Golden Shields ( Katy1008 & CrimsonMaster )

The wall against Evie's back was cold and rough but she didn't care. Guido was so close, so dominant in her space. She felt his hand reach down and hook under her thigh, lift her leg and then she felt him sink into her. As he began to fuck her, she reached one hand around his neck and the other held onto his upper arm. She held tight as he fucked her hard but steadily, occasionally thrusting hard enough to almost take her off her feet. When eventually he withdrew from her and walked awaawash with leaned hard against the wall trying to catch her breath, but Guido wasn't done with her yet. He climbed back onto the massage table and summoned her to him. Evie walked back across the room feeling the top of her thighs slick with her own juice and cum. With legs a little unsteady she climbed over Guido, feeling his hands on her thighs and her ass as she reached down and guided his cock back inside her. Guido was quickly joined by Sasha and for the next 45 minutes the three of them enjoyed each other's bodies.

By the time Evie hit the shower her body ached but it was an incredible ache...a hard hard work out. The shower worked wonders on her skin and it refreshed and revitalised her. She dressed quickly into jeans and a white Yankees baseball shirt - well if she couldn't wear it in NY, where could she. She packed up her bag and headed out, meeting Guido at the desk and then getting into the car. Guido sat with his hand on Evie's thigh as the car made its way back and the two of them talked casually about their afternoon plans. As the limo approached the restaurant, it stopped at a light. Evie reached down to the footwell to pick up her bag, getting ready to get out when the car pulled up and as she leaned forward she spotted Bruno stepping out of the restaurant. She smiled to herself remembering how he had seemed to enjoy himself last night. She was vaguely aware of someone else approaching. There was something about him that had her subconscience on alert before her conscious brain recognised that the stranger was wearing a hood...no a ski mask. Then she jumped...flinched as there were three loud pops... Three shots and Bruno was on the floor. Evie was watching Bruno as she climbed out of the car even as it started to pull forwards. Leaving the bag in the car and the door open she ran towards him, coming to a stop on her knees at his side. As she ran she tried to pick up where the shooter was...where he was going... She sees the figure in black darting between people on the street in full panic trying to get out of the way. She looks down and looks at the dark red sdawns spreading across Bruno's light blue shirt. She immediately put a hand over what she thought was the worst of the wounds, but there was so much blood. She looked up again in the direction of where the man had run. In the midst of the chaos she saw him climbing into a black Ford Explorer with blacked out windows. She had no chance of getting a plate though from where she was. Then she was aware of someone else there. She looked across, straight at Tom.

"I'm sorry... One shooter... Dressed in black... Got into a waiting Explorer...I thought Bruno might need... I should have run after him instead maybe... " she looked down. This wasn't going to end well

Bruno left the restaurant and had turned slightly towards his left. There was a man approaching wearing all black. Covered from head to toe to hide his features. He drew a .38 from his belt and fired three times. The bullets hit Bruno in the chest. He doubled over for a moment before falling backwards on the ground. People passing nearby screamed and began running. The man dressed in black took off after spotting a woman coming towards him. He knew her from seeing her before. She had some link to Bruno, what that link was, just wasn't clear. The attacker weaved in and out of other people on the sidewalk. He moved like an NFL running back. The limo pulled up just as Evie reached the fallen Bruno. Guido exited from the car, looking down at his brother. Evie was pressing her hand over one of the wounds. Guido looked for the man in black, but he was out of sight by now. He jumped into the SUV before it sped away. Like Evie, Guido didn't see a plate number. Tom soon appeared from the restaurant. His eyes were met with the sight of Evie on her knees doing her best to stop some of the bleeding coming from Bruno. The limo driver had called for police and emergency services.

Soon, the familiar white with blue trim police units arrived on scene. The emergency services of the NYPD took over the care and treatment of Bruno, but there was no use. He was dead within minutes of them hooking up IV's. Shock had set in among the family members sending there on the sidewalk. Alyssa, Anita & Gina arrived not long after the police did. There was a sense of panic over the news that Bruno had been gun downed. There was chaos within the family. Tom did his best to calm everyone down while speaking with Evie. He & Guido then moved off to have a few words on what happened. It was long before unmarked NYPD police cars arrived. In one of these cars was Detective Sergeant Phil Luca. He was a handsome, yet somewhat short man. Luca wasn't as tall as Tom was and he was a bit thinner. The detective took control over the crime scene. The uniformed officers had already started the work of questioning those who had seen what happened. One officer pointed towards Evie while saying she had seen the shooter. Phil came up too Evie, he pulled out his badge and ID while identifying himself. " So.......What's your story honey? " Luca said in a very normal sounding New York accent.

Evie was trying and failing to wipe the drying blood off of her hands with some paper towels which she had been given by one of the EMTs. She guessed that the man who was approaching her was a cop long before he pulled his badge and identified himself but his opening line took her back a little. It seemed to come straight out of an old TV cop series. Did cops out here really talk like that.

"Excuse me?"

"What did you see honey?" Evie gazed at him for a couple of seconds.

"My name is Taylor. Evelyn Taylor. You can call me Evie... or Taylor or even Evelyn, but I'm not your 'honey'." Luca smirked and chewed on a piece of gum. Why did he always get the mouthy feminists he wondered to himself.

"Ma'am! What exactly did you see and how is it that you're stood here with the dead guys blood all over your hands and shirt?" Evie stared. Took a deep breath.

"The victim came out of the restaurant... right there. He turned a walked a couple of paces in this direction. He was looking at his cell phone. The perpetrator came from that direction. He was about 5'11 maybe 6 ft. Dressed in black from head to toe. Wearing a black ski mask. He was well built... more than athletic. Other than that, nothing particularly special about him from what I could see. He walked straight up to the victim. Stopped directly in front of him and pulled a pistol I think from the sound of the shots. Three. Rapid fire. Close order. Im guessing a .32. maybe a .38 from the sound and from the injuries but your ballistics guys will be able to tell that quick enough... maybe your CSI team can find a shell casing or a through-and-through. SIG or a Glock maybe. The victim went down and the shooter left running in that direction. There was a SUV... a black ford Explorer with blacked out windows waiting just outside of the hotel there. Shooter climbed in and car headed down the street at speed turning right at the next corner. After that, I'm guessing the cameras you have all over this city will let you see where it went.." She could see Luca's expression changing. What she had to say was definitely not what he had expected. She was no ordinary witness.

"I was in vehicle which was stopped at the light. Vehicle belonged to the victim's brother and the owner... or part-owner maybe... of the restaurant the victim came out of. Bad timing for the shooter. I happened to be looking out. Saw the hit go down..." She saw his expression change again. "Everything about it says it was a hit. The shooter seemed to know exactly who he was going for. He didn't hesitate at all. And the escape was all planned and arranged and executed faultlessly. Someone either wanted him dead or wanted to send a message by killing him. I got out of the car, came over to see if I could help... " she looked at the back of the ambulance as the doors were being closed. "I couldn't." She looked back at Luca. "Does that just about cover everything you need to know, Detective Luca?"

