A Wake
Issues 70 to 74

The Trust gather to bury Axel Nagel, the head of each house carrying a yellow rose. Lono, now echoing the presence of Shepherd, stalks the periphery in a large trenchcoat. Axel's heirs, Lars and Anna, stand beside their father's grave.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, mob enforcer Ronnie Rome is collecting payments from a local market. He chews the fat, and some sausage, at Slyman Meats. Ronnie is told that neighbouring Irillo Meats is managing to cut the margin on their best meats, because the wholesale is being stolen from Heinz Meats. Ronnie sees red, because the implication is that his brother Remi has been up to no good, again.

At Axel's wake, Lars and Anna are approached by Mia Simone, who offers her condolences. The conversation quickly turns to the House of Nagel. It is obvious that although the twins will want for nothing, they will be stripped of their birthright, and the House absorbed into the Trust. Mia thinks it might not be such a bad thing, as the House usually ends up controlling the head, not the other way round. They follow the other heads to the next room, to talk business.

At Heinz Meats, Remi Rome is fooling around before close of business as he and his boss break balls. Remi heads for a beer with his work mates, and tells them of a scam for an easy robbery. He suggests reading the obituary pages, finding out when the service is going to be, then robbing the house of the deceased fifteen minutes after it starts. Although his colleagues are dismayed, Remi is just getting started, until Ronnie walks in, looking for a word. they step outside, where Ronnie's fists fly. Mimo Pallidino is Ronnie's boss. He owns a piece of Heinz, so if Remi is stealing from Heinz, he's stealing from the mob. It's not the first time this has happened, and Remi is only around because his brother spoke up for him. There won't be a second chance. Remi denies everything as the brothers argue about Pallidino, their mother, and what a fuck-up Remi is. Ronnie warns Remi off, in case Heinz and Pallidino get wise. As they separate, Remi reminds Ronnie that their mother's birthday is coming up.

Augustus addresses the Trust. He recounts their meeting the previous week in Atlantic City, and has the nerve to eulogise Axel, much to the amazement of Helena Kotias. Javier Vasco calms her as Lono lurks in the shadows. Medici continues, returning to the subject of the attempt on his life in Miami, and the subsequent attempt on Benito. He confirms that the hand behind these attempts was Fulvio Carlito, but says that Lono's reprisal was too heavy handed, which draws a look of hatred from Megan to the warlord. In spite of this, he tells the others that Fulvio confessed to not acting alone. However, he will not pursue this any further, as Graves is the common enemy. He offers his hand to the others, including the House of Nagel, which will be allowed to stand. He sees the loss of the other houses as a mistake that weakens the Trust, but asks Lars and Anna to decide quickly which one of them will become the new head.

Ronnie arrives home to find his mother sleeping by the stove. She's prepared cutlets for dinner. Ronnie asks what the occasion is for them to have veal. His mother replies that they're just chicken, as Remi doesn't like veal. She asks Ronnie to take out the trash. Ronnie's face shows his anger at her favouritism. He heads to the garage, throws the bag in the bin, then begins smashing the lid down repeatedly. A shout from his mother asks if he is okay. Head in hand, Ronnie says he is. In front of him, on the garage floor, is an attaché case.

The following morning, Remi's alarm wakes him at 5:30. He kicks his girlfriend Pammy out of bed for fear that his ma will catch them. She wonders why she's involved with someone who still lives with his mother. As they try to sneak out, they meet Ronnie in the kitchen. They want to know why he's up so early. He wants to know why Pammy is there at all. They argue as Pammy takes the piss out of Ronnie's underpants. Remi reminds Ronnie to be home for dinner, as it's the birthday party tonight.

