Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Sign here and you can go, Mr. D'Angelo.

Tony grabs the clipboard and the pen signing his name on the bottom line and giving them back to the woman. He then grabs a clear plastic bag that holds his phone, necklace, and ring. Walking out of the building thru the big metal gate not looking back but looking forward.

Tony stops when he saw a black car pack in the fort of the gates. A man standing outside of the car wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a black leather jacket. With a huge smile on his face.

''The Don is finally free.''

''The Don is finally back,'' Tony said giving the man a hug.

''I miss you, T.''

''I miss you too Stacks.''

Three months ago, Tony had been in prison after charges that were filed against him. As the Don of the D'Angelo family for more than only a year, he had mead some enemies. One of them is none other than Gallus. A Scottish crime family who been trying to make a move. By doing business in the D’Angelo territory. Filing fake charges against Tony that got him arrested and sent to No Macy penitentiary. Waiting for his trial to start.

As his trial got closer, there was a full chance that. He would be locked up for a long time. Tony was about to lose all hope. When his best friend and underboss. Stacks thought of a risky plan.

To get Tony free and get Gallus out of their territory Stacks thought of a plan. He wants to make it look like he is tired of being the underboss and wants to be the Don.

 Stacks convinces Gallus of a business partnership. By a handwritten agreement. That Joe Coffey leader of Gallus had to be the one to sign. Without reading the contract Joe Coffey signed right away. Stacks shake each member of Gallus hands. Walking out of their bar with a smile on his face It wasn’t a contract for a partnership it was a document to drop all charges against Tony.

Where do you want to go first now you are a free man? Stacks asked, getting into the car. Driving away from the prison, eyes are on the road. Seeing that it is still a little dark and the sun is about to come up. 

Home to shower and change. Call the family and tell them to meet up at the restaurant tonight. Stop at a nearby Waffle House on the way. I haven’t had a good breakfast in three months. Tony said watching Stacks turn into the parking lot of the Waffle House.

Is everything all set? Stacks ask standing in the dining room of the restaurant. Looking at a long table. Then at a woman name Rizzo standing next to him.

Rizzo is a loyal member of the family that both Stacks and Tony have known since they were kids. She had just moved back from college earlier this summer. It was a good thing that she did because when Tony was locked up. Stacks got a little overwhelmed and needed help. Rizzo was there to help keep the family together and the businesses operating.

Everything is all set and ready, all we need is the guess of honor . Speaking of the guess of honor how was he? When you pick him up from prison earlier this morning? Rizzo asked, remembering the day that she had gotten the news.

She was at the welcome home party that her parents had held for her. Everybody was there but Stacks and Tony. Rizzo was asking people where they were and had even left messages on both of their phones. But nothing, until Stacks shows up and pulls her aside. Informing her that Tony is in jail and can’t make bail.

The first thing she wants to do is to see Tony. Stacks stops her saying that by orders from Tony, no one but him is allowed to visit him in jail. A few weeks later Stacks fills her in on the risky plan to fool Gallus. She is very worried that it may not work. After getting the call that the paper had been signed. Tony was getting out. She was relieved that the plan worked. And Joe Coffey was so easy to fool. Now Tony, her best friend, her big brother and her Don is free.

He was happy that he was free, Tony and I stopped at the Waffle House to have breakfast talking about business. I told him about how you were so much help. Keeping the family together and making sure that business was running smoothly.

 What did he say?

 Stacks was about to tell her when one of the members of the family came into the room. Saying that Tony's car has just pulled up.

Tony walks thru the back entrance to the kitchen. Greeting the kitchen workers who are so happy to see him. He then walks thru the dining and bar area greeting the waiters and bartenders, also happy to see him back. Tony talked to them for about a few minutes. Before walking over to the dark red curtains that led to the back dining room. Used for private parties and family business.

The restaurant staff were incredibly happy to see me let see if the family the same way. Tony thought, taking a deep breath, opening the curtain, and walking on thru.

Seeing the family standing there all happy walking over to him and hugging him all at once Tony can hear some of them telling him how much he was miss.

Don, I am so glad you are free.

Tony the underboss here had worked night and day to find a way to free you.

 Tony, you look like you haven’t been eating. What had they been feeding you in that prison?

A few minutes later after greeting the family, Tony took a seat at the head of the table. Stacks, who is the underboss took a seat next to Tony right. Rizzo is about to take a seat at the far end of the table when Tony speaks up.

 Rizzo come sit here with Stacks and me.

What ? You want me to sit with you and Stacks? Don that the seats for the higher-ranking members of the families

Yes, Stacks told me how you were a huge help. While I was locked up, I decided to name you, my enforcer.

Everybody claps as Rizzio walks over to the left side of where Tony is sitting, hugging, and kissing both sides of her face before taking her seat. Dinner is served the family laughs, eats, and talks business. Both Stacks Tony and Rizzio talked about what had been going on with the rival families and at the docks.

 It sounds like you two had things managed while I was gone. Tony said, taking a sip of his wine.

There had been some small fires the first few weeks, but me and Rizzio managed it. Stacks said, thinking about the first few weeks and how hard it was to keep the family protected and business running.

''Thanks, the both of you for managing things while I was locked up.''

No problem, T. Now what are we going to do with Gallus? You would not have been in this situation if wasn’t for them. Stacks said looking at his don.

Nothing I had already got that taken care of.

 Taken care of? What do you mean? Rizzio asked wanting to know what Tony was talking about.

 T What do you mean? Stacks asked, wondering what Tony had already planned. Watching Tony pulling his seat out.

Just wait and see until then I would like to make a toast to the family.

TO THE FAMILY!!!!

 To our new enforcer, Tony said, turning to Rizzio who smiled.

To the don, homecoming. Stacks said with a huge smile.

 SALUD!!! 

Everybody taps each other’s glasses together. Tony sits back down looking at the family happy that he is finally home.

Chapter Text

On a bright and cheery Christmas morning at the D'Angelo home, Tony stepped into the cozy living room, proudly wearing his festive pajamas and cradling two steaming mugs of coffee. His heart warmed at the sight of Rizzo, also dressed in matching pajamas, joyfully admiring the beautifully decorated Christmas tree they had created together just weeks before. Beneath the tree, a delightful array of neatly wrapped gifts awaited, each holding the promise of happy surprises to come!

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas. Where Stacks? Tony asked, handing Rizzo one of the Christmas mugs.

Last night, Tony, Stacks, and Rizzo all attended a Christmas Eve party hosted by a family member. After leaving the party, they went back to Tony's house. Rizzo and Stacks stay the night, as they all plan on spending Christmas Day at Tony's house anyway.

Stacks, come on, we are waiting for you.

Yeah, we want to open gifts. Tony said, standing next to the stairwell, hearing a door open and close, followed by footsteps.

Stacks, standing on top of the stairwell, wearing the same pajamas as Tony and Rizzo, looking a little worse for wear, holding his head, and walking down the stairs.

Merry Christmas. Tony and Rizzo both said, watching Stacks take a seat on the couch.

Merry Christmas. Stacks said, rubbing his head, trying to ease the pounding headache from last night.

How are you feeling? Tony asked with concern in his voice.

Just a little hungover from last night. I will be fine by the time we all have Christmas dinner. What was in that eggnog at the party last night?

I don't know, I didn't have any. I was the one driving, remember. We played rock, paper, scissors for it, and you won.

I had told you not to drink that eggnog. Rizzo said, thinking back to last night when they were at the party and saw the host of the party mixing the eggnog up, pouring different kinds of alcohol in it. 

I only drank one cup, and that is it.

At least you stop at that one. I saw people drinking over seven glasses of eggnog. Tony said, handing Stacks a bottle of water and an aspirin.
Stacks grabs the water and aspen, puts the aspen in his mouth, and drinks it down with the water. At the same time, Tony took a seat on the love seat, drinking his coffee.

When Stacks feels his headache is getting better, they start exchanging gifts. Rizzo hands her gifts to Tony and Stacks. She watches Tony and stacks open their gifts. Seeing what she had gotten them.

Stacks has a leather gun holster that goes on his belt. Tony also got a black leather gun holster that he carries on his shoulders.

What can I say, you are never going to have enough accessories," Rizzo said, seeing Tony getting up and trying his on. Stacks pulls his phone out and takes a picture with his.

Stacks handed his gifts to Rizzio and Tony. He watched them open it. Tony got a dark blue polo shirt, and Rizzo got a pair of ladies' leather gloves.

Tony was the last one to exchange gifts; he handed both Stacks and Rizzo their gifts. Rizzio opened her up, seeing she had gotten a black leather purse. Stacks opens his, seeing he has gotten a gold chain. That is not all they are getting from the Don. Tony got up, walked over to where the Christmas stockings were, and pulled out two envelopes from two of the stockings—handing one of them to Stacks and the other to Rizzio.

This is a Christmas bonus for both of your hard works. I didn't want to give you this in front of the family or strangers last night.

Last night's Christmas Eve party included some gift exchanges. Tony had gotten a whole bunch of gifts from the family. They all had gotten something from him. But Stacks and Rizzio are more than his underboss and enforcer. There were his family, his little brother, and his sister. He wanted to give them something a little more than what the family had gotten.

T you didn't have to do this. Stacks said, hugging Tony. He was fine with the gold chain. Tony had given him.

I want to, like I said months ago. I'm not your boss, I'm family. Tony said, hugging Stacks back.

Family, we are Rizzo, said, joining in on the hug.

They thank each other for their gifts. Then they went into the kitchen to have Christmas breakfast.

Later that day, they were all in the dining room having Christmas dinner. Turkey, sweet potato rolls, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, yams, cranberry apple Quinoa salad, last but not least, homemade Lasagna.

There's nothing more quintessential to an Italian Christmas than homemade Lasagna. Rizzo said, taking a bite of Lasagna from her plate.
I  had attended several Christmas parties over the past two weeks. None of them served lasagna or meatballs. Tony said, remembering the long two weeks of nothing but attending holiday parties. 

Most of them he didn't even want to attend, but had to because he is the Don of the D'Angelo family, and the Don must show his face, whether he wants to or not. Stacks and Rizzo notice how exhausted their Don has been after walking in on him sleeping in the back-room office at the restaurant. 

When they woke him, they discovered that he had attended three holiday parties the night before and hadn't returned home until 5:00 a.m. He had to go to another party that night. Stacks and Rizzo attend the rest of the parties on his behalf so he can have a few full nights of rest before Christmas. Then they attend the party together on Christmas Eve.

Thanks again for attending the rest of the holiday parties on my behalf.
It's no problem, Rizzo and I just wanted you to get some rest. You were running yourself to the bone, going to all those holiday parties. Most of them were so dull. But last night, you and I had a great deal of fun playing poker in the back room with the other guests; we both won a considerable amount of money.

Sparking money while Stacks and I were at one of the parties. We ran into Andre Chase. Standing in the alley with that gangster SCRYPTS.
Andre Chase is a professor and the owner of Chase U, a university he founded. He loves to gamble and make bets, which often lands him in massive debt with banks and the family from whom he borrowed money to keep Chase U running. His deadline to pay back the family was due three months ago. But Mr. Chase told Rizzio that he didn't have the money and needed more time.

SCRIPTS is a new gangster who has been hanging around the alleyways of D'Angelo's territory for the past few weeks. Stacks and Rizzo had each told them to leave the alley and not come back.

It appears they are trying to set up shop for gambling in the alleys.
On our turf? Tony asked, turning to Rizzo, then to Stacks, who both nodded their heads.

We sent them on their way with another warning, and as for Chase, he wanted more time.

I dealt with Mr. Chase and Chase U after the New Year's SCRYPTS event. I had dealt with gangsters like them before. The more we close shop on him, the more he gets the message and moves to someone else's turf. Let's enjoy our Christmas dinner together right now.

Tony, Stacks, and Rizzo all went back to eating their Christmas dinner, laughing and talking about the upcoming new year.
 
 
 
 

Chapter Text

Where is everybody, T?

Yeah, Tony, their cars are parked out there and everything, but there is no one here. They all know what tonight is.

Tony, Stacks, and Rizzo have just arrived at the empty restaurant, but they find that the bartender, server, hostess, and managers are all missing. The only staff present are the two kitchen employees—the chef and the sous chef—who are busy preparing food and readying the kitchen for dinner.

I told them yesterday, before closing, that they needed to come in early today to prepare for tonight. I spoke with the chef and the sous chef; they both told me. When they arrived, the front door was already unlocked. But no one was in the dining room or in the bar area. Tony said, looking out of the window of the restaurant and looking at the alleyway across the street.

Rizzo and Stacks follow me. Tony said, walking out of the dining room.
Stack and Rizzo follow Tony out of the dining room through the kitchen. The chef and sous chef all look at them for a moment before getting back to work. They walk out the back door, which leads to the restaurant's alley.

The first thing that Tony saw was the restaurant staff gathering around the crowd near the dumpers. Tony, Stacks, and Rizzio push their way through the fort, seeing one of the restaurant bartenders and the manager kneeling on the cold ground, rolling two dice with money in a massive pile on the ground. He spotted the two people who oversaw the game. One is a short, brown-skinned man counting the money in his hands. The other is a brown skin woman with a long black ponytail managing the crowd.

The looks on both Rizzo's and Stack's faces show that this is the gangster SCRYPTS who have been trying to make a shop in the alleys on his turf. That he had been hearing about.

Tony, who is standing behind his manager. Reaches over and taps his shoulder to get his attention. Nothing happens, he taps his shoulder again.

Wait for your turn. Tony heard his manager say, "Didn't turn his. "Wait for your turn," Tony heard his manager say. "You didn't turn your head around," he added, making Tony tap his shoulder one more time. When his manager finally turned around. head around." Making Tony tap his shoulder one more time. When his manager turns around.

Mr. D'Angelo, we were. Just taking a break.

A break? You have all been out here for a while. Alright, break time, and this game is over. You all get back inside and get back to work; you know who you are. Tony said, seeing his staff all telling him sorry, and walking back inside the restaurant quickly.

After ensuring that his staff is all back inside, Tony turns to SCRYPTS, looking at him.

Mr. D'Angelo, may I introduce myself? I SCRYPTS.

I know I have heard so much about you. Tony said eyes focused on SCRYPTS.

You must have heard some good things about me then. SCRYPTS said, looking at Stacks and Rizzio.

I was told that for the past few weeks, you had been trying to open shop in the alleyways of my turf. The alley where you two are standing is the alley behind my restaurant. Your customers are my restaurant staff. They are supposed to be working and preparing for dinner service. This is total disrespect to me and the D'Angelo family. You and your lady friend here leave.

Lady friend, this lady friend here has a name. It is Jaina Parker. The D'Angelos don't run the streets of WWE City. OTM runs the streets.
You're wrong, the D'Angelos run the streets. Rizzio said, standing next to Tony.

Rizzo is face-to-face with Jaina Parker. At the same time, Stacks is on the other side of Tony's face-to-face at SCRYPTS, smiling.

How about you tell that to our two other acquaintances then?

I will be more than happy to tell them. Now I am not going to ask you again to get out of my alley and out of my turf—Tony with his Don voice.
Keeping an eye on the SCRYPTS and Jaina is much more important now that he doesn't have his gun with him. Stacks and Rizzio kept an eye on him and them as well.

Ok, then we go.

Tony, Stacks, and Rizzo watch as SCRYPTS and Jaina, who is staring holes at Rizzio. Who is doing the same to her walks out of the alley. Ensure they don't return. They stand there for a few more minutes before walking inside the restaurant.

Tony, we need to talk.

Tony looks up to see Rizzo and Stacks standing in front of him, both with worried expressions on their faces. He signaled them to sit. They took a seat, each sitting on one side of him.

What is going on?

We have a bad feeling about tonight.

Tonight is the New Year's Eve party that Tony is hosting at the restaurant. That was the plan at the last minute. The original plan was for Tony, Stacks, and Rizzo to ring in the new year together at his house. When the older members of the family mentioned that, as the Don, he needed to host a Christmas Day or New Year's Eve party. Tony picked a New Year's Eve party at the restaurant and asked Rizzo to help him plan it.

I suggest you cancel it. Stacks said, knowing that Tony didn't even want to host the party.

Rizzo couldn't shake off the unsettling expression etched on Jaina Parker's face. Her eyes bore a penetrating gaze, a mix of determination and something darker, hinting at unspoken threats. It was the look that conveyed a silent promise: we'll be back soon. The weight of her gaze lingered in the air, thick with tension, leaving Rizzio with an uneasy feeling that whatever was brewing would quickly come to a head.

We can't cancel on short notice, the party starts in an hour. We will need to keep a close eye on things during the party. If we see anything or someone suspicious, we take care of it.

They all got up from their seats and finished preparing for the party, hoping that nothing bad would happen.

An hour later, New Year's Eve is in full swing. Members of the family and their allies are gathered in the dining room, chatting, sipping drinks, and having a good time. Tony works the room as a host, greeting and talking with the guests. Stack and Rizzo keep an eye out for anything suspicious on their Don and the family, and guess.

Stacks standing at the bar watching the room when a cute server walks over with a tray.

Would you like a glass of champagne, Mr. Lorenzo?

Thank you, but no. Stacks said in a polite voice. Watching the server smile and walk off, passing Rizzio, who is walking over to him.

That was the fourth time she walked over here, Rizzo said. Looking at the server who was serving a glass to one of the guests.

I had never seen her here before.

Arianna has been working here at the restaurant for two months now. She is a beauty pageant winner and a model. She also comes from an Italian family; her father is Santino Marell, the Don of the Marell family.

The Marell family didn't they move to Canada years ago?

Yes. Rizzo glances at Arianna, who is looking at Stacks for a second, then goes back to working the floor. She looks in the direction of the private room's back. Where Tony was coming out with a tall man in a dark blue suit, and dark brown hair knotted in a bun that she had never seen before.
Stacks, who's that with Tony? Rizzo asked in a low voice.

I'm not sure, but I've seen him before. Stacks said, trying to remember where he had seen this person talking to Tony before.

Rizzo and Stacks watch as Tony and this man finish their conversation. The man puts on his coat and walks out of the restaurant. At the same time, Tony walks over to a group of guests.

A few hours later, everyone rings in the New Year. All the guests and family members bid farewell to their host and to their home. Tony, Stacks, and Rizzio remain behind to assist the staff in closing up for the night.

January 1st marks the beginning of a new year. Rizzo, holding a glass of water, stands at the bar with Tony, who also has one. 

"I toast to that after the year I had," Tony says. "There will be some significant changes ahead." this year.

What kind of changes, T? Stacks asked, overhearing what his Don just said.

Before Tony could tell them, all hell broke loose. As bullets come flying into the restaurant. Tony grabs Rizzo and pulls her to the ground. Stacks grabbed Arianna, the server, who is close to him, pulling her to the floor with him.

Tony, Rizzo, and Stacks urgently instructed the staff to take cover, their voices piercing through the chaotic din of the restaurant. "Get down on the floor!" Tony shouted, his eyes wide with fear and urgency. Confused staff members exchanged glances, anxiety palpable in the air. "What is going on? What's happening?" they asked, voices trembling. 

"Gunshots! Get down and stay on the floor!" Stacks yelled, his heart racing as the reality of the situation set in. The sharp, jarring sounds of gunfire echoed through the establishment, each crack punctuating the frantic atmosphere. The once-bustling restaurant, filled with laughter and clattering dishes, was now cloaked in a chilling silence punctuated by thunderous blasts.

Bullets continued to whiz through the air for several agonizing seconds, ricocheting off walls and furniture, sending shards of glass and wood flying. Fear gripped everyone, and they huddled on the cold, hard floor, hearts pounding in their chests, too terrified to move or even peek out from their makeshift hiding spots. 

Finally, as abruptly as it had begun, the gunfire came to a halt, leaving a heavy silence hanging in the air. The remaining patrons and staff remained lying low, eyes wide and breaths held, too scared to rise just yet, waiting in anxious anticipation for the danger to pass, unsure of what lay beyond the immediate darkness that enveloped them.

"Is everyone alright?" Tony called out, his voice laced with concern as he surveyed the dimly lit dining room. His gaze fell upon the staff huddled on the floor, faces pale and eyes wide with fear. He shifted his attention to Rizzio and Stacks, both of whom nodded reassuringly.

"What just happened?" the bartender stammered, peering out from behind the bar, his hands trembling slightly.

"Rizzio, go check on any injured staff. Stacks, you're with me; we need to see what's unfolding outside," Tony commanded, his tone firm but steady.

With measured steps, Tony and Stacks approached the restaurant's front door, the creaking hinges echoing in the tense silence as they slowly pushed it open. Stepping outside, they inhaled the crisp air, their eyes scanning the deserted street, tension hanging palpably in the air. The ground was scattered with discarded bullet shells, glinting ominously in the fading light. A few patrons from the bar across the street peered cautiously from behind their own cover, their expressions a mix of confusion and fear.

"They're gone," Tony announced over his shoulder to the others still inside the restaurant, the gravity of the situation settling heavily upon them all. 

“What was that?” a voice called out, the echo of panic unmistakable in Don'tir.

“What’s happening?” another chimed in, eyes darting as if searching for the source of the chaos.

Are those bullet shells glinting on the ground? A slow realization settled in, forming a knot of dread in their stomachs.

“Don’t touch the bullet shells!” Stacks warned sharply, his voice cutting through the murmur of confusion. He spotted a few staff members crouched low, their gazes fixated on the ground, fear etched on their pale faces.

“Is everybody alright? Is anyone hurt?” Tony demanded, his voice laced with urgency as he turned his fiery gaze toward Rizzo, gesturing toward a server who had instinctively reached for a shell, cautioning them to stay back.

“No, everyone is ok; they’re just a little shaken up,” Rizzio replied, trying to project calmness. “But the situation in the fort dining room is a whole other story; we need to assess the damage.”

The distant wail of police sirens crept closer, slicing through the tension like a blade. Tony, Rizzio, and Stacks exchanged worried glances, each cursing under their breath in anticipation of the storm that was now rapidly approaching.

T the cops.

I know you and Rizzio get the staff back inside and tell them the cops are coming, and this isn't a drill. Tony said, thinking that this was not how he wanted to start his new year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chapter Text

Across WWE City, Tony sits confidently in a dim warehouse, locking eyes with the person across from him, who appears quite anxious about the unfolding situation. It's a moment filled with tension, but also a chance for understanding.

Mr. Chase, please forgive me for what happened earlier.

Earlier that day, after Tony had filled Stacks and Rizzo in on his plans, they all returned home to change and prepare for the evening. Tony picked them up, and on the way, they made a stop at Rizzo's family restaurant to get some takeaway food. They drove to the Chase U parking lot and waited for the evening class to end, ensuring that all the students had left.

The three of them waited for about an hour. When they spotted Andre Chase walking out of the building and heading toward his car, Tony reminded Stacks and Rizzo of their plan before they got out.

Rizzio walked over to Chase, who was almost at his car. She told him that they needed to talk. Chase replied that he would speak to her tomorrow. Just then, Stacks appeared from behind and grabbed him. A car pulled up, and Tony got out to help Stacks put Chase into the trunk. They quickly got back in the car and drove off.

"Mr. D'Angelo, is this about the money I owe? I have it right here. I owe you for my loan. I was told that you already received the money that was owed from the calendar."

A week ago, Rizzio informed Tony that a group of female students from Chase U approached her about a business deal. Tony agreed to loan them money to start a Chase U calendar, with the understanding that they would pay him back from the proceeds. Initially, Tony was skeptical about the idea, especially considering Andre Chase’s gambling problem. However, Rizzio reassured him that she would only conduct business with the female student body at Chase U. She promised to keep a close eye on the project to ensure they repaid the loan.

"Here is the money," Chase said slowly as she handed an envelope to Tony.

Tony grabbed the envelope filled with money and handed it to Stacks, who was standing to his right. 

"Count it."

Stacks walked over to the car's hood, opened the envelope, and began counting the money. He recounted the bills a few more times to ensure everything was accounted for before informing his Don that it was all there.

"You see? I told you I’d get your money. Now that our business is done, I’ll take my leave. Don’t worry about driving me back to Chase U; I’ll find my own ride," Chase said, preparing to stand up. 

But Stacks grabbed both of Chase's shoulders, pushing him back into his seat.

The D’Angelo family had other matters to discuss with you, Tony said, adopting his authoritative Don voice. Chase turned around and noticed Stacks standing behind him, arms folded and facing him.

"Look, is this about the shooting at the restaurant on New Year's? I had nothing to do with it," Chase replied.

"We know you didn't do it," Tony responded. "What we believe is that you might know who did."

"What do you mean, I might know who did it?" Chase asked, appearing a bit confused.

For the past few weeks, following the shooting at the restaurant, Tony, Rizzo, and Stacks had been out every night trying to track down OTM. They searched through alleys in their territory and in other areas of the city, but had found no leads. Last night was no different. That’s why Tony was now sitting in the warehouse, face-to-face with the only person who might provide him with some information.

Where is OTM? In fact, how many are there? Tony asks, not wanting to get ahead with the second stage of his plan, blindside. Or get himself, Stacks, and Rizzo hurt.

I'm afraid I can't help you with that, sorry.

Tony can tell from the way Chase is not looking him in the eye that he is lying. He turns to Rizzo, who is looking through a phone.

What can you find on his phone?

 He had SCRIPTS and Jania Parker's phone numbers, along with two more numbers. One of the names is Lucien Price, and the other is Bronco Nima. They had OTM next to their names.

They had to be their partners that SCRYPTS and Jaina were talking about. Tony thought, turning back to Chase.

I don't know where they are. I haven't seen them since the night I ran into your underboss and Ms. Rizzo. I've been busy with the Chase U calendar sales.

Based on the caller ID, it looks like you've known them since late last summer. Rizzio pointed out the call record, noting numerous communications to and from SCRYPTS.

I first met SCRYPTS in the alleyway of Chase U while I was working late one night. He invited me to join a dice game, and I got hooked.

Have you known them for a while? You must know something about where they live, where they hang out, or who their friends are.

I meet up with them in the alleys and at an illegal gambling den.

Gambling den?

Illegal Gambling dens are places where people can gamble freely outside of the law. It is run and hidden in gangster-owned businesses all over the city. There are rumors that Gallus is running a Gambling den in the back of their bar. The D’Angelo runs a few Underground poker houses in WWE City and outside of WWE City. That Tony set up a year ago and has been generating income ever since.

Yes, they own and manage it.

Have you been there before?

Yes, I can give you the address.

No, you are coming with us, and you are going to take us to this gambling den.

Tony stood up from his seat and snapped his fingers, walking over to the car. Rizzo and Stacks grabbed Chase from his seat and led him to the car.

 "Is this the right place?" Stacks asked as he got out of the car.

After leaving the warehouse, Tony commands Chase to guide them to the gambling den. It took ten minutes to arrive, and they pulled up in front of a barbecue restaurant.

This is the place where I had previously gambled. It's how I met Lucien Price and Bronco Nima; they were former college football players who got kicked out after getting into too many fights.

"They like to fight, and it's one of my favorite things to do," Tony said, smiling.

They looked through the window and saw a busy dining room filled with people eating and chatting.

"T, I think we need to reconsider our plan," Stacks said softly, observing several tables where children were sitting and eating.

"There are too many witnesses here," Rizzo replied, turning to Tony, who seemed to be deep in thought."

"You mentioned that the gambling den is hidden in the back," Stacks reminded Chase.

"Yes, there's a concealed room in the restaurant's basement," Chase confirmed. "But there is a back entrance I used the last time I came."

Tony, Stacks, and Rizzo follow Chase down the alley to the door of the restaurant's basement. He tells them that he needs to be the one to knock. They watch as Chase knocks three times. Then the door opens, revealing an unknown man who takes one look at them, then at Chase, then back to Tony, before trying to slam the door. Tony stops him, forcing his way in.

The doorman was about to pull out his gun when Stacks hit him with his crowbar, taking his phone and earpiece, destroying them with the crowbar, breaking them into little pieces. They continue walking. Chase leads them down the hall to a door. Chase again knocked three times on the door, and a tall, well-built, brown-skinned man. Was met with a hit to the face by Stacks.

The moment erupted into chaos as Stacks and the man exchanged fierce punches, their bodies colliding with a dull thud that resonated in the heavy atmosphere of the room. Shouts of alarm echoed from the tables, where gamblers scrambled to escape, their chairs clattering to the floor in a frenzy. As Tony strode confidently through the entrance, a palpable hush fell over the crowd; a shared understanding passed between them—crossing the D’Angelo family was a risk no one was willing to take.

Tony's eyes widened as he observed the man's menacing posture, his hand inching towards a glinting glass bottle on the table. Without a moment's hesitation, fueled by a surge of adrenaline, Tony swung his crowbar with fierce determination. The sharp crack echoed painfully in the air as it connected with the man, who let out a startled cry. Seizing the brief moment of chaos, Stacks lunged forward, grabbing the glass bottle for himself. With a swift, decisive motion, he brought it down hard against the man's head, the shattering glass ringing out like a thunderclap, leaving the man sprawled and unconscious on the ground.

Lucien, what is going on down here? People are running through the kitchen. What the …how you all get in here?

Tony, Stacks, and Rizzo pivot sharply to see Jania Parker, SCRYPTS, and a towering figure, likely Bronco Nima, just as Chase had described, looming near the doorway. Their eyes shift to the unconscious Lucien sprawled on the cold floor before darting back to the unexpected intruders. With a fierce glint in her eyes, Jania snatches a heavy brick from the ground and hurls it at Tony. Reacting quickly, he ducks just in time, the brick crashing into the wall with a resounding thud. Without missing a beat, SCRYPTS tosses the car keys to her, the metal glinting in the dim light as they soar through the air. 

“Get the car ready, Jaina!” 

“Where do you think you’re going?” Rizzio shouted, her voice echoing in the dimly lit hall as she sprinted after Jaina, determination etched on her face. She left Tony and Stacks to confront the looming threat of Bronco Nima and SCRTYPTS. In a split second, Rizzio tackled Jaina just a few feet from the back door, the tension palpable in the air.

In the chaos of the gambling room, the atmosphere was thick with the sound of fists connecting with flesh. Tony and Stacks were locked in a fierce struggle against Bronco Nima and SCRTYPTS. A rapid series of punches flew from Tony, each one aimed squarely at Bronco. SCRTYPTS, wielding a bat, swung wildly at Tony but miscalculated, the bat instead crashing down on Bronco’s back with a sickening thud.

Seizing the opportunity, Stacks lunged forward, grabbing SCRTYPTS from behind and restraining him. Meanwhile, Tony snatched a crowbar from nearby and swung it at SCRTYPTS with precision, the metal connecting with a hollow clang. As Stacks finally released SCRTYPTS, he dropped him to the ground like a ragdoll, while Tony turned his focus back to Bronco. With adrenaline coursing through him, Stacks relentlessly struck Bronco several times with the crowbar, the final hit leaving him sprawled on the floor, unconscious, as silence enveloped the room.

With a sudden, fierce grip, Tony clamped his hands on SCRTYPTS' shoulders and forcefully hurled him through the card table, sending chips and cards scattering in every direction.

“OTM doesn’t control these streets; the D'Angelos run this town,” Tony declared, his voice steady and resolute. As he strode out of the room, he made his way down the dimly lit hall, where the sounds of Rizzo and Jania Parker still echoed—two fierce opponents locked in a heated battle, their frustrations spilling over in a storm of energy.

Tony and Stacks stood by, riveted, as Jaina ensnared Rizzio in a fierce headlock. With a sudden, mighty shove, Jaina slammed Rizzio against the wall, the impact echoing in the tense atmosphere. But Rizzo quickly escaped her grasp, retaliating with a flurry of sharp punches before unleashing a series of brutal kicks.

"That’s for shooting up the restaurant," Rizzio snarled, delivering a punishing kick to Jaina’s ribs that elicited a sharp gasp.

"And that’s for forcing us to endure three hours of interrogation by the cops," she growled, sending another kick crashing into Jaina’s side. Grabbing Jaina by the shirt, Rizzo pulled her closer, their eyes locked in a fiery confrontation.

"This is for nearly killing the Don," Rizzo proclaimed, channeling all her pent-up fury into a devastating punch that sent Jaina reeling.

As Jaina crumpled to the floor, Rizzo turned her gaze toward the Don, who was watching the scene unfold with a mixture of awe and concern.
 
What? You wouldn’t put your hands on her because she is a woman. Rizzo said, knowing her Don's beliefs.

Chase is gone; he must have taken off when the other people ran out of the room. Stacks said, now noticing that the teacher was gone.

We no longer need him; we can let go of our business here; it's done. Tony said his underboss and enforcer opened the door and walked out into the cold winter night.

When they got into the car, they saw from the restaurant window that no one expected anything to be happening in the basement. They quickly got in as Tony ordered Stacks to drive. When they stop at a red light, Stacks pulls something out of his coat pocket.

 Here, Don, I got this from one of the gambling tables. Stacks said, handing Tony a handful of money.

 Tony grabbed the money and counted it while Stack kept driving.

Tony splits the money three ways, planning to give Rizzo and Stacks their half.

We did some excellent business tonight, didn’t we? Tony asked, looking at Stacks, who was still driving, and at Rizzo's in the rearview mirror.

We let everyone know that D’Angelo runs the streets. The restaurant is reopening next week, and both Andre Chase and Chase U have settled their debts with us. It’s still early, so let’s celebrate! Stacks mentioned that he wasn’t ready to go home just yet.

“We can go to my parents' restaurant,” Rizzio suggested.

The smell of barbecue made Tony feel hungry as he recalled that the food they had brought with them was long gone.

“We could all use a little snack right now,” Stacks said, feeling his stomach rumble.

Everyone agreed to head to Rizzo's parents’ restaurant to celebrate, further proving that the D’Angelo family truly owns the streets.

Chapter Text

Tony sits in his office at the docks when there is a knock at the door. He told whoever was knocking to come in, and saw Stacks and Rizzo Walk in.

 Don, you said you wanted to see us.

 Yes, have a seat. Tony said he was watching his Underboss and enforcer take their seats in front of his desk.

 Don, this is about what happened on New Year's. I take full responsibility. Stacks said, feeling that it was his fault. That the restaurant was shot at and that his Don and everybody else were put in danger.

 They tracked down OTM and took care of them, but Stacks still feels that it was his fault. He is the family's Underboss, and he should have protected his Don a lot better that night.

What happened on New Year's isn't your fault; it was all on me. I should have canceled the party and sent the staff home with full pay. I had gone through with the party because I was trying to please the older members of the family. That is not what I want to discuss with you. I told you two there'll be some massive changes this year.

You had said something about that. Rizzio said, remembering what her Don had told her and what Stacks had said right before all of that with OTM happened.

 What kind of changes? Stacks asked, wondering what his Don meant.

 Ever since I became the Don of the family, I have been taking it easy, the safe way. Look how it has been turning out so far. Having Legado del Fantasma working for us. The family ultimately loses a significant amount of money over it. A family member was trying to take my seat. Gallus is trying to lock me up to get our turf, loaning money to Chase U. That crap with OTM about who runs the streets. The restaurant ends up being shot up and destroyed along with it. We were lucky the cops had ruled it out as an isolated incident.

We were lucky it didn't end up on the news. Rizzio thought the last thing her Don needed was for the restaurant to be on the news for bad PR.

 Starting right now, they are not going to parties anymore. I don't want to go to or host. I will be making the decisions for the family. Not the older members of the family. The Don me. If you don't like it too bad. I need you two to inform the rest of the family. If they don't like it, let me know. It was time for me to take on the role of Head of this family. 

Tony looked at Stacks and Rizzio, who gave him a nod of approval, indicating they were on board with the changes… so far.

Hey, Underboss, do you know why we're having dinner tonight?

 Stacks looks up, facing one of the family members, Aldo. Along with his two sons, Alessio and Alessandro, all looking at him, waiting for an answer.

Earlier today, Stacks received a call from Tony, instructing him to call the family and tell them to be at the restaurant tonight for dinner. Stacks doesn't know what the family dinner was for, nor does Rizzio.

All Rizzio and I know is to let everybody know tonight is a family dinner.

 I know what this dinner is all about. The boss is going to name the new D'Angelo family lawyer. It's going to be my son, Alessandro.

For the past year, Stacks had watched Aldo trying to campaign Alessandro to be the new lawyer for the family after the former lawyer died of a heart attack. The poor man wasn't on the ground for more than an hour. When Aldo started pushing Tony to make him the new family lawyer. Tony held it off as long as he could.

When Tony got arrested last summer, Aldo talked Tony into letting his son be his lawyer. Stacks thought it was a bad idea. He can tell from the look on Tony's face that he agreed. But he went on and let Alessandro be his lawyer anyway. Ending up with the Don getting no bail and spending three months in jail.

Stack and Rizzio had noticed that Aldo and Alessandro had been trying to get on Tony's good graces since.

 I know that the gift we gave him for Christmas will make things better. Aldo said, smiling.

Yeah, right, Rizzio thought when she saw a man wearing a dark red vest suit set with a black dress shirt, black dress shoes, and his dark brown hair tied up in a bun. The same man she and Stacks saw with Tony at the New Year's Eve party.

What is he doing here, Alessandro said with an angry look on his face.

 Stacks was about to ask Alessandro how they knew each other. When Tony came walking into the room. Everybody stopped what they were doing, all eyes facing Tony. Stacks and Rizzio Walk over to the Don. Who is standing in front of the table.

Rizzio notices an extra plate set at the table near where the Don and higher members of the family sit. She and Stacks look at the man and then at the table.

The man and Tony come out of the private curtain room at the New Year's Eve party. Tony is saying there are going to be massive changes. An extra plate at the table where the… I know what this dinner is for, Stacks thought as Tony started talking.

Thank you for coming here tonight. Some of you must have been wondering what this dinner is about. You may have all seen this guy at the New Year's Eve party and asked who he is. It is an honor to inform you of the new consigliere of the D'Angelo family, Luca Crusifino.

 Luca will not just be the consigliere; he also has a law degree and practices. Who will also be the new lawyer for the D'Angelo family. If you have any legal questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Luca. 

Tony raises his glass along with Stacks. Rizzio and Luca raise their glasses and look at Tony, then at the family, who slowly raise theirs.

To the new consigliere and lawyer, Luca Crusifino.

Salute!!!!

Tony has the servers serve them dinner. The family eats and talks. Some of the members walk up to Tony, handing him an envelope of money, and introducing themselves to Luca. Aldo and his sons approach them, giving Tony an envelope of cash. While looking at Luca.

 Is there something you all wanted to talk about? Tony asked, knowing well they wanted to.

 My sons and I had been members of this family for a long time—you, the Underboss, and an enforcer who went to school with both of my sons.

Your point?

My point is that we have no problem with Mr. Crucifino being named the consigliere, but we have a problem with you. Naming him the new lawyer for the family. You have my son here, who is the perfect fit for the job. How many cases have you won, Mr. Crucifino?

Everybody stopped what they were doing, turning their attention to what was going on at the fort of the table. The servers even stopped what they were doing to witness what was happening.

Tony, Stacks, and Rizzio watch as Luca places his fork down near his plate. Pulls his seat out, gets up, and turns to face Alde and his sons.

 I won more cases than your son had. I went up against him in court dozens of times, and I always beat him.

At least I work in the top law firm in the city, unlike your small law firm, which is a tiny one-room office on the upstairs floor of a deli shop. Alessandro is being cocky about it.

 I've been to his law office a few times, and I can tell you it's not a small office. Tony said he saw the look on Aldo's and his son's faces.

Speaking of law firms, how is the job hunt? Luca asked, seeing the look on Aldo's face.

 What are you talking about, job hunting?

Alessandro, big brother, what is he talking about?

 This is the first time I've heard about this. What is he talking about, Aldo? Tony asked, getting out of his seat.

It is nothing the partners at the law firm put me on probation seven months ago. 

Why?

 It was nothing.

Nothing, as in losing too many cases, costing the firm a lot of money. Got fired a month ago after losing a lawsuit that cost a client half a million dollars. Luca said, seeing the look on Alessandro's face, who is embarrassed.

He doesn't care that he and his father started it.  They brought this on themselves.

Boss, he doesn't know what's happening. You weren't there.

 But your co-workers were, and they had been talking about it at the courthouse for weeks.

 No wonder he was hitting the eggnog pretty hard at the Christmas Eve party. Stacks said in a low voice to Rizzio, who was laughing.

Suppose the Don had hired me as his lawyer last summer. I would have gotten those charges dropped instead of spending three months in jail. Luca said, about to sit back down. In the corner of his eye, Alessandro's fist was about to connect to his face. Luca grabbed his arm and twisted it, pushing Alessandro to the wall.

Alde and Alessio were about to jump in when Stacks and Rizzio stepped in their way.

Luca is the new family lawyer, and you and your sons don't like that too badly. So, I suggest that you three sit back down. Tony said in his Don voice.

 But boss.

 You hear him; his decision is final. Stacks said, backing his Don up. 

 Luca let Alessandro go back to his father and brother, all to their seats.

 Later that evening, Tony, Stacks, Rizzio, and Luca were all in the restaurant office. The family had all left, but the restaurant's dinner service was still ongoing.

 So, Luca, how did you and Tony meet? Rizzio asked, wanting the details.

Tony and I met at No Mercy penitentiary, where I was visiting another client. When I was finished, one of the guards came to me, saying that D'Angelo wanted to talk to you.

I saw him talking to his client, so I pulled one of the guards aside. And asked him to tell Luca to come back here the next day. The very next day, he showed up. I filled him in on everything, including Stacks's plan, and asked him to write up some documents.

Please wait a minute, now I know where I have seen you before. You came to the restaurant on the day. I got Joe Caffey to sign those papers to free the Don. You came back later that day to pick up the papers. I thought you were a simple delivery person or Alessandro's assistant. Stacks said, looking at Tony, wanting more answers.

I thought Alessandro was the one who wrote up the documents. Rizzio said, thinking back on how nervous she was. Alessandro would mess it up, and Stacks would get hurt or killed. But most of all, Tony.

After what happened at the bail hearing, Tony knew that Alessandro couldn't be trusted with Stack's plan. He needed someone who knew what they were doing.

 Alessandro isn't that person. I now know that after spending three months in lock-up. He had one job: to get me bail. It was supposed to be a simple bail hearing.

 He ends up pissing off the judge, which is how T got no bail. Stacks said who had given Alessandro a word full after Tony was taken away.

Since then, Luca has been helping me with a few family problems. One of them was Gallus. Do you remember a few weeks after I was released? Gallus Bar was on the news?

Yeah, their bar got temporarily shut down by the health inspector for a few months. Were you involved in it? Rizzio said, seeing the smile on her Don's face.

 I know it, I know he had something to do with it. Stacks said, knowing that Tony had a part in it.

It typically takes months to schedule an inspector to visit the restaurants. But I know someone who works as a health inspector. So, I made a phone call, and it was shut down that same night. Luca said hearing stories about how that bar was so dirty and nasty. He had done the people of WWE City a favor.

Luca had also helped to get the cops to back off after OTM shot up the restaurant. He ensured that the contractor repairing the restaurant was licensed. And that the contract protected us. In case he tries to cheat us.

 So, you have been working for the family for a while? Stacks asked, looking at the lawyer.

 Yes.

You will protect the family no matter what?

Yes.

Stack and Rizzio look at Tony. They can tell that for the past few weeks, he has been different ever since he told them how he was going to be the Don of this family. Finally, their best friend and big brother is the Don that he wants to be. Not the Don the family wants him to be. He is running things his way, starting with bringing Luca in.

I can tell the Don here is very happy with your work then.

 " Yes, he is. Luca said, looking at Tony.

 Tony watched as Stack and Rizzio looked at Luca, got up from their seats, and both said.

 Welcome to the family.

Chapter Text

Tony sits in his office at the docks when there is a knock at the door. He told whoever was knocking to come in, and saw Stacks and Rizzo Walk in.

 Don, you said you wanted to see us.

 Yes, have a seat. Tony said he was watching his Underboss and enforcer take their seats in front of his desk.

 Don, this is about what happened on New Year's. I take full responsibility. Stacks said, feeling that it was his fault. That the restaurant was shot at and that his Don and everybody else were put in danger.

 They tracked down OTM and took care of them, but Stacks still feels that it was his fault. He is the family's Underboss, and he should have protected his Don a lot better that night.

What happened on New Year's isn't your fault; it was all on me. I should have canceled the party and sent the staff home with full pay. I had gone through with the party because I was trying to please the older members of the family. That is not what I want to discuss with you. I told you two there'll be some massive changes this year.

You had said something about that. Rizzio said, remembering what her Don had told her and what Stacks had said right before all of that with OTM happened.

 What kind of changes? Stacks asked, wondering what his Don meant.

 Ever since I became the Don of the family, I have been taking it easy, the safe way. Look how it has been turning out so far. Having Legado del Fantasma working for us. The family ultimately loses a significant amount of money over it. A family member was trying to take my seat. Gallus is trying to lock me up to get our turf, loaning money to Chase U. That crap with OTM about who runs the streets. The restaurant ends up being shot up and destroyed along with it. We were lucky the cops had ruled it out as an isolated incident.

We were lucky it didn't end up on the news. Rizzio thought the last thing her Don needed was for the restaurant to be on the news for bad PR.

 Starting right now, they are not going to parties anymore. I don't want to go to or host. I will be making the decisions for the family. Not the older members of the family. The Don me. If you don't like it too bad. I need you two to inform the rest of the family. If they don't like it, let me know. It was time for me to take on the role of Head of this family. 

Tony looked at Stacks and Rizzio, who gave him a nod of approval, indicating they were on board with the changes… so far.

Hey, Underboss, do you know why we're having dinner tonight?

 Stacks looks up, facing one of the family members, Aldo. Along with his two sons, Alessio and Alessandro, all looking at him, waiting for an answer.

Earlier today, Stacks received a call from Tony, instructing him to call the family and tell them to be at the restaurant tonight for dinner. Stacks doesn't know what the family dinner was for, nor does Rizzio.

All Rizzio and I know is to let everybody know tonight is a family dinner.

 I know what this dinner is all about. The boss is going to name the new D'Angelo family lawyer. It's going to be my son, Alessandro.

For the past year, Stacks had watched Aldo trying to campaign Alessandro to be the new lawyer for the family after the former lawyer died of a heart attack. The poor man wasn't on the ground for more than an hour. When Aldo started pushing Tony to make him the new family lawyer. Tony held it off as long as he could.

When Tony got arrested last summer, Aldo talked Tony into letting his son be his lawyer. Stacks thought it was a bad idea. He can tell from the look on Tony's face that he agreed. But he went on and let Alessandro be his lawyer anyway. Ending up with the Don getting no bail and spending three months in jail.

Stack and Rizzio had noticed that Aldo and Alessandro had been trying to get on Tony's good graces since.

 I know that the gift we gave him for Christmas will make things better. Aldo said, smiling.

Yeah, right, Rizzio thought when she saw a man wearing a dark red vest suit set with a black dress shirt, black dress shoes, and his dark brown hair tied up in a bun. The same man she and Stacks saw with Tony at the New Year's Eve party.

What is he doing here, Alessandro said with an angry look on his face.

 Stacks was about to ask Alessandro how they knew each other. When Tony came walking into the room. Everybody stopped what they were doing, all eyes facing Tony. Stacks and Rizzio Walk over to the Don. Who is standing in front of the table.

Rizzio notices an extra plate set at the table near where the Don and higher members of the family sit. She and Stacks look at the man and then at the table.

The man and Tony come out of the private curtain room at the New Year's Eve party. Tony is saying there are going to be massive changes. An extra plate at the table where the… I know what this dinner is for, Stacks thought as Tony started talking.

Thank you for coming here tonight. Some of you must have been wondering what this dinner is about. You may have all seen this guy at the New Year's Eve party and asked who he is. It is an honor to inform you of the new consigliere of the D'Angelo family, Luca Crusifino.

 Luca will not just be the consigliere; he also has a law degree and practices. Who will also be the new lawyer for the D'Angelo family. If you have any legal questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Luca. 

Tony raises his glass along with Stacks. Rizzio and Luca raise their glasses and look at Tony, then at the family, who slowly raise theirs.

To the new consigliere and lawyer, Luca Crusifino.

Salute!!!!

Tony has the servers serve them dinner. The family eats and talks. Some of the members walk up to Tony, handing him an envelope of money, and introducing themselves to Luca. Aldo and his sons approach them, giving Tony an envelope of cash. While looking at Luca.

 Is there something you all wanted to talk about? Tony asked, knowing well they wanted to.

 My sons and I had been members of this family for a long time—you, the Underboss, and an enforcer who went to school with both of my sons.

Your point?

My point is that we have no problem with Mr. Crucifino being named the consigliere, but we have a problem with you. Naming him the new lawyer for the family. You have my son here, who is the perfect fit for the job. How many cases have you won, Mr. Crucifino?

Everybody stopped what they were doing, turning their attention to what was going on at the fort of the table. The servers even stopped what they were doing to witness what was happening.

Tony, Stacks, and Rizzio watch as Luca places his fork down near his plate. Pulls his seat out, gets up, and turns to face Alde and his sons.

 I won more cases than your son had. I went up against him in court dozens of times, and I always beat him.

At least I work in the top law firm in the city, unlike your small law firm, which is a tiny one-room office on the upstairs floor of a deli shop. Alessandro is being cocky about it.

 I've been to his law office a few times, and I can tell you it's not a small office. Tony said he saw the look on Aldo's and his son's faces.

Speaking of law firms, how is the job hunt? Luca asked, seeing the look on Aldo's face.

 What are you talking about, job hunting?

Alessandro, big brother, what is he talking about?

 This is the first time I've heard about this. What is he talking about, Aldo? Tony asked, getting out of his seat.

It is nothing the partners at the law firm put me on probation seven months ago. 

Why?

 It was nothing.

Nothing, as in losing too many cases, costing the firm a lot of money. Got fired a month ago after losing a lawsuit that cost a client half a million dollars. Luca said, seeing the look on Alessandro's face, who is embarrassed.

He doesn't care that he and his father started it.  They brought this on themselves.

Boss, he doesn't know what's happening. You weren't there.

 But your co-workers were, and they had been talking about it at the courthouse for weeks.

 No wonder he was hitting the eggnog pretty hard at the Christmas Eve party. Stacks said in a low voice to Rizzio, who was laughing.

