King of Hearts

Chapter 47 – The Robotnik Clause.

Don Robert Skier's POV, Alistair Tower, New York, The Next Morning.

Arriving at the tower ahead of time, I glanced around to see Robotnik's guards everywhere. Even some fellow police we both had the pleasure of paying off the past few years had decided to show their support by providing extra security. I'm sure this is one of the biggest meetings of our time. The last one was when Don Ortiz was murdered by Shadow Robotnik when he was just a soldier for the Pharynx family. Seems like a lifetime ago. My family was just starting around that time.

Even though this was a meeting of peace, I was still given looks of anger and war from Robotnik's guards. Can't say I can blame them for it. Many will be killed after today. But for now we talk.

Jackson dressed up in his usual light brown suit. The family color was old, but effective. It showed respect unlike Verno's or Cora's colors.

Behind Jackson was his replacement for Head Caporegime. The only guy I could get at such short notice was a hedgehog named Xavier. He's been in this family longer then Jackson, but has only been a soldier. Guy was speechless when I offered him to be the head. Shows how much I lost when Reaver was killed. Now I'm left with a family of fools.

As we got in the elevator to get heading up to the meeting, I ordered them.

"I don't want any problems from you two. Don't try and act tough and don't throw any looks to the other families. We are here for Robotnik. Understand?"

"Yes sir." They both replied as I nodded and looked up to see we were almost up to the top of the tower.

As the elevator reached the top and the door opened, we looked ahead to see a long line of Robotnik's guards watching the halls. They let us by in peace as we made our way forward for the room.

Fixing my suit before going for the knob, I looked back to Jackson and Xavier to nod. Nodding back, I opened the door.

Don Pitch Robotnik's POV.

My heart was racing. No one has even arrived yet and I'm losing my shit. Fuck my nerves.

Grabbing onto my shoulder was Damien who had gotten this all set up.

"Relax Pitch. This is just a meeting. When the other families get here, just take a deep breath and stand up. They will approach you and introduce themselves. After they are all present and take their seats, you just sit back down and introduce the meeting. When that's done, just let it roll on from there.

Nodding my head with Lace to my left and Rover back against the wall behind me. Damien and I looked towards the door as it opened.

My heart went still as Don Skier made his way in with two men.

Moving aside to let me up. I got out of my seat to face him and his family.

Don Skier clearly didn't like me. The look on his face said it all as he approached.

Offering my hand, he took it and said.

"Nice to see your doing well Pitch."

Damien listened for my answer as I replied calmly.

"You don't look too bad yourself."

Cracking a small smile, Don Skier came back to urge.

"Just wait. I won't be, come soon. None of us will be." Running his eyes back to Damien. Don Skier turned to look back at his men.

"Don Robotnik, this is my newly appointed Underboss Jackson and head Caporegime Xavier."

Both men looked scared. Even more than me. Guess newly appointed meant fresh meat in his lines of promotions. The new Underboss for Reaver didn't even look half as intimidating as he should.

"Nice to meet you Don Robotnik sir. It's an honor." Stated Jackson as he shook my hand.

"Nice to meet you too." I replied as he was moved away by Don Skier to allow Xavier his moment with me.

"Like Jackson said Mr. Robotnik, it's an honor."

Nodding my head with a smile as Don Skier took him away as well. Skier asked in peace.

"Where should I sit?"

Lace took this one.

"The other head of the table is meant for Don Soul. You're free to take any side you wish Don Skier."

Nodding as he took his mean around the table and onto my right side. Don Skier asked.

"You looking to keep Don Verno and Cora separated? We can't have them at each other's throats."

Lace nodded as I retook my seat.

"We planned on it. Hopefully they came to play nice today. The last thing we need is any more problems this week."

Keeping himself centered, Don Skier replied.

"I'd think everything will be okay. I have faith in Verno's abilities to contain himself to this meeting. Cora on the other hand might be high. Guess that depends on how he feels today."

"Does he usually show up to things like these stoned?" I wondered to Don Skier as he nodded.

"He was when your father gave the last meeting informing us of his retirement. I would be surprised if he hasn't hit the snow today."

Keeping myself calm, I glanced back to the door as time now passed in silence. Don Skier seemed very controlled over his emotions. I'm sure he wants to get at me after Reaver.

