Realistic or Modern The Oath - 1940s Gangster Drama - IC (Ended)

[neverbackdown]

Alex heard foot steps and tilted her head slightly to the sound of them, she was ready to run if needs be but she relaxed when she saw it was Conor. She looked back at the street across from her as she smoked hiding the smile on her face. She looked up as he spoke "ah what dad doesnt know wont hurt him" she spoke in a playful tone as a smirk played along her lips. "Plus the views better over here" she made direct eye contact with him when she said that making it obvious what she meant.
She took another drag of her cigarette as she thought about her plans for the night. She knew she shouldnt be this side of town and her brothers and father would kill her if they knew where she was and who she was with, but she pushed away the thought and directed her attention back to Conor.
"Ah I just finished work so might hit a bar or club, dont really have set plans" she said with a shrug as she dropped the butt of her cigarette and stepped on it to make sure it was out. "What about you? Up to anything interesting?"

Misty Gray

 

[Foxy]

Monte Romano
Monte listened as Fortuna and Angel spoke, nodding his head every so often, though he wasn't too vested in the conversation. He knew there was a deal in progress with the Duilios, however he wasn't personally involved in the matter. It was rare he'd get involved in tasks as such, as Monte dedicated more time to other matters. He was a notorious hustler in the law enforcement community. He took another drag of his cigarette, tilting his head back and blowing the smoke towards the ceiling. Involved or not, he decided to speak.
"If I may interject. While you both may be correct," He gave a pointed nod to both Angel and Fortuna, "for what purpose do we need to abide by their precarious word? We are the most powerful family in the city, what do we need them for? What is the reward so worth it that we'll risk their deceit and betrayal?"
His dark eyes burned with curiosity as he sat up, leaning closer to the table. He was aware of things, but perhaps this would bring it into a new light for him. His face was impassive as he leaned back again, folding his arms and barely rumpling his perfectly ironed suit. His guns felt like lead in his jacket, and he frowned to himself, realizing he hadn't been involved in any dirty business for his father lately. He wasn't sure if it was due to his ambitious, cruel nature, or if Vinnie had just run out of odd jobs to task Monte with. While he was no stranger to putting a gun to someone's head, it had been quite some time since he'd actually squeezed the trigger. At one point Monte had done it so often a callus had formed on his index finger. He absentmindedly rubbed that finger, which was now smooth and callus free. Whatever the Romano family was doing today, Monte wanted in.

Misty Gray Enzyme Ineptitude

 

[MattS]

Dylan had arrived at the jazz club some half hour before they were supposed to go on to play. Tonight he would be playing the contrabass for the first half of the set, then switch to piano halfway through the song list after a solo piece he finally finished. But for now, he had been setting up backstage, putting the bridge back in after having to take it out for tansportation, and putting the strings back into place before putting the instrument in tune.

5 minutes before showtime

"Where the hell is Henry? we're about to go up." Dylan asked noone in particular. Henry of course, was their drummer. He usually wasn't this late, so Dylan was starting to worry a bit. Thankfully a little over a minute later the drummer walked in. "Sorry I'm late." Henry said. "I ran into some trouble on the way here, but it doesn't matter now."

"You can tell me what had happened later tonight, I'll make sure it's dealt with. Meanwhile, go ahead and get tuned up." Dylan replied in a friendly tone. The drumemr nodded before heading to his kit and began tuning. Dylan finished checking his tuning with harmonics when Sinead came up to him and gave him a hug, him returning the hug and adding a warm smile. "I'm good kid, how about yourself?" he replied. "You ready for tonight's set?"
(sorry it took so long to write this, I've been procrastinating everything majorly)

Misty Gray

 

[Ineptitude]

"Good question." Fortuna nodded in acknowledgement at Monte's intelligent inquiries. "While there is most definitely a probability that you would be bringing your future enemies into your territory, there is one very important thing you can obtain while doing so."

"Trust." The word seemed to echo throughout the bar. "Trust is a very fragile and delicate thing in this world. Just one wrong move, one wrong word, one wrong look, and that trust could be easily ripped apart."