Suppose the Don had hired me as his lawyer last summer. I would have gotten those charges dropped instead of spending three months in jail. Luca said, about to sit back down. In the corner of his eye, Alessandro's fist was about to connect to his face. Luca grabbed his arm and twisted it, pushing Alessandro to the wall.

Alde and Alessio were about to jump in when Stacks and Rizzio stepped in their way.

Luca is the new family lawyer, and you and your sons don't like that too badly. So, I suggest that you three sit back down. Tony said in his Don voice.

 But boss.

 You hear him; his decision is final. Stacks said, backing his Don up. 

 Luca let Alessandro go back to his father and brother, all to their seats.

 Later that evening, Tony, Stacks, Rizzio, and Luca were all in the restaurant office. The family had all left, but the restaurant's dinner service was still ongoing.

 So, Luca, how did you and Tony meet? Rizzio asked, wanting the details.

Tony and I met at No Mercy penitentiary, where I was visiting another client. When I was finished, one of the guards came to me, saying that D'Angelo wanted to talk to you.

I saw him talking to his client, so I pulled one of the guards aside. And asked him to tell Luca to come back here the next day. The very next day, he showed up. I filled him in on everything, including Stacks's plan, and asked him to write up some documents.

Please wait a minute, now I know where I have seen you before. You came to the restaurant on the day. I got Joe Caffey to sign those papers to free the Don. You came back later that day to pick up the papers. I thought you were a simple delivery person or Alessandro's assistant. Stacks said, looking at Tony, wanting more answers.

I thought Alessandro was the one who wrote up the documents. Rizzio said, thinking back on how nervous she was. Alessandro would mess it up, and Stacks would get hurt or killed. But most of all, Tony.

After what happened at the bail hearing, Tony knew that Alessandro couldn't be trusted with Stack's plan. He needed someone who knew what they were doing.

 Alessandro isn't that person. I now know that after spending three months in lock-up. He had one job: to get me bail. It was supposed to be a simple bail hearing.

 He ends up pissing off the judge, which is how T got no bail. Stacks said who had given Alessandro a word full after Tony was taken away.

Since then, Luca has been helping me with a few family problems. One of them was Gallus. Do you remember a few weeks after I was released? Gallus Bar was on the news?

Yeah, their bar got temporarily shut down by the health inspector for a few months. Were you involved in it? Rizzio said, seeing the smile on her Don's face.

 I know it, I know he had something to do with it. Stacks said, knowing that Tony had a part in it.

It typically takes months to schedule an inspector to visit the restaurants. But I know someone who works as a health inspector. So, I made a phone call, and it was shut down that same night. Luca said hearing stories about how that bar was so dirty and nasty. He had done the people of WWE City a favor.

Luca had also helped to get the cops to back off after OTM shot up the restaurant. He ensured that the contractor repairing the restaurant was licensed. And that the contract protected us. In case he tries to cheat us.

 So, you have been working for the family for a while? Stacks asked, looking at the lawyer.

 Yes.

You will protect the family no matter what?

Yes.

Stack and Rizzio look at Tony. They can tell that for the past few weeks, he has been different ever since he told them how he was going to be the Don of this family. Finally, their best friend and big brother is the Don that he wants to be. Not the Don the family wants him to be. He is running things his way, starting with bringing Luca in.

I can tell the Don here is very happy with your work then.

 " Yes, he is. Luca said, looking at Tony.

 Tony watched as Stack and Rizzio looked at Luca, got up from their seats, and both said.

 Welcome to the family.

Chapter Text

Dear A03 fanfiction readers

  You have all been wondering since Stand and Deliver. Will  I  be posting  more  stories of  the  family? Now  after finding  out that  they are spiting  up  for  good. No matter  what  happens  next week on NXT. This series will continued together on TV  or not. That right new one-shot stories of the family are coming soon.

There are still stories about the Don in this Alternate Universe that I  have now fallen in love with. I  want to write more about it.  I've been busy since NXT Battleground writing and typing up stories. This  round  of  stories  will be dark, bloody, and emotional. Meaning this series will now be moved to the content rating M. Just because of the stories  I've be posting later.

I  will also be adding the aftermath of  Stacks'  betrayal of the family. Into the stories with a little bit of my twist. So be on the lookout. I don’t have a date yet. But  I  would try to post the first three sometime next month.

Thank you.

Chapter Text

It was a freezing day in WWE City, the coldest of the year so far, as Tony pulled into the restaurant's parking lot. The first thing that caught his eye was that Rizzio's car was not parked in its usual spot.

That strange Rizzio is always the first one here when we have a meeting, Tony thought. He got out of his car and walked into the restaurant. He greeted the kitchen staff, who were preparing for the lunch service.

Making sure that they have everything that they need. Prior to proceeding to his office, he prepared for a scheduled meeting with Rizzio regarding family business matters.

At the scheduled meeting time, Tony sat at his desk, looking at the empty chair across from him.

He checked his watch—it was past ten. The meeting was supposed to start at nine, but Rizzio was an hour late. Where could she be?

Tony pulled out his phone and tried to call Rizzio, but he only reached her voicemail.

Rizz, it's me, Tony. I'm at the restaurant waiting for you. Call me.

Tony ended the call and, after fifteen minutes without a response from Rizzio, began texting her while waiting for a reply.

She may need to help out at her parents' restaurant. Tony contemplated reaching out to her family's restaurant.

After a few rings, a familiar voice, cheerful and formal, answered as the hostess.

Hello Rizzo's

Hi, this is Tony D'Angelo. Is Adriana there? 
 
Mr. D'Angelo, she is not here.  

When did you last see her?

She assisted in closing the restaurant last night.

Tony hung up the phone with a sense of urgency, barely managing a thank you before he plunged into a frantic search. He began calling every hospital in WWE City, his heart racing as he asked if they had admitted any women with the last name Rizzio in recent hours. Each hospital responded with the same disappointing news: they had no records of anyone by that name. 

With every rejection, a deepening sense of dread settled in the pit of his stomach. The nagging feeling he had first experienced upon noticing Rizzio's car was missing from its usual spot grew stronger. He imagined her vehicle—a sleek, silver sedan—sitting idle where it should have been, amplifying his worry and drowning him in uncertainty about her whereabouts.

Something wrong. Rizzio always lets me know if she's running late and usually replies to my calls and texts right away. Nobody at her parents' restaurant has seen her since last night. She's not with Stacks or Luca, as they're both out of town on family business and currently in flight.

Tony calls Rizzio's phone one more time, but only reaches her voicemail again. At that moment, he makes a decision. He grabs his coat and informs the manager that he needs to take care of something. Leaving the restaurant, he walks to his car and pulls out of the parking lot, heading toward Rizzio House.

As he drove towards Rizzio's home, a wave of concern washed over him, prompting him to consider potential dangers on the road. The route she takes to and from her family restaurant was notorious for its treacherous history, marred by a series of unfortunate accidents. Just two days prior, he had watched a grim news report detailing a particularly devastating collision that sent shivers down his spine. With each mile that passed, his worry deepened, intensifying his resolve to remind Rizzio to drive carefully when she stepped out of the restaurant later that night.

Back when Tony was locked up, Rizzio moved back after finishing college. He had found out that Rizzio rented a house. According to what Stacks told him, Rizzio had been having issues with her landlord. The air conditioning was broken in the middle of summer. It took three weeks to get it fixed.

Tony had visited Rizzio House several times and had noticed a few concerning things. One issue was the lack of a security system, and the landlord was unwilling to install one. As a housewarming gift, Tony gave Rizzio a gun. During their last conversation about the rental house, Rizzio assured him that everything was fine.

As Tony approached Rizzio's residence, he noticed the familiar silhouette of Rizzio's vehicle in the driveway, a sight that washed over him with relief. However, that moment of tranquility quickly evaporated, replaced by a gnawing concern. With a purposeful movement, he reached into the glove compartment, his fingers closing around the cold, reassuring weight of his gun. He had always kept it stowed in the car, an unspoken promise to himself for moments just like this—where uncertainty loomed large and caution became his only ally.

Tony approached the front door and rang the doorbell several times. When no one answered, he began knocking.

Rizz, it's me, Tony. Please open the door.

He looked through the two front windows but saw no one. Tony walked around to the back of the house to see if he could peer through one of the windows. As he approached the back door, he felt an instinctive urge to investigate further. When he turned the knob, he found the door unlocked.

Tony drew his gun from its holster, the cold steel a familiar weight in his hand, and slowly opened the door, the creak of the hinges cutting through the stillness of the house. As he crossed the threshold into the kitchen, a wave of unease washed over him—the countertop was bare, devoid of the comforting scent of coffee or the promise of breakfast.

A huge red flag, he thought, a sense of dread tightening in his chest as he moved cautiously through the house. 

After meticulously searching the living room, where shadows clung to the corners, and the dining area, where dust had begun to settle on the forgotten table, he realized that the bathroom and bedroom were his only remaining options. 

With deliberate steps, he made his way down the narrow hall, his heart pounding in rhythm with each footfall. He pointed his gun toward the bathroom door, its white paint scuffed and chipped, and pushed it open carefully. The frame creaked softly as he peered inside, scanning the small space to confirm it was empty, the silence amplifying the suspense
 that hung in the air.

Tony continued walking down the hallway. As he moved further along, a strong scent caught his attention. The smell intensified as he realized what it was.

"My God, that gas!" 

Tony's heart raced as he sprinted to the last door, drawn by a faint, pleading moan that echoed in the stillness. He pushed the door open and found Rizzio sprawled on the floor, still in her rumpled pajamas, her face pressed against the cold surface. A rush of panic surged through him as he quickly knelt beside her and gently turned her over onto her back.

He immediately checked for a pulse, his fingers trembling as he pressed against her wrist. Relief washed over him as he felt a weak pulse, but his relief was short-lived; her breathing was shallow and labored. Determined to help, Tony scooped Rizzio into his arms, cradling her carefully as he carried her out of the dimly lit bedroom and into the open air of the house.

The cool early afternoon breeze hit them as he moved toward his car, urgency driving him forward. He laid Rizzio down on the back seat, making sure her body was as comfortable as possible, and left the car door ajar, hoping the fresh air would help revitalize her.

As Tony frantically called for an ambulance, a wave of dread washed over him. He prayed silently that they wouldn't arrive too late. Rizzio was not just one of his best friends; she was his little sister, a confidante who offered solace during his most overwhelming moments. Protecting her was his life's mission.

When the ambulance finally pulled up, Tony's heart raced as he watched the EMTs spring into action. They gently placed an oxygen mask over Rizzio's face, her delicate features now obscured, before carefully loading her onto a stretcher and into the back of the ambulance. After receiving the name of the hospital where they would take her, Tony jumped into his car, his mind racing as he drove in pursuit of the ambulance.

As Rizzio regained consciousness, she found herself staring at a stark white ceiling and hearing the persistent beeping of machines, which served as a disorienting reminder of her surroundings. She noticed that she was wearing an oxygen mask. Just as she was about to sit up, she heard a familiar voice."

"Easy," Tony said as he gently placed Rizzio back on the bed, just before the nurse arrived to check on him.

A few minutes later, the nurse left the room and advised him to press the button if she needed anything. Tony took a seat on the right side of Rizzio's hospital bed, looking directly at her.

What happened, T? Rizzio asked through the oxygen mask.
 
What was the last thing you remembered?

This morning, I woke up to get ready for my shower. However, I suddenly felt sick and lightheaded. Before I knew it, I had taken only a few steps when everything went black. When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying in a hospital bed with IVs in my arm and an oxygen mask on my face. You're looking right at me.

When I arrived at the restaurant this morning, I noticed that you had not yet arrived. Between you, Stacks, and Luca, you are always the ones who show up on time or even early.

When I try to reach you and don't get a response, you usually reply quickly or let me know if you're running late. I called your parents' restaurant, and they said they hadn't seen you since last night. That's when I started calling hospitals, worried you might have been in an accident. My gut feeling told me something was very wrong, so I went over to your house. 

I rang the doorbell and knocked a few times. When I didn't get an answer, I entered through the back door and started looking around. Suddenly, I heard a noise coming from the bedroom, followed by the smell of gas. I quickly found you, carried you out of the house, and called an ambulance.

"Gas?" Rizzio asked, pulling the oxygen mask off her mouth and nose.

"Yes, you're being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. The firefighters informed me that a gas leak came from the heater."

"My God! My landlord came to check the heater yesterday while I was at my parents' restaurant. He said he wanted to see if it was working properly because of the cool weather."

"Have you been experiencing any issues prior to this?" Tony inquired, his voice dripping with authority as he adopted his familiar Don tone.

"No," Rizzio said, noticing that Tony was deep in thought.

"Tony?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you; your intuition saved my life," Rizzio continued, reflecting on what might have happened if Tony hadn't come over to check on her.

"You are one of the most important people in my life. You are family," Tony replied, seeing the smile on Rizzio's face.

Rizzio watched as Tony got up to grab a snack from the vending machine, still thinking about how she was alive, all thanks to her best friend, big brother, and her Don's intuition.

Chapter Text

She never thought that this would happen. She never thought her heart would be broken. Yes, her heart had been broken. But never like this as her heart hurt. Rizzio had never thought that one of the two people since childhood. Would betray the family. Not just her and the family but the Don.

A trip to Las Vegas to take care of family business ended with Stacks attacking the Don at the sit-down meeting between some new gangsters called  Darkstate. Who wanted a piece of D’Angelo turf? Tony had set up a sit-down meeting in  Vegas. Much to Stacks's who is eager to take the fight to Darkstate right to the streets.

The betrayal is so bad that only two of them return to WWE City. A few days after the sit-down. Luca had disappeared and neither Rizzio nor Tony hadn’t seen him since. The last time Tony had seen him was after telling him that he was going to clear his head. When Luca didn’t come back later that night Tony got worried.

  Start calling his phone only getting his voicemail. Showing up in  Rizzio hotel room asking if she had seen Luca. At that moment they had gotten a call from one of the members of the family telling them that Luca’s rental car had been found. Inside was his hotel key, phone ,and wallet car keys in the ignition.

When the car was fine both Tony and Rizzio were thinking the worst. Believing that Stacks had called  Luca ask him to meet with him somewhere. That happens to be outside of  Las Vegas in the middle of the desert. Where his car was found. Blood wasn’t found inside the car. But  Rizzio and  Tony knew what Stacks had done.

That was three months ago. Since then, the family hasn’t been the same. Tony who has been very heartbroken about all of this. Rizzio understood that Stacks wasn’t just his underboss he was his best friend and brother. Tony had been running the family on his own. Not asking for any help. The last time Rizzio had seen Tony. He looked like he was very overwhelmed.

She had asked him if there was anything he needed help with. Only to get a no and that he will take care of it. Rizzio was about to ask if he was alright when Tony just walked away.

Why did you do this to me? Why did you do this to the family? Why did you do this to the don? Rizzio asked herself looking at a picture of the four of them. Sitting in her living room in her apartment. A tear was running down her face.

She quickly wiped the tear away when her phone rang. Rizzio grabbed her phone to see who it was. Seeing the number to  Tony’s restaurant. Thinking it was Tony calling she answered the phone.

Hello?

 Ms. Rizzio, it's me, the manager of the restaurant. I  can’t get a hold of Mr. D'Angelo  Is he with you?

 No, he isn’t. Is there a problem?

Well… there is an issue here … An issue that  I can’t tell you over the phone.

I'm on my way. Rizzio said grabbing her purse and keys heading out the door.

  Twenty minutes later Rizzio pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. She can tell that there is a dining room full of diners talking and enjoying their meal. Picturing the times that she, Tony, Luca, and Stacks share meals together. Rizzio blocks the memory out of her mind. When she spotted the restaurant manager standing in front of the restaurant.

Ms. Rizzio  I'm so happy you're here.

 What seems to be the issue ?Rizzio asked in a low voice walking through the back door of the restaurant. Leading to the kitchen where a few of the cooks and a server were all panicking.

Everybody just relaxes, Ms. Rizzio is here to take care of the issue.

She can fix the problem we're dealing with right now. One of the servers said in a panicked low voice.

Can someone please tell me what the issue is here? Rizzio asked looking at the staff. Who is looking at each other. The manager of the restaurant turned to Rizzio.

 We've got an issue with a customer.

 What kind of issue? If this customer wants a refund,  I can’t do that. I'm not the owner or manager.

 That's not the issue we are having here.

What's the issue then? This customer refuses to pay for their dinner. You want me to have a word with this customer? Rizzio asked, trying to figure out what was going on.

 That's not the issue nether and you can’t talk to this customer.

 What do you mean I  can’t talk to this customer?

 Because, the customer is dead.

Chapter Text

Rizzio tries to process what she has just been told. Thinking about that this is some kind of dream. Or she heard them wrong. Until the manager says something.

I'm not sure what happened; none of us saw him come in.

 Who was looking after him? Rizzio asked looking at the female server. 

I wasn’t the one waiting on him. I  noticed him sitting at the table a  few times. He looked like he was sleeping. So,  I Walk over to the table to wake him.

She couldn't wake him, so she got me. I tried as well and realized he was dead, then immediately called Mr. D'Angelo and have been contacting him since.

 He didn’t answer or call you back? Rizzio asked, pulling out her phone to call Tony. Only to get him voicemail.

Tony, it's me, Rizzio, you need to get to the restaurant. There is a huge problem  here. Rizzio said ending the call.

 Again, which server waited on this customer?

 I  had  asked every waiter and bartender all said  that they didn’t  wait on him.

 Did he order anything ?

The manager and server direct their attention toward the cooks, who appears visibly defensive.

We've already explained that it couldn't have been the food—we prepare it the same way we always do.

 What had  he order then ? Rizzio asked  turning to  waitress  and  manger.

 We both  saw a  half-eaten  plate of lasagna in fort of him. We had told the other waiters  not to clear the  table until Mr. D’Angelo or you get here.

We would have called the ambulance or  the  police, but  we didn't know what  we are  dealing  with  here. If  this is isolated incident  or ... you  know  what I mean.

Watch table he was sitting at ?

Table 12.

That  all away  in other  end  of the  dining room. You sure none of the waiters didn’t see him come in ? What about the hostess ?

I talked to her, and  she  said  that  she  didn’t see  him  come through the  door. We  been  shorthanded  lately two of our servers with back  home early for the summer .One is just with  on maternity leave  yesterday.

Have you looked at the security cameras ? We can find out something like. Who is he? What was he doing before he dropped dead ?

That was the second thing I  had  done after  calling  Mr. D’Angelo a  few times. Only to discover  that all  the cameras are offline. It has been like that since this morning. Including  the  ones  outside of the  fort , back packing  lot  and alley.

 What … who would … Ok where the body now ? Rizzio asked  look  at the staff who all turn at one another. The manger  turns to the direction leading to the dining room. Realize she  had gotten her  answer.

You are all trying to tell me that there is a customer who is dead, and  his body is still in the dining room full of people ?

 We, don’t know  what to  do. This  never happened here before. Mr. D’Angelo  have  never  give. me or anyone here any instructions on how  to get rid of a body in the restaurant.

Rizzio  couldn’t  argue Tony had instruct the staff  on what  to  do when the  police, crime boss  or  gangsters  show  up here  at the restaurant. After the restaurant was  short up last year  Tony  instruct the staff  on what to do in that situation. But never had Tony instruct them on how to  remove  a dead body from the restaurant.

"What are we going to do? Someone from another table might notice," the manager said, trying not to panic.

While that going  on Rizzio had step outside to the  back alley.  Once  again calling Tony with  no luck. She left yet another  text with  no replay.

Damm it,  Rizzio said. To  herself a tear running  down  her  cheek .Not  knowing what to  do.

This is an  issue that the  underboss deal with and now that there  no underboss around. Who would  handle  this?

What  should  I  do ? Tony  isn’t  answering  his  phone, Luca  isn’t  here, and  Stacks  isn’t  here. Rizzio   thought  looking  at  her phone at a  photo of  her and Tony.

 I am  the only one  here to oversee this. She said to herself walking over to the door.

Rizzio walk  back inside the restaurant staff still in a panic. It with on for a few more minutes when she got their attention.

 QUITE !!!!

 The room with silent  as  the staff stopped looking right at her. A  second  later one of the other waiters came running in the  kitchen.

 The power, without in the dining room.

What do you mean the power is off ? We got power here in the kitchen. The manger said a  little  confuse .

I turn the  power off, go to each table, and tell them the  power will be back on in moment and  please stay in your seats.

Stay in your seats, why ?

"As the customers remain seated, we will proceed to escort the guest from table 12. Here is the plan for how we will coordinate this process," Rizzio explained to the staff, outlining her approach.

A couple of minutes later Rizzio and the manger are in a pitch-dark dining  room. Both praying to God they won’t  bump  into  a table. A  flashlight from a phone won’t be shining  on  them .Or no one won’t get out of their seats.

 I, don’t know how much  longer  I  can take.

 Just a few more steps and we are almost there. Rizzio said slowly walking .They reach  a curtain and  walk on through a dark room.

Lay it right here.

They both lay the body down on the floor. It still  pitch dark  in the  dining room. Rizzio can still see the sweat running down the manger’s face. Like he had just run a running marathon.

 This  body wasn’t  even that heavy. Rizzio thought using her hands to reach for a tablecloth. She brought it in before coming into the dining room. Placing it and spreading it out on the  floor. The best she could with the little light she have.

 Help me place the body on the tablecloth.

  Rizzio grabs one end of the  body while the manger grabs the other end. Placing the body on the  tablecloth. She starts wrapping the body up. Soon after the body was wrapped up Rizzio told the manger to stay with the  body  and  left  the  room. Return after  the lights in the  dining room pop back on. She and the  manger  lift the body  off the  floor. Going  through a  curtain  leading to the  kitchen.

The  cooks  was  busy cooking. The  waiters are busy handing, dropping  and  picking  orders  up. Like  nothing wrong, just a  normal  dinner service . As part of the  plan.

They walk over  to a  door  leading to the basement. Carefully walking down, the stairs. So, they  won’t fall or drop the body causing more damage. In order  for  the  plan  to  work. Rizzio  guide  them  to a  walk-in  freezer. She opens the freezer seeing that it totally empty to Rizzio  relief. They  place the body inside. She  told  the  manger to go back  upstairs, and she  finish things up.

Rizzio  unwrap the  tablecloth  finally taking a  good  look of the  dead  customer  face. Seeing that the  customer  have dark blonde  hair. Look like  to be in  early  twenties and have been in rough  way. Like he been out partying  all last night. She searches through the pants pockets to see  if  there are any ID’s,  phone, or  wallet. Nothing  not  even a  set of keys.

Rizzio rewraps the body and walks out of the walk in. Walking  back  upstairs  to the  kitchen  where she found  the manger near the dishwash  area. Looking like he had  just  vomit. Rizzio  don’t blame him he had just seen and  move a  dead  body. Clear  across a dark  dining room  full of  people. It took a few minutes  to rest  and  process  on what they just did.

 What next, we can’t leave that body in the freezer ? The manger said knowing very well that the body will have to be move.

Don’t worry I  mead a  call. Rizzio said looking at her phone reading a text that was sent saying. They be there after closing and make sure that you  have everything ready. Including the food so I can test it.

  The D’Angelo family have an associate who works at the coroner office. Who have a side  business  that  specialized  in situations. Like  they are right now. Rizzio had never  call  this associate on  her  own before. But she  had  seen Tony, and Stacks make the calls, and this  person always showed up and took care of issues. That  would point back to the  family or the Don.

The body will be gone by the time you and the rest of the staff show up for work tomorrow. Is this the food he was eating ? Rizzio looking at the  takeaway bag that said do not touch written on it. Sitting on the courter on the far end of the kitchen  area.

 Yes, that the food he was eating I  put it over here so that it won’t get mix  up with the other takeaways.

That fine the issue been  taking  care  of  for  now. Rizzo said, taking a sip  of water. Saving  her  hard drink at the bar later after closing.

This is by far  the  worst  dinner service I have ever work. I just want this dinner service and this night to be over with. The manger said looking at the clock on the wall counting  down  the minutes.

It, has been taking care of for now. Let just hope that things don’t get any worse.

At that moment, a man entered the room wearing a white shirt and tan khaki pants, holding a clipboard. The manager, cooks, and several waiters who were in the kitchen were waiting to take the food to the dining room. Everyone appeared nervous. Rizzio quietly muttered something under her breath, recognizing the man's identity and understanding his reason for being there.

Health Inspector, I am here for a  yearly quarterly inspection.

Health inspector ? A yearly quarterly inspection? We should have gotten a  call. Rizzo thought  remembering  that the family got an associate. Who works at the city  health inspector office. Who will give them a call-in advance to let Tony know that the  health  inspector is going to visit the  restaurant. So, he can  get  things ready in case they have something that wasn’t supposed to  be there.

This isn’t good stall him. Rizzo said in a low voice.

 Stall, how ? The manger  asked in a low panic voice.

Get him to inspect  the bar area first. I go down and  get the body out of the  freezer 

Rizzio got up and walk down the basement to the walk-in freezer where the body was. Dragging the body out  of the freezer.

 I  have to  act fast and hide this body  somewhere. Rizzio  thought knowing that in the past the health inspector had come down here to inspect the  walk-in freezers.

Where  can  I hide a  six-foot one  body ?  Rizzio asked herself  looking  around  for a  hiding  place.

When she heard the basement door open follow by the sound of voices and  footsteps. Rizzio started  to panic as she spotted a place to hide. Dragging the body quickly under the basement steps.

Rizzio  have just  barely mead it. when she  herds the manger, health inspector, and Tony on the  stairs.

 The walk-in freezer is located just down here.

Walk-ins are fine and don't require inspection.

Let,  him  do  his job the man have to inspect the  walk in’s  freezers. Tony said very much on thin  ice as it is. After the day he had been having.

 Going  all over  the city putting out  fires. The  last  three meetings he attended  before coming  to  the  restaurant  was  all in downtown Raw. To meet with two associates of the  family. Then  with  a gangster  who was an hour late showing up. Driving and getting caught in traffic. Arriving at the restaurant to see the health inspector and  his  manger  arguing. Rizzio who been leaving  him  voice  and  text  messages is nowhere to  be  found.

He and the  manger  walk  the  health inspector  to each  walk in’s  to  inspect  inside. When  they  reach  the  last  walk  in Tony  saw  his  manger is acting  off. He was about to  quietly  asked  what was wrong. But his  manger swiftly  blocks the  walk-in door using his whole body.

 "What are you doing?" Tony asked, his patience nearly gone and his temper hanging by a thread.

"I just wanted to check if the door is secure; you can’t be too careful these days," the manager said, stepping aside after noticing Rizzio, who acknowledged him with a nod.

Tony asked in a tense whisper, "What's wrong with you?" as the health inspector examined the walk-in.

The manager leans in to whisper. After hearing his manager's words, Tony controls his temper so the health inspector can finish. Once the inspection ends, Tony walks the inspector to his car and watches him leave the parking lot.

He returns to his office, where Rizzio and his manager have been waiting as instructed. Tony slams the door, stands by his desk, and faces his manager without sitting down.

Mr. D’Angelo, I can explain.

 You, better. Tony said. Listening to manger tell  him what happened. The more he listens the  more his tamper is starting to broil, getting the better of him.

 We don’t know what happened .

You,  don’t  know what  happened ? From what I was just been told that a  customer  was  found  deceased  in the  restaurant .You don’t know who  he is ? Where  did he come from? Was he with  someone ? How long has he been dead ?

 Mr. D’Angelo.

What happened here? I left you in charge and everything fell apart. As manager, it's your responsibility to know what's going on.

Mr. D’Angelo…I

 You, let  this  happen. You  let a  customer died  in  the  restaurant. Then move and hide  the  body in a  walk in. Only to for the health  inspector showing up here for a  yearly inspection. Go home, you are done for the  night. A, matter of fact  you suspended for two weeks .Now  get  out of  my  office .

  Rizzio watches as the manger walks out of the  office. She looks at Tony who was looking like  he very stress and piss off  angry. Pasting back and ford talking, cursing under his breath.

T, we don’t know what happened. Why was he here tonight?

  Don’t, you ever  make any decisions without  talking to me first.

"We call and text you, but you never respond," Rizzio said, surprised by Tony’s reaction and tone.

That gives you the right, to make decisions that affect the family.

 The staff call me when I  arrive, they were  all in total panic and didn’t know what to do.

 So, your plan was to  hide a  body in a  walk-in  freezer. With a  health inspector  in  the  restaurant?

 Heath inspector  wasn’t the plan at all, he just  shows up. Rizzio said, “who now out of her  seat.

Do, you know how lucky I was that  the  restaurant  pass and I  had to explain that my manger was feeling ill.

Tony, you were not present at the time. I was the only individual available, and I made the best possible decision under the circumstances.

Was this your chance to take over? I understand you doubt my leadership and believe you know what's best for the family. Like Stacks, you want the top seat.

Tony, that not what I was trying to do. Rizzio said  but Tony wasn’t listening to her at all. She  can  see that Tony is incredibly angry at  her.

Going  on about how she shouldn’t be making any decisions based on the family. How she is stabbing him in the back. Rizzio argue back  at  him. Her own  anger is getting the  better of her. But what Tony says next  have Rizzio in total surprise.

 I, don’t know who to trust right now.

 Huh … T what are you talking about ?  What are you saying ?  You  don’t trust me now ?

"No," Tony replied quietly.

 What … Tony.

 NO,  I SAID  NO,  I  DON’T  TURST YOU!!!

The expression on Rizzio's face caused Tony to turn his head away from her.

Rizzio glances at Tony, whose back is turned. She silently picks up her purse, heads to the door, pauses to look at him once more, then leaves the office—perhaps for the last time.

Chapter Text

Are you enjoying your drink?

Rizzio looked up at the bartender. He has a smile on his face. All while flirting with her. She is not in the mood to be hit on or flirt back at all tonight. Not after what's been going on as of late. Not after an argument that she and tony had. That ended with Tony saying that he doesn’t trust her.

After Rizzio left the office and restaurant, she drove home. Ten minutes in, she pulled over, broke down in tears, then continued on her way.

Since then, they haven’t talked to each other or seen each other. The argument happened a month ago. They have had their arguments in the past, but they always make up the very next day. This time it is quite different.

Making Rizzio feel devastated about the whole thing. She and Tony are remarkably close. When they were kids,  she always followed  Tony everywhere like a little puppy. It seems that it never bothered him at all. Tony is older than her, but by the time she was a teenager, they became close friends. After Tony was named the don of the family,  Rizzio knew that she needed to come back home. After finishing college,  she needed to help him run the family and protect her best friend and older brother.

Recently, with Stacks' betrayal,  it has been very tough on Tony and the family, but after the recent events at the restaurant and the argument they had. Rizzio doesn’t know where to go from here with the Don. Who is incredibly angry, heartbroken, and now doesn’t trust her.

Yes, I am enjoying my drink here.

 Would you like a different drink? The bartender asked, looking at the untouched drink.

 No, I'm fine with this one, thanks, Rizzio said, spinning her straw around.

She watches the bartender walk away to a blonde woman. Who is standing at the other side of the bar and spots her. With the room being dark with only a few lights, Rizzio made an annoying sound. Follow by a curse under her breath as the woman walked over to her.

Adriana,  there you are. I was wondering where you ran off to. You were in the  VIP  area with me and the other girls, then you were gone.

I just need to go to the restroom, Rizzio said, lying a little bit. She went to the restroom. But she was not ready to go back to the VIP area, so she decided to go to the bar area.

Franki is a young woman who started working at her family restaurant a few months ago. After the fight with  Tony Rizzio had been spending a lot of time there. The first thing Rizzio realizes about Franki is that she likes to talk. She can talk for a whole hour.

The second thing is that she likes to stay close to Rizzo to listen to her talking to the other staff. Wanting to go out clubbing after closing or on nights off. That is why she is here tonight. For the past month, Franki had been pushing and bugging her to go out clubbing, having a girls'  night out. 

Rizzio kept saying no because she wasn’t in the mood. In case Tony so happens to call her. Or come by her apartment. The real reason is that there's something off about this new server, and Rizzio can’t seem to shake it off.

After being asked again earlier today, this time in front of a  few staff members, who were going as well. Wanting her to go with them. She didn’t have any other choice but to say yes.

Come on, the others is waiting in the VIP area,  Franki said, gabbing Rizzio's hand, walking their way through the crowded people dancing on the dance floor,  to a set of stairs that led to the top floor of the VIP area.

Both women arrive at the VIP floor, where they see two other women who were present when Rizzio left earlier.

Thea Hail is a former  Chase U student whom Rizzio had met and became friends with. All while doing some business for the family. Late last fall, Chase U had to close due to mounting loads of debt. She was able to transfer to WWE City  U and graduated in May. While doing that,  she ended up without a place to live. Since she had lived on the Chase U campus.

Along with losing her job that was connected to Chase U., Rizzio then asked her parents if Thea could come work with them as a server. She had been doing a great job, and her parents and customers love her.

 The other woman with dark brown hair is  Gigi. A  friend from college who wants to attend cooking school to become a cook. Rizzio's parents offered her a job as a cook. After, one of their cooks had retired and moved away.

Rizzio and Franki took their seats on the couch while Gigi and Thea talked to one of the other.

 So, about this Chase U and this  Andre Chase guy. Whatever happened to him? Had he ever opened Chase  U up? Gigi asked, taking a sip of her drink.

Well,  after he couldn’t get any other banks to give him a loan. Some of the former  Chase U  students set up a  GoFundMe page and were able to raise enough money for Mr. Chase to buy the school back… well,   most of it.

 What do you mean, not most of it? Rizzio asked, a  little curious now.

Mr. Chase couldn’t buy back the dormitory buildings; he was only able to buy back the school building from the bank. At least he is happy to teach again.

Rizzio thought about Chase and the last time she and the family had seen him. He was all depressed when people brought up or asked about  Chase U. Chase would say that  Chase U  is no more and gloomily walked away.

Thinking about it has Rizzio thinking about Tony. Once again, the last time she saw him and what he had told her.

 NO, I  DON’T TRUST YOU!!!

 The words that Rizzio thinks about all the time now.

Adriania, are you ok?

Rizzio turns to Thea and Gigi, who are looking at her. Her college friend has been doing that as of late. She can’t tell her what the matter is because  Rizzio has never told any of her college friends about the family,  Tony, or the fact that he is the don. She had taken an oath of silence, called omerta, which is a vow of silence and loyalty to the Mafia. People who have never lived this life would never understand it.

  I know what's wrong; it has something to do with a guy?

 Rizzio,  Thea, and Gigi all turn to  Franki, who is looking at her phone.

You got dumped, that's why you've been all down, spending a lot of time at the restaurant. Not wanting to go out with us tonight?

Gigi, I  don’t want to talk about this, not here.

 Let me guess, you caught him cheating on you. I know it has something to do with a guy. Adriania, you can do so much better.

That, is not what happened…  look,  can we not talk about this?

I  had an ex who had cheated on me, and after I found out about it,  I  threw a brick through the windshield of his car. We could all go to his house to teach that cheater a lesson.

Franki, no...  can  we  please  talk about  something  else?

I  don’t think we should be doing this, Thea said, noticing the look on Rizzio's face.

Why not?

 It's a little bit too much, and we could get arrested.

 I was with Thea on this one, Gigi said, thinking that this girl is nuts.

  There's nothing to worry about. We're not going to get caught. I got a brick in my car. All we need is his address.

No. Rizzio said the last thing she wants is for them, mainly  Franki, to go to Tony’s house. To cause trouble for him over something that hasn’t happened between them.

 She knows that  Tony would never put his hands on a woman, but still,  Rizzio doesn’t want to do it.

 I drive, and Adrianna can tell me the way to go.

 I  said no, I don’t want to continue talking about this, and we're not going to throw a brick through someone's car windshield tonight. Or any other night. Rizzio said, getting up, grabbing her purse, walking back downstairs out of the nightclub to her car.

Rizzio texted Gigi that she was heading home as soon as she got in the car, saying they'd see each other tomorrow. She glanced at a photo of her and Tony from their last Vegas trip, taken just before the sit-down. Though she hoped girls’ night would be a distraction, it only made things worse.

Rizzio stared at the picture for a  few more minutes, thinking of the words Tony said to her the last time they talked, the venom and anger in his voice. How his back was turned to her after he said it.

Rizzio wiped away her tears and started her car, pulling out of the parking lot.

Chapter Text

It has been a long day for Tony as he walks inside his home. Been up since six in the morning for a shipment that is being delivered to the restaurant. Following  meetings and collecting envelopes from members of the family. By the time Tony was done with the last meeting,  it was  eleven o'clock at night, and he hadn’t even stopped by the docks.

 Walking upstairs, right to his bedroom, and changing out of his suit. Stepping into the bathroom to shower. As the water hits his body, Tony starts thinking about the past few months. Stack's betrayal of the family, Luca's being missing, and the argument he had with Rizzio. Have put the family in a weak and vulnerable place right now.

All while dealing with the aftermath of Stack's betrayal. That having him not trust anyone,  not even the ones that are close to him. As for his feelings toward the betrayal, Tony can’t deal with that right now.

A  few minutes later,  Tony, in his pajamas, walks downstairs to do a quick walk around the house before heading to bed. While making sure that the back kitchen door is locked. Tony spotted a black apron and a chef's hat hanging up on the wall next to the refrigerator. That he had used for a cooking class with the family. Having him think about that fun day.

four months  ago

Explain to me again why we are all here, T?

 Tony looks up at his underboss, standing next to him, Luca. Who just got off the phone with a client,  is looking at him as well. The three of them are standing in a building with a few kitchen stations. All Tony had told them this morning was that. Today, they are having a little family time and will meet him at this address.

Yeah,  why are we here, Tony?

 You all know Lash Legend? Tony asked, hoping that they knew who he was talking about.

She is a member of the Meta Four gang, and they all own a club called Club Meta. Stacks and  I had been there a  few times.

Well,  she recently reached out to Rizzio, who told me about. Wanting to ask if we could all participate in a pop-up cooking class.

 T  we all know how to cook well, not Luca here. He hired someone to cook for him.

 Well,  at least  I'm not ordering ready-to-go meals.

 I, had taken a home economics class back in middle school and high school.

 Yeah, and you're still the only one  I  know that can burn water. Said a female voice.

 Tony turned his head, seeing Rizzio had just arrived. After she had to take care of some family business for him that couldn’t wait until tomorrow.

Has that thing been taken care of? Tony asked in a low voice. Not wanting anyone who is around to hear them.

 Yes,  it has been taking care of  T. I can see that  I  made it just in time.

  You are not late at all, the class hasn’t even started. This is going to be so much fun. Tony said, seeing a  few people coming into the classroom.

T  Out of the four of us, you and I are the most experienced cooks in our group.

 Both Tony and Rizzio had grown up cooking in the kitchen. Rizzio and Tony don’t cook in either of their restaurants. But they do cook when they are at home. Giving them a full advantage for this class and group.

 Tony looked on, seeing people walking into the classroom. A few people he knew from doing family business with some he had heard and seen around. But never talk to or interact with them before. He spotted one man he had. Wearing sunglasses, but he knew that face and smile from a mile away. Tony saw Stacks, who was looking at the man as he walked over to their station.

Isn’t it, Tony D’Angelo? It's been a while since I last saw you.

 What are you doing here? Tony asked, looking at the man with venom in his eyes.

Santos Escobar is a crime boss and one of Tony’s rivals when he is named the don of the family. They both went at it for about six months,  which quickly turned into a turf war. Escobar and his family end up working for the family a little while after losing a poker game against the don. Soon after Tony regretted it, when  Escobar started losing money for the family, less than three months in.

Tony and Escobar both agreed that they would settle their issues in a street fight at a place called the underground. If Escobar wins, he and his family will be free from the D’Angelo family. If Tony wins, Escobar will have to leave the  NXT district. In the end, Tony came out as the winner. Escobar left NXT, but he didn’t leave alone; despite the agreement, his family ended up coming along with him.

I  heard about this cooking class that Ms. Legend is doing, and  I thought I  would go check it out. Why are you here? I  thought you could cook. Or about  all running out of recipes for your low-rate restaurant.

Low-rate restaurant,  let me tell you something, El jefe Tony said, walking away from the perp table. That is currently keeping him from the  Mexican crime boss. About to tell  Escobar off when Lash steps in between them.

Guys … hay …hay, there will be no fighting in my kitchen. Mr. Escobar,  if you please,  go to this kitchen station over there. Tony,  you stay on this side with your family.

 He's lucky I  doesn’t have my crowbar or my gun with me. Tony said in a low voice, remembering the promise that he had made to Lash. That's he, Rizzio, Stacks, or Luca wouldn’t cause trouble or bring any weapons to the class.

Tony watches  Escobar walk back to his station with two other men who are already there. After everybody was settled down. Each of them was handed a black apron and a chef's hat at the start of the class. Tony and the family listen as Lash tells them what they are going to make. It so happens to be  Italian seafood pasta. Something that Tony had on the restaurant menu, and would cook all the time.

 He and Rizzio are a pair together. Stacks is paired up with Luca. Tony helps Rizzio cook the cherry tomatoes and seafood. While  Stacks and Luca cook the pasta. Tony and Rizzio were hard at work, hearing Lash talking to Stacks about breaking the pasta in half.

 Hey, that's a sin, Tony said, knowing since he was a child that you never break dry pasta in half when you cook.

Ok then, do whatever you want.

Tony watches Lash walk away, hearing Stacks saying someone has an attitude under his breath. 

 He went back to cooking the cherry tomatoes, feeling  Escobar staring at him. Tony stared back at him. He didn’t know how long until Rizzio had gotten his attention, telling him that the sauce had thickened and the seafood was done. It's time to pour the sauce,  seafood, and pasta together.

 While letting it all cook together. Tony notices  Escobar, who is looking like he and his men are. Having trouble with their pasta and talking to  Lash. From where he can see it, Escobar looks like he isn’t happy at all.

I wonder what they are talking about over there, Tony thought as he watched   Escobar and his men taking off their aprons and chef hats, pulling them on the floor.

This is a waste of time. Call me when you're cooking some  Mexican food.

Tony and the family watch as Escobar and his men all walk out of the class. They waited a  few more minutes before they all laughed.

 I guess El jefe couldn’t take the heat in the kitchen, Tony said, watching his family all laugh. He could see that Lash was laughing as well.

Enjoying today, he is having a good time with his family, thinking about how nothing will tear them apart.

Present

Tony, looking at the apron and chef's hat, had never thought. That day was going to be the last time they would be together as a family. He never thought that two weeks later, everything would change. That Stacks will end up betraying the family. Luca hasn’t been heard from. Rizzio is making decisions for the family behind his back.

 Who do I trust? Tony thought, not knowing the answer.

Chapter Text

This is not what he expected early in the morning, waiting in his restaurant office. Seeing the one person he hadn’t seen in months. Back is turn talking on the phone. While looking through some papers, as if nothing had ever happened.

Tony slammed the door, causing the person to turn around facing him. Just staring at him, not saying a word to him. I it with on for a long time until the person walks over to Tony, getting ready to hug him. But Tony stopped the person right in his tracks.

Tony, Luca said he is confused about the reaction he is getting from his don right now.

 Luca,  what the hell …where had you been? We all thought that Stacks finish you in the desert. You show up, staring at me for 30  minutes, wanting a hug like nothing happened. Tony said, thinking back how he and the members of the family had searched high and low for his Consigliere. But nothing, not even a hair. Now he is standing magically in front of him.

I  understand that you want some answers.

 Yes, I  want some answers. Tony said as he took a seat at his desk. Watching Luca took a seat across from him.

What happened?

I  met up with Stacks in the desert outside of Las Vegas. I comforted him about what he had done at the sit-down meeting. A  couple of guys come from behind,  zip tie, and push me into the car. Stacks drive me farther into the desert stop, and kick me out.

 He kicked you out of the car?

 Yes,  he did.

Something fishy, Tony said, not buying what he had just been told.

 Look, I  know it sounds suspicious, Tony, that's what happened.

 Well, why did it take this long to reach out?

After what happened at the sit-down meeting and with Stacks in the desert. I  felt that it would be best for the family if I  went into hiding. T I just got back into town.

You just got back, huh? Then why didn’t you call me as soon as you returned? Tony asked, feeling that there is more to the story Luca is not telling him.

Luca was about to say something when the phone rang. He watches Tony, who is staring at him like he is going to stab him in the back. Reaching over to answer the phone.

 Hello,  Tony said, keeping an eye on Luca.

 Tony,  it's me, Hank from Hank and Tank  Construction.

 Hank and Tank are guys that Tony and the family are friends with. They both own a construction and contractor company together. Tony had hired in the past for construction projects. They also had ordered takeout from Rizzio’s restaurant a few times a week.

 What's going on?

Well,  Tony we  were supposed to get started on the remodel of the fish market you hired us for today. But it looks like we have a problem.

The fish market is one of the first businesses that Tony started up in the SummerSlam beach area. Before he was named the don of the family. He has had a huge passion for fish and seafood. Since he was a child. The fish market is also used. To supply seafood and fish for the restaurant. Months ago, Tony had mead plans to do a  full remodel of the market. 

He hired Hank and  Tank for the remodel. Once he had gotten the permits. Tony was ready to get things started.

 What's the problem? I  got the right permits; you all should be good to go. Tony said, not understanding what the issue was.

The problem that we see outside, looking through the window of the fish market, and from where we can see it, looks like the place hasn’t been cleared out.

Nothing hadn’t been cleared out. That was supposed to be taken care of. There should be a note on the door saying closed for remodel, reopen in a month.

 The sign isn’t up, but the door is still locked.

 Hank,  I'll investigate it, and I'll call you two back. Tony hung the phone right up. Making a phone call. A  few rings later, a man's voice came through the phone.

 Hello boss?

Don’t hello boss  me. Alessio,  could you explain to me why I just received a call stating that the fish market still hasn’t been cleared out, and the sign I told you to put up is not on the door?

Alessio was silent on the other end of the line. While Tony thought he heard some voices in the background.

Who there? Who are you with right now?

That's the TV  you're hearing, Don. I don’t know anything about any remodel.

 Don’t know anything about any remodel ? I  had told you I plan on remodeling months ago. Let you know a month ago,  to get the staff to clear out everything once I  had gotten the permits. Did you even move out yet? Tony asked, gripping the phone in his hands.

 Right next door on the same property is a huge house, one of the reasons why Tony bought the fish market. The people who live in the SummerSlam Beach area. The house is a normal resident. But it isn’t a normal resident at all; it is a cover-up. The house is used for illegal poker. It is one of the top money-making underground poker houses. The family runs in WWE City.

When Tony had decided on remodeling the fish market. He had decided to temporarily close the poker house. In case Hank and Tank's construction team is running behind and must work late at night. Soon after, the fish market is done. The house is next to get remodeled, Alessio, who oversees the fish market and the poker house. Where he lives,  and knows of his plans. He needs to move out of the house until both remodels are done.

 Look, boss,  it’s not necessary for me to move out of the house; it's not like you're doing a  full remodel. You're just doing the living room and kitchen. I  can just live there and keep the poker house running. While the remodel is going on.

No too risky.

Well, I  need  more  time  than.

 You were supposed to have moved out yesterday. Look, I'm going to give you  24  hours to clear out the fish market and move out of the poker house. Because the remodel is going on as planned.

Again,  Tony can hear voices in the background, but from what he can hear,  it sounds like it wasn’t coming from the  TV.

 Hello?

 Ok boss.

 The  phone  was  dead  after  that, leaving  Tony a  little annoyed, that  Alessio  had  hung  up  on him. He turned to  Luca and  said.

 Now, where were we?

A day later,  Tony sat inside a parked car looking across the street. Thinking about whether he should be here right now after the morning he had.

Earlier today

  Tony looks ahead at  Luca, who is still sitting in his seat texting on his phone. He is wondering who he is texting. Is he texting with one of the other crime bosses? Making plans to take the family turf. Or is he texting Stacks, planning a way to stab him in the back once again? 

 Thinking about Stacks, Luca met up with him. Is making  Tony terribly angry right now.

Who are you texting with?

 It is a client, Tony.

A  client, huh?

Yes,  Tony a client.

That client is Stacks, Tony said under his breath.

 What did you say?

What happened in the desert with Stacks because I'm not buying what you had told me? Tony asked, feeling that Luca was hiding something and not telling him the truth.

I  already told you this, Tony Stacks kicked me out of the car and drove off, leaving me in the middle of the desert.

That's what doesn’t make sense here. What happened, and where the hell had you been, Luca? Tony said his voice is getting louder.

 I, told you already what happened and where I had been  T.

You were with him? You've been with Stacks the whole time, haven’t you? Tony asked his anger is starting to get the better of him.

 You think that  I'm plotting against you with Stacks?

Well, you drove all away outside of Las Vegas alone to meet up with him. Hadn’t been seen or heard from in months. Show back again like nothing happened. I  don’t trust a single word coming out of your mouth. So yes, I think you're plotting with Stacks. Tony said, seeing  Luca getting out of his seat.

 I am not a rat, and you know what… I  am done. 

 Tony watches  as Luca walks over to the door. He  turned and looked at  him  and said.

You think everybody is a rat and being disloyal to you? You don’t trust anyone, do you? You think Stack’s stabbing you in the back, and I'm supposed to be lying to you, is bad. But your anger, your paranoia is the worst and is affecting everybody around you.

I've been watching the staff out there, walking on eggshells. While isolating yourself from them. Word on the street is that Rizzio hasn’t been around. Is it because you think that she is a rat and with Stacks as well,  or she is sick of your paranoia and anger, like me and everybody else?

Tony looks at  Luca, who opens the door and walks out of the office. Finally, now having the answer to one question  , who can  I  trust … me.

Present  day

  He thought that he had gotten his answer, but after thinking for a very long time,  Tony had made a hard decision, hoping that he had made the right one for the family. He looked across the street one last time and took a deep breath.

Here goes, Tony said as he got out of the car.

 Two hours later, Tony is once again in his car outside of his house, making a phone call. Three rings, and another person on the other end answers.

 Hello?

 Tank It me, Tony,  look about the remodel?

Tony, it's all good. I  understand your assistant explains everything.

 My assistant?

 Yeah,  he called us this morning.

 This morning?

 Yeah,  this morning. He said that due to the issues going on in the family. You had decided not to continue with the remodel.