After some time and a few more casual conversations with Skier, the door opened once more. This time when I got up, I matched eyes with three green suits.

My eyes locked on Don Soul who slowly looked to Skier then to me to smile softly.

Behind him was Hash. I remember that face and white quills anywhere.

Slowly approaching me, I offered my hand.

"Don Jeremiah Soul." He stated as he took my grip to shake.

"Pitch Robotnik." I replied as he looked me over to say.

"I know you. I remember when you were just a little kid. You had to be six then. Look at you now."

Giving him a slight chuckle as he released my hand. Don Soul asked.

"How's it being a Don Pitch? Anything like your father made it out to be?"

Shaking my head to his question, I replied.

"Not at all. It's something I wasn't ready for. And it's much harder than I thought it would be to control a family."

Giving me a nod, Don Soul replied.

"Not everyone can handle the responsibility. Your father knew that well. One reason he was the best in the business. How is he anyway? You talk to him at all since he left?"

Shaking my head, I replied back.

"No. I have had no need to bother him and my mother from their vacation. I've had great help in getting any problems settled."

Nodding, Don Soul then stated.

"Well I hope you can keep it up as things progress. Don Skier here should put you through your paces."

Don Skier took the statement to heart and replied to Don Soul in anger.

"Leave our war alone Jeremiah. It's Morgue who you should be concerned with."

Don Soul matched eyes with Skier as he soon looked back to me to ask.

"Where am I sitting?"

Lace once again replied.

"The head Don Soul sir."

Nodding as he moved to his spot, Don Soul left me with his monsters.

Hash was the first to take my hand. And with that smile that showed who he was inside, he greeted.

"Nice to see your all set kid. If you don't mind me saying, you looked scared last time we met."

Nodding as his skin was cold, I replied.

"You want to know the truth Hash? I was. I've heard my fair share of tales about you."

Giving me a chuckle, Hash then stated.

"Well I can stand to say to you Don Robotnik sir, that most of those tales are true. You had every right to be scared then."

"Well I'm not anymore." I stated back as my response, as his eyes looked deeply into me.

Gripping my hand tightly, Hash leaned in to whisper.

"Well I would still watch yourself. Who knows when our paths will cross again?"

Gently pulling away from my ear, Hash chuckled some more as I asked.

"Can you take your seat?"

Losing his smile, Hash replied.

"Why of course Don Robotnik. I'm sorry for holding you up."

Nodding as he made his way to Don Soul's side. The last man he brought came to take my hand.

A Russian looking hedgehog. His red quills and facial features gave it away, before his voice did.

"My name is Vexer Don Robotnik. Head Caporegime for Don Soul. Nice to meet you."

Even though he was supposed to be like Hash according to the profile I had in my office, Vexer showed some actual respect and made his way to Don Soul's left.

After everyone was in position, Don Skier asked.

"How are things in Boston going Jeremiah? Must be busy with all the businesses Shadow handed over to you for nothing."

Don Soul looked annoyed by Skier. Something tells me there are some issues between them that exceeded this room.

"For your information Skier, Shadow Robotnik gave those businesses to me for two reasons. The first being because I was close friends with him and his wife. But you would know nothing about friendship would you? Seeing as your only friend is Jackson there, who you desperately choose to replace Reaver as your Underboss. Any Don can see your losing to Pitch already, and the war hasn't even begun."

Don Skier growled as Don Soul finished.

"And secondly, it's because my family is led by a true leader. Not someone who waited till their dad died to claim his wealth."

Hash and Vexer both smiled and laughed as Don Skier shouted.

"My father gave me this family because I proved myself to be a leader early on in life!"

Shaking his head, Don Soul replied.

"I would believe you if I hadn't known your father before he passed away Robert. But I did, and I can tell you right now he didn't pick you because you showed promise as a Don. He choose you for the same reason you choose Jackson to replace Reaver. He was running out of time and you just so happened to be there. He choose you because he had no other choice."

I kept my mouth shut as Don Soul leaned back in his seat with Hash and Vexer continuing to laugh. Don Skier on the other hand was losing his temper.

With things hitting a boiling point, I was glad for the door to open up with some new faces to enter.

Getting back up from my seat. I looked forward as Don Cora came waltzing in with a smile to shout.

"Am I late!?"

Don Soul remained quiet as I replied.

"Not at all."