Luca was sure he had a woman who watched way too much tv on his hands. He figured this woman was a fan of all those police shows. Dragnet, T.J. Hooker, Starsky & Hutch, Hill Street Blues, shows like that. The thought that she could be a police officer never even crossed Luca's mind. Luca didn't care for Evie pointing out what the NYPD CSI team should be finding, or what they needed to look for. It seemed like they couldn't do their jobs without this woman pointing out what needed done. Luca decided he'd humor this woman. He wrote down certain things which Evie said. Luca however, didn't believe this was a hit. In his mind, this was a mugging gone wrong. Such things happen in New York from time to time. Once Evie finished speaking, Luca got her phone number in case they needed to speak with her again. He had no intentions of contacting Evie again. One meeting was enough for his liking. Luca thanked Evie for her help. He stashed his notebook inside his coat before walking away. Luca didn't go very far. He met up with three uniformed police officers standing next to a blue and white. Luca told them about Evie, calling her Nancy Drew. The uniformed officers got a good laugh before Luca continued over to his car. He pulled out his notebook again, leaned down placing the notebook on the hood and started to write.

Tom spent time hovering around Bruno's body before it was taken away. The power burns on Bruno's shirt told him the gun was fired at close range. Within at least a foot, or less. The man had to have been face to face with Bruno when he fired. Tom thought back to last night and what his grandmother said about that cup. How whoever received the cup would end up dead within 24 hours. Uncle Bruno got the cup yesterday and now he was dead. Tom silently wondered if this was really an old vendetta someone was now acting out on. If it was, that person held on to their hate for many years. It wasn't hard to believe a person could hold on to hate that long. Simon Randell certain showed how long a person could hold on to hate and turn it into revenge. It wasn't a stretch to think someone could do the same thing.

After the police finished their work, the sidewalk was reopened. The restaurant remained closed for the time being. Most of the family was inside talking over the tragic events of that day. A short time later, a package arrived for Aunt Gia. She opened the plan wrapped box and revealed another Borgia Cup was inside. So far, Tom's boast to his grandmother about protecting the family wasn't holding water. Things would be different if they were all in Los Angeles and not in New York. Tom had no idea that the police marked the murder as a mugging gone wrong. This wouldn't be known too Tom & Evie until the evening papers hit the streets. Seeing another cup did bring chills to a few. They were starting to wonder if Grandma Fiorella's concerns were more then just an old woman's foolish thoughts. Most however, didn't think twice. Tom looked at Evie with a growing concern of his own. One cup could be brushed off, but two cups? That gave Tom an uneasy feeling. The family started to slowly break up and head back to where ever they were staying.

A few blocks west from the Vendetti restaurant, sat a bar called Vito's Little Roma. This was the remaining business of what had been the Moratti Empire. Like the Vendetti's, the Moratti's came to America looking for better lives. In time, the Moratti Family also became a crime outfit. The two families had a long hatred for each other going way back to the old country. In America, the families continued their hatred. They often battled over turf and key places which to make money from. Luck wasn't with the Moratti's. They soon found themselves muscled out when they could no longer stand again the more powerful Vendetti Family. Losing an Empire was what made Vito long for revenge. He should have been a mafia don. Respected and feared, but Vito only had a bar. His office was in the back. Vito was sitting there drinking whiskey and smoking cigars when his brother Carlo came in. Being the older brother, Vito asked Carlo if the package had been delivered? Carlo replied that it had been. This pleased Vito, but his brother had more news which he was sure wouldn't make Vito so happy. Carlo say down while saying he checked on those three new people. Vito leaned forwards as Carlo revealed them to be cops from Los Angeles. Carlo said that Sara Vendetti married Richard Reed who once worked for the family. They moved out west and had a son named Thomas. Carlo said this son became a cop with the LAPD. He continued on by saying that son was Thomas Reed and his companions were his daughter Alyssa and his police partner & girlfriend Evelyn Taylor. Vito was a little shaken by this news, but they couldn't stop now. It was decided that Evie wouldn't be a target unless she became trouble. Vite said, if she knew what was good for her. She'd tuck her tail between her legs and run back home. Tom & Alyssa would get their names added to list of Vendetti's who'd die. Vito wanted the whole damn family wiped out. He didn't want a single Vendetti left alive.

Evie wasn't impressed with Detective Luca. More than that though she didn't think he took much of what she had to say with any degree of seriousness. Maybe she should have said she was a cop, but she didn't have her badge or her ID with her and in truth in that city of course she wasn't a cop. She was a witness to a crime, that was all but she was pretty sure that had things been reversed, had Luca been the witness and given a statement like she had, she would have been asking more questions - as would most of the cops that she knew.

For the next few hours Evie spent much of the time on her own. Tom was comforting the family, giving them assurances, talking in quiet corners with some of the men in the family. Evie made a quick trip to the hotel and got showered and changed. Fresh jeans and shirt. When she arrived back at the restaurant nothing had changed. Most people were still sitting where they had been when she left - the women certainly. The men were wandering around a little more. Evie helped out making coffee and sandwiches but for the most part she was an outsider to the family's grief.

When the package arrived, the atmosphere in the room changed a little. Evie could see the worried look on Tom's face and she knew they wouldn't be leaving before Bruno's killer was found. She also knew that in all likelihood Tom was going to be as impressed with the lead detective as she was.

There was talk of postponing the wedding. Some feared more trouble was coming. After a long debate, it was decided the wedding would go on. Gina's future husband due to arrive that night. He had been out of town over the last couple of days. Most of the family had met Angelo Tessio already. Only Tom, Evie & Alyssa hadn't met the soon to be groom. That all changed when Angelo arrived at the restaurant. He came straight from the airport. Angelo entered to find the mood rather grim. He was expecting the family to be partying up a storm. Gina ran to her future husband and told of what happened with Uncle Bruno. Angelo was surprised by the news and offered to put the wedding on hold. Guido however, stepped in and said the wedding would go on as planned. As the night continued, Tom, Evie & Alyssa were introduced too Angelo. Tom & Evie stood there while Angelo was asked what he did for a living. Angelo spoke of how he just graduated cooking school a few weeks ago. He was a chef now and Guido had planned on Angelo becoming the head chef over all the restaurants in the area.

During the evening, Aunt Gia remained defiant over the arrival of the cup. She grieved over the death of her brother Bruno, but she didn't believe there was any connection between that and the cup. If there was, the cup was being used as a tool to fill those who received it with fear. Gia wouldn't give into to fear. She was a Vendetti and the family was strong. Gia did have as major weakness though. She had heart trouble since she was young. Gia was on medication which kept her heart working properly. The doctors had told Gia that she could drink wine once in a while, but she shouldn't over do it. Gia was drinking wine when Angelo came in. About 45 minutes later, Gia was heading for the restroom when she gripped at her chest. It felt like her chest was on fire. Gia let out a pain filled groan before falling to the floor. There was a scream which alerted everyone else. Tom, Evie & Alyssa rushed over. Aunt Teresa suggested that it could be Gia's heart. Tom told Gina to call for an ambulance. He & Evie started CPR while Alyssa moved the family back. Tom & Evie worked on Gia until the paramedics arrived. They hooked Gia up to an EKG and continued the work. Gia was soon taken from the restaurant and places into the ambulance. She was rushed to the nearest hospital. Many family members including Tom, Evie & Alyssa joined them there. After an hour of waiting a doctor came out and announced Gia was dead.