Lono knocks at Augustus's door, where he is met by Crete. The animosity from their previous meeting is still present. Crete asserts his claim to looking after Medici's needs when Lono tries to pour coffee, but Megan emerges from the bedroom, drawing comment from Lono about those needs. He and Medici discuss the previous day's events, which they believe have helped their cause. Medici is no longer seen as a threat by the others. They have averted one civil war by starting another. Megan tells Lono he looks angry. Medici says you get used to that look, making a threat to Lono about his usefulness. Lono asks Medici if he wants to test him. Augustus dismisses it as a joke, Lono has more than proved his usefulness. Megan sees an opportunity for a small revenge, and demands that Lono put his gun to his head. Medici cautions her, but Megan carries on, saying as an employee, nothing should be uncomfortable for him. Lono grabs Megan. Pressing his face against hers, he puts his gun to the back of his head, thumb on the trigger. He tells Megan to tell him to pull the trigger. Crete reaches for his own gun, but Medici pushes it aside. Lono tells it as he sees it, that Megan thinks he's not on their side and wants to kill them. If that were the case, he'd have done it yesterday, when they were all together. He paints a vivid picture of his methods, using a knife and a gun to hack his way through the assembly until there was just Augustus and Megan left. having disposed of Medici, he thinks Megan would have survived until about ten minute ago, when he'd finished fucking her to death. Medici steps in, but Megan has taken Lono's point. They move on to new business. Lono asks which side of the civil war he should be on.

Ronnie meets Mimo in a diner. Two men are leaving as Ronnie arrives, but Mimo isn't saying who they are, instead he complains about how tired he looks these days. He's considering cosmetic surgery if it isn't too gay. Ronnie says it's not, but is sworn to secrecy if Mimo goes ahead. Outside, the two men kick a small boy who has put a flyer on their car. He throws a snowball at them, but runs, as a gun appears at the window. Meanwhile, Mimo is asking Ronnie to shake down a night club owner who has been holding out on him. He tells Ronnie to turn up at closing time and take the till, then gives him a dress. it's a present for Ronnie's mother.

At Heinz, Remi is making a deal with a guy called Bobby. They have to meet for some business, but Remi can only do it after ten. Bobby says no, because of his wife. Remi offers some interesting sexual advice that will earn him a pass for the next month. Heinz walks in, and greets Bobby Irillo. Bobby's father runs Irillo Meats, who buy their wholesale from Mike Grass, not Heinz. Heinz ushers Bobby out, whilst trying to get him to switch supplier.

Anna prepares to go out as Lars sits at his laptop. He's surprised, as he made reservations at El Quijote, an old haunt of Axel's. He thinks they should talk about who will lead the house. Anna says she is older and wiser, but thinks it is more important to Lars than it is to her. She's happy with whatever he decides to do.

Ronnie arrives home for the birthday dinner, flattering his mother as he opens wine. He asks about Remi, and is told that his brother is in the garage, and has asked to be left alone. Ronnie shouts out to where Remi is reading the contents of the attaché. he tells Remi to come in for dinner and asks what he's doing out there. Remi tells him it's a surprise, as he holds the gun.

The party continues, with both brothers wearing pointed hats, cake, candles and presents. Ronnie looks suitably pissed off with his brother, whose present is a hair dryer, to replace the one he broke. Ma uses it to blow out the candles over Ronnie's increasingly agitated face. Remi throws a knife at his brother, who swears as he struggles to catch it. He tells Ronnie to cut the cake, and admonishes him for swearing in front of Ma. He asks them to save him a piece. Ronnie asks why he's not having any now, and doesn't like it when Remi says he's leaving, to go out to a club with Pammy.

Lars arrives at El Quijote, where the waitress, Mirabelle, offers her sympathies. He's offered a seat at the bar, as the room reserved for his party isn't ready yet. Lars queries this, as he's dining alone, but is told that two others called an hour ago to say they were joining him. Lars is disappointed to discover that it was a man who made the call.

Remi is at the club with Pammy and Bobby. Pammy is giving Bobby a hard time because he treats his wife badly. Bobby looks for support, but it's clear that he won't get any. He's keen to get down to business, but Remi is in no hurry. Meanwhile, Ronnie is on his way over, to do the job for Mimo. He gets a call from his boss as he drives. Heinz has noticed that meat is going missing, again. Mimo is disturbed because he thought the matter had been dealt with. Ronnie is on the spot because the finger points to Remi. Mimo won't accept a small warning, he wants it settled permanently.

Lars's guests arrive, Vasco and Vermeer. Lars is surprised that they are joining him, but Javier tells him to get used to it, as he'll soon be joining them. they're here to talk about who will lead the House of Nagel. Anna's attitude will not do, they need progress. The two men begin to tutor Lars in the ways of the Trust.

