Pure adrenaline fueled my ability to stand and walk. Jefferson jumped up to support me. The entire club was paralyzed by our events. I stood tall besides my heavily armed barkeep.

“Patrons, please may I have your attention,” I already had it, “let me assure you that everything is fine here at The Topaz. Please enjoy your dinner and the fine music from our band.” I motioned to Stenny, the bandleader, to kick off something immediately, he hastily complied.

I scanned the crowd looking for calmness to return to faces, it did. These were violent times and this was a cagey city. They would all get over it after another drink or dance. This moment, for them, would become a bit of gossip by Monday morning at worst.

For me though, it was the break I was looking for all night. Despite my injury, I strode up the steps to Mr. D. and his goons. They were standing in defensive posture keeping an eye on the entrance.

“Vincenzo! Are you alright? Come, sit, tell me what happened.” the sympathetic mob boss asked.