Looking to me with a wide smile, Don Cora approach to take my hand.

"Don Vincent Cora. You must be Shadow's famous apprentice I heard about."

Nodding I replied.

"I guess you can say that. I'm his son. Don Pitch Robotnik."

Staring into my eyes, Don Cora replied.

"Well Pitch Robotnik, it's great to finally meet you."

"Likewise." I stated as I noticed two more people in blue walk through the door.

My eyes widened as I rested them on a gorgeous black hedgehog. Lace took notice as she entered.

Looking back, Don Cora stated.

"Don Robotnik this is my Underboss Lilith. She's one of the best in my family and one of the best looking if you don't mind me saying."

Slowly approaching me, Lilith took my hand to say.

"I don't see the resemblance. You must be on your mother's side."

In confusion, I replied.

"I have her nose, but I assure you I'm mostly on my dad's side. It's nice to meet you by the way."

Giving me a small smile, Lilith stated.

"Same goes to you."

Keeping our eyes together, I blushed slightly as she winked at me and went to her spot where Don Cora would be sitting. Quickly breaking free of my lust for her, I refocused on Cora's head Caporegime who approached with another warm smile.

"And this is my head Caporegime Don Robotnik." Stated Don Cora as he went to his seat, leaving me with the man.

Shaking hands, the wolf stated.

"My name is George. It's an honor Don Robotnik."

Nodding once to show my respect. George made his way next to Cora who had gotten seated; to look at Don Soul who was watching everything quietly.

"What have you been up to Jeremiah?" Asked Cora as Don Soul collected himself to respond.

"Dealing with some personal business Don Cora. Something you and your family wouldn't know a thing about."

Don Cora immediately began to laugh to himself as Don Skier asked in an annoyed tone.

"What seems to be the problem Soul? You got a major stick up your ass or something?"

Glaring to Don Skier, Don Soul replied.

"It's nothing that concerns ether of your families. Now I suggest Robert that you watch your tone with me or I'll have Hash here wipe the floor with your miserable excuse for an Underboss."

Jackson widened his eyes as Don Skier went silent. Looking back to me, Don Soul stated calmly.

"I'm sorry for the all arguing Don Robotnik. Usually we all get along pretty well. But it seems today tensions are high and I apologize ahead of time for any of my actions to come here today."

Keeping my seat once again as Lace kept her eyes locked on Lilith, I replied.

"It's okay. I can understand. The past few days have been rough on me as well."

Overhearing that statement, Don Skier questioned.

"It can't be that bad since you already murdered my most loyal family man."

Damien quickly defended me.

"He means he's been overwhelmed. Don Robotnik has spent the past week learning all there is to know and he's not even scratched the surface. His condition has nothing to do with Reaver and I suggest you hold all this kind of talk till the others arrive. And that go's for everyone. Soul? Cora?"

Soul agreed as Cora replied.

"Won't get a peep out of me Damien. I'm just here to pay respects."

Backing down, Damien got relaxed as the door opened once more.

Soul, Cora, and Skier all remained seated as I got up to great the next family to walk in.

Keeping myself calm and ready for anything, I looked ahead to watch two men in orange suits walk in. the first one was Don Verno. I knew instantly by his color and his face. The pictures embedded that.

Stopping to see Don Cora in front of him with a smile, Don Verno continued to look pissed and turned to head for me.

"Don Brock Verno."

"Pitch Robotnik." I replied as he took my hand.

"Nice to meet you. Sorry we're late. And sorry if I seem tired. I didn't get any sleep last night."

Nodding my head as he released my hand, I looked back to the door to find a third man walking in. He stopped in the middle of the door frame. Everyone turned to face him as the whole right side of his face was wrapped in white bandage. From the jaw to the top of his head he was covered. The other half we all had to work with. A large dark blue wolf with a dark brown eye. He looked like shit, but I was in no place to judge. I didn't even want to look at him I was worried he might hurt me.

Don Verno took his seat as Don Cora asked.

"Hey mummy boy? What's your name? I haven't seen you before on Verno's goon list?"

The wolf matched eyes with the smaller set Don and kept quiet as Don Verno replied.

"It's not your place to know him Cora. All you need to know is that he's my Underboss and his name's Twig. Now drop it."

Don Soul and Skier continued to stare on at the man as Don Cora offered his hand.

