "Those olive oil pricks saw fit to make several rude and slightly incriminating comments about the deceased party." In the background, tires squeeled and a pickup truck coud be seen driving along the road by the lake. "I hope you have had an enjoyable time here." He said, smiling more.

Cobalt stood there a bit suspicious of Callahan. The Italians were at the picnic and it appeared as though they tried to throw their weight around which obviously failed. Only trouble would result from all of this.
"Well, I doubt they learned their lesson" he admitted "They'll be back and in a big way" Cobalt added, putting a bit of suspense into it, hoping it will stick.

Kurt watched everyone start to leave and wondered what the hell was going on.

OOC:I am compleatly confused. What should I do with Kurt?

Bump

Emilio then added in his whispering voice, “Okay time to go. I have already ordered Lono here to stay here as collateral for your save and secure return.”

Emilio pointed to one of the mobster whom was armed with a chopper and had curly brown hair. The mobster known as Lono walked up and asked, “You ready to go boss?"

The mafia Under Boss nodded to his soldier and started to walk away from the Deputy Mayor and headed towards the cars. He looked over his shoulder to make sure the Deputy Mayor was following…


************************************************************




Carlo grinned and replied, “They seem to come with the territory when you join the family. I would hate for it come down to war. I think the last thing this place needs is a turf war between the Commission and the Mayor. It would leave bodies all over the streets of New Bedham and maybe a few in New York.”


Antonio continued to look around and added, “I wonder what the Don has planned? He is not known for being kind to those that cross him.”

"Sorry about this affair. Those ruffians had the nerve to try and ruin this affair." The Mayor approached Kurt. "Now listen, I want to assure you that I'm going to see that everything stays the same as it was with Mackenzie. My boys noticed you didn't have much going on in your drydocks. I've got some valuable cargo coming in, and it would save me a lot of time if I could move it through them. How dies fifteen percent sound?"

***

The deputy mayor followed behind the under boss, keeping his hands visible. He smiled, nodding at the armed thug. How much of this town they think they can take? He thought, privately.

OOC: I am going to take the liberty of face forwarding the ride to the Bar...

IC:


Emilio Stracei had one of his thugs open the door for the Deputy Mayor up in the shotgun seat. The driver would be Emilio Stracei himself and two thugs would sit behind them.

In about an hours time of driving from the estate they would reach Hagen’s Restaurant. It was a well known watering hole for thugs and other less desirable characters. This place was officially owned by a down on his luck German American named Thomas Hagen. His place was constantly being extorted by local thugs and he had a huge gambling debt that left him the target of many loan sharks.


Thomas was a man that was close to losing his residents and his business thanks to his lack of ability to pay his debts. He however managed to make some friends last night and they paid him a considerable amount of money to takeover his place.

These gentlemen men came in with their black dress suites and made an offer Hagen could not refused. He would work for a Mr. Vito Barlucchi whom had based his business Empire in New York and Hagen only had to pay twenty five percent of his earnings to the Don.

In return the local extortionists and loan sharks would receive only one warning to stay away from Hagen. If they continued to harass the German for their cut of his take. The Barlucchi family would return the favor….

This would become the Barlucchis’ base of operations in New Bedham and they even had a basement to discuss Business in private. It was a perfect place to speak to the Deputy Mayor in private and away from unwanted ears….


The hoodlums and thugs that once controlled this place had been removed by Emilio’s men. The Bar for once looked like it was holding reputable characters but these characters were all members of the Barlucchi crime family. The sign on the entrance said closed and Hagen was outside waiting for his benefactor to return.

Thomas Hagen walked up to Emilio’s car and said, “I have the basement set up like you wanted.”

Emilio got out of the car and smiled his slick Italian smile and replied, “You have done well Thomas. I expect that you stay upstairs during our meeting and remember tell no one about us.”

Hagen nodded and backed away towards the entrance and opened up his bar. He held it open for Emilio and his well dressed thugs…..

OOC: Hagen is a German name, for what its worth

IC:

The Deputy Mayor followed the thugs into the basement. "I am by nature a direct person, so if you'll forgive my pretension, but what is it you want in this city? I know you want more than the Don's son and lawyer back, and I want to know what it is so that we may better understand each other and reestablish order like when Mackenzie was still alive."

OOC: Darn! I forgot to use the correct nationality, I will edit my post above.

IC:


Emilio was silent until he reached the basement and took a seat at the head of a nice rectangular table in the middle of the basement. Emilio’s men also began to sit down in their own chairs around the table. They left the other end of the table open for the Deputy Mayor.

Emilio replied as the Deputy Mayor took his seat, “The Don Vito Barlucchi does not want another Mackenzie. Mr. Mackenzie kept us out of New Bedham by giving us a small percentage of the take and by killing our boys if they caused trouble for his operation inside this city. The Mayor does not have the muscle Mackenzie had and as such, He could never provide our cut in the take or successfully fight us out of here. We are now here to protect our interests in this part of the country and possibly expand our profits in this city.”

OOC: In the movie "Godfather", Hagen was Irish on his mother's side, and I can't remember if he was in the book. What I do remember was another mafia family called him Irish and he corrected them by saying he was German, a nd Michael said that the fact he wasn't Sicilian and was an consiglieri made him as bad as the Irish. In case you care.

IC:

The underboss's response made the deputy mayor jump slightly, but he regained his cool. "Our first order of business should be clearing up what you want in this city. What interests do you have in this part of the country that require protection? And what profits do you wish to bring to this city? The mayor's office is pretty heavily invested in this city. Mackenzie always compared this city to a pie. Mackenzie baked this pie, but he's no longer around to claim his share, so we are willing to split it up, but we will give you none of our piece."