 I don’t have an…  did this assistant tell him his name?

No, but there was someone talking in the background. We heard the name  Alessio a few times.

Tank you,  tell  Hank that I'm going to look into this and call you back as soon as I  can.

Ok, and one more thing, there was something we wanted to ask your assistant. So, I  called the number he used to call us, and it was disconnected.

 I see, Tony said, ending the call. Grabbing the phone so hard that if the screen protector wasn’t on, it would be damaged. The screen would be cracked in half.

Late last night, Tony had gotten a text from Alessio. Letting him know that the fish market is clear out. He now moves out of the poker house and temporarily moves into a hotel suite.

Now that he has just gotten the news that Alessio hasn’t moved out. Had called Hank and tank calling off the remodel behind his back.

 Tony angrily calls  Alessio only to get his voicemail. Making  Tony angry by the second. He started the car, pulling out of his driveway. Heading to the last place, he wasn’t thinking he be going today.

Forty minutes later, after being stuck in traffic. Tony had mead it to SummerSlam Beach. It was getting dark, meaning tourists would be heading to the boardwalks. To have dinner or hit the clubs and bars.

I'm here to take care of some business that can’t wait. This is a piece of family business I  need to handle myself. Tony thought about keeping his eyes on the road.

He drives down a dirt road, slows down. When he spotted a medium-sized building. With a sign that said Seafood Fish Market. Tony can see that the market lights are off, and it looks like it is closed. It's all different with the huge two-floor house next door. The lights are all on inside the house. A  dozen cars park in front of the house. With people all sitting on the porch.

 Alessio,  you're some of a  bitch, Tony thought. Driving down the road.

 This is supposed to be a private underground poker house,  Tony said to himself. Pulling into an abandoned building that used to be a garage repair shop years ago.

Tony bought it after buying both the fish market and the house. He got out of the car and walked into the garage. To open the garage door. Tony drives his car inside and closes the door.

A few minutes later,  a beat-up car pull up in front of the poker house. Tony got out of the car and walk up the front porch. Heading to the fort door, ready to take care of business. When a man who looks like he is wearing all black blocks his way.

Card please.

 Who are you? Tony asked, looking at the  man

 Card please.

 Who are you?

 I'm the bouncer and head of security. Card, please. .

Bouncer and head of security,  huh?

 Yes, I am now. If you don’t have a card to get in,  then you turn back around.

 Tony takes hold of the man's shirt and moves him toward the side of the house. People that is close by all got out of the way. As Tony looks the man in the eye.

My name is Tony D'Angelo, and this is my business. I  know and had hired every single guard here, and  I  know very well   I didn’t hired you. Or authorize any card to get in. I don’t know what is going on here, but I suggest you leave before  I  find out.

 Tony threw the man off the porch, watching him get off the ground, running off the property. He watches the other people follow suit, something about them seen off. But Tony doesn’t have time; he is here to handle  Alessio.

The first few steps he took inside, Tony saw people lying all over in the hallway. People he hadn’t seen here before. Some of them look like to be young, very young,  still in. High school and college. Knowing that he doesn’t allow teenagers or college students. That is not under twenty-one, and it is an invitation-only. He is the only one who authorized and sent the invites.

Tony continues walking through the house, seeing more and more teenagers and college students. Not any of the regular poker house players. He walks over to one of the poker tables that is set up in the living room. There, Tony notices the person. Who is dealing the cards. He had never seen before. What was in the middle of the table had Tony turning red.

Having him to end the card game right here and there. Not only did he end the poker game in front of him. But he also closed down the poker game next to him. Then the next one, the next one, and the next one.

Tony then spotted people sitting on the couch. He saw the same thing that was on each of the poker tables on the coffee table. Seeing two teenagers on the couch. How are they looking, tell them to leave and don’t come back.

One of them was about grabbing the items. That was on the coffee table, but told the teen to leave it.

 I paid for this.

 I don't care if you gave the clothes that is on your back. Now go home, it's way past your bedtime anyway. Tony said, seeing the teenagers all got up and walked out the door along with the rest of them.

Tony did the same thing when he went upstairs, knocking on each door before entering. Telling the people in each room to leave. One bedroom has a group of people all naked, and the same thing he found downstairs. Once upstairs was all clear, Tony went back downstairs. Down the hall, leading to the office, hearing someone inside.

Tony opened the office door, seeing  Aldo  Alessio's father. Quickly putting money in a huge duffel bag. Money and papers were all over the place. As Tony clears his throat, Aldo stops looking right at him.

Where's your son? Alessio, where is he? What the hell are high school and college students doing here? Does your son know how dangerous this is? What I  had found all over the house. The cops be busting this place if word gets out. Putting the family in serious jeopardy. This little side business your son has here is shut down, done,  over with.

A laugh caught Tony off guard. As he turned around and saw it was coming from Alessio, who was standing at the doorway.

Are you both in on this? Aldo, you are the last person  I  thought would be a part of this, Tony said, seeing. Alessio, who is now standing in front of his father, is laughing. Aldo placed the last stack of money in the duffel.

 The laugh coming from both of them is starting to make  Tony uncomfortable. Something  that  he doesn’t like.

You think this is funny? Tony asked , watching  Aldo still laughing , shaking his head.

Don, I'm only here as a supportive father.

A  hit to the back and both knees have Tony fall to the floor. He feels someone behind him grabbing a handful of his hair. Forcing Tony to look at the person behind the attack.

Looks like we're going to have to move up on our plans.

Alessandro,  you … a fist connected to Tony's face, and everything was black.

Chapter Text

Tony slowly opened his eyes, pain shooting through his back, as he. Slowly got up from the couch. Realizing right away, he is in the upstairs office of the poker house.

 The last thing he remembered was that he was comforting both Aldo and Alessio about Alessio' little side business. When Alessandro came from behind. Hitting him in the back and both of his knees before getting a punch in the face.

Well, sleepy Don is finally awake.

 Tony turned to the far end wall, where the other couch was, seeing the men who had betrayed the family.

"Hello, Don. How are you feeling? The back and knees hurt badly right now ? You must be wondering what we’ve all been doing behind your back."

Alessandro, you, your brother, and father better explain yourselves before I beat it out of the three of you, Tony said, his eyes on the three men, especially Alessandro, who was holding something in his hand: a gun, pointed directly at him.

The door opened, and Tony turned away, watching as three men and a woman walked in. He recognized the men, but the blonde woman was a stranger to him.

Hello Tony, it is so great to see you again.

Ten months ago,  last  fall

 Tony, where are Luca and Stacks? Aren’t they coming?

Tony turned to Rizzio, who stood next to him with a worried look on her face.

 They are taking care of some other business tonight. It's ok, we don’t need them here for this meeting.

 But, Don, we don’t know anything about this person we are meeting with? All we know is that this person has been following you around. Showing up at places that he shouldn’t and isn't wanted. Last week, he showed up right here in the private room of the restaurant demanding a sit-down meeting.

That is why I  agreed to a meeting. Because I  want to know what we are dealing with here. Tony said, knowing very well that he is taking a huge risk agreeing to a meeting. Without  Stacks and  Luca being here for backup.

 As a result, he decided to close the restaurant early and have all staff leave for the evening. He, Rizzio, and a few soldiers of the family are the only ones here.

 Is that why you are armed T?

Before entering the private room, Tony retrieved his gun from his office safe to have it available in case of any issues. Hope it won’t, and he wouldn’t have to use it.

You're not the only one armed here, T.

Tony looks at Rizzio, who shows him her gun, causing him to smile. Knowing that, Rizzio always comes armed, no matter what. The reason he asked her to come to sit in the meeting with him.

 Just then, Alessandro came walking into the room. Tony was surprised he wasn’t expanding him. Or why is he even here at all?

 Hello, Don.

What are you doing here, Alessandro? I'm meeting with someone here in a few minutes. Tony asked, looking at   Rizzio, who was shaking her head, not knowing why he was here. A  little caught off guard by Alessandro’s arrival as he is.

I heard that Stacks and Luca couldn’t make it, so I  thought that I would fill in for them.

 At that moment, three men came walking through the curtain. Tony looks at the three. As he got up from his seat. One of them he had seen around the  NXT area. The other one who can be a football player he has never seen before. The third man who had been following him around showed up at the restaurant last week. Is staring right at him.

 Tony watches as the man who is staring at him walks over to the table, pulls out a chair, and takes a seat. While the other two stand beside him. Tony looks at them before sitting back down. Never take his eyes off the three men.

I see that Ms. Rizzio is here to join us.

Rizzio is a key part of my family. Tony said. With his  Don voice. Looking at Rizzio. Who is standing next to him, he can see that she is keeping an eye on their three guesses.

 Who is this person?

 He is a member of the family who is about to leave.

 He's part of your family, so let him stay.

 Tony doesn’t want  Alessandro anywhere near this meeting. Right now,  it isn’t the time to deal with him. He turns to  Alessandro, nodding his head, seeing him walk over to stand next to Rizzio.

Ok then, who are you? Why are you showing up everywhere I  go, and what do you want?

My name is  Shawn  Spears, and I just moved here to WWE City. I have heard a lot about you, and I  think we can do some business together.

Business huh? What kind of business? Tony asked curious about the kind of business partnership. This Shawn Spears is offering him and his family. Seeing the smile on Spears' face.

 My business is the illegal drug trafficking business.

We've done Tony said, seeing the shock look on Alessandro's face.

 This is about being targeted by law enforcement; you have nothing to worry about. I   know how to manage them.

 I'm not interested Tony said, seeing Spears reach in his coat pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper, placing it in front of him.

  Tony looks at Spears, who has a cocky smile on his face. Waiting for him to look at the small, folded paper in front of him. But he didn’t look.

Well, aren’t you going to see how much I'm offering you, Don?

 Mr. Spears, the family doesn’t do any business with anyone who relates to drugs.

 Don, this is a lot of money here. You should reconsider here.

 Tony turns his head to  Alessandro, who is looking at the paper. Rizzio grabbed the paper out of Alessandro's hand, handing it back to Tony. Who looks at  Spears.

 I  think you should listen to him; you and your family can make a whole lot of money. If we become business partners. We can both run the drug trafficking business, not just in the NXT area. But the whole WWE city.

Tony looks at Spears for a second before standing up from his seat. Holding the paper in front of him, he ripped it in half.

Thank you for considering me and my family, but for the last time, I  am not interested. This meeting is officially over, Tony said. Seeing  Spears standing up out of his seat. Tony was about to say something. When Rizzio said, “Watch out. Followed by a hard punch to the side of his face.

Tony landed on the ground, seeing both of Spears'  men standing over him. He saw  Rizzio standing in front of him, gun pointing right at them both. A  few of the soldiers behind them were pointing their guns.

 Don’t you even think about it, one more move and we shoot.

 The taller man tried to take one step. But Tony points his gun right at him, causing him to stop.

Nico, I believe it is time for us to leave. Jenson, let go.

Tony observed as Spears and his group gradually exited the private room. After a short wait, the others in the room turned their attention to Tony. Several minutes later, additional soldiers entered the room.

Boss, are you alright?

I fine go make sure they leave the parking lot. Rizzi will go with them. Tony said, seeing them run out of the room.

 He looks at  Alessandro, who didn’t move or help in the incident that had just happened.

Present day

 Tony looks at Alessandro. Who is now standing in front of him, his gun still pointing at him.

This is your little side business, then. That's why you wanted to sit in on the first meeting with Spears months ago? Not stepping in when things got heated? Because you two are business partners? Going behind my back and the family's back. Turning my poker house into your little drug den. You two had been business partners way before then?

 Tony looks at Alessandro, who didn’t say a word. Making him incredibly angry.

ANSWER ME  DAMMIT!!!!

You're right, Don. We met back when I  was attending college. Spears needed someone to sell on the college campus. I  needed a way to make money. I work my way up, and by the time I finish law school, we become business partners.

 He was a business partner on a part-time basis. Until he got fired from the law firm last year. That was when we started taking our operation to the next level. Spears said, looking at Alessandro, who is looking at  Tony. Who is eyeing him like he wants to hurt him.

Is that why you were pushing me to name Alessandro the family lawyer? Because both of your sons are soldiers of the family, they are the lowest rank within the family structure, meaning that Alessandro doesn’t have enough power to do business with the other crime bosses. And to hide the fact that he has been running a side business. You and your sons all know that all soldiers must share a percentage of their earnings with the family.

Tony remembered that a  few days before leaving for Vegas, Alessandro hadn’t taken a case in a year. Pulling up in a brand-new car. He asked him about it. Alessandro told him that it was his father’s car. Then,  a month ago, he saw him wearing a Rolex watch. Tony, who was too overwhelmed that day, didn’t ask or pay any more attention to it. Thinking nothing of it at the time. But now it all makes sense.

 When I  didn’t name you the family lawyer and turn down Spears'  offer, you two with a head and open shop here. Tony said, turning his head to look at Alessio.

Let's just say I got sick and tired of taking orders. From you, and a loud big mouth who thinks she can boss me around. I’m the one with an accounting degree. She oversees all finances for the family. Managing the books and money. That should have been me. I've been a soldier of the family for six years. I  got nothing to show from it.

'' Nothing? I put you in charge of my poker house.''

 Still, half of my earnings go to the family. Taking orders from  Rizzio. Spears and my brother needed a place to set up shop. I want to make real money.

Was this your idea, then? Tony asked, trying to put the pieces together.

Don, it was my idea. Both my sons had issues, so I suggested Alessio let Spears and Alessandro use the poker house. In exchange, Alessio became an equal partner with them. I was just being a supportive father.

 I've earned more than ever before with you and the family, and we'll do whatever is needed to protect it.

 Whatever it takes? Tony asked angrily, looking at the three members of his family who are now rats.

  Yeah, whatever it takes Spears said,  forming a wicked smile on his face.

 Tony thought of something that he had remembered. Causing him to shoot a look at Spears and Alessandro.

 The customer who was fine dead at the restaurant. He didn’t died at the restaurant? He had died here? He was one of your customers who came here to make a buy and use. The cause of death was a heart condition caused by drug use. There were multiple drugs in his system. Tony said, remembering when he got the call from his associate from the coroner office.

Letting him know that the restaurant isn’t responsible. After the food was tested, negotiate for any poisoning. Tony was relieved by the news. There are still some unanswered questions. Who is he? Why was he there? How did he ended up inside the restaurant without anyone noticing anything? Who in the hell waited on  him?

 Having a customer overdose and ending up dying isn’t good for our business. Alessandro said with no remorse at all for what he had done.

Making Tony think of something else. That should have happened that night. 

I was planning to stop by here to look in on things. Had to end up coming to the restaurant to deal with your dead customer that you dumped in my dining room. You three had planned it so that I  couldn’t come walking in on your drug den business?

 Once again,  you are correct, Don. We couldn’t let you show up right in the middle of a drug shipment. At first,  we didn’t know what to do. So when we discovered the dead customer in the bathroom. It was the answer to that and our current problems.

 We call my dad along with Nico, Jenson, and this lady here, Izzy Dame. The four of them had sneaked inside the back door of the restaurant. Through the dining room, place the body at one of the far end tables of the room. Gave Izzy a restaurant uniform to put on.

She blended in with the other waiters. Seek into the kitchen in the middle of the dinner service. Grab a plate for a another table. Make it look like it has been half-eaten. Place it at the table. Watches as the plan comes into play.

Tony can hear everybody laughing as he listens to Spears go on telling his story.

The incident was quite notable to observe. The most significant moment occurred when you and Ms. Rizzio engaged in a heated exchange. I recall you stating, "No, I do not trust you."

Tony recalled the remarks he made to Rizzio and Spears, noting their mocking tone. His anger escalated, and he subsequently acknowledged that he allowed it to influence his actions toward Rizzio. Tony recognized that he had been having a difficult week, and learning about the customer who was found deceased at the restaurant contributed significantly to his state of mind. He realized this earlier today.

Tony turned his head to the blonde woman, who was Izzy. He looks at what she is wearing. His face turned red. As he quickly with right after Spears. Tony was stopped right at the tracks by a hit of a crowbar to the knee by none other than Izzy. He held his knee, crying out in pain, looking up at  Izzy,  Nico, and Jenson right next to her. With crowbars in their hands. Tony looks up, seeing  Aldo, Alessio, and Alessandro join them. All circling him, like a lion circling its prey.

He slowly got up and with after the first person. I, so happen to be Nico. Who is Spears'  enforcer. Tony threw punches at the big,  tall man. Nico followed with punches of his own. Connected to Tony Face. A crowbar hit his ribs and back. He turned around, grabbing the crowbar from  Jenson, and using it to hit him in the back of the arm and side. Then hit Nico in the upper body a few times.

Tony took another crowbar blow from Alessio and collapsed. Alessio, Nico, Jenson, and Aldo continued to strike him, their faces making it clear he faced a serious fight.

 I've got to find a way out of here, Tony thought, seeing an answer to his situation.

 Let me join in the fun here,  Spears said, walking over with his crowbar.

Tony looks up, seeing Spears getting ready to strike. He quickly used his ankles and tripped  Spears on the floor. Tony got up and from the floor grabbed the crowbar. Hitting every person that is in his path.

 Once he made a path out of the office, Tony painfully and quickly walks out . He wasn’t fully out in the hallway. When he saw a group of people. They look like they are gangsters.

Where in the hell do they come from, Tony said to himself, hitting  each gangster coming for him.

After hitting each of them, falling on the ground holding a body part. Tony is halfway to the stairs. When a hit of the back stop him. Another hit to the back of his ribs. He saw that Alessandro had caught up with him. Then a another hit to the ribs have Tony kneeling on the floor. Holding his ribs, screaming in pain.

Come on, Don come on,  fight me.

 Tony angrily gets up and swings his fist at Alessandro, but misses. Both of his arms were grabbed from behind by Nico and Jenson. Fighting to get free from their grips. With his strength, Tony pulls both of them right into each other. Hitting face first into one another.

He grabbed the crowbar with both hands, trying to wrestle it out of Alessandro’s hands. Tony gets pushed to the wall by Alessandro, who places the crowbar on his throat. He can feel the weapon on his windpipe. Tony fights to loosen the crowbar from his throat. They continue to wrestle with it. Until he is pushed to the top railing of the stairs.

You, think you're better than me because you are the Don of the family. You know deep down if we move up in the family, one of us will go after the big seat.

Both of you had taken an oath of omerta, and you pledged your loyalty to the family. Tony said the crowbar was still pressed against his windpipe. His vision started to get blurry, and he was losing consciousness. With each breath he takes.

  You're nothing but a wash-up, Don. No wonder  Stacks stab you in the back. Rizzio has moved on. Luca had walked out. Tony, you are all alone now because you have become soft. You think that Stacks stabbing you in the back is worse. We're your worst nightmare.

Go to hell Tony said. In a slow, rusty voice.

 That's all you have to say? Guess what,  I'm the last face you're going to ever see.

The stair railing broke, and Tony felt pain and a sudden push. As he fell, his life flashed before him: childhood, school years, friendships with Stacks and Rizzio, becoming the don, imprisonment, and release, appointing Luca as consigliere, and recent memories—including his final words to Rizzio and Luca. His side hit something hard, and everything turned black.

 The sound of a glass breaking stopped everybody of what they were doing. Looking at the direction  of where it is coming from. A  person was standing there in front of the broken glass.

Adriana,  are you alright?

Chapter Text

24 hours  earlier

Rizzio walked into the apartment after a long day at her parents' restaurant. She walked over to he island area and dropped her keys in the bowl.  Heading over to the refrigerator, grabbed a bottle of water.  She walked into the living room, taking a seat on the couch.  Pulling her shoes off to rub her feet.

As she takes a drink of her water. Rizzio started to have a strange feeling about something. Brushing it off as being exhausted from working at the restaurant. She got up and headed to her bedroom to get ready for bed.

 Rizzio slowly walked down a hall. She can see that no one is around. Kept on walking, Rizzio spotted someone lying on the floor. From the body frame and hair, Rizzio went right away over to the person.  Slowly turn the person over, seeing Tony's face, whose eyes are open, and his forehead has a bullet wound.

Rizzio woke up suddenly in the middle of the night. She took several deep breaths and checked the clock on her nightstand; it was two a.m. She then looked at the large dresser across the room, where a photograph of herself, Tony, Stacks, and Luca from last year at the restaurant was displayed. Seeing the picture reminded Rizzio of a previous argument she had with Tony.

The tone he used when he told her that he doesn’t trust her. It hurt her like a knife twisting her heart.  Since then,  Rizzio has been waiting for  Tony to call, come by her apartment, or her parents'  restaurant.  But nothing, not even a text message.

For the past five months, Rizzio has not received any communication from Tony. Based on recent reports, Tony appears to be losing support within the family, which is currently experiencing a period of weakness and vulnerability. It has also been noted that Tony has been distancing himself from others.

Rizzio considered starting a new life without Tony and the family—a thought she'd been entertaining for months. Each day, she woke up, showered, worked at her parents' restaurant, then either went home or out with friends, repeating the routine daily. She glanced at the photos on her dresser before lying back down to try to sleep.

Didn’t get any sleep last night?

 Rizzio turns to Gigi, who looks at her. She has been yawning all day.  She hasn’t gotten any sleep at all last night.  After the nightmare Rizzio had, and the strange feeling since last night.  That led her to drive to Tony's restaurant. On the way to her parents' restaurant this morning. She didn’t get out of the car to come inside. Feeling that Tony didn’t want to see or talk to her.

Is this about that guy who cheated on you?

Gigi,  that didn't happen.  Rizzio said, telling her friend for the one hundredth time.

 Adriana, it's time for you to move on. Look, I wasn’t going to tell you this, but  Sid got a call from  Jamie a  few days ago.

Jamie was a guy that Rizzio had dated for three years while in college.  Had broken up with him before moving back to WWE City for a lot of reasons.  One of them is because of his twin sister.

 Jamie is coming to town for some work-related thing, and we made plans to go out for dinner.  How about you come with us?

 I don’t think so,  Rizzio said, walking away, heading to the dining room.  When she reaches the dining room, Rizzio notices Franki on her phone.

She still sensed something was off about her, though she couldn't quite identify why. Rizzio entered the office and shut the door.

A few minutes later,  Rizzio was back in the dining room looking around for  Franki.  She is nowhere to be found.  There were a lot of people all coming in all at once.  A few servers, including Thea, who is seating twenty people at a table. Who is looking like they are here for a birthday party?   Rizzio assisted in arranging several tables to accommodate a group of thirty individuals attending an engagement dinner.

Thea, where's  Franki?  Rizzio asked to place drinks on a tray.

 I don’t know the last time  I  saw her;  she was on her phone. Thea said to place a plate on the tray.

 Have you all seen Frankie?  Rizzio asked, looking at the servers who are in the kitchen dropping off or waiting for their orders. All telling her no or shaking their heads.

 She let out a curse, telling them that if they see her,  let her know before grabbing the tray and heading back into the dining room.

 Hours later, after looking after two huge tables and the other customer who had come in. It was closing time, and Rizzio and the staff were all cleaning up the dining room.  No one knows where Franki is. Rizzio was told by one of the cooks who was taking a break that she got in her car and left.

  Franki, you better have a good reason to leave in the middle of dinner service, Rizzio said to herself in a low voice. Clearing one of the tables off.  Placing plates in a wash crate so the busboy could wash them.

 She was grabbing a glass for the table, and a strange feeling hit her.  Rizzio has been having the same feeling on and off since last night.  This time, this feeling was strong.  Like something very bad had happened.  Without knowing,  Rizzio dropped the glass on the floor.  Causing it to break into tiny fragments.

Adriana,  are you alright?  One of the servers asked who was clearing a table off next to her.

 Yeah, I'm fine. I'm going to go get a broom to clean this up.

 Rizzio walked to the supply closet, grabbing the broom and dust pan.  She was walking back to the dining room when Thea blocked her path.

  I, got this you go out back and  take a break.

Rizzio looked at the floor for a  second before handing the broom and dustpan over to her employee and friend.  Walking out to the back, standing outside for only a  few minutes until the hot summer night air was getting the best of her.  Decided to go sit in her car with the air conditioning on.

 Rizzio walked over to where she had parked her car, stopping when she saw a brown envelope on her windshield.  She reaches over to grab the envelope, seeing that her name is on it and there is something inside.

 What is this? Rizzio said to herself.  Getting  ready to  open the  envelope,  she  feels  someone  is  behind  her.

Have Tony send someone to end me?  Rizzio thought her hand slowly inside her purse.  Pulling out her gun.  Turning around to face the person who may have been sent to kill her.

 To discover it wasn’t a hit man at all, it was the last person Rizzio didn’t think she would see at all tonight.

 Is this a bad time?

Andre Chase, what the hell? Don’t you know not to creep up on someone in an empty parking lot at night, Rizzio asked, putting her gun back in her purse.

 I'm sorry  I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.

Thea  is  inside  if  you here to  talk  to  her.

  I'm not here to talk to Thea. I've been waiting to talk to you all night.

 You want to talk to me?  Why didn’t you come inside?  Rizzio asked, knowing that ever since Thea started working at her parents'  restaurant,  Andre Chase and Chase U students have been coming here as customers. In his words, he is helping and supporting his former star student.  There had been times he came in with a group of students and made them leave a tip.

You all look too busy to step aside and talk. So I went back outside and waited in my car for you to come out or close up.

We can go back inside the restaurant and talk, Rizzio said, getting ready to walk back inside.

 This is a conversation that can’t be overheard… Is there any other place we can go to talk privately?

 Rizzio can tell from the look on Chase's face that this is profoundly serious for the Chase  U  teacher, who does not want to come inside.

 It's extremely hot out here, we can go talk in my car, Rizzio said, opening her car door and stepping in.  Rizzio watches Chase open the passage door and step inside.

 She starts the car and turns on the air conditioning. The cool air was hitting her face and body.

 What is it you want to talk to me about that can’t be overheard?

 Well,  you see Rizzio… look, I  don’t know if this is true or not…  I just found out recently.

 What is it, Chase ? Rizzio asked, losing her patience.

Recently, I've heard students mention a location operated by the D'Angelo family where drugs are sold and used.

WHAT !!!!

All I  know is that there is a place that you can go to buy and use drugs, and someone who is connected to the  D’Angelo’s family is operated it.

No …no way Tony would never get the family into drug trafficking, Rizzio said, remembering how back in high school they had lost classmates and friends due to drug use.

 When Tony was named the don of the family,  he had made it noticeably clear that the family would not get involved with anything to do with drugs. If he ever finds out that someone in the family is involved, there will be severe consequences.

What else did you overhear? I want to know everything,  don’t leave anything out.  Rizzio asked who was right in Chase's face, making him a  little uncomfortable.

 All  I  know is that there is a house in Summerslam Beach that you can go to buy and use drugs that the family  is running.

 Wait, a house at Summerslam Beach?

 Yes,  a house at  Summerslam Beach and something about poker.  I don’t know the address or where it is.

Summerslam beach.

 Yes.

Did you leave me this Rizzio asked the man, showing Chase the brown envelope.

 No, that was there  when I  got here.

 Chase, do me a favor and go inside and tell Thea to tell the manager to close up and that  I'm going home for the night.

 Alright.

 Rizzio grabbed Chase by the arm, who was about to get out of the car, and said.

Does anybody else know about this?

 No.

 Good,  keep it that way,  Rizzio said , letting go of Chase, watching him get out of her car .

As soon as Chase stepped inside the restaurant, she pulled out of the parking lot and headed straight home as she said she would. But not for long.  Rizzio only came home to grab a  few things. Right back out to her car. Pulling out of the apartment parking lot, driving to Tony’s restaurant.

Arriving at the restaurant, Rizzio walked in and saw the staff cleaning up. Some glanced at her as she approached the manager at the bar, who was speaking to the bartender.

Ms. Rizzio, hey,  if you're looking for the boss.

Is he here?

Yes, came in, didn’t say a word to anybody with right to his office. Came back out around late afternoon with inside the private room, and he just sat there. Some of the staff and I asked him if he was alright and if he needed anything. He told us no, he wanted to be left alone and not to be disturbed.  We've been doing that since.

Well, I'm going to go talk to him,  Rizzio said, seeing the looks on the manager's and bartender's faces.  Knowing now that the rumors are true, and Tony has been isolating himself.

She entered the private room where she'd often attended family dinners and meetings. Though Rizzio expected to find Tony there, as told by the manager, the room was empty.  

Rizzio walked out of the private room to the office. She stopped and looked at the door before knocking. When she didn’t hear Tony's voice telling her to enter,  she decided to open the door and come on inside.  Seeing that there is no one in the office.  What Rizzio saw on Tony’s desk had her very worried. She quickly walked out of the restaurant with her phone in her hand, calling Tony but only getting his voicemail. Making Rizzio panic and scared of the don.

 What is going on T  the family involved in drugs? You are leaving in the middle of dinner service, without telling the staff.  Leaving this behind. Rizzio said, looking at the items in her hands. Making her very concern.  

Knowing that the only way to get the answers she needs. It is to follow the strange feeling she has been having for the past  24 hours.  Rizzio needs to follow her  Intuition. That is telling her right now that something is very wrong. She needs to go to the poker house at SummerSlam Beach.

Chapter Text

Slowly driving up to the property on the dirt road. Rizzio soon realizes that something is very wrong. She felt it in the pit of her gut. By the look of the house, the lights are on. With cars parked right in front.

A  few of them she recognizes right away. But there is one car that caught Rizzio's eye. Her gut feeling was telling her not to enter through the front and back doors of the house.

 There is only one way to get inside, Rizzio thought, planning her way in.

Rizzio is standing in the office downstairs at the poker house, observing that it is unusually disordered compared to Tony's usual standard of organization. She notices a phone on the floor and picks it up, recognizing it as Tony's.

Putting the phone away when she spotted three huge duffel bags. One is on the desk, the second one is on the floor next to the desk, and the third one is on the couch. Rizzio walked over to the duffel bag that was on the desk, seeing that the bag was half open, Rizzio peeked inside, seeing stacks of money.

 Hearing voices from outside the hallway. Rizzio was able to find a hiding place. Just before the door opens. From her hiding place,  Rizzio saw three men that she had never seen before come walking in. Overhearing them talking while putting money in the duffel bags.

I don’t know why we're leaving.

The boss had dealt with D'Angelo; his body is still lying out there right now.

Yeah,  the poker house is all ours now.

I still can't believe that D'Angelo thinks that he can stop the bosses.

 Like our bosses said, a wash-up, Don. Who is all alone with no family is a  weak  Don.

 Rizzio can hear laughter as the men continue talking. All she's thinking about is what they just said about Tony lying somewhere in the house, dead.

After their intense argument, Rizzio considered reaching out but felt Tony should be the one to fix things. Two months later, she decided to move on, believing Tony no longer wanted to save their friendship.

Something that Rizzio had been trying to do. But it has been extremely hard for her to move on. Remembering last Sunday,  doing closing her mother pulled her aside. To talk to her about Tony and the family. The words her mother had said to her. Had been  playing in Rizzio’s  head as of late.

 A family betrayal took place here. There had been issues, but you both didn't see this coming at all. You are upset, confused, and heartbroken. Tony is heartbroken and incredibly angry. Most of all, he is grieving a friendship.

That's not all Tony is dealing with. He is dealing with the fact that someone will stab him in the back again. Adriana Tony is dealing with broken trust. When trust is broken, doubt comes walking in. I worry that someone may take advantage of it.

 Well, her mother was right; someone had taken advantage of the situation. The worst part of it all, Tony may be dead because of it.

Grab the money and let's get out of here. Izzy and  Jenson are waiting for us outside.

Izzy... who  Izzy  Rizzio  thought continued on  listing

 They didn’t go with Spears , Alessandro,  Alessio,  and their father ?

 No Spears told them to stay behind to make sure that everything was clear. To finish off D'Angelo.

  The three men grab the bags and head to the door. When Rizzio came out of her hiding place and fired a shot at one of the men in the back. She fired the second man three times in the chest and the third man four times. All three men fell on the ground.

 Stepping out of the office to the hallway, she saw more armed gangsters pointing their guns at her. Rizzio took cover when two gangsters took their shot. They missed hitting the wall frame, protecting her from the oncoming gunfire. Rizzio fired shots of her own, hitting two gangsters. Taking cover again, reloading her gun. Fired another few shots, hitting three more. Each of them has more than three bullets in the chest. All of them were lying in the hallway, all dead. Blood coming out of their mouths.

Rizzio walks down the hall, pointing her gun. Ready to shoot whoever is standing in her way. All she is thinking about is finding her don as she walks down the hall. Leading to the fort door. She spotted a man lying on the floor near a poker table. Above a set of stairs, looking up,  Rizzio saw the top railing of the stairs broken. Then back at the man on the ground, who happened to be Tony.

Letting out a curse, she quickly runs over to her Don. Stop when bullets start flying. Having  Rizzio to take cover in the living room behind the bar area floor. Cursing again when she realizes the person who is shooting at her.

 Franki, you  bitch.

The name is Izzy Dame.

I  know there was something fishy about you, Rizzio said, hearing a sound of laughing and moving furniture, turning over. Followed by Franki, who is Izzy Dame. Telling Nico Vance to go check on the others and grab the money from the office.

 Alessandro and Spears see you and Don were close, which is why Alessandro recommended working at your parents' restaurant to keep an eye on you. You're protective of the Don, and he looks out for you too—especially after Spears noticed how often I was around you.

Tony always protected Rizzio, thinking, hearing  Izzy go on talking.

 Sadly, Alessandro finished him off cause. From the very top of the stairs. The railings end up breaking. Push him, landing on the edge of the poker table. Poor old wash-up Don ,Don.

 Is that why you leave right before dinner service to help your boss and three rats? Rizzio asked , slowly reaching for her right ankle, pulling out her gun.

 Yes, and now  I'm going to finish you both off. Starting with Don, Don.

Rizzio shoots up from where she is hiding. Fired a bullet at a man in the head that is standing four feet in front of her. Fallen to the floor in just a second. After seeing his reflection in the mirror behind the bar area. Quickly getting away from the bar area. Seeing Jensen firing shots, takes cover behind the couch and reloads her gun. Before firing shots at Jenson. One of the shots hit him in the upper arm.

Firing a shot at Izzy but misses, ending up hitting the wall. Rizzio took a peek, seeing  Izzy standing over Tony, pointing her gun at his forehead.

Get away from him, you  bitch. Rizzio said in the most venomous voice. Firing shots at Izzy, all missing. Jenson firing back shoots back. As Rizzio took cover behind the couch again, all while hearing Nico's voice.

Jenson, Izzy, I got a text from the boss. We're done here,  let go.

 What about Rizzio and D'Angelo?

 The money and drugs are loaded in the truck and have already left. The bosses deal with them later. Now,  let's get out of here.

  Seeing Izzy,  Nico, and Jenson firing a few more rounds before running out the door. Rizzio chases after them, shooting at their car. Watching them drive off into the night. She wanted to go after them, but didn’t someone inside need her right now the most.

  Rizzio stood there for a  few minutes in case they came back, but they didn’t. She quickly ran back inside the house, right to Tony. The poker table is now lying on top of him.

 Hang on, T,  I'll get this off of you.

Rizzio, with all her strength,  lifted the poker table off of  Tony. The very first thing she saw was Tony’s upper chest covered with blood.

Chapter Text

Where is it? Where in the hell could it be? Rizzio said she was going through every cabin in the kitchen.

 She opened a cabin and spotted the one thing that Rizzio had been looking for: the first aid kit.

 Grabbing it, running out of the kitchen to where Tony is lying. Rizzio placed the first kit down next to her. Checking both for a pulse and breathing. To her relief, Tony got a pulse. But his breathing is very weak and shallow. Having her is very worried.

She ripped open the first aid kit, grabbing the gauze roll and rubbing alcohol swabs. Removing the bloody handkerchief that she had placed on the wounds. Rizzio ripped open an alcohol swab, gently pressing it down on one of the wounds. Tony let out a weak cry of pain. It's with on for a  few more minutes, using every single alcohol swab. That is in the first aid kit. Wrapping the wounds up with a gaze.

Rizzio carefully lifts Tony off the floor, grabbing his arm and placing it around her neck. Using her wright to help them both to the downstairs office.

 Her gut feeling tells her leaving through the fort door isn’t a good idea. As Rizzio stepped into the office,  the sound of a car pulling up had her hurrying. She quickly led them over to a bookcase. Placing Tony down next to it.

Grabbing the bookcase,  moving it enough to see an entrance way. Placing Tony inside first, then she steps inside, moving the bookcase back behind her.

 It's a good idea to keep this between the two of us, Rizzio, through sitting on the steps with Tony, his head lying right next to her.

Sometime last year, when only her and Tony was at the poker house, Tony had shown and told her about a secret passage. That led to another building. He discovered three months after he bought and moved into the house. Telling her not to tell anyone in the family about it, not even  Stacks. Only the two of them will know about it.

Rizzio didn’t make any sudden movement or sound. Hearing voices and movement on the other side of the bookcase. It lasted for a  few more minutes until they heard the sound of a door closing and silence. She sat there on the top of the stairs for a  few more minutes. Turning her head over to Tony, she discovered that his breathing had gotten worse. Feeling that whoever was in the office wasn’t coming back, Rizzio led them both off the stairs down the dark tunnel.

What should have been a Twenty-minute walk took them an hour to finish the tunnel. Rizzio set Tony down, climbed the stairs, and quietly opened the door to the old garage near the poker house. She drew her gun without making a sound and scanned the area for safety. Then, she brought Tony up and closed the secret passage behind them.

She proceeded to the location where Tony maintained the car keys, selected a set for an older black vehicle, and assisted Tony into the passenger seat. Rizzio then gathered belongings from both her and Tony’s cars, systematically transferring items to the trunk of the old black car.

After grabbing a few other things, Rizzio stepped into the driver's seat. Driving out of the garage down the dirt road. Trying to think of a hospital to take Tony to.

Bringing him to SummerSlam Memorial is out of the question. That's the very first place they're looking for us. One look at Tony, and WWE City general will call the police. NXT and Full Sail Trauma Center are the only two hospitals  I can take him to. Rizzo thought about driving out of SummerSlam Beach. Hoping she can get Tony there without Spears and  Alessandro knowing.

 But she was wrong. Once Rizzio pulled up to the NXT hospital,  she spotted Nico Vance and Alessio standing outside of the emergency room. Something at Full Sail Trauma Center with Izzy, Aldo, and  Alessandro. Rizzio almost didn’t get off the parking lot if it wasn’t the ambulance pulling in, blocking their view.

Stopping on the side of the road, noticing Tony's chest hadn’t moved for a long time. Rizzio reached over, placing her finger on his neck, trying to feel a pulse. She started to panic when she didn’t feel anything. A few minutes later, feeling a  little  weak pulse, and  his  chest  was slowly rising.

 Thank God,  hang on, Tony  Rizzio said, pulling back on the road.

The vehicle stopped promptly in front of a small hospital. Rizzio exited and moved swiftly to assist Tony, who having difficulty breathing, from the passenger side. They approached the emergency room entrance only to find it locked. Rizzio proceeded to knock on the glass door and called for assistance.

 Open up,  I  need help.

Rizzio saw a nurse unlock the door, spot Tony, and quickly grab a stretcher. She called for the doctor, who rushed out with more nurses and another doctor. The second doctor glanced at Rizzio and Tony and nodded.

Rizzio watches as the doctor’s place Tony on the stretcher. Quickly wheeling him into the ER exam room, getting right to work. Cutting  Tony's shirt open, hooking him up to motion sensors.

Rizzio stands in the room, overhearing medical staff call out terms like "BP 30 over 100," "X-ray," "CT scan," "pneumothorax," and "hemothorax." While one nurse fits Tony with an oxygen mask, another escorts her to the waiting room, explaining they need space.

Rizzio sits alone in the waiting room, reflecting on the past seven months since her argument with Tony—the last words they exchanged. Neither has reached out, yet she still waits for Tony to make contact.

How did we come to this? Rizzio asked in a low voice. Thinking that not only Stacks betrays the family and the don. But three more have now become rats.

Digging in her purse, Rizzio came across the brown envelope. That was left on her car windshield. Opening it,  she realized it was a letter and started reading it.

Dear Rizzio

By the time you read this, I'll be gone. I don't know when I'll be back, but I know one thing. After arguing with Luca this morning., I realize that I have no business running the family right now. It's just way too much for me.

Adriana, I know we haven't talked in months, but I'm asking you to step in as the don. Yes, I know it's not normal in this life we live that a woman leads the family. But I know that you would make the right decisions.

Sincerely yours

Tony D

PS

 I don't know where I'm going, but I will call you when I'm ready. Rizz, I'm sorry.

She felt angry and hurt by his withdrawal, despite their long-standing friendship. Remembering her mother's words and reading the letter, Rizzio realized that Tony was deeply affected by what happened in Vegas, grieving so intensely for his friendship with Stacks that it may have put his life at risk.

Thinking about Tony and his letter has her in tears. The nurse came walking into the room. Wiping the tears away, she got out of her seat, getting ready for whatever news,  good and bad.

How is he?

Follow me, the nurse said, walking out of the waiting room.

Rizzio followed as the nurse escorted her down the corridor into a modest waiting room. Concerned that she might receive news of Tony's passing, she sensed this was the discreet manner in which such information would be delivered. Contemplating retribution against  Spears and the three rats—particularly Alessandro, who had compelled Tony to fall onto the poker table—she began to form her plan.

The doctor will be here shortly to talk to you.

 She watches as the nurse walks out of the room. Taking a seat and waiting.

Rizzio looked up from the letter after reading it repeatedly, seeing that the doctor had walked in. She couldn’t tell from the look on his face whether Tony was ok or not, making her very worried right now.

 Adriana.

  Doctor,  how is he? How is my  Don?

 First off, I  have to say he is very badly hurt. But the stab wounds to his upper chest are not as bad as we thought it was.

 It not? He was losing a lot of blood when I  found him. Rizzio said, seeing Tony's blood on his shirt.

The lacerations are deep but not life-threatening and are considered minor. There are no injuries to the neck, head, or back; specifically, no evidence of concussion, spinal injury, or herniated disc. Some bruising is present, along with multiple rib fractures, primarily located to his back . The primary concern currently is the pneumothorax.

A… pneumothorax, what is that? Rizzio asked,  not knowing what a pneumothorax is,

 A pneumothorax is another term for a punctured lung… we had to insert a chest tube in him.

A chest tube? What is it supposed to do? Rizzio asked, wanting to know how it would help Tony.

The ribs break, causing air to leak into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. The chest tube helps remove the trapped air and allows the lungs to re-expand.

Is he going to be ok?

We’re closely monitoring him; he remains unconscious.

 Can  I  see him? Rizzio asked, hoping she could see Tony now.

Yes, he's across the hall; that's why the nurse moved you here. We admitted him under a fake name and won't tell anyone you're both here.

 Good, and keep it that way, Rizzio said, knowing that they are safe but just in case.

Rizzio collected his purse and accompanied the doctor to the adjacent room, opening the door. Upon entering, she immediately noticed a large blue curtain and heard the beeping of a monitor. Proceeding cautiously toward the curtain, Rizzio drew it aside to reveal a distressing scene: Tony was lying in the bed.

He is wearing an oxygen mask to assist with breathing. Monitors are attached to him. A blanket covers his bare chest as he breathes, and his skin tone has improved compared to several hours earlier.

 Rizzio walked over to the hospital bed, about to sit down next to him, when the doctor stopped her. She was about to ask him why she couldn’t sit down. When Rizzio noticed a machine on the side of the bed.

 This machine is attached to the chest tube. You're going to have to sit on the other side of the bed.

Rizzio walks on the opposite side of the bed, pulling out a chair, and taking a seat next to Tony. Watching over him for the rest of the night.

 The following afternoon, Rizzio remained in her seat while Tony is still unconscious. Medical staff checked his breathing, tended his wounds, and changed his bandages.

After the doctor checked his breathing once again, telling Rizzio if she needed anything to push the bottom. She kept on watching over Tony. Thinking about this is the very first time since becoming the don that he is hurt this badly. He had been hurt before, but never like this. Making Rizzio want to kill the three rats that did this to Tony Alessandro the most.

Rizzio looks at Tony, who is lying in a hospital bed. Feeling so helpless, thinking back on whether she should have reached out to Tony sooner. Suppose she had make up with Tony sooner.

Following her disagreement with Tony, she begins to reflect on her experience subsequent to Stacks' actions. Reports indicate that Tony exhibited behavior characterized by distancing himself from others.

After the nurse checked the monitors and closed the blue curtains, Rizzio sat by Tony's bed. Still Feeling helpless, she prayed for guidance, recalling the nurse's advice. Earlier, the nurse mentioned that hearing a familiar voice could help Tony.

 Tony, if you can hear me, I just want to let you know I'm here. You're going to be ok, T. We're going to get Spears and the rats who did this to you.

Two hours  later

You, punch that loser right in the face and say Don't you dare lay a hand on a woman. He hadn't tried to contact me since.

 three hours later

  You made sure  T  that no one would try to carjack us again. That gangster now has a scar on his butt cheek as a reminder of never mass with the  Don.

an hour later

Growing up, I always heard Adriana talked a lot, which bothered me until you said, "A big mouth comes with a big punch." I stood up to a bully, and after that, nobody messed with me. When I wanted to join the track team, you helped me prepare for tryouts. You've always supported me when I've needed it.

The past seven months have been tough. Tony, I know you're heartbroken, but please keep fighting—I can't bear to lose more family.

 Rizzio reached over and grabbed  Tony's hand, continuing to watch  over  her don.

He feels only pain—every breath gets harder, as if he's suffocating. Just as he nears a white light, he hears his name.

He felt a sharp pain along his side, followed by a release of air from his body. The sensation continued with discomfort as air moved back into him. Cold air passed through him. As the white light diminished and he withdrew, his surroundings became dark.

He regained consciousness to the sound of persistent beeping. The bright white light resolved into a hospital ceiling as he became acutely aware of pervasive pain throughout his body. An oxygen mask covered his face, and each shallow breath exacerbated the discomfort. Attempting to move provoked a sharp, burning sensation, with the greatest intensity on his right side. It felt as though an incision had been made there, prompting a subdued moan.

Tony … nurse … doctor, he awoke, Rizzio said , pushing the bottom seeing  Tony trying to move.

 The nurse and doctor rush in, check Tony, tell him he’s safe and to relax. As Tony’s eyes close again, Rizzio grows concerned.

 He is out of it right now, but don’t worry, when he wakes up again, he will be fully alert.

 The doctor and nurse stay in the room for a  few more minutes, checking his vitals before walking out of the room. Rizzio sits back down  next to Tony. Thinking about what's next for both of them.

She knows Tony has regained consciousness and that all that matters right now.

Chapter Text

Rizzio observes the nurse and doctor as they monitor and question the patient in the hospital bed, who responds with head gestures and avoids eye contact with her.

 It looks like you're healing alright. Just a  few more days, and I can remove the chest tube. Right now, I'm going to keep you on the oxygen mask for another day. Then we'll give you a little more oxygen relief.

Tony nodded to the doctor, observing as the doctor and nurse exited the room. He was reminded that he should press the button if he required assistance. He took a slow, shallow breath. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Rizzio, who had remained in the chair since the previous night. When Tony became fully awake, he saw her seated beside his bed. She handed him a cup of water and advised him to take slow sips.

He wished to inquire how she had located him at the poker house. He was also interested in knowing what transpired after he fell from the top of the stair railing. Additionally, he sought information regarding the whereabouts of Spears, Aldo, Alessio, and Alessandro.

The pain in his back stops him. This caused him to let out a painful moan. Having Rizzio to call for the nurse. Who came in with the doctor? Soon after, there was tense silence between them. That is still there.

 Rizzio can sense Tony eyeing her. She can’t tell whether he is angry that she brought him here. She is here or both? Wondered why Tony wouldn't meet her gaze as he shut his eyes and drifted off.

Tony met Alessandro's gaze as he sensed the stair railing giving way. A sudden pain and force caused his fall, during which he observed a malicious expression on Alessandro's face.

Tony's eyes snapped open in the hospital; Rizzio was no longer there. He now wore an oxygen nasal mask, though the chest tube remained. When the door opened, he looked up to see Rizzio enter, sporting red hair and sunglasses.

 Rizzio walks into the room, seeing that Tony is awake and now off some of his oxygen and is now wearing a nasal mask.

He looked so much better, Rizzio thought, once again seeing  Tony not making any eye contact.

Ordinarily, she would have waited for Tony to take the initiative; however, given what she had uncovered, she felt compelled to act first.

Tony,  we need to talk.

Tony asked, "Why wasn't you taken me to NXT hospital?" Without making eye contact with Rizzio. He had been curious about this since he woke up. He was informed that he is currently in a small area outside of WWE city known as old WWE country.

Because Nico Vance and  Alessio  were standing outside the emergency room entrance. Waiting for us to show up. Full Sail Medical Center is the same thing, but with Izzy, Aldo, and Alessandro. I almost didn’t make it off the parking lot.

Thinking about how scared she was, fearing that they were going to spot them and would shoot up the car with them inside.

You brought me up here?

 Yes, I  got contacts here who admitted you under a false name. This is the last place that  Spears and  Alessandro will be looking for us. T I'm with back in WWE city this morning. It's not looking good.

What’s wrong? Is Alessandro now head of the family? You need to return, Rizz.

Tony, please remain calm; the family is safe. While you were unconscious, I contacted the family and instructed them to continue running the business as usual. If questioned, they were told we are handling some matters and will return soon once everything is resolved. I have not disclosed any information about Aldo Alessio, Alessandor, or Spears to anyone.

 You said that you were back in WWE City this morning? What did you find while you were there?

 Tony,  right now,  you can’t go home.

 Of course,  I  can’t go home not with this damn chest tube inside me. Tony said, feeling discomfort and pain, especially when breathing.

Wishing that the doctor would remove it. But I was told that it had to stay in for another day.

 I'm talking about after you are discharged. Tony  Spears and Alessandro are watching your house. Rizzio said, showing a photo of his home and a parked car with Nico Vance sitting in the driver's seat.

This was taken from our associate, who is a  Private investigator. They've been watching it ever since.

Tony realized that Alessandro and Spears had made thorough preparations. He became aware that they knew he would be returning home after being discharged from the hospital, and anticipated that they were planning to target him. .