"Nice to meet you."

Keeping a dead face on. Twig pushed his hand aside to walk for Don Verno's side.

After getting in his place, Don Soul asked.

"What happened to you?"

Twig kept his eyes away from anyone other than his Don. Sensing that this was clearly something personal, Don Soul retracted his question and went back to looking at me.

With everyone else silent, Don Verno almost forgot to introduce me to his last man.

"I'm sorry. Don Robotnik? This is Jin. He's my head Caporegime and longest serving member."

Shaking his hand, I replied.

"Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." Stated Jin as he soon went to Verno's side across from Cora.

With most of the families here, we were just waiting on Morgue.

"I guess we shouldn't be surprised Don Morgue is last to show. His fat ass probably couldn't fit in the elevator and he's hyperventilating his way up the stairs right now." Stated Don Cora as Don Soul gave off a slight chuckle.

After the small joke, everyone remained silent. It was awkward. I was expecting more fighting with Don Verno and Cora now in the same room together. But to my surprise, they kept silent from one another. And for some reason, I began to notice certain looks crossing the room. Lace just kept staring at Lilith and Lilith back. Did I miss something? And Damien, along with Rover and Don Cora and Soul. They just kept looking at Don Verno's Underboss. Even Hash was looking him over. But for some reason Twig didn't move what so ever.

"Finally!"

Hearing the deep voice, everyone looked towards the door as Don Morgue came in at his own pace. In my mind I said.

"Holy shit I was right to laugh before. He's fucking huge."

Making his way through the door, Don Morgue instantly looked to me to smile and shout.

"You must be the new guy! My name is Don Ricardo Morgue. And you?!"

Slowly getting to me to offer his hand, I replied.

"Pitch Robotnik."

"Shadow's boy?!" He asked with a smile as I nodded.

"Yes sir."

Patting my shoulder, Don Morgue then stated.

"You look nothing like him!"

Lilith, from Cora's family jumped in to say.

"I said the same thing."

Nodding, Don Morgue let me go, to head for the only open seat left. Upon getting down, one of his men walked in to approach. Don Morgue took a minute to catch his breath to shout.

"That's my head Caporegime Sky!"

Taking the young fox's hand, I said.

"Nice to meet you."

Nodding, the kid replied.

"It's on honor Don Robotnik sir."

Leaving me with his small yellow body, me and everyone around the table, stopped cold to see the last man make his way in.

Don Jeremiah Soul's POV.

My eyes widened up in rage as "he" walked in to stop and look around slowly.

Don Pitch Robotnik's POV.

It's that wolf. From that picture. Shax.

Dressed in his family's red color suit and covered up by a red fedora. All eyes looked to him as he slowly approached me.

My back quills stood on end as he offered his hand without a word.

Don Morgue just seemed to smile as Don Soul stared holes in his back with pure anger behind them.

Getting the courage to stare back into his red crimson eyes and black furred face. I took his hand.

In a low tone he said.

"Nice to meet you."

Giving me a single shake. Shax released me to head behind Don Morgue.

I felt like I wasn't the only one who wasn't expecting him to show. If what his file says is true, he rarely is ever seen in public.

"Don't look so surprised that he's not a ghost! Shax is as real as everyone in this room!" Stated Don Morgue as Don Skier questioned.

"Being a ghost was never a concern Morgue. It's just a little surprising to us all that he decided to show up for once."

Sensing Skier's tone, Morgue replied.

"This meeting is not about my Underboss Skier! You should be grateful you live here in New York, because if you were up in Boston with me, I'd have him come to your doorstep and fuck your ass halfway to china!"

Don Skier went silent as Damien nudged my shoulder. Sensing this was my time, I got up from my seat one last time to say.

"I would like to thank you all for being here today. To be honest, I wasn't expecting such a packed room. But I guess it's good to meet all of you now rather than later and during a time of more unfavorable standings."

The five Dons kept silent as I went on.

"As we all know, my father Shadow Robotnik isn't here. He's currently enjoying himself in Paris with my mother. I would like to think they are doing okay, but since he left me with the family business, I have spent all my time and energy trying to learn all there is about this kind of world you all live in day to day. And with luck, I would hope you can give me the chance to prove I can live in it too. Not just for my father's sake and wishes, but for the fact that I want too. I feel being the Don to my father's empire will prove invaluable to me. And no matter what happens, I am prepared to die. I will die for my father and I will die for my family. It's bound in my blood. With all your respects, I wish you all to know that I only seek peace between us."

