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* One week later…*
Sometimes They Come Back
(Attn: Blunt)
Virgil hopped a plane straight back to LA after taking a day to think about things. He would catch up with Othello over the phone once he got home and let the big guy know what had gone down. He was anxious to see Natalie, their reunions were always fun. A phone call from Coldstone’s airport got the answering machine but that didn’t worry him. She was probably at the studio, doing a shoot. Later that evening he arrived at LAX one tired man. Feeling grungy and wanting a shower only slightly less than he wanted to see his girl, he washed up and then headed for a payphone. The phone rang and rang but no one picked up. Concern started to creep in around the edges of his psyche but he dismissed it. A short taxi ride later and he was home.
All of the lights were out save for one in the living room. That in and of itself was not unusual but something was wrong. He learned long ago to trust his instincts and so entered the living room cautiously. His guns were still in Vegas so all he had were his hands but those were often enough. His eyes practically flew out of his head when he saw Natalie bound to a chair with a stain covering her blouse. Without thinking he moved to her and was relieved to see that her chest rose and fell and that the stain was some sort of paint. Then he saw the note. It said simply, “Next time it will be for real. 555-6398”. He pocketed it and untied his lady. Once she was moved to the couch he tried to wake her. It was evident that she had been drugged. A phone call to his personal physician was his first course of action. The man knew to keep his mouth shut and Virgil’s instincts again spoke telling him to keep this one quiet. While the doctor tended to his patient, Virgil called the number. It rang and a machine picked up. “Mr. Abrizza, you are familiar with a Marty Klein. We know you were with him in his final hours. You must know where the money is. Please call this number in two days time and let us know. I don’t have to tell you what will happen if we are disappointed with your answer.” Virgil had no clue what the man was talking about but it was time to find out.
Questions
(Attn: Ryan, Dan L.)
They found Dewey in the hospital. He had been shot twice and was in bad shape at first but he pulled through surgery. He looked at his team from his recovery bed. “I’m gonna be laid up for a few days here but I want you guys pounding the pavement. There’s a force moving here that isn’t related to either the Italians or the Japanese. I’m not sure what it is but I want you to find out so that we’re the ones in the know for a change. I’m sick and tired of being blindsided.” With these orders given he began coughing and the duty nurse shooed them out. Time to find out what or whom Dewey was talking about. If anyone could find out what was behind this it was these two men.
Reassignment
(Attn: Rath)
One of Pantuso’s contacts let him know that things were really coming unglued out in Vegas. A lot of underworld forces seemed to be converging there. His editor OK’d the plane ticket and told him to come back with something huge.
Restoration
(Attn: Flyers)
McClure was called into his superior’s office. His badge and gun sat on the desk. “Someone pulled some strings for you. I got a call from Senator Kelly and he requested that you be reinstated. You have one shot. Go to Vegas and bring back the head of DiVialoso on a platter. Our source tells us he will be overseeing operations down there. Don’t screw this up. You do POTUS himself won’t be able to save you.” A short plane ride later and he found himself in Sin City.
The Hunt
(Attn: Maggot, Burke)
Wesley received another call from Avery not long after he was called off. The police had connected whoever blew up the Tiger with the assassination of the Mayor. Someone was dogging the killer’s steps. He decided to send Wesley to Vegas to see if he could hurt the Mafia’s operations there while things cooled off in Coldstone.
–
Maria experienced dead end after dead end in her search for Wesley. It was then that she got a call. “The man is returning to Vegas. Come back and you will have your chance.” Frustration and anger brought her desire for revenge to the boiling point, but she had no choice. Back west she flew.
Grapevine
(Attn: Voltes)
Ray heard through unofficial channels that Redman would be moving on. Did this mean that he would lose his chance? He needed to act quickly or the opportunity might slip away.
Errand Boy
(Attn: Logan)
Lio was not accustomed to playing the waiting game. His skills made him into a deadly weapon and times like this could dull him. But his orders were clear and he would see that the Family’s interests were taken care of. He would find out who was at the bottom of the troubles in Vegas and then he could show his true colors.
Changes in Latitude
(Attn: Poxy)
Vallone has taken over family operations and his first move was to fire Othello. The thought of killing him had crossed the man’s mind but the Negro was an insect to be ignored. He needed someone on Vegas that could be trusted, so he decided to send DiVialoso down there per Tobiasi’s recommendation. Just to make certain that things would go as he wanted he made sure to send a brace of his own men with the Jester to act as “bodyguards”.
Security Detail
(Attn: Ego, Hawk)
Things have settled down a bit since Dahl’s return and the revamping of Casino security has begun. Four days into it Barkov meets with Veretta. “I regret to inform you that Mr. Redman will be leaving at the end of the week. They will be sending someone out to replace him. The new management will be keeping you on per your current contract, if you so desire. That is your decision.” He and Dahl had a few days to decide.
Changes In Latitude
“Bright light city gonna set my soul…”
Even with the headphones on, the music from Paulie’s Discman can be heard throughout the cabin of the private jet flying Paulie and his crew down to Las Vegas. Which doesn’t really matter, because the Jester is singing along at the top of his lungs.