With a second death in the family. Tom was getting very concerned about those who remained. He didn't want to wait and see if another cup showed up. The evening paper was already out by this time. Alyssa bought one and was shocked by how the police listed Bruno's death. She showed Evie the paper which stated the death was a mugging which ended badly. Alyssa didn't have the time in the LAPD that Evie did. However, both were on the same page. Alyssa was sure that Bruno's death wasn't a mugging which ended with him getting shot. Muggers didn't wear outfits to hide their features. After seeing the paper for himself. Tom decided he, Evie & Alyssa would take a more active role in this. He asked Evie & Alyssa to go back to their hotel and pick up their badges & guns. While they weren't police officers in New York. Tom wasn't going to sit back while someone picked off members of his family. The cause behind Gia's death wasn't known yet, but Tom didn't want to wait for a report. Someone needed to start looking into where these cups came from and who was sending them. Tom told Evie to meet him back at the restaurant. He wanted a better look at those two cups and the boxes and wrapping.

Evie was pretty much in the background for most of the day. But that was okay. It was natural that the family gravitated towards each other and looked to each other for support. She was there for Tom but Tom was busy looking after everyone else. She was introduced to Angelo but then she was back to making coffee and serving drinks as the non-alcoholic drifted into the alcoholic. Evie had no idea about Gia's heart condition but she was noticing the amount of wine that the woman was putting back. Her glass was rarely empty; it was rarely below a third full which made it difficult to keep track of exactly what you were drinking.

Evie wasn't convinced by the cup. At least she didn't believe in any kind of supernatural curse. From what she saw this morning, it was a hit and there was nothing to think that it was in any way connected to the arrival of some cup... unless of course the person who sent the cup was the same person who fired the gun... or arranged for the gun to be fired. She was starting to think about how easy it would be to ignite - or reignite that kind of paranoia if you were also planning on taking someone out. But why send the warning? Why not just take the person - or people - out. With the arrival of the second cup, Evie was thinking about a second hit... someone else who could get shot down. Guido seemed to be an obvious target; he obviously had businesses which might potentially be a little shady. But why send the warning. She didn't get the thing with the cup at all. Then she heard the scream, saw the commotion. She hurried over and through the family to find Gia on the floor. She worked with Tom to give CPR but things didn't look good. They did what they could and then watched her getting transferred into an ambulance before they all climbed into cars and cabs and headed to the hospital. Tom and Evie really weren't expecting a positive outcome but neither of them said anything. And neither of them were surprised when the doctor delivered the news.

The surprise came when Alyssa gave Evie a copy of the paper. Evie knew this was bullshit and it reeked of a cop who couldn't be bothered to do his damn job. Evie and Alyssa did as Tom asked and headed back to the hotel to pick up the tools of their trades and then met him back at the restaurant. When they walked in, Tom was sitting at one of the tables with both cups in front of him together with all of the packaging.

Evie may not understand why the cups were sent, but it was an old tradition which dated back many years. The cups were a symbol of revenge and anyone receiving the cups was marked for death. It maybe strange too Evie, but certain people got a sick pleasure from creating fear within their enemies. That's what these cups were meant for. To create fear within the Vendetti Family. It was working since some were now wondering who was next? Some were worried about finding a package with their names on it. The cups were only sent to the one who would die next. Guido hadn't received one, because he wasn't targeted yet. Vito Moratti had a list with every member of the Vendetti Family in New York for the wedding. This list now contained the names of Tom & Alyssa. If things continued, they would get cups addressed too them and they would also die. Not being a family member kept Evie's name off the list. However, Vito would make sure Evie was dealt with if she became trouble. Tom left the hospital with the family members who gathered there. Some went home, while Guido, Teresa, Angela & Grandma Fiorella returned to the restaurant with Tom. By this time, the place was empty. The hand full of workers who had been there had left for their homes. Tom gathered up the two cups, the boxes and plan brown wrapping that came with them. He laid everything out on a table and started going over each item. During the ride back to the restaurant, Tom told his grandmother that he & Evie, along with Alyssa would look into her suspicions. Tom was by now a believer that something wasn't right here.

Tom looked over both cups. Nothing seemed out of place. No special writing, or anything out of the normal. The cups were silver in color, possibly made from it, but Tom wasn't sure. A design of vineyards was engraved into both cups. They looked like perfect matches. The box was like anything you could buy from almost any place where boxes could be found. He never had any hopes of finger prints being lifted since so many people could have and most likely handled these items. Tom found no return address on the brown wrapping paper. It, like the boxes was of the type you could get almost anywhere. There was no delivery stamp on either of the wrapping papers. Tom couldn't remember seeing any delivery person when the second box arrived. Just the bartender Carmine who said the box had been dropped off. Tom was suspicious of Carmine, but his Uncle Guido seemed to think the man was okay. Carmine had worked for the Vendetti's for years. Tom looked up from hsi work when the front doors opened. Evie & Alyssa soon appeared. Under her right arm, Evie had Tom's .45 with his shoulder holster. She also brought his extra clips. Once Evie & Alyssa sat down, Tom began going over what he found and didn't find. Tom laid out a plan for what the three would be doing the following day. Evie & Tom would have a talk with Carmine about who brought these packages to the restaurant. They would then pay a visit to the police precinct which covered this area of the city. Tom told Alyssa that she was to track down where the cups were bought. He also wanted her to find out if they were really made from silver, or whether it was fake. The cups were metal, Tom was sure of that much. Tom suggested that Alyssa start with shops which sold such items. He remembered seeing a store a few blocks away which sold metal cups and plates. The rest of the evening passed without incident. Tom, Evie & Alyssa returned to their hotel for the night and once morning came. They were back up and ready. Alyssa borrowed Cousin Nico's car for her journey around the city. Tom & Evie headed for the restaurant to wait on Carmine.

Evie laid Tom's weapon and his badge together with the clips on the table next to where Tom was working. She wasn't entirely sure why Tom wanted them when the day was all but done and they weren't going anywhere with their unofficial investigation until tomorrow. The Desert Eagle was a big part of Tom's identity as a cop though; he was working to all intents and purposes and so it was only natural that he had the gun with him. It also gave them a little protection should anyone decide to pay the restaurant a visit that night. After putting his gun down on the table, Evie went to the bar and ordered a drink for them all. A couple of beers for Tom and Alyssa and red wine for her. She took the bottles to the table and told Tom she was going to call home - let them know what was happening. She was already imagining James' and Steve's comments about trouble following them wherever they went. She was starting to think maybe they had a point. No matter where!

She spent about twenty minutes at a table off in the corner calling her Dad and letting him know. She thought about calling her brothers but she figured her dad would act as a pretty good carrier pigeon. She returned to the table and sat down. After a few minutes Tom told her what they were going to do in the morning. She smiled and nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

Shortly after they headed back to the hotel after saying goodnight to the family members who were there. They said very little in the car, with Tom clearly deep in thought. Evie knew Tom well enough by now that he wasn't going to stop thinking about it... Trying to solve it and the fact this involved his family meant that that was even more likely.

The following morning at breakfast Tom outlined the plan again, making sure that Alyssa knew what she was doing. Evie suggested that maybe she could go see if she could find the source of the cups. Alyssa would then be with her dad rather than on her own in a strange City but she was content to gave Tom up whichever way he wanted to do things.