Looking to Don Skier as he nodded very slowly, I said.

"I'm sorry things have been going like they have between us Don Skier, I am. But understand even through the peace I seek, I will not allow you to try and end my family. That's why, same as you, I have given the position of Underboss to one of the best in my family. This person will do everything in their power to stop any actions you try to take towards me and my family."

Looking to my side, I looked up into my uncle's eyes.

"Would you like to say anything Damien?" I asked as he put his arms down to his sides to look at Don Skier.

"Years ago I fought for the Marxist family Don Skier. And Don Hannibal Marxist was a great leader. He was like a father to me at times and I regret where things have gone between us. But do I regret his death? No I don't. And I want to make this as clear as I can to you. You lay a hand on my family and I will certainly not regret yours."

Don Skier looked intimidated by those words.

"Your brother was Black Rose correct?" Asked Don Soul as Damien looked right across the table to him.

"Yes. What about him?" He wondered in confusion, as Don Soul ran his claws along the table's top.

"Nothing too specific. I was just curious is all. I remember when your names were feared among every family."

"So do I." Replied Damien as Don Soul went on to say.

"You two were monsters. You killed people for the fun of it."

Nodding Damien calmly stated.

"Yes we did. And after his death and my time alone, we grew lost in the businesses memories. Now by today's standards Don Soul, Hash is nothing more than a poser compared to me and my brother. Same goes to Shax."

Both Shax and Hash looked on to Damien as Don Soul replied.

"Hash is a bit of a sadist I will admit, but I assure you he hasn't chopped up my wife and fed her to me yet for breakfast."

My eyes widened to Damien. I knew nothing about his past life other then he worked for another family back then and my real father was killed by Linux.

"It was Black's idea."

"It was a demon's idea." Corrected Don Soul as the other Dons nodded.

Getting mad. Damien leaned in on the table to reply.

"If it wasn't for people like us, you wouldn't have a day to look forward too. And before you go calling my brother a demon, you should look to your side. I've seen his work first hand. Hanging a little girl by a ceiling fan Hash? Leaving it on so she spins around the room, like what? Some angel?"

Hash looked surprised Damien knew that at all.

"Every Underboss in this business does unspeakable things. Some more than others. I was part of the some. And I know who else belongs there as well. There is a special spot in hell for people like us Hash. Maybe when you finally meet your match, you and my brother can trade stories. How's that sound?" Asked Damien in a still anger as Don Soul and the others looked to him.

Hash was cut off from any words. He looked lost about how to tackle that.

Sensing he was there as well. Damien looked to Don Soul to finish.

"Don't go around judging my family. Cause no matter how much you like to think your safe with him, it can all change. Just ask yourself why Hannibal is dead."

Don Soul fell silent as well, as Damien looked back down to me. His face looked beaten, but there. I don't think he expected me to hear all that today.

After some seconds of silence between the families, Don Morgue asked.

"Where's Johan Don Robotnik? I figured he would be here today."

Nodding my head as Damien retreated to his corner, I replied.

"Johan didn't see eye to eye with the family. I'm afraid to inform you all, but he no longer lives among us."

Don Soul widened his eyes as I looked to Don Morgue who had asked the question. He only seemed to smile and laugh. I guess no one really liked Johan.

"So who's your consigliere?" Wondered Don Verno as I calmly sat up to reply.

"I have not found one yet. I will be looking to replace Johan as soon as possible, but for now I will be making my own decisions with no second opinions."

Nodding as he was given his answer. Don Verno looked to Cora who had his eyes set on him.

Through all the bad looks that were given, Don Soul managed to ask.

"When is your father returning?"

Looking back to him, I replied.

"I do not know as of now. He told me he may be gone a few months. I plan on calling him as soon as I can to confirm a date."

Giving me a straight look. Don Soul then wondered.

"What's your plan for the future? Assuming Don Skier here doesn't perform the impossible come the next few weeks."

Skier watched for this answer closely. He knows he's in a bad place already. I don't think he wants to know what will happen to New York when I kill him. And I'm confident I will. I have the right to feel that much after beating his ass so far.

