When I was young my father lost his life saving Carmine Mancini, who later became "Don" Carmine Mancini of the Miami Mafia....

My family didn't have life insurance, so the Mob secretly supported us. When I became of age my mother found me a job at a car rental center. It wasn't long before strange things began to happen. I was paid well to look the other way. I liked the extra money, and it was the first time I had an abundance of it.

One day Pauly the Underboss wanted me to do the "Family" a favor. After a few successful tasks, I gained their trust. Jimmy, another boss closer to my age, told me stories about my father and his involvement with the Mafia. I never knew I was born into the Mob.

Once I accepted the truth and proved myself, I was sworn in and became part of a team. I was to be trained by Big Tony and Johnny the Bump, two shady characters who were lifelong mobsters. I felt safe in their company, although I was shocked by the stunts they pulled on anyone in their way. It was an exciting time to be young and powerful. I felt untouchable.

They gave me a Mafia name and passed it around town and through the social circles. People were quick to please me; even the biker gangs were afraid of me. It was a dangerous world with dangerous people. Violence, corruption, and bad influences surrounded me.

My mother distanced herself from me and kept me from seeing my younger sister. I knew everything had a price, and being safe was a top priority. Most people never know how close they are to total chaos. I knew because the "Family" caused a great deal of it. They always stirred the pot and poked the flame. They didn't leave any stones unturned.