The nurse walked in, ready to change his bandages and look over his chest tube.

Rizzio stepped aside and took a seat near the door. Watching and listening to Tony make a painful moan. It waited for a  few more minutes until the nurse placed the last bandage. Carefully placing Tony back down on the bed. Walking out of the room, Tony took a few deep breaths before once again closing his eyes.

 Good news, the chest tube can be removed.

 Finally,  Tony thought, watching the nurse walk in with a tray of supplies, placing it next to his bedside.

Telling him what they are going to do. Warning him of the pain he is going to feel. Ask if he would want something to bite down on. Or to hold his breath. Tony chose to hold his breath. The doctor gently but firmly pulled out the chest tube in one swift motion. Pressure is applied to the wound, and a sterile dressing is placed to seal the insertion point.

Followed by a chest X-ray to ensure the lung remains expanded, to see if there are no complications. A few hours later,  Tony is free from the chest tube and nasal oxygen mask with no complications, nor any organ damage. Tony needs to stay another night to make sure that it isn’t another lung collapse.

Upon entering, Rizzio immediately observes that Tony is pleased the tube has been removed and is looking forward to being discharged tomorrow. However, she is aware that returning to WWE City is not currently an option for him.

Rizzio wondered where to go next as she watched her Don, who shared the same thought.

The very next day, early that evening, Tony was sitting up wearing a white t-shirt and track pants that Rizzio had handed him to wear an hour ago. The doctor has just discharged him with a list of instructions on how to clean the wound of his chest tube. What to do or not for broken ribs and a lung that has just been re-expanded.

 One of them is not going on an airplane. Having Tony think of another plan now since he can’t go home. With Spears and Alessandro having people watching his home.

I am unable to go to any of the safe houses because Alessandro is aware of their locations, as I have previously placed him in each one. There is an alternative location nearby that is accessible. I need Rizzio to drive me there.

Chapter Text

Shortly after eight o'clock, Rizzio arrived at the driveway of a property comprising two double lots. He observed a moderately sized, two-story cottage situated beside a lake, flanked by two neighboring residences that are currently unoccupied due to the end of the summer season.

Rizzio noticed Tony was silent and avoided eye contact after they left the hospital. When he asked her to drive him to his cottage to recover, she assumed their tension had passed.

Instead, Tony told her that he would be staying there alone and for her to go back to WWE city,  causing her to feel  A  little upset that Tony is still isolating himself. When he needed her the most.

Rizzio helped Tony out of the car and watched as he unlocked the fort. They entered, turned on the lights, and saw a living room with two couches, a coffee table, and a fireplace. Tony led her to a bedroom and lay down on the bed.

 T  I'm going to place the doctor's instructions and medicine on the nightstand. Rizzio said, looking at Tony, who was still not looking her in the eye.

 Ok … then if you need anything,  call me on this burner phone … well, I'd better get going then.

 Rizzio looks at  Tony one more time before walking out of the room, out of the cottage, and closing the door behind her.

Every step he takes is every bit of pain shooting from his body. Taking each deep breath, praying that he won’t pass out,  as he walks through the kitchen to a door, forcefully open the door that is to bathroom. Over to the toilet to use the bathroom.

Soon after, Tony was done walking out of the bathroom. He made a sudden twist to his side. Causing pain, shooting all over his body. Nausea kicks in full force, racing back to the bathroom for the toilet to vomit. Making it just in time, but nothing comes out. Tony took a  few deep breaths. Wishing that he hadn’t ordered Rizzio on leave last night.

 After Rizzio left last night pain in his ribs worsened with the chest tube insertion, keeping him awake. By morning, he struggled to get out of bed and now has almost no strength.

I got to get back in bed,  Tony said to himself, slowly walking out of the bathroom. He took only a  few steps when he almost fell on the floor, using the kitchen counter to keep his footing.

The sound of a car pulling up had Tony staring in panic, grabbing a kitchen knife from the cutting board. Ready to fight off whoever is here. With broken bones or not, Tony won’t let anyone kill him. Without a fight,  they will get.

The sound of a car door closing, footsteps, and the front door opening have  Tony grab the knife even tighter. When he heard his name being called out and saw Rizzio standing in front of him,   he let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding. Dropping the knife before sitting down on the floor.

Rizzio hurries to Tony, who is clutching his side and breathing heavily. She grabs water from the fridge, sets it down, then fetches the doctor-prescribed medicine from the bedroom. Returning to the kitchen, she hands it to Tony, who takes it without meeting her eyes.

Tony grabbed the pill in his mouth, watered it down as he and Rizzio sat down on the kitchen floor, waiting for it to kick in. As they waited, Tony saw Rizzio, who was in different clothes and wearing the red wig again.

What are you doing here? I  thought  I  told you to go back to WWE City last night?

I checked into a motel last night. This morning, I went to the grocery store to buy groceries for the cottage. Since we will be staying here for some time, I wanted to make sure we have what is needed.

We ? Rizz you need to get back to WWE city. Tony said, eyeing  Rizzio's backside, grabbed the groceries from off the floor, placing them on the counter.

 I  read your letter, T.

 You know the reason why I  want you to go back to the city.

I know you want me to lead the family, but I won’t return to the city without you. I understand your reasons, but I can’t let you isolate yourself or shut me out anymore. Tony, I don’t want to argue, but I also can’t go home.

What do you mean you can’t go home as well?

Spears and Alessandro aren't just watching your home—they're monitoring my apartment too. When I returned to WWE City, I noticed Aldo and Izzy Dame staking out from their cars. I snuck in through the back, checked that my apartment was clear, packed quickly, put on a red wig for disguise, and left via the car.

What about the family you need to lead, Rizzi? Right now, I can't be the Don the family needs me to be. That is why I was planning to leave  WWE City for a while. Tony said after sitting in the private room at the restaurant, he decided that he needed to step away as the Don.

Rizzio approaches Tony assists him in standing up, and guides him to the living room. They sit on the couch, and Tony meets her gaze for the first time since his recovery at the hospital.

Tony meets Rizzio's gaze, seeing her worry, hurt, and heartbreak—the same emotions from their argument months ago. The tension will persist if he keeps isolating himself and shutting her out.

He knows how Rizzio is once she had made up her mind. There is no way of changing it.

 I'm going to lead the family from here. Their orders are still to run things as normal until we return from our pretend business trip. You need someone to look after you while you are recovering. Rizzio said, thinking it is the right decision for right now, she can run the family here at the cottage. Taking care of and watching over Tony.

Take my room.

You need your room,  you have broken bones, and an insertion.

 I can’t take the stairs,  and I  can hardly walk to the bathroom.

 The stairs …  that bedroom over there isn’t your bedroom? Rizzio asked, confused,  looking at the bedroom across from where they were sitting, four feet from the living room.

 That's the guest room I  slept in last night. My bedroom is up a set of stairs in the kitchen next to the bathroom. Tony said, yawning, feeling the medicine kicking in.

What about me running things from here at the cottage?

For the time being, unless the situation escalates with Spears and the three rats, no action will be taken. If circumstances worsen, you will return to the city to ensure the family's safety, Tony said to Rizzio.

 Ok then,  I  go out to the car and get mine and your suitcases, Rizzio, getting up for her place on the couch.

You brought my suitcases here  Tony asked, seeing  Rizzio stop midway to the door.

While retrieving items from your car, I accidentally opened the trunk and noticed them inside, so I took them. Rizzio stated this as he opened the door and walked out to the car.

Leaving Tony inside watching  Rizzio carrying his bags inside to the guest room,  followed by her bags upstairs to his room, so that she can stay in for the remainder of their stay here. He closes his eyes as the medicine is making him dozy. Feeling a blanket being covered on him. Opening his eye, seeing  Rizzio, whose red wig is off, walking over to the other couch, turning the TV  on.

The way she was treated did not affect her continued loyalty to Tony and the family. Tony closed his eyes, believing that they were secure in the cottage, which would serve as their safe house.

Chapter Text

A sound startled her awake. Rizzo quickly grabbed her gun from under the pillow, got out of bed, and tiptoed over to the stairs leading down. 

Hearing noises coming from the bathroom, Rizzo made her way downstairs. She knocked twice on the door, but there was no response. Trying the handle, she discovered the door was locked.

"I'm in here," came a voice from inside.

Tony, are you alright in there?  Rizzo asked, hearing another agonizing groan, which started to worry her that Tony had fallen and couldn't get back up. 

She was about to ask again when she heard a toilet flush and saw Tony emerge from the bathroom.

Tony watches as Rizzo retrieves a bottle of water and an ice pack from the fridge, sets them on the counter, and returns to Tony, who is clearly in pain.

Are you alright? Do you need to sit down, T?

Yes, sit me over in the dining room, Rizz. 

 Tony was then helped by Rizzo to the dining room and seated in a recliner.  She walks back over to the kitchen, leaving him to take a few deep breaths, all while looking out at the lake and seeing that it is still dark outside. 

He saw Rizzo walk back into the dining room with the bottle of water and ice pack. Placing the ice pack on his back. Handing him the bottle of water,  he opened it and took a huge sip. Feeling the ice pack calming his sore back and ribs.  Relaxing all while enjoying the view of the lake. 

Rizzo took a seat in the second recliner next to Tony, gazing out at the lake and hearing the sound of the water creating beach sounds—one of the things she discovered when driving up to the cottage.  Knowing right away was one of the reasons Tony brought this place to begin with. 

"I'm sorry I woke you up," Tony said, still looking out at the lake.

"Are you alright? That was the third time this week I've heard you groan in pain," Rizzo asked, recalling a few nights ago when she had walked downstairs to use the bathroom. She remembered hearing Tony in the bathroom, groaning painfully for thirty minutes.

She asked him if he was ok the next morning, only to find out that he was fine. It happened again that same night and tonight. Looking at Tony, who is now asleep, Rizzo may now know what has been going on and how to help. 

 Tony woke up the very next morning in the recliner, wrapped in a blanket. He looked at the morning sun streaming through the window and the early morning view of the lake. A  sound caught his attention. As he turned to the kitchen, he opened the pass-through. Seeing Rizzo's head pop out, looking at him. 

Good morning, T. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes," Rizzo said, returning to preparing breakfast. She hoped that her don would like what she had made for him.

Rizz, is there any coffee mead?  Tony asks every morning; he always starts his morning with a cup of coffee to wake him up.  He hadn't had any at the hospital or in the past few days since he's been here. This is the first time he has been in the mood for coffee. 

 About that,  you can't have that right now. 

 What do you mean you didn't buy some on the way back here yesterday?
 
 No.

"What do you mean, no? You drink coffee too," Tony said, recalling Rizzo arriving early for meetings with a Starbucks coffee, sometimes even bringing one for him.

 You can't have coffee right now, doctor orders.

Before Tony was discharged, Rizzo learned from the doctor that Tony needed to follow strict recovery guidelines for his broken ribs and punctured lung, including limiting caffeine.

 Hearing Tony let out a curse.

Rizzio entered the dining room carrying a tray and set it on Tony's legs. "The doctor says you'll need a high-fiber, soft diet because of your broken ribs and punctured lung," she said. Tony's expression made it clear he wasn't pleased with his breakfast.

 Why is the doctor putting me on a diet? I eat right,  I  work out, you know that.

After broken ribs and a punctured lung, a high-fiber diet helps prevent constipation—a common side effect of pain medication.

 All I've been taking is Tylenol since waking up at the hospital.  Tony said, remembering the doctor who is against giving him opioids, believing it should be used as the very last resort. Because you can easily get addicted to it.  Instead, Tony was given  Tylenol.

Yes, but sometimes  Tylenol can make a person constipated. It's not good to get gas when you have a chest injury.  After last night, Tony... well. 

 You think I have... Let's drop the subject. Tony said he was blushing at the thought of what Rizzo had heard the night before. 

Tony, the doctor explained, these symptoms are expected with a broken rib and punctured lung. Eating dietary fiber helps ease bowel movements and reduces strain, which can help prevent chest pain that may worsen your condition.

I can not believe we are having a conversation about this.

After your recent experience, your body needs time to recover. A high-fibre diet supports healing, and soft foods are easier to manage. Your doctor discussed this before you were discharged.

 Well, after he told me I couldn't go on a plane, I stopped listening.  Tony said all he cared about at the time was getting the chest tube removed and getting the hell outta there. 

 He had a feeling you weren't listening, so he told me. Rizzo said,  seeing Tony looking at his breakfast.

Tony looked at the breakfast right in front of him, seeing a little bowl of oatmeal with cut bananas and a glass of orange juice.  What he always had was a plate of sausage,  bacon with eggs, coffee, and a bowl of fruit. 

 Rizzo had worked very hard on this breakfast.  I don’t want to admit this out loud, but last night was one of the most painful experiences.  I've ever had since this injury, second to the chest tube being in me and removed. 

 Realizing that Rizzo is just trying to help him, Tony grabs a spoon and starts eating.

Tony continues on his high fiber diet.  For lunch, a small bowl of soup.  Salmon and mashed potatoes for dinner. All cooked to a soft enough consistency for him to eat.  He has been drinking a whole lot of water since he can’t have any coffee or alcohol, including wine.

The next day, Tony woke up in a bad mood and felt no hunger. His bad mood stemmed from not getting any sleep the night before, while his lack of appetite was a signal from his body, indicating that he wasn’t hungry that day.

At the moment, Tony is sitting at the dining room table with a bowl of soup in front of him. Next to him, Rizzo is having her lunch, occasionally glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

Rizzo attempted to encourage Tony to eat lunch, but he hadn’t touched it, having only eaten a few bites of breakfast earlier. On the right sideboard was a photo of him with Stacks from a few years prior.

The expression on Tony's face reveals that his bad mood stems from Stacks. This makes Rizzo reflect on her mother's words, realizing it's time for them to confront reality.

 We both need to come to terms with what happened in Vegas months ago.  Rizzo said, looking at Tony, who turned to face her. 

 What do you mean we need to come to terms with what happened in Vegas? I was there; I know what happened, Tony said, not understanding where Rizzo was going with this.

 I mean, we need to talk about it, T.

We did talk about it,  remember, at your hotel suite a few days after. Right before we check out and head to the airport to catch our flight home. 

 We only discuss how to handle the betrayal when we inform the rest of the family, Rizzo recalled, remembering the reaction when Tony shared the news.

Some of the family couldn’t believe it.  Some want answers from Tony. Who walks out of the room, not answering any of the family's questions. 

What else do we need to discuss, then, Rizz?

 How do we feel about what  Stacks had done? We never talk about how it affects both of us. 

I'm fine, Rizz. I  don’t need to talk about it, Tony said, looking at the picture again.

It's alright to say it.

 What you want me to say here,  Tony said, raising his voice a  little.

"I’m not sure how you really feel about the betrayal," Rizzo said, sensing that the conversation wasn’t progressing. Tony didn’t seem ready to talk about it. Just as she was about to tell him to forget it, Tony spoke up. 

 I am angry with what Stacks had done to me, you, and the rest of the family.

 It's ok to be angry, T. I'm angry at Stacks and still am. 

Despite all the anger I feel towards him, I miss him. I miss having him as my underboss. I miss our friendship, but most of all, I miss our brotherhood. Are you happy now? You got the truth.

Tony looked at Rizzo, who was silently staring at him. Worried that he had shared too much, Tony slowly stood up from his seat. He told Rizzo that he was going back to the guest room to lie down and take a nap. As he walked out of the room, he left Rizzo at the table, contemplating what he had just revealed to her.

Later that day, in the early evening, Tony sat up in bed after waking from his nap. He hadn’t left the room, worried Rizzo would see him differently after his confession. Tony D'Angelo, the Don, was missing a rat.

 I  don’t blame her if she is planning on leaving now that  I  told her how I  feel about  Stack's betrayal.  Tony thought when he heard the sound of a knock and a door slowly opening a little. 

Tony, can I  come in? Rizzo said, standing outside the guestroom door, hoping that he would let her in. 

 You can come in Tony said in a low voice. 

 Rizzo comes walking into the room with a glass in her hand, over to where Tony is.

 I know your body is telling you that you're not hungry.  However, you need to have had at least something. So I  made you this green smoothie to drink.  It got the key vitamins, protein, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help you heal. 

Rizzo placed the glass on the nightstand and took a seat next to Tony.  Who is looking at the glass and then at her.  It was quiet at first as both of them sat there, Rizzo could tell the look on Tony’s face.  He is embarrassed by what he had told her.  Having her to tell Tony how she feels.

Can I  say something? 

 Sure, Tony said, looking at Rizzo. Ready for what she had to tell him. 
 
I miss him too. There's nothing wrong with it. 

Yes, it is. There are two things we will not tolerate: rats and betrayal. Stacks committed both offenses, and yet I still miss him. Rizz, I know I shouldn't feel this way. I am the don of the family, and I shouldn’t have these feelings toward a rat.

Tony was about to turn away, but Rizzio stopped him, having him look back at her. He is feeling uncomfortable and no longer wants to talk about this. But the look on Rizzo's face changed his mind.

You wronged Tony; you have every right to feel this way. Stack wasn’t just an underboss; he was your best friend, brother, and, most importantly, family. It’s time for you to grieve.

 Grieve? Tony asked, knowing that Stacks didn’t die at all.

I mean to mourn your friendship. You need to grieve the loss of the friendship you had with Stacks. Don or not, it’s time to mourn.

I can’t handle it, just too much.  The other crime bosses are talking behind my back.  The family is looking at me differently.  I hadn’t had a good night's sleep since we got back from Vegas.  I was up half the night thinking what  I  should have done differently,  what  I  should have noticed.  How I  should not had known Stacks weren’t happy?

Tony tried to hold back tears, but he was unsuccessful in wiping them away with his forearm. He wanted to hide his emotional state from Rizzio, but it was already too late.

We had no idea how unhappy he was. I often think about what I should have done when he attacked you at the sit-down meeting with Dark State. I stood frozen as Stacks kicked you and hit you with the wine bottle. I let him walk past me and escape when I should have stood up to him. But you needed medical help, Tony; you were unconscious and bleeding on the floor.

Rizzo had reflected on that night in Vegas every day since. She wondered whether she should have handled the situation differently with Stacks, especially given that she had her gun with her at the time. Could she have pulled the trigger and shot her best friend—the person she considered family—to protect another friend who is also like family to her? This is a question she continues to ask herself, even to this day.

I know you're heartbroken about the betrayal, but you are not alone. You have me,  you have Luca. 

 Luca is gone;  he walked out after we fought over his whereabouts when he met up with Stacks in the desert. Tony said, still feeling angry about that. 

You still have me, and more importantly, you have the family. Rizzo said, looking at Tony, who was gazing back at her, before they both hugged.

Rizz, I'm sorry for what I said months ago.  I was having an awful week, and I took my anger out on you instead of thanking you for handling things for me.  I felt like you were trying to stab me in the back like  Stacks  Aldo, Alessio, and Alessandro had done. 

It's all right now—I was hurt and angry because you thought I would betray you. I understand that you were grieving as well. Once trust is broken, doubt arises, and you begin to question whom you can rely on.

You had every right to be angry, Rizz. I had been shutting you out since Vegas. I let my heartbreak and anger get so out of control that I didn't notice there were three other rats within the family.

Tony grabbed his side where his chest tube was placed.  Thinking about that night at the poker house and the look on  Alessandro’s face. 

You're going to deal with them, T, but first you've got to hide out so you can heal. 

That's what  I'm going to do. Tony said, looking at the glass on the nightstand.

 Rizz?

 Yes  Tony. 

 Have you had dinner yet?

 I cook myself some dinner, but I   haven’t eaten yet…why?

Because I wanted to join you for dinner, I'm not hungry, but I would like to sit with you while I drink my smoothie and you eat your dinner. 

 Of course, you're welcome to join me.  Rizzo said, getting up from her place on the bed.  Watching Tony slowly getting up, she grabbed his glass of green smoothie from the nightstand.  

 As they both walk out of the room.  Both were feeling a huge weight of grief had left their shoulders, but there is still some healing to do.  Now they will do it together as best friends and as a family. 

Chapter Text

 Tony lay on the examination table in the basement exam room, a place of refuge in their current predicament. They were still in hiding, constantly aware of the looming threat from  Spears, Aldo, Alessio, and Alessandro.  The last they heard, their homes were under surveillance, intensifying their need for secrecy.

Could you explain to me again how you know this doctor, Rizz?

His parents eat at my parents'  restaurant all the time. They have a doctor's office down the street.  I had to address an issue for them.

Reflecting on the situation, when neither of them was talking to the other and these issues came to light, Rizzo was unsure of what to do at first. Should she try to reach out to Tony and ask him to take care of it? After thinking about it, Rizzo had decided to take care of it herself.

 What kind of an issue?  Tony asked, wondering what kind of issue Rizzio had to take care of.

Some gangsters had been breaking into their doctor's office, stealing pills and needles. They reported the incident to the police, but it didn't lead anywhere.  So I  step in when their daughter shows up at my parents' restaurant, asking me to set up a meeting with you. We weren't on speaking terms with each other at the time. 

 What do you do to stop the break-ins? Tony asked, wanting to know what Rizzo had done to solve the issue.

 I set up a trap for them. Only to discover that their own nurse was in on it the whole time. Working with the gangsters to steal the pills and needles so that she can sell them on the streets.  I was able to track each of them down and shut down their small drug business. I couldn't find the nurse, but she didn't show up for work the next day. She hadn't even been seen or heard from since. 

"Good," Tony said,   a wave of relief washing over him. He was glad Rizzo had taken care of the issue.  "There's one thing I can't stand, and that's drug dealing."

"They were all very grateful, "Rizzo continued, her voice tinged with humility.  "Their children even offered to pay me, but  I  declined.  Their parents, good people and good doctors, had treated some of our cooks in the past.  They insisted on repaying me by offering their medical skills whenever we need them, no questions asked."

Rizzo thought about what if she did turn down their offer.  She and Tony would he in deep trouble.

Both Tony and Rizzo look up at the door as the doctor walks into the room.  With a tablet in his hands. Pulling a seat over to them.

How am I doing, Doc? Tony asked, hoping he was healing all right.

Tony woke up this morning and went into the bathroom to take a shower. When he got out of the shower, he felt pain in his lower back and ribs. The discomfort persisted and became so severe that Tony struggled to breathe. Rizzo quickly took him to an undisclosed location where her contact was waiting for their arrival.

Leading them down to the basement, where it was set up like a doctor's office, as soon as Tony was settled in the exam room. The doctor with right to work. Listening to his lungs, looking at his stab and chest tube wounds, and gently touching his back ribs. Before taking a  few X-rays.

 From the look of the X-rays, everything is fine. You still have a long way to go. How is the pain?

 The scale between one and ten is a  seven right now,  Doc. Tony said, feeling the sharp pain in his back ribs.

 Are there any new broken ribs? Rizzio asked who had been worried that Tony had broken more of his ribs.  One of them damaged a luge.

No new fractures or organ damage. No signs of a lung infection are present. The lung appears to be healing remarkably well. The stab wounds and the chest tube wounds are healing properly.

That chest tube hurt like hell while it was inside me, and it hurt even more when they removed it, Tony said, rubbing the area where the chest tube had been. But it's a relief to hear that everything is healing correctly.

You were in critical condition when Adriana brought you to the ER two weeks ago. A few more minutes, and you could have died. That chest tube was essential in saving your life.

Tony turned his head to look at Rizzo, recalling how she must have felt when she found him in such a bad state, unsure if he had even survived the night. The expression on her face when he woke up in the hospital was a complete shock to him, especially since things between them hadn't been great at the time.

Are any of the broken ribs healing? Rizzo asked, recalling an earlier time when she had noticed that Tony seemed to be in pain.

When she asked him if he was alright, he initially replied that he was fine, but mentioned that he might have been standing in the shower too long, which was causing his lower back ribs to hurt. At that moment, she decided to keep a close eye on Tony, her concern for his well-being evident in her actions.

She immediately sensed that something was wrong by the expression on her don's face. He then revealed that he was having trouble breathing. Without hesitation, she grabbed her burner phone and called her contact, who instructed her to meet him at a specific address.

Not yet, as I said; you have a long way to go. However, Adriana told me that you have been resting and following my instructions.

 I've been doing that, and I will continue to do it, Doc. Tony said his determination to follow the doctor's instructions was unwavering. He's happy that everything is alright and he's on the right track of recovery for now.

Later that night, Tony and Rizzo returned to the cottage. According to what the doctor had explained, the sharp pain and difficulty breathing were due to swelling caused by the broken ribs. They were advised to continue with their current care routine, as the swelling would decrease once the ribs began to heal.

  After having a little dinner, Tony took a shower and went to bed. He had just settled into bed when there was a knock at the door.

T  are you dress? Can I come in? 

 "Sure, Tony said, seeing Rizzo in her pajamas come walking into the room.

Rizzo came walking into the guest room to check on Tony, who was already in his pajamas, ready for bed.

 Going to bed now, Tony asked, looking at the clock on the wall, seeing that it was only eight o'clock.

No, I'm just going to stay up a bit longer. I'm checking to see if you're alright and if you need anything.

No, I'm alright. I took my medicine, and I'm going to bed early. I couldn't nap at all today. Tony remembered how the pain and difficulty breathing had become overwhelming, so he just lay there.

  Okay, I'll be in the living room watching TV if you need me," Rizzo said, walking out of the room and closing the door behind her.

 Two hours later, as Rizzo readied herself for bed, a faint sound drifted from the guest room—Tony's voice, edged with distress. Intrigued and concerned, she quickly made her way to the door, her heart quickening. As she entered the dimly lit room, she found Tony thrashing under the sheets, his brow furrowed in fear, caught in the throes of a nightmare. With a mix of tenderness and resolve, she approached him, gently shaking his shoulder in an attempt to rouse him from the terrors that haunted his sleep. Just when she feared he might remain trapped in his troubled dreams, he suddenly opened his eyes, and a wave of relief washed over her.

Tony's eyes flew open as he sat up in bed, wincing from the sharp pain in his back ribs. Taking deep breaths, he scanned the room and realized he was back in the cottage. Rizzo stood next to his bedside, her expression filled with concern.

Are you alright?  I heard your voice, and I came in here to check on you. I thought you were in pain.

  "I'm fine, I just had a dream," Tony said, rubbing his head and hoping she wouldn't ask about the nightmare he had.

"I'll get some water. I'll be right back," Rizzo replied as she walked out of the room.

When Rizzo returned from the kitchen, he saw that Tony had already lain back down and fallen asleep again. Rizzo placed the bottle of water on the nightstand.

   Tony slowly blinked his eyes open a few hours later, the darkness of the room revealing that it was well past midnight. The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the open door, casting a gentle light on Rizzo, who lay curled up on the couch, wrapped snugly in a colorful blanket. The tranquility of the moment enveloped Tony as he shifted his gaze back to the nightstand. There, he spotted a cool bottle of water glimmering in the dim light. With a sense of yearning, he reached out, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface as he unscrewed the cap. He took a few refreshing sips, savoring the coolness before finally replacing the cap, the silence of the night cradling him in a cocoon of comfort and calm.

He cast a lingering glance at Rizzo, still peacefully sleeping in the living room, before allowing himself to drift back into slumber.

 The next morning, Rizzo woke up on the couch in the living room, reflecting on what had happened the day before and during the night. She felt it was important to sleep nearby, just in case Tony needed her in the middle of the night.

Looking over to the guest room, she saw Tony lying in bed. The gentle rise and fall of his chest indicated that he was sleeping peacefully, which brought her a sense of relief. With that thought, she got up to start her day.

A few weeks later,  Tony sat in the dining room. Watching Rizzo in the open pass through. Making her grandma's tomato soup for dinner.  Wishing that he could be in the kitchen helping.  But he still hadn't gotten the green light from the doctor yet.

 He turned to the window, gazing at the autumn view of the lake. He couldn't help but think about how much Rizzo loves fall and how she enjoys decorating her apartment with seasonal décor. It made him feel quite sad that she couldn't come this year.

Rizzo had been doing so much for me lately. There must be something I can do to show my appreciation, Tony thought, considering his options.

Rizzo walked into the dining room, carrying a bowl of soup, and placed it on the table. She was about to sit down when Tony stopped her.

"It's a lovely evening tonight, and there are some fall-scented candles in the kitchen sideboard. How about we use them for dinner tonight?" Tony suggested, watching Rizzo as she walked over to the sideboard. "Open the lower cabinet and take out some candles.".

Rizzo placed two brown candles on the sideboard as Tony had instructed. She positioned the other two candles in the center of the dining table and lit them all. After that, she took a seat next to Tony, and they began to enjoy their bowls of soup.

"Where did you get the candles?" Rizzo asked, fully aware that she had never bought those candles for Tony before.

"I got them at the Old WWE Country Fall and Halloween Festival last year," Tony replied. "I bought two candles from one of the booths, and the woman running the booth gave me two more for free. She was flirting with me and everything! She even gave me her number, but I never called her."

Rizzo can picture the whole scene as she shakes her head. How does one end up buying a cottage here in the country? Rizzo asked, pondering that since arriving.

 I was searching for a safe house to buy in the countryside. One weekend, I decided to visit a property I found listed online. The moment I saw the view of the lake, I changed my mind and decided to purchase it as a getaway for weekend fishing trips.

 For fishing?

I'm unable to fly to Florida for a weekend to go fishing. Every time I visit, I can never relax because someone always finds out I'm in town, and I end up having to deal with an issue while I'm there.

 The family doesn't know about this place, T?  

 No one in the family knows, and  I  want to keep it that way. Rizz, I need a quiet place to stay for a few days. You had told me  I need to take time for myself.

 Tony looks at Rizzo, hoping that she isn't mad that he kept this place from her and the family.

I'm not upset at all. You have every right to find a peaceful place to retreat for a few days, without needing to deal with family, gangsters, and crime bosses. I must admit, the view is truly exceptional.

 Rizzo looks at the fall evening lake view. Understanding why Tony didn't turn this cottage into a safe house for the family.

 This could be a perfect safehouse; it's on a dead-end street, and neither neighbor on either side is here all year round. I just fell in love with it, Tony said, smiling at Rizzo.

Rizzo smiled back at Tony, pleased to see him smiling again for the first time in months.

After dinner, Tony and Rizzo sat in the living room. She noticed that Tony, from his spot on the couch, was looking around the room, making her curious about what he was thinking at that moment.

"Did you bring some of your fall decor with you?" Tony asked, fully aware that during their trips out of town for family business at this time of year, Rizzio always packed some of her fall candles to light in the hotel room in the evenings.

Yes … why?

 You love to decorate your apartment for fall, but since you can't do so this year, you can decorate the cottage instead.

You want me to put up my fall décor?

I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me over the past month, and I feel guilty that you're hiding out here with me. I noticed something was off after we returned from Vegas, but I didn't investigate it further. Tony expressed his frustration and disappointment over the betrayal, admitting that his worries about Alessandro were the last thing on his mind at that moment.

It's alright, Tony. 

It's not okay, Rizz. You should be home right now, taking care of the family until I feel ready to return and lead again.

"Tony, everything is fine with the family. I've been checking in every day.

Since we've been at the cottage, Rizzio has been keeping in touch with the family, who are running things as usual. While we are away handling family business that doesn’t actually exist, everything seems to be going well. So far, no one has inquired about our whereabouts or visited the businesses looking for us.

However, Spears and those three rats are still out there, using my money and the family money that they stole by turning my poker house into a drug den for their activities. Tony said this with increasing anger towards Alessandro, Alessio, and Aldo for squandering the family's money.

"I want to hide out with you because you are the don, and the family needs me here," Rizzo said, looking at Tony before heading upstairs."

She returned downstairs with her fall candles and décor. Rizzo arranged them around the cottage while Tony watched.

Tony looks around the cottage, admiring the glass-shaped pumpkins and the pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple-scented candles that are all lit around the room. He feels happy that, after months of pushing Rizzo away, he can finally do something nice for his friends and family.

Chapter Text

Tony exchanged a knowing glance with Rizzo.

“Show me your hand,” he said.

Rizzo held out her hand, and Tony revealed his hand as well. This made her break into a wide smile.

"It looks like I’ve won this hand," Rizzo said, as she pushed the poker chips toward herself.

 After dinner, both Tony and Rizzo decided to spend the rest of the evening playing a game of poker, something they hadn't done in months. Initially, they felt that it would be awkward since it was just the two of them, unlike the usual four-person game. Additionally, the last time they played poker was in Vegas the night before their sit-down meeting.

Tonight has been an enjoyable night.  Rizzo can see that Tony is having a good time. This has been a perfect night and the first step of healing for both of them.

 Those Jack-o'-Lantern candles look nice said Tony,  looking at the candles lit up on the dining table.

 I got them at the grocery store this morning, Rizzo said, looking at the candles, thinking back to earlier this morning at the grocery store. She saw  Halloween candy, cups, plates, and decorations.

Rizzo thinks about Tony, who loves Halloween. Every year, she visits his house to see the decorations. However, this year, Tony can't decorate because they need to stay low-key and avoid drawing any unwanted attention, especially from the young kids who will be out trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Rizzo glances at Tony, who is still staring at the candles.

Tony gazed at the candles, reminiscing about how every year around Halloween, he decorated the fort at his house. On Halloween night, Rizzo and Stacks would come over for a movie night—a tradition they had maintained since their teenage years. Although the tradition paused while Tony was in college, it resumed once he became the head of the family.

This year will be very different. With only him and Rizzo around, he needs to think about whether he should go ahead with Halloween movie night. That's a decision he'll have to consider.

The next morning, Tony and Rizzo sat down for breakfast, talking and laughing as they enjoyed the pumpkin pancakes they had made together.

"So, Chase almost burned down the kitchen station?" Tony asked, listening to Rizzo recount the time they weren't speaking to each other. She mentioned that she had attended another cooking class taught by Lash Legend, this time with Thea Hail and Andre Chase, who nearly caused a massive kitchen fire.

The entire room was filled with smoke, and the fire department had to be called to extinguish the fire.

Tony shook his head and went back to his pancakes, feeling relieved that he had been cleared to resume eating solid foods. He was taking it slowly, which is why he was only having two small pancakes. While the pain in his back and ribs was improving, his ribs were still broken and required time to heal.

T I've been thinking about it since you can't decorate outside the cottage. How about decorating the inside of the cottage? Rizzo conceived the idea while getting ready for bed the previous night.

Tony is trying to distract himself from troubling thoughts about spears and the three rats. A week ago, he and Rizzo hired their associate private investigator to monitor their homes and Alessandro. The investigator revealed that Alessandro, Aldo, and Alessio had not been seen anywhere, indicating they had left in a hurry. Similarly, Shawn Spears and his family are also missing.

 Having Tony believe they are lying low long enough for one of them to make a move for his seat as the don.

Rizzo looks at Tony. She can tell that he is trying to decide whether to do it.  Understanding that decorating the outside of the home for  Halloween is something that he and Stacks do together. Along with the   Halloween movie night. She and Tony help with the snacks. Stacks brought the movies and the projector.  It's something they do together every year.  This year is very different.

Look, T,  I  understand if you aren't up to it this year.

 No

 Ok then.

 No, what I mean is that I want to do it, Rizz. We both know that I did almost everything with Stacks, and Halloween is one of those things. The friendship and brotherhood I had with Stacks were essential to me, but that doesn't mean I have to stop doing the things I love just because they remind me of Stacks and this family he shattered.

Reflecting on this, Tony feels it's time to prioritize his self-care by engaging in activities that bring him joy.  Decorating the cottage for Halloween is one of the steps in the healing process after a broken friendship.

 Rizzo had been engaging in activities that brought her comfort, such as taking cooking classes, working out at the gym, going for a run, and taking up new hobbies like reading and yoga.

I have a few Halloween decorations that I showed where they are, Tony said while going back to his breakfast.

After finishing their breakfast and cleaning up, Tony and Rizzio went down to the lower level of the cottage. There, they found a large room that served as a utility, laundry, and storage area, complete with a refrigerator and freezer. The lower level also featured an open den with a couch and a Seventy-inch TV, as well as a bathroom with a huge shower.

Tony walked over to a shelf filled with boxes labeled "Halloween Décor" on the front. Rizzio helped carry the boxes to the open den. As they looked through each box, pulling out various items, Tony suggested, "We can place those three light-up pumpkins on the bookshelf by the TV." He then slowly got up and carefully positioned the pumpkins on either side of the bookshelf.

 "What about those light-up triple pumpkins?" Rizzo asked, glancing at the set of two illuminated pumpkins.

"Over there, near the TV, I want to make sure we have enough lights. When will we turn off the lights while we watch movies on Halloween night?" Tony replied, considering whether to bring out the Halloween candles as well.

"You want to have a Halloween movie night?"

"Yes, it's just going to be the two of us this year. We can still have a nice evening."

 Tony and Rizzo are diving back into decorating the den, fully immersed in crafting an enchanting atmosphere for Halloween night.

 A week later, it was Halloween. Tony and Rizzio were in the kitchen preparing snacks, including a Halloween-themed Margherita pizza that was baking in the pizza oven Tony had brought to the cottage specifically.

"How do you know how to make pretzel bites?" Tony asked as he watched Rizzio place a tray of pretzel bites in the oven.

"This recipe is from the Lash Cooking Class," Rizzio replied.

 I need to come with you when we return to the city. Tony mentioned that cooking is a comfort for him, something he needs right now.

She had asked about you, Rizzo said, remembering the last class she was in.  Lash pulled her aside and asked how  Tony had been doing? She couldn't answer that question at the time.

 "Well, let's hope Chase didn't burn the place down," Tony said with a chuckle.

Both Tony and Rizzo laughed as they finished preparing the movie snacks. Once everything was ready, they placed the pizza and pretzel bites on the coffee table, setting the stage for the evening.

Afterward, Rizzo and Tony went back upstairs to check that the front, back, patio, and lower-level doors were all locked. After confirming that all the doors were secure, they settled onto the couch to enjoy their movie night.

They kick off their evening with the timeless Halloween favorite, *It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown*. Next, they delight in scrumptious five-inch margherita pizzas for dinner. Their movie night continues with the cherished 1991 classic, *The Addams Family*, a nostalgic gem they both adore. To top off the experience, they savor delicious pretzel bites while enjoying the film!

After the movie wrapped up, everyone enjoyed a brief break. Rizzo hurried to the bathroom, while Tony headed upstairs, excited to make popcorn. As he waited for the kernels to pop, he reminisced about last year's Halloween. He, Rizzo, Luca, and Stacks had an unforgettable night watching *Psycho* and *Halloween*. The movies were so thrilling that they didn't manage to get a wink of sleep! Those memories brought a smile to Tony's face, filling him with eagerness for more fun times ahead.

Despite the pain, we had shared good times as a family. Tony considered taking the bowl of popcorn and dividing it into two portions—one for Rizzio and a smaller one for himself, as he was still easing into solid foods. He then picked up the bottles of ketchup and mustard for the mummy hot dogs they had made together earlier, which were warming up in the oven, and placed them on the tray.

Tony quickly checked the door before pulling the hot dogs out of the oven, placing them on a tray, and heading back to the lower level to start watching the third movie.

"What movie would you like to watch next?" Rizzio asked, rummaging through the Halloween movies that Tony had.

"Do you want to watch *The Nightmare Before Christmas*?" Tony suggested.

"Yes, let’s do that. Is it dark enough to dim the lights?" Rizzio asked, glancing out the window as it had become dark enough to consider turning off the lights.

Tony walked over to the light switches, turned off all the lights except for the bathroom light, and left the jack-o'-lanterns glowing.

"This looks great," Rizzo remarked, admiring the decorations they had worked on weeks ago and the happiness on Tony's face.

Tony and Rizzio settled back down on the couch to watch *The Nightmare Before Christmas*.

This Halloween may not have been what either of them wanted or planned, but one thing Tony knew for sure was that he wasn’t spending it alone.

Chapter Text

Both Tony and Rizzio are sitting together in the den, folding clothes after spending the day doing laundry. They are discussing what to cook for dinner and which movie to watch afterward. Rizzio notices that Tony is holding a pair of track pants, and, as she takes a closer look, she realizes they are the same pair he wore on the night of the poker house events.

Tony picked up his track pants, recalling the night from four months ago. He had discovered that three of his members of the family had secretly turned his poker house into a drug den and were plotting to kill him after he confronted them and their business partner.

Rizzio was about to ask Tony if he was alright when she looked up at the TV. Michael Cole from Raw 4News was on the screen, but that wasn't the reason she was watching. A mugshot of a man they had been showing all week appeared. Rizzio grabbed the remote and turned up the volume to hear Michael Cole speaking.

The WWE City Police are seeking your help in locating a man who, after being arrested in March for possession of an illegal firearm, was released on bail yet missed his court date three months ago. He may be evading authorities and was last spotted in the beautiful Summerslam Beach area, near the Summerslam Beach apartments. Remarkably, this case is tied to another investigation beyond WWE City. If you have any information about his whereabouts or have seen him recently, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Crime Stoppers. Your assistance is invaluable in ensuring the safety of our community. Thank you!

“Does that man they keep showing look familiar to you?” Tony asked, looking at Rizzio. He felt that she had seen him somewhere before, but couldn't recall where.

Tony and Rizzio continued to watch the news while folding the remaining laundry. Once they finished, they began preparing dinner: Italian spaghetti with soft, toasted garlic bread and Caesar salad. Rizzio took charge of cooking the spaghetti, while Tony sat at the prep table, cutting lettuce for the salad. He was deep in thought about the news coverage and the mugshot that had been shown.

 Where had I seen him before?  Tony thought he had seen that mugshot face before.

 He wasn’t the only one, as  Rizzio was thinking the same way.  The face looked very formal to her, but she couldn’t place it with a name or recall where she had seen him.

 A sound of lightning has them turning to the window.  As the early evening sky begins to darken, it seems as though a storm is about to break.

 It looks like it's about to storm, Rizzio said, continuing to look out the window for a  few more minutes before going back to preparing dinner.

  The next morning, Rizzio was cleaning the breakfast dishes. When Tony comes walking in, the kitchen helps Rizzio dry the dishes. Helping Rizzio clear the kitchen after making waffles, he had mead for breakfast.

 Where's my phone, Tony asked, something that he had been wondering for the past few days.

It's upstairs. I found it on the floor of the downstairs office at the poker house. Tony, there's something I've been wanting to discuss with you.

 Both of them entered the living room and took a seat. Tony sat across from  Rizzio on the couch. He can tell that there is something on Rizzio's mind, as evidenced by her expression last night at dinner when she was looking out the window at the storm.  Having him wonder what she is thinking about.

Tony,  I've been thinking about the poker house.

Why? I thought everything had been taken care of?  Tony said, thinking back a few days after getting things settled here at the cottage.  Rizzio filled him in on what she had been doing while he was unconscious at the hospital.  She had called one of their associates who handles dead bodies and cleans up—the same associate who had dealt with the incident at the restaurant months ago.

Yes,  everything had been taken care of that night. I mean, since I was on my way back to the city, I thought I would go back to the poker house to access the secret safe.

  Down in the basement of the poker house is a secret safe hidden. So hidden that neither  Alessio , who lives and runs the poker house , knew about it.  The only one who knows about the safe is Rizzo, since she was there when Tony picked it out.

 Were you able to get into the safe? Tony asked, hoping she could.  But from the look on Rizzo's face, tell him differently.

 No, when I drove past the place, it was a car park in the fort.  It looked like they were Spears and Alessandro's men.  I felt that it was way too risky at the time. I drive right back to WWE's old country. 

Thinking now it's been long enough since Spears and the three rats are nowhere to be found,  I  decided to try to go back and see if I  can get inside the safe. Rizzio said, looking at Tony.

 When are you going?  Tony asked in a low voice.

This afternoon.

There was silence as Rizzo stared at Tony, who was in deep thought, before getting up from his place on the couch, walking into the guest room, and closing the door behind him.

 Rizzo didn’t see Tony the rest of the morning.  She has the right to work to check in on the family and the businesses.  Rizzo calls the restaurant and reaches the manager, who answers the call.

 Hello.

 Hi,  how are things going? Rizzo asked, hearing the noise of people in the background.

 Everything is going well. Ms. Rizzo's customers have been asking when the boss will return.

 Since going into hiding, Rizzo and Tony hadn’t discussed their family business or plans for when they leave the safe house. Will Tony go back to the city with her? Will he step back into the role as the head of the family? Will he continue to have her run the family until he is ready to retake charge? Or what is he going to do when he handles Spears and the three rats?

You tell them until business is taken care of.  I'll call you again tomorrow," Rizzo said, ending the call, thinking that sooner or later she and Tony will have to sit down and talk.

As the afternoon arrived, Rizzo and Tony sat down for lunch, neither speaking to the other as they ate in silence. Rizzo wanted to discuss his plans, but she was taken aback by some unexpected news that Tony had shared with her.

 I'm coming with you.

 What?

I'm coming with you to the poker house,  " Tony said in a low voice, a surprise look on Rizzo's face.

 Tony,  you sure you wanted to go with your broken ribs and punctured lung? Can you handle it?

 For the past few weeks, Tony has been getting better. He has been taking short walks on the property in the early evening and has been slowly working out in the gym area of the three-story garage.  Fully back to eating solid foods, but not yet drinking wine; now taking Tylenol when needed.

I'm not going to lie, my body is still sore, but it's not as bad as it was during the first two weeks we were here.  The last set of X-rays showed that my ribs are healing. Rizzi, you need someone to back you up in case Spears and Alessandro have someone waiting for us when we return.  Tony said, thinking back to when he had come to the poker house four months ago, not realizing that he needed backup and that he could handle it on his own.  He would never be in a situation like that night again.

Rizzo looks at Tony; she can tell that he is serious about coming.  Like her,  once his mind is made up, there is no way to change it.  She also knows another reason why he wants to go and understands it.

Alright, T, we're leaving in an hour.

 The fish market is open right now, and people are coming in and out of it.   We need to go at night after the market closes. Tony said he had been thinking about it since Rizzo told him about her plans this morning.

 I've been thinking about that after calling the fish market.

How have things been going there? Tony asked curiously how his business had been going while he had been gone.

  Since what happened at the poker house,  Tony had to quickly find a new manager to replace Alessio and reopen the fish market.  The new manager is one of his former managers from the waste management business, who had managed the fish market on and off in the past.

Things are going well, as I had been told. The staff had asked where Alessio was at first.  But now they don’t ask about him.

Good, Tony said, going back to his lunch.

Later that evening, Rizzo, who is dressed in a pair of black track pants. Placing one of her guns in her ankle holster. She grabbed her black leather tote bag and walked downstairs.  Grabbing a  few bottles of water from the refrigerator on the way to the living room.  When she reached the living room, Rizzo saw Tony walking out of the guest room wearing his black track outfit.  He sometimes wears it at home. Or he had to take care of something that would have him get down, bloody, and dirty.

 Ready to go, T?

 Yes, I'm ready to go. How are we going to get inside?  Tony asked, letting Rizzo take the lead tonight since she is the don right now.

 Let's use the staircase passageway, Rizzo said, hoping Tony doesn’t mind.

Good idea,  don. I get the car ready. Tony said, reaching for the car keys, looking at Rizzo, who slowly handed them to him, and walking out of the cottage.

  They stepped out of the cottage and locked the door behind them before walking over to the car, where Tony was sitting in the driver's seat. Whenever they needed to attend to family business, either Luca or her Stacks would take the driver's seat. Meanwhile, Tony was in the passenger seat. Rizzio approached the passenger side of the vehicle, and Tony got out to open the door for her.

Rizzio looks at Tony for a moment before stepping inside the car, seeing Tony closing the door.

This is so new to me. Tony has always been the one giving orders, but now the roles are reversed: I’m the one giving the orders, and Tony is following them. Rizzo thought as she watched Tony get back into the car. He started the engine and pulled out of the driveway.

As they arrived at the old garage shop, Tony cautiously got out of the car, unlocked the door, and drew his gun before entering. Rizzo watched from the car, concerned that Tony was taking too many risks and felt she should be the one to investigate. However, she reminded herself that she wasn’t the enforcer at that moment; she was the don.

 Seeing the garage shed door open, she saw Tony, who had just gotten back into the car, driving it inside the garage. Got back out again to pull the shed back down.  Walking over to the passenger side, he once again opened the car door for her.

 "Everything is clear," Don Tony said, waiting for the following order.

Let's take a few minutes' break before we head over to the poker house," Rizzo said, taking a seat on the couch at the far end of the garage.

 Tony follows as he takes a seat on the couch across from Rizzo, who pulls out bottles of water and hands one to him.

 Thanks.

After taking a short break, they walk over to the bookshelf and pull it aside, revealing a hidden stairway passage. Rizzo watches as Tony closes the passageway behind them. They descend the stairs into the tunnel that leads to the poker house.

 As they walked down the tunnel, events from that night three months ago started to come flooding back to  Rizzio.

Rizzio walks down the tunnel, dragging an unconscious Tony, who is badly injured and could be dying. All she can think about is getting Tony to safety. All she can think about is getting her don to the hospital. All she can think about is hoping that her don won’t die on her shoulders in the dark tunnel.

Haug on T: Haug on, we are almost there. You have to Haug on Rizzo, using all of her strength to get them down the tunnel.

“Don, are you alright?” Tony asked, looking at Rizzo, who had stopped walking a few minutes ago. Tony wondered if something was wrong.

 I'm fine just being down here for the first time in a while, since that night when everything went down, with me dragging you down the tunnel.

 It wasn’t easy at all. Tony asked, knowing how hard that may have been.

No,  it wasn’t easy. You were unconscious and dead weight. There were times when I had to take a quick break and rest. However, I was able to guide us back to the passageway leading to the garage.

I thank you for it," Tony said, looking at Rizzo before they went back to walking.

Twenty minutes later, both Tony and Rizzo reach the end of the tunnel that leads to the poker house. Tony slowly walks up the stairs, grabs the handle, and pushes the door open. He turned to Rizzo, telling him in a low voice to stay in the tunnel, then slowly and quietly pulled out his gun and walked inside.

 The first thing Tony notices as he steps inside the office is that it is pitch-black. Without making any sudden noises, Tony, with his flashlight,  reached over for the light switch.  Once he turns on the lights, he can see that everything is in place. As it usually was when Tony was in here, getting business done.

