I thought that since we don't have any more new episodes that this would be a fun way to keep TBD alive until Season2. I'm going to start it off then everyone add something and we'll just keep it going. We can change characters and tell it in different point of views. Feel free to take it anywhere you want to. This is just for fun so please lets not criticize each other or take it too seriously. And don't forget 2 Have Fun With It!!!

One Year Later
"Tommy"
Last year was a hard one. So many things changed. Most of them not for the better. After ma died I had to do everything in my power to try and keep the family together even if that meant turning into someone I barely even recognize. It wasn't easy. Sean took it the worst. He made me promise to let him be more involved with business. I reluctantly agreed. I never wanted this for my baby brother. I never wanted this for any of us. They say if you want to hear God laugh you should tell him your plans.

I was suppose to be an artist. Instead I've become everything I despised. With my brothers at my side we now run the neighborhood. Nothing happens that we don't know about. Everything goes through us. I felt like I was loosing myself so I setup a makeshift art studio in the basement of The Firecracker, sneaking down there every free moment I get to find some sort of peace in the middle of all this chaos. Drawing keeps me sane. I can't explain it, but when I'm all alone down there standing infront of that easel I feel whole, something I haven't felt in a while. But as soon as I climb those stairs and re-enter the real world I can feel myself dying a little inside.

" Tommy, we got a problem." Sean announced as he ran in The Firecracker half out of breath.
"Seanie, calm down." I laughed. You should have seen the look on his face. "What's wrong?"
He sat down in the booth across from me. "It's Jimmy."
"Jimmy, what about him?" I started to to panic a little. Things with him hadn't changed much. It seemed like the more powerful we got the more out of control he got.
"He went with Joey to talk to his father....."
"They went to talk to Joey Ice-Cream's father? That guys trouble."
" I know. Why you think I'm here?"
"Where's Kevin?" I asked, immediately sensing something was wrong.
"He's not here?"
"No, he's not here."

Very good! Can't wait to hear more. I might add on later when other ppl get involved or tomorrow. I can't think right now. lol

Just as Tommy reached under the bar for a gun before heading out after Jimmy, the phone rings. Sean answers the phone and then offers to Tommy saying, "It's Kevin, he sounds out of breath".

"Where the F- are you Kevin, we have another problem with Jimmy", Tommy half-screams into the phone.
"Tommy I know, I'm taking care of it right now.. that's why I'm calling you", Kevin quickly counters back at Tommy.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well I was on my way from back from that place you sent me for the things, and I saw Jimmy and Joey standing out front of Joey's pop's place. I pulled over and asked them what was up, and they told me that Jimmy got into a fight with PaPa IceCream and just as Joey's dad was about to shove a knife into Jimmy's side, Joey smacked his dad across the back of his head with that bat that we used to use down the field when we were kids. Remember that bat, I was an allstar with that bat. I'm kinda upset we have to get rid of it now, I had a thing for that bat," Kevin says calmly as if there wasn't anything out of the ordinary with what he just said.
"Hold on", Tommy says into the phone.

Tommy puts the phone against his shoulder and turns to Sean. "I thought you said you just left them", Tommy says with an annoyed look on his face.
"Umm, well you know that girl that works at the laundromat? Well you should have seen what she was wearing as I ran past her." Sean says while looking down at the floor.
"What does the girls clothes have to do with it Sean," Tommy questions.
"Well I got kinda got held-up"
"You better hope it's not one of our heads pretending to be a fastball next time you decide to take detour up a girls skirt Sean".

A stunned look comes upon Sean's face.

Putting the phone back to his ear, Tommy asks Kevin where he's at.
"Well I was just wondering if maybe you think I should take this one fishing, or should I just take it to that other place? Ya know, this is Joey's first and all, I don't want him getting hung up on the location. You know I can't deal with that pressure Tommy, my nerves can't take it!", Kevin rattles into the phone, more concerned with how Joey is going to deal with it rather than the fact that he's about to get rid of a body.

"Truthfully, I don't care how Joey handles it, it was stupid for them to go there in the first place. I told Jimmy we were going to handle that situation in a different way, but yet again he had his own idea."

"I know Tommy, but still. I mean c'mon"

"Just take care of it and get back here. Oh yea, what do you want to do for dinner tonight? Pizza or Chinese?"

That was awesome JMick! I loved it. I can't wait til more people add on to it. Who knows where this story might go.

This is awesome guys! I'm actually anxious to see what's next. I am not a writer at all but I hope those of you who are will keep this up. It's almost like a new episode. Here's an idea . . . those of you who write should do a new episode and post it on Monday nights so we can all get our TBD fix. Someone else run with it the next week and add to it. That would be too cool!

kevin asked joey and jimmy pizza or chinesee. F@#K chinesee Jimmy hollered with a look of disgust. Get pizza pepperoni tell em if they forget my ranch dressing this time I swear to christ they don't want me to come in there and tell em about it. ohhh kevin said make sure there is pinapple on it I love that stuff. Jimmy looks at him like kevins crazy meanwhile Tommy over the phone asked with a fake patient voice, did you just say you want pinapple on our pizza. Yeah kevin replied it's awsome and why do you all look at me weird everytime I want pinapple on my pizza. Cause it ain't right kev, jimmy said unsympatheticly it just ain't right. Joey raised his head up for the first time and said sounding broken up, I don't know I kind of like it too. God damint Joey, jimmy blurted out as he snaged the phone from kevin and said joey wants that pinapple crap on it too and given the circumstances I am in no mood to tell him no. Fine we can order more than just one pizza Tommy said with a smile and impaitently. Put kevin back on. fine here kev. Kevin grabs the phone and before he could say anything tommy ordered when you get done taking joeys dad fishing make sure you get rid of the bat I don't care how much you like it I will personally buy you a new one, ya got it. Alright kevin said sounding depressed but it just won't be the same.

Keep 'em comin', this is great! I'm picturing all of this going down in my mind. This is turning into quite an interesting episode.

Jenny

I walked into the Firecracker just in time to see Tommy, Kevin, Sean, Jimmy and Joey Ice-Cream eating pizza and joking around like today was just any old normal day.
"Pineapple on pizza?" I asked Kevin as I looked at him like he was crazy.
" You should try it." He offered me a slice.
" No thanks." I laughed.
Tommy got up from his seat and walked over to me. "What are you doing here?"
" I need too talk to you."
" Come on." He grabbed my arm and lead me down the steps.
" I thought I told you never to come here. It's too dangerous."
I looked around at all the art he had created and remembered the boy he used to be. My heart smiled.
" Well, are you going to tell me what's going on?" He asked growing impatient with me.
" Don't you know what today is?"
" No." He lied.
" Tommy....."
" I said no!" He yelled so loud that I jumped. "I'm sorry." He sat down on an old milk crate. "Of course I know what today is." He confessed. "How could I forget?"
Today was the one year anniversary of the day their mother was murdered. He could try to play tough all he wanted to but I knew he needed me. I grabbed another crate from the corner and pulled it over next to him. I sat down and tried to think of a way to be there for him. He looked over at me and I began to feel weak. He always did have that affect on me. Before I knew it we were kissing. I don't remember who initiated it but I do know that I never wanted it to end. Tommy always was the one. Even before I really understood what love was I knew enough to know that I loved him. Kissing him now only made it more clear.