Evie made a good point and it was one Tom hadn't thought of. She did have more knowledge of the city then Alyssa did and it made sense that Evie track down where the cups came from. Tom was just so used too have Evie at his side during times like this. It was second nature to just say Evie would be with him. Tom changed his mind and asked Evie to track down the cups. She would also have to get the metal checked too see if it was real. Alyssa slid Evie the key's too Nico's car. She slyly told Evie that car would need some gas. Alyssa planned on hitting up her dad for some money, buy she didn't need to now. Evie could hit Tom up for some cash for gas now. After breakfast was over, Tom told Evie to be careful and keep in touch with ether him, or Alyssa. The threesome broke up and went their separate ways. Tom & Alyssa headed for the restaurant. It was early and Tom didn't expect anyone to be there. He got a key from Guido the night before. Tom also learned that Carmine always came in early to do extra work. Alyssa drove from the hotel to the restaurant. She parked the car before her & Tom went inside. Alyssa went into the kitchen to make some coffee. Tom sat down at the table he used last night. Not long after sitting down, Tom's cell phone went off. He pulled it out and looked too see James was calling. James had heard from Jack that Tom & Evie found trouble again. He wanted to know if there was anything Tom needed from the LA end? Tom said no, but he thanked James for the call and told him to just sit tight. If they needed anything, they'd let James know.

Alyssa returned with two mugs of coffee. She got a kick out of the family owning their own restaurant. It was a nice place to hang out and the food was great. Plus, there was always something to eat. Italians do love their food. Alyssa & her father talked while waiting for Carmine to arrive. Once he did arrive, Tom let him get started before moving from the table. Tom walked from the table to the bar, Alyssa followed just behind and a little to her father's right side. " I'd like a word with you Carmine. " Tom said upon reaching the bar. Carmine had his back turned towards the restaurant. He wasn't expecting anyone to be here at this time. Carmine slowly turned too see Tom standing there. The shock on Carmine's face was easy too see. It almost made Alyssa laugh. Tom wasted no time, he started asking his questions. He asked Carmine which delivery service dropped off those boxes the cups came in? Carmine said he couldn't remember. Tom asked if the person who delivered the boxes was a man or woman? Carmine again said he couldn't remember. It sure seemed like Carmine wasn't going to be any help. This only made Tom suspect the man even more. Tom leaned on the bar while he asked what color uniform the delivery person wore? Carmine said he couldn't remember before saying it was light brown. Alyssa shook her head while letting out a sigh. She moved in closer to the bar. " You're just a well of information Carmine.......But I think you can do better then light brown. " Alyssa's words brought a long glare from Carmine. He didn't like how this little skirt was talking too him. Tom reached over and grabbed Carmine by his shirt. Carmine soon found himself pulled almost acrossed the bar. " You better watch where you put those eyes Carmine!........My family is important too me and anyone messing with them is gonna get hurt! " Tom growled out his warning. He then asked Carmine again about the uniform color. Carmine said it was a tan uniform. " If I find out you're part of whoever is behind what's been happening to my family........I'll introduce you to a whole new world of pain. " Tom again growled out while Alyssa stood there smirking.

Tom let Carmine go. He just stared a hole straight through Carmine. Tom slowly headed for the door followed by Alyssa. They exited the restaurant, going to the car. Tom asked Alyssa to call Evie. He wanted Evie to check on delivery services which have people who wear tan uniforms. Tom told Alyssa he was sure Carmine was lying, but it needed checked out. Evie would be checking too see if any deliveries were made to the Vendetti restaurant in the last few days. Alyssa made the call while Tom drove the car. She added in a warning for Evie not to trust Carmine. Alyssa said her father felt Carmine was apart of everything that was happening. Carmine waited until he was sure Tom was gone. He quickly picked up the phone and called Vito Moratti. Carmine told his real boss that Tom Reed was getting involved with the case. Vito told Carmine to take it easy. He would make sure Tom Reed was taken care of. Vito hung up the phone. He told his brother Carlo that Tom Reed was quickly becoming a major pain. They would need to take care of him and soon.

It had been a long time since Evie was in the City. As she drove through the heavy traffic, there was something almost nostalgic about being back. The smell. The noise. The heat. Despite the fact that it have never been any kind of home there was something really familiar about the place. But she wasn't on vacation. She needed to try and find where one might pick up silver cups or goblets. There were a couple of streets she remembered which were too far from Little Italy where there were a range of antique stores and bric-a-brac places; places where maybe this kind of thing would be found. She was either very lucky or her memory was good

It was the second street she walked along when she came across a pretty shoddy looking store set back a little. It was run down and the paintwork outside was long in need of a refresh. The windows were dirty and the display hadn't been changed for a while; part of it were bleached by the sun. At the back of the display there was a dark blue box with the blue velvet inlay. The box held 6 silver cups, except there were on two remaining. There were four empty indentations where the other cups had been. Evie peered into the window. She could just about make out the pattern on outside. It looked pretty similar. She headed inside. There was a vague smell of dame and mothballs about the place and there was dust everywhere. This was definitely not somewhere that most people would come looking for antiques or gifts. She walked up to the counter. There was an old man behind it who was sorting out old coins in a large box. The man looked like he was in his 70s, white haired, half moon steel rimmed glasses. He looked up as she approached. She asked about the cups in the window. He fetched the box. From what Evie could see they were exactly the same as the two that had been delivered to date to the restaurant. Were there two more to come?

"What happened to the other four?"

"They were bought last week. I was very reluctant to split the set up but the buyer paid me a lot of money, much more than they were worth."

"Do you know who bought them?" Evie saw the questioning look in the old man's eyes. "Well, if I buy these then I will want to try and reunite them with their mates. That's how it should be don't you think?" The man looked at her for a moment. He was trying to work out why all of sudden there was a demand for six silver plated cups which really weren't that valuable. Or maybe he had made a mistake. Maybe he'd got it wrong. Could they have been real silver. He looked down to the remaining cups and picked one of them up. They weren't heavy enough to be real. He hadn't made a mistake.

"So... would you know who bought the other four?" she reached into her pocket and pulled out a fold of bills. The man looked at what was in her hand. Thought about it for a moment. What did it matter.

'I know him."

"How much... for these two?"

"Fifty bucks." Evie struggled not to laugh. She imagined that one of them probably wasn't much more than $10 in terms of value. He took the lid of the box off the bottom of it and secured it up, putting it into a large bag. Evie peeled off five $10 notes.

"And the name and address of the other buyer?" She counted out another $50. The man watched her, hesitated for a moment and then turned and went to a small box by the cash register. He flicked through some small cards and then pulled one out. He walked back over to her, looked at the card for a moment and then handed it to her.

Evie stepped out of the store and started to head back to the car. She climbed in and placed the box on the passenger seat and then looked at the card. The name meant nothing to her. A. Tessio. As she sat there, her phone range .It was Alyssa. Evie thought she sounded quite excited but guessed she was just enjoying working as her Dad's partner. She wondered to herself for a moment when it might be that Tom decided to have her transferred to the MCU. She listened to what Alyssa said about the delivery service and agreed to check it out. She told Alyssa about the cups and gave her the name and address of the buyer which seemed to excite her all the more. She said her and her Dad would check it out. Then she ended the call.

Evie sat in the car for a moment trying to decide where was the best place to go to find out about delivery services. Wall St maybe. No. 5th Avenue. Trump tower? Then another idea. She climbed out of the car and found a coffee bar not too far from Bryant Park at the back of the Public Library. She bought a coffee, headed into the park, set herself down and pulled out the phone. Using her phone she called up a list of delivery services in Manhatten. She figured she could work through each website and find those which have a tan livery. It took her 10 minutes to find it. Apple deliveries. She took note of the number and called them.