 Pointing his gun, Tony looked around the room, ensuring that there was no one hiding or waiting to make a move to attack.  When he saw that no one was in the office, Tony walked over to the secret passageway.

It's all clear up here.

 Rizzo walks out of the secret passageway, seeing that everything in the office is back in place as it was. She pulls out her gun from her purse, looks at Tony for a second, and leads them to the door.  Slowly opening the door using their flashlights, they walk down the dark hall. 

Flashbacks of the shootout, with bullets flying and bodies lying on the ground, made Rizzo grip her gun even tighter. She halted when she spotted Tony standing at the poker table, looking down at it, then at the top of the staircase. With her flashlight, Rizzo could see that there was no damage at all. Tony remained fixated on the table.

Tony examined the poker table closely. He directed his flashlight towards the top of the staircase, recalling the moment he and Alessandro had fought near the railing. The sound of the railing snapping still rang in his ears, a sharp reminder of the knife's blade that had caused him such pain. He remembered the look on Alessandro's face as he pushed him, forcing him to fall through the railing and crash onto the edge of the poker table. That haunting expression still visits Tony in his dreams. Now, as he looks at the repaired stair railing, it appears as if it had never been broken.

 Rizzo made sure that the first thing to address was the broken railing. She understood what Tony was feeling as he stepped into the poker house for the first time since discovering Alessandro's hidden drug business with Spears. The broken railing served as a constant reminder of the situation. When Rizzo contacted their associate, she emphasized the need to fix the stair railing promptly. Fortunately, their associate had the necessary skills to repair it, ensuring that no accidents occurred.

“They did a good job clearing everything up,” Tony said in a low voice.

“I made sure that everything is back in place,” Rizzo replied, aiming her flashlight. She noticed that not only were the bodies and blood gone from the floor, but the bullet holes in the hallway and living room were perfectly patched up. The couch had even been replaced. 

“Where do you want to start, Don?” Tony asked Rizzo.

“Let’s head to the basement to access the safe,” Rizzo replied, leading the way.

Tony stepped in front of Rizzo, slowly opening the door and walking down the stairs. With a flashlight in one hand and a gun in the other, he aimed carefully, ready to shoot if necessary. Rizzio stood behind Tony, always there to protect her, as he always did.

When they reach the bottom of the stairs, both of them look around for the light switch. Once Rizzo finds it and turns on the light, they take a moment to survey the expansive basement. The room features a washer and dryer, and in the center, there is a mattress.

 What is a mattress doing here? Rizzo asked, fully aware that it should not be there at all.

 Tony stepped closer to the bed, taking in the unsettling sight before him. It was clear that the mattress had been used more than once, the rumpled sheets telling a story of restless nights. As he and Rizzo investigated further, their eyes fell upon disturbing evidence: streaks of vomit, splatters of blood, and a series of mysterious stains that marred the once-innocent surface. Rizzo recoiled in disgust, a strong urge to set the mattress ablaze surging within her.

Meanwhile, Tony pondered a more dramatic solution, suggesting they toss the foul relic over the bridge and let it sink into the depths, where it could finally rest with the fishes.

"Is there more to this than merely a drug den?" T. Rizzo pondered, her brow furrowing as she contemplated the implications now that she had a moment to reflect.

 "I hope not, but it was, and it will be my fault," Tony said as he walked to the far end of the basement. He pushed aside a giant bookshelf to reveal a set of stairs. He descended to a silver metal door equipped with a keypad. After entering the code, the door unlocked. He grasped the doorknob and opened it, revealing a silver medical room adorned with guns on the walls and an extensive stack of cash.

Nothing has been moved or touched since our last visit, Rizzo said while looking around. She noticed that everything was in its rightful place; there was nothing unusual or out of order. However, she saw the one thing she had been eager to check from the safe right in Tony's hands.

 Tony studies each page as if his and the family’s lives depended on it; deep down, they do. What he is holding in his hand and looking at is a second set of books, which, in their world, they call vital to keep protected at all times.

The mob ledger is still here, Rizzio standing next to Tony, happy that it is safe.

 A mob's ledger serves as an account book for a criminal organization, specifically designed to be hidden from outsiders or made unintelligible to them. It tracks various activities such as gambling, loan sharking, and protection rackets, recording details about who owes money, who has made payments, and who is behind on their debts. These records also document payments to criminal associates, corrupt officials, and others who benefit from illegal earnings, effectively tracking expenses associated with the criminal enterprise, including bribes, supplies, and payoffs.

Both Tony and Rizzo understand the crucial importance of this ledger to Spears and Alessandro. They could use it against the family in numerous ways, such as turning it over to the police.

The family keeps an official ledger for their legitimate businesses to present to tax authorities. However, they also maintain a hidden set of books that records their actual illegal profits. The family must be very cautious to ensure that this sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands.

 When Tony built the safe here at the poker house, he placed the ledger inside after Rizzo was put in charge of all the family's money. Thinking that this is the last place no one would look for it.

I made the right decision by not telling Alessio about the safe or the location of the second set of books. Tony reflected on a few weeks before Stacks betrayed the family when both Alessio and Alessandro had approached him about the second set of books. This was also a month after he and Rizzo had fallen out. They suggested that he should be put in charge of the family's finances now that Rizzo was no longer involved.

“If you had told them, they could have emptied this safe,” Rizzo said, looking around and realizing how much worse it could have been. “The money here is from all the family’s poker houses and businesses in the city.”

As angry as I was with you, something told me not to tell them. Tony said, looking at Rizzo.

  I can see now that they only took the money they earned from their drug dealing and drug den business. Don, if that's all right with you, I'd like to explore a bit more. Tony thought he needed to investigate closely to understand what had been happening here behind his back.

Once they were back upstairs, Tony and Rizzo searched the living room and kitchen but found that everything had been cleaned up and nothing appeared out of the ordinary. They proceeded to search the bedrooms. Rizzo inspected one of the bedrooms, looking through the closet, dressers, nightstand, and desk, but found nothing that could lead them to Spears, Alessandro, or the whereabouts of his brother and father. She then moved into another bedroom and, once again, found nothing. As she entered a third bedroom, she noticed items scattered all over the bed. She turned her head to see Tony, who was searching the closet.

Tony sifted through the closet, his fingers skimming past a collection of meticulously arranged high-end suits, each tailored to perfection. It was unmistakable whose room this belonged to, and a surge of anger bubbled within him. In a fit of rage, he yanked the suits from their hangers, watching as they tumbled to the ground along with a jumble of their polished accessories, scattering across the floor like fallen soldiers in a battlefield of fabric and style.

"Alessandro was living here?" Rizzo asked, noticing the suits. She mentioned that they belonged to Alessandro since she had seen him wearing each one of them.

"It looks like it," Tony replied, recalling his last visit to the poker house when he had checked every room, including this one. However, he was certain he had not seen Alessandro at all, just a woman in the room.

I thought he lived in a large, expensive apartment in downtown Raw. "Tony, did you notice anything unusual when you were there last time?" Rizzo asked, recalling the numerous times Tony had met with Alessandro outside the restaurant.

"No, I've never been to Alessandro's apartment," Tony replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rizzo furrowed her brow in disbelief. "What do you mean you've never been to his apartment? You've put him in safe houses at least a dozen times! You and Stacks have picked him up and driven him there yourselves," she exclaimed, her mind racing back to the countless times Tony had orchestrated Alessandro's careful placements in the shadows of anonymity.

He always prefers to meet at his father's house because it's closer to his home. He knows that I dislike driving to downtown Raw, unless necessary. Tony reflected on the time he had to place Alessandro in a safe house because an angry client was upset about the case's outcome. Now, he wondered if that had anything to do with his drug trafficking business involving Shawn Spears.

The number of times you had put Alessandro in a safe house had nothing to do with his job as a lawyer. It was actually related to his drug trafficking business. Rizzo said, "Think back to the times Tony placed Alessandro in a safe house." Most of the time, Rizzo had doubts about the stories Alessandro provided them.

 Tony and Rizzo walked out of the room again and split up: Rizzo stayed in the room across the hall while Tony went into the room next to it. Tony then walked into the upstairs office.

 It was dark, but he could still see a faint light through the window where the full moon shone. As he looked around the room, Tony began to remember the moment when Alessandor, Aldo, Alessio, Izzy Dame, Nico Vance, and Brooke Jenson surrounded him, crowbars in hand, beating him mercilessly. The look on their faces made him wonder if they were going to kill him by beating him to death.

Tony walked into the room, slowly counting as he went. He began by checking the desk. Noticing that the top of the desk was clear, he pulled out each drawer, emptied its contents onto the desk, and used his flashlight to inspect everything. Next, Tony approached the file cabinet, opened each drawer, and discovered that they were all empty. He then moved on to the closet, where Alessio had some boxes, but they were also missing. Frustrated, Tony slammed the closet door shut.

You fine Anything? Rizzo asked, who had just reached the bedroom next door to the office.

 There's nothing but pens, highlighters, and stampers in here, Tony said to himself. Looking at the office supplies, he felt his anger boil over.

Our associate informed me that the bedrooms appeared normal, with only the stair railing needing repair. Most of the cleanup and body removal had taken place downstairs. Rizzo noticed the expression on Tony’s face, fully aware that he was furious.

Tony wrenched open one of the desk drawers, sending a flurry of papers and pens tumbling out in a chaotic cascade. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he hurled the drawer to the floor, where it crashed and splintered, scattering its contents like remnants of his frustration. With resolute determination, he strode out of the room, leaving behind a trail of disorder that mirrored his turbulent emotions, before walking out of the room.

  The very next day, Rizzo sits in the living room of the cottage, reflecting on what had occurred the night before at the poker house. After Tony walked out of the room, Rizzo decided to give him a few minutes to cool down before he went to find him in the downstairs office.

They exited the poker house through a secret passage that led back to the old garage. They were headed back to the cottage in the old WWE country. The ride back was quiet as Tony focused on the road. By the time they arrived, it was late, and both Tony and Rizzo were ready for bed.

When they both woke up this morning, Rizzo wanted to talk to Tony. However, she could tell that he wasn’t in the mood for a conversation. The same thing happened at lunchtime. Rizzo watched as Tony got up from his seat and walked outside to sit on the boardwalk. That’s where he had been ever since she had looked out the window earlier and seen him, wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, still sitting on the boardwalk. She got up to look out the window and saw Tony, who was still sitting out on the boardwalk. 

 Tony looked out at the lake, thinking about the past few months of his time here and last night.   Know that he and Rizzo can’t keep hiding out here. As much as he wants to, he can’t.

The sound of footsteps made Tony turn his head, and he saw Rizzo take a seat next to him, gazing out at the lake. They sat in silence for a long time, simply watching the water and listening to its soothing sounds.

   Noticing that Tony is in a good mood, Rizzo seizes the opportunity to discuss something that has been on her mind since this morning.

"Tony, we need to talk about your plans for when you return to the city. Are you even going to come back with me? What do you intend to do now that you’re stepping away from being the don of the family?"

Rizzo had expected Tony to be caught off guard by her question, but to her surprise, he remained composed.

"As I mentioned three months ago," he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, "I’m not in the right frame of mind to lead the family right now. I’ve been trying to heal from Stacks' betrayal and the fallout from the incident at the poker house. I’m still not in the same place I was before Vegas; that version of me feels like a distant memory. Honestly, I’m just not ready to assume the mantle of don again." He paused, glancing at Rizzo, who was staring out at the shimmering lake. The gentle ripples mirrored the turmoil in his heart, and he hoped she would grasp the weight of his reasons.

“What are you going to do now? Are you going to come home with me, T?”

At first, I wanted to get as far away from WWE City as possible. However, now that I’ve been here, I feel ready to return. After I return to the city, I plan to manage the restaurant, fish market, and waste management businesses. Tony said this while he noticed Rizzo still gazing out at the lake before turning to him.

Rizzo looked at the lake after hearing Tony's answer, hoping that her presence would change his mind, but she was mistaken. She turned away from the lake and looked directly at Tony.

"I take care of the family," T. Rizzio said, wiping away a tear.

"I want you to know that I’ll always be here for you," Rizz Tony reassured her.

 Of course,  you're still going to be around, you're a part of this family, and in my eyes, you're always going to be the don. I'll keep the seat warm for you until you're ready to take charge again.

Both Tony and Rizzo got up and hugged each other. "We need to get back to WWE City." Rizzo looked Tony in the eye as he broke their hug and said,

"We leave first thing tomorrow."

Chapter Text

Tony was in the restaurant office, attempting to get some work done while pondering what was coming up next week. It was one of his favorite days, an occasion he eagerly anticipated every year. However, this year, he was not looking forward to it at all.

A knock at the door made Tony look up from his laptop, and he told whoever it was to come in. Rizzo walked in, closed the door behind her, and took a seat across from him.

 What can I do for you, don, Tony asked, looking right at Rizzo.

It had been two weeks since they had left the serene cottage behind and returned to the bustling streets of WWE City. Upon their arrival, the first order of business was to gather the family and announce that Rizzo had assumed control. As the words left their lips, a ripple of disbelief swept through the room. Some family members openly voiced their skepticism, arguing passionately that a woman should never hold the title of don. Their voices, laced with undertones of tradition and resistance, suggested that this decision signified a troubling shift—a sign that the family, once strong and united, might now be losing its grip on power.

During the tense family dinner, the atmosphere shifted when a member of the family brazenly commented on Rizzo and Tony. Rising from her seat, Rizzo strode over, her authority palpable.

“Is there a problem?” she asked, meeting his smirk with a steady gaze.

“Yes,” he replied, his tone laced with derision. “Tony’s a fool for making you the don. Because of him, the family is weak.”

The air thickened with tension, and Rizzo knew this was her moment to assert her strength as a leader.

Rizzo snatched a nearby cutting knife, its blade gleaming menacingly in the dim light. With a swift, decisive motion, she stabbed it into the man's hand, eliciting a sharp gasp from those around her. “Is there anyone here who believes she can't truly be the don and that Tony is nothing but weak?” Her voice sliced through the silence, but the room remained unmoved, the audience hesitant to voice their dissent. Frustrated by their silence, she strode back to her seat, her gaze fixed on the man she had wounded. He clutched his bloodied hand with a handkerchief, the crimson stain spreading ominously, as a contingent of the family's soldiers stepped forward to escort him out of the room. The tension hung thick in the air, a palpable reminder of the brutal stakes at play.

 Tony, it's just you and me here. You don’t have to call me, Don, or Boss Rizzo. He said, looking at Tony, who nodded.

 "Alright," Tony said, observing Rizzo's lingering discomfort with the title of Don. It had only been a few weeks since Rizzo had stepped into this formidable role, and he understood that adapting to such a significant change would take time. He couldn’t shake the feeling that, given the turmoil of recent events, he shouldn’t be the don. Yet, deep down, he felt a sense of resolve, knowing he had made the right choice for himself and the family, even amid the uncertainty ahead.

You know what next week is?

Yes, I know what's next week.  It Thanksgiving.

 "What are your plans for Thanksgiving?" Rizzo inquired, aware that they celebrate this cherished holiday every year at Tony's house. As the aroma of delicious food fills the air, the kitchen comes alive with laughter and chatter as everyone gathers to lend a hand in preparing the feast. The golden-brown turkey slowly roasts in the oven, its skin glistening with savory spices. Meanwhile, they craft rich Italian lasagna, delicate butter-squash ravioli, and tender meatballs smothered in a rich gravy. Colorful broccoli stuffed with roasted sausage adds a delightful twist, while perfectly roasted potatoes, seasoned with fragrant garlic, complete the array of dishes. As the grand meal draws to a close, the anticipation builds for the sweet finale: a luscious pumpkin pie, eagerly awaited by all.

 Both of them know that this year will be very different without Stacks and Luca, whom they have not heard from since they returned.

"Honestly, I’m not sure what my plans are," Rizz Tony said, having spent the whole morning thinking about Thanksgiving.

Should he host Thanksgiving, just the two of them, or should he ask Rizzo if she wanted to join him at the Thanksgiving dinner he had been invited to?

"Well, my parents just told me they are spending Thanksgiving this year on a cruise," Rizzo replied, having received the news that morning.

Every year, as a family, we spend Thanksgiving together; it's a tradition, but this is the first year we won’t be. Andre Chase had invited me to spend Thanksgiving with him and the students of Chase U. Tony said Rizzo's reaction to the news surprised him.

"Did he invite you too?"

"Yes, I ran into him at the grocery store last night. He mentioned that he is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for Chase U students who can’t go home this year and that I’m more than welcome to join them. I told him I would think about it and get back to him. Did he invite you as well, Rizz?"

  This afternoon, he showed up at my parents' restaurant for lunch service. We got to talking, and the next thing. I know I was invited to spend Thanksgiving at Chase U. I told them  I would speak to you first before I RSVP. Rizzo said she wanted to see what Tony had planned first so that Tony wouldn't be alone on Thanksgiving.

I really don’t relish the idea of spending Thanksgiving with Chase U. It’s not that I have anything against Andre Chase; it's just that this gathering doesn’t align with my vision for this year’s holiday. Tony brought up the possibility of celebrating with Rizzo, Luca, and Stacks, a tradition he has cherished in the past. However, he and Rizzo both understand that those plans are unlikely to come to fruition this time around.

  "I understand where you're coming from, T," Rizzo replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But Chase and Thea have seen how challenging the last ten months have been for us. In their own thoughtful way, this is how they want to support us."

Tony furrowed his brow as he contemplated her words. "Wasn't it you who mentioned that Chase can't cook?" he asked thoughtfully, recalling their time at the cottage. Rizzo had shared detailed stories about Chase's culinary mishaps following their cooking classes together, laughing at the antics that unfolded in the kitchen.

Thea informed me that a catering company will be responsible for the cooking since not only Chase U students will be attending, but also some important guests. So, what do you think, T? I need to provide Chase with an answer by tomorrow.

Tony sat in deep contemplation, his brow furrowed and his eyes focused on a distant point as he weighed his options. For several moments, the silence enveloped him, the only sound being the gentle ticking of the clock on the wall. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he gathered his thoughts and made a decision.

Call Chase and let him know that we are joining him for Thanksgiving. Tony mentioned that he saw Rizzo pulling out his phone to text Thea.

A message was sent back to Rizzo confirming the dinner start time, and they will see them there.

"Don’t worry, look on the bright side; at least Chase isn’t cooking Thanksgiving dinner," Rizzo said, making Tony laugh.

"Yes, right," Rizzo replied, as Tony considered his own backup plan.

A week later, Rizzo Tony pulls up into the Chase U parking lot. Rizzo got out of the passenger seat wearing a brown sweater dress with black boots and a fall dress coat.  Tony got out of the driver's seat, wearing a black-and-gray suit vest, dress shoes, and a dress jacket.

 Both of them walk into the Chase U building, down the hallway to a set of double doors. Tony pushes the doors open, letting Rizzo walk in first.

As they walk into the Chase  U banquet room.  The first thing they saw was a room filled with round tables where people sat, talked, and laughed. Both Tony and Rizzo can tell that there are cheap students. Some of the guests are people they know very well. This caused Tony to have second thoughts about being here.

 "I expected to find mostly Chase U students in attendance," Tony remarked quietly, his voice barely rising above the gentle hum of conversation. As he scanned the vibrant room, his gaze flitted over more than six tables, each brimming with familiar faces—friends and acquaintances alike, all gathered in a lively atmosphere. Rizzo stood beside him, equally surprised by the eclectic mix of people populating the space.

A nagging unease settled in as he anticipated the possibility of someone approaching him, their eyes curious and probing, ready to dive into the tangled history of what transpired between him and Stacks. It was a subject he had been diligently sidestepping since his return to the city, hoping to keep the shadows of the past nine months at bay.

Thea had told me that Chase had invited a few important people. It looks like he invited Mayor Shawn Michaels.  Rizzo said seeing the mayor of the NXT district sitting at a long table up on the stage with various signs on the chairs.

I see an open table over there, T.

Tony followed Rizzo, walking past each table, hoping that no one would see them and wanting to talk. Once they reached the table, Tony let out a huge breath of relief as he took his seat next to Rizzo. Taking her coat off and placing it on the chair?

 How did Chase get Mayor Michaels to come here for Thanksgiving dinner?  Rizzo said in a low voice, looking at the mayor again.

 It has Tony wondering as well.

 Tony and Rizzo turned their heads when someone called out their names. They saw three women walking toward them. The first was Karman Pethrovice, a karate teacher who had been Thea's roommate for the past year. The second was Wren Sinclair, a gangster and a member of the No Quarter Catch Crew, with whom the family had previously done business. The third woman, with long, light brown hair, was a stranger to both Tony and Rizzo.

“Did Chase invite you two as well?” Rizzo asked, a bit surprised to see them there.

“Well, Karman is from Canada; she celebrated Thanksgiving a month ago, so it’s just another day for her. I was planning to spend Thanksgiving with Charlie,” Wren replied.

“Where is Dempsey, anyway?” Tony asked, scanning the room for his occasional rival but not spotting the English gangster anywhere.

The No Quarter Catch crew has been going through a tough period since Myles and Tavion left to start their own organizations. To recharge, Charlie has decided to spend a few months in Japan. I’m not worried at all; I know he’ll be back.

Hearing about Dempsey's departure from WWE City, Rizzo was reminded of how Tony had wanted to leave after the heartbreak caused by Stack's betrayal. The events at the poker house didn’t help the situation at all. She was worried. While they were staying in the safe house, Tony initially wanted to leave, but in the end, he chose to return with her.

"How have you been doing since he's been gone?" Tony asked, concern in his voice.

"Yeah, it must be lonely at the training center," Rizzo added, contemplating the idea of sending some soldiers to guard the place until Dempsey returns.

"I'm fine. Kendal has been keeping me company and helping me out while Charlie has been away," she replied.

The third woman, with long, light-brown hair, extended her hand toward Tony and Rizzo.

"Hi, I'm Kendal Gray," she introduced herself.

 It's nice to meet you, Tony and Rizzo," both said, shaking hands with Kandal.

You two don’t mind if the three of us join you? There are no other seats available at the other tables.

 Sure,  it's just me and  Tony Rizzo said  , looking at  Tony  , who nodded in agreement. They watch Wren, Karmen, and Kendal take their seats at the table.

An hour later, everyone was talking and laughing, including Tony, as they listened to Karmen share the story of her breakup with her boyfriend last summer. He learned that Gallus Bar had closed for good after a police raid, which resulted in the arrest of all three men inside and their subsequent incarceration in No Mercy penitentiary. Tony was shocked by this news.

“Why haven’t you told me about Gallus?” Tony asked quietly, so that no one at the table would hear him.

  I thought you knew it was on the news and everything, T.

I wasn’t watching the news when it happened. My TV hadn’t been turned on, Tony said, reflecting on how focused he was on taking care of family matters that he got home late. After showering, he went straight to bed.

The atmosphere buzzes with lively chatter as everyone mingles, but soon all eyes turn toward Chase, who stands confidently on the stage, warmly welcoming each guest. The aroma of a sumptuous dinner fills the air, signaling that the meal is about to begin. Tony and Rizzio glance toward the entrance and spot elegantly dressed servers in crisp tuxedos gliding into the banquet room, their trays adorned with beautifully plated dishes. With practiced ease, they move from table to table, placing the exquisite meals in front of the eager guests, thereby enhancing the festive ambiance of the evening.

 The server reached their table thirty minutes later, placing the plates in front of each of them. They saw turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, and stuffing—foods commonly eaten on Thanksgiving.

Rizz, I’m heading to the restroom. I’ll be right back, Tony said, getting out of his seat and leaving the banquet room to find a restroom.

After searching for a few minutes, he finally located the men's restroom. The cool, tiled interior offered a brief respite as he washed his hands, the sound of running water echoing softly. As Tony grabbed some paper towels to dry off, he noticed someone rushing into the restroom. Without thinking, he quietly slipped out.

Once he reached the entrance of the grand banquet hall, he was about to head back in when something unusual caught his eye. A young woman in her 20s stood at the restroom door, which displayed a "Men and Women" sign. She was dressed in an elegant dark green dress that flowed with her movements, complemented by stylish black leather boots. Her gentle knuckles tapped on the door, adding an air of concern to the scene as she waited for a response.

Tony had a deep familiarity with Ava; their paths had intertwined through various family business dealings over the past few years. Ava was the councilwoman representing the NXT district, a role that granted her considerable influence in the community. She was also a member of one of the most notorious crime families in WWE City, a lineage that loomed over her reputation like a dark cloud, intertwining power and danger in her every move.

As Tony leaned against the wall near the restroom, he listened to Ava talk.

“Are you alright in there?” Ava's voice pierced the silence, a blend of concern and authority. “I can’t hear you.” The urgency in her tone hinted at the gravity of the conversation they were about to have.

"Ava, are you waiting for the restroom?" Tony asked, noticing a women's restroom down the hall, around the corner from the men's room.

"No, my assistant, Robert Stone, got sick from Chase's dinner," Ava replied.

"What?" Tony asked in a low voice, careful not to be overheard by anyone in the hallway.

He seemed perfectly fine until he took a few bites of the rich stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes drenched in gravy. With a furrowed brow, he turned to me and Mayor Michaels, claiming that the food tasted off. Just moments later, he leaned in and discreetly pulled Thea aside, urgently asking for the nearest restroom.

Tony and Ava instinctively turned their heads just in time to see one of the Chase U students bolt out of the banquet room, racing down the hall and around the corner. The panic etched on the student's face spoke volumes; it was unmistakable that he was on the verge of vomiting.

 Back inside the grand Chase U banquet room, Rizzo sat patiently at the table, her eyes fixed on the door as she waited for Tony to return from the restroom. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the clinking of silverware and soft chatter, as Wren, Karmen, and Kendal eagerly unwrapped their silverware, preparing to indulge in the delicious meal that lay before them.

Yet Rizzo remained in her own world, her anticipation for Tony’s return overshadowing the enticing aroma of her dinner.

“I wonder where Tony is,” she mused, contemplating the idea of getting up to search for him, when Wren’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“Rizzo, since you spend more time in the kitchen than the rest of us, what do you think this dish looks like?”

 Rizzio's eyes darted to Wren's plate, where a few pieces of food lay untouched, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere around the table. An unsettling wave of anxiety surged through her, prompting her to spring up from her chair with an urgency that startled her friends. She cast a glance at Wren, Karmen, and Kendal, her voice steady yet tinged with concern as she urged, "Don’t eat anything on your plates. Stay right here; I’ll be back in just a moment." With that, she dashed away from the table, weaving through the bustling crowd of diners, her heart pounding in her chest.

An internal storm of worry brewed within her; she fought to keep a composed expression, knowing that panic would only deepen their unease. As she hurried through the colorful array of food and laughter filling the room, the knot in her stomach tightened with each step. She was determined to find Chase, her mind racing with possibilities as she navigated the chaos, intent on ensuring everybody's safety before any further worries could kindle in her friends' minds.

Noticing a conspicuous absence of Chase, Rizzo turned to leave the elegant banquet room. As she made her way toward the exit, her eyes caught sight of Thea, standing at a beautifully set table, animatedly conversing with another guest. Rizzo approached the table, her voice low and purposeful, and requested that Thea join her in the hallway for a moment.

As soon as they stepped out of the hallway, they immediately noticed Tony standing next to the restroom, accompanied by Mayor Michaels and Congresswoman Ava. When Tony saw them, he waved them over.

"Thea, can you go back to the banquet room and bring Chase out here?" Tony asked.

Thea replied, "He’s not in there. I was looking for him when Rizzo asked me to come out here. Is everything okay?"

 “What’s happening out here?” Rizzo inquired, her brow furrowed as she caught sight of the worried expressions on Tony, Ava, and Mayor Michaels.

“Robert Stone is sick in the restroom,” Tony responded, his voice tinged with concern. He and Ava began to explain the unfolding situation, the tension palpable in the air.

“Are you certain Stone’s illness is food-related? It could just be a 24-hour virus making the rounds,” Thea interjected, her tone cautiously optimistic, hoping it was a minor ailment rather than something more serious tied to the meal.

“Is anyone else feeling unwell?” Tony asked, glancing from Rizzo to Thea and Ava, searching their faces for any signs of distress. They all shook their heads, signaling that they were still in good health.

Shawn and I hadn't eaten yet, Ava said, glancing at Shawn, who nodded in agreement.

I was waiting to find Mr. Chase, while Thea provided a very straightforward response.

I had also been waiting for you to return from the restroom, but I ended up stopping Wren, Karmen, and Kendal to eat after I noticed what was on Wren's plate.

"What did you see on Wren's plate?" Thea asked, intrigued

The double doors burst open with a jarring clang, and a group of anxious Chase U students hurriedly poured out, their shoes squeaking against the polished floor as they raced down the hall. This unsettling spectacle had played out twice more within the last five minutes, each time drawing more concerned onlookers. As Karmen, Wren, and Kendal rushed out, their faces were pale and tight with worry, eyes flickering nervously toward the source of the disturbance.

Inside the banquet room, a wave of distress was palpable. Students and guests were grappling with sudden, intense stomach pains and sharp cramps, their discomfort evident as they shifted uncomfortably, some clutching their midsections. Many had turned a shade of green, their eyes darting toward the restrooms, desperately asking for directions. Those who couldn’t make it in time were forced to lean over trash cans, retching with distress as the scent of sickness hung heavy in the air. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the unease spreading like wildfire among the students.

 Where the kitchen, Tony asked for Thea's attention.

You go through the double doors down the hall and then through another set of double doors. You will find yourself in the cafeteria. If you look to your left, you will see the serving area, and next to it is the kitchen.

 I'm going to have a little talk with the caterer, just between two restaurant owners. You go fine, Chase. Tell him what's going on.

I will accompany you, T. Rizzo said, asking Wren to stay with Ava and Shawn, who was updating her on the situation.

They both walked through the double doors that Thea had pointed out. A few minutes later, they arrived at the Chase U kitchen, preparing to discuss the situation with the caterer. However, when Tony and Rizzo entered the kitchen, they discovered that no one was there—not even the waitstaff who served their dinner.

Tony let out a curse as he surveyed the kitchen, discontent evident on his face. The caterer's abrupt departure during the middle of dinner was a significant red flag.

"It looks like they left in a rush, abandoning a lot of food," Rizzo remarked, glancing at the half-served dishes on the counter.

Tony spotted the pan of stuffing and quickly grabbed a spoon from a nearby counter. He dipped the spoon into the pan and scooped some stuffing, bringing it close to his nose to smell it. Then, he called out to Rizzo, who was focused on the bowl of gravy and the turkey.

"Rizz, smell this ?" Tony asked in a panic, his face revealing his concern.

Rizzo inhaled the savory aroma of the stuffing, her eyes darting to Tony. She grabbed a spoon of her own and leaned closer, scrutinizing the mixture. What they saw next had their jaws dropping in shock, followed by a flurry of curses.

Just then, Thea stepped into the kitchen, her heart racing at the sight of no caterer. The nervous, worried expressions on Rizzo and Tony’s faces sent a jolt of anxiety through her.

“What is happening here? Where’s the caterer? Where are the servers? What did you two do to them?” Thea demanded, her voice laced with urgency as she sought answers from her friends.

“Did you really think we made them disappear? No one was present when we arrived. By the looks of it, they skedaddled the moment people started getting sick,” Rizzo explained, piecing together the unsettling puzzle.

"Smell this," Tony said, handing a spoonful of stuffing to Thea, the former Chase U student. As she inhaled the aroma, a sour expression crossed her face.

"The stuffing smells musty. I understand what you all were talking about," she remarked.

It spoiled because the caterer had left it out at room temperature for too long, allowing bacteria to grow and spoil. The stuffing had a dull, grayish-green color, and the visible mold growth was a clear sign of spoilage. Tony said, knowing that the rule for cooking stuffing is not to leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.

"Are you both saying that everyone who ate the stuffing experienced food poisoning just 30 minutes later?"

"Yes," Tony and Rizzo replied in unison, their faces etched with concern.

"But that’s not all," Rizzo added, striding over to the bowl of gravy and the pan of turkey with an air of urgency. She pointed to what she had uncovered.

"This gravy shouldn't look like this," Tony exclaimed, noticing its unsettling grayish hue rather than the rich, inviting brown one would expect. He then shifted his gaze to the pan of turkey beside the gravy, where he spotted disturbing areas of raw meat, vivid and deep pink, suggesting it had not been cooked properly.

“Look at this turkey,” Rizzo said, holding it up for Thea to see. “It’s undercooked, which means the caterer didn’t prepare it properly. The meat should be a uniform white inside, but instead, it’s still tinged with pink, and a pool of dark, bloody juices collects at the bottom of the pan.” As she spoke, she noticed the color draining from Thea’s face, her features turning ashen as the horror of the discovery settled in. It was clear that the sight was so unsettling that it was almost enough to make her vomit.

 Everyone had eaten the same meal and was now feeling ill. It takes a few hours for the turkey and gravy to kick in, but they're already sick from the suffering. "Where is Chase? He needs to see this," Tony said, searching for the Chase U professor but finding only the three of them. The look on Thea's face said it all.

"Please don’t tell us," he whispered, Tony's heart racing.

I found Mr. Chase slumped over, pale and sweating, in the small bathroom adjacent to his office. I quickly got Karman to keep an eye on him while I assessed the situation. This is not good at all.

As if this Thanksgiving dinner couldn’t get any worse, chaos swirled around them like an impending storm.

Just then, Wren entered the room, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern as she spotted Tony, Rizzo, and Thea.

"Stone has finally staggered out of the restroom," she reported, her voice tight with unease. "But he looks really rough; his face is ashen, and he’s barely able to stand." They could see the worry in her eyes, mirroring the same concern in their own.

They hurriedly exited the kitchen and entered the banquet room. An unsettling reality began to take hold as more guests, their faces pale and strained, clutched their stomachs while murmuring anxiously about the food they had just consumed. Ava stood near the entrance, her brow furrowed with concern as she frantically dialed for an ambulance. Her voice rose in urgency, each word laced with panic as she described the situation, hoping help would arrive swiftly.

We're going to need more than one ambulance, Rizzo said, hearing sirens.

 Sitting in a crowded emergency waiting room, Tony,  Rizzo, Wren, Kendal, and Karmen were all watching Thea, who was a total wreck.  Ava and  Shawn are on the phone, informing Robert Stone's family of what has happened.

As the ambulances arrived, the EMTs swiftly began treating the ill guests. Outside the Chase U parking lot, some individuals lay on makeshift blankets, visibly uncomfortable but stable. In contrast, one severely ill person was hurriedly loaded into an ambulance, sirens poised to wail as it raced to NXT Medical.

Tony and Rizzo watched with concern as Andre Chase and Robert Stone were wheeled out of the building, both looking ghostly pale and sweaty. Thea stood anxiously by her former teacher's side. Just behind them, Chase's new star students, Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon, were also being brought out.

Ava climbed into the ambulance with Robert Stone, and Thea followed closely behind, ready to support Chase in this chaotic moment.

Tony turns to Wren, who is FaceTiming Dempsey, explaining what has happened. He hears Dempsey tell her that Chase better have a good lawyer, because he’s going to need one, which makes Thea panic even more.

 "I'm going to get something from the vending machine," Tony tells Rizzo as he walks out of the waiting room. When he reaches the vending machine, he sees a man standing by a soda dispenser, looking very frustrated as he continually pushes the button, cursing under his breath. The sound of the man's voice catches Tony’s attention, and he turns to look at him.

 “Bron Breakker, is that you?” Tony asked as he saw the man turn toward him.

“Tony D ?”

Bron Breakker hails from a family of crime bosses. His father and uncle are both involved in organized crime, controlling a city that was once known as WCW City before it merged with WWE City. A few years ago, Tony met Bron, and they formed a bond over their mutual interest in fishing. However, they lost touch after that.

"I haven't seen you since you took that partnership with Baron Corbin," Tony stated, a steady tone in his voice. It was no secret on the streets that Bron had stepped into the role of enforcer for several powerful crime bosses, commanding respect in a dangerous underworld.

Cobin moved to another city, but we ended our partnership on good terms. We talk once a month. He and his new business partner are making crime bosses and gangsters run scared.

“Are you still living in Smackdown Heights?” Tony asked, remembering that Bron had moved there.

“Yes, I still do,” Bron replied, bending down to pick up the soda that had fallen from the soda machine.

"What are you doing here on Thanksgiving?" Tony asked, curious whether Bron had come, because he knew someone had fallen ill at the Chase U Thanksgiving dinner.

Before Bron could respond, his phone rang. Tony watched as Bron answered the call and stepped a few paces down the hall. After a moment, Tony turned back to see Bron still talking on the phone before he returned to the waiting room.

As Tony returned to the waiting room, Rizzo, Wren, along with Karman and Kendal, who had just arrived, but Thea, Ava, and Shawn weren’t in the waiting room—having Tony wondering where they had gone to.

Any news yet? Tony asked, taking a seat back next to Rizzo.

'Thea, Ava, and Shawn are currently speaking with the doctor. Where's your snack, Rizzo asked, noticing that Tony hadn’t come back with any snack from the vending machine.

 I changed my mind, "Tony said." He forgot to get his chips from the vending machine after running into Bron Breaker. 

 Just then, Thea comes walking into the room, causing Tony, Rizzo, and everybody in the room to look up at her, who has a delighted look on her face.

 Good news, Mr. Chase, Robert Stone, and everybody else is going to be alright. They are not out of the woods just yet, but the doctors are very confident that everybody will make a full recovery, thanks to the fact that we track the source of the food poisoning.  They're going to keep everybody here overnight and see if anyone is well enough to go home tomorrow.

 That splendid wren said, pulling out her phone to call Charlie.

Thank god no one is going to die on  Thanksgiving. Rizzo said, relieved that there is a happy ending to all of this.

They talked for a few more minutes before she told them she was going back to check on Chase and to go home for the night.

 I don’t know about you all, but I am hungry," Rizzo said, walking out of the NXT medical center, hearing her tummy growling for half an hour.

We don’t have anything at home. Wren, Karmen, and Kandal said that when they were invited to Thanksgiving at Chase U, they didn’t go shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.

With every restaurant closed, Rizzo and Tony can see that they are trying to figure out what to do. Rizzo whispers something in Tony's ear, who whispers back and turns to their friends.

Two hours later, they were all sitting at the table in the private room of the restaurant, enjoying an Italian lasagna, butter-squash ravioli, and meatballs smothered in a rich gravy—broccoli stuffed with roasted sausage, roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, and a turkey.  

 Earlier today, Tony and Rizzio had cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for themselves because the Thanksgiving dinner at Chase U was at 2:00 in the afternoon. They will be hungry again later that evening.  They place it in the restaurant refuge before coming to Chase U. However, after what had happened, Tony and Rizzo decided to share their Thanksgiving dinner with their friends. They will place plates aside for Thea, Ava, and Shawn, who is still at the hospital. They will personally guarantee they will be dropped off.

   Rizzo got up and made a toast. Tony looks at everybody at the table, thinking that even though this isn’t the Thanksgiving he wanted, he feels like he is around people who genuinely care about him.

 Tony got up from his seat at the table,  grabbed the big knife and fork, and started carving the turkey.

Chapter Text

As Rizzo swung her car into the restaurant parking lot, her eyes caught sight of a sleek, formal car parked conspicuously at the entrance. Curiosity piqued, she stepped out, ready for the evening ahead. Pushing open the door, she was greeted by the warm, inviting ambiance inside. The servers, bustling about, were tidying up and preparing to close for the night, their chatter and laughter adding a vibrant energy to the space.

 Rizzo observes as Tony talks with his manager. From her vantage point, she sees Tony laughing, while the manager appears relaxed and no longer walking on eggshells. The entire staff is at ease.

Since returning from hiding, the first thing Tony did was visit each of his businesses to apologize to the staff for his previous behavior. Initially, he was concerned they might not accept his apology, but they all did, including the restaurant staff, who had been most affected by his anger.

Overhearing Tony apologize privately to his manager for yelling at him after the incident at the restaurant months ago, he expressed regret for taking his anger out on him. He acknowledged that he had crossed a huge line. Thanking his manager for handling things while he was away, Tony offered him a week's paid leave.

Tony turned his head and saw Rizzo standing in the dining room. He told his manager he would be right back and walked over to Rizzo, leading them to the restaurant office to talk.

"Is everything alright?" Tony asked as he closed the door and took a seat at his desk. Rizzo then sat across from him.

"Yes, everything is going well," Rizzo replied, a hint of relief in her voice. As she reflected on a challenging situation from a few weeks ago, she couldn't help but feel the weight of it still lingering in her mind. Since then, Rizzo found herself mulling over the issue time and again, its complexities intricately woven into her thoughts.

I apologize for not visiting the restaurant lately.

 I've been busy making sure the fish market, waste management business, and the restaurant are running smoothly.  Tony said, thinking about his meeting today with the manager and the rest of the management team at the waste management office.  Then on to the fish market to take a look at the books for the past few years and see if there is any mismanagement of the money.  Last and not least, the restaurant where he arrived in the middle of lunch service and was there for the rest of the day.

Rizzo asked Tony if that's all he had been doing as he took two wine glasses and a bottle of wine from his desk drawer. He poured wine into each glass and handed one to Rizzo.

Yes,  that's what I've been doing lately,  Tony said, taking a sip of his wine.

Tony, I stopped by tonight because I spoke with Thea earlier today. She mentioned that Andre Chase had invited you to his house to watch football on New Year's Day.

While Rizzio and Thea were preparing for the lunch service, Rizzio learned that Chase had invited you to watch a football game with Hank, Tank, and some of the students from Chase U. However, you had told him that you were spending New Year's Day with her.

They hadn't made any plans; they didn't see each other that day at all, and only texted to wish each other a happy New Year.

Look, I didn't want to go, Rizz.

T I worry about you. You need to start...

Start what? Tony asked, looking at Rizzo, wanting to say something but unsure whether she should.

"Rizz?"

"Start meeting new people, building new friendships, and connecting with some new guy friends," Rizzo encouraged, her voice carrying a hint of enthusiasm as she noticed Tony gazing intently at his glass, lost in his own thoughts. The furrow in his brow suggested a whirlwind of contemplation swirling beneath the surface. She turned her attention to a nearby bookshelf, her gaze landing on a framed photograph of Tony standing proudly beside Stacks, a warm smile lighting up his face. A pang of apprehension settled within her; she was beginning to regret bringing up such a delicate topic.

Just as Rizzo was about to apologize to Tony, he spoke up.

"I'm not ready to put myself out there and meet new people yet," Tony admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. When Chase approached him with an enthusiastic invitation, he graciously declined, explaining to the Chase U teacher that he and Rizzo had prior plans. However, the truth weighed heavily on him; he was reluctant to immerse himself in a crowd of acquaintances who were all too aware of what had happened and would inevitably pry into the painful details of what had transpired between them.

Instead, Tony spent New Year's Day completing paperwork in the restaurant office.

As an adult, navigating the intricate landscape of friendships and forging new connections can feel overwhelmingly daunting, particularly after experiencing the heartbreaking fallout of a friendship breakup. Rizzo often found herself lost in reflection, sifting through the painful memories of Stacks' betrayal and the tumultuous fallout with Tony. Those moments had left her grappling with a deep sense of anger and isolation.

In an effort to distract herself from the ache of lost companionship, she poured her energy into the vibrant hustle of her parents' restaurant, transforming the daily grind into her refuge. The rhythmic clatter of dishes, the savory aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through the air, and the lively chatter of satisfied customers became her sanctuary. Within those warm, inviting walls, the heartache that had threatened to engulf her was momentarily silenced.

As time passed and the restaurant bustled around her, Rizzo felt a pressing need to reconnect with the world beyond. It was Thea’s embrace of life outside that sparked a flicker of hope within her.

Acknowledging that healing was a journey that required patience, Rizzo remained deeply concerned for Tony. The invisible walls he seemed to erect around himself left her troubled; she often wondered who he was guarding against—who might plunge a knife into his back, shattering his heart once more. The weight of the possibility of another betrayal hung like a dark cloud over her thoughts, and in the silent depths of her heart, she fervently hoped he would discover the strength to let someone in again.

Both Tony and  Rizzo talk some more until  Rizzo gets a call.  Tony stepped out of the office to check on the staff.  Once checking on the staff,  Tony walked into the private room and took a seat at the table.  Thinking back to earlier today.

  Tony was in the dining room, moving from table to table to greet and engage with his customers—something he hadn't done in months. Everyone was excited to see him, inquiring about the supposed business trip he and Rizzo were on. Just as he prepared to head over to the bar, he noticed a man sitting alone at a table who was looking directly at him.

Bron Breakker, whom he hadn't seen since Thanksgiving Day, in the hospital hallway. Tony had forgotten all about running into him and their brief talk.

Tony observed as a server approached the table and placed a plate in front of Bron. He watches Bron, who has begun eating before heading into the kitchen.

An hour later, Tony returned to the dining room and noticed that Bron had left.

Tony's train of thought was interrupted when Rizzo walked into the room and asked him if he was alright.

"I'm alright, Rizz. I still miss him," Tony said in a low voice.

"I know, T. I still miss him too," Rizzo replied, recalling a few weeks earlier when she had come across a picture of her Stacks and Tony from their teenage years. The memory reignited her anger and sadness over what Stacks had done.

I know I need to move on from this, but it's going to take time, and I'm still grieving a friendship I've had since childhood. However, I’m not in the same place I was a few months ago, Tony thought, reflecting on how heartbroken and angry he once felt. After taking some time for himself, he had moved past the anger, but there are still moments when he feels sad about the end of his friendship with Stacks. Tony has found effective ways to cope with his feelings; one of them is discussing it with Rizzo.

Just promise me that you will try not to shut people out who want to be your friend, Rizzo said, looking Tony in the eye.

I promise, Rizz Tony said, smiling as they both got up and walked out of the room.

Feeling a little better after talking to Rizzo, knowing that this is a new year and a fresh start for both of them.

Chapter Text

Thea is Rizzo here?

 Thea looked up and saw her former Chase U teacher standing before her.

"No, she is not here," Thea said, noticing the expression on her former teacher's face indicating that something was troubling him. It was unusual for him to come to the restaurant on a school night.

I thought she would help me with a problem I'm having. I'll have to come back tomorrow, Chase said, taking a seat at the nearby table.

 Well, with what tomorrow is,  I  don't think she is going to come in at all, Thea said, her voice tinged with worry, emphasizing her concern for what tomorrow might bring.

"What is tomorrow... oh, that tomorrow, Thea?" he asked, his eyes searching for answers as he glanced up at his former student, who responded with a solemn nod.

Rizzo walked into Tony's restaurant; the first thing she saw was customers enjoying their dinners. Servers and bartenders were busy attending to them. She walked over to the manager, who was talking to one of the cooks.

Hello, Ms. Rizzo.

Hello.

If you are looking for Mr.D'Angelo, he is not here.

Isn't he?

No, he told me last night, when we were closing up, that he wouldn't be in today.

Rizzio watched as the manager excused himself, saying he was needed in the kitchen.

Rizzio searched all day for Tony, calling the fish market and waste management, but he was nowhere to be found, heightening her worry. Worry because tomorrow isn't just any day; it's the anniversary of Stacks' betrayal,  making Rizzo feel deeply connected and anxious about Tony's safety.

Rizzo pulls out her phone and calls Tony for the 50th time, only to reach his voicemail.

Tony, it's me, Rizzo.  I know what tomorrow is, and I just wanted to see if you're alright. Call me.  She's huge up, still worrying, hoping he is OK.

Here,  you drink, sir.

"Thanks," he said, looking at the female bartender who had been flirting with him ever since he had walked in the front door of the bar.  

After hours of driving, Tony pulled over, stepped out, and walked onto the bridge, haunted by memories of Stacks, his former brother-in-arms, fueling his inner turmoil and sense of loss.

Tony walks back and frowns in his dark red-and-gold suit, looking at his watch.  While Rizzo and Luca are sitting on the couch, looking at him.

Where is Stacks? The meeting starts in 20 minutes, and he isn't here, Tony said, glancing repeatedly at his watch, frustration mounting with each passing second.

 We hadn't seen him since last night at the poker room, Rizzo recalled, remembering the evening after dinner when they played poker in a private room at the back of an Italian restaurant.

Luca, did you see Stacks today?

No, I hadn't seen him when I woke up.

Tony calls Stacks' cell, but only gets his voicemail.

Stacks it, me, Tony, where are you? The sit-down meeting is tonight. We're waiting for you. Call me back and let me know if you're alright.

Tony hung up as he continued waiting for his underboss to arrive.

Without touching his drink, Tony got up, placed a twenty-dollar bill on the bar, put on his coat, and walked out into the cold winter air. As he was getting into his car, he noticed gangster Lexis King stepping out of the vehicle next to him, accompanied by a group of women.

Well, well, look who is finally coming out into the night light, Tony D. You know, Stacks ditching you was the greatest thing he ever did. Now he is helping us run things.

He is helping us run things. What are you talking about? Tony said, noticing King look at him before smiling.

Didn't you know that Stacks, along with me, Dempsey, Stone, and some other gangsters, has been taking over TNA city lately? It was all Stacks' idea to go there. The other day, he told me that the old, weak, washed-up Don wouldn't seize the opportunity when it was offered to him.

 King was laughing while Tony glared at him, clearly contemplating whether to beat him up. Instead of reacting violently, Tony got into his car and drove out of the parking lot.

Tony checked his watch for the hundredth time, anxiously waiting for Stacks, who finally entered the hotel suite, unbothered by the delay.

"Rizzo, Luca, can Stacks and I have the room for a moment?" Tony asked. He saw Rizzo and Luca looking at the Stacks before getting up and walking out of the room.

After Rizzo and Luca walk out of the room, Tony turns his attention to  Stacks, who is now standing up, looking at him.

"Where have you been? We've been trying to reach you all day," Tony asked, wondering where his underboss had been.

I know T, and I'm sorry for everything that's been happening with Darkstate lately. I've only been considering the family's well-being. I apologize for going behind your back last week.

We aren't street thugs. We don't take fights in parking lots and put our family at risk. Tony said, looking at the Stacks, before reaching over and hugging Stacks.

Let's forget about it. We have a sit-down meeting with some thugs. We need to handle, alright? Tony said, seeing Stacks, nodded his head.

The following day, Tony sat in his car in the parking lot of the NXT district councilwoman Ava's office. He was torn about whether he should go inside to comfort Stone. After pondering his decision further, Tony decided to start his car and leave the parking lot.