“There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there…”
The black-suited mooks Vallone has sent along as company exchange wearly glances at one another, but Paulie remains oblivious.
“And I’m just the devil with love to spare…”
One of them mooks locks eyes with Paulie and opens his mouth to speak.
“VIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA LAS VEGAS!!!” Paulie roars, eyes shut tight in almost orgasmic glee.
“Mr. diVialoso!” the lead mook shouts, arms crossed. Paulie takes off the headphones and offers them to him. “You wanna listen?”
“We’ll be landing in Las Vegas soon.”
“Yeah, I know, that’s why I’m singin’ the song,” Paulie replies, turning to the mook right next to him. “Little slow on the uptake, ain’t he?”
“I just thought it might be prudent to go over a few things before we arrive.”
“Look,” Paulie says, shutting of the player and setting it aside, “I know you guys are here just as much to keep an eye on me for Vallone as you are to protect me. And I ain’t got a problem with that – the last guy fucked things up and I ain’t exactly a proven commodity when it comes to these things.” He suddenly reaches out and grabs the man by his tie, twisting it tight around his fist and pulling him close. “But I am still the fuckin’ boss, so if you’re gonna play the part, fuckin’ play it.” He lets go, the man letting out a gasp as the tie loosens.
Paulie sits back and grins. “Listen, it ain’t gotta be like this. I’ve been damn good to this family – and damn good to those who’ve been damn good to me, if you get my meanin’. I know you guys got a job to do. Let’s just say you don’t give me anythin’ to worry about, I won’t give you – or Vallone – anythin’ to worry about. And together we can all make some nice cash.”
Paulie puts the headphones back on. "Now let me know when we actually land, okay?
“VIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA LAS VEGAS!!!”
Moving Day
(Attn: Capteucalyptus)
When he got the letter from the Casino’s holding company he wasn’t surprised. Frank had done him the favor of calling with the news of Roman’s death. Othello was always good at reading between the lines. He had already started to put things in order. Tima and Marcy would be staying on for the transition and permanently unless Paulie was an idiot or they had some “Familiy” coming in. Foxy would be going with him, especially in light of the recent attempt on her life. She refused to go anywhere but they had sent the baby to her grandparents for a while. JJ was on his own, by his choice.
They had a nice little ranch/compound outside the city and plenty of money in savings so life would be easy. He would miss the place though that was for sure.
A secret panel opened in the suite’s wall revealing a large safe. He removed the black longcoat that had been his constant companion and put it in a crate. Next he removed a long package wrapped in silk first then oilcloth. Roman had entrusted his katana to Othello before the doors of Granite Hill beckoned. He had promised the man that he would take good care of it. He guessed now that it would always be his. There was a good place for it over his mantle at home. A few other things came out of the safe, including the .45, and he secured those in the crate before locking it and moving to the elevator.
He looked back at the suite and decided that just maybe he wouldn’t miss it after all. Life had never been boring and something told him that this was just the beginning.
Sometimes they come back
The bedroom is plunged in total darkness. Natalie is sound asleep in the bed, recovering from the drugs and the shock of the traumatic event she has gone through. Virgil lays watch over her, sitting across the bed in a chair, holding is head in his hands. He’s still reeling from the shock he felt when he discovered Natalie and thought her dead. Never does he want to see something like that again. But, for one of the first times in his life, he’s stumped. He has no idea what those guys want, of what they are talking about. Klein was merely a target, and as such Virgil had very little contact with him, never exchanging more than a few words of small talk before passing judgement. And a phone call to Nicky and Petey hasn’t got any results, they both only knew him for what he had done to their sister.
The iron grip of fear seizes Virgil’s heart. Fear that he may lose all that he has struggled so hard to build. Perhaps a visit to the place where Klein is buried might lead to some clues. For now, Virgil stands up and goes over to the phone, decided to call Othello and inform him that he carried out his assignment and of his current situation.
(No Man’s) Errand Boy
Perhaps a bit of tension had indeed crept up on the usually cool assassin. This would by no means affect his outward appearance, or the perfection with which he tailored all assignments. But in the private recesses of his mind, Lio Leo had to acknowledge the subtle appearance of frustration.
His aspiration to join Carvaggio had evaporated. His quest to protect Othello Redman, pointless. Again he was under the palm of the pompous Anton Vallone. He had spent the last two weeks coming and going…
A pawn following pawns.
As he parked an unmarked car outside the Savannah, he was struck by something odd. His gloved hands were still tightly gripping the wheel. Perhaps a sign that his neatly tucked-away emotions were rising to the top?
For now, he would bide his time until the next puppet became available. A man once called “The Jester”…
Grapevine
(Attn: Voltes)
Ray is sitting in his dressing room getting ready for his first show when he hears a knock. It’s none other than Othello Redman.
He looks as sheepish as a man that menacing has any right as he speaks. “Ray. I never did get a chance to thank you in person. Life has been a little hectic for me. You’ve probably heard about my impending departure. Between that, the attempts on my life and Foxy’s, and everything else going on…well that’s no excuse really. What you did for me cannot be forgotten. It’s a debt of honor and I feel I owe you my life. If there’s anything I can do for you let me know.”
He dips into a pocket and pulls out a small white card.
“Here’s where you can reach me after this week. That’s got my home address and phone. You’re welcome any time.”
He holds the card out to the singer.
Moving Day
The Lear Jet coasted to a gentle stop at the end of the runway. The runway was part of a private landing strip located 50 miles north of Las Vegas. It catered to mostly celebrity and government types who didn’t want their recreations front and center on every tabloid. Tonight it catered to the criminal element.
Only two passengers were aboard, a younger man and a man that appeared to be in his seventies. Both wore hand-tailored black suits and sat in stoic silence. Finally as the plane was readied to be de-boarded the older man leaned in to the younger.
“We are ready?” The older man’s English was rusty from lack of use. His Italian, German, and Japanese were flawless. The younger man ran his hands across his hair and nodded.
He stood and slipped a pair of sunglasses over his eyes and checked his reflection. He straightened his tie and exited the aircraft. A cadre of bodyguards covered him as he exited. His traveling companion strode 15 paces behind them all.
An administrator hurried past the group straight to the older man.
“Mr. Belisarius, we have all of your accommodations prepared. Three bullet-proof SUV’s and a small security contingent as per your request.”
The old man flung a weighted briefcase into the mans arms.
“Payment in full. Cash.” The old man, Belisarius, said.
The younger man stopped under the prying moon. The older man sensed his thoughts.
“It feels good to be free, no?” The old man offered. With that both men entered the vehicle and the convoy left nothing but clouds of desert sand in it’s wake.
Restoration
McClure strode through the airport like a new man. He waved to the folks he knew, he talked with the cafe chefs, he stared at tits.
George McClure was back in his element, and he wasn’t going to fall back into the shitter.
Security Detail
(Attn: Ego, Hawk)
The monitors glowed bright in the eyes of Thomas Dahl, now fully healed from the hell he had been through. His eyes scanned the images as he stood in the midst of the security center. Thousands of hands passed through the building each day, each week and it was thier job to partially watch the guests, but also the employees. Leaning into one monitor after another, the “Seahawk” slowly came to the last monitor. Satisfied he had done something, Thomas existed the office and headed to the security office that he called home.
On his way, he passed several fetching young ladies and there was a smell on them, but it wasn’t the same as that smell that had so captured him while he was under duress. Mind you, when you’ve been drugged, beaten and hung upside down, life is one big fuckpile. Introduce a nice lady with a smell all her own and you downgrade to a shitpile. Smiling slightly at the thought of Miko, he walked the length of the hallway, ever mindful of the weapons on him. Ever since the kidnapping, Dahl had taken extra precautions at all times.
Two pistols were in his shoulder holsters. Beretta’s, they were quick and automatic, making them dangerous in the hands of the former cop. There were a few other suprises on his person, but those were only in case the shit hit the fan. Dahl slowly ambled into his office, snapping his computer online as he peeked at his voicemail. Nothing. His email showed little but breast enhancements and viagra. Two things he was in little need of, unless he wanted man boobs.
Standing, the security officer, dressed in grey suit with white shirt and grey tie strolled back out onto the floor, making his way towards the security office once more. He wanted to get back into the central area and nab a station so he could take a shift of watching the floor and using the computer system that had made him drool so badly.
Changes In Latitude
(Attn: Poxy)
The plan lands and Paulie feels a tap on his shoulder.
“We have landed Mr. diVialoso.”
One of the goons probably took him a little too seriously. Not a bad thing on the whole.
The ramp lowered and kissed the tarmac letting the heat of the late morning intrude on the lovely conditioned air of the plane.
“’At least it’s a dry heat’, fuck that this is HOT.” Paulie slipped his shades on and went down the steps. A black stretch met him a few yards away and the door opened revealing a well stocked mini-bar and 3 TV’s tuned to various news channels. “I could get used to this.”
The trip to the casino was certainly a pleasant one and the driver took the trouble to point out the sights. Paulie’s skin crawled with the energy of the place. It was daylight and still the neon flickered and thousands of suckers milled about just begging to lose their money.
Like all good things the ride came to an end and Paulie and company de-limoed. At the top of the steps stood an imposing looking man in a well-tailored dark gray three piece. Paulie noted it was tailored to let only those who had the eye to see a large piece under his arm. This guy radiated bad ass. It could only be Barkov, Redman’s major domo. Paulie had been briefed on the staff.
Paulie was met by his firm handshake. “Welcome to your new home sir. Where do you wish to go first?”
(No Man’s) Errand Boy
(Attn: Logan)
Lio’s nerves slowly unspoiled as he mastered his breathing and calmed his chi. This allowed him to catch the arrival of Paulie “the Jester” diVialoso. His mark climbed the stairs outside to meet with Tima. A moment later something even more interesting caught his attention. Three heavily armored SUV’s pulled up into the traffic circle.
continued in Moving Day thread.