by Soulfingaz
Three years have passed since RJ embarked on his soul-searching odyssey. Since that period in RJ’s life, he went from being the town troublemaker to the most powerful and respected businessman in Llanview. RJ remained true to his word and parlayed his money into new entertainment establishment called “The Pub Club” with the help of Sophia Pellegrino, who’s name was on the liquor license. Originally, RJ intended to rebuild Indigo, but now that his previous partner met a tragic end in an automobile accident, he decided it would be best to make a clean break from the past and start anew elsewhere.RJ successfully acquired a building that was once owned by Carlo Hesser and renovated the facilities. Once the renovation was completed, RJ decided to make the club a multi-facted entertainment complex, where one floor would have live music, the second level would be used for dancing and the third would have billiards. What attracted RJ to Hesser’s old property was the fact that there was secret passage ways. From his days of working with Carlo, he recalled that Hesser mentioned that he installed hidden doorways in some of his properties in the event of a police raid. Carlo confided this information to RJ since he was one of his most trusted associates.
Although it appeared that RJ’s new business venture was legitimate, he would occasionally engage in his illegal activities that included smuggling stolen goods, gunrunning, kevlar vests, gambling dens and a highly profitable three card monte racket in Angel Square. RJ Gannon was the underworld’s answer to Asa Buchanan. No illegal operation would go down in Llanview without RJ’s approval. The operations that were permitted were required to give RJ a percentage of their profits in order to remain in business.
On the surface, the Pub Club was a gold mine and business was booming every night. RJ’s club was the place to be seen. It was a place where the who’s who in Llanview would stop by and meet and mingle while jazz music played in the background. The Pub Club succeeded in sending shockwaves throughout Llanview’s nightlife.
During the day, RJ would get a limo ride to his establishment by his chauffeur named Anton. He opened the door of the club and seen Sophia conducting an interview with a young man who was inquiring about a position as a bouncer.
“Afternoon, Sophia. What’s the good word?”
“I have a gentleman who’s interested in the bouncer position. RJ, this is Seth Anderson. Seth, this is RJ. He’s the co-owner of the Pub Club.”
RJ and Seth shake hands. Seth was a little nervous that he wouldn’t get the job due to his time in the detention center and lack of work experience. RJ noticed Seth’s uneasiness and asked Sophia for Seth’s application. After he looked it over, he didn’t hesitate to make some comments to him.
“It says here that your last job was loading boxes at the community center, which was before your incarceration. You’re probably worried that I won’t hire you because of you’re record and your lack of work experience. Am I right or wrong?”
“You don’t know the half, Mr. Gannon. I been scraping for whatever I could get and I know I don’t have experience as a bouncer. I promise you, if you give me a chance, you won’t regret it.” Said Seth in a confident voice.
“Well coming from a person who did time, I’m willing to give you a shot so you can prove yourself. I hope you’re a fast learner because this business doesn’t slow down for no one. When could you start?”
“Yesterday.” He responded.
“Good answer. Come tomorrow for orientation. I’ll let you know what the job entails and we’ll go from there. Welcome to the team.” RJ extends his hand to Seth.
Thanks, Mr. Gannon. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity to work at this fine establishment.”
“I know what it feels like having to prove myself to people. Be here at three PM sharp.”
“I’ll be here at two-thirty. Thanks, sir.” Seth waves at RJ as he makes his exit out the door.
Sophia and RJ engage in a small chat.
“Seth should do well. He looks like he’s a good kid.”
“Just keep an eye on him to be sure.”
“No problem. By the way, a package arrived for you. It’s a heavy one at that. I left it by your office door with all the other mail.”
“Thanks Sophia. I’ll go check this mail and after I’m through, we’ll go out for lunch. Sounds like a plan?”
“How about I seal it with a kiss?” Sophia wrapped her arms around RJ and kissed him on the lips. RJ cut the kiss short to attend to some business pertaining to the books and his mail.
“That felt good. We’ll pick up right where we left off after I take care some business.”
“I’ll be waiting. I think I’ll flick on the tube and watch my stories until then.” Sophia turns on the TV in the bar and watches her soap while RJ walks to his office.
RJ picks up his mail off the floor and notices the package Sophia was talking about. He opens the door with his key and closes it and then has a seat at his desk. Curious and cautious about the package, RJ carefully examines it to make sure the package doesn’t contain a bomb. After he’s certain that he’s in no immediate danger from the package, RJ opens it.
To his surprise, someone sent him a mini tombstone. The tablet read: HERE LIES RJ GANNON.
The gift didn’t make RJ worried about his life. He instead looked at the tombstone and laughed. Once again RJ succeeded in cheating death and didn’t take his present seriously. After all, he was part of a rare breed. There are those who report what happen, there are those who wondered what happened and there are people like RJ Gannon who make things happen. As long as the sands in his hourglass were full, RJ Gannon will continue to make a scene for years to come.
As for John Sykes, he was never indicted for the mishandling of police records but was found guilty of unrelated charges.Sykes was demoted and now uniformed police officer working detail in his brother RJ Gannon’s club where the two formed an unholy alliance.
The gunman who attempted to kill Hank was found dead with a bullet wound to the head in the same car he used in the drive by shooting, approximately one year and a day after the incident. The L.P.D. officially closed the investigation into Hank Gannon’s attempted murder.
For the Gannon Brothers, things have worked out well. Then again, who knows what the future holds for Llanview’s hard luck family. Llanview is a city of several stories, but for RJ Gannon, there's only one life to live.
The End
....