At the restaurant, Tony was in the dining room checking on customers when he noticed Bron Breakker dining alone at a table.

That guy has been coming in here since fall, one of the servers said, talking to one of the bartenders.

"Yeah, he is so attractive. I was wondering if he is single," said the bartender, looking at Bron. He looks up from his plate, smiles at her, and then looks at Tony.

Tony walked away, heading toward the office. An hour later, he tried to focus on his work, but he couldn't concentrate. All he could think about was Stacks striking deals with other gangsters from the neighboring district and attempting to take control of TNA City.

A knock on the door prompts Tony to look up, and he tells the person knocking to enter. When the door opens, he sees that it is Rizzo.

Rizzo walks into the office and sees Tony sitting at the desk, appearing to be busy with paperwork. She knows he's occupied himself this way because of the significance of the day. She has been doing the same, spending her time at the docks office working on paperwork to keep her mind focused away from the events of one year ago.

"Have a seat," Don Tony said, looking at Rizzo, who settled into a chair across the desk.

"I was in the area and thought I would stop by to see how you're doing, since today is..."

"I've been doing fine," Tony replied, meeting Rizzo's gaze. He could sense that she wanted to discuss something important.

"Tony, there's another reason I came by," Rizzo said, taking a deep breath. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you." She looked at Tony and prepared herself. Here goes, she thought.

I know about Stacks and TNA City Rizz.

You know? Did Dempsey tell you? Rizzo asked, recalling when she had heard the news from Wren.

She confronts Dempsey, who asked her to break the news to Tony. However, she told him that he needs to inform Tony about his partnership with Stacks himself. Dempsey insisted that it would be better if Tony heard it from her instead of him, citing his concern for Tony's possible reaction and, most importantly, his anger. This led Rizzo to agree to tell Tony. For the past month, she has been trying to find the right moment to tell him, but each time it hasn't been a good time or place to break the news.

Look, I'm sorry I kept this from you, T. I'd been wanting to tell you about Stacks, Rizzo said, seeing the look on Tony's face.

I'm not upset with you, Rizz. I'm angry that Stacks betrayed us and is quickly moving on while we are still dealing with the consequences of his actions. Tony said this while looking at the picture of himself and Stacks on the bookshelf.

I'm considering grabbing that picture and throwing it against the wall. I'm still trying to understand why he did what he did. Rizzo mentioned as both she and Tony are reflecting on it right now.

Tony, Rizzo, Luca, and Stacks sat on one side of the table, while Darkstate was on the other. They exchanged glances for what felt like an hour, though it was only five minutes.

"Thank you for traveling all the way to Vegas for this meeting," Tony said, looking at the four men dressed in black. "We hope to work something out between both parties."

Mr. Danglo, the four of us form Darkstate because we are sick and tired of being at the bottom of the criminal underworld.  Making nothing but pennies while crime bosses and gangsters like you are getting all of the big money.

There is enough business in the NXT district for everyone to benefit. Tony noticed the reaction from the Stacks in the corner of his eye.

What are you suggesting?

We will allow you to conduct your business in the next district, as long as you four keep it out of our territory, Tony said, looking at the dark state members who exchanged glances and then nodded in agreement.

As they all rose from their chairs, a chorus of handshakes and polite exchanges filled the air. Tony observed intently as Darkstate strode confidently out of the room, his back straight and demeanor unyielding. Suddenly, without warning, an unseen figure struck him sharply below the belt, sending him crashing to his knees. He doubled over, a look of shock etched across his face, as he clutched his midsection, pain radiating through him.

I caught Luca's voice rising in astonishment as he exclaimed, "What on earth… Stacks, what are you doing?"

Tony suddenly felt a firm grip on his hair, yanking his head back. The familiar, gravelly voice of Stacks echoed in his ears, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Like you always taught me," Stacks growled, " trust no one." The weight of those words hung heavily in the air, reverberating with all the lessons learned in darker times.

Rizzo watched the escalating chaos with keen focus. In a sudden, decisive move, Stacks grabbed a wine bottle from the table, its glass sparkling in the dim light. With a dramatic swing, he brought it down on Tony's head, and the sound of shattering glass echoed through the room. Tony collapsed to the floor, blood spreading around him, unconscious and defenseless. This moment marked not just a physical confrontation, but also the painful end of a friendship and a deep familial betrayal.

Tony sat alone in the private room while dinner service continued outside. Rizzo had stepped out of the restaurant to check on her parents' establishment and to close up for the night. He remained quietly in his usual spot, glancing at the three empty seats at the table. Most of his attention was focused on the seat where Stacks used to sit.

He reached over to check his phone and noticed a picture from a year ago of himself and Stacks. As Tony looked at the photo, anger welled up inside him at the sight of the smile on Stacks' face. A tear rolled down his cheek. Quickly, Tony wiped it away and continued to look at the picture.

 When he felt someone in the room, followed by a sound of footsteps and a shadow close to him,  he turned his head, reaching for his gun in his holster, thinking that it was someone who was there to kill him, but it wasn't at all.  It was none other than the person he had seen earlier in the dining room.

Bron?

 Tony.

"What are you doing here?" Tony asked, his voice reflecting a desire to avoid talking or being around anyone at the moment—whether friend or foe.

Saw you going in here and thought I would check in on you, Bron said as he saw Tony walking through the curtain, and thought it would be nice to say hi to his old friend.

 Well, I appreciate you worrying about me, but I am fine.

Tony, I overheard what today is, and I know how you're feeling right now.

"Do you know what I'm feeling right now? No, you don't. Bron Brakker has never experienced having someone close to him stab him in the back and betray him." Tony said this, noticing Bron's expression, and realized he regretted what he had just said.

Tony opened his mouth to apologize, but before he could get the words out, Bron interjected.

I empathize deeply with you, Tony. I've experienced the devastating betrayal of a best friend, someone I considered family for years. The shock of his betrayal shattered my trust and left me grappling with a mixture of anger and sadness. It's a painful journey to navigate, feeling as if a part of my own heart had been ripped away, and the sense of loss lingers long after the initial hurt.

 A  best friend had betrayed you? Tony asked, looking surprised that a best friend had betrayed someone like Bron. He watches  Bron, who pulls a seat next to him.

Yes, he had been my best friend since the innocent days of childhood, a bond that felt both effortless and profound. We attended the same grade school, where we sat side by side in cramped classrooms, shared snacks during recess, and plotted adventurous escapades after school. As we moved through the awkward bridges of middle school and the turbulent halls of high school, our friendship deepened, marked by late-night study sessions and spirited debates over who was the better football player. Our shared passions led us to countless weekends spent on the field, where we cheered each other on during games and celebrated victories with exuberant high-fives.

Holidays were a highlight for both of our families; we would gather around festive tables, exchange gifts, and create lasting memories during family vacations filled with laughter and mischief. He even took on the role of an enforcer for my father and uncle, navigating the complexities of loyalty and responsibility in my family line of work. Yet, shortly after I completed college, an inexplicable tension began to loom between us, a subtle but noticeable shift that stirred my intuition. It was as if an unseen barrier had emerged, casting a shadow over the once-vibrant friendship we shared.

 "What happened?" Tony asked, eager to know more.

I was given an opportunity to try out for a professional football team, but unfortunately, it didn't pan out as I had hoped. In search of a new direction, I found myself drawn into the shadowy world of mercenaries, working for notorious crime bosses in Georgia. One day, I observed a subtle shift in his demeanor, a flicker of something unspoken beneath the surface. Concerned, I chose to address it directly. When I approached him, he reassured me with a calm demeanor, insisting that everything was fine and that we were, in fact, OK.

A month later, while we were on a job together in Mexico that he had set up. Only to discover it was all a trap.  

"A trap? Are we talking about a setup for a hit?"

  No, I woke up the second day, and he and his suitcase were gone.  I had thought that he would be getting things ready for what we had come there to do.  That's when I found out there was never a job to begin with; he hired some thugs to pose as clients, and while I was asleep, he searched through my bag and stole my wallet, passport, and phone—left in the middle of the night.

I had to call my father and uncle because I couldn't get back into the United States at all. My uncle Scott had contacts there who helped me get back to the States. It wasn't easy, but I  got back.

Once I got home, I discovered some more deserving news.  He emptied all of the money in my savings account and vanished, taking my girlfriend since high school with him.

"Son of a bitch," Tony muttered, his gaze locked on Bron, who was clearly thinking the same thought.

 I used to be consumed by anger, often unleashing my frustrations on my family, who bore the brunt of my emotions. Beneath that anger lay a deeper pain, as I was grappling with the heartbreak of losing both my girlfriend and my best friend. The duality of these losses left me feeling profoundly lost, adrift in a sea of confusion with no clear path forward. In my sorrow, I began to retreat into isolation, convinced that everyone I encountered harbored ulterior motives and was poised to betray me. The world felt like a hostile place, and I struggled to find solace amidst the turmoil.

"How do you find the strength to heal from it?" Tony asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if the weight of the question hung heavily in the air.

One day, my uncle Scott came over to my parents' house early in the morning. He walked into my bedroom, turned on the lights, and opened the curtains. He told me that we were all going out on the lake to fish. I needed to shower, get dressed, and be downstairs in an hour. By "we," he meant all of us: my father, my brothers, and my cousins; they were all waiting for me downstairs.

At first, I didn't want to go fishing because I had a heated argument with my brothers the night before. However, my uncle Scott wouldn't take no for an answer.

We went out on the lake for the weekend to fish and talk. Uncle Scott told me something I carry to this day.

When you are doing better than your best friend, it can lead to feelings of envy, bitterness, and jealousy. This can make people act against their own interests, highlighting the destructive nature of envy. Bron, you had it all: success in college football, a career as a mercenary, and a romantic relationship. Your friend wanted what you had. When he couldn't get it on his own, he took it.

My brothers and cousins all told me that he took what you have, but they reminded me that family loyalty is what truly matters.  You can rebuild and become the most deadly and most feared mercenary. That's what I did a few days later. Stacks wanted what you had, Tony. He was trying to take it in Vegas.

Tony reflected on how Stack's behavior changed when discussing opening a second restaurant. After turning down a partnership with a crime boss in TNA city, he felt it was not the right direction for the family.

You're right, Stacks wanted what I had. He sat at this same table and told me everything is fine between us, and he said you can always count on me. T.  He looked me in the eye and said that, and I  believe him. Tony said, thinking back, that if he had noticed something was wrong sooner, he would have tried to fix it. Would it have changed the outcome, or would Stacks have still stabbed him in the back and betrayed the family?

Tony saw Bron getting up and was walking over to the curtain when he stopped him.

Bron, will this pain and heartbreak have gotten better for you? Tony asked, seeing Bron turn to face him.

Yes, over time, a part of it was that I burned things that were his and reminded me of him, and I had to remind myself of who I am. But I also realize I can't think about the what-ifs. My former best friend had made his choice, and Stacks had made his. One day, they are both going to get what's coming for them. They'd better hope it's from a another crime boss.

Tony watches as Bron walks out of the room, leaving him to his thoughts.

Later that night, Tony stands on the bridge, gazing out at the night sky. He is not there for the view; he has come to free himself from the burdens of the past. As he looks away from the sky, he notices a car pulling up and sees Rizzo stepping out of the driver's seat.

"I got your call. Are you alright?" Rizzo asked, recalling that when she received the call, she was at her parents' restaurant, preparing to close for the night. He had asked her to meet him at the bridge.

I'm fine. Did you grab them on the way, Rizz?

"Yes, I grabbed them, Tony. I don't understand why you want to meet here or why you need this stuff." Rizzo said as she popped open the car's trunk, revealing several boxes. Inside one of the boxes were items belonging to Stack, which he had left behind at the office and the docks. After returning from hiding, Rizzo had cleaned out Stack's desk and packed the items, thinking he would eventually come to pick them up or that she would be asked to ship them to an undisclosed location.

"Because it's time to take out the rat trash," Tony said as he grabbed one of the boxes and threw it over the bridge into the water, watching the shock on Rizzo's face.

Rizzo looked at Tony for a moment, then at the stacked boxes. The main reason she had kept them was that she held onto a bit of hope that Stacks would come back and ask Tony for his forgiveness. Now, she realized that wasn't going to happen.

She grabs a box and throws it over the bridge, yelling out, "STACKS YOU RAT ASS." She releases all of the anger that she had been holding for the past year.

Most of the furious shouting came from Tony, his voice echoing with anger as he yelled, "YOU SON OF A BITCH AND YOU RAT ASS!" He hurled the boxes over the bridge, each one tumbling into the depths below. Once he had tossed the final box, Tony seized a trash bag with urgency and turned to Rizzo, revealing its contents: the leather jacket he had once gifted to Stacks on that pivotal night when he ascended to the role of underboss. The fabric, now a relic of their past friendship, held the weight of their shared history.

Rizzo watched as Tony closed the trash bag and then tossed it over the bridge.

"Sleep with the fishes," Tony growled, his voice low and simmering with anger. He cast a dark glance at the shimmering water below, the full moon glinting off its surface, before turning his intense gaze back to Rizzo.

"Is that his car?" Tony asked, pointing to the vehicle Rizzo had arrived in.

"Yes, it's been at the warehouse by the docks. Do you want to drive it off the bridge?" Rizzo asked, curious about Tony's plans.

"No, I have a better idea," Tony replied, sharing his plan with Rizzo.

 A few days later, Tony was in the dining room during lunch service, greeting his customers at each table as he always did.

When he looked up and saw Ava sitting alone at one of the tables, he walked over to say hi to her as she enjoyed a plate of Italian seafood pasta.

Ava?

Tony? You got a moment to talk?

Tony pulled out a chair and took a seat across from  Ava.  Knowing she didn't come here just for lunch. From the look on her face, she is nervous about what they are about to discuss.

The cameras caught your car parked in the parking lot outside my office a few days ago. You were in your vehicle for an hour, and I didn't know why at first. My assistant, Robert Stone, was acting weird the rest of the day after you left. Yesterday, he requested to work from an undisclosed location outside the office for the foreseeable future. That's when he told me what was going on.

You know about Stacks and Stone working together, then? Tony said in a low voice, looking at  Ava.

No, I had no idea they formed some partnership and were trying to run the criminal underworld in TNA city. It does explain why he was uncomfortable when I brought you up at the hospital on Thanksgiving.  I had a call from Rizzo, who stopped by my office this morning.

 Look, you're wondering if I'm OK with Stone doing business with my former best friend. You tell him that I am OK with it as long as they stay away from Rizzo and the family. Tony said in a low, deadly voice.  Looking at Ava, who gave him a nod.

Tony got up and left the table. He stopped midway, looked at Ava again, and said, "You tell Stone to tell Stacks that if he wants what's left of his car, it's at the chop shop."

He walked away from the table, heading into the kitchen, when he saw his female bartender looking at one of the tables and the person sitting there. Tony walked into the kitchen, seeing his cooks and servers hard at work, cooking and serving food to the dining room.

Is table ten meal ready yet? Tony asked his chef.

It will be ready in five minutes, boss.

Tony waited as the chef placed the last thing on the plate on the counter, ready for one of the servers to take it out to the customer at the table.  He watches as one of the servers walks over to grab the plate, only for Tony to hold the plate first.

 I got it,  Tony said, placing it on the tray before walking it out to the dining room. As he walked back into the dining room, Tony saw the bartender still eyeing the person at table ten, shaking his head. Tony walked over to the table, seeing that the person sitting there looked up.

"Hey, Bron!" Tony exclaimed, placing a delicious lunch in front of him.

"Mind if you join me for a bit?" Bron asked with a smile. Tony grinned and pulled out a chair, settling down across from him.

I can only sit here for a few minutes, but I want to first thank you for a few nights ago. I felt better after talking to you. Tony said, thinking back, that after they had spoken, Tony had taken one step at a time. He has even been sleeping better lately. Not thinking about the what-ifs with Stacks.

 I'm happy  I was able to help you.  Tony, I'm sorry about the Stacks.  I came here as soon as I heard about it.  But I was told you weren't seeing anyone.  Then, when I started coming here to eat, they told me you were gone.

I had something to take care of, but again, thanks for coming by while I was away.  Tony said, thinking about the real reason he was away, but he won't tell Bron the truth.

 I let you get back to running your restaurant, then, Tony.

Well, I leave you to your lunch. Tony said, getting up from the table and walking away. He walked over to the bar area.

 How is everything going over here? Tony asked the bartender.

 Everything is going good," one of the bartenders said, handing a drink to a customer.

"Who is that guy at table ten?" another bartender asked, glancing at Tony.  

"He's someone who reminds me of who I am," Tony replied quietly, watching Bron as he ate his meal. With a smile, he then walked into the kitchen.

Chapter Text

"Thank God you're here. I need to talk to you."

Rizzo looks up and sees Andre Chase standing at the front door of her family's restaurant. His face is etched with worry and urgency, making her wonder what has truly unsettled him. What could be so important that he has chosen to show up on this particular night?

"We're overwhelmed right now, Chase," Rizzo said as she folded and wrapped the dinner napkins.

 I know, but I need to talk to you.

 Rizzo recalled the anniversary of Stack's betrayal as she spoke. "Thea mentioned that you wanted to talk to me about a problem you're facing."

She had come to the restaurant to help close up when she learned that Chase had stopped by, wanting to speak with her. However, she told Thea that now wasn't a good time.

I have a problem that I need your assistance with.

You didn't put Chase U into massive debt again, did you? Rizzio asked, hoping it wasn't the case.

No,  that's not the problem… the problem is…  well.

 "Chase, tonight is one of the busiest nights of the year, and I only have three hours to get everything ready. So, why do you want to talk to me?" Rizzo asked, trying not to sound rude. But tonight is Valentine's Day, and the restaurant will be filled with customers celebrating one of the most romantic nights of the year.

 Ok, I understand that you are busy, Rizzo. But I would like you to come with me to Tony's restaurant.

  "Well, you know how to get there," Rizzio said, fully aware that Chase was familiar with the route to Tony Restaurant's. Chase had been there before, back when he borrowed money for Chase U.

"I know I've done something to upset Tony, and I really need your support. I'm worried he might lash out, and I could use a friend."

"Are you and Chase U not doing any business with Stacks and Stone?" Rizzio asked in a low, angry voice. She looked Chase squarely in the eye, fearing that this news might be what Chase had to break to Tony. If that were the case, she felt it necessary to be present when Tony received the news—not for Chase, but for Tony, who might lash out at their friend.

 No, that's not the bad news at all. I hadn't seen or heard from Stacks in almost a year. As for Stone, my lawyer and I met with him to discuss the possibility of suing the catering company that made everyone at the Thanksgiving dinner sick. Stone may be called as a witness in the case.

He had never once brought up Stacks or being business partners.

Well, what news are you going to break to Tony? Rizzo asked who started listening as Chase told her everything.  

Tony was in the kitchen of his restaurant, going over tonight's Valentine's Day dinner special with the chef. Who is happy that their boss is here tonight this year?  Like last year, when Tony came back from Vegas, he didn’t show up at the restaurant at all on Valentine's Day night, and the staff had to handle everything that night.  This year, Tony is in a perfect mood and has been at the restaurant since early morning, getting things ready for dinner service.

Everything is ready, so I'm going to run into the office and quickly change for the evening, Tony said as he left the kitchen through the dining room.

The rest of the staff buzzes with anticipation as they prepare for the evening's events. Servers diligently wipe down tables, their hands deftly arranging vibrant red tablecloths that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Many have already polished the gleaming silverware, ensuring each setting sparkles under the soft lighting. Behind the bar, bartenders busy themselves stocking shelves with an array of colorful spirits, meticulously preparing glasses that will soon be filled with creative concoctions. Meanwhile, the manager and hostess engage in a spirited discussion, mapping out the evening's plans with a blend of excitement and strategy, ensuring that every detail aligns for a memorable night ahead.

Tony walked into his office and changed into his red suit vest for the evening. As he was putting on his dress shoes, he heard a knock at the door. He went over to unlock it, only to find Andre Chase standing in front of him.

Tony.

"Chase," Tony said, letting him inside the office, taking a seat across from his desk.

"Tony, can we talk?"

If you have gotten Chase U into money troubles, go talk to Rizz; she's the don now.

 This is not what I wanted to talk to you about.

 What is it, then? I needed to be in the dining room in a few minutes, Tony noted that it’s almost six o’clock.

Alright, I’ll keep this brief. Do you remember a year ago when Luca mentioned the dating app he was using?

I remember it was DateYourMate. He tried to persuade Rizzo and me to join the app. Tony recalled how Luca had previously brought up the idea, trying to convince both him and Rizzo to sign up.

However, both of them hesitated to embrace the suggestion. Rizzo's apprehension stemmed from the uncertainty of whether they were genuinely conversing with the individual behind the profile; the internet was rife with deception. Tony echoed this concern, his unease amplified by the chilling possibility of unwittingly engaging a crime boss lurking in the shadows, using the platform to orchestrate revenge.

 After I was forced to close down Chase U., I found myself in a very dark place. During that time, I decided to sign up for a dating app. For months, I had no matches, but then one day I finally got one. Here is a picture of her.

Tony reached for his phone, only to see a blonde-haired woman in a low-cut two-piece swimsuit. It looked like she was lying on a beach in the background.

I know what you’re thinking: how can someone like me get a woman like her? But I did. We're meeting face to face for the first time tonight.

You're here because you want to take your date to dinner, but you don’t have a reservation. That’s what Tony thought, but Chase’s reaction caught him off guard.

The funniest thing happened when we began talking on the app.

Then, there was a knock at the door. Tony told whoever was there to enter, as it was his restaurant manager.

 "Sorry to interrupt, boss, but there's a woman in the dining room asking for you. She says she is your date."

"Date?" Tony inquired, his voice laced with curiosity as he turned to Chase, who was visibly squirming in his seat. Beads of sweat glistened on Chase's forehead, and his forced smile was unmistakably strained—an all-too-familiar expression that Tony associated with someone acutely aware of having crossed a line.

"Can you excuse us for a moment?" Tony asked his manager, who then walked out, closed the door, and turned back to Chase.

"Tony, your face is very red right now. Calm down before you do or say something you might regret."

 I'm calm—very calm—but I want to ask, "What the hell?"

"Tony, I can explain."

"Explain then, because there is a woman out in the dining room who thinks I, you, Tony," said in a low, angry voice, trying to control his frustration.

When I created my dating profile, I used a photo with you in it.

You didn’t tell her that, not you?

 Well,  that's what Thea and Rizzo had thought when I  told them, and why I  didn’t use a photo with just me in it.  But I didn’t believe this relationship would lead to us meeting face to face.  She wanted to meet face-to-face on Valentine's Day via Zoom. I told her no because that's not the way I want to spend Valentine's Day. Then this morning, I got a text saying she just landed and will see me tonight.

You asked her to meet here?

Yes, Tony, please pretend to be me for one date. I promise to take care of this mix-up. Just this once, please. I will do anything; name it.

A few minutes later, Tony strolled into the restaurant's dining room, where the ambiance buzzed with life. Couples and groups occupied a scattering of tables, each sharing laughter and conversation. The enticing aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the clinking of cutlery on plates. Some patrons, deeply engrossed in their menus, weighed their culinary options, while others animatedly chatted with the waiter, who expertly jotted down their orders. In the corner, a few individuals leisurely sipped drinks at the bar, their glasses catching the warm glow of the ambient lighting, adding a touch of intimacy to the bustling scene.

In the dimly lit bar area, a striking blonde woman draws attention as she sits, her presence unmistakable. She is Chase's online girlfriend and Tony's date for the evening. Clad in a sultry, low-cut red dress that hugs her curves and paired with sleek, high-heeled boots, she exudes confidence. A delicate glass of white wine rests in her hand, catching the soft light and adding to her allure.

Around her, a handful of male patrons sit at the bar, their gazes fixated on her as they exchange knowing smiles, clearly captivated by her charm. Tony, acutely aware of the scene unfolding, understands exactly what thoughts are racing through their minds as they admire her from afar.

Here goes, Tony said as he walked over to where the woman was sitting.

**Superhot loving babe?**

**Big hot daddy love?**

 The female bartenders paused their work, glanced at them, then resumed, chuckling.

Before Tony fully grasped what was happening, an enchanting woman, radiating confidence and allure, grasped his arm and guided him to an elegantly set table. Channeling his inner gentleman, Tony gracefully pulled out her chair, watching with appreciation as she settled into her seat. He then turned his gaze towards his bartenders and his manager, who were observing the scene unfold with curiosity. With a subtle nod to his manager, he conveyed that the responsibility for the night was now in his hands. His manager responded with a quick nod of understanding, prompting Tony to signal the bartenders to return to their tasks. Meanwhile, he took a seat across from the captivating woman, anticipation buzzing between them.

One of the servers approaches the table and hands them the menus. They order their drinks while the server notes them down. Tony senses his waiter looking at him, and he feels a bit more at unease serving the boss. He offers a friendly smile, which is graciously returned.

"I'll be back with your drinks in a moment. Happy Valentine's Day!"

The waiter walked away from the table, leaving Tony and his stunning date alone. It was quiet at first, as Tony wasn't sure what to talk about. From what Chase had told him in a few minutes,  she didn’t know anything about  Chase  U or his gambling issues. Making him wonder what he can talk to this woman in front of him about?

 Lost in his thoughts, Tony felt a soft touch against his leg, which caused his chair to shift slightly from its place. As he glanced down, he noticed an alluringly beautiful woman, her stunning features momentarily clouded by a frown. He couldn't help but watch her as she reached out her hand to him, her fingers delicate and inviting. The warmth of her touch sent a thrill through him, and in that moment, he realized just how much effort she was putting into their interaction, determined to make a lasting impression.

As Tony realized that she had prepared for their first face-to-face meeting, she employed every trick from the flirting book, his heart racing with anticipation. The incredibly captivating woman leaned in closer, her hair cascading softly around her shoulders, almost brushing against him. The intoxicating scent of her perfume enveloped him, a mix of floral and musky notes that stirred something deep within. When she leaned in to whisper something in his ear, her warm breath sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt a bead of sweat form on his brow, revealing just how flustered he was in her enchanting presence.

 "So, big hot daddy love'... what is your answer ?"

Tony was about to respond when the waiter approached their table.

"What do you want?" the superhot loving babe asked, casting an annoyed look at the server.

 I'm sorry… your wine.

 Tony observes the server placing their glasses of wine on the table, who gives him a sympathetic look.

You know where the women’s restroom is, superhot loving' babe, asked the waiter, who pointed to the back.

 You go down that hall, and it turns to the right, ma.

 Tony watched as superhot loving' babe got up from her seat and headed to the women's restroom without thanking the waiter.  Once she was nowhere in sight, he turned to the server and his manager, who were now standing next to him.

 Is everything going alright in the kitchen? Tony asked, wondering if he should cut this date short. Seeing that the restaurant's dining room was filling up, he felt he should tell Chase that it was just too busy tonight for this.

 No,  we're doing alright, boss.

 I’m sorry, but I didn’t know anything about this situation. I haven’t joined any dating apps. A friend posted a picture of us on his dating profile, and the woman believes I’m him. Instead of telling her the truth, he wants me to pretend to be him. I’m only going along with this because he promised he would fix things and help out at the restaurant in his free time for a month. Eventually, I told him to go home, and I called him when everything was over.

 It was best for Chase to leave, as he is very angry with him right now. The last thing he wants is to send the Chase U professor to the ER.

 It's ok, boss,  we understand the situation, it happens sometimes in the world of online dating. But,  there's someone in the private room who wants to see you. He said that you know him?

 Can it wait until closing?

No, he said it was very important and made me uncomfortable. His manager spoke in a low voice.

 This made Tony feel that he should handle this right away. Getting out of his seat.

Tony walks through the curtain of the private room and sees Bron Breakker sitting at the table, dressed in what looks like a black dress shirt, pants, and shoes, as if he is on a Valentine's Day date.

Bron.

Tony.

"What are you doing here? What you want to talk to me about that so urgently that you couldn't wait until closing?"

"Tony, I'm here because I have a job to do tonight."

"A job? You mean… are you here as a mercenary?" Tony inquired, his voice laced with curiosity and caution.

He observed Bron intently, acutely conscious that the man was not merely a son of the notorious Steiner crime family and a member of the sprawling Vision crime syndicate; he was also a formidable mercenary, known for accepting contracts from a network of ruthless crime bosses and shadowy gangsters. The atmosphere around them crackled with tension as Tony weighed the perilous implications of Bron's presence, each subtle gesture and unspoken thought thickening the air with an unmistakable sense of danger.

Tony had often heard whispers about Bron Breakker's notorious reputation as a mercenary during his time in the gritty NXT district. One particularly striking story told of a job involving the gangster Von Wagner. It was said that Bron had been hired to decisively deal with Wagner in a brutal confrontation, leaving him battered and hospitalized for a month. Since that fateful encounter, Wagner had vanished from WWE City, leaving behind an air of mystery and speculation about his whereabouts.

Don't worry, I'm not here for you; I'm here for your date and a customer.

My date ... and customer ...why?

Because she isn't here for a date, Tony,  she is here to set you up so that her boss, who is here in the dining room, can take you out.

She knows who I am this whole time, Tony said, explaining the solution to Bron.

So Chase uses a picture of you on his dating profile, and she tends to think he's you.  Is the dating app he uses called Date Your Mate?

Yes? But what about her boss? You said he is here at the restaurant as a customer. Tony asked, now wondering which one it is.

He watches as Bron pulls out his phone and shows him a picture of a man in his late thirties that Tony had met before.

Drew Gulak? The family and I were hired by his former No Quarterback Catch Crew members to rough him up a little after they found out he had been stealing from them.  The last thing I heard was that he had left the city.

Well, he's back, wanting payback for the people who wronged him. You're on his list. I was hired to take him out for good," Bron said in a low voice so no one would hear.

Realize what Bron is saying, Tony, look Bron in the eye, and say.

No... "You will not kill Drew Gulak here, in or outside my restaurant," Tony said in a low, venomous voice. hoping that Bron gets the message and doesn't have to take Bron down.

Since Bron had stood by him during the painful anniversary of Stacks' betrayal, Tony felt a deep sense of gratitude for his unexpected support. In that difficult night, Bron's presence had been a comforting anchor, reminding Tony that he was not alone in facing the shadows of the past.

Although he isn't quite ready to welcome new friendships into his life, Tony can't help but feel a warm sense of happiness seeing him back at the restaurant tonight. However, the peculiar circumstances surrounding his return cast a shadow of unease over Tony, stirring a mix of worry and concern.

As Tony locks eyes with Bron for a brief moment, he can't help but notice the deep, lingering hurt reflected in Bron's gaze.

Did you genuinely believe I came here to hurt or kill you? Now, do you think I would go so far as to eliminate Gulak, whether inside your restaurant or outside? Tony, I'm not that reckless. I understand the consequences of taking a life in front of a crowded room filled with witnesses. Moreover, I would never go after someone I respect and consider a friend.

"What do you want from me?" Tony asked, wondering what Bron wanted.

Please keep your date here until the job is done.

Tony was back at the table with superhot loving' babe, who is now putting the flirting in full force as they both eat their dinner.  Tony smiled at her as she kept touching his leg with his foot.

When they finish their dessert, Tony watches as superhot loving' babe reaches into her purse and slides a key card over to him.

Let's finish this date at my hotel suite at the Smackdown Hotel.

Tony picked up the key card and smiled, telling her that he would love that. When her phone rang, he watched as the superhot lovin' babe picked up and quickly got up from her seat, telling him that something had come up and that she needed to take a ring check on that hotel invite.

Watching as she grabbed her coat and purse and walked out of the restaurant, leaving Tony, who was still sitting at the table. Getting a text from Bron.

It's done.

After Superhot Loving' Babe had left, Tony resumed his night by running his restaurant. He checked in on his customers and assisted staff in both the dining room and the kitchen. Later that night, while helping the staff close up in the kitchen, he heard his manager's voice coming from the dining room.

Excuse me, we're closing for the night. 

Tony spotted the individual he had invited for a private drink standing just outside the restaurant's dining area. With a warm, welcoming smile, he nodded to his hostess, signaling that it  fine. He then led the guest through the private room. As they entered the secluded private room, Tony felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him for the first time in a year. The fact that, once again, he isn't ending his Valentine's Day having sex with a woman.

After reflecting on Rizzo's words from a month ago, he realized it was finally time to open his heart and let someone in as a friend. The thought of forming new friendships stirred a mix of excitement and nervousness within him; it was time to embark on the journey of making genuine connections with other guys. One who is standing in front of him right now. Beginning the one who stood before him at that very moment, a potential friend waiting to be discovered.

I thought you were mad at me from earlier, Bron said, thinking back on how Tony reacted when he told him the reason he was here. A little surprise that he had texted him to come back to the restaurant for a drink.

"Well, I thought about it, and I know you weren't going to cause any trouble for me. At least you took your business away from my restaurant," Tony said, glancing at Bron. Bron was looking back at him when he pulled out a chair and took a seat.

I'm making my way home from here, so I won't be having a drink tonight, but I'd really enjoy sitting down to chat. You’re aware of the recent developments with a few crime bosses, right? Bron said with a hint of hesitation, hoping that Tony wouldn’t mind his choice to abstain from alcohol.

Tony smoothly slid out a chair, its wood creaking softly under his weight, and settled in beside Bron. The air was filled with their laughter, mingling with the room's cozy ambiance. This was the perfect conclusion to his Valentine's Day—surrounded by jovial company and relishing the moment on his own terms. The warmth of new friendship wrapped around him like a comforting embrace, making the rest of this Valentine's Day night feel just right.

Chapter Text

It was the middle of the night as Tony sat in a car on the outskirts of WWE City, checking his watch for the hundredth time. When he noticed a car pulling in front of him, he paused.

Slowly, he reached into his glove compartment, pulled out his gun, and tucked it into his coat pocket. He waited for the driver to get out first, just in case the person was there to harm him.

After what felt like an eternity, the figure from the other car emerged into the stark, wintry landscape. As the biting cold air grazed Tony's cheeks, he noticed the person standing against the backdrop of their vehicle, their gaze fixed intensely on him.

With purposeful steps, Tony approached, the crunch of snow underfoot echoing in the tense silence, his heart pounding with anticipation as he locked eyes with the figure, the heavy stillness pressing down on him, broken only by the wind's sharp whistle. Minutes felt like hours, heightening the suspense until Tony finally gathered the courage to break the silence.

"Why did you ask me to meet you here?" Tony inquired, glancing around to ensure no one was watching.

"I need to talk to you, and it can't be in front of anyone we know," Ava replied, her voice low and serious.

"What's so important that it can't be repeated or overheard?" Tony asked, remembering the note he had found on his car's windshield, instructing him to meet her at this address at one o'clock in the morning. He couldn't understand why she needed to talk to him.

Tony, I need your help with something.

 Whatever it is, take it to Rizzo or your family. I'm not the Don anymore, Tony said as he prepared to get back in his car, when Ava stopped him.

You're the only one I can go with this.

 "Is this about your decision to step down as councilwoman?" Tony inquired, his brow furrowing as he glanced at the news coverage that had just aired about Ava's unexpected resignation earlier that day. It left him feeling a mix of surprise and concern. The atmosphere in the restaurant was thick with murmurs, as his staff and some customers exchanged astonished looks; the news had quickly become the focal point of conversation during the bustling dinner service that evening.

If you haven't noticed, the criminal landscape of the NXT district has undergone a significant transformation since your short departure last summer. The once-dominant crime bosses and notorious gangsters have been replaced by new, more aggressive figures flooding in, creating a sense of chaos and threat.

Tony had started to observe unfamiliar faces emerging in the NXT district, while many of the familiar ones had vanished. The newcomers in the criminal underworld exuded an unsettling air, marked by a ruthlessness and a self-serving mentality that left him uneasy. This stark shift in the dynamic of the underbelly of the district made Tony acutely aware that the NXT district's criminal landscape was evolving—and not for the better.

Because of my actions, I rubbed some people the wrong way, which ultimately led me to step down as councilwoman.

That's where I come in. Are you asking me to make someone disappear for you? Tony inquired, getting ready to ask Ava for the person's name.

No, that's not what I need your help with. Tony, I'm not just stepping down as councilwoman; I'm leaving WWE City, and I need your help getting out within the next 24 hours.

"Are you seeking an escape? 24 hours? Ava, I urgently need more details about what's going on."

A month ago, I uncovered a deal that threatened to throw the criminal underworld in the NXT district into disarray. I managed to intervene and stop it, but this put me at odds with several new crime bosses who intended to exploit the deal for their own gain. One of these bosses wants me dead, but he has given me a chance to leave the city.

Why not go to your family? More importantly, why go to your father, given his reputation in the criminal world? Tony asked, fully aware that her family is well-known in the criminal underworld. Ava comes from one of the largest and most dangerous crime families in all of WWE City—a family that every crime boss and gangster fears and tries not to cross."

I indeed have a house arranged for me by my father, located far away from WWE City. However, I can't ask any of my family members to escort me out, as they are all currently dealing with their own situations and need to be here.

"Why not hire a mercenary?" Tony asked, preparing to recommend one he knew and had been around with recently.

That's why I'm hiring you, Tony. I will pay you a large sum of money.

Ava, just because I'm not the Don anymore, doesn't mean I am some mercenary for hire now.

I heard you had gotten people out of the city before?

"Yes, I did, but it was back when I was the don, and I had Stacks, Luca, and Rizzo to assist me," Tony said, reflecting on the past. He recalled that during his time as the Don, he had helped family members and close acquaintances escape the city when they were involved in court cases or other issues. Now, however, he is being asked to get a friend and an acquaintance out of the city all on his own, without the help of his friends or family.

He understood that Ava was in dire need of his help, and over time, she had become more than just a business partner-she was a trusted acquaintance. Tony's loyalty to her was unwavering, especially during this critical moment.

 "Twenty-four hours to escape?" Tony muttered under his breath, frustration rising as he realized that a single day was nowhere near enough time to devise a plan.

I understand it's not the best time, but I have most things ready on my end.

"Alright, I'll do it, but I would like to bring someone along to help me. I can't get you out of the city on my own if a crime boss is involved." Tony asked, "Who is looking at Ava?" He waited anxiously for a response, hoping for a positive answer. Eventually, she agreed to his terms and sealed the deal with a handshake.

"Who do you have in mind to bring? It can't be Rizzo, Tony."

"I know it can't be Rizzo; she's the Don. Involving her would put the family at risk of war," Tony replied, fully aware that whoever this crime boss Ava has angered, he can't involve any member of the family, not even Rizzo.

Then who Tony?

I have one person in mind, Tony said, who pulled out his phone to make a call.

Hours later, a few miles outside the NXT district, Tony stands outside a motel called No Way Out, glancing up and down the street before walking back inside. Ava is inside, packing the last of her things into her tote bag.

After talking more, contacting the person Tony has arranged to help, and discussing their plans in detail, they decide to bring Ava to the motel. They plan to get her out of the city early in the evening, just as it gets dark.

"Is he coming, Tony?" Ava asked, putting on her coat.

"He is on his way here," Tony replied, reading a text from the person he reached out to.

When Tony heard a firm knock echoing through the quiet room, he exchanged anxious glances with Ava, their unspoken tension palpable in the air. With a determined stride, Tony approached the door, his heart racing. He deftly unholstered his gun, the cool metal feeling reassuring in his grip. Glancing back at Ava, he raised a finger to his lips—a silent signal for her to remain still and silent. As he cautiously cracked the door open, the dim light from outside spilled into the room, illuminating the space. His breath caught as he peered out, recognizing the person standing on the other side. Relieved yet cautious, he opened the door wider, inviting him inside while remaining on high alert.

"Do you see anyone out in the parking lot?" Tony asked, walking over to the door to take a look before closing it again.

"No, it's empty," Bron said, glancing back at Ava. Her gaze was fixed on him, a knowing look in her eyes that made it clear she was well aware of the tension between him and the vision regarding some of her cousins from a few months ago. The air between them was thick with unspoken words, a mix of past grievances.

"Let's get going on the road Bron said as he watched Ava grab her bags, heading to the door where Tony was. He opens the door, looks up and down the parking lot, before leading Ava out the door, heading over to the car.

I am very grateful for your help in getting Ava out. Tony said, sitting in the driver's seat, driving down the road, while Bron is in the passenger seat. breaking the tension between Bron and Ava.

As Tony called Bron late last night, a wave of anxiety washed over him. Their acquaintance and friendship are still new and were limited at best at the restaurant, and the prospect of asking for help felt daunting. Yet, turning to Rizzo was out of the question; this was a delicate situation that the Don should remain uninvolved in. The crime boss whom Ava had angered could not be one to be trifled with, and there was a very real fear that he might seek retribution against Rizzo and the family for the perceived insult if he didn't keep his promise to Ava.

Bron is undoubtedly the ideal choice for this task. As a skilled mercenary, he has successfully navigated the treacherous underworld on numerous occasions, assisting crime bosses and gangsters in their desperate attempts to escape the city. With a wealth of experience in evading law enforcement, Bron specializes in orchestrating discreet exits for those who are hunted, ensuring their safety from both rival gangs and the authorities determined to lock them away. His expertise lies not just in survival but in the art of vanishing into the shadows, making him the perfect ally for anyone seeking refuge from a merciless world.

I have tackled jobs with demanding deadlines in the past. Rumors suggest that crime bosses and their gangsters are fleeing the neighboring NXT district in search of a new foothold. Some have settled in the bustling neighborhoods of Smackdown Heights, while others have sought refuge in the gritty streets of downtown Raw. A few have chosen the sun-soaked shores of the Summerslam Beach area, and there are even whispers of some migrating to TNA City or entirely new urban landscapes.

Several individuals have recently settled in the vibrant new area of Evolve within the city. Tony recalled that while at his bustling fish market, he often heard rumors and caught glimpses of gangsters who had migrated to this neighborhood. Evolve is strategically situated between the vibrant NXT district and the picturesque Summerslam Beach, creating a unique fusion of urban energy and coastal charm.

As Tony drove out of the city, he and Bron continued their conversation. Just as they were about to enter downtown Raw, they heard a car pull up behind them. Bron glanced at Tony, who was focused on the road.

Bron glances in the rearview mirror, watching a black SUV still following them. They stop at a red light, and both Bron and Tony remain vigilant, keeping an eye on the SUV behind. Tony then turns to the driver's side mirror and notices a car next to him, filled with kids.

When the light turns green, Tony is driving on, looking up at the review mirror, seeing that the car that was behind them is gone. Both of them, including Ava, let out a breath of relief.

Where does the car go? Ava asked Tony.

It turned to the left, Tony said, eyes still on the road. driving right into downtown Raw and hoping they won't run into traffic.

They were wrong; they had run into rush-hour traffic a few minutes later, leaving them sitting in one of the busiest parts of downtown Raw. Once again, it was quiet as Tony, Bron, and Ava hadn't said a word to one another. After the quietness had gotten to Ava, she turned to Bron. Tony kept his eyes on the cars as he listened to Ava and Bron talk.

You were the talk of the last city council meeting I attended, Bron.

What do you mean?

You know what I mean, you and Adam Pearce. The encounter you had a few weeks ago.

Encounter what Ava is talking about with Adam Pearce, the councilman of Downtown Raw? Tony thought as he continued listening.

It vision business, and that is all I'm going to say.

Pearce is not letting what happened between the two of you go.

Tony noticed the furrowed brow and anxious expression etched on Bron's face, a clear sign of distress. Something unsettling had transpired between him and Adam Pearce. In that moment of palpable tension, Ava leaned in, her voice low and serious, offering Bron a warning that hung in the air like a charged storm cloud.

Tony refrained from asking, sensing that the matter was personal and not his place to pry. He figured if Bron felt the need to share, he would find a way to broach the subject, yet for now, silence hung between them, unyielding and heavy, as Bron chose not to reveal what weighed on his mind.

After two frustrating hours trapped in the relentless rush-hour traffic, they finally found themselves halfway out of the bustling WWE City. Just as relief began to wash over them, a sleek black car with ominous tinted windows emerged from behind, shadowing their vehicle. Sensing the shift in the air, Tony quickly instructed Ava to take cover and remain calm. His heart raced as he reached into the glove compartment, retrieving the cold metal of the gun he had kept hidden away, ready to confront whatever threat loomed behind them.

As he navigates the dimly lit road, Tony steals a glance in the rearview mirror, only to find the black SUV has vanished from sight. An unsettling feeling settles in his stomach, whispering that this won't be the last encounter with that ominous vehicle.

Later that evening, they navigated an isolated road that snaked through the darkness outside WWE City, making their way toward the WWE Old Country, where the private airport lay hidden among the trees. Suddenly, a black SUV surged into view, racing alongside them on the driver’s side where Tony was seated. With a soft hiss, the window on the passenger side rolled down, revealing a man clad in a black ski mask, his expression obscured but his intent unmistakable as he aimed a gun out the window, targeting Tony with chilling precision.

Heart pounding, Tony instinctively prepared to draw his own weapon when, in an instant, he witnessed a bullet strike the masked man squarely in the face, the impact exploding in a spray of crimson. Almost simultaneously, another shot rang out, this one hitting the driver directly in the head, the violent collision causing the SUV to careen out of control. Barely avoiding the chaos, Tony slammed on the accelerator, his pulse racing as he watched the black SUV veer off the road, crash into a ditch, and erupt into flames, illuminating the night sky with a fierce orange glow.

As the car came to a halt, Tony turned to face Bron, who was gripping a sleek gun fitted with a silencer, its metal glinting ominously in the fading light. A wave of realization washed over Tony as he connected the dots—Bron had been the one to take down the masked gangsters in the SUV, each shot echoing like thunder in his mind. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of their unspoken truth hanging heavily between them.

"Pull over to the next gas station," Tony Bron instructed, glancing at Tony for a brief moment before his gaze returned to the road. The quiet hum of the engine filled the tense silence as the landscape outside blurred by, punctuated only by the occasional flicker of neon signs in the distance.

Tony eased the car to a stop at the next gas station, the familiar sound of gravel crunching under the tires signaling their arrival. He stepped out and offered Ava a hand, who was shifting impatiently, her need for the restroom evident. As they walked toward the dimly lit building, Bron remained behind, a vigilant sentinel in the driver’s seat, eyes scanning the surrounding area to ensure their vehicle's safety. After a quick break, the pair returned, and Bron slid into the driver’s seat, ready to take his turn on the wheel, the engine humming softly as he prepared to continue their journey.

Did anyone pull up? Tony asked, getting into the car and buckling his seatbelt.

No, it's been quiet," Bron said, starting the car and pulling out of the parking lot.

The drive to the private airport was smooth and uneventful, the landscape blurring by as anticipation filled the air. They arrived just in time to see the plane gracefully touch down on the runway. Ava turned to Bron, a grateful smile lighting up her face as she thanked him for his help. Then, with a heavy heart, she approached Tony to say goodbye. As he realized that Ava was leaving WWE City and might not come back, a wave of emotion washed over him, making the moment feel even more poignant.

Goodbye, Tony! I assure you that you and Bron will have your money in hand as soon as I get everything organized. I truly appreciate your trust and support during this process!

The crime boss who wants you gone—who is he? Tony asked. Remember that Ava hadn't told him his name.

The crime boss is someone you know very well; he is the one who almost killed you at your poker house last summer.

“Alessandro?” Tony whispered, his voice barely above a murmur, as if he feared the very name could shatter the silence around them.

Yes, he was the one who was upset after I stopped the deal from going through.

"Hold on a second! How did you find out what went down at the poker house? And tell me, Ava, do you have any idea where Alessandro is right now?"

"No, it was his men who stormed into my office, veiled threats hanging in the air like a thick fog. They recounted the tale of the last crime boss who dared to challenge their leader, a chilling story of how he plummeted over the top of a stair railing and crashed onto the sharp edge of a poker table below. The weight of their words sank in, and I realized with a jolt that they were speaking about you. Tony, I swear, I haven’t uttered a word to anyone."

"Good, I want to keep it that way." Tony said, "Who doesn't want it to come out?" What happened to him at the poker house isn’t something he finds embarrassing; he doesn’t want the family to know, fearing they might think that's the reason he is no longer the Don.

The plane is fully fueled and ready for boarding, Bron said as he walked over to them.

Well, this is it then. You know, Tony, mercenary or not, you should be one. Ava is grabbing her bags and walking out to the runway where the plane is.

Tony watched from the window as his father, the crime boss Dwayne Johnson, better known as "The Rock" and the Final Boss of the criminal underworld, stepped off the plane. He greeted Ava and then stepped back inside the aircraft, with Ava following closely behind him.  

Both Tony and Bron observed as the plane's door closed and it took off into the late-night sky, illuminated by the full moon.

Seeing that it was too late to drive all the way back to WWE City, Tony and Bron decided to check into the Roadblock Motel. They both registered for a room with two beds. After showering and changing into their pajamas, they went to bed.

It was quiet; all Tony could hear was the sound of the owls outside. He tried to fall asleep but couldn’t shake off thoughts about the rat that had almost killed him at the poker house last summer. What should he do with this information?

"I think you should take Ava's advice.

“Ava's advice?” Tony asked, turning to Bron, who was lying in the bed next to him.  

“Yeah, for becoming a mercenary.”  

“A mercenary?” Tony replied, contemplating the idea. “Who would hire a former don turned mercenary?”  

Ava had, “You did well tonight, getting her out of WWE City safely.”  

“With your help,” Tony pointed out, thinking about how Bron took down the masked gangsters in the SUV. He was quick and agile, avoiding any hits.  

“Still, you would make an excellent mercenary, Tony.”  

You think so? Tony asked, looking at Bron, only seeing the shadow of his face in the dim light.

How about this: Join me on a mercenary job and experience it firsthand—you won’t regret it!

I think about it, Tony said, looking at Bron. Both closed their eyes and nodded.

As Tony gazes up at the airplane’s ceiling, his thoughts drift to Ava and the harrowing journey that brought her safely away from WWE City. Now, seated beside her father on the plane, she feels a profound sense of longing for the former young councilwoman, whom he fondly considers a friend. Memories of their shared moments flood his mind, intensifying the ache of her now absence. It isn't just him who feels this void; the entire NXT District will be wrestling with the change. The familiar landscape of their community and criminal underworld may never be the same again.