At the club, Bobby is less than impressed with the music. He tries to persuade Remi to go outside and do the deal, but Remi wants to see the band. Ronnie is pushing his way through the crowd. He points to Remi, sending a message of anger. Remi decides to head out with Bobby and do some coke before doing the deal. In the car park, a dark figure is being asked for change by a bag lady. He says he has no change. As she thanks him, he pulls out a hundred, telling her all he has is paper. The woman stares at Graves.

Anna is leaving a restaurant, talking on the phone as she heads to meet up with Lars. She is surprised to see Otto, her father's former bodyguard, standing by her car. Anna asks after him, then notices her driver is missing. She is told that he is in the woods, "sleeping" as Lono puts it. He tells her to get into the car, as Jack emerges from the woods. Loop and Vic sit in a second car, parked behind.

Club owner Larry is making his excuses to Ronnie about why he hasn't been paying Mimo. Ronnie is having none of it, and doesn't take kindly to being told what to do. He explains to Larry exactly what will happen to the night's takings, then sets off to find Remi. Pammy tells him tat Remi has gone outside to his car with Bobby. At the car, Remi busts Bobby's balls a little more, pulling out the gun to frighten him. The bag lady is hanging around behind the car, But Remi chases her away, just as Ronnie arrives, venting spleen about Remi's illegal dealings. Remi warns Ronnie not to talk to him in that way, and puts the gun to Ronnie's face. Unseen by both, the bag lady has written 'CROATOA' in the snow on the back of the car.

Anna, Lono, Jack and Otto arrive outside El Quijote. Anna wants to know why they are there. Lono explains that it's to do with her future. Jack spots Lars leaving the restaurant with Vasco and Vermeer. Lono asks if Anna knew he was meeting with them, and whether Lars mentioned it. Obviously he hadn't, as he knew nothing about it. Lono notes Vasco and Vermeer look unhappy not to have been handed Anna on a silver platter.

Meanwhile, Ronnie asks Remi what is going on. Bobby believes it to be another joke, but is soon silenced. Remi wants to know if Ronnie is really ready to kill him. They talk about the attaché, and the story inside, but Ronnie is more interested in why Bobby and Remi are outside. he demands to see what they have in the boot of the car. they argue about it, but Remi eventually throws the keys. Bobby steps in, with a panicked look on his face, telling Remi to shoot Ronnie. Remi says it can wait. Ronnie opens the boot without looking at it, keeping his eyes on the gun. He finds a stash of fifties magazines, full of young boys. bobby denies that it is child porn, saying he just collects old magazines, but Ronnie has already lost interest. he wants to know where the stolen beef is. Remi has no idea what he's talking about and Ronnie chooses to believe his brother. They now have a combined problem, because Mimo is expecting Ronnie to bring Remi to him, dead. They need to find out who is really stealing from Heinz. Ronnie tells Bobby to go, and Remi asks him to make sure Pammy gets home. As he shuts the boot, Bobby has a question for both of them: "What the fuck is Croatoa?"

Outside the Nagel's apartment, Jack makes improper suggestions towards Anna. Lono smacks him round the head, calling Anna royalty. As he helps her from the car, he refers to her as Lady Die. Watching from behind, Loop asks Vic what's going down. As Vic sees it, "both of them".

The Rome brothers drive to the Heinz plant. Ronnie is distracted, but notices Remi sweating profusely. Remi says he's not feeling too good, he asks if they're heading to Mimo's to get him off the hook. Ronnie thinks it would be better to put someone else on the hook, as Remi will always be the prime suspect after the last thefts. Remi explains his version, saying he just sold on meat left over from a barbecue, but Ronnie doesn't see it like that. he asks who Remi would see as the number one suspect. Remi says it's  Randall, the night manager, as most deliveries happen between three and six in the morning.

Anna watches the street from her window, holding a champagne glass. the bottle is on the table, next to an overturned pill bottle and one of Lono's cigar butts. Lono walks into the street just as Lars steps from a cab. He looks at Anna, then bows to Lars, gesturing him towards the door. in the second car, Vic takes a phone call from Graves. It's the first time they've spoken since Vic woke up in Chicago, but the exchange is brief. Vic is bored with dog walking and baby sitting. He tells Graves to watch his back. At the other end, Cole is told that Victor is on board.