"Since they are coming into your territory, they have to start trusting that you won't attack them and you also have to start trusting that they won't attack you as well. Of course, the likelihood of them placing their trust in you at the beginning is thin, but it gives a good starting point to a better relationship between companies." Fortuna's eyes darken. "That is: if they wanted to make an alliance in the first place."

Mentioned: Foxy

 

[Misty Gray]

"You know, I have the exact same thoughts!" Conor remarked, in response to Alex saying what her father doesn't know won't hurt him. But that wasn't entirely accurate - there were things Vinnie didn't yet know that could hurt his business. And in return, those things could result in Conor being hurt by him in return. But that was something the young man would worry about at the time. He then looked Alex over as she made her comment about the view and couldn't help but return her smirk. "You're right about that. The view has certainly improved since the last time I stepped outside." This flirting was dangerous, but Conor was known for taking risks and being a sucker for a pretty face.

"Me? I haven't quite decided what I'm doing yet. A few friends of mine have already headed to the casino, so I may well find myself heading there soon." On his way, he had intended to nip into the jazz club to see his sister on stage, but mostly to see who else was watching her. That was before this attractive distraction. As the smell of burning caught up with his senses, he looked in the distance to see what he thought was smoke. "Am I missing out on a bonfire?" he asked, wondering if Alex knew the source of the smoke.

neverbackdown


"I'm great." Sinead raised an eyebrow and shrugged her shoulders in response to Dylan's second question. "Am I ready?! My friend, I was born ready," she remarked, her tone full of confidence and humour.

Sinead took her spot on stage with the band close by. She didn't get nervous when it came to performing, but there was a slight unease hidden in the back of her mind. It had been there before she'd even left home and before she'd spoken to her one of her babysitters at the bar. Conor always told her to be careful, but there had been a more serious edge to his voice when she'd spoken with him earlier that day. No doubt he'd done something that was going to catch up with him soon, that adorable fool. Regardless, whilst she was singing, she found herself focusing on the main door and those entering, more than usual. Her performance wouldn't be affected, but those who know her would see a slight apprehension in her eyes and on her face.

When the band took a break, Sinead didn't give chance for the waitress to speak before she swiped a cocktail from the woman's tray. As the other band members conversed which each other, Sinead withdrew herself a little and sat in the corner, barely even giving herself chance to taste the cocktail as she quickly knocked the drink back.

MattS

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex smiled at his comment about the view being better and put her head down slightly to cover the slight blush forming on her cheeks as he hair slightly fell over her face.
"Yeah the casinos always good fun" she commented as she lifted her head brushing her hair back with her hand. She had completely forgotten about the fire and shooting, so when he mentioned it, her head snapped over to look in the direction of the bakery while a frown splayed across her lips.
"Someone was shot and the bakery was set on fire" she said in a very serious tone, worry was evident in her tone as she sighed. "The cops were already there so I couldnt get too close to see who it was" she looked back at Conor as she said this. She was worried it was someone she knew but was also worried that it was someone Conor knew that her family had killed.
Misty Gray

 

[Enzyme]

Angel's eyes shifted to Monte, his smirk shinned through his knuckles. "Well," Shifting his posture, he fixed his hands into a triangle on his lap. "Our 'family' controls Chicago, whether the CPD wants to admit it or not. Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, ruled by fear and intimidation. Which is fine, y'know, it worked. Nobody fucked with him. When the allies, however," Angel motioned his hands towards Vinnie, "Brought the Axis Powers to their knees, no one was there to catch him. He was later shot to death, along with his wife, trying to flee his own country." Angel moved for his cocktail, clearing his throat. "My point is, telling people to fuck off and putting bullets in people's heads will keep you ontop, however, when an overwhelming power threatens you; no one will be there to catch you. You can keep your throne with intimidation, but you must always show respect. Mussolini offered no respect, so no one had his back; that's why he's six feet under." He motioned the glass towards Monte, before taking a sip. "Renegotiating is our best bet. The less enemies, the better. If they want to keep disrespecting us, then it's reasonable to release the hounds."

Misty Gray Foxy Ineptitude

 

[Axel The Englishman]

Bento here took note of the Lieutenant's choice of words. "Oh, intend to of course." And with that, he was off. Not another word uttered after that brief reply. Ben was barely within audible range to continue such a conversation anyway. At least acknowledging the Lefty's words would probably get him off his back for the time being.