"Good afternoon. I'm really hoping you can help me otherwise my boss is going to fire me." Evie effected a panic stricken voice. "He used your company to have two deliveries made to a restaurant owned by a friend of his." Evie gave the woman on the other end the address of the restaurant and explained that she needed to confirm the time the deliveries were made. The woman sounded concerned and seemed to want to help. Evie gave her the name of her boss as Tessio and the woman went to check.

"I'm sorry my dear. I wish I could help you but I think you have the wrong company. We haven't made any deliveries to that address. Ever. And we don't have any details of a sender by that name."

"Your sure?" The woman confirmed it and Evie ended the call. It looked like Tom and Alyssa had been given some duff information. Evie called Alyssa again and told her who the company was but that no deliveries had been made by them to the restaurant. Then she waited to be told what her next errand was to be. That seemed to be her role at the moment, but she guessed that was okay. It made Alyssa happy for sure to be working as her dad's partner and to all intents and purposes working as a member of the MCU.

Tom & Alyssa exited from the car once it was parked outside the police station. The 5th Precinct severed as the local station for the little Italy area of New York. The station was located on Elizabeth Street, not far from Chinatown. It was an older looking building. One which had been used by the NYPD for years. Nothing like how the Central Station back home looked. Tom & Alyssa walked up six steps before reached the main double doors. Two officers were leaving the building and one held the door so Tom & Alyssa could go inside. Once inside, they moved through another set of doors. Tom & Alyssa stood inside the police station now. Dozens of people were moving about inside. Police Officers moving suspects around. People standing around talking. Others reporting crimes, or the possibility of one happening. A long counter stood before Tom & Alyssa. 13 officers of verging ranks from patrol to sergeant waited on people. Tom looked around taking in the place. It didn't seem so bad. This place had a certain charm. Tom even said so too his daughter. " This ain't LA. " Alyssa said showing how unimpressed she was. Too Alyssa, New York reminded her of Chicago. Reminded her of those days living on the streets. Trying to avoid the cops, street gangs and sickos. The two cities looked a lot alike. Los Angeles looked nothing like ether New York, or Chicago. LA was bright and shiny. Everything seemed new even if it was old.

Tom looked up the counter until he found a sergeant drinking coffee, eating donuts and writing in a file. He moved towards this man while Alyssa stayed on her father's right. Tom approached the sergeant who didn't even flinch. After standing there for a few moments, Tom cleared his throat. This did not to attack the sergeants attention. " Sergeant?......I would like too see someone involved with the Vendetti case? " Tom asked in a polite manner and still he got nothing. Alyssa tilted her head wondering if perhaps this man was deaf? It was either that, or he was incredibly rude. By now, Tom was leaning on the counter. He could see the sergeant making notes on a file. Tom pulled his badge & ID from his coat and tossed it down on the file. " I'm Lieutenant Tom Reed of the Los Angeles Police Department...........I would like to speak with someone involved with the Vendetti case. " Tom's voice wasn't so polite anymore. It was showing his displeasure at the lack of attention. The desk sergeant looked at the badge. Looked up at Tom and over too Alyssa who was showing her badge as well. The desk sergeant told them to go around the far corner at the left. He said for them to head up to the second floor. Detective Luca could be found working in homicide. Tom picked up his badge and left after thanking the sergeant.

Tom & Alyssa walked up to the second floor, looked around until they found Homicide. They entered the squad room which was busy with activity. Three rows of desks facing away from the door. Tom sent Alyssa down one aisle while he took the other. It wasn't long before Tom found Detective Sergeant Luca sitting at his desk. Tom waved for Alyssa to join him. He then pulled out his badge while identifying himself. For the next 10 minutes, Tom & Luca talked. Tom spoke of his feelings on the case and how he felt Bruno's murder was pushed under the carpet. Luca understood Tom's concerns and said how whole mugging story was planted in the papers. It was Luca's hope that the killer would get sloppy if he thought the cops weren't looking into the case. The conversation went on while Alyssa hovered around the desk. During a point when Luca's attention was drawn away. Alyssa managed to sneak a peak at Bruno's case file which was sitting off to the side. She got a long enough look to catch the name Vito Moratti. Alyssa was able to look innocent when Luca turned towards her. Tom thanked Luca for his help. As Tom & Alyssa walked away. Luca was left to wonder if they planned on getting involved with his case?

Tom & Alyssa left the homicide squad room and headed down stairs. She told her father the name which she picked up from the file. It wasn't one which Tom knew of and he didn't think the NYPD would be helpful with information. There would be a need for a call home. James could run Vito Moratti's name through the computer back there and get any information needed. Just after leaving the station, Alyssa's cell phone went off. She told Tom it was Evie before answering it. Alyssa listened too what Evie said. It wasn't a big surprise that Carmine lied through his teeth. Tom asked for Evie to meet them back at the restaurant. He told her to wait outside for them. Tom couldn't be sure if Carmine would still be hanging around after telling the lie. Something inside Tom said they would find Carmine long gone. He wouldn't be staying gone unless he left the city. Tom are planned on tracking him down. Tom warned Evie not to take any chances. He said if trouble started, she should shoot first and ask questions later.

Evie acknowledged the instruction Alyssa gave her and then listened as she repeated what her 'partner' said. Evie smiled to herself and said she'd wait in the car outside. She tossed her empty coffee cup in a near by trash can and then picked up another on her way back to the car. It took only 15 minutes for her to get back to the restaurant. The place seemed quiet. She settled back in her seat to wait from Tom and Alyssa get back. Alyssa hadn't felt it necessary to tell Evie what they'd found out or even that they'd been to see the detective Evie had spoken to the day before.

She didn't know how long It would take for Tom and Alyssa to get back from wherever they were. While she was waiting she gave Steve a call. They chatted for about 10 minutes as Evie updated him on what had been happening. She joked that when she got back she might need him to give her a job as Tom had gotten himself a new partner. He suggested he could certainly try her out...put her on probation for a few months. Narcotics was no glamorous walk in the park like the MCU. They finished by telling each other to be careful, and then Evie sat with the noise of the city as background music whilst she finished her coffee and waited for Tom and Alyssa.

Tom pulled into the parking lot right beside where Evie was parked. He jumped from the car and walked around to greet Evie. The reason why Alyssa didn't fill Evie in was that Tom wanted to do so face to face. Tom said they could talk inside once they checked for Carmine. They walked towards the front doors of the restaurant. Tom used his key to unlock the doors. Alyssa held the door open while Tom & Evie went inside with guns drawn. Once they were inside, Alyssa followed, stopping long enough to close & lock the doors. With the doors now locked, Tom, Evie & Alyssa started to sweep through the restaurant. Every inch was checked for Carmine. All the restrooms, the kitchen, storage rooms, coat area, coolers, freezers, even under the tables. Carmine left the restaurant. Tom sent Alyssa to Guido's office inside the restaurant to look for an address on Carmine. Tom & Evie sat down to go over what had been found out. Tom was sure he knew the name A. Tessio from somewhere. He just wasn't sure from where. Tom spoke of how sure he was Carmine had lied. The lead needed to be followed up anyhow. Tom said how he paid a visit to the 5th Precinct. Home of one Detective Sergeant Phil Luca. Tom said Luca explained the mugging story in the paper was a plant. It was placed there by the police in the hopes the shooter would get careless.

