When I was still in the mortal world, I would master mind and figure out ways to connect and be connected. Sailing in from Puerto Rico, I was young but I always knew a time would come where I could someday become somebody. How and when was the question.

Mr. Rizzo, leader of an Italian mob in Chicago, always brought his suits to my mother, who worked in the downtown Laundromat. He always had to look clean, and crisp. Being new to this country, I looked up to him, even though we were so close in age. He always had money, and power, always looked pressed to the tee. My mother knew how Mr. Rizzo was. She always heard the stories as people came in to drop off their laundry. Every night, when she would come home, she would continuously tell me to stay away from him, that it would only lead to trouble. But I never listened, and there was nothing she could do. I was tired of seeing my mother just making it by, and I knew I could help her. From the few times Mr. Rizzo and I did speak, he knew I had potential, and he started giving me small jobs. I started running cig gigs for Rizzo day in and day out. Those cig gigs turned into bigger jobs, and let me tell you, I executed them well.

It got to the point that wherever you saw Rizzo… You saw Martin Lopez. I was becoming his right hand man. I was loyal. The experiences became more intense and I followed through with conviction. There was no turning back and Rizzo knew that I wouldn’t!! My entire life changed and I was made! He always told me I was crazy. “You are just crazy Martin. In fact, I’m going to call you Martini Loco, because that’s just how crazy you are”. I was in ever since.

This life brought money, jealousy, lust and pain but with narrow eyes, I didn’t see what was coming even though Mommy always told me to stop. I was still so young and I loved the thrill!

As I got older, I had been in for a while, there came a day where I messed with the wrong crew and eventually, I became a marked man. In this business, there are no short cuts...Once you're in, you're IN!!

Once recognizing the fact I was a moving target I became a soldier. Rizzo knew I was a crazy man but yet inside he knew a softer side that I would not reveal to the outskirts. He knew me as a young man. He still had respect for my mother, because she always had his suits pressed just right, and she never disrespected him, so he made it his job to try to protect me as well. He and Lor were getting married, and I was his best man. I managed and held the fort for Rizzo. Unfortunately, Rizzo didn’t make it through his wedding night. Just as he was going in for the kiss with his new wife, he was shot down in cold blood. We didn’t even see it coming. As he was lying there, barely conscious, he whispered to me, “Martini, you must keep my name alive. You must take over, I give it to you. Protect all that I give, most importantly…LOR” I nodded my head. From then on, it was up to me.

One night, as I was saying good bye to my mother, telling her I would see her in the morning, she held me tight…begged me not to go. I told her I had to take care of some business. She looked into my eyes and said, “Then I say goodbye to you for the last time. Take care of yourself Martin, and I love you.” Little did I know those were the last words I would hear from her, but she knew. Working in the downtown Laundromat, she heard the stories. She knew what was in store for her son that night yet she knew I had to make my own decision, whether it meant life or death.

The guys and I were walking along, to check on Lor, knowing that she was devastated. Little did we know that we were being stalked by Vito. I was approached by him and his boys, but I didn’t care I took them all down. I had no time to say anything. Once I go into those frenzies, I go blind. I see nothing. After everything was all said and done, I saw those poochies, and I ain’t talking poodles, I’m talking monsters. Those little shits started attacking! Oh hell no, I was not about to be taken out by a dog! So, I ripped one of those dogs’ jaws in half. The boys cheered me on, and as I stood up to claim my victory, another pooch just came at me out of nowhere. He took a nice bite. Wait, not just a bite, he took my face! He took me out right then and there. Let me tell you something; don’t talk to me about PETA.