This Thing Of Ours

"Into The Fold"

December 11th, 1958

The phone rang at 10 p.m., and Jackie could hear it echoing through his tiny apartment as he sat on the couch, his mind wandering back to the past few months' events. He had been keeping his nose clean, working sanitation, doing some side gigs with Pete and Joe, and trying to build something stable with Sarah. But that phone call? It was a reminder that things had a way of pulling you back in.

Jackie picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"It's Pete." The voice on the other end was calm but authoritative. "Joe and I are comin' to grab you. There's someone who wants to meet you."

Jackie's pulse quickened. "Who?"

"Ralph DeSapio. He's heard about the work you've been putting in."

There was a pause. Ralph DeSapio was no small-time player; he was the captain of the Sunny Hill Avenue crew, one of the most powerful factions in the Montesano family. If Ralph was askin' about him, it meant things were about to get motherfuckin' serious.

"Alright," Jackie finally said. "I'll be ready."

"Good. We'll be there in ten."

Jackie hung up and ran a hand through his hair, his heart pounding. He was anxious and happy at the same time. Jackie glanced towards the bedroom, where Sarah was already asleep. He didn't want to wake her or explain why he was heading out so late. She wouldn't understand—not entirely.

He grabbed his jacket and stepped outside just as Joe and Pete pulled up in Joe's sleek black Cadillac.

The Meeting with Ralph DeSapio

The ride was short, but it felt longer. Jackie sat in the back seat, his mind racing as Pete and Joe exchanged words in the front, talking about upcoming jobs and what was next for the crew. They didn't involve Jackie in the conversation, which suited him fine. He was too focused on the meetin' ahead.

They pulled up outside a "Golden Palm Massage" massage parlor, which didn't attract much attention. As they stepped inside, the smoky atmosphere and dim lighting gave it an almost ominous feel. The Asian lady working the desk gave them a nod but said nothing as Pete led them to a back room.

Sittin' at the table, dressed in a sharp gray suit, was Ralph DeSapio. He looked like he belonged in charge—broad shoulders, sharp eyes, and the quiet calm that comes from knowin' you don't need to raise your voice to be heard. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and a cigar smoldered between his fingers.

"Jackie," Ralph said, leaning back in his chair as Pete and Joe stood beside him. "I've been hearin' good things. You have been doin' work with Joe and Pete?"

Jackie nodded. "Yeah, I've been helpin' out where I can."

Ralph studied him for a moment, his gaze penetrating. "Pete speaks highly of you. He says you can handle yourself."

Jackie glanced at Pete, who gave him a subtle nod. "I try."

Ralph smirked. "Good. 'Cause we got somethin' that needs handlin'." He leaned forward, restin' his elbows on the table. "There's a guy—Wayne Gaston. Owns two big grocery stores. He's been late on payments, and from what I hear, he's gettin' a little too comfortable disrespectin' the family."

Jackie could feel the tension rising in the room. This wasn't just some small job; this was a test.

"I want you to go with Joe and Pete," Ralph continued. "Give him a visit. Make sure he understands who he's fuckin' dealin' with."

Jackie nodded, understandin' what wasn't bein' said. They were going to rough Wayne up—maybe more. And if Jackie wanted to be a part of this life, this was his moment.