Tom pulled a pen from his coat. He grabbed a napkin and wrote down the name Vito Moratti. Tom slipped the napkin over too Evie. He spoke of keeping Luca busy while Alyssa sneaked a peak at the NYPD file on Bruno's death. Tom said the name Vito Moratti appeared at the top of the list of suspects. He spoke of how it was doubtful the NYPD would help with any information on Moratti, unless Evie had an old friend within the New York Police Department? If she didn't, they would just call James to run the background on Vito. Ether way, Tom & Evie would be able to track down Mr. Moratti soon enough. Tom's attention was drawn towards the front doors when someone pounded on it. He slowly rose up and pulled his pistol. Tom motioned for Evie to take up a spot near the door. He grabbed the keys which Alyssa laid on the bar before she went into the office. Tom eased over towards the door, took a quick look, but didn't see anyone. He unlocked the doors and opened one. Tom popped his head out, but again no one was nearby. There was however, a package wrapped in brown paper laying there. Tom reached down and picked the box up. He relocked the doors before joining Evie back at the table. Tom set the box down. He pointed at the name on the box. The box was addressed too Tom Reed. Tom slowly unwrapped the box and opened it. He reached in and pulled out his own Borgia Cup. " One more and we'll have the set. " Tom said jokingly, but he was sure Evie wouldn't care for his attempt at humor at this time.

Evie climbed out of the car when she saw Tom pull in next to her. He told her the basics about Carmine and said he wanted to go in hot and make sure that the guy wasn't anywhere inside before they sat down and laid everything out. Evie nodded silently and took the glock out of its holster. Then she followed Tom into the building. They made a clean sweep, weeks and months of training at the Academy checking that one mocked up building after another was clear; getting shot repeatedly with paint pellets because you missed something, missing somewhere, drilled into every cop that if you got this wrong, good cops could finish up dead. Every room. Every store cupboard.

When the two of them then sat down, Evie listened to what Tom had found out. She was a little surprised by the tactics of the NYPD but then didn't really think any more about it. Tom and Alyssa had gotten the name of the prime suspect. Evie said that she didn't know anyway in the NYPD; she managed to get through college without making their acquaintance and of course it had been the New Jersey police - principally in the form of Danny Williams - that she had spent some time with. Not that anyone - including Danny Williams as it had turned out - would remember that and there was absolutely no reason for them to. So Evie called James and gave him the name they had. Asked for anything he could dig up on the guy. As she finished the call, the banging on the front door drew both of their attentions. She did what Tom asked and took up a point position, weapon drawn and aimed squarely at the door. Only when Tom began to reach down did she relax a little, letting the muzzle of block drop a little as he picked it up. When Tom had closed and relocked the door, she put the block away.

They stood at the table. Tom carefully unwrapped the box, with Evie watching but both of them knew what was going to be inside. It was exactly the same as the previous two. Evie didn't find Tom's comment funny.

"So... you're the next target!" She took a deep breath and shook her head a little in disbelief.

Tom was next on the list. He guessed that Carmine was reason why his name came up. " When you start asking questions......It makes people nervous. " Tom replied to Evie's response of his name on the box. He spoke of how Carmine must have called his boss after they left. That phone call pushed Tom up to being next. Tom had 24 hours to live and the clock was ticking. " Since I'm next.......We know who the target is......They'll be coming after me......They may even be watching right now. " Tom said before Alyssa came back carrying a piece of paper. She handed the paper over to Evie saying that was the address on Carmine's work application. Alyssa then noticed the new box and cup. She reached down picking up the brown wrapping paper. Alyssa's eyes went wide after seeing her father's name on the paper. Tom assured his daughter that everything would be fine. He could still see the worry in her eyes. Tom told Alyssa to hang around the restaurant for now. He decided it was best to have someone here for when the family started showing up. Guido would be arriving soon. So would some of the others. Tom said he and Evie would go check out Carmine's address. Hopefully by then, James would have some information on this Vito Moratti.

Before heading out, Tom reminded Alyssa to be careful. He told her to keep the place locked up and to keep in touch. Tom & Evie left after Alyssa unlocked the front doors. Those same doors were relocked once Tom & Evie were outside. Tom stood out front for a moment looking up and down the street. His stances was that of a man almost daring someone to strike. Tom could see a number of cars parked along the street on both sides. It was hard to pick up anyone which seemed suspicious. Tom & Evie moved towards their car. He would let her drive since she had a better idea of where things were in this city. The building listed as Carmine's current living address, was an old hotel converted into small apartments. It was one of those very old buildings still standing and in use. Although, it's appearance would scream out that the place should have been knocked down many years ago. Tom kept watch on their tail as Evie drove. There was no clear sign that anyone was following them. However, it was hard to tell in a city where the streets were often filled with cars.

Evie said nothing in response to Tom's comments about whoever it was coming after him and about them maybe watching them at that moment. She even ignored Tom assuring Alyssa that everything would be okay, which of course he couldn't possibly know. He was making promises that he had no idea about. Evie said nothing because there was no point. Any concerns she might have had would have been dismissed just as Alyssa's had. She had no choice but to follow him and try and make sure that any attempt on his life came to nothing.

Evie thought she had a vague idea about where Carmine's address was. Somewhere north of Central Park. She drove steadily through the traffic, up one avenue and across one street. It took a little over 30 minutes to find the old hotel. Evie couldn't help thinking that it looked pretty similar to the store where she'd found the cups. Years since the outside had seen a fresh coat of paint. Dirty windows. Evie followed Tom up the steps and into the lobby.

Since Carmine's room number was on the paper Alyssa handed too Evie. There was no need to stop and ask anyone. Tom & Evie went straight upstairs to the third floor. They went down the hall until number 307 came into view. Tom leaned closer to the door for a listen. Inside, he could hear someone moving around. It sounded like someone was moving around very quickly. Almost like that someone was gathering their things. Tom gave Evie a nod of his head. He then moved to stand acrossed from the door. Evie had seen him do this many times. Tom was going to use his famous lock pick move. It was certainly the quickest way Tom knew for opening a door. Tom pulled his pistol before getting ready. He started moving forward. As Tom did, his right foot raised up and there was an impact. There was a sound of splitting wood as the door flew open inwards. As usual, Tom waited for Evie to move inside. He then followed hot on her heals. Half laying on the bed and half sitting. Carmine could be seen. The bed was right acrossed from the doorway. His eyes looked as big as saucers. The shock he was feeling was easily read on his face. " You've been a bad boy Carmine.......It doesn't pay to lie too me. " Tom said as he moved closer. He pressed the barrel of his gun at Carmine's forehead.

Tom spoke of being a man of great patience. However, he added that his patience had a limit and that limit was already reached. Using his thumb, Tom slowly pulled back the hammer of his pistol. Once it cocked into place, Carmine who had already closed his eyes, jumped a little. " Now I know you really want to tell me the truth. " Tom said while Carmine started to sweat. His heart was racing as Tom asked if Vito Moratti was the man behind everything that was happening to the Vendetti Family. Carmine admitted that he was. He said Vito was the boss. Carmine then spoke of Carlo Moratti being part of it as well. He told how Carlo was Vito's younger brother. Tom then asked who Tessio was? Carmine went silent. His mind was working on whether or not to say what he knew. Tom gave Carmine a last warning to come clean, or things were going to get messy. Carmine then said that Tessio wasn't the man's real name. He said it was his mother's maiden name. Carmine said Tessio was really Moratti, Angelo Moratti. Tom looked at Evie giving her that where have I heard that name before look.

