Mark Whalpatty

[Mark_Whalpatty]

Grew up on the streets of South Boston during the 1980s and 1990s, right after the collapse of the Winter Hill Gang and the rise of Whitey Bulger, Steve Flemmi and Kevin Weeks. This era within South Boston was known as the "Drug" Era, where the Bulger crew ran the streets with murder, drugs, and corruption.

At the age of 10, he was a drug runner for the crew, only living by the life he knew.  It was either become one of them, or die trying to leave the life. Not much is known about his true family (later to be uncovered during his adventures). As he grew older, he knew he wanted to make something more of himself, seeking a way out of the poor life he has been used to. As a result, he slowly began to climb the ranks of Whitey's crime syndicate. He began building trust within the gang and became of the and became one of the highest ranking members within the gang and was chosen to lead the underground fighting ring business. The fighting ring was located under the Bulger-owned restaurant/bar in South Boston. Mark quickly became one of Whitey's essential "businessmen", networking his way through numerous dealings for the gang. Whitey, growing fond of Mark, began viewing him as his "true" son and the heir to his gang. 

As the underground fighting ring was slowly becoming one of the most profitable criminal activities for the gang, Whitey was found  out to be an informant for the FBI and CIA. The Bugler Gang was in shambles as the network the gang had so meticulously construct began to crumble. Bulger fled Boston as a fugitive from not only the federal government, but also those he had betrayed within his own ranks. As individuals like John Martorano and Kevin Weeks went away for murder, racketeering and trafficking of narcotics, Mark Whalpatty continued to run the underground fighting ring. Broken by the destruction of the only true family he ever knew, Mark was in disarray. This was true until one day he noticed a small note peeking out of his glove box one morning on his way to the South End Bar. The note was from Whitey, admitting that he was, in fact, an informant, but would never rat on Mark. He also admitted his intention in wanting to leave the gang to Mark before his demise and his love for him as a son. He pleaded for Mark's help and said Mark was the only one he could rely on. 

From then on Mark would secretly fund Whitey's fugitive lifestyle, "fudging" the numbers in the financial records so that he could send money to Whitey for his travels and expenses. As time went on, the two continued brief communications with each other, ensuring the safety of Whitey from both the betrayed and the FBI. Eventually, as most know, Whitey was captured by the FBI after decades of evading the feds. 

With his last true connection to the world now locked up in federal prison, Mark spiraled into depression without a sense of purpose. Despite continuing to maintain brief communications with Whitey through the bars of federal prison, Mark felt a growing disconnect to a world he never truly understood outside the neighborhoods of the South End. Having no family or friends, Mark sought new ventures alone, attempting various investor scams and Ponzi schemes. Most of these never amounted to much without any business partners to help. As a result, Mark resorted to continuing to run the bar and restaurant, despite the failing economy within the South End. 

The turning point in Mark's life occurred on the death of Whitey in prison. Clearly a hit from the mob, Whitey's eyes were gouged out and his tongue was cut. This was the last straw for Mark. The horrific murder of Whitey struck Mark to his core, losing what little care or sincerity he has for this world. Mark, now in his middle 40s, knew he needed to relocate and start a new life elsewhere, but did not yet know where to go. He would continue to mull over his options in the upcoming years until he found yet another mysterious note from Whitey, this time years after his death. The note included detailed instructions for Mark on how to continue his life after Whitey's death, stating to relocate to Los Santos and begin a new life. The note was riddled with cryptic implications that there would be more letters to come. Mark thought "But how? The schmuck is dead. Who would be giving me those letters?" Nevertheless, Mark began his journey towards Los Santos. The question is, what would be in store for Mark? Will he decide to start a life clean of crime? As the Southie saying goes, you can leave the fighting behind, but the fighting never leaves you...