Two weeks later

In his bed, Tony lay propped up, his eyes glued to the television as the news anchor reported Robert Stone's appointment as the temporary councilman for the NXT District. A chill ran down his spine as he absorbed the ramifications of the announcement; he could now instantly see that the criminal underworld would spiral into chaos with Stone at the helm. The NXT District criminal underworld, fraught with tension and intrigue, held its breath as a storm began to brew in the shadows.

A few days ago, while all this was happening, Tony discovered a package on the restaurant's office desk. Inside were two black gym bags containing money and a note addressed to Tony. The note stated it was from Ava and said one bag was for Bron and the other was for him, expressing her gratitude once again.

Tony calls Bron, who arrives at the restaurant as he's closing up. Bron packs away his money and stays to talk with Tony for a while before heading home for the night.

Tony continues to watch the news, thinking about Ava and hoping she is alright wherever she may be.

.

.

Chapter Text

Tony felt nervous and anxious as he checked his watch for the hundredth time while seated in the restaurant's private room. He wasn't running the restaurant that evening; instead, he was having dinner with a guest he had invited.

A few days earlier

In his office, Tony stared at his phone, hesitating before making a call. He worried that he might be making a huge mistake. When the phone rang and went to voicemail, he quickly hung up and returned to the kitchen to check on things.

An hour later, Tony was back in his office working on some paperwork when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, took a deep breath, and answered.

"Hello?"

"It's me, Bron. Did you call me earlier? If so, I'm sorry; I was taking care of some business."

I called. Would you like to join me for dinner and hang out this Friday at six?

Tony found himself holding his breath, hoping that Bron would say yes. For the first time since Stack had betrayed him, he was allowing himself to open up, if only a little, to someone who felt worth the risk. Bron exuded a warmth that made Tony feel at ease—there was an undeniable companionship between them. They had sparked back in 2020 at a lively party hosted by Chase U, where, amidst the laughter and music, they had struck up a conversation about fishing. It was a simple topic, yet it had led to a deeper connection, one that Tony liked as he navigated the complexities of being the don.

They occasionally ran into each other in the NXT district, discussing fishing and football until Bron moved to Smackdown heights. After losing contact, Tony thought of Bron when he heard that he was working as a mercenary.

Friday at six would be good. I'll see you there, Tony.

Both of them hang up. Tony places his phone on the desk and lets out a huge breath he was holding. Getting back to his paperwork, can't wait until Friday to get here.

It was Friday, and the clock on the wall ticked steadily toward seven thirty, yet there was still no sign of Bron. A flicker of concern crossed Tony's mind as he pondered his friend's whereabouts. Had he possibly been hired by a crime boss at the last minute? No, that didn't seem likely; Bron would have reached out to let him know.

With a heavy sigh, Tony reflected on the whirlwind of emotions that had surrounded this newly budding friendship. Perhaps he had been too quick to dive in. Rising slowly from his chair, he decided it was time to leave the private room behind. As he stepped out into the cool evening air, a sense of unease settled in—the reality that he might have rushed things lingered as he made his way home for the night.

A few days later, Tony strolled into the restaurant, the scent of fresh fish lingering on his clothes from his morning spent at the bustling fish market. He had been there, immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, checking on supplies and observing the progress of the remodeling project that Hank and Tank Construction team had eagerly embarked upon.

Despite the whirlwind of activity around him, Tony hadn't seen or received a word from Bron. Nevertheless, he threw himself into work, channeling his energy into the restaurant and refusing to let uncertainty weigh him down. He had taken a risk by opening his heart, and he was determined to try again when the moment felt right, but he still worried about Bron and whether he was alright. As he stepped through the door, a server approached him.

"Boss, a man is waiting in the private room to see you."

Tony approached the heavy curtain, pushed it aside, and stepped into the dimly lit private room. There, at a sturdy table, sat a man in his sixties, his striking white-blond hair gleaming under the muted light. His sharp, piercing gaze was magnified by the round glasses perched on his nose, giving him an air of both wisdom and danger. The man's formidable presence suggested that he possessed the strength to crush someone in half if the need arose, effortlessly, and as he looked at Tony, an unsettling mixture of curiosity radiated from Tony.

"Hey there! You must be Tony, right?"

"Yes, indeed! And may I ask, who am I speaking to?"

I’m Bron’s uncle.

As Tony approached, a confident smile graced his face.

“You, Scott Stainer—it's a pleasure to meet you,” he said warmly, extending his hand to shake the crime boss’s, his grip firm and assertive.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, too. Bron mentioned you to me."

"He did?" Tony asked, a bit surprised that Bron had mentioned him to his family.

"Yes, Bron told me he's been coming here for lunch and that you two had planned to hang out together last Friday."

We were, but I waited here at the restaurant, and he never showed. Tony said, thinking about why Bron's uncle is here.

Is he here to warn me to keep my distance from his nephew? Tony pondered this as his thoughts drifted to the Stainer family’s infamous legacy, particularly Scott Stainer—a man known for his notoriously violent temper. Tales of Scott’s ferocity were whispered in hushed tones, recounting how he had left a trail of chaos in his wake, overshadowing the dark dealings of crime bosses who ultimately met grim fates. The shadow of the Stainer crime family loomed large in Tony's mind, a reminder of the perilous world he was entangled in.

I wanted to inform you about why Bron didn't show up on Friday. He had surgery last Wednesday and just came home that same day. Fortunately, he didn't have any serious injuries like getting shot or stabbed; Bron underwent hernia surgery.

Bron had undergone hernia surgery? Sensing the urgency of the situation, Tony hurriedly pulled a chair closer to Scott, wanting him to share the latest news and express his concern.

He is doing alright and is feeling very bad about stooding you up on Friday, but by the time he got discharged from the hospital and got home, it was seven in the evening. He just wanted to lie down and go to bed. Bron, remember this morning you two made plans to hang out that night. He called the restaurant and your phone a few times, but the staff told him you weren't there, and he kept getting your voicemail. He thinks you are angry.

I was dealing with some other business, Tony said, pulling out his phone to see three missed calls from Bron.

Tony dials Bron's number. After a few rings, Tony heard a TV in the background, followed by a Bron voice.

Tony, look, I'm sorry about last Friday. I had to have surgery on my hernia; it had taken all day for me to get discharged last Friday, and... Tony, I was going to call you to let you know.

Bron, it's alright. I understand that your uncle explained to me. You should focus on getting better.

You said, my uncle?

Yeah, he's here with me at the restaurant right now. Tony said, looking at Scott, who is still sitting next to him, placing the call on speaker.

Is this the special errand you had to run, Uncle Scott?

You're worrying, so I decided to come here to see if I can get him to talk to you. Not to worry, I didn't cause a huge problem.

  Well, I see you, Uncle Scott, back at home. Tony, again, I'm sorry, and I hope we can hang out once I recover.

"Again, focus on recovering," Tony said as he ended the call. He turned to Scott, who was getting ready to leave, and asked if he would like to take some dinner back with him. Scott replied that he would, but noted that Bron is on a clear-liquids diet, such as soups and protein shakes. So, Italian food would have to wait until they received word from the doctor.

Tony told Scott that he would be right back and then went into the kitchen to place an order with the chef. A few minutes later, he returned to the private room with a takeaway bag and handed it to Scott, who was preparing to pull out his wallet.

“No, it’s on the house,” Tony said, observing Scott as he looked at him for a moment before putting his wallet back in his pocket.

It's nice meeting you, Tony.

Tell Bron to get well soon.

I will.

Tony stood in the dimly lit corridor, his gaze fixed on Scott as he walked out of the private room, a sudden wave of unfamiliar concern washing over him. For the first time since Stack's betrayal had rocked his world, a warm flicker of friendship and trust ignited within him, expanding beyond the familiar comfort of Rizzo. It was a surprising resurgence of emotions that he had thought long buried, awakening a sense of connection he had nearly forgotten.

Boss is everything alright?

Tony turned to face his manager, who had walked into the room.

Yes, I'm fine, Tony said, walking out of the private room to get ready for dinner service. As he walked into the dining room, Tony could see Scott Stainer getting into Bron's car from the front restaurant window.

  Is something wrong, boss? one of the bartenders asked with a worried look on his face.

"Everything is just fine," Tony reassured warmly, a smile spreading across his face as he observed Scott Stainer drive away from the parking lot.

Chapter Text

Tony walked into the kitchen with stacks of plates in his hands. He placed the plates on the counter next to Rizzo, who was washing the dirty dishes and preparing to grab a dish towel.

"Tony, you really don't need to worry about the dishes," Rizzo urged, her voice gentle yet firm. She glanced over at him, her brow slightly furrowed, as she noticed him reaching for a clean glass to dry.

"Please, just go back to the living room and continue your conversation with my parents. They'd love to hear more from you." The warm light from the kitchen illuminated the small space, contrasting with the lively chatter drifting in from the other room. Rizzo's eyes softened as she watched him, hoping he would heed her request.

 Over the past few months, Rizzo and her parents have welcomed Tony into their home for dinner several times. Some evenings, Rizzo enjoys hosting Tony in her cozy apartment, where they share laughter and delicious meals. Other times, her parents invite him over, turning the dining room into a warm and inviting space filled with the aroma of home-cooked dishes. Tonight marks another family Sunday dinner, a cherished weekly tradition. Rizzo and her parents are eager to include Tony in this gathering, ensuring he doesn't spend the evening alone but can instead share in the warmth and connection of family.

I'm thanking them for having me over tonight. Tony said to dry the plate before putting it in the cabinet.

As he reminisced about his return to WWE City with Rizzio, a particular evening came to mind—one that had been filled with both anxiety and warmth. He had received an invitation to dinner at Rizzio's parents' home, a gesture that initially sent a ripple of nervousness through him. He was aware that they were aware of the fallout between him and Rizzo, and he couldn't help but worry that lingering resentment from that heated argument might still cloud their feelings towards him.

However, when he stepped over the threshold of their welcoming home, his trepidation began to dissolve. The moment he entered, he was enveloped in warm hugs from Rizzio's parents, each embrace radiating acceptance and affection, making him feel immediately at ease. The familiar atmosphere, filled with the enticing aromas of home-cooked meals and the soft laughter echoing from the kitchen, wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. In that instant, any lingering doubts melted away, replaced by the warmth of a genuine welcome that he had always cherished in this loving household.

 So how are things going, Rizzo asked, rinsing a plate.

Things have been progressing positively lately. The fish market is in the midst of an exciting remodeling project to enhance its appeal and efficiency. Meanwhile, the waste management business is thriving, consistently handling a steady stream of clients, and the restaurant is bustling with patrons, contributing to a lively atmosphere. In addition to these ventures, I am also involved in various other projects that are capturing my interest and keeping me quite engaged.

"I can tell you've been working out," Rizzo remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice. She had been observing Tony for the past month, noticing the way his muscles had become more defined and his posture more confident. It was clear that Tony was in exceptional shape, far better than he had been since the betrayal. There was a newfound strength in him, both physically and emotionally, that Rizzo couldn't help but admire.

I've been hitting the gym regularly lately. As Tony dried another plate, his phone suddenly rang, interrupting him. 

Rizzo watches as Tony places the plate on the counter, takes out his phone, glances at it, puts it back in his pocket, and continues drying the plate.

Rizzo reflected on the past month and wondered about Tony's behavior. She had noticed him frequently texting someone, and at first, she assumed he was communicating with the managers at the fish market and other staff. However, ever since the first anniversary of the betrayal, Tony had been acting differently. It wasn't necessarily in a bad way, but Rizzo had picked up on a suspicious mood surrounding him. This feeling intensified after she visited Tony's restaurant a few nights ago.

Rizzo walked into the restaurant and noticed that the staff was finishing up for the night. They looked surprised to see her there. One of the servers quickly disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later, the restaurant manager emerged.

"Ms. Rizzo, what a surprise!" he exclaimed.

  "Is your boss here?" Rizzo asked, looking around the dining room for Tony but not seeing him.

"He… Should I stay here? I'll let him know you're here."

 "Alright, tell him I'm waiting in the private room," Rizzo said as she walked through the kitchen. She noticed that Tony's restaurant manager was following her, pleading in a panicked voice for her to stop. As she proceeded through the kitchen, she could see the chef and the kitchen staff, all looking at her with expressions of alarm.

 "Please wait, Ms. Rizzo. You can't go in there."

 Rizzo reached the curtain and was about to step through when Tony appeared, causing her to take a few steps back. Everyone in the kitchen stopped what they were doing and looked at them.

I'm sorry, boss. 

 It's alright now, everybody, back to work.

Rizzo watches the busy kitchen as the staff and manager return to their tasks, cleaning pots and pans and mopping the floor. Her attention shifts to Tony, who stands at the entrance of the private room. Her expression is curious as she peers inside, trying to catch a glimpse of what is happening beyond the curtain.

T… is there someone in there?

 No,   it was just me.  Let's talk in my office.

Rizzo was then led away from the curtain by Tony, who was taking her out of the kitchen to his office.

Do you want to have breakfast at the Waffle House tomorrow? I paid Rizzo, knowing that Tony loves the Waffle House.

 Tomorrow morning? Sorry, I can't; I've got to be at the fish market.

"Well, ok then," Rizzo said, looking at Tony, who was putting a glass in the cabinet before returning to wash the dishes.

 The very next night, at her parents' restaurant, Rizzo helped the staff close up, still thinking about Tony after calling him earlier that morning, only to go straight to voicemail—something that never happened between them.

Just then, Thea walked over with a dish bucket and placed the dishes into it.

"How are Chase and Chase U doing, Rizzo?" she asked, curious about the aftermath of the dating profile mix-up involving the Chase U teacher. His online girlfriend mistakenly thought that Tony was him when he posted a picture of himself and Tony together on his dating profile. Tony had informed her that the date hadn't gone well and asked her to tell Chase to take down the picture.

 He is doing well for someone whose online girlfriend has not contacted him since Valentine's Day; her profile is no longer on the app, and Uriah Connor has dropped out of Chase U.

A few weeks ago, Rizzo caught wind of some unsettling news: Uriah Connor, a promising student from Chase New Star, had decided to drop out of Chase U. Rumor had it that he had aligned himself with a group of gangsters, including Lexis King, Charlie Dempsey, Arianna Grace, and her former friend Stacks, who have collectively adopted the menacing moniker of the Birthright.

Rizzo has been diligently gathering information about this new crew, learning that they primarily operate in the NXT district and frequently make appearances at TNA City. With the potential for danger looming, she felt it was imperative to inform Tony about these individuals, especially if he happened to cross paths with any of them in the area. This urgency was the main reason she had invited him to breakfast that morning, hoping to share her concerns over a warm meal and a strong cup of coffee.

Rizzo and Thea worked in silence, clearing every table in the dining room. Rizzo couldn't stop thinking about what Thea had just told her regarding Chase's online girlfriend.

"She hasn't contacted Chase since Valentine's Day, and her profile is no longer on the app? No... no... Tony wouldn't do that," Rizzo thought, shaking her head as she continued to clear the tables.

Rizzo had just started clearing the tables when the restaurant's front door swung open. She and Thea glanced up, prepared to inform the newcomer that they were closed, when they noticed Wren Sinclair, Kendal Gray, and Myles Borne entering.

What are you all doing here so late? Thea asked, wondering why they were present.

We were just in the neighborhood and wanted to ask if you two would like to join the celebration, Wren said, with a huge smile on her face.

"What's the exciting reason for the celebration?" Rizzo asked, convinced it must be something truly significant.

"I finally solved the problem I've been dealing with for the past month," Myles said, exchanging a look with Rizzo that she recognized all too well.

"You mean that problem?" Rizzo replied, glancing at Myles, Wren, and Kendal, who all nodded in response.

We want to join in, but we need to help close up first. Rizzo and Thea watch as their friends tell them they will be waiting for them at the club.

"Can I invite Tony to join us? He loves celebrations like this," Rizzio said as he pulled out his phone, preparing to make the call.

"I actually called Tony on the way here, and he mentioned that he already has plans for tonight," Wren replied, walking out of the restaurant.

Already have plans? Tony D'Angelo declined an invitation to go out, had breakfast at the Waffle House, and has now declined an invitation to celebrate. Rizzio was still thinking about Valentine's Day and Chase's online girlfriend, who disappeared from the dating app shortly after that date, when Tony was asked to go on.

   Rizzio went back to closing up for the night. An hour later, she and Thea were off to the club to join in on the celebration. putting Tony and Chase's online girlfriends to rest for the rest of the night.

A few days later, Rizzo was at Tony's restaurant. The first person she noticed was the manager, who was talking to one of the bartenders in the bar area. Rizzo walked over to the bar, took a seat next to the manager, and waited for him to finish his conversation. Once he was done, he turned around to face her.

"Ms. Rizzo, I didn't notice you arrive. The boss isn't here yet."

"That's ok, I'll wait," Rizzo said, having not slept too well for the past few days after hearing what they had said. She had decided to stop by the restaurant to talk to Tony. When she pulled up to the restaurant, Tony's car was not in its usual parking space.

She waited a few minutes before looking out the restaurant window, where she saw a car pull up in Tony's parking space.  A driver's seat car door opens, and  Tony comes out.  Walking into the restaurant, greeting his hostess, a few waiters, and the managers, who whispered in his ear.  Looking over at her before he led her to his office.  They walk into the office, and Tony closes the door behind them.

Is everything alright,  don? 

 Everything good… but T, is something going on with you? Rizzo asked, seeing Tony taking a seat at his desk.

 Everything fine?

Everything ok? Rizzo asked, looking at Tony, who was wearing the same clothes she had seen him in the previous evening when she came to the restaurant while he was closing up.

Tony was in the middle of gathering his things, getting ready to head out, when Rizzo appeared unexpectedly. Rather than inviting her into the comfort of his office for a serious conversation, he opted to engage her in conversation as they strolled towards his car parked a few feet away. Rizzo felt a mix of worry and frustration; she hadn't had the chance to discuss what was weighing on her mind the night before, and now she hoped this moment would provide the opportunity she had been longing for.

Ok, look, Tony, I know you've been through a lot. You are still suggesting a little. But what you're doing... just be careful and bring some protection, alright?

Rizzo glanced at Tony, feeling uneasy about having this conversation with someone she regarded not only as family but also as a brother. She knew it could happen, and she didn't want him to act recklessly or use it to mask the pain Stacks had caused.

 Rizz, there's no need for concern. I promise to stay vigilant and make safe choices at all times.

Rizzo got up and said goodbye to Tony, who needed to shower and change for the lunch service. As she walked out of the restaurant to her car, she realized she had forgotten her phone. This prompted her to walk back inside, thinking she had left it in Tony's office. Just as she was about to knock on the door, Rizzo overheard Tony talking on the phone from inside.

I'm really glad to hear you're feeling better now... No problem at all—thanks again for last night!.. I had a great time, and I appreciate you letting me sleep over.... My back is fine, so are we still on for tomorrow? ....I'll bring some with me....Looking forward to seeing you then!

 Hearing that the call had ended, Rizzo slowly walked away from the door and out to the dining room. One of the bartenders called her name and handed her the phone.

Rizzo said thanks as she walked out the door, thinking about the phone call she had heard.  More worried than ever, Rizzo had decided to see what was going on with Tony D'Angelo.

Chapter Text

A week later, Rizzo was parked in a parking lot in the NXT district, looking from a car at the entrance of the performance center gym.  All week, she had been having someone in the family following Tony, which ended with them losing him.  That is why she is following him today, but so far, he has been to the fish market, the waste management office, and the restaurant for lunch and dinner service.

It was almost closing time, Rizzo thought to herself as she glanced at the clock on her phone. She had followed Tony into the gym, where he carried a gym bag, making Rizzo wonder if he was there for a late-night workout.

When she saw Tony walking out of the performance center with his gym bag, he got into his car and drove out of the parking lot. Rizzo quickly followed him out of the parking lot.

As she trailed behind for half an hour, the cityscape shifted dramatically. Tony's car veered away from the familiar neon lights of the NXT district, slipping into the shadowy depths of downtown Raw. This area, with its dimly lit streets and crumbling buildings, felt eerily deserted; it was a place where the law seldom ventured, and the night wrapped itself around like a heavy blanket.

 Rizzo kept driving, seeing that Tony's car had stopped and that it looked to be in front of a back alley. Getting out of the car, walking through an open wooden fence with a hole. She stays in her car waiting for Tony to come out.  

An hour later, Rizzo watches as Tony walks back to his car and drives off. She continues to follow Tony as he drives on the opposite side of downtown Raw, eventually pulling over to the side of the road.

"Why is he stopping here?" Rizzo said to herself as she watched Tony get out of the car. He walked over to the trunk, popped it open, and pulled something out before closing it again. Rizzo could see Tony heading over to the steel fence.

"What is he doing? Wait, is he cutting the fence?" Rizzio asked, observing Tony as he used a pair of bolt cutters in the dim light to create an opening large enough for him to slip through.

As soon as the opening in the fence widened to a sufficient size, Tony made his way back to his car parked nearby. He carefully stowed the bolt cutters back in the trunk, their metallic surface glinting in the moonlight. With determination in his stride, he approached the fence once more. Gathering his strength, he delivered a powerful kick, feeling the sturdy material give way easily under his force, allowing him to step through with a sense of purpose.

Rizzo sat in the car for a few minutes, her heart racing as she took in her surroundings. Finally, she pushed open the door and stepped into the dim light, making her way through the rusted chain-link fence that bordered the secluded area. As she ventured deeper, a sense of foreboding washed over her; she was entering a shadowy rear entrance to an expansive warehouse that loomed ahead, its hulking structure filled with secrets.

With each cautious step, Rizzo's eyes widened in horror as she spotted a gruesome trail of lifeless bodies strewn across the grimy ground, each one marred by gaping bullet wounds. A cold realization gripped her — Tony had been here.

Who does this warehouse belong to? Rizzo wondered, her mind racing, as she caught sight of a heavy door looming in front of her. The air was thick with tension as she approached, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. Reaching out, she grasped the cold doorknob, her fingers trembling ever so slightly, and felt a flicker of hope when she discovered it was surprisingly unlocked.

With a deliberate slowness, Rizzo creaked the door open and stepped into the dimly lit warehouse. The air was thick with dust, and the faint scent of something chemical tugged at her senses. She found herself surrounded by towering stacks of crates haphazardly piled throughout the space, casting long shadows on the concrete floor. Rizzo approached one crate that was barely closed, the wooden slats askew. As she leaned in for a closer look, her heart sank when she saw it was brimming with a fine, a block of white powder wrapped in plastic.

Navigating deeper into the warehouse, Rizzo's gaze was drawn to a table in the center of the room. The sight that met her eyes was chilling: four individuals were slumped over the table, lifeless and still. Sprawled across its surface was the same powder she had seen in the crate, alongside a small, glinting knife and a collection of tiny, transparent plastic bags, all waiting to be filled. The grim detail completed the unsettling tableau that each person bore a bullet wound to the head, a stark reminder of the violent reality that happens right now.

As Rizzo looked up, she noticed a set of stairs leading to what seemed to be an office. She cautiously ascended the stairs, making an effort to remain silent. Upon reaching the final step, Rizzo grasped the doorknob and slowly opened the door.

As she stepped into the dimly lit darkroom, the elegant ambiance of the office struck me immediately. The sparse illumination came from a solitary lamp perched on the desk, casting soft shadows that danced across the room. Beside the desk sat two sleek black duffel bags and a compact suitcase, suggesting a quick escape.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase, breaking the stillness. Rizzo, with an instinctive agility, darted behind a plush loveseat tucked away in the corner, heart racing. Through a narrow gap in the furniture, she caught sight of a man clad in a fitted black dress shirt and tailored pants, the crisp lines accentuating his silhouette. He approached the desk with purpose, setting down a weathered leather messenger bag that seemed to carry secrets of its own, the soft thud resonating in the otherwise quiet space.

The moment that the delivery truck pulls up, I'm making my escape!

Rizzio observes as the man places an iPad into his messenger bag, gathers a few other items, and then gets ready to answer a cell phone.

"I would hold off on answering that."

Rizzo watched as a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, stepping into the flickering light. The silhouette became clearer—it was Tony, his face a mask of determination as he leveled a gun at the man before him. The sudden threat froze the man mid-action; he pivoted slowly, ice-cold fear etched on his face as he faced Tony's unwavering gaze, ready for whatever confrontation lay ahead.

 Who in the hell are you?

It doesn’t matter who I am. What matters now is you swimming with the fishes.

What?

At that moment, Rizzo saw Tony fire a silent shot, hitting the man in the head and causing him to fall onto the desk. Rizzo stayed hidden, watching Tony as he searched for the man's cell phone and then placed it in his pocket.

"I know you're here. You can come out now," Tony said, glancing toward the far end of the office as he noticed Rizzo emerging from her hiding spot.

"How did you know I was there?" she replied, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"You've been following me all day," Tony said, observing the disappointed look that crossed her face. "Look, I need you to leave now."

"Tony, what are you doing here, and who is this?" Rizzo asked, pointing at the dead man on the desk.

"I can't tell you right now, but I promise I'll explain everything tomorrow when I come to your parents' restaurant after closing. Right now, I need you to go," Tony replied, looking at Rizzo with a hopeful expression.

As Rizzo met Tony's gaze, she could see the sincerity in his eyes. She understood that he truly meant it when he promised to tell her everything tomorrow evening. With that thought in mind, Rizzo turned and walked out of the office, leaving Tony behind.

The following evening, instead of meeting at her parents' restaurant, Tony called to ask her to meet him elsewhere. Rizzo drove to a small warehouse in Smackdown Heights, a place she had never been to and didn't know Tony owned.

As she stepped out of her car, a gentle breeze tousled her hair, and her gaze was immediately drawn to a sleek array of automobiles parked nearby. Among them, a striking yellow sports car caught her attention—its shiny exterior gleaming in the warehouse, standing out like a beacon on the far left side of the lot, nestled beneath a winding staircase that led to the office above.

With a sense of anticipation, Rizzo made her way toward the office, where she was greeted by Tony, who met her halfway with an easy smile. He gestured for her to follow him inside.

As they crossed the threshold, the room unfolded before them—a cozy yet sophisticated office space. A plush couch and a stylish love seat framed a beautifully woven rug that softened the hardwood floor at one end of the room. Opposite them stood a sturdy wooden desk, its surface still cluttered with scattered papers and unopened boxes, hinting that Tony was still in the process of making this space his own. The atmosphere felt warm and inviting, with just a touch of the unfinished, like an artist poised at the brink of creation.

“Have a seat,” Don Tony said, seeing Rizzo take a seat across from his desk.

It was quiet between the two as they decided who should speak first. Tony noticed Rizzo looking out the window at the yellow sports car parked among the other cars in the warehouse.

"When did you acquire the sports car?"

"I got it a year ago in Vegas. It’s been stored in one of the warehouses since then, and I moved it to this warehouse a month ago.

Alright, please explain what you were doing last night. Who was that guy you killed?" Rizzo asked, having waited all day for Tony to explain.

"I definitely have a lot to explain," Tony said, looking over at Rizzo.

"You sure do have a lot to explain, and you can start by telling me what the hell you've been doing in your free time."

"Ok, let's begin with that. I have been spending time with Bron Breakker."

Bron Breakker... you mean the mercenary who is a member of the crime organization, calls The Vision? The son and nephew of the Steiner crime family.  

Yes, that Bron Breakker.

When did this start? Rizzo asked, wondering how long Tony had been talking and hanging out with Breakker.

A few months ago, my manager and the restaurant's staff informed me that he had been reaching out since late spring following the betrayal. He started coming into the restaurant as a customer once a week while we were both staying at the safe house.

We ran into each other at the hospital on Thanksgiving and only had a moment to talk. Although I saw him at the restaurant, I didn't approach him until the evening of the first anniversary of Stack's betrayal. He came in for dinner, and we ended up having a conversation in the private room, and after closing on Valentine's Day.

Since then, we've been spending time together. He is currently recovering from hernia surgery, so I've been calling him every day to check on him and visiting his house to hang out. Tony glanced at Rizzo, who was processing some news he's been wanting to share with his friend for a while now.

Rizzo raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "I was under the impression that you were seeing Chase's online girlfriend or, worse yet, sleeping with her," she teased, observing the amused expression on Tony’s face. Tony burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the room as he shook his head, clearly finding the accusation absurd.

Rizz, if you had seen her in person, she wouldn't be someone I would date. She did turn me on a little bit, but we're not going on a second date, Tony said, thinking back on the real reason it's not going to happen.

What about you showing up at the restaurant wearing the same clothes you wore the day before, and the phone call I overheard? About you sleeping over?

I went over to Bron's house after closing the night before and ended up spending the night there. The phone call was about me checking in on him and coming over the next evening to watch the game and bring some snacks. Look, I'm just taking this new friendship, or rekindled friendship, slow. Tony said, thinking back on the last few months and how much he likes hanging out and talking with Bron.

Rizz, I know what you're thinking.

You know what I am thinking? Rizzio asked a little off guard about Tony's comment.

Yes, I know what you're thinking: Bron Breakker, a dangerous mercenary and member of the crime syndicate the Vision, is also the son and nephew of a crime family with a dangerous reputation here in WWE City.

I don't know a lot about Bron Breakker. I had only met him once. From what I had heard, he was very good at what he does as a mercenary. He has a very bad temper, stemming from being a Stainer. You and I have a bad temper. We both have it; we're born with it.

" What are you trying to say?" Tony asked, wanting to know what Rizzo meant.

I'm happy you're putting yourself out there and making new guy friends. So I fully support you, bro dating Bron Breakker.

My manager recently brought the term "bro dating" to my attention. He described it as a unique concept in which two men engage in a close friendship devoid of any sexual undertones. This relationship is characterized by emotional intimacy and involves sharing experiences typically associated with romantic dates. For instance, bro dating might include activities such as catching a movie together, enjoying a meal at a nice restaurant, or simply hanging out and having deep conversations. The key element is that these interactions mimic a romantic connection, but they are purely about friendship and companionship, devoid of any romantic intentions.

  Well, that's what you two have been doing. Again, you got my full support, Rizzo said, looking at Tony, who nodded.

Rizzo notices that, ever since Stack's betrayal, Tony has lost the close friendship and companionship he once shared with Stack. While she and Tony are close, their bond is different from the friendship he had with Stacks. From the expression on Tony's face as of late, it seems he is beginning to regain his confidence, something Rizzo felt he had lost as well last year.

Thanks now about last night... There's a reason I was there. Tony said, pulling a folded piece of paper from his pocket and handing it to Rizzo.

Rizzo unfolded the paper and saw a list of names. A few of them cross out.

"What is this T?" Rizzo asked as she listened to Tony, who told her how Ava came to him a few months ago, asking him to help her get out of the city, after pissing off a crime boss who happens to be none other than Alessandro.  

When she sent me the money, this was at the bottom of the duffel bag. Tony showed Rizzo an iPad with pictures of people's faces.

Who are those people, T?

The pictures of people she had been in contact with who work for Alessandor. The names here are the crime bosses who have contract killings out on them. For the past few months, I've been moonlighting as a mercenary.

The first stop you made was in the back alley last night. Were you there to commit a contract killing?

No, I was there to steal something back for someone. The warehouse was a contract killing. Rizzo, that guy I killed last night was the same one seen on the news back in October. Who was the one guarding the poker house's fort door on the night I showed up there? He has been running Alessandor Drug Warehouse. He had most of the rub, a crime boss, the wrong way, putting out a contract on him.

Do all of these people work for Alessandro? Rizzo asked, looking through pictures on the iPad—some of them she had seen before.

Yes, I am going after everyone who is an associate of Alessandor, Aldo, and Alessio. So far, I have taken out three of them who had put out contracts out on them.

So you are going after the rats by targeting their associates, wrecking their operation to the point that they have no choice but to show themselves rather than hide behind their guards. Rizzo said, knowing very well that ever since she and Tony had gotten back, Alessandor Aldo and Alessio are nowhere to be found. Not even the family knows where they are.

This is a huge risk I'm taking, but it's the only option. I was planning to tell you once I had more information about their location. So far, I've learned that they have a dozen businesses here in the city that they've kept from the family. One of them is a liquor store in downtown Raw. You must have seen it on the news last month.

Rizzo knows the liquor store that Tony was talking about.

This is Jackie Ramond, reporting from the Attitude Era area in downtown Raw. I'm standing in front of a well-known liquor store that is usually open at this time of day. However, it has now become a crime scene after the body of the liquor store owner was discovered in a dumpster in the alleyway.

The workers at the liquor store reported to the police that when they arrived for work a few days ago and noticed their boss was absent, they assumed he was on a business trip since he had a history of taking such trips on short notice. They opened the store and operated as usual, not thinking anything was amiss. However, one of the employees, while taking out some boxes, discovered the body and immediately called the police.

Rizzo watches as residents express their shock over the troubling news. Many of them are concerned about the future of the liquor store and are upset that they will no longer have access to affordable liquor.

She continued to listen as the reporter announced that the store was under police investigation and that evidence of illegal activity had been found in the back shed. The case is ongoing, but the police believe it is a deal gone wrong, and no suspects have been named.

The owner was running the liquor store as a front to sell and store drugs. He was also selling over people's liquor as his own. That was where I came in. I was hired by a crime boss whose liquor was being sold without permission at a very low price. The liquor store owner was a longtime partner of Alessandro.

That's not all I've been doing as a mercenary; I've also done a few jobs that have nothing to do with the rats. Tony said, looking at Rizzo, who was deep in thought when she looked up at him.

Myles Borne, you were the reason he was celebrating. You have taken care of his problem with Ethan Page, Rizzo said, recalling when Wren told her about the problems Myles was having. Ethan Page, a Canadian politician, is also a crime boss who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, including sabotaging and moving his way into Myles turf.

When we met outside the curtain of the private room weeks ago, you asked me who was in there. It was Myles who came to the restaurant asking for my help. It so happens that before Ava left, she told a few crime bosses and gangsters who had been coming to her with their issues to come to me.

Myles came to me because he needed me to kidnap Page and take him to an undisclosed location. He takes care of the rest, Tony said, thinking back when he kidnapped Page outside of the performance center gym, came from behind, knocking him out with a crowbar. blindfold him before placing him in the truck of the car, driving off the parking lot.

When he arrives at the undisclosed location, he delivers Page to Myles, who takes it over from there and hands him his money. Tony drove off and headed home. not thinking about what Myles will do to Page until a few days later, at the performance center gym, while he was there with Bron, who was there for his hernia while working out, he saw Page walking inside with a cane.

Some of the crime bosses and gangsters were looking and talking in low voices, wondering what had happened to him? Some were even laughing under their breath. Tony knew right away who had done that to him.

"Is this warehouse being used for your work as a mercenary?"

"Yes," Tony replied. "I needed a place to plan my jobs and strategize my next move, away from the eyes and ears of the staff and customers. I wanted somewhere I could think without being disturbed."

  It looks like you've been doing ok after all. But if you get any information on the rats. I want to know Tony. Rizzo said, knowing Tony, he would try to go after the rats all by himself. She doesn't blame him at all; they were the reason that he almost died last summer.

You're the first person to call Don, Tony said, seeing a smile on Rizzo before getting out of her seat. He got up out of his seat as well.

Now that we've got everything covered, how about you show me around this warehouse, Rizzo asked, seeing Tony smile. Happy that her best friend and brother are doing well and that there is nothing to worry about. While she knew Tony had taken on the life of a mercenary and had made new connections in that world, well, seeing Tony in a good mood, she didn't care.  

Right this way, I give you the grand tour, Tony said, walking out of the office.

As Rizzo stepped out of the office, she felt a sense of warmth towards Tony. He truly deserved any happiness that came his way. With a smile on her face, she followed him as he began to guide her through the warehouse.

Chapter Text

Tony stands in the middle of the mat, facing the person opposite him. They maintain eye contact for a few moments before both begin applying grappling techniques, maneuvering across the mat to gain the upper hand. The struggle goes back and forth until they eventually break apart.

Tony stood up from the mat, approached the other person, and extended his hand. The other person took Tony's hand and shook it.

Great job for someone who hadn't been on the mat for a while.

"Thanks!" Tony said, energizing his movements as he snapped his towel, water droplets scattering like confetti in the air.

A few days ago, Tony received a call from his friend and associate, Julius Creed. They had met a few years earlier at the Performance Center gym while wrestling. Their shared background in collegiate wrestling helped them get to know each other better.

Julius and his younger brother Brutus  have trained in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling from elementary school through college. In contrast, Tony has only trained in Greco-Roman wrestling, but his skills have earned him a full college scholarship to the University of Buffalo.

"It's great to be together like this again," Brutus said, standing proudly beside his brother.

You're right; it's been a while since we've all hung out together. Tony realized that he hadn't seen the Creed brothers since returning to Vegas last year.

They had both called him a dozen times, but he never returned their calls. He felt bad about shouting them out.

"Hey, I'm sorry I didn't return any of your calls last year. It was nothing personal," Tony said, hoping the Creeds would understand.

"We understand you weren't in the mood to talk," Julius replied, glancing at her brother, who nodded in agreement.

"You're right; I wasn't in the mood to talk or see anyone, but I've been doing much better than I was last year. I've started working out again and getting back into shape. I really let myself go after what happened," Tony explained. He mentioned that he always finds time to work out at the gym, whether it's early in the morning or late at night, but he had completely stopped going after the betrayal.

He was preoccupied with preventing his family from falling apart even further. He didn't feel like going to the gym, where crime bosses, gangsters, and acquaintances would be watching him and talking behind his back. While recuperating from his injuries at the cottage, he gradually began working out again, striving to regain his former strength.

It looks like you gained ten pounds of muscle, Julius said, looking at his friend.

I've been working out with someone lately. Tony said, looking at Bron Breakker, who is talking to Ivy Niles. `

After receiving a call from the Creeds inviting him to hang out at their American Mead gym, Tony discovered that Bron had also been invited to work out with them. They had been asking how he had been doing lately.

"How are things going?" Tony asked, reflecting on the events of last summer. He recalled that Bron had told him, while he was grappling with feelings of betrayal, that the Creeds and Ivy Niles were facing their own challenges.

The Creeds and Niles aren’t just gym owners and trainers; they are also part of the criminal underworld, just like him and Bron. "American Mead" is not only the name of their gym but also the name of their crew. The original group consisted of four members, but their leader, Chad Gable, was arrested for identity theft, leaving Ivy in charge of the crew.

"It's been a challenging time," Ivy remarked, standing beside Julius and Brutus .

  Tony turned to Bron, who stood beside him. Recognizing the expressions on their faces, Tony sensed that something was amiss. Bron could feel it too.

"We need to talk to you both about something," Julius said, leading them into the office.

As the five of them entered the office, Julius closed the door behind him. They all took a seat, and Tony and Bron looked at their friends, curious about what they needed to discuss.

Ivy turned to Julius and Brutus and spoke up, "We need your help with something."

"What do you need our help with?" Tony asked, eager to understand the situation.

"Is there a problem that requires a mercenary?" Bron asked, glancing at Tony, who was preparing to hear about the job.

"Yes, we do need a few mercenaries for this, but the reason I'm about to share with you two can't leave this office," Brutus said, hoping they were making the right decision.

"Loose lips don't last," Tony replied, fully aware that in this life they are in, someone with loose lips would end up being fed to the fishes.

"What happens between a client and me stays between us," Bron reminded his friends.

Damon Kamp. Do you remember him?

Yeah, I remember him. Tony replied, reflecting on the past. Before Julius, Brutus, and Ivy joined the American Mead crew, there was the Diamond Mine crew.

Like the American Mead crew, they operated their own gym and engaged in illegal activities, working their way up in the criminal underworld of the NXT district. However, everything changed when Damon Kemp joined their crew, ultimately destroying it from within. His main target was the Creeds, who put Brutus in the hospital after kidnapping and beating him. They dumped him in the parking lot of the performance center for all the crime bosses and gangsters to see.

Tony and Stacks spent the whole afternoon driving around, helping Julius and Ivy look for Brutus, who had gone missing after failing to return to the diamond mine gym for lunch from McDonald's.

When evening arrived, they were pulling into the performance center parking lot to see if anyone there had seen him. Tony's mind was flooded with memories, particularly the haunting image of Julius younger brother sprawled on the ground, bloodied and battered. He could still picture the agony etched on Julius' face – a mixture of desperation and fear – as he knelt beside his brother’s motionless form. Cradling him in his arms, he urged him to hold on, his voice choking back tears, pleading for the paramedics to arrive swiftly, imploring him not to slip away.

At the hospital, Tony personally requested that Kemp be made to disappear. Still, Jules told him he would take care of Kemp on his own, and he did by staging a showdown at the Halloween Havoc Festival, leading Julius to be the gangster who won the fight and the war that night.

"I never liked him from the beginning," Tony remarked, his voice laced with disdain, as Ivy nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring his thoughts.

"Didn't Kemp die a few years ago?" Bron interjected, a furrow of confusion crossing his brow as he tried to piece together the fragmented memories swirling in his mind from past news reports.

"Yes, he was murdered outside of a nightclub in downtown Raw," Tony responded, his gaze drifting into the past. The incident had stirred a storm of gossip and speculation throughout the NXT district, captivating everyone with its drama. Some of the city's notorious crime bosses and gangsters whispered theories, suspecting that Charlie Dempsey and the infamous No Quarter Catch Crew had orchestrated the killing. Before Kemp's untimely demise, dark rumors had circulated that he was plotting to double-cross Dempsey and seize control of the No Quarter Catch Crew for himself. The tension of that world lingered in the air, a constant reminder of the perilous game they all played.

Well, no one knew about this right before Kemp destroyed the diamond mine crew. We did a huge heist in Canada, Ivy said, taking a deep breath before continuing.

It was all set up by Kemp, who knew a friend in Canada who had heard about a jewelry store receiving a huge shipment of highly valuable diamonds. We didn't want anything to do with it at first.

You didn't know what you were getting ourselves into by pulling off a heist in another country. Bron said, looking at Tony, "Both of them understand the risk of doing a heist or doing illegal business in another country." It can lead to police arrest or being killed by one of their crime bosses and gangsters.

Thinking back, some red flags were coming from Kemp and his so-called friends. One of them was that Kemp would be the one to hold onto the diamonds. Talk us into spitting up the flight back into the United States, while we had to go through the border.

We had a very close call when one of the border patrol officers popped the car truck, saw Brutus' souvenirs, and had him pay a fee. Julius said, shaking his head.

How am I supposed to know that you had to pay a fee to bring Canadian bacon back into the United States? Brutus said to his brother.

" You lucky you, my brother, Julius said as he continued talking.

  We hadn't gotten our share of the diamonds when we got back to WWE City. A week later, Kemp turned on us.

After that showdown at the Halloween Havoc Festival, you three demanded that he give you the diamonds Kemp refused. Tony said, knowing very well that that's what happened.

  We got a call a year later, after a lot of pressure from Julius, telling us that if we wanted our share of the diamonds, we had to meet him at this gym in downtown Raw.

We arrive at the gym with our guns and are handed a key by the woman at the front desk, who tells Brutus and him to go to the men's locker room. This key will open locker 324. Brutus and I went into the men's locker room while Ivy waited out in the lobby.

Got the duffel bag open and saw the diamonds inside. We all got back to the diamond mine gym. We were all happy to finally get our diamonds, until we realized that Kemp gave us nothing but glass-shaped diamonds. When Brutus knocks the diamonds off the desk, shattering them into tiny pieces.

Tony and Bron can tell that, from the look on Julius ' face, he blames himself for falling for Kemp's trap.

I should have known there was something not right when we stepped into that gym. But all I was focused on was getting ours. We did most of the work on that heist; Kemp didn't do a single thing. He was killed a few days later. Julius said venomously in his voice.

We've been looking for the real ones since. We had broken into his apartment, his parents' homes, his ex-girlfriend's place, and even Dempsey's apartment, but had no luck.

When Couch Gable was sent to prison, we had to pause the search. Julius needed it more than we did. Brutus and Ivy said they were looking at Julius, who was deep in thought.

You hadn't gotten over what he had done to Diamond Mine and to Brutus. Tony asked, knowing very well how it feels to go through a betrayal. The Creeds and Ivy betrayal were different because Kemp wasn't a close friend to either of them. He was brought in by their leader, who was sent to prison thanks to Kemp himself. But betrayal is betrayal, and it is still painful.

Does Gable know about all of this? Bron asked, wondering if they had told their boss.

  No, we didn't tell him. It was too much for me. We were spending most of our free time searching, coming up with nothing, while keeping the couch Gable in the dark. Until just recently, we had gotten a lead. Kemp owns a boat with a friend who lives in Canada, who gave Kemp the idea for the heist.

Ivy, Julius, and I believe the boat is where Kemp hid the diamonds. It's the very last place we hadn't looked, it stored in a boathouse up in WWE old country that a buddy of his owns. Tony, Bron, we need you two to go up to WWE Old Country this weekend to search the boat and see if the diamonds are being hidden there.

WWE Old Country this weekend, is where the fishing expo is being held? Tony asked, looking at the Creeds and Ivy.

  We need you two to go instead of us because Kemp's friends know our faces, and you two know how to work a boat and blend in better than we do.

They are right, Tony and Bron do know a lot about fishing and can blend in with a whole lot of fishermen. Tony had made plans with Bron to go to the expo together. Tony looked at Bron, who was looking at him, then turned to face their friends.

Alright, we'll do it, but tell us more about the boathouse's owner. Tony said as he and Bron listened to their friends tell them more about what they are going to be in for.

a few days later

Standing in the middle of a showroom near a booth, Tony, dressed in his fishing gear, was looking at fishing rods. all while keeping an eye on the boathouse owner. Who is here at the fishing expo supposed to be working at one of the booths?

Tony saw someone walk over to the booth. He turned his head to the left, seeing Bron standing next to him in his fishing gear, looking at the fishing rods. They continued looking at the rods before both decided which to buy and paid for them.

They walked out of the showroom to the parking lot and got into the car, pulling out onto the road.

" You found him, " Tony asked, looking at Bron, whose eyes were on the road.

When they first arrived at the fishing expo, he and Bron had a plan. Tony followed the Kemp friend for a few hours while Bron blended in and enjoyed the fishing expo. Then he switched with Bron, and he watched the Kemp friend who was here from Canada as well, while Tony enjoyed the fishing expo, so they could both take advantage of what it had to offer.

Yeah, I found him. He was at his booth with Kemp friend from Canada, hitting on some women and talking about taking one out for drinks tonight at the bar down the road. Bron said, remembering listening to the boathouse owner talk for about 20 minutes about how he knew the bar owner and that he could get free drinks and food.

We need to go to the boathouse tonight while they are at the bar. Tony said, thinking that if they don't go tonight, tomorrow is out of the question because the boat will be on the water for the fishing contest out on Spring Break-in Lake.

I like that plan, Tony.

Tony told Bron to pull into a parking lot of a steakhouse so they could have dinner before going back to the motel to rest up and prepare for tonight.

As they sit in the restaurant's dining room, Tony and Bron are eating their appetizers and waiting for their main meal, talking like they always do at Tony's restaurant or at Bron's house.

So you've been fishing, then Bron asked, taking a bite of a chip with a scoop of spinach-artichoke dip.

No, not lately. I hadn't fished since the betrayal. Tony said he always fishes almost every weekend in the spring and summer, but last year didn't happen at all. He was too angry and deeply grief-stricken over losing his friendship with Stacks.

This is the first time back on a boat, then?

When the Creeds told them everything they knew about the boathouse and the owner. They had told them that the only way to get to the boat was through a boat shed near the water, near the lake.

Yes, but it's like riding a bike and a horse again, Tony said, grabbing a chip from the plate, watching Bron slowly eat and chew the food on his plate.

How your hernia doing?

It's doing well. I'm slowly getting back into my lifting workouts. I need to eat my food slowly for the next few months. But I'm feeling very great. Thank you for being there for me while I've been recovering. Your phone calls and visits were a huge help to me.

Tony smiled as the waiter walked over to them with their steaks, placing them in front of them. The female waiter looks at him, then at Bron, who looks at him for a second, whose face turns red for a moment before quickly walking away from the table.

They both turned, seeing the waiter walking over to the bar area, where a few other female waiters were. They were looking at them, but more before getting back to work.

Shaking their heads, Tony and Bron turn back around and start cutting into their steaks.

Later that night, on a fishing boat, sail up on a deck. Two pairs of footsteps step slowly and quietly down to the wooden deck. trying not to make a sound. As they reach the boathouse, one of them picks the lock and unlocks the chain, opening the boathouse door.

  Walking in with their flashlights, they saw a row of boats and started looking for the one they were here for. Once they found the one they were looking for, they slowly and quietly stepped on the boat.

I go this way, you go that way, Bron said under his black mask, pointing to the side of the boat.

Tony, who is also wearing a black mask of his own, nods his head as he holds one hand on the boat while Bron holds the other. Both of them start searching the boat, going through the boxes and bags placed on it, only to find nothing but fishing gear. They look near the seating area of the boat, only to find nothing but beer cans.

It looks like this boat was used recently, Tony thought as he continued searching. He started to feel that something wasn't right. When he felt someone tapping his shoulders, he quickly grabbed his gun from his holster, ready to shoot whoever was behind him. When he saw it was Bron.

Don't seek up on a former don like that, Tony said, putting his gun away.

Sorry... look, I don't think the diamonds are here.

You're right, they aren't here. Tony agreed as he and Bron returned to their own boat and sailed away from the boathouse. Things were quiet as they sailed back to the opposite side of the lake. Both of them are deep in thought by the time they get back to the motel, considering their next move.

You think he should look for the diamonds at his house, Bron asked, looking at Tony, who was on the bed looking at his laptop.  

Kemp hid them on the boat, but not on the one the Creeds told us about. As a former don, I would have had a second boat hidden somewhere that no one would find quickly. You remember that picture we saw of an old, rundown boat on the boathouse owner's Instagram account?

After getting some information from Ivy and the Creeds, Tony and Bron dug into the boathouse owners' social media accounts. When they keep coming across pictures of an old boat. At first, Tony didn't see anything of it until now.

Yes, but we didn't see it with the rest of the boats in the shed. In less than there is another boathouse, and that's where the diamonds are, Bron said as they planned their next move.