Donning a fine trench coat and a swanky fedora to match it with style, Benno made his way to the exit of the Chicago Police Department and out into the streets. There waiting for him was a 1947 Allard K1 that Benny somehow managed to acquire. No matter. By now Ben was already on his way to investigate a crime scene. Perhaps now he'd be able to uncover some sort of link between these recent criminal activities and Vinnie Romano.

Trignome

 

[Maxilgal]

Maite


Maite was quiet as the group spoke, listening like a fly on the wall. She knew it wasn’t really her business, but she had a nasty habit of wanting to know what people were talking about. Before she could listen much more, Jona came up, speaking quickly in French.

“Maite, there’s trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Martzel saw a man keep grabbing a lady, and I think he and Danel are arguing outside.” The sound of shattering glass broke through their conversation. Angry, Maite threw her towel over her shoulder and pardoned herself from Vinnie and the others. The crowd parted like the Red Sea as they knew better than to get in the way of an angry Azarola. She threw open the door, and was faced by a broken bottle of some nondescript booze and two men in each others faces. And then the not-Danel threw a punch, and the entire fight was over. She returned to her post, and poured a glass of whiskey and left it on the bar for him.

__________________________________________________________________

Danel


The feeling of skin, tissue, and bone against his fist was the best high Danny ever experienced. One swift punch and the man was on his back, nose bleeding profusely. But before he could really get to work on him, he saw Maite, and stood back.

“You’re lucky tonight punk. Now get your ass out of here, you follow?” He shrugged his shoulders and fixed his collar, and shook off the punch the man had landed. The group that had gathered around were sent away sadly by Martzel, and Danny returned to the bar. He grabbed the glass and went back over to Lloyd, needing a break from everything. “Hey. How you doin’?” He flashed a smile and realized he was bleeding from his lip. Jona came over with a wet handkerchief and he thanked her. “Some punk was messing with a fine lady. I had to step down.” He gave a laugh. Danny seemed to be in a much better mood after punching someone in the face

Foxy

 

[Misty Gray]

Vinnie let the three of them discuss the situation and there was the faintest smirk on his face as he did. This was why they were with him right now - he valued all of their opinions and ideas. "Louie Duilios is the kind of man who would stab his own mother in the back," he noted. Those who knew Vinnie knew how fondly he spoke of his own mother, who was living back in Sicily. He didn't much like people who didn't respect their parents. "We'll arrange a meeting with the Duilios and see if we can renegotiate," he confirmed. "But the slightest hint they're betraying us and..." he squeezed Monte's shoulder and sent him an encouraging smile, "I'll let you put a bullet in Louie's skull yourself," he told Monte. He then regarded Angel and Fortuna. "We renegotiate and give them the chance to show their loyalty and earn our trust."

Angel's comment about putting bullets in people's heads seemed to trigger some knowing smirk on Vinnie's lips, but the man soon masked it by bringing his glass to his mouth to take another drink. "For now we'll saved the bullets for snitches and backstabbers," he remarked.

Vinnie's attention was then drawn towards Danel who had been dealing with some disrespectful man. It was the Azarolas choice what they did in their bar. This did, however, seem to prompt the priest to get up from his seat and start putting his coat on. Vinnie looked to his watch and decided it was okay for Father Schofield to leave. He approached the man to see him off. "9pm on the dot? You always have been prompt," Vinnie said, shaking the religious man's hand as he saw him out. When he stepped back into the bar, he gave Rick the thumbs up for occupying the priest's time.

"Now, you three," Vinnie said to Fortuna, Angel and Monte, rubbing his hands together. "Let's go into the back room for a quick chat." He took his drink and headed into the private room Maite had reserved for him.

Foxy Enzyme Ineptitude


"Well, maybe you should get yourself to the casino too, if it's so fun," Conor said, with a wink.