Evie had seen Tom use his university lock pick a hundred times before. She wasn't a great fan of it at times preferring a more subtle approach - but there were times when subtly was not necessarily appropriate. Maybe this one could have gone either way. It probably wasn't absolutely necessary at this moment, but Carmine had clearly pissed Tom off and this was family. She wasn't going to question Tom's approach in this instance. So she stood at the wall at the side of the door and waited and then as soon as the wooden frame shattered and splintered and cracked, she moved quickly and smoothly in a well-practiced manner. She knew Tom was behind her. As soon as she was through the door; within the fraction of a second that it took her to pick up where the suspect was and aim her weapon directly at him; she moved to the left opening up Tom's view so that he could also pick out exactly where Carmine was within a similar fraction. Evie held her ground and kept the block trained directly on Carmine whilst Tom approached him.

It took almost no time... a little more than a few fractions of seconds... for Carmine to decide to respond to Tom's questions. It took a little longer for his brain to get into gear and form the words which he then spoken, but there was no question that Carmine had decided to cooperate. When he gave them the name of Angelo Moratti, Tom turned to her. She shrugged and stared back at him. She shook her head. The name meant nothing to her at all. Her mind raced through the various people she had met but there was no Angelo.

The name Angelo Tessio was vaguely familiar too Tom. It was one of things which you should remember, but for some reason, you just can't. With no answer coming, Tom decided to return his attention too Carmine. Tom asked who Angelo was and what was his connection with the Vendetti Family. Carmine spoke of Angelo being Vito's son. He then told how Vito planned on using Angelo in his plot of revenge. Carmine laid out how Angelo, along with himself were the inside men. He told how Angelo using the last name Tessio, met Gina Vendetti in culinary school. She went there to learn more about cooking. It was a main part of the family business after all. Carmine said how Angelo worked his way into Gina's life. In time, they started talking about marriage. Carmine spoke of it being apart of Vito's plan. He then told how Angelo overdosed Gia with her medication. Since she was drinking so much wine. It was easy for Angelo to slip a few crushed pills into her drink. The overdose of medication, along with the wine, helped push Gia too her death. Once Carmine spoke of Gina, Tom now knew why the last name Tessio was familiar. Tom & Evie met Angelo perhaps an hour before Aunt Gia took ill. It was all starting to come together.

Tom decided to put Carmine on ice. He would need to speak with the New York Police. Tom punched the big man in the face. The punch was a surprise move and knocked Carmine out. Tom & Evie, using Carmine's clothing. Tied him up and gagged him before stashing Carmine in his closet. Tom placed a call too Sergeant Luca, telling him where Carmine could be found. He spoke of Carmine being very important too Luca's case. Before Luca could say anything, Tom ended the call. Just then James called Evie's cell. He told Evie that Vito Moratti was a small time hood. Vito owned a bar which he ran a gambling operations from. Current records showed Vito to be a loan shark. This meant he had muscle already working for him. After having a long look into Vito's past. James said Vito could have been a big mob boss if the Vendetti Family hadn't muscled his own family out of the business. James added that Vito owned a bar not far from the Vendetti restaurant. He said it was called Vito's Little Roma.

While Evie was busy taking with James, Tom was trying to reach Gina. He got no answer on her phone. Tom then tried Guido whom he was able to speak with. He asked his uncle where Gina was? Guido said he didn't know. He assumed she would be with Angelo, or out doing some shopping for the wedding. Tom told his uncle that Carmine & Angelo were apart of the attacks on the family. This was hard for Guido to believe, and if it was anyone else telling him this, Guido wouldn't believe it. Tom told his uncle to call the family and tell them to stay where ever they were. He then asked if Alyssa was still watching over the restaurant? Guido replied like a hawk. Tom ended the call with his uncle before calling Alyssa and filling her in. He told Alyssa that Angelo wasn't who he seemed to be. Tom then asked if she knew where Gina was? Alyssa said Gina & Angelo were going for a drive today. Tom told Alyssa to stay alert. He slipped his phone into his coat. By this time, Evie was done speaking with James. Tom said they should go before the NYPD arrived. He spoke of them paying Vito a visit at his bar.

Currently, Vito put his plan into high gear. Since Carmine's first encounter with Tom Reed. Vito decided not only would the LA cop die today, so would as many Vendetti as possible. Angelo had Gina and he was already waiting in central park. This part of the plan would use Gina as bait to bring Guido to the park. There, Guido & Gina would die. Vito's goons were waiting just down the street from the building Carmine's apartment was in. They were told to gun the LA cop down in a drive by. Vito said the other cop could live, but if she happened to get in the way. Oh well. One less cop to worry about. Vito's two men watched the building closely. Once they spotted Tom, they would move.

Evie talked - or rather listened - to James and she and Tom walked back out to the car. She took note of what he was saying about Vito and then they had a brief exchange about how they really could never go anywhere without causing trouble. Evie argued that they had exactly done anything to 'cause' this and in truth they had simply walked into the middle of it. There was no way they could simply pack their bags and come home. At the same time Tom was using his own phone as he pulled out of the parking spot to try and find Gina. When finally he had the information he needed and had spoken to Alyssa, the two of them exchanged the information they had. Tom was talking as they walked back from Carmine's apartment to where they had left the car. They came down the steps out the front of the building and turned left heading along the relatively quiet sidewalk. Evie was looking forward, listening to Tom, thinking about what how it was all starting to come together and watching where they were going. Something in her subconscious caught sight of something familiar. It raised an alarm deep in her brain and her conscious head was suddenly looking for the danger. It took maybe a second for her to see the SUV. The black SUV with the tinted windows. The same SUV she had seen when she had climbed out of Guido's limo. She was conscious of the rear nearside window sliding down just a little and this time it took a fraction of a second for her to recognise the muzzle of a semi-automatic. It looked like a Tec-9. She didn't wait to take a second look. She called out and at the same time turned and pushed... she threw herself into the side of Tom taking them both down just as she heard the hail of bullets beginning to rip into the wooden frames and the windows of the building they were walking past. Showers of splinters of wood and glass tumbled down on them, but both of them stayed down until the noise stopped. When it did there was silence for what seemed like a long time. In fact it was only a few seconds. Tom was up quickly. He drew his own weapon and pointed it in the direction the SUV had disappeared but by this time it was long gone. Evie got up and brushed the debris from her shoulders and hair and she pointed out the arrival of the NYPD. Tom didn't seem particularly interested in the NYPD. Now he wanted Vito and the bar was pretty much the only place he wanted to be. He headed for the car at a much quicker pace now, with Evie a pace behind.

Neither of them said anything in the car other than to give or acknowledge directions. Tom kept his foot down, weaving smoothly between the traffic and for the most part the lights all went in his favour. It took 15 minutes to find the place, with Tom bringing the car to a screeching halt just outside. Unfortunately there was no sign of life. Nothing. The building was locked. There were no lights visible, even at the rear of the building. Vito wasn't here.

Tom was very grateful Evie had been there. He wouldn't have spotted the black suv until it was too late. Evie saved his life and Tom would make sure she understood how grateful he was. Perhaps, Tom would set up something extra special for Evie once they got home? A very special party with some close friends and maybe more. Tom was sure Evie would love that. She was always up for a gathering of their very close friends. Tom enjoyed sharing Evie with people like McWilliams and Kim. He took great pleasure in watching her with others. It really had become a major turn on for Tom. But, before any fun could happen at home, they needed to finish busy in New York. It was quite clear now that the wedding which brought tom, Evie & Alyssa to the East Coast was a sham. It had been a ploy to gather as many family members of the Vendetti clan as possible. There would be no wedding, but these killings needed to stop. Tom was disgusted when the bar seemed to be closed. He looked through the front window at the dark bar. It was then he noticed a light on in the kitchen and what looked like a shadow move. Tom told Evie what he saw, then he said they should have a look around behind the bar.