The very next night, again, Bron and Tony dressed back in all black and slowly, quietly walked inside a rundown boat shed. After going through past Instagram posts for half the night, they came across a boat shed that looked to be at the far end of the lake, very isolated. With trees covering it up, causing Tony and Bron to miss it by accident while driving their boat on the lake.

With the guns pulled out, Tony and Bron look around the shed, seeing what they are here for, an old fishing boat right in front of them. Tony and Bron step on the boat and start searching for the diamonds right away. As they searched the boat, Tony was looking in the driving area when he spotted something near the steering wheel. Tony pulled out his flashlight, aiming it to get a good look.

Well, well, it looks like there's more to you than meets the eye, Tony thought as he aimed the flashlight under the steering wheel, seeing a secret compartment at the bottom of the floor.

Bron, who was looking through another compartment that held the fish, turned around with his flashlight, seeing Tony kneeling.

You find anything, Bron asked, walking over to Tony with a flashlight, seeing a black bag inside, which was nothing but a whole bag full of speaking diamonds.

Holy shit, both of them said at the same time: Ivy and the Creeds had told them that they had stolen millions of dollars' worth of diamonds. But they had never thought it was a duffel bag, almost full to the top.

  Tony grabbed the duffel bag while Bron, who had put the bag he was looking through back where he had found it, walked out of the boat shed to their boat. Both got in, started the boat up, and rode away with the diamonds.  

I had a great time working and going to the fishing expo with you this weekend. Tony said, driving the boat.

Thanks, I had a great time this weekend as well. I want to work and hang out together again if you want to.

I would like that. Let's get some dinner, bring it back to the motel, and hang out the rest of the night, Tony suggested as they both agreed while riding down the lake.

Chapter Text

Tony sat in his office at the restaurant, determined to finish some work before the big party that Thea is hosting at Rizzo's Parents' Restaurant. This isn't just any celebration for Andre Chase or Chase U tonight.

As he glanced up from his laptop, he opened a desk drawer and found a picture of himself smiling. Beside him was Luca, a close friend and family lawyer, whom he hadn't seen in months. Their fallout late last summer ended with Luca storming out of his office and the restaurant, leaving unresolved feelings and questions behind.

Thoughts of Luca weighed on Tony as he contemplated the party. Rumor had it that Luca might attend, given that Thea had invited him. This made Tony hesitate about going, but he had assured Thea he would be there. Despite his uncertainty, attending could open the door to reconciliation, making tonight an unexpected opportunity for healing. Something that he doesn't need or want.

Tony looked at the picture some more before closing the drawer, getting up from his desk, grabbing the gift bag on the desk next to him, walking out of the office, and hoping tonight's party would turn out great.

A few hours later, in the back of Rizzo's parents' restaurant, a group of friends from the NXT district gathered. Some were standing and talking, while others sat at tables, eating and chatting. Tony stood with Rizzo, holding drinks as they discussed the reason for the unexpected party tonight.

"I still can't believe it," Hank said in a low voice.

"I was shocked when he told us all weeks ago," Rizzo replied, sharing her surprise alongside Tony.

A few weeks ago at Chase U

I'm so happy that Mr. Chase and Chase U won the lawsuit against the catering company that made everyone ill on Thanksgiving, Thea said, standing next to Rizzo and Tony.

Who is here at Chase U to celebrate? A major victory in the courtroom, thanks to a lawyer whom both Rizzo and Tony know very well.

It's all thanks to Luca; he is the reason I'm not serving time in jail, Tony thought, reflecting on how he and Luca had met and how they had brought him into the family as their lawyer and consigliere.

Rizzo noticed that Tony was lost in thought, and she understood why—her thoughts were also centered on Luca, but for different reasons than Tony's.

They both looked up at the stage, where Chase stood holding a microphone. Everyone stopped talking and turned their attention to him, giving him their full attention.

I want to thank everyone for coming to this celebration here at Chase U tonight. We are celebrating a significant victory in the courtroom, thanks to our lawyer, Luca, who won the case for us.

I have some big news that I've been wanting to share with all of you for a while now, and I believe this is a perfect moment to announce that Chase U will be moving out of WWE City and relocating to my home state of North Carolina for the next  fall semester.

Everyone in the room was quite surprised, especially Thea, who was not just shocked but truly caught off guard, even more than Rizzo, Tony, and others.

What Thea learned from Chase is the reason behind his move—something he has been contemplating since his near-death experience on Thanksgiving and after he got beaten up at the performance center two months ago. He felt it was time to return to North Carolina and take Chase U with him. Rizzo explained to her friends the reasons why Chase was leaving WWE City.

How is Thea doing with all of this? Tony asked, seeing Thea talking to Chase. Who is looking like they're talking right now?

She's handling it well, but was caught off guard by the news. Rizzo observed her friend talking to Chase, who grabbed a glass from the table a few minutes later.

Can I have your attention, please?

People stop what they were doing again, as they did a few weeks ago, and redirect your attention to Chase. Who is standing in front of the restaurant?

Thank you all for coming tonight. Chase U has been a significant part of my life here in WWE City and at the NXT district for the past five years. Everyone standing here tonight has been along for the journey. There were good times and bad times, but I consider you all my friends and family. I'm really going to miss everyone, and I hope that if you find yourselves in the North Carolina area, you will visit me at Chase U. Chase said this tearfully while looking at the people gathered for his farewell party. He noticed Tony raising his glass high.

To Andre Chase, Tony said out loud.

To Andre Chase, everyone said out loud.

To Chase U, Rizzo said out loud as well.

To Chase U, everyone said out loud, including Thea, who said it the loudest.

A few days later, Rizzo, Tony, Thea, Chase, Hank, and Tank were all at the Chase U building helping Chase pack up the last of the things in his classroom and office.

"It's going to feel weird not seeing you at the restaurant anymore," Rizzo remarked, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. He leaned against the counter, recalling the days when Chase would stroll in for lunch, the familiar jingle of the doorbell punctuating his arrival. Ever since Thea began working there, Rizzo had grown accustomed to their lively conversations and the way Chase would effortlessly brighten the bustling atmosphere of the place.

It's going to be strange altogether, Tony said, lifting a box and placing it on the table with the others.

  When he was the don, he met Chase, who came to him and his family for a loan. Initially, he viewed Chase as having mismanaged the school's funds. However, as he got to know Chase on a personal level, they became friends. Despite some of the foolish things Chase had done, their friendship deepened.

"I'm going to miss you, Chase," Tony said, with a tear running down his face. He wiped it away quickly so no one would see, but from the corner of his eye, he could see Rizzo smiling at him.

"I'm going to miss both you and Rizzo very much. Even though you two are gangsters and once kidnapped me, I consider you my friends," Chase said softly, ensuring no one else would hear. Before he continued talking

I need one more favor from the two of you.  

"Sure, what is it?" Tony asked, glancing at Rizzo, curious about what favor Chase needed.

"Can you two keep an eye on Thea for me? I know she’s not the little girl I met five years ago; she's a grown woman now. But Thea was the first student I really connected with here, and I want to know that she's alright."

Sure, we keep an eye on her for you, Rizzo said, turning to Tony, who nodded.

If you need anything in North Carolina as well, I'm one phone call away, Tony said, who meant it.

Regarding hiring Luca as my lawyer in the lawsuit, did you mind, Tony?

I don't mind at all. Luca is a good lawyer. I didn't mind Chase. Is this why he wasn't at the going-away party the other night, because of me? Tony asked who didn't come to the farewell party, which made him wonder if he didn't come because he found out he and Rizzo were going to be there.

He couldn't come the other night because he was too busy packing up his apartment and law office.

Too busy packing up his apartment and law office? Tony said, looking at Chase, waiting for an answer. He turns to Rizzo, who is just cursing under her breath.

Rizz?

"Can Tony and I have the room for a moment?" Rizzo asked, hoping Chase wouldn't mind.

Tony and Rizzo watched as Chase cleared out the room, and their friends paused what they were doing and exited. Chase glanced at them for a moment before closing the door behind him.

Once they were alone, they turned to face each other. Tony was the first to speak.

"What is Chase talking about... Rizz?"

Tony... Luca is moving back to Philadelphia.

Chapter Text

"Philadelphia?" Tony repeated, his voice low and strained. "Since when? He didn't say a word. Not a text, not a call... nothing."

 Luca had received a job offer from a law firm where his former law professor is a full partner. Since there was no longer any reason for him to stay here, he decided to accept the offer. Rizzo said, telling Tony what Luca had told her when he visited the restaurant a few weeks ago. 

Rizzo stepped closer, her expression softened by a mix of pity and frustration. "He's been planning it since the lawsuit wrapped, Tony. He told me a few weeks ago, but he made me swear not to say anything. He didn't want a scene, and he definitely didn't want another blowout like the one last summer."

Tony turned away, pacing the small space between the desks. The picture in his desk drawer—the one of them smiling—flashed in his mind. He had spent the last few hours feeling sentimental about Andre Chase leaving, but this was different. Chase was moving to start a new chapter; Luca was retreating to the past.

"So that's it?" Tony gestured vaguely toward the door. "He just wins a massive case for Chase U, packs his bags, and slips out of the city under the cover of night? After everything we've been... after everything the family did for him?"

"He thinks it's for the best," Rizzo said quietly.  "He wants the three of us to meet up tomorrow night." 

 "Why?" Tony's question hung in the quiet classroom, sharp and guarded.

Rizzo didn't blink. "Because he's leaving, Tony. And because, despite the fallout, despite his storming out of the restaurant last summer, he still cares about 'The Family.' He wants to clear the air on what happened between him and Stack's in the desert. Before he's hundreds of miles away in Philly."

She stepped toward him, her voice softening. "He knows things haven't been the same since Stack betrayed the family and Stack's meeting with him in the desert. He knows you have questions about what happened out there—questions only he can answer. This dinner isn't just about saying goodbye; it's his way of giving you the truth you've been looking for."

Tony's jaw tightened at the mention of the family betraying Luca and Stacks' meeting in the desert was a wound that hadn't fully healed, and besides, Stacks, Luca was the only one who could give him some answers.

"I don't need his truth," Tony muttered, though his grip on the desk tightened.

"Maybe you don't," Rizzo countered, "but you need answers. We both know you've wanted them. One dinner, Tony. One conversation. Then he goes to Philadelphia, and you never have to see him again."

Tony turned back to the window, the sun setting over the city he had fought so hard to rule. He thought about the picture in his drawer—the version of them that existed before the betrayal and the storming out.

"I'm fine with not getting the answers. If you want to have dinner with him, that's OK with me, but I don't need to meet up with him; he made his choice," Tony said as he turned from the window, glanced at Rizzo, and walked out of the classroom.

"He took it a lot better than we all expected," Chase commented while reentering the classroom with the others who had returned to their work.

The next day, that afternoon, at the restaurant, Tony was sitting at a desk, looking at a picture of him and Luca, thinking about tonight's dinner. Should he go or not? Still looking at the picture until he grabs his phone to make a call. 

Hello .. Tony Rizzo said, sitting outside the docks. 

"Tonight," Tony said, looking at the picture again, his voice barely a whisper. "But if he tries to play lawyer with me, Rizz... if he gives me anything less than the whole story... I'm walking out, and this time, I won't be the one looking back."

OK, I let Luca know and Tony... this is going to be good for both of us. 

 I hope so, Tony said before hanging up. 

 As the hours to the dinner grew closer, Tony sat in his office, the weight of the upcoming dinner with Luca pressing down on him. Despite his initial outward refusal, Tony is now having second thoughts; he reached for his phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Bron, it's Tony," he said when the call connected.

Hi Tony, how are things going? 

Are you alone somewhere where no one can overhear?

I'm in my house right now. Is everything alright, Tony?

 "No, everything's not well," Tony said as he told him what was going on, finding out that Luca is leaving WWE City and wants to meet up tonight for dinner to talk about what happened between him and Stacks. 

Now I'm having second thoughts about going tonight. Bron Tony said, feeling that he's wasting his time listening after not hearing from Luca for months. 

"Tony, listen to me." Bron's voice was uncharacteristically somber. "This dinner could be your last chance to get some answers. Once he's in Philly, he's a ghost."

Bron paused, a trace of old pain surfacing. "You know what happened with me in Mexico. When my best friend betrayed me there, I never got to ask 'why.' He vanished before I could get a single word out of him. I've spent every night replaying it in my head, wondering what I did or what he was thinking. It eats at you, man."

He let the silence hang for a moment before continuing. "Don't be like me. Don't wonder why your former consigliere met up with Stacks and what was said between them. Go to dinner. Get your answers, even if they aren't the ones you want. At least you'll have them."

Tony looked at the picture of him and Luca one last time. "Yeah," he muttered. "I guess I don't want to be left wondering anymore."

 Later that evening, Tony pulled up to a warehouse outside the NXT district. He took a deep breath before getting out of the car. As he walked into the warehouse, he could see two soldiers from the family he knew very well. looking at him for a moment before they let him through the warehouse door. Tony stepped into the dark warehouse, followed by the two soldiers, who turned their heads every few seconds to look at him, as if he was going to take them out at this moment. 

 Don or not don, I still got it, Tony thought as he decided to walk through the warehouse.  

They stop in the middle of a warehouse, where a table is set up with three chairs. Two of them already have two people sitting in. They turn their heads to look at him before standing up. The two soldiers are already walking away, with Tony looking at the two people standing at the table in front of him. 

 Rizzo is wearing a black dress with black lace gloves that reach up to her elbows. The man standing next to her is none other than the man that he had angrily pushed away and hadn't seen in months. luca. Who is now spotting a short haircut and wearing a gray suit. 

 Tony slowly walks over to the table, pulling out the seat across from Luca, who sits back down, along with Rizzo, who sits at the head of the table where the don sits. 

 It was quiet at first, as the three of them didn't say a word to one another. But it became more intense as Rizzo saw the look on Tony's face, looking at Luca, who was looking at Tony. The intensity grows at every moment as both men keep looking at one another. Rizzo wanted to say something to get them talking, but Tony beat her to it. 

You look different, Tony said, looking at Luca's hair still. 

You look different as well, like a mountain man, luca said, looking at Tony's thick beard. 

I am here because you owe me some answers. Tony said, feeling that the only reason he is here tonight is that. 

 You want to know why I walked out on you and the family last summer? 

I'm not interested in that. I want to know what happened between you and Stacks in the Vages Desert. Because of the story you told me, I'm not buying any of it, and I think you're not telling me, or the don, the whole story.  

"Luca, you requested this dinner tonight because you want to clear the air about a few matters. This is your only opportunity, as you won't get another chance," Rizzo said in a low, serious don tone she reserved for such situations. She was well aware that Tony wouldn’t give Luca another opportunity to speak after he moved to Philadelphia. 

The tension in the warehouse was thick enough to cut with a blade. Tony didn't move a muscle; his eyes bore into Luca's, searching for the lie he assumed was coming. Beside them, Rizzo sat perfectly still, her black lace gloves resting on the table, her silence confirming that she was in on whatever this "more to the story" was.

"Go on," Tony said, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "I'm listening."

Luca leaned forward, the fabric of his gray suit jacket tightening across his shoulders. "You know, I met up with Stacks in the desert outside of Las Vegas. I tried to comfort him about what had happened at the sit-down meeting. Then a couple of guys came up from behind, zip-tied me, and pushed me into the car."

We are aware of everything Rizzo mentioned, glancing at Tony, who seems to be growing weary of hearing that part of the story.

Stacks drove me further into the desert, stopped, and kicked me out. Luca said again who told Tony and Rizzo the full story.

 When Luca finished telling them the full story, Rizzo was caught off guard, and Tony stared at Luca, his mind racing as he processed the grueling journey their friend had endured. The image of the polished lawyer, zip-tied and discarded like trash in the desert heat, made the anger in Tony’s chest shift into a cold, hard knot of guilt.

"You walked for miles? In a suit?" Tony asked, his voice losing its edge. "And you worked at some desert motel just to scrape together enough for a bus ticket or a ride?"

Luca nodded, his expression weary. "I did what I had to do. Stacks thought that by dumping me out there, he was getting rid of the only person who could talk sense into you. He wanted me to rot under the sun so I couldn't tell you his real plan for his 'new crew.' He was trying to build something, Tony. Something that is designed to rival the family."'

Rizzo shifted in her chair, her lace gloves rustling. "So the truck driver got you to TNA City, and the RV family brought you the rest of the way. You’ve been back for months, Luca. You’ve been working cases, winning  a lawsuit for Chase... but you never told us the truth about how you actually got back."

"I was ashamed," Luca admitted, looking down at his gray sleeves. "And I was scared. If Stacks knew I made it back, he would have finished the job. I needed to build a wall of legal victories and public visibility around me—like the Chase U case—so he couldn't touch me without drawing too much attention."

Tony leaned back, the silence of the warehouse feeling less like a threat and more like a heavy weight. "Stacks offered you the seat next to him... and you chose to walk through the desert for me instead."

Yes. Luca nodded his head.

I had let my anger and grief over Stack's betrayal take over. I took it out on the people who were standing by me. Luca, I'm sorry for shutting you out last summer. I thought that you were going to stab me in the back like Stacks had. 

It's alright, Tony. You were dealing with a lot, and there's another reason I want to meet with you and Rizzo tonight. 

The warehouse felt different now. The cold, industrial shadows that had loomed over them earlier were replaced by a grim new purpose. Tony took the files, the paper heavy in his hands. It was the ultimate parting gift: a map to the men who had been a thorn in the family's side for far too long. Luca wasn't just leaving; he was making sure Tony had intelligence on the very men who had tried to dismantle him and the family. These clients—angry, bankrupt, and discarded by Alessandro—were the perfect informants. They had no loyalty left for a lawyer who lost their cases and their money.

"Rizzo told me how bad it got that night at the poker house," Luca said, his voice lowering. "I couldn't let you keep fighting ghosts, Tony. These people know the backroom deals, the offshore accounts, and the safe houses. They know where Alessandro,  Aldo, and Alessio are breathing."

Tony looked down at the files. The names listed weren't just names; they were the keys to ending the war Alessandro had started. "You’ve done enough, Luca. Walking through the desert... keeping this quiet... You didn't have to do any of it."

"I did," Luca replied simply. "For the family."

Rizzo stood, her black lace gloves smoothing out the table as she poured the final round. The intensity of the warehouse had finally given way to a somber, mutual respect.

"To the City of Brotherly Love," Rizzo said, raising her glass. "May it be a lot more peaceful than this city's been lately."

Tony stepped up, his glass clinking theirs. "To Luca. A man who knows the meaning of loyalty better than most. Safe travels, brother. Philly’s getting a good one back."

"To the Family," Luca said, his voice thick. "And to staying one step ahead."

They drank to the future—one that saw Luca heading to Pennsylvania and Tony finally having the upper hand against his enemies. As they walked out into the cool desert night, Tony watched Luca's car pull away, the taillights disappearing into the darkness.

The silence didn't last long. Tony turned to Rizzo, the folders tucked firmly under his arm.

"Rizzo," Tony said, his eyes hardening. "We’ve got some reading to do."

The next morning, Tony and Rizzo arrived at the Chase U building just as the last of the moving trucks was being latched shut. Tony kept the folder from Luca tucked safely in his car; the business of the family could wait a few more hours while they said goodbye to a man who had become an unlikely pillar of their community.

The scene was emotional. Hank, Tank, and Wren Sinclair stood together, exchanging firm handshakes and pats on the back with Andre Chase. There was a sense of a chapter ending, not just for the school, but for everyone who had survived the chaotic events of the past few months in WWE City.

"Keep the red and chrome shining in North Carolina, Andre," Tank said, his usual tough exterior cracking just a bit.

The most difficult moment, however, was Thea Hail’s farewell. She walked up to Chase, her eyes red from a night of little sleep. As Chase reached out to give her one last mentor’s hug, Thea broke down, her goodbye tearful and heavy with the weight of the five years she had spent under his wing.

"I don't know what I'm going to do without you here, Mr. Chase," she sobbed.

"You're going to lead, Thea," Chase replied, his own voice thick with emotion. "You're a grown woman now. You don't need me to tell you how to be a leader anymore. You already are one."

Tony and Rizzo stepped forward next. Tony shook Chase’s hand firmly. 

"We've got her, Andre. As I promised, she’s family now."

Rizzo gave Chase a small, knowing smile. "And don't worry about the restaurant. Your favorite booth will be waiting whenever you need a break from the South."

As the trucks finally pulled away, leaving the Chase U building quieter than it had ever been, the group stood on the sidewalk watching him go. The sun was high now, and the reality of the task ahead began to settle back onto Tony’s shoulders.

Tony turned to Rizzo, his expression shifting from sentimental to focused. "Thea's going to need us today. But as soon as she's settled in at her apartment tonight, we're opening the folders. It's time to find the rats." His eyes hardened as Rizzo looked at him.

"We meet at your warehouse, Tony. We’ve got some planning to do."

Chapter Text

The warm mid spring air in the Evolve central felt damp and heavy as Tony and Rizzo climbed the stairs of a crumbling apartment complex. After spending the two nights in Tony's warehouse looking through the first file Luca had given them before leaving the city, they had found a few names they knew well, and one of them they are paying a visit to right now.

We have to be very careful here; we don't know who we are dealing with Rizzio, said, looking at Tony, who is thinking the same thing, and knocks on the door.

When no one answers, Tony knocks again, this time hearing footsteps coming to the door, which then stop when they reach the door. It takes a few steps back from the door.  

I know you're in there. Open the door, Rizzo said, knocking on the door.

"Rizz, get back," Tony said in a low voice as he watched Rizzo step back, watching Tony kick the door in, making their way inside the apartment.

The confrontation in the Evolve apartment was short but brutal. Tony had Brooks Jensen pinned against the wall before he could even defend himself. Jensen, once a core member of The Culling alongside Shawn Spears, was now a shadow of the man who helped beat up Tony at the poker house. 

Where are Alessandro, Aldo, and Alessio? Where is the rest of the culling?

I know you know where they are. Alessandro was your lawyer. Rizzo said, remembering reading a file about Jensen hiring Alessandro for a DUI case, late in 2024.  

A case he lost, Tony said, still holding Jensen to the wall.

"I haven't seen them since last fall, Tony! I swear!" Jensen managed to choke out. He explained that after being kicked out of The Culling months ago, Aldo and the others had dumped him like trash. However, Jensen did have one lead: a pub in SmackDown Heights. 

The pub is called the League of Nations pub, owned by crime bosses Wade Barrett, Drew McIntyre, and Sheamus. I overhear them talking about it once; that's all I know. Jenson said before being tossed on the couch. watching Tony and Rizzo walk out of his apartment.

The atmosphere in the League of Nations pub was a far cry from the tension of the Evolve apartment. The smell of stale ale and expensive cigars hung heavy in the air. Wade Barrett clapped Tony on the shoulder, his booming laugh echoing off the dark wood walls as he welcomed them. He remembered Tony well from his time living in the NXT District and the nights he’d spent here in the pub with Bron Breakker recently.

"Whatever you need, D'Angelo," Barrett said, leaning against the bar. "Any friend of Bron’s is a friend of ours."

" Had you seen those guys around here Tony asked, showing Wade Aldo, Alessio, and Alessandro pictures.

I don't remember them being in here. Can you send me their pictures? I can show them to Drew and Sheamus. They are out of the country right now, taking care of business. They may have seen them in here.

While Tony was talking to Wade Rizzo, laid the photos of Alessandro, Alessio, and Aldo on the bar. A female gangster, Lyra Valkyria, her eyes sharp and predatory, leaned in to inspect them. She didn't hesitate.

"I haven't seen those two," Lyra said, her voice low. "But I remember him—Alessandro. He was here a few years back. He wasn't alone. He was with Kiana James."

Rizzo’s eyes narrowed. Kiana James was a major player—a businesswoman who managed the interests of high-level gangsters and crime bosses. If Alessandro had a connection to her, he wasn't just a failed lawyer; he was part of a much larger, more sophisticated network.

"Kiana doesn't waste time with losers," Rizzo remarked, turning to Tony. "If she were with Alessandro, it was for a deal. Probably something involving the properties he 'lost' for his other clients."

Lyra nodded toward a booth in the corner. "Kiana still does business here on Tuesday nights. If you want to find where the rats are hiding, you don't chase the soldiers. You talk to the woman who could be managing their money."

Tony looked at the photos, then at Rizzo, before taking their seat at a nearby table and starting to order some food.

A few hours later, a sit-down in the back room of the pub was tense, but Kiana James didn't flinch. She sat with her hands folded, looking every bit the high-level strategist Rizzo had described. Wade Barrett stood by the door, ensuring no one from the main bar interrupted the conversation.

"He’s a loser," Kiana said plainly, her voice dripping with professional disdain. "We matched on an app, went out twice, and I realized within an hour that he was a bottom-feeder lawyer with delusions of grandeur. I blocked him."

Tony leaned forward. "But he called you again. Why?"

"It was late 2024," Kiana explained. "I was at home, recovering from a knee injury I picked up during a sit-down that went sideways.

Alessandro called out of the blue. He said he and his partners—Aldo and Alessio—were looking for a 'sophisticated manager' to handle their interests. He claimed Izzy Dame, who used to be my assistant Before i move out of the NXT district had given him my name."

Rizzo’s eyes sharpened. "Izzy Dame? So she was the link."

"Apparently," Kiana shrugged. "He tried to pitch me on some grand vision for a new crew. I told him no. I don’t mix personal and business, especially with men who couldn't win a court case to save their lives. That was the last I heard of him."

Tony looked at Rizzo. The trail was getting clearer, but more complicated. If Alessandro had reached out to Kiana through Izzy Dame, then Izzy might be the one holding the current address for the brothers.

"One more thing," Kiana added, standing up to leave. " I would look for Izzy's personal information, and I don't know the new addresses she moved to after I moved out of the NXT district a year ago.

The frustration was palpable in Rizzio's parents' restaurant’s back office as Tony and Rizzo sifted through the employee files. Izzy Dame was smart—smart enough to leave no digital trail. By requesting physical paper checks instead of direct deposit, she ensured there was no bank account linked to her name in their records. Without a completed personnel file, they didn't even have a verified home address.

"She’s a ghost in our own system, Tony," Rizzo said, tossing the empty folder onto the desk. "She probably picks those checks up in person and cashes them at a third-party window. No paper trail, no location."

Tony leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. The leads from Kiana James and Wade Barrett had felt so solid, but now they were staring at a blank page. The trail to Alessandro, Aldo, and Alessio had gone cold at the most frustrating point: their own front door.

"We're chasing our tails tonight," Tony muttered, looking at the clock. "If we keep pushing while we're tired, we're going to miss something obvious. We'll call it a night. Maybe morning light will show us a different angle."

Rizzo nodded, grabbing her purse. "Tomorrow, we look at the other files to see who we can talk to next''.

As they locked up the restaurant, they went home for the night and picked it back up tomorrow evening.

The dim light of Tony's warehouse, the next evening, flickered over the two new files. On one side, you have Chelsea Green, a high-profile "Ambassador" who is likely still fuming over that lost traffic case from 2024. On the other hand, you have Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince and Kit Wilson), the flashy duo who got burned in a contract meeting and probably have very "expensive" grievances against Alessandro.

"Chelsea has connections," Rizzo said, tapping the Ambassador's photo with a lace-gloved finger. "If she’s as 'passionate' as people say, she might have tracked Alessandro’s every move to spite him for losing her case. She’s loud, and loud people notice things."

Tony looked at the file for Pretty Deadly. "Yeah, but Elton and Kit... they care about their pockets. If Alessandro cost them money, they won't just be mad—they’ll be looking for a refund. And since we already stuffed them in a trunk once, they know exactly what happens if they lie to us."

Both leads are strong. Chelsea offers a political angle and potentially higher-level surveillance, while Pretty Deadly offers the street-level bitterness of two guys who hate being "broke" and "burned."

Tony and Rizzo spent the rest of the evening chasing leads that kept leading to dead ends.

First, they visited Chelsea Green. Despite her recent heart surgery, she was as spirited as ever, but she had no news. She was still fuming that Alessandro had completely abandoned her, failing to even show up for her court date.

Then came the meeting with Pretty Deadly. With Elton Prince behind bars, Kit Wilson was left to his own devices, and he spent nearly twenty minutes rambling about "toxic masculinity" and the tragedy of their lost aesthetic. Tony eventually snapped, cutting him off to get to the point. Kit confirmed that Alessandro had brokered a contract for "Pretty Deadly: The Musical"—a venture that went south fast, leaving them completely broke.

Back at the warehouse, the silence was heavy until a memory clicked for Tony. He remembered a few years ago when Alessandro had bragged about a specific gentlemen’s club in Downtown RAW. It was the kind of place where a "loser lawyer" with an ego would go to feel like a big shot, even when he was hiding.

"It's the only lead we have left that isn't a ghost or a prisoner," Tony said, looking at Rizzo. "Tomorrow night, we hit Downtown. If Alessandro is anywhere, he's there trying to sell what's left of the drugs he had left."

The following evening, the air in the club was thick with nostalgia and expensive cologne. The Godfather, a legend who had transitioned from the streets as a gangster to a club owner, doesn't tolerate heat in his establishment. He made it clear that while Alessandro, Aldo, and Alessio used to frequent the VIP lounge, their sloppy drug deals had forced him to "ho" them out of the building permanently.

"I run a clean ship here," The Godfather told Tony, leaning back in his velvet chair. "But my girls see everything. One of them mentioned Alessandro's been bragging about his runs to Atlantic City. Apparently, he thinks he’s a high roller now, trying to recruit her to join him and his 'business partners' for a weekend at the tables."

The neon lights of Downtown RAW faded in the rearview mirror as Tony and Rizzo sat in the car, the weight of The Godfather’s information sinking in. It wasn't just that Alessandro was visiting Atlantic City—it was that the whole operation, including Aldo and Alessio, had been based there the entire time.

"They were hiding in plain sight," Tony muttered, his voice a low growl. "All those weeks we were tearing apart WWE City, they were ten hours out of state, running the show from the Boardwalk. Alessandro wasn't just a 'loser lawyer'—he was the scout, coming into town to pick our pockets while his old man and his brother stayed safe in WWE City."

For years, they had used the family as a cover for their illegal operations. Tony thought, as he formed a fist, about how neither he nor anyone in the family could have seen it.

Rizzo checked her phone, already pulling up property records for Atlantic City. "It makes sense why the leads here were so thin. They weren't setting up shop—they were already established. If they’ve been there since before the lockdown, they’ve got deep roots. They aren't just staying in a hotel; they likely own a piece of the pier or a back-alley sportsbook."

The Godfather’s tip about the bartender was the crack in their armor. Alessandro’s ego—his need to play the big man and impress women with his 'trips'—had finally compromised their main shop. They were no longer chasing ghosts; they were headed for the heart of the enemy's territory.

"Atlantic City is a different beast, Tony," Rizzo warned. "It's neutral ground for a lot of families. If we go in there and start a war, we’re going to have more than just Alessandro to worry about."

Tony gripped the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the highway south. "I don't care if the whole Boardwalk is watching. They sat in Jersey while we were looking over our shoulders, waiting for them to make the first move. No, we go back to the godfathers' club tomorrow and talk to the bartender to see if she knows something that we can use when we go against the rats.

The next night, Tony and Rizzo went straight back into the club to speak with the bartender before she finished her shift. They slid a stack of hundred-dollar bills across the counter, and the bartender didn't hesitate to give up the information.

She told them that Alessandro had bragged about an old, upscale seafood packing warehouse right off the Atlantic City marina. According to her, Alessandro called it "The Family Fortune". He claimed his

father, Aldo, and his brother, Alessio, had converted the upper floors into a private gambling lounge and operations center for drug shipments. He had even sent her a pin location on her phone a few weeks ago, which Rizzo quickly copied down.

With the exact address in hand, Tony and Rizzo packed their bags, loaded the car, and drove for 10 hours to New Jersey. They pulled into Atlantic City under the cover of a rainy night, parking a block away from the marina warehouse. Looking through the wet windshield, they could see expensive cars parked outside and shadows moving behind the rainy glass windows of the top floor.

The main shop was finally in front of them, just as Luca’s files and The Godfather's tip had promised. The months of searching, Stacks' betrayal in Las Vegas, another betrayal, and the beatdown at the poker house had all led to this dark boardwalk alley.

Tony turned off the engine and looked at Rizzo, his eyes cold and focused. "This is it, Rizz. The whole snake pit is inside."

The iron scent of blood and rain filled the loading dock as Tony and Rizzo breached the inner perimeter. Outside, the guards lay silent. Inside, the warehouse was a maze of concrete and steel, but they were moving too fast for anyone to raise the alarm.

When the first wave of security scrambled to respond, Rizzo stepped directly into the corridor. Her black leather gloves were a blur as she unleashed a fierce combination of strikes, taking down an army of thugs on her own. She used the tight corners of the shipping crates to isolate the guards, systematically breaking through their numbers with lethal precision.

Tony didn't stop to watch. He caught one of Aldo's top right-hand men trying to flank Rizzo from an upper catwalk. Tony intercepted him, slamming him against the steel railing before eliminating him permanently, removing the final obstacle between them and the executive offices.

With the ground floor in chaos, Tony sprinted up the iron stairs toward the main office. The door splintered open under his boot, but the room was empty. On the desk, a high-end surveillance monitor remained active, displaying a live feed of the private docks outside.

There they were. Alessandro and Alessio were hauling heavy duffel bags stuffed with cash down the rain-slicked pier, sprinting toward a high-powered speedboat with its engines already idling.

Tony grabbed his radio, his eyes locked on the screen. "Rizz! The brothers are moving the money to the docks! I’m going after them! Aldo is still downstairs!"

"Go!" Rizzo's voice cracked through the static over the sound of heavy blows. "I'll handle the old man!"

The freezing Atlantic City rain pelted the wooden planks of the pier as Tony stood his ground. Ten feet away, the speedboat’s engine chugged heavily, throwing white foam into the dark ocean water. Alessandro and Alessio held their guns high, their hands shaking as the barrels pointed directly at Tony’s chest.

Down inside the warehouse, the muffled crashes of steel and shattering wood continued. Rizzo was locked in a brutal, no-holds-barred brawl with Aldo, matching the older man's desperate fury strike for strike to ensure the patriarch couldn't protect his sons.

On the dock, Tony didn't reach for a weapon. Instead, he slowly unzipped his track jacket, reached down, and unholstered his own firearm. With a deliberate movement, he tossed it over the edge of the pier. It hit the ocean with a heavy splash.

"How about we fight the old way?" Tony shouted, his voice cutting through the roar of the wind and the boat engine. "With our hands. No guns. No weapons. Just you two against me. Let's see what you're really made of when you aren't hiding behind a piece."

Alessandro looked at Alessio. The weight of the duffel bags filled with stolen cash sat on the deck of the boat right behind them. For months, they had used lawyers, thugs, and the Culling Crew to do their dirty work. Now, the man they tried to destroy was offering them a choice between a coward's escape or a final stand.

Alessio’s jaw tightened. He looked down at his weapon, then back at Tony’s bare fists. The family's and Tony's criminal pride was on the line. Slowly, Alessio lowered his arm and tossed his gun onto the passenger seat of the speedboat. Alessandro hesitated for a fraction of a second before copying his brother, kicking his own pistol into the water.

"Two against one, D'Angelo," Alessandro sneered, wiping the rain from his face as both brothers raised their fists and stepped forward on the slick wood. "You should have kept the gun."

Inside the warehouse, the shadows danced wildly against the corrugated walls as the brawl between Rizzo and Aldo grew increasingly feral. The patriarch lunged forward, swinging a heavy iron pipe, his face twisted in a cruel smirk.

"Your precious Tony is a fool!" Aldo taunted, his voice echoing over the clanging metal. "Just like Stacks knew! Stacks saw the writing on the wall. He betrayed the family, he left Tony, months later, me, and my sons left Tony for dead, and Stacks left you behind to clean up the mess! You're bleeding for a sinking ship, girl!"

Rizzo didn't let the words get under her skin. Her jaw tightened as she ripped a long, gleaming Japanese katana from a display mount on the warehouse wall. The steel caught the dim industrial light. With a fierce cry, she brought the blade down, her ruined black leather gloves gripping the hilt as she engaged Aldo in a dirty, bloody duel, slicing through his defenses and painting the concrete floor red.

Out on the rain-slicked pier, the storm raged on as Tony took the brunt of the two-on-one assault. It was pure chaos. Alessandro and Alessio weren't fighting with honor—they were throwing wild, desperate hooks, gouging at Tony's eyes, and using the slick wooden planks to double-team him.

Tony caught a brutal right hook from Alessio that split his lip open, but he barely felt it. He ducked under a desperate swing from Alessandro, grabbed him by the collar of his expensive suit, and drove his forehead straight into the lawyer's nose. A sickening crack echoed over the sound of the ocean as blood sprayed into the freezing rain.

Alessio tackled Tony from behind, sending all three men crashing onto the wet wood of the dock. They scrambled in the dark, throwing dirty elbows and knees, blinding each other with fists and sea spray, completely bloodying Tony up as the speedboat idled inches away.

Tony managed to push himself up, his tracksuit soaked in a mixture of rainwater and his enemies' blood. He spat a crimson mouthful into the sea and glared at the battered brothers.

The rain washed the fresh crimson from the slick wooden planks as Alessio collapsed, gasping his last breath with his own blade buried deep in his chest. Tony scrambled to his feet, his chest heaving, his hands slick with rain and blood.

During the fight on the wooden floor, Alessio pulled out his blade and was about to stab Tony when Tony grabbed it, wrestled with him, and caused the blade to stab Alessio.

Alessandro looked down at his brother's unmoving body, and the smug, arrogant look he had worn for months completely vanished, replaced by a terrifying, bitter rage. He let out a feral scream and charged at Tony like a man with absolutely nothing left to lose.

Inside the warehouse, the dirty duel had reached its own bloody conclusion. Rizzo and Aldo were locked in a desperate grapple, both of their hands slick as they wrestled for control of the long Japanese katana. Aldo snapped his teeth, trying to throw his weight forward, but Rizzo found a sudden surge of adrenaline. With a sharp grunt, she completely overpowered the old patriarch, driving him backward and slamming him hard against the heavy office desk. Before he could recover, she drove the blade straight into his heart, ending the older man's reign permanently.

Rizzo didn't waste a single second celebrating. She ripped the steel free, checked to ensure Aldo was dead, and sprinted out into the freezing storm to find Tony.

On the pier, the fight had become a desperate scramble for survival. Alessandro had managed to catch Tony off-balance, tackling him to the deck and wrapping his hands tight around Tony's neck, choking the life out of him. Tony’s vision began to blur at the edges, but he dug his fingers into Alessandro's eyes, fracturing the lawyer's grip and violently shoving him off.

Both men scrambled backward onto opposite sides of the dock, battered, bloodied, and desperate. Tony’s hand brushed against a heavy iron crowbar on the planks, while Alessandro’s eyes locked onto a discarded knife. In a frantic, synchronized rush, both men grabbed their weapons and lunged forward. Tony was quicker. He swung the iron crowbar with everything he had left, striking Alessandro cleanly across the jaw and knocking him flat out onto the ground.

Exhausted, Tony dropped the crowbar and collapsed onto his hands and knees, trying to catch his breath in the pouring rain. But the fight wasn't over. On the deck, a dazed Alessandro rolled over and reached into his coat, pulling out a second, hidden backup gun. He raised the barrel, about to execute Tony.

Tony was ready. In one fluid movement, he reached down to his ankle, unholstered his own secondary piece, and pulled the trigger before Alessandro could even blink. Two sharp cracks echoed over the ocean as Tony shot him squarely in the chest and head, killing Alessandro instantly.

The speedboat engine continued to idle, its propeller churning the dark Atlantic City water into a white foam. An entire family empire that had tried to destroy them now lay entirely dismantled on the docks.

Rizzo ran up, her boots splashing in the puddles, and stood beside Tony as he finally stood up, wiping the rain and blood from his thick beard.

The Atlantic City marina lit up the rainy sky as the old seafood warehouse went up in flames, erasing every trace of the war that had finally ended.

Rizzo didn't waste any time after the final shots were fired. She picked up her radio and called the Family soldiers they had brought down with them from WWE City. The crew arrived in a convoy of dark SUVs, bringing a cleanup detail to load the bodies of Aldo, Alessandro, and Alessio quickly, and their guards into the backs of the trucks. The soldiers look at Tony, but they don't ask why their former Don is there. They get right to work.

While the soldiers thoroughly scrubbed the loading dock and doused the interior with gasoline, Tony and Rizzo focused on the real prize. They hauled the heavy canvas duffel bags from the speedboat and the hidden office safes, loading millions of dollars in untraceable cash into Tony's car.

By the time the first distant sirens began to wail through the Atlantic City night, Tony struck a match. He tossed it onto the gasoline-soaked floor, and the entire facility erupted into a massive inferno, destroying all physical evidence before the local police could arrive.

Tony and Rizzo pulled away from the curb, watching the smoke billow in the rearview mirror. The threat that had loomed over them since last summer was entirely gone. They had the money, their enemies were eliminated, and the former Don, now a mercenary, and the current Don and the D'Angelo Family were once again the undisputed power in the NXT district.

As they drove north back toward WWE City, the weight of that last summer night at the poker house finally lifted.

Chapter Text

The backstage area of WWE City’s premier venue buzzed with chaotic energy. Models rushed past carrying racks of vibrant, high-end swimwear, but Rizzo stood dead center, looking like an absolute boss in a tailored suit that cost more than most people’s cars. She didn’t look like a woman who needed a bodyguard, but the stakes were higher than just fashion.

Tony leaned against a concrete pillar, adjusting the fit of his dress shirt covering his tactical gear. He used to run things. Now? He was a mercenary for hire. But family ties—even severed ones—ran deep.

Rizzo caught her eye and walked over, her heels clicking authoritatively against the floor.

"Glad you made it, Tony," Rizzo said, her voice dropping to a low, serious tone. "Ever since Stacks pulled that stunt last year and I took over the family, I've been trying to legitimize. This swimwear line is my baby. But someone is trying to kill it before it even launches."

Last summer, after Rizzo and Tony had fallen out, Rizzo felt lost and heartbroken over Stacks' betrayal. To distract herself and move on, she decided to do something positive and launched a swimsuit line called Rizzo Aqua.

Tony had learned about Rizzo's swimsuit business while they were staying in a cottage the previous fall, when the line was still in its early stages of development. He knew this venture was perfect for Rizzo because every time they traveled for family business near a beach, she would pack a suitcase full of swimwear and return home with a bag full of new swimsuits.

"You don't hire a guy like me just to watch a runway, Rizzo," Tony said, a smirk playing on his lips. "Who's making moves on you?"

"That’s what you’re here to find out," she replied, handing him a VIP security badge. "The racks have been slashed, the lighting grids were tampered with yesterday, and two of my top models suddenly got 'food poisoning.' Keep your eyes open."

Tony nodded, his casual demeanor instantly vanishing into the sharp focus of a seasoned predator. He spent the next two hours blending into the shadows of the venue, watching the crew, the photographers, and the tech guys.

The breakthrough came just twenty minutes before showtime. Tony noticed a guy in a high-end designer jacket loitering near the main electrical circuit breaker box. The man didn't have a crew badge, and he kept looking nervously over his shoulder.

Tony moved like a ghost, closing the distance before the man even realized he wasn't alone. Tony grabbed the man by the collar of his expensive jacket, dragging him effortlessly into a secluded supply closet.

"Hey! Do you know who I am?!" the man shrieked, squirming in Tony's iron grip.

"I know you don't belong near the breakers," Tony growled, slamming him gently but firmly against the wall. "Talk. Who put you up to this? Why are you messing with Rizzo's show?"

The man swallowed hard, terrified by the cold look in the former Don's eyes. "Look, it’s nothing personal against the woman! It’s business! My wife... she owns Bella Marina Swimwear. We spent years building her brand!"

Tony raised an eyebrow. "So you sabotage a competitor?"

"Rizzo's line is too good!" the man confessed, his voice shaking. "The designs, the marketing, her own backing... if her show succeeds tonight, it’ll completely ruin my wife's business! We'd be bankrupt by next season! I had to stop the launch!"

Tony let out a dark, amused chuckle. He released the man's collar and patted him on the chest, smoothing out the crumpled fabric.

"You're a loyal husband. I respect that," Tony said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "But you picked the wrong person to mess with. Here’s what’s gonna happen. You’re gonna leave this venue right now. You’re never gonna come near Rizzo’s business again. And if so much as a single thread is loose on one of those swimsuits tonight... I won't just ruin your wife's business. I'll personally retire you. Capisce?"

The man nodded frantically, his face pale. "Capisce! Capisce!"

Tony opened the closet door and watched the man sprint toward the exit. Walking back to the main stage, Tony found Rizzo watching the final rehearsal.

"The threat's taken care of," Tony said, stepping up beside her. "Just a desperate husband trying to save his wife's failing swimwear brand from getting crushed by yours."

Rizzo looked at him, a slow, triumphant smile spreading across her face. "Good. Because the Rizzo brand doesn't take prisoners."

The house lights dimmed, and the heavy bass of the runway music began to shake the venue walls. Rizzo stood near the curtain, watching her models step out into the blinding spotlights. The crowd's cheers proved the line was a massive hit. But in the shadows backstage, Tony's eyes were not on the runway. His eyes were on the exits.

Suddenly, Tony spotted a familiar figure slipping through the backstage double doors. It was the desperate husband. He had changed into a black stagehand hoodie, and his eyes were wild with panic. In his right hand, he clutched a heavy, industrial-sized canister of dark chemical dye.

The man was sprinting directly toward the main stage curtain, aiming to drench the models and ruin the final bridal-swimwear finale.

Tony didn't hesitate. He intercepted the man in three explosive strides.

Before the husband could even raise the canister, Tony lunged forward and intercepted his arm, forcing the canister to fall harmlessly to the concrete floor. With a firm grip, Tony pinned the man against a heavy equipment crate, securing him in place.

"I thought we had an understanding," Tony whispered directly into his ear, his voice deadly calm over the booming runway music.

The husband struggled to find words, his eyes wide with panic. "Please—you don't understand—if this show ends, we lose everything—"

"You lost the moment you broke your word," Tony cut him off, his presence commanding absolute silence. "Now, you're going to leave quietly with these gentlemen, or things will get much more complicated for you. Your choice."

Tony signaled two venue security guards he had briefed earlier. They took hold of the husband and escorted him firmly toward the exit, ensuring the disruption was over.

Tony straightened his vest, checked his watch, and walked back to the curtain just as the finale applause erupted. Rizzo stepped off the stage, beaming with triumph, and looked at Tony with a knowing smirk.

"Everything running smoothly, Tony?" she asked.

"Completely under control," Tony replied with a nod. "Just handling a minor distraction."

The chaotic energy of the fashion show faded into the quiet, dimly lit ambiance of a private lounge in WWE City. Rizzo poured two glasses of scotch, sliding one across the mahogany table to Tony. The triumphant high of the runway was gone, replaced by the heavy, exhaustion-laden reality of running a family.

Tony took a slow sip, studying her. "You did well tonight, Rizzo. The swimwear line is going to be massive. But you didn't hire a guy like me just because you were scared of some guy with a bucket of dye. What’s the real play here?"

Rizzo leaned back, swirling her drink. Her usual tough exterior dropped, revealing the immense weight she had been carrying since taking the top spot.

"I needed something of my own, Tony," Rizzo confessed, her voice low and steady. "Something that isn't illegal. Don't get me wrong, I like working at my parents' restaurant, but I want more. I want what you have with your restaurant and the fish market. Legitimate pillars."

Tony nodded slowly, listening with the respect of someone who had been in those exact shoes.

"Look around us," Rizzo continued, gesturing broadly. "Lash Legend started her own cooking school the second the Meta-Four crew broke up, and they closed down the club. Fallon Henley is running her own country bar, and she just opened up a second location over in Smackdown Heights. Even Arianna Grace has her own beauty pageant coaching business now. They’re all female gangsters, Tony, and they all have legal businesses running on the side."

She leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his with fierce determination. "And there is another reason. I need financial security as well. If the cops or the feds ever come after the family, I need a safety net. I’ve seen too many crime bosses and gangsters go to prison, only to get out years later with absolutely nothing legal left in their names. I’m not letting that be my story."

Tony stared into his glass for a moment, a rare, genuine look of understanding passing over his face. He set the glass down and looked back at her.

"Smart," Tony said cleanly. "When I ran things, everyone thought the fish market and the restaurant were just fronts. But a smart boss knows you need clean money to keep the lights on when the storm hits. Lash, Fallon, Arianna... they figured out early that the game changes. You're doing the right thing, Rizzo. A real Don doesn't just rule for today. They build for tomorrow."

Rizzo raised her glass, a small, relieved smile hitting her face. "To legitimate empires."

Tony clinked his glass against hers. "To legitimate empires. Capisce."

The heavy oak door of the private lounge swung open, drawing Tony and Rizzo’s attention away from their drinks. Walking into the room with effortless confidence was Lash Legend, looking every bit the successful businesswoman in a sharp, tailored blazer.

"I knew I’d find the woman of the hour hiding out in here," Lash said, a bright, proud smile on her face as she walked over to their table. "Rizzo, honey, that show tonight was absolutely spectacular. Those designs? Flawless."

Rizzo stood up, a genuine look of relief and pride replacing her usual tough exterior. "Lash. Thank you. Coming from you, that means a lot. Seeing how you put every bit of your clean money from the club sale into starting your cooking school last summer. This is what finally gave me the courage to start my swimsuit business. Especially with how well your cooking school is doing lately."

"Oh, you know it," Lash laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "When the club closed down, I had to pivot, and honey, business is booming, but seeing you out there tonight? You proved that we can run these streets and run a corporate empire. You're setting the standard, Don Rizzo."

The two women shared a warm, respectful hug—a quiet acknowledgment of the unique bond shared by the city’s female power players who had carved out their own legal safety nets.

Sitting back in his chair, Tony watched the interaction unfold. He swirled the remaining scotch in his glass, a genuine, quiet smile spreading across his face. As a former Don and a seasoned businessman, he didn't see a threat; he saw the future. He saw a new generation of bosses who were smarter, sharper, and built to survive the long game.

Rizzo poured Lash a glass of scotch, and the three of them raised their drinks in a silent toast to the hustle, the survival, and the unstoppable rise of the Rizzo empire.