When he mentioned the fire, he could see how it affected the Romano's daughter. She seemed quite worried. He stared off into the distance and thought about her mentioning it was the bakery. He figured he already knew which bakery it was, so he shrugged his shoulders like it didn't matter. "Don't you worry yourself," he told her, briefly placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I think I can tell from here which bakery it is and I assume the baker is one who was shot. He's nobody for you to worry about," he assured her. His eyes diverted back towards the fire for a short time. Conor figured this was a message and one he would soon be told about by his friends.

neverbackdown

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex smiled slightly up at him when he tried to reassure her, she knew there was something else going on but decided to not dwell on it till she got home and could find out more information. Alex bit her lip as a smirk splayed across her lips. "I might do, depending on if its an invitation" she knew this was a bad idea, but her dad and brother were going to be in the bar all night so she shouldnt get caught. "Or if your afraid of my father maybe we could go somewhere he doesnt" she said confidently "thats if you want to".
Misty Gray

 

[MattS]

"Good to hear. Time to knock em dead." he said with a smirk as he followed behind with his instrument, and was then proceeded by the drummer and pianist taking their respective positions. The first half of the show went off without a hitch, but Dylan noticed something was a little off with sinead. A sort of apprehension in her facial expressions. He figured he'd ask after the show was said and done, but for now he had a solo piece to perform whilst the others took a small rest. He informed the audience tonight he would be doing as such and that this next piece was called ''Can't Stop Running.' It was certainly different from the normal songs he's played for the time he's been coming here, but it was generally well recieved by the audience. Afterwards he thanked the audience and headed over to the bar where he conversed with the band members for a little while.

However, the conversation wasn't his main focus as he noticed sinead isolating herself. Something was definitely up. After taking a shot of Jack Daniels, he walked over to her. "Is everything alright? You seem a tad off tonight." He asked with noticeable concern in his voice.
Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan
​

Conor chuckled when Alex suggested he might be afraid of Vinnie. "Do you really think I'm scared of your father?" he asked. "Why don't we both go for a drink with him. Where is he tonight? The Fox's Den? We can go there right now..." he trailed off. He was, of course, joking. On a business level, he wasn't afraid of Vinnie. He knew he'd have a chance at evading any retaliation there, as the Italian wouldn't be so foolish as to kill one of the Sullivans. Cause suffering and loss, sure. However, Conor firmly believed that Vinnie would kill him on the spot if he were to enter that bar with the man's daughter by his side. "In all seriousness, though, he will slowly torture me if he sees us together. Where doesn't he go?" he curiously asked.

neverbackdown

Sinead Sullivan​

Sinead looked to Dylan as he approached her. When he asked if everything was okay, she quickly nodded her head and smiled a little too hard. "I can't complain," she replied. She decided there wasn't much point lying - he'd already noticed something was off. "You know I've got a complicated family, Dylan. I'm just worried about my brother. Conor is the sweetest person I know, but he's always getting himself into bother. I'm just hoping he comes home tonight and doesn't end up sleeping in one of those cells again. Or worse, a hospital bed," she explained. Realising she was being a little downbeat considering the fun spirit of the club, she decided to think of more positive things. "Is your friend, Jonathan, here tonight? He does seem like a nice man," she brightly asked, trying to lighten the subject.

MattS


Crime Scene...

When Detectivie Montgomery and Lieutenant Xin arrive on the crime scene, they would see the fire being tackled by the fire services. Sergeant Thawn would approach the two men. "Our victim is Paolo Salvatore, the owner of the bakery," he would inform them. It wouldn't take a genius to realise it was an Italian who had been killed.

Axel The Englishman Trignome

 

[Trignome]

The lieutenant decided to let the detective’s comment slide; there were much more pressing matters at hand. The two men walked out to the front of the CPD, where several police cars were parked in a small lot. Jon turned away from Benny and walked into the lot to look over the available means of transportation. They were reserved for use by officers on-duty and since Jon was working on self-appointed overtime it would be against regulation for him to take one out for the evening. He wasn’t sure if the detective could, or even wanted to, use a CPD-regulated transport; Benny had a way of getting around the city in his Allard much quicker than was legally possible. Jon mulled over his limited options, and sighed.

“Would you prefer to take a personal vehicle to the scene?”

After a few moments of silence, Jon turned around to ask the question again. It was then that the lieutenant realized the detective had already made a decision for himself and left for the