Tom & Evie walked down the street a short ways until they reached the alley. They looked around before moving down the alley. There was another alley running from the alley Tom & Evie were on, to another one down the street. As Tom & Evie reached the cross alley, they spotted the same black suv which took a shot at Tom not long ago. Tom pulled his pistol while saying they should drop in for a drink. After all, it would be rude for them just to leave without saying hello. Tom & Evie moved quickly and carefully down the alley. After reaching the suv, Tom checked it's hood. He nodded too Evie after feeling the heat. This was the same suv which they just saw. Tom pointed towards the rear door. He & Evie moved over to it and took up positions on ether side of the door. Tom tried the handle and found it was unlocked. No spoken words were needed. Both Tom & Evie knew what to do and knew what the other would do. Tom slowly turned the handle before easing the door open. Two male voices could be heard inside the kitchen area. One was speaking of how that damn bitch spoiled his shot. He was cursing Evie for getting in the way. The other man asked how they were going to kill the cop now? He said Vito wouldn't be happy about the fuck up. Tom & Evie eased into the building. They could hear everything the two men were saying. Tom motioned to Evie for her to go around the kitchen and cut off the way into the bar. Tom would take the doorway into the kitchen from this point. He waited for Evie to move into her new position. Tom then popped into the open entrance way to the kitchen. " Let's see your hands! " Tom spoke out loud as he pointed his pistol. The man nearest the doorway leading to the bar made a turn as if he was going to escape. He had no idea a surpise was ready to stop him.

Evie never thought about saving Tom' life. She just did what she did. He would have done the same had the position been reversed. Had she realised what he was thinking she would have told him to forget it; how many times had he saved her ass. Once in return was nothing. Had she known what he was thinking about by way of a reward she wouldn't have been quite so quick to tell him to forget that.

Evie was half turned away with no sign of life in the building. She was already moving on when she saw it. Behind her Tom had seen it to. When she turned around to tell him he was already looking at it. She watched him pull the pistol and followed suit. Backing his play as they checked out the SUV first and then moved to the rear door of the building. She watched him open it, silently paying that the hinges were well oiled. There was no squeak or squeal. Evie couldn't help but smile as she heard herself being talked about. She moved as Tom directed talking up a position to block the swing door to the bar. The two men who were talking were entirely predictable. As soon as Tom stepped out and told them to show their hands, the man closest to her, the one who had been cursing her for getting in the way turned, took a step, saw her, and froze.

"Sorry. I guess I'm getting in the way again. How about you do what the man says."

"How about I put my hands around your fucking neck bitch."

"Now that's not very nice is it Tom. And everyone told us how friendly New Yorkers were."

"I can show you friendly."

"You're not very original. Why don't you shut up and listen to the man over there. Answer his questions and I'll be friendly.. Maybe not shoot you." She lowered the aim of her gun just a little pointing it straight at the man's crotch. She smiled as she saw him visibly tense a little. "Now that's better isn't it?"

In all honesty, the man would rather be shot somewhere else. He was soon filled with the thought that perhaps this female cop wasn't kidding. There was something in her eye which said not to test her. The man suddenly grew more willing to do whatever Evie wanted. It's funny how quickly a man's big mouth can be shut while facing a woman with a gun pointed at his manhood. Tom moved the other man against the far wall. He then grabbed the man facing Evie around the collar and moved him to the same wall. Tom told both men to place their hands on the wall and spread their legs. Evie then covered while Tom checked the first man for weapons. A 9mm Beretta was found and placed on top of the refrigerator. Tom then moved back taking a covering position while Evie searched the other man. He growled and snarled out some curses while Evie searched him. The man questioned if there was a law against females searching men. Tom just rolled his eyes at the exchange between Evie and this man. Evie found a snub nosed .38 inside the man's jacket pocket. It was placed on the refrigerator along with the 9mm. Both Evie & Tom were sure this was the weapon which murdered Bruno. They had been cops long enough to know what .38 bullet holes looked like.

Once both men were searched, Tom started questioning the suspects. Tom had a feeling that if the NYPD suspected Vito Moratti in Bruno's murder, they wouldn't be too far behind. Tom was to get that Vito and his brother Carlo went to Central Park. The plan was for Angelo to take Gina there before calling Guido. Being the head of the Vendetti Family. Guido was a main target. He & Gina would be gunned down in the park. Vito, Carlo and Angelo would then hit the remaining family members later at the restaurant. Tom had the two men sit on the floor back to back. He found some rope and started securing the men together. Tom asked Evie to bring the car around back. He tossed her the keys before she left. Not long after Evie left, Tom could hear the sounds of approaching police sirens. " Now you boys just hang out here. " Tom said while patting one man on his shoulder. He looked towards the door after hearing a car horn. This was Evie's signal that she was out back. Tom quickly left the bar and jumped into the car. Evie said she knew a few shortcuts which would get them to Central Park quickly. As Evie pulled out and drove away. Police units pulled up and behind the bar. Tom placed a call to Alyssa back at the restaurant. He filled her in what was happening. Alyssa said a few more family members had shown up. Tom asked if Guido was still there? Alyssa replied he was the last time she looked. Tom asked her to make sure. Alyssa checked around, but couldn't find Guido anywhere. She asked a few kitchen workers who said Guido left out the back door after getting a phone call. Alyssa explained this to Tom. He told her to stay put and keep an eye on the family. Tom said he & Evie were heading for Central Park. " Guido left the restaurant after getting a phone call........We're gonna need those shortcuts. " Tom said to Evie while slipping his phone back into his coat.

Evie followed Tom's lead. She kept her weapon trained on both men as Tom searched the first and then they swapped around. When the second guy complained at Evie's search, she threw a glance back over her shoulder at Tom and shook her head a little, smirking.

"And here most guys are usually happy to have a woman's hands on them. From what I can tell though, this seems to be the only weapon you have worth finding." She pulled out the .38, stepped back and looked at it. She showed it to Tom before putting it on the refrigerator and they exchanged a knowing look. After they spent a few minutes getting the two guys securing, Evie caught the keys and went to fetch the car. She pulled up outside and honked the horn and as she waited she tried to picture in her minds eye the best way to get from where they were to Central Park. Central Park went from 59th street to 110th street. She wanted to avoid Columbus Circle if she could; from what she could remember it was always pretty chaotic there and when she had driven their this morning with Guido it didn't look any better. For a brief moment, her mind lingered on being with Guido. She pushed the image from her mind and concentrated.

Problem was Central Park was a damn big space. No-one had said anything about where in Central Park. Was there someone special that Angelo took Gina? Was this a one off? Was it a family place and could she assume that where Guido had taken her earlier would be the same space. She decided to go with the last option. It was after all the only place she knew for sure. They had run around part of the lake between Terrace Drive and the 79th street traverse. She decided to head for the Bethesda Fountain and taking into account the one-way streets, she worked out her route. Up 6th Avenue. Onto Centre Drive. That merged into East Drive and then East Drive onto Terrace Drive. That would take them to the Fountain. As soon as Tom got in the car, Evie pulled away heading straight for where she wanted to go hoping it would get them there soon enough.