Looking back to Don Soul's red crimson eyes, I replied.

"I plan on doing what my father wished for me. New York will be under my family's control and I plan to stick to it. Cause as I said before already Don Soul, I don't seek war if I can help it. Don Skier's greed unfortunately has counteracted that and I'm forced to react."

Getting mad, Don Skier cut in to shout.

"This war has nothing to do with my greed! I believe a little fucking, selfish kid shouldn't be able to move in as a world leader and take what I have worked so hard for!"

Don Morgue and Don Soul both looked to me for a response as I now focused on Skier.

"My family has been in business for twenty years and it's not about to be ended because you decided to take what your father had and use it like we're playing some fucking video game!"

Immediately I questioned.

"First of all Don Skier. I never wanted to be Don Robotnik. I never wanted this family. I never even planned on it. But my father decided it was best for me and I took it. Not for me, but for him. I've always caused trouble for him and for Rover. It's about time I pay them back by proving I can be a man for once in my life."

Don Skier continued to listen as Don Verno now watched me with Twig.

"And secondly. This isn't a fucking video game. You planned on taking my ports. You planned on hurting my businesses and rackets. You planned on killing my men. So guess what you fuck!? I took the proper course of action and stopped you dead in your fucking tracks! Now look at you! Reaver is under my boot and your family is crumbling into pieces. Come next week when your next to go, remember that this war wasn't caused by me or my father. It was caused by you. And I didn't need to do anything other than react to what you decided was the best course of action. Cause like it or not Don Skier, your killing your own family. Not me."

Leaning back in my chair, Don Skier fell silent in rage as the other Dons all ether smiled or laughed to the response giving to Don Skier.

Going silent myself, I soon asked.

"Anything else somebody wishes to discuss?"

Don Morgue shook his head as Don Cora stated back.

"As I said, I came here to pay my respects to you Don Robotnik. And I wish you all the luck with Skier here. Maybe after I'm done with Don Verno we can look for partnership."

Immediately Don Verno replied.

"That's not going to happen Cora. If anyone will die in our war it will be you, you coke obsessed moron."

"It's not my fault I live life to the fullest and you spend your days sitting in an office chair. How long has it been since that little brat of yours has seen her dad huh?"

Verno began to growl as Twig rested his hand along his shoulder.

"How easy would it be to sneak into her room and snap her neck?"

Widening my eyes along with the other Dons. Verno got up from his seat to head around the table.

Don Cora remained seated as Twig rushed behind Verno who got in his face to ask.

"Wana run that by me again Cora!? I don't think I fucking heard you!"

Grabbing Cora by the collar, Twig took a hold of Verno's shoulder to order in a deep voice.

"Calm down."

Knowing he was making a fool of himself. Don Verno slowly pushed him back in the seat.

Giving off a smile, Don Cora shouted.

"Listen to mummy boy! I would hate to put a mark on daddy's stupid face!"

Trying to go back to Cora's side, Twig pulled Don Verno away in force and back to their side of the table. After getting him to sit back down, Twig leaned into his ear to whisper something. I couldn't make it out.

Not soon after the ordeal was done, Don Soul stated.

"This has been a bit more than I expected from a simple meet and greet."

Nodding, Don Morgue added.

"Seems like everyone has their problems here."

Nodding, Don Soul questioned.

"Well what about you Morgue?"

In confusion, Don Morgue replied.

"What about me?"

"Robotnik handed you a compound in LA. Are you going to be joining in on the battle?"

Immediately chuckling, Don Morgue replied.

"I have not made up my mind yet about it. I plan on thinking it over first."

"But you have men already stationed there. Why?"

"It's my property now. I need to protect it from fools like Cora who would love the extra foothold over LA."

Nodding, Don Cora ordered.

"Well let's make this clear Don Morgue. You even think of acting upon my family I will have your fat ass cooked. Got it?"

Giving him a smile, Don Morgue replied.

"Good luck with that."

"I don't need luck." Stated Cora as Morgue laughed.

"Maybe not. But you will need an army if you plan on taking me down Cora. And another if you want my Underboss dead."

Looking to Shax as he stared on at Cora, Don Soul stated.

"An army or not, another war we don't need going on right now. Cease your threats Morgue. You too Cora."

Keeping my eyes on Shax as he looked towards Soul now. I grew aware that they had the same eyes. And their fur looks alike too.