You guys are doing so good! Keep it coming!

Grrrrr I am soo ******, I just wrote out this long addition, and I really thought it was good, and then my f'n computer froze up on me....

Can you just clarify alittle bit on Joey's Dad and why they had to kill him? This stuff is great it definitly filled that little void in my heart.

See!!! I told you guys that this was turning out to be a great episode . . . you've already got us fans asking questions and wanting more! Just don't cancel the show until we know what happens!!!

Back up stairs the guys are playing pool drinking and eating. All seemed well at the firecracker. Then Nicky strolls in with vinny at side. Silence fills the room but only momentaraly. Hey Nicky, Jimmy belted out want some pizza? No thanks theres pinapple on it, who puts pinapple on pizza? lots of people vinny said as he swiped up a piece putting it in his mouth. It seems like pinapple attracts all the goofy people Jimmy said laughing. Wheres Tommy? Nicky asked. Downstairs kevin said walking towards the door smiling want me to grab him. Yeah Nicky said I'm not here for the pizza. Hey tommy kevin yelled down stairs nickys here. Tommy tells Jenny wait here. Walks up the steps and asks sean to grab two beers. They sit down and Nicky asks, you remember the council man Trevor? Yeah what about him tommy said back. Well he has been trying to figure out somethings since everthing went down and I think someone has giving him something Nicky said not sounding like he knew for sure. What something are we talking about there is a lot of somethings that we don't want him to know. Thats the problem I'm not sure what he knows but if he knows anything he will be making us aware.

keep it coming

Joey

With so much going on around me I couldn't think straight. I downed another shot quickly, then another and another. It wasn't helping. I had to get some air. "Joey, what's the matter?" Jimmy asked as I walked towards the door. "I just need to be alone." I pushed the door open then took a deep breath. As I slowly exhaled memories of my past began to flood my mind. I was only twelve years old. I came home from school that day glad that it was Friday and ready to make some plans for the weekend. I called Jimmy. He and Kevin were going to a party being thrown by some high school kids. Even though we were still in middle school we still had some clout with the upper classmen. Just as I was about to go into the bathroom and take a quick shower so that I could be fresh for the ladies I heard the front door slam. What the **** was he doing home so early? I was trying to get out of there before his arrival. Friday was payday which meant he would be drunker than usual. "Jimmy, get your *** down here! He yelled like a mad man. As I walked down those stairs I felt like I was going to my own funeral. He stood in front of me 6ft 4 inches tall and two hundred and sixty pounds. I looked up at him. Wham! He hit me so hard I flew backwards crashing into the wall. My mother ran out of the kitchen to see what was going on. She made a mistake when she tried to help me up. He picked her up by the neck. She looked like a tiny rag doll in his massive hands. "Dad, no!". I yelled trying to break through the liquor and get to the real him. It was too late. He threw her with such force that she crashed through the window. The look on his face changed. I could tell that he instantly regretted what he had done. I ran over to the window and looked out. My mother was lying on the pavement in a pool of her own blood. I turned and looked at my father...."She's dead."

Very good!

Back up stairs the guys are playing pool drinking and eating. All seemed well at the firecracker. Then Nicky strolls in with vinny at side. Silence fills the room but only momentaraly. Hey Nicky, Jimmy belted out want some pizza? No thanks theres pinapple on it, who puts pinapple on pizza? lots of people vinny said as he swiped up a piece putting it in his mouth. It seems like pinapple attracts all the goofy people Jimmy said laughing. Wheres Tommy? Nicky asked. Downstairs kevin said walking towards the door smiling want me to grab him. Yeah Nicky said I'm not here for the pizza. Hey tommy kevin yelled down stairs nickys here. Tommy tells Jenny wait here. Walks up the steps and asks sean to grab two beers. They sit down and Nicky asks, you remember the council man Trevor? Yeah what about him tommy said back. Well he has been trying to figure out somethings since everthing went down and I think someone has giving him something Nicky said not sounding like he knew for sure. What something are we talking about there is a lot of somethings that we don't want him to know. Thats the problem I'm not sure what he knows but if he knows anything he will be making us aware.

JoeyIce Cream Narrative
"Tommy took a look around bar at his brothers and thought about jenny in the basement, beyond everything else that had already happened, and today being the day that it was, tommy decided rather quickly that no hot shot council man who was nothing but a pretend figure head for the neighborhood was going to bring anything that he and his family had sacrificed so much for down. The path less traveled was suddenly becoming the path more preferred it seemed...

"Tommy, said nicky, we need to handle this, and possibly in a way where this guy doesnt run for re-election"

"Not so fast nicky, Its not like people are gonna turn blind eye to something like that, this isnt dokey, or sal, this guy is an elected official people are gonna notice if a guy like that just suddenly stops attending meetings."

"Tommy, dont assume just because your brothers are consistently going right for the gusto, that I think the same way, the councilman has a little girliefriend with somewhat of a checkered history regarding city favors...i think we can work that angle and even come out of this with a friend in city hall"

"Ok, for right now this stays between us nicky, do me that favor."
tommy gets up and goes back towards the stairs to the basement.

Nicky to tommy
"Tommy, what the **** do you do all the time in that rathole down there?"

"I reconnect with humanity nicky... you should try it some time"

Turning and walking to the door, he motions for Vinny, who is at the the pool table with Jimmy and Joey, Jimmy is showing Vinny a gun and recounting a story on how it came into his possesion,

Jimmy showing him a gash in the middle of the barrel of the gun.
"and that is where my knife grazed off the gun and went right into the guys neck"

Vinny
"wow, what kind of knife was that to make that gash?"

Nicky
"Lets go vinny, for christ sake, i feel you getting dumber"

nice Ill try and come up with some more

That was awesome Honnziva! Firecrackerfan I can't wait to read what u come up with next. This is really getting good!

AT MA'S GRAVE

All four brothers stand over the grave with one rose in hand. Not much said out loud but all are talking to their mom inside. Jimmy's thinking back when his mom was consoling him with his leg in the hospital telling him to be strong. Which made him feel even worse cause standing over his moms grave he had never felt so weak. He was apologizing for becoming what he had. Sean was thinking of when he first dropped out of school and his mom was laying into him about it. Then started thinking of his graduation when he got his GED, her not being there broke his heart. Kevin couldn't help but think back to when he was playing baseball and how everytime the ref made a call that didn't support him she blasted him with insults and was always trying to tell her to calm down cause it was embarrassing him. Tommy could only think of the night she died. Why couldn't I see it comming why didn't I just kill Dokey when I had the chance outside the bar. I don't know what to do ma I'm loosing contol of all them. Jimmy never agrees with me, Kevin just doesn't care anymore. And Seans taken a turn for the worst since he got his ged he only wants to be involved with the business, I've tried everything I can to get him to go to a community college, he just won't listen. I'm not even sure if I care anymore. Sometimes I see myself liking what I do and it just burns. They all drop their rose and turn around Joeym Jenny and Joanie stand up from the rock they were sitting on and approach. The brothers didn't even know they were there. They also drop a rose and they all walk back to the car.

come on majesty give us something else your stuffs great too. Anyone else got some ideas throw em in.

