As I worked my way back to my chair I noticed how cluttered the Don’s desk was so I decided to move the vase of Roses to another spot. While I was in process of helping tidy up, I observed how the Don was looking at me. I had to take my seat and listen; the Don was not in the mood to have me cleaning up after him.

“It’s time for a change Sophie. Those coppers have ruled the streets far too long and those damn prohibitionists have been riding on their coat tails.” The Don’s tone grew more sullen. “It’s time to spark a war.” I couldn’t help but be startled and the vase of roses I had picked up off the Don’s desk fell from my lap and shattered upon the floor. It wasn’t until I heard that shatter that I was brought back to reality.

“Street warfare!?” I couldn’t hold back my shocked tone. “Who are we planning to kill?” Standing up I realized I was dropping shards of glass on the white roses strewn on the floor. “Why such a drastic move?”

I noticed Carlo out of the corner of my eye gleaming with delight and polishing his revolver. “You afraid of shedding a little blood Scooter or just afraid of loosing some of your own?” I didn’t like his tone; I didn’t like it at all.

I gathered what little composition I had left and struggled out “Who’s the mark?”

The Don let his glare off Carlo after his previous remark and looked compassionately at me, “Do you have a cop that has a beat around the Iguana?”

I thought hard, there had to be one cop crazy enough to have the St. George’s route. “One Irish cop, Daniel McCormick. He’s no threat. Catholic, Irish, family guy. Usually stays far away from the Iguana, but we did just get ransacked yesterday.” Idiot, I thought to myself. The bust reports wouldn’t have come in yet, the Don did not need word his best gin house was ransacked.

“What happened at the Iguana?” the Don’s tone was sharp and yet, had a hint of relief. The Don didn’t wait for another word from either Carlo or me; you could tell his mind was made up. “Sophie, you have your mark.”

At this, I felt a sharp pang in my soul. I had never been ordered to kill a man before. I had only wounded a few people with my switchblade to protect myself on the streets. As far as the police were concerned, I was a normal girl usually seen walking around the block near St. George’s.

I took a step back and bowed gently towards the Don. “Thank you sir.” I humbly said as I began to walk out. Carlo’s sharp tone caught me off guard one more time. “Ah, Sophie, you may need a new pair of stockings, yours seem to have a bit of a run.” Looking down I saw my legs bloodstained and crusting to the remains of my nylons; this was a perfect day.

“By the way Carlo,” the Don politely chimed in, “you will be helping Scooter in her task, if anything happens to her; it’s your head I’ll want.”

Carlo couldn’t hold back the appalled look on his face. “She’s a dame! A slinky, no good, sharp tongued vixen.” Carlo realized to late how he was speaking to the Don and watched the Don’s glare intensify all the more he spoke.

“I know the two of you got off on the wrong foot but, shape up or ship out!” the Don yelled more intensely. “I have a job for you children, but if you can’t handle the simple removal of one person I can always find someone else. Now what are you going to do?” The Don spoke in a calmer tone now and waited to hear our reply. This was my chance to walk away, but that was something you didn’t do.

I walked back to the Don and knelt next to him seated in his large velvet chair, “You have my word; this task will be completed with the desired outcome.” I couldn’t believe that I was consenting to kill a man, even one so honest; even among the thieves most cops were. I then bent down and kissed his ring to sign the pact that I had made in words in a form of action.

*****

Leaving the Don’s house, I promptly headed to St. George’s. I had to be alone, even if it were for just a moment. I had arrived a few moments before evening vespers and there were only a few people about the Sanctuary. I genuflected before the Tabernacle and ducked into a pew.

“Lord, why? Why do I have to be the one to kill him?” I knew my prayers were futile by now, but they were at least worth some thing. Even though everyone in the Mafia was Catholic, and God is the Supreme Being of the universe, most people thought He wouldn’t even bother with our little section of New York.

“Dearest Lord, I’ll set the trap, I’ll put this plan into motion, but I can’t pull the trigger.” I began to sob uncontrollably, I couldn’t help myself. I felt guilty already and I couldn’t tell why. “Most merciful Savior, if this is what is supposed to happen, let it be done, but please don’t let me be the one to kill him.”

A calm soothing voice appeared from behind me, almost inaudible, “Sophie dear, what vexes you so?” I turned slowly to see who it would be so bold to disturb someone in prayer, even a prayer as mad as mine, it was Sister Angelica. “My dear, what bothers you?” She held her arms open to me while saying this and I couldn’t help but fall into her crying.

Sister Angelica just held me in the middle of the Sanctuary as the bells for vespers began to ring. “Come dear, let us talk in private.” She led me to a secluded room far away from the main sanctuary but close enough, if she were needed, to return for her prayers. “Tell me my daughter, what is wrong?”

I told her everything, how the Iguana was ransacked, the meeting with the Don, and the request made of me. Sister Angelica didn’t stir, not even to blink. After I had finished retelling the events of the past day she replied, “My little sparrow, you have your own mind; are you going to let a bunch of old men with guns and suits tell you what to do?”

I couldn’t help but laugh a little at what she was saying, I knew it was true. She continued to comfort me and give me counsel. By the end of our conversation, Sister Angelica hadn’t really told me anything I didn’t already know, but she said it with such certainty that I knew what I had to do. She had not told me not to kill but at the same time, not told me to kill, but these words remained with me, “You are a good girl Sophie, irregardless of what happens.”

I left St. George’s knowing exactly what I had to do. I knew that the boys would still be at the Iguana and we had some planning to do. I didn’t even care if I saw Carlo again; we would be doing this my way.

I entered the Iguana and you would never have known that the place had been torn to shreds the day prior. The tables and bar were packed, there was music, laughter and the occasional punch being thrown, everything was perfect. I walked through the people to the back of the bar where I grabbed a bottle of gin and asked for Louie. Tony saw me inquiring about my brother and told me that he was already meeting with Carlo in the back.

I walked to the door of the back room and let out a little sigh, it was time for me to become the mobster I knew I could be. I kicked the door and it swung open wide, but the sight I beheld wasn’t what I expected.