Chapter Text
The bar was full as always, Henry sat in his usual spot, Hat covering the seat next to him for his boss. He sighed into his whiskey. He hated this job, but he owed Al, so the best he could do was be compliant and Silent about his disdain. Al moved past a couple Dancing and moved Henry’s hat, placing it Atop Henry's head.
“Good Evening Henry my friend~!” Al greeted, his voice as chipper as ever, if not more so due to his plans.
“You called. I’m here. What’s the job.” Henry growled.
“Always straight to the point! Can’t we just chat friend? For a little?” Al laughed softly. This was clearly not a request, and though Henry wasn’t in the mood for idle chit chat, he huffed into his drink. Al had a reason behind his Insistence of chatting. Someone was listening. “The weather was lovely today! Hear any birds today?”
“No. I was too busy minding my business.” Henry huffed, “Though I suppose it was a bright day.” He looked into his glass, spotting the listener. A man with slicked back black hair, not hiding his obvious listening, One eye was brown while the other was blue Henry noted. “You heard from that little maid? What was her name again?”
“Marian!” Al let out a soft laugh, “Such a peculiar lady she is! She was talking about bad boys as she does, ever since her husband went missing-”
“She ever thank you for that?” Henry Asked, sipping his whiskey.
“She has indeed! Many times!” Al chuckled softly, “She’s even gifted me with many Roach crowns as a “reward for my bravery”” Henry huffed in soft amusement, Marian was a peculiar lady, and set his glass down.
“Well. She was beaten by him daily. You are brave in her eyes.” Henry leaned back a bit. “Now.. Should we go to one of the poker rooms?” This was code for finding somewhere more private to discuss the details of the deal.
“A round or two of poker sounds lovely!” Al moved, straightening his petticoat. The listener seemed to look at a Man with a shaved head, Heart glasses adorning his face, who nodded in turn. A shorter girl hopped down from her seat, moving to go get a Shirley Temple. It was clear she was underage by the X clearly marked on her hand. She seemed to be more preoccupied with her nails than the conversation, but this did nothing to stop the bristling of the hairs on Henry’s neck. These listeners were Bold. Henry got up and started to walk towards one of the poker rooms, Al following closely behind. He noted the Man with a shaved head getting up and following, not so subtly, and moved to go past the poker rooms. He slipped out the back door, where Al’s Car was waiting. A lovely red 1957 Ford Thunderbird, A relatively new and expensive car. It suited Al’s taste, expensive and classy, while still not flashy. Al moved and quickly slid into the front seat, Henry slipping into the Passenger Seat Beside him, and started the car. Henry watched as the group of three got out the door right as they sped off.
“So. You’re being tailed?”
“I noticed them shortly after walking in. They’ve been following me for over a week now.” Al growled. He clearly wasn’t fond of them. “Ever since I said no to joining their silly little task force against the head of the Mafia.”
“Don’t you .. hate The Satiago Family?” Henry asked Cautiously.
“Of course I do! But I am not joining a silly group of imbeciles just because I hate that family. I can do fine with my few chosen “friends”” Al huffed. “ I don’t need help from Vincent, Valentino, and little miss Victoria.”
“Those were the notorious “Vees”?” Henry almost laughed. “They look no older than 26 for the Bald one.”
“Yes. They are younger than you But quite a bit. I believe Valentino is 37 actually. But Vincent, ” The name dripped Venom. Clearly they had know each other far longer then a week, “Is the same age as me.”
“And how old would that be Mr.MysteryMan?” Henry leaned back in the seat a bit.
“42.” Al grumbled. Henry nodded.
“And the girl? No older than 18.” Henry noted.
“17. And a half.” Al scoffed. “Sickening if you ask me. Adults forming an alliance with a child. She could be their daughter.”
“You think she might be?” Henry rose an eyebrow. Al shook his head. “Why is that?”
“Vincent can’t have children. And Valentino is a famous drug dealer. If he had a child I’d have found out already.” Al Sighed in annoyance, flicking on his blinker to turn into Henry’s apartment complex. “So they’re exploiting a naive child. ”
“Are they the targets?” Henry asked, worried he’d have to kill a child. He was sure he had told Al he wouldn’t harm children.
“Oh heavens No, Henry!” Al laughed like Henry had told the best joke in the world, “No no. The target is Anthony Satiago.”
“You want me to kill one of the Satiago family children?!” Henry whipped his gaze to Al, Shock written clear on his face.
“They’re not Children. Aldo is 27, Anthony and his twin Molly are 20.” Al huffed. “Need I remind you What I did to save your ass?”
“No. I remember it just fine.” Henry grumbled. “Where can I find him?”
“Have you heard of the Red Apple Inn?” Al asked. Once he received a nod He continued, “Inside is a little parlor, with a bar attached, He is often seen there. You’ll need to get more information, as I’ve been far to busy Researching the “Vees””
“Great.” Henry moved and opened the door, “I’ll keep you updated then i guess.”
“It would be in your best interest.” Al warned. “We wouldn’t want your Ex-wife and children to.. Disappear.” Henry froze. He hated that Al held so much power to have forced Him and his wife apart. Sure it was a loveless marriage, but he still loved his children.
“Don’t. Don't hurt Brandy and Diamond.” Henry growled.
Al simply laughed. “Behave and I’ll think about not hurting them~” He reved the engine as Henry closed the door, speding off shortly after, Leaving Henry alone with that threat. He’d think about not hurting his children. Henry growled at that and walked to his front door.