In the car Jenny sits next to Tommy trying to support him anyway she can. She takes his hand in hers and lays her head down on his shoulder. Even though she can't see him Tommy smiles. "Why is it that we're only close like this during a tragedy? He thinks to himself. He puts his arm around her and pulls her body as close to him as possible. Even though he can't see her she smiles. She looks up and notices the way Jimmy was looking at her. Her smile deminishes.

Sorry, I'm at work so I can't add too much. I'll add some more later on this evening when I get home.

All four brothers stand over the grave with one rose in hand. Not much said out loud but all are talking to their mom inside. Jimmy's thinking back when his mom was consoling him with his leg in the hospital telling him to be strong. Which made him feel even worse cause standing over his moms grave he had never felt so weak. He was apologizing for becoming what he had. Sean was thinking of when he first dropped out of school and his mom was laying into him about it. Then started thinking of his graduation when he got his GED, her not being there broke his heart. Kevin couldn't help but think back to when he was playing baseball and how everytime the ref made a call that didn't support him she blasted him with insults and was always trying to tell her to calm down cause it was embarrassing him. Tommy could only think of the night she died. Why couldn't I see it comming why didn't I just kill Dokey when I had the chance outside the bar. I don't know what to do ma I'm loosing contol of all them. Jimmy never agrees with me, Kevin just doesn't care anymore. And Seans taken a turn for the worst since he got his ged he only wants to be involved with the business, I've tried everything I can to get him to go to a community college, he just won't listen. I'm not even sure if I care anymore. Sometimes I see myself liking what I do and it just burns. They all drop their rose and turn around Joeym Jenny and Joanie stand up from the rock they were sitting on and approach. The brothers didn't even know they were there. They also drop a rose and they all walk back to the car.

Joey IceCream Narrative
"Now what tommy didnt realize was that Mrs Donnelly's death would end up playing a much bigger role in the whole thing with the councilman, but we'll get to that later"

In the van headed back towards the firecracker
Tommy
"Jimmy, i need to talk to you after we drop everyone off at the bar"

Kevin
"well why can't we just talk about all this now, obviously this is about what nicky and vinny came to talk about, I mean, I think sean and i have just as much of a vested interest in the family business as you and jimmy do."

Jimmy
"Kevin, stop being a whiny brat, ok, apparently tommy knows who to come to, finally with business issues"

Tommy
"First off, this isnt a business, and if it was Sean doesnt have a job in it, and Kevin, i need you to stay at the bar and take care of anything that might be happening there. Jimmy and I just have a little meeting to attend to.

Kevin
"But tommy..."

Tommy
"Kevin.. go in the bar. Jimmy, lets go.

The boys drive off with Kevin and Joanie standing together on the curb and sean just walking right into the bar, Joanie now looking better than ever, off the stuff.

Interior of the van,

Tommy
"Jimmy, we have a little problem with someone who may know a little more than would be preferable about the whole dokey situation."

Jimmy
"Who cares about dat idiot Dokey, everyone in the neighborhood knows he got what was comin to him for yeaas."

Tommy
"This guy isnt from the neighborhood really jimmy, its the councilman that was in bed with dokey"

Jimmy
"Tommy, Dokey was a sick *******, but comeon,"

Tommy
"as in working together jimmy, on the whole property thing, anyway, this guy is looking to somehow get back at us, and our friends the italians. anyway, this guy has a lady friend, who i have a feeling has developed a little drug habit. at least thats the way i want you to make it look, ill take care of her getting caught in the public eye."

Jimmy
"This seems a bit awkward from the way i would want to handle things"

Tommy
"Thats why do you don't handle them jimmy, this way we stay alive"

Jimmy
"Yeah well, we all see how good that worked out for Ma dont we tommy. Just remember tommy, she knew I was a screw up, that was my place, you wer ethe one she depended on, and the one that let her down."

Tommy
"Take care of it jimmy, the way i asked... and jimmy, lets not forget why i got into it with Dokey, i wasnt the one who came home looking like a chocolate sunday, but you're right, you are the screw up"

Tommy starts the car and the boys head off to meet with Nicky.

Hey, this was supposed to be go after Majesty's reply with the "Joey" section. I started it before all of the subsequent entries were put in. So I hope noone minds, but I kind of brought all of the previous entries together and added some stuff in between. It's kind of long, haha. Hope you enjoy.
-----------------
As Tommy sits down staring at his latest painting, he begins to reflect, “What a year. So many things changed. Most of them not for the better. After ma died I had to do everything in my power to try and keep the family together even if that meant turning into someone I barely even recognize. It wasn't easy. Sean took it the worst. He made me promise to let him be more involved with business. I reluctantly agreed. I never wanted this for my baby brother. I never wanted this for any of us. They say if you want to hear God laugh you should tell him your plans,” looking up at the ceiling wishing he and his brothers could just be somewhere else. Then he turns around and looks at the various paintings, grateful for the little bit of peace in the middle of all the chaos he gets from going down into the makeshift art studio at the Firecracker, and continues thinking, “I was suppose to be an artist. Instead I've become everything I despised. With my brothers at my side we now run the neighborhood. Nothing happens that we don't know about. Everything goes through us.” Putting away his paint and starting to walk up the stairs, he reassures himself, “Drawing keeps me sane. I can't explain it, but when I'm all alone down here, standing infront of that easel, I feel whole, something I haven't felt in a while. But as soon as I climb those stairs and re-enter the real world I can feel myself dying a little inside.”
Just as Tommy reaches the top step, the front door of the bar opens.
" Tommy, we got a problem." Sean announced as he ran in The Firecracker half out of breath.
"Seanie, calm down." I laughed. You should have seen the look on his face. "What's wrong?"
He sat down in the booth across from me. "It's Jimmy."
"Jimmy, what about him?" Tommy asks somewhat dreading the answer. Things with him hadn't changed much. It seemed like the more powerful the brothers became got the more out of control he got.
"He went with Joey to talk to his father....."
"They went to talk to Joey Ice-Cream's father? That guys trouble."
"I know. Why you think I'm here?"
"Where's Kevin?" Tommy asks, immediately sensing something was wrong.
"He's not here?,” Sean replies with a surprised tone in his voice.
"No, he's not here,” Tommy says, getting more angry by the second.



Just as Tommy reached under the bar for a gun before heading out after Jimmy, the phone rings. Sean answers the phone and then offers it to Tommy saying, "It's Kevin, he sounds out of breath".
"Where the F- are you Kevin, we have another problem with Jimmy", Tommy half-screams into the phone.
"Tommy I know, I'm taking care of it right now.. that's why I'm calling you", Kevin quickly counters back at Tommy.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well I was on my way from back from that place you sent me for the things, and I saw Jimmy and Joey standing out front of Joey's pop's place. I pulled over and asked them what was up, and they told me that Jimmy got into a fight with PaPa IceCream and just as Joey's dad was about to shove a knife into Jimmy's side, Joey smacked his dad across the back of his head with that bat that we used to use down the field when we were kids. Remember that bat, I was an allstar with that bat. I'm kinda upset we have to get rid of it now, I had a thing for that bat," Kevin says calmly as if there wasn't anything out of the ordinary with what he just said.
"Hold on", Tommy says into the phone.

Tommy puts the phone against his shoulder and turns to Sean. "I thought you said you just left them", Tommy says with an annoyed look on his face.
"Umm, well you know that girl that works at the Laundromat? Well you should have seen what she was wearing as I ran past her." Sean says while looking down at the floor.
"What does the girls clothes have to do with it Sean," Tommy questions.
"Well I got kinda got held-up"
"You better hope it's not one of our heads pretending to be a fastball next time you decide to take detour up a girls skirt Sean".
A stunned look comes upon Sean's face.


Putting the phone back to his ear, Tommy asks Kevin where he's at.
"Well I was just wondering if maybe you think I should take this one fishing, or should I just take it to that other place? Ya know, this is Joey's first and all, I don't want him getting hung up on the location. You know I can't deal with that pressure Tommy, my nerves can't take it!", Kevin rattles into the phone, more concerned with how Joey is going to deal with it rather than the fact that he's about to get rid of a body.

"Truthfully, I don't care how Joey handles it, it was stupid for them to go there in the first place. I told Jimmy we were going to handle that situation in a different way, but yet again he had his own idea."

"I know Tommy, but still. I mean c'mon"

"Just take care of it and get back here. Oh yea, what do you want to do for dinner tonight? Pizza or Chinese?"



Rolling his eyes, Kevin asks Joey and Jimmy, “pizza or chinese?”

“F@#K chinese!” Jimmy hollered with a look of disgust. “Get pizza pepperoni tell em if they forget my ranch dressing this time I swear to christ they don't want me to come in there and tell em about it.”

“Ooh Ooh”, Kevin says excitedly, “make sure there is pinapple on it I love that stuff.” Jimmy looks at Kevin like he’s crazy.

Meanwhile Tommy, over the phone, asks with a fake patient voice, “Did you just say you want pineapple on our pizza Kevin?”

“Yeah”, Kevin replies surprised that he was even questioned, “it's awesome and why do you all look at me weird every time I want pineapple on my pizza?”

“Cause it ain't right kev,” Jimmy says unsympathetically, “it just ain't right.”

Joey raises his head up for the first time and in a distraught voice says, “I don't know I kind of like it too.”

“God **** it Joey,” Jimmy blurts out as he snags the phone from Kevin. “Joey wants that pineapple crap on it too and given the circumstances I am in no mood to tell him no,” Jimmy tells Tommy.

“Fine we can order more than just one pizza,” Tommy says with an impatient smile, “Put Kevin back on.”

“Fine, here Kev.”

Kevin grabs the phone and before he could say anything Tommy orders, “When you get done taking Joey’s dad fishing make sure you get rid of the bat. I don't care how much you like it, I will personally buy you a new one, ya got It?”

“Alright” Kevin says, sounding depressed, “but it just won't be the same.”



As Tommy hangs up the phone, Sean excitedly asks, “What happened?”

“Oh what, now you are going to care? An hour ago, while Jimmy almost gets a knife slid into his ribs, you were too busy sliding into some girl, but now you want to care?” Tommy snaps back.

“Oh Tommy, c’mon. That’s not fair”

“Not fair? No Sean, what’s not fair is that you beg me for more responsibility, but then when something comes up, you respond like this. Distracted by a girl again. Ya know, Ma was right trying to get you to do something with your life. You have to mature a little bit Seanie, show that you can be counted on no matter what, not just when it’s convenient for you.”
Sean sits up, almost ****** off and says, “Tommy I love you, Jimmy and Kevin. I would do anything for you guys. But you still won’t trust me with business. How am I supposed to mature, if you won’t let me? How am I supposed to start really learn when you keep me out of it.” Continuing in a mocking voice, “I mean everyone knows the Donnelly Brothers, Tommy, Kevin and Jimmy… and ohh yea little Sean.”

Tommy pours both him and Sean a beer, and slides Sean’s across the bar to him. “Sean look, I know you see the “respect” that we get. How everyone always makes sure to say Hi, and I can understand why you would want that. But Sean, that’s not from respect, that’s from fear. It’s not easy standing over someone looking down at them, sometimes somebody you knew your whole life with no problems, and then having to do what you gotta do. But knowing that I am willing to do that to protect my family is what makes people scared, it’s what makes them show respect. Unfortunately, I just don’t know if you will be able to do it when it came down to it. I know right now you believe that at the drop of a hat, you would take care of business, but there is nothing like coming to that point where there is no turning around once the decision is made. And Sean, I don’t want you to ever have to make that decision, but I’m also not sure if you would be able to without hesitation. And that’s what needs to be done. I hate it Sean, the stares from family members that know, the casual conversations with the ones that don’t.” Sean sinks into his barstool, embarrassed by his own behavior. Then Tommy, trying to sound sympathetic says, “The nightmares some nights. And like I said I know you love us, but I just can’t trust that you will do what you gotta do when it’s one of our lives on the line.”



Although Sean was beginning to understand Tommy, the last thing he said sent a surge of anger through Sean’s body, because according to Sean, there was no doubt that if it were his brother’s life, there would be no hesitation. ****** off at Tommy Seans says, “Screw you Tommy, you think people are scared of you? You don’t think they laugh at you when you’re not around?” He says it more trying to get a dig in on Tommy, rather than believing it. He knew much better than to think that anyone laughed at Tommy. “Where are the car keys,” Sean sarcastically says, “I mean I am still allowed to do my collections right?”



Just then Tommy looks up at the security monitor and sees “Patrick”, Dokey’s former right hand man, walking towards the Firecracker’s front door. “See this coward Sean? His coming hear is a sign of fear. The thing with Dokey happens right next to him, and the next week he starts working for us. No allegiance. That’s because he knows if he doesn’t do what we tell him, it would be very bad for him. That’s fear Sean, not respect!” Tommy commands with an authoritative anger in his voice.

“Right Tommy, every is scared of you, you’re Mr. Invincible.”

“No Sean, I know I’m not invincible, that’s why I do what I gotta do. That’s the part you don’t get. That’s why I need them to be scared of me.”

“You really think he’s scared of you, you don’t think it’s just the natural order of things… you take out Huey and Dokey, so you assume the role of boss?”

“I’ll show you Sean, watch his eyes.”



Just then Patrick walks in and lays an envelope with the week’s take on the bar. “Real shame, what happened to your friend Joey’s grandmother,” he says trying to sound sincere.

“Yea it is, do me a favor give Seanie your car keys so he can go make his collections downtown,” Tommy says, more telling than requesting.

“What? Why can’t I just drive him down there and have someone else pick him up?” Patrick stupidly asks.

“Because I F-n said so, and I really don’t you think you should care why or question what I said,” Tommy booms.

Patrick’s face droops and he immediately tosses his keys over to Sean, and stuttering, “Says here ya go kid, I just filled up the gas tank for ya too, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”



Tommy smirks over at Sean and tells him to be back in an hour and a half.



“H-Hey Tommy, I’m sorry. I just thought it might be easier if I just drove him down there,” Patrick pleadingly says.

“Yea I bet you did.”

“Hey look is there anything I can do Joey, anything he needs?” Patrick asks trying to get out the hot water he just jumped head first into.

“Nah, just offer your condolences when you see him. And make sure you show at the wake here,” Tommy tells him.

“So is it true what I heard… about how she died?”

As Tommy begins counting the envelope, he takes a breath and starts, “Yup, Joey’s scumbag father gets out of Jail after all them years for killing his mother and goes straight to the bar, before even visiting his own mother or son. Then after he gets his load on decides to be a good son and visit. But as he’s rushing to get to the bathroom at the top of the stairs, she comes out of her bedroom yelling at him for being drunk on the first day he’s out. So he tries to push past her to get to the bathroom, and winds up pushing her down the steps. The coroner said that she probably broke her neck on the first hit, so she didn’t suffer much pain, but still what a piece of Sh--!”

“Wow, do you want me to do anything,” Patrick asks?

“Nah, Joey doesn’t need any more stress right now, but thanks for asking. Actually Jimmy and Kevin took him out fishing to try and relax him a little bit. He was bouncing off the walls in here, he said that he wanted to go see a baseball game or something, the tickets were sold out, so that figured they try fishing to calm him down.”



Just then, the liquor truck pulled up and so Tommy tells Patrick, “Hey go help them unload the truck please. It can all go in the back room downstairs, and remember don’t touch the front room”



“Uhh, yea sure no problem Tommy!”



A few hours later, Kevin, Jimmy and Joey pull up at the Firecracker, with one less occupant of the car than when they began their trip. Immediately Joey goes behind the bar and reaches around the bartender “Erin”, which he secretly has been in love with since Jimmy hired her 4 months ago, and grabs a bottle of Jack Daniels. Joanie not have been too happy about Jimmy hiring her, but Joey mentally thanked him every day. As he sat down at the bar, he began pouring shot after shot, trying to relax and clear his head. It wasn't helping. As he started walking towards the door, Jimmy walks out of the bathroom and calls over, "Joey, what's the matter?"

"I just need to be alone, just want to get some air," Joey says over his shoulder, hoping that they’ll let him just be by himself for a few minutes, eventhough he appreciates beyond belief everything they have done for him. As he pushes the door open, he takes a deep breath. Slowly exhaling, memories from his past began to flood his mind.



He was only twelve years old. Coming home from school that day glad that it was Friday. Joey was ready to make some plans for the weekend. His first call was to Jimmy. He and Kevin were going to a party being thrown by some high school kids. Even though they were still in middle school, they still had some clout with the upper classmen. Just as Joey was about to go into the bathroom and take a quick shower so that he could be fresh for the ladies, he heard the front door slam. “What the **** was he doing home so early?” Joey wondered, because he was trying to get out of there before his arrival. Friday was pay-day, which meant he would be drunker than usual. "Joey, get your a-- down here!” Joey’s dad yelled like a mad man. As he walked down those stairs it felt as if he were going to his own funeral. Joey’s dad wasn’t part of Huey’s crew. But it wasn’t because he wasn’t big enough, he stood 6ft 4 inches tall and two hundred and sixty pounds. The only reason he wasn’t with Huey was because he was a drunk and scumbag. Joey knew his dad was a drunk, that day he found out about him being a scumbag. As Joey got to the bottom of the step, he walked over to his father and looked up at him. Then, Wham! Joey began to fly backwards crashing into the wall. Joey’s mother ran out of the kitchen to see what was going on, and in doing so she ran to her own death. As she tried to help Joey off of the ground, her husband picked her up by the neck. She looked like a tiny rag doll in his massive hands. "Dad, no!" Joey cried, trying to break through the liquor and get to the real him. It was too late. He threw her with such force that she crashed through the window. The look on his face changed. I could tell that he instantly regretted what he had done. Running over to the window Joey looked out and saw his mother was lying on the pavement in a pool of her own blood. The only thing he could do was turn and look at his father with a quivering lip and mumble..."She's dead."



Almost at a half-yell, Joey hears Kevin calling his name from the half-open door of the Firecracker.

“Joey, Joey… you okay man?”, Kevin asks concerned after his first three attempts to get his attention failed.

“Uhh yea I’m fine.”

Knowing that he wasn’t, but being able to tell that he didn’t feel like talking about it, Kevin just said, “Alright then get in here and have a beer with me. Plus the pizza is almost here. You don’t want to look desperate waiting for the pizza guy do you? He might get the wrong idea.”



As the pizza guy was walking out of the Firecracker, he held the door open for Jenny. As she slowly walked into the bar, she saw Tommy, Kevin, Sean, Jimmy and Joey Ice-Cream eating pizza and joking around like today was just any old normal day.


"Pineapple on pizza?" she asked Kevin looking at him like he was crazy.
"You should try it.” Kevin mumbled as he chewed and held up a slice, offering it to her.

"No thanks." She said while laughing.


Tommy got up from his seat and walked over to her quickly with a concerned look on his face.

"What are you doing here?", he asked, worried of what he was going to hear.
"I need too talk to you."
"Come on." Tommy says softly, as he grabbed her arm and lead her down the steps.
”I thought I told you never to come here. It's too dangerous.", Tommy said as he opened the door to the art studio. Only those he truly cares about are allowed in his art studio.



As she looked around at all the art he had created, she remembered the boy he used to be. And she actually let a smile creep onto her face at the memory.
"Well, are you going to tell me what's going on?" He asked growing impatient.
"Don't you know what today is?" she asks with a sympathetic look.
" No." He lied.
" Tommy....."
" I said no!" He yelled so loud that she jumped, "I'm sorry." He sat down on an old milk crate. "Of course I know what today is." He confessed. "How could I forget?"



Today was the one-year anniversary of the day their mother was murdered. He could try to play tough all he wanted to but Jenny knew him and knew that deep inside he needed somebody. She hoped it was her. Grabbing another crate from the corner, she sits down next to him. As Tommy looked over at her, into her eyes she began to feel weak. No matter what she told him, no matter what she told herself, Tommy always did have that affect on her. A second later, they were kissing. Neither one of them realized who initiated it, but it didn’t matter, because neither of them wanted it to end. Tommy always was the one for Jenny, and eventhough he fought against it for the last year to protect her, Jenny was always the one for Tommy. Even before she really understood what love was she knew enough to know that she loved him. Kissing him now only made it clearer, and would only make it harder to stay away.



Back up stairs the guys are playing pool, drinking and eating. All seemed surprisingly well at the firecracker, at least as well as it could be under the circumstances. Then Nicky strolled in with Vinny at his side. Silence fills the room but only momentarily.



“Hey Nicky,” Jimmy belted out, “want some pizza?”

“ No thanks there’s pineapple on it, who puts pineapple on pizza?” Nicky asks looking disgusted.

“Lots of people!” Vinny said as he swiped up a piece putting it in his mouth.

“It seems like pineapple attracts all the goofy people,” Jimmy said laughing.

“Where’s Tommy?” Nicky asked with a serious business-only tone.

“Downstairs,” Kevin said walking towards the door smiling, “want me to grab him.”

“Yeah,” Nicky said, “I'm not here for the pizza.”

“Hey Tommy,” Kevin yelled down the stairs, “Nicky’s here.”



Tommy tells Jenny to wait downstairs, and starts to walk upstairs. As he sits down at the back table, and offers a seat to Nicky with his hand, he throws up two fingers towards Sean. A few seconds later, Sean placed two beers on the table.



Nicky leans and asks, “You remember the council man Trevor?”

“Yeah what about him?” Tommy replies, annoyed that Nicky would even ask such a stupid question.

“Well he has been trying to figure out some things since everthing went down and I think someone has been giving him something,” Nicky said not sounding like he knew for sure. “What something are we talking about, there is a lot of somethings that we don't want him to know,” Tommy states.

“That’s the problem. I'm not sure what he knows, but if he knows anything he will be making us aware. And Tommy that wouldn’t be good.”

wow...that's all I can say...this is great

I'm so glad im not doing work, this is much better... good word everyone, its easy to imagine all this going down

You guys are doing awesome! Keep it up!

Wow JMick I like the way you pulled it all together. I felt like I was reading a book.

Tommy:What's Trevor asking around got to do with me?

Nikki: Everybody knows you killed Dokey. Trevor, Dokey and Alo were working together --

Tommy: On what?

Nikki: I don't know. Alo's dead--he had a little accident--so Trevor's going to be looking for blood.

Tommy: So what are you telling me for? What do you want?

Nikki: (smiles faintly) What's up with you Irish? always with the tempers. With Dokey dead everybody going to be looking for you as the new leader.

Tommy: Well they'll be looking at the wrong guy because I don't want any part of it.

Nikki: Well right about now don't have no choice unless you want to wait around for Trevor to come after you and your family. I'm sorry about the loss of your mother but if you don't want to any more members to die you'll have to work with me to deal with this matter.

Tommy: And how is that?

Nikki: You call a meeting with Trevor to talk about the future of the neighborhood and we kill him at the meeting.

Tommy: And how do I know you won't kill me?

Nikki: You don't: but it's the best chance you got to save your family.

Tommy: You kill Alo and now you want me to save your *** after you almost killed my brother; and I might get shot in the process?

Nikki: You're a smart kid Tommy and I know you care about your family. You don't work with me and your family is dead. I know you'll make the right decson. Think about it and call me when you're ready to talk.

(Nikki leaves and Sean walks up)

Sean: So what are you going to do Tommy?

Tommy: I don't know. Don't tell anybody about this meeting, you hear me?

Sean: Yeah Tommy.

(Tommy walks downstairs to meet Jenny)

Jenny: So, what was that about Tommy.

Tommy: Nothing, don't worry about it.

Jenny: I thought you were going to stop doing this ****, especially after your mom just got killed.

Tommy: Don't bring my mother into this.

Jenny: Tommy why are you always doing this?

Tommy: Doing what? I'm not doing anything. I'm just trying to take care of family. You of all people should understand that.

Jenny: I do

Tommy: Good.

Jenny: But I don't kill people to do it. What happened to you?

Tommy: I gotta protect my family.

(Jenny eyes start watering and she storms out. Tommy Calls out for her)

Tommy: Jenny!...

Kevin: Tommy.

Tommy: What!?

Kevin: Geez... You don't have to snap my head off...

Tommy: What do you want, Kevin?

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes but did you mean Alo when you said Sal at the beginning. Just trying to picture it in my head. Thanks!

Yeah, I did. I went back and fixed it--along with some other little things. Thanks for looking out.

No problem! I didn't even know if you realized it or not. I loved your part in the story! Keep it up!

Thank you. There are a lot of great authors on here and I'm glad my short piece is enjoyed as much as the others. I'll make sure to write more in the future, thanks again!

Absolutely it's enjoyed!! With no new episodes right now, this is the next best thing for me. Thanks to Majesty for starting this and to all of you who've added on. I'm a stay at home mother, so I get to check more often than some to see if there's anything new in this thread. I am always excited to see that something has been added on. You are all doing such a great job, Haggis and Moresco would be proud. I haven't had any trouble seeing the scenes come to life in my mind and in my opinion that's what makes a good book so you guys are right up there with Stephen King as far as I'm concerned. (That's a compliment . . . I really enjoy his books even though some may not) Keep up the good work and if there are others out there reading who may be hesitant to join in the fun, please go ahead. I'd love to read what you have to add and I know everyone else would too.

Kevin: The pizza'a getting cold

Tommy: That's what you wanted to tell me?

Kevin: Well I thought you might want some before it gets cold or give it someone else.

Tommy: Eat it Kevin.

(tommy picks up his jacket)

Jimmy: Hey, where you going? The party aint over!

(Tommy doesn't respond and walks out. He goes home and into his romm and slams the door. He throws his jacket on the bed and starts the pace the room)

Tommy:Why does this S*** always happen to me, huh? I don't ask for this c***.

Some idiots always triying to kill somebody close ot me and my idiots brothers can't stay out of trouble.

I'm tired of taking care of them--they need to learn to take care of themselves.

What am I saying? They're too stupid t be ever to do that. That's it. I'm killing Trevor, I'm killing Nikki, and I'm killnig anybody who trys to mess with me or my brothers!

(Tommy drops to his knees and starts crying)

Tommy: God, why do you do this to me? Why do you gotta to take my mother and father away from me so young and always put my brothers in danger? Why can't you help them? You *******!

(Tommy gets up and starts to pace more then suddenly punchs the wall--leacing a hole in it. His has are bleeding but he's too upset to notice or feel any pain. Suddennly there's a knock on the door)

Neighbor: Is everything ok?

Tommy: Everythings fine Mrs. O'Connor

(Tommy picks up his jacket off the bed and storms out of the apartment in a hurry. He drives silently to the port so he can think--alone. He get's out of the van, slams the door, kicks a rock then curses)

Tommy: What am I going to do?

I can't kill Nikki because then the Italians will be after me and I don't have all the things I need to kill Trevor alone. Trevors the only thing stoping Nikki from taking over the neighborhood but Trevor is going to want me dead. S***!

I gotta take over the neighborhood in order to protect my brothers and Jenny, it's my only choice. All this sh** is going to stop in my neighborhood!

I have to go to Dokey's old office, kill who's ever under him trying to be the new boss, and let everybody know I'm the new bood and everything goes through me. They're going to test me because I'm youngso I have to bust a few heads to get the point across.

I'll call Nikki tomorrow and let him know how it's going down after I let my brothers know the plan. Nikki will be useful to me know but I know he wants to kill me, but he also needs me help him. Hopefully I can be friendly enough with Nickki to hold of an attack before I 'm strong wnought to kill. He's kind of stupid, so who knows. He tries anything, oh well, just another dead Italian who tried to kill my family. They got my Dad, but they aint getting this generation of Donnelly's.

(Tommy gets in the van and heads back towards the neighborhood)

In the car Jenny sits next to Tommy trying to support him anyway she can. She takes his hand in hers and lays her head down on his shoulder. Even though she can't see him Tommy smiles. "Why is it that we're only close like this during a tragedy? He thinks to himself. He puts his arm around her and pulls her body as close to him as possible. Even though he can't see her she smiles. She looks up and notices the way Jimmy was looking at her. Her smile deminishes.

Jimmy
I didn't mean to stare at Jenny, especially with Joanie sitting right next to me, but I couldn't help it. I found myself wondering if she and Tommy had slept together yet. I asked once or twice but he wouldn't spill. Jenny was suppose to be my girl. I've wanted her every since I was a kid. Don't get me wrong, I care about Joanie, h*ll I might even love her but she's a fun girl. Jenny's the kind of girl you marry and start a family with. The more I tried to come between her and Tommy the closer they seemed to get. I did everything in my power to convince Tommy that she was all wrong for him. Even after I found out she killed that creep Samson and told Tommy he still didn't walk away from her. Instead he got rid of the body. Kevin got wind of what I was trying to do and told me to back off. Somewhere along the way he and Jenny became friends. He wanted Jenny and Tommy to be together. I'd never admit it but that hurt. It was like everybody thought she was too good for me or something. Even her father was starting to like the thought of the two of them together. Maybe it was his illness or maybe he just wanted his daughter to be happy. The thing is Tommy's not exactly who he use to be. If he didn't love Jenny enough to go legit for her then maybe he really didn't love her at all.
Kevin
I looked over at Jimmy and saw the way he was looking at Jenny. "What the h*ll?!" Jimmy yelled as I punched him in the leg. "My bad Jimmy." I laughed. I looked over at Jenny. She was smiling. That made me feel good. Jimmy's my brother and I love him, but Tommy's my brother too. I'm not more loyal to one over the other, but everybody knew how Tommy felt about Jenny. Besides, Jimmy had Joanie, not exactly my type but they seemed to go together well. Jenny and I were friends and after all she's been through I try to protect her the best I can, sort of like a big brother. She doesn't really have any family. Her husband's dead. Her mother died years ago. She doesn't have any brothers or sisters and her father doesn't even remember her half the time. She has Tommy who would do anything for her but the way I see it she needs a brother to look out for her.
The limo took us back to The Firecracker where ma's friends and family were gathering after the funeral. I was the first one through the door. I took off my jacket, loosened my tie and headed stright for the bar. I needed a drink bad. "Where's Tommy and Jenny going?" Jimmy asked as soon as he walked into the bar. "Their going to get the food." I told him as I poured myself another shot. "Why didn't they ask me to go with them?" He asked as Joanie looked at him with knowing eyes. "Jimmy just have a drink and shut up." I advised. "What?" He asked like we all didn't know. "Joanie, you want a drink?" I asked trying to change the subject. "Yeah, sure Kevin, thanks." She smiled then sat down on one of the bar stools. "Forget the drink. We gotta go." Jimmy told her as he grabbed her by her arm and almost pulled her to the ground. "Where you going Jimmy?" I asked like I already didn't know. "I'll be back." He yelled as he walked out the door still pulling Joanie behind him. "Jimmy!" I yelled. "Jimmy, where the **** are you going?!" I downed another shot then threw the glass against the wall and watched it shatter into a million tiny pieces and fall to the floor. I knew exactly where he was going and what he was going to do. I was so tired of his bullsh*t. Today was about ma. We were suppose to be honoring her memory and remembering the good times. I laughed out loud when I thought about the time I brought this girl Vanessa home for dinner. She had on a way too short, way too tight mini skirt and a halter top that left little to the imagination. Ma took one look at her and smacked me on the back of the head. I never saw Vanessa again after that. D*amn I miss ma.

I have some ideas, but I'm at work now. Hopefully I'll get something written in a day or two.

good, cuz I am missing this thread....

I just figured that I would add in a few paragraphs since I haven't done it on here yet. I've been adding onto the one at TFL but not here. I hope you don't mind the way I do it.


Jimmy and Joanie are walking down the street.

Joanie: Where are we going Jimmy?

Jimmy: Don't worry about it. Just follow me.

They continue to walk. As they get closer to their destination Joanie starts to realize where they are going. She hesitates to even say anything to Jimmy because she can tell by the look on his face that there's no changing his mind.

Joanie: Jimmy, what are we doing here? We decided that we were never going to do this again. We're both clean and I want us to stay this way.

Jimmy just looks at her with anger in his eyes.

Joanie: Jimmy, please just talk to me. What's wrong?

Jimmy: Joanie, shut up. Do you have any money on you?

Joanie: I'm not giving you any money, Jimmy, until you talk to me.

Jimmy: I have nothing to talk about, Joanie. Just give me the f'in money, now.

Joanie: It's her, isn't it? She's the reason you're doing this. Has it been her all along? Did you ever even love me?

Jimmy: What are you talking about?

Joanie: I saw the way you looked at her, Jimmy. I know that look because that's the way you used to look at me. I've longed for you to look at me like that. I really did think that you loved me still. I guess I was wrong.

Joanie walks away. Jimmy puts his hands over his face and sighs.

Jimmy: Joanie hold on. Come back here. I do love you. I don't love that b****. She's nothing but a ****. How can anyone love someone like that. You're the one for me, baby. You're the only one.

Joanie stops walking and rolls her eyes. She doesn't know whether to believe what he says. She loves him though and it's hard for her to just walk away.

Jimmy: Please, baby. Just wait. I'm stupid! I was just being stupid. We're going to go back to your apartment. I'm not going to start using anymore. Please, just trust me.

Joanie reaches for his hand and Jimmy goes over to her. They hug and start walking back towards her apartment.

Sean was getting pretty sick of Tommy acting like a bigshot, but at least this time he got a car out of it. It was a nice car too. He was especially impressed with the functioning stereo which their van unfortunately lacked. Why does Patrick get to have a nice car when he had to ride around in a van all the time? Didn't seem right but it also didn't really matter right now.

Collections was an easy job, which is probably why his brothers let him do it. That thought made him angry again and he was trying to forget Tommy's hurtful words. He turned up the stereo and focused on the road. He almost never had a problem collecting. Eveyone knew him, knew who his brothers were and what would happen if they didn't pay the protection money. The only people who gave him trouble were the new owners who didn't understand how the neighborhood worked. It only took a little face smashing to enlighten them.

Suddenly a song came on that brought with it painful memories. It was Nadine's favorite song. Stupid stereo, this wouldn't have happened if he were driving the van. Why did it have to be this song? He hadn't thought about her for a long time. He had been forced to breakup with her in order to keep her safe from his family's business. While he didn't regret the decision, it still hurt to think about her and wonder what kind of life they could have had together. She might have been the one. No, she definately was. He felt he had been with enough a girls to know. He pulled over and just sat and listened for a while. The song soon ended but still he wasn't up for driving. Just a few more minutes. He started thinking about Joey and how bad he must feel. His whole family was dead. This reminded Sean of his own mother's death and made him feel even worse. Exactly one year ago today his mother died in the backseat of their van. He wondered if his brothers realized this anniversary. They must remember. They all loved Mom as much as he did. Before she died and when he was still with Nadine, he had big plans for himself. After he got his GED he had planned to go to college and find something he really wanted to study just like Nadine. But things were different now. Tommy kept trying to get him to go to college but it was just because he wanted him out of the way. Well he wasn't going anywhere. He was going to show Tommy that he could be trusted. Sean restarted the car, ready to fulfill his duties.

Thanks for adding that. I'm glad you didn't have Jimmy start using again!

Yeah, Jimmy should definitely never use again! OMG, this is so great you guys! Keep it up. I was actually sad when I came to the end of your stories

Thanks! I really wasn't sure how to write that but I knew that I definitely didn't want Jimmy or Joanie to use anymore.

No way - I think their characters should definitely develop away from that

Those two have the potential to be serious bad a**es It works better if they're straight and in control . . . Excellent writing, I can't wait to read what happens next! . . . Hee Hee Keep up the good work!

Thanks for adding that. Good piece about Sean.

We've seen some good pieces on here about Jimmy, Tommy and Sean' romances. I thought it was time for Kevin to have some romance in his life too, not with the human hate machine but.....

KEVIN'S GIRLFRIEND

Scene: Interrogation room
Detective: Joey, I know there's something you not telling me. Think hard Joey, what else is there?
Joey Ice Cream: Well, there is something I forgot to mention. It started with Kevin's girlfriend.
Detective: I assume you mean Kevin Donnelly? And what could his girlfriend possibly have to do with any of this?
Joey: Well, it wasn't her exactly.....
Detective: You're lying again Joey!
Joey: I'm not lying. It was the day that Kevin met her. Tommy, Jimmy and Kevin got together that afternoon to discuss Jack Trevor. First, Tommy wanted to stop for some coffee...

The Donnellys were in line at the take out counter at the new cafe at the edge of the neighborhood. In line in front of them were two red headed young women. Kevin immediately recognized one of them as "the human hate machine" that he and Tommy saw at the office for the message service. She looked up and saw Kevin.
"I know you from somewhere, don't I," she said. But before Kevin could answer, she said, " Oh I know, you're that idiot that came to my office"
The other girl turned around and looked up at Kevin. She held her glance for a moment. He's cute, she thought. She then turned to "the hate machine" and said
"Tracy, you're so rude!" She looked back at Kevin.
"Please don't mind my sister. I can't believe she just said that"
Kevin smiled at her. What gorgeous eyes she has, he thought
I'm noy paying attention,"he said. Not when I could be paying attention to you , he thought
Tommy looked at Kevin. He hadn't seen Kevin look at a girl that way for a while.
"Kevin, he said, " are you getting coffee?"
"I'm getting an ice cream cone, said Kevin.
"It's cold out Kevin. Why are you getting ice cream?, said Tommy.
It's better to have ice cream when it's cold out because it doesn't get all melted and drippy. I hate that!" he said.
"So do I!" said the red haired girl, turning around. "And I hate when the bottom of the cone gets all soggy and drips!
So do I", said Kevin.
"Well here's what you do when you order the cone. You know that chocolate shell topping they have? Tell them to put some inside the bottom of the cone. The shell that it forms stops the cone from dripping" she told him.
"I'll definitely do that. That's a great idea"
She smiled at Kevin. He melted. I have to keep this conversation going somehow, he thought. He looked down at the bags she was holding.
"So, you did a lot of shopping today?"
"Yes I did. We're staying with our other sister for a while and I had to get some things for my room there. I hate shopping for curtains and window treatments. I'd rather shop for clothes.
"Go ahead, Tara, tell him your life story", her sister Tracy said.
"Go ahead, Tara, tell me your life story" Kevin said, giving Tracy a dirty look. "I was listening". He looked back at Tara.
"I'm staying at my sister's house until I move into the dorms at school next semester.
It was her turn to order. She stepped aside and waited for her iced latte. Then Tommy ordered. Jimmy, who'd been on his cell phone, ordered next. Then Kevin got his cone, with the chocolate shell topping inside.
"Works every time" Tara said. I really want to talk to him more, she thought
Tara and Kevin both had what they ordered. Tracy's order wasnt ready, and neither were the sandwiches that Tommy and Jimmy decided to order. Kevin knew this was his chance.
"By the way, I'm Kevin" he said.
"It's nice to meet you Kevin" said Tara.
"Could I talk to you for a minute" he asked her. He normally didn't do this with strangers, buy Kevin had become very good at reading people. Something told him it would be okay.
"Sure", said Tara. "It's kind of crowded in here. I have to wait outside for my sister to pick me up. Let's go out there.
Tommy watched as they walked outside.
"Tara, I don't normally do this with people I've just met, but I really liked talking to you. Do you think we could get together sometime - is that all right with you?
Tara could hardly contain her excirement. "I'd like that", she said. "I don't always... oh, nevermind. I would like to see you again.
"What's your phone number" he asked. She gave it to him, and he entered it on his cell phone. " I'll call you this week. Maybe we can do something this weekend?
"Maybe. Call me" she said. Her heart was beating fast. Oh, I can hardly wait
Kevin's heart was racing too. Only a short time ago he would not have had the nerve to ask someone out that quickly, but he had changed a lot, especially this past year. He hoped he could see her that weekend.
Tracy came out. Then just as Tommy and Jimmy came walking out a car pulled up.
"Here's my sister now" said Tara. "I'll talk to you soon, Kevin"
The door of the car opened, and out stepped Trish Hughes, the councilman's girlfriend. She took the packages and put them in the trunk, but not before taking note of who her sister was talking to. Tara waved to Kevin as the car pulled away.
Tommy and Jimmy were staring at Kevin. They knew who Trish was, but Kevin didn't. He just knew who the councilman was. Kevin looked at his brothers.
"What?" he asked.
"Do you have any idea who was in that car? asked Jimmy. That's Trish Hughes, the councilman's girlfriend. The one were trying to bring down.
Kevin looked at him in disbelief. "****", he said. I'm still getting together with Tara. We'll figure out some other way to deal with the councilman, he thought.
********************************************************
Back at the interrogation room
Joey: So you see after that day Tommy decided to change his plans. He didn't want to get in the way of Kevin and Tara if he didn't have to. He saw how happy Kevin was with her. But he had to make sure that Councilman Trevor wasn't going to be a problem. He would have Nicky Cottero devise a plan, or at least make it look that way. He had to think about it. Just think, if it wasn't for Kevin having a conversation about ice cream in the cold weather, Tommy would not have changed his plans.
Now I, for one, have never had a problem having ice cream in the cold weather.

That was really great. I'm glad Kevin found a girl as quirky as he is. I especially liked the interrogation scenes, they sounded just like Joey.