"I'm just saying Jeremiah. I won't have some drugged out punk muscle me out. Especially Cora."

Cora gave up his arguing and just looked back to Don Verno who wasn't any longer in the mood to talk ether.

Every Don then went quiet. To be honest, I don't know how to continue this meeting now with all the hostility. Damien knew this as well and asked around the room.

"Is there anything left someone wishes to discuss with Don Robotnik?"

Don Skier slowly raised his hand to lean in on me.

"You won't kill me kid. And when this war closes in on the end, I want you to understand you were never meant for this business."

With our eyes locked, I continued to listen as he finished.

"Be ready to die. Cause I will be coming for you. And when I'm done, your parents won't even be able recognize you. And they'll both know I was the true ruler of New York. Not some washed up family from the old days."

Slowly getting out of his seat, Don Skier took Jackson and Xavier and made their exit. Leaving me with the other four families who remained seated.

Verno was next to get up, but at least with some respect.

"I guess we should get going too Don Robotnik."

Approaching me with Twig and Jin at his six, I replied.

"It was nice to meet you Don Verno."

Taking my hand, Don Verno shook it and replied.

"You too. Good luck with Skier."

Nodding as he made his way to the door, I locked eyes with Twig. He didn't offer me anything. He looked like he was set on defending his family. That or he just didn't want to trust me enough to shake his hand goodbye.

Leaving with Jin, I soon turned to find Morgue getting up with Soul and his men.

Approaching me first. Don Morgue brought me in for a hug to urge.

"Don't worry about Skier kid. You have his family on the run and the war hasn't even started yet. You ask me, you'll have him begging for mercy come Monday."

Smiling as he patted my back. I looked to Shax and widened my eyes as he offered me his hand once more.

"Good luck." He said kindly as I took his palm.

"You too." I replied as he nodded and made his exit.

After saying goodbye to Sky, I found Soul up next with Hash and Vexer.

"When you're done with Skier Pitch, you should come up to Boston for a few days. We may be able to work something out."

Nodding as he released my hand, I replied.

"I'll get back to you on that Don Soul. Thank you for being here today."

Nodding back. Don Soul stated.

"It was my pleasure."

Without another word, Don Soul made his way out. Giving Vexer a quick goodbye, then left me with Hash who smiled widely.

"It was nice to see you again Pitch. Tell your dad when you talk to him, that I hope we can get together real soon. Everyone here misses him."

Nodding as his hand was cold like Shax's, I replied.

"I'll be sure to let him know."

Giving me a smile, Hash patted my arm and made his way out after Soul.

By now Cora was up and ready to give his farewells as well.

"Don't listen to anything Don Morgue says Pitch. You ever decide to come to LA I'll help you take that compound from him so we can set up a partnership. You just have to say the word."

Nodding as he shook my hand goodbye, I looked on behind him to his Underboss Lilith. She was so beautiful. She couldn't be any older then Lace. Giving me a smile, I was cut off and confused when Don Cora's head Caporegime came to shake my hand goodbye. But after that was done, it was finally her turn to approach me.

Lace kept her eyes close to me as I gently took her hand.

"It was nice to meet you Lilith." I stated kindly as she smiled and took me in for a hug.

"It's nice to have a younger Don for once in this business. You ever decide to visit LA, be sure to call me. I'll show you around." She whispered into my ear as she retracted and made her way for the door.

My eyes couldn't help but stare at her butt as she left my sight. Lace looked mad as hell for some reason, but I was cut off by Damien who said.

"Good job Pitch. That went better than I thought it would."

Approaching from behind, Rover urged.

"We should get heading back to the compound."

Nodding, Damien replied.

"Sounds like a plan. We have a busy day tomorrow. Come on Lace." He urged her as I went for the door.

Lace was slow to follow in behind, but managed to catch up in time before we reached the elevators. Something wasn't right with her. But I learned a long time ago not to ask. Girls get mad when you butt in on their problems without permission. Whatever. It can't be that bad. If it is she'll talk to me sooner or later.

Upon reaching ground floor, Damien and Rover got me in the car next to Lace who wouldn't even look at me. I knew I did something. But what?

Okay that is it for this chapter. Leave me a love and a hug and be sure to let me know what you think. I will have more on soon.

mT Shadow.