OOC: I must have gotten confused with that Irish comment and mixed it up in my reference.


IC:

Emilio’s men snickered at the Deputy Mayor when he jumped. Emilio however kept his face serious and composed. He looked at the Deputy Mayor and listened to his response and considered its implications. The Barlucchi family could work with the Mayor to gain protection from the local police and maybe even the local G-men that had a habit of investigating the Barlucchi’s interests.


Emilio finally replied, “The Barlucchi family does not want to interfere with your business. We merely want to expand our own business with the absence of Mackenzie.

We could use your influence over the cops with our extortion rackets. We also want to start to some numbers games and some book operations. We also want to make connections with the local Union bosses.


We currently control this place and some warehouses but we want to expand into town and start some speakeasies up. We also have some friends up north that will send us some booze for our joints down here. We need the heat off our backs to receive these shipments.”

"A book operation is perfectly acceptable. The Mayor's office is planning a venture into a riverboat casino. We are willing to offer you points in this operation, if you will help us persuade the shipbuilders to undertake this operation with due speed. As for your extortion rackets, well, we feel you are a bit heavy handed with your methods, and we do not want to have innocent blood on our hands. We are willing, however, to initially allow you to wet your beaks in 20% of the city without any police harrasment. If you keep your noses clean, we will double it, with room for negotiations afterwards. As for the speakeasies, well, the mayor owns a brewery in Canada and a distillery in Mexico, so we can supply you with all the liquor you could ever need. We would be willing to fold our speakeasies, so long as we could keep our pharmacies and you bought liquor exclusively from us."

Emilio smiled and thought, “This is perfect, if the mayor can be reasoned with. It will mean that we will not need to initiate a turf war for the city.” Emilio sat back and looked like he was thinking about the offer. He breathed a long sigh and said, “Your proposal is acceptable. The Barlucchi Family believes in helping out friends. If the Mayor’s office needs help with dealing with shipbuilders, we shall give them an offer they cannot refuse.

Your 20% percent offer on police protection in the city is acceptable. We will try to make our operations less noticeable to the public. The Don will be pleased to take over your speakeasies and we will gladly pay for your exclusive booze and we shall leave you your brothels and your pharmacies. I hope this arrangement will be suitable for the Mayor and his office.”

"I am absolutely certain that the mayor can be reasoned with. Let's return to the offices so that we may finalize business." The Deputy mayor said, rising to his feet.

Emilio scooted back from his chair and got up. His men all followed his lead and rose to their feet. Emilio replied, “I guess we should get back to the offices. We need to pick up Lono and find Don Vito Barlucchi’s son. He is highly concerned about the whereabouts of his son. He also wants Antonio dealt with for insulting Mackenzie in front of the public. I mean how stupid could he be to speak business in front of civilians?”

Emilio and his thugs gather their guns and head out of the basement toward their cars. Four of them stay behind to watch the fort while the others head out…

OOC: Assume the deputy mayor got back to his offices ok...

IC:

The black haired man had stepped out of the room when the phone rang, leaving two other men to watch. After his deep voice could be heard conversing in a hushed voice, the man appeared at the door. He walked in and undid the lawyer's restraints. He looked at Carlo and motioned him to follow. "I'm going to need you to wear this." He handed Carlo a blindfold.

Inside the room, the first man pulled down Antonio's suit coat so that he couldn't move his arms, while the second punched him in the face several times and then kicked him in the groin repeatedly, until he fell to the floor. The second man kicked him in the ribs when he tried to stand up while the first one knelt down and undid Antonio's tie and then pulled it tightly around his neck. "Don't resist." The first one said, "Or I'll have to use these." He said picking up the surgical impliments.

OOC: The Barlucchi Family would not kill a negotiator. It would hurt their reputation and get their hostage Lono killed. They would promptly return the Deputy Mayor and collect Lono…

IC:


Carlo looked at his blindfold sighed and put it on. He did not try to show any sign of fear. He wanted to maintain his image of respect knowing it was his best defense in this place. Carlo could not see anything but he could hear noises. He heard his friend’s beating in the other room but said nothing.

Carlo listened to his friend but decided not to take it personal. It was just business he kept telling himself. The Family probably refused to pay up for Antonio because of his stupidity and left him to his own devices. This kind of thinking made Carlo shiver for a second but he quickly regain his composure and hardened up again.

************************************************************
Antonio was much smaller than his friend and was not much in the muscle department of the business. He was hit hard and his thin frame could not take too much of an intense beating. The little man cursed in a choked voice and wheezed out, “I am looking at two dead men! I bet your bodies are going under the docks by tomorrow morning.”

Antonio then saw the surgical equipment and started to cower as his assailants continued their assault on him.

After being led through several halls and back into a car, Carlo was driven around the city, taken on deliberately long and circular routes before he was led into a building and forced to sit down on the stool, in a nearly-empty diner. The two men walked out the door, and the waitress walked up to Carlo. "Those two guys who dropped you off said its ok to take the blindfold off. They also told me to get you a cab and something to eat if you like..." She giggled slightly at the situation.

***

Several hours later, Antonio's body was in the back of a boat going down river and out to stream. It was a sickening pale color except for bruises on his face and bruises and scratch marks around his throat. His fingernails had trails of his own blood. It was wrapped in a carpet and several lead weights were tied around it and it was unceremoniously dropped into the ocean.