The arrangements were made. DeMalia and two very trusted Capo Regimes would personally escort Dave
to the designated meting area at 54th and 6th. He would then be collected -alone and unarmed by a Gianini
representative and concilieri. They would discuss the 'deal' and subsequently Dave was to telephone DeMalia
from the Gianini's location to order the various transcations take place-AFTER ensuring Maria was still alive and
well.

The question burning on everyone's minds-though it went unspoken- was the very likely fact that it could be a trap.

After Dave carried out his orders-what was to stop the Gianinis from silencing him...permanently?

Dave was all too aware of this-but as he saw it; there was no other choice if he was ever to see Maria again.

It was decided that it was too dangerous for Carter to remain on the Family premises-
plus he was due back at the hospital in two days. Thus Dave and his body guards drove
him to the airport the following morning-precisely 12 hours before the meeting was due to take place.

As they reached the Gate Carter turned around and gave Dave a friendly supporting hug.

"I don't feel right about leaving." he said. "I mean-I know we've had our differences in the past, but...you know...."

"Yeah man, I know." Dave assured him flashing his trade mark slow burn grin-for the first time in over a week.

Carter nodded-reciprocating the smile. Then he frowned.

"Dave-what if..."

"Don't go there." Dave cut him off promptly.

Carter understood. The two men shook hands before they were startled by an announcement.

*FLIGHT 414 TO CHICAGO HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO MECHANICAL FAULT WITH THE AIRCRAFT.
THE NEXT FLIGHT AVAILAIBLE WILL DEPART TOMORROW at 7.00pm.*

----------------------------------------

Rather than wait until tomorrow-Dave insisted that Carter leave as soon as possible for safety reasons.
Their ground no longer seemed secure-and if the Gianinis had taken Maria they would stop at nothing.

Instead Carter was to be driven to an airport in the next town-where he would board the 4.00pm flight
to chicago the same day. It would also get him back to work in time.

Naturally-in true italian style-Carter had to join the Family for an early lunch before leaving-so he returned to
the house with Dave. It seemed even in times of crisis-good food was "quite simply a necessity not
to be compromised. " in the words or Dave's Mother.

While eating a home cooked Pasta Zitti Dave soke to Carter.

"I'm supposed to meet DeMalia at his house to be prepped for tonight. I was gonna use the mercedes
coz it's windows aren't just balcked off they're bullet proof. I'd feel safer if you used in instead to get
to the airport." Dave said earnestly.

"Dave-aren't you being a little over protective?" Carter joked.

"Carter, I know what I'm talking about. A childhood in this family has taught me alot of things
I'd rather not jnow. Just do me a favour and use it. I have enough things on my mind without
worrying about you getting home in tact too." Dave signed in a sad and tired voice.

Carter studied the younger man, and not wanting to add to his concerns he accepted.

An hour later Carter's bag was loaded into a big black vehicle refered to as 'the safe car' and
the two men made their good byes a second time.

Dave stood at the window of his Den watching the 'safe' car pull out of the drive way.

He watched as it pulled up to the gate at the end of the long winding drive.

And he watched ... as the car exploded.