The Romes arrive at Heinz. Randall is helping two men who Remi doesn't recognise. Ronnie knows them from earlier. He calls Mimo and tells him what's going on as he runs towards the meat truck with the gun. Mimo explains that the two are Argentineans, trying to offload cheap beef. Although Mimo initially told them to take a hike, the offer was good, so he agreed to buy. Ronnie says the deal is better if you get two pieces of it. Mimo denies stitching up his friends, he wants them dealt with. Remi sees the second man move behind Ronnie, who hasn't noticed him. He runs to help his brother, but is cut up with a knife across the face. Ronnie turns to his brother, and is shot in the back by the first man, who has picked up a shotgun. Remi's bloody eyes see red.

Graves and Cole wait by the waterfront, and Cole wants to know why they're waiting on a wild card like a sucker's play. Graves simply says that he's the dealer.

As Lars arrives home, he makes sure Anna is alright, having seen Lono leaving. Bodies lay outside Heinz. An unhappy Anna tells Lars to have a drink. As he pours, he sees the pills, and warns Anna against mixing them with alcohol. he asks what Lono wanted. Anna tells him that Lono was telling her things she should have known about. She declines another drink from the bottle. Ronnie crawls across the floor of the meat plant. Anna tells Lars that she knows Axel was murdered, and who did it. Lars spits his drink claiming their father's heart gave out, but Anna tells him not to feign ignorance, especially after tonight. She finds the fact that the Trust left it up to them to decide, or the fact that there was even a vacancy to fill is too coincidental. Lars pleads ignorance, but Anna continues. She knows who he had dinner with and wants to know what they spoke about. As Ronnie crawls, more bodies are revealed. Lars tells Anna that he told Vasco and Vermeer he has no interest in leading the house, and that Anna should be made head. He says they were unhappy, but he insisted. Anna's face drains as Lars proposes a toast. She realises she's been set up, and tells Lars to put down his drink, tears flowing. There's no reply. Lars lies dead on the floor next to the spilled drink and pills. Remi stands, covered in blood, with a meat saw in his hand. Anna stares in horror at her brother's corpse. Ronnie wants to know what Remi is doing. Remi tells Ronnie he should have stayed where he was laid out.  Anna cradles Lars' body. Ronnie is shocked at what he sees. Anna grabs the remaining pills and swallows them. As the room is revealed, Remi stands amongst the parts of two dismembered bodies. He is still sawing a leg apart. He says he'll finish what he's doing, then drive them to hospital. He also tells Ronnie to keep the gun, as he doesn't need it. The bodies of the two Nagels lie together on the floor.

Three months later. Ronnie is doing his collection round again, walking with a stick. His injuries have left him feeling the changes in the weather, for better or worse. As he talks to Slyman, Agent Graves arrives for a quiet word. Elsewhere, Medici and Megan lament the demise of the House of Nagel. Megan knows that Medici had a hand in what happened, even though, to maintain face, he voted against the absorption of the Nagel assets, the only Trust head to do so. Megan realises that Medici has succeeded in getting his way once more. As Lono arrives, Crete appears more receptive to the warlord than in previous encounters.

Ronnie tells Graves that he can't do as Graves asked, as Remi has been gone for three months, since the deaths at Heinz. Graves tells Ronnie it wasn't about doing anything, merely having the information to make a decision about whether to take action or not. Ronnie is less than convinced by this. Remi is family, and does what he does. Graves asks about the gun. On the night in question, Ronnie used it to fire three shots, one into each of the corpses at Heinz. There has been no comeback on him since the bullets were retrieved. Graves tells Ronnie to keep the gun, as he may need it.

A boat passes under a nearby bridge. The pilot, a man not dissimilar to Mimo, feels a sprinkle of wetness on his face. Up above, Remi finishes pissing off the bridge. Complimenting himself on his aim, he tells Cole that anything in his hands is a deadly weapon. Remi's face is stitched together where he was slashed. he wonders what is taking Graves so long, as Ronnie is either a "yes or fuck off" man. Cole says if it was "fuck off", they'd be on the road already. Remi concludes that his brother must be going to Italy. He hopes Ronnie takes Ma with him, as she's never been.

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