Black Rose

April 10th, 1998       The street is buzzing with life on a cold spring night. Even though air is filling life and sound there's a calmness. Everyone getting ready for Easter Sunday and the mafia was no exception. As a standing rule in the city, no fighting on this day. The Crawford family upheld this rule and enforced it when necessary, but someone had their own plans to get through the holiday with more than they deserved. “Now Tommy, why don’t you and the little lady stay here for the night. You know I don’t mind, and I love that sweet little girl of yours.” A young man says with smile. Charisma and intelligence are definitely words to describe Leon Crawford the head of the Canal syndicate in New Orleans.  Only thirty-six and he is one of the most powerful men in the city also one of the most handsome too. Being 6’3, lean build, and mocha skin, this man didn’t have a hard time with the opposite s*x. “You know I wish I could Leo, but Abby wants to get little Rosie home before it gets too late to get across the river. I’m surprised that she even settled down after following you around today. That girl, I swear she is just too fearless for a six-year-old.” Tommy chuckles while shaking his head. Thomas Blackmore was Leon’s right hand and best friend. Thick as thieves, there was no stopping this brotherhood. Blackmore was the brain and Crawford was the brawn, together they seemed unstoppable. “Aw fearless isn’t so bad Tommy. She’ll be an excellent fighter and even more beautiful than her mother. She keeps up with the older kids quite well and you know Luka is always following her around” Leon said proudly. “You’ll understand once your little girl is born. Fearless daughter is the reason us father’s get gray hair. Look at this! I’m not even 40 and I’m getting a gray patch” Tommy exclaimed point at his hair that was slightly changing colors. Leon snickered at his friend’s distress when there was a knock at the door. “Come in” “Tommy, I think we should take Rosebud home, getting her to bed is going to a nightmare. Hi Leon” a gray eyed woman says with a hyperactive six-year-old clinging to her leg. “But mama, I don’t wanna go yet! Let’s stay here with Uncle Leo and play” little Rosie whines and pouts at her father. Abby sighs and looks at her husband tiredly. Thomas picks up Rosie and taps her nose. “Rosebud give mama a break hm?” He cuddled the top of her head and smiled at his wife. Abby shook her head and look at Leon, that seemed amused by the whole affair. “Alright Leon, we’ll see you in a few days for Easter, need to get these beautiful ladies’ home. My lady wife. Little warrior princess. Let’s go home” Thomas ushered his small family out the door and waved back at his friend. “Bye-bye uncle Leo! See you later” Rosie waved over her father’s shoulder to the older man. Leon waved back not knowing that this would be the last time he’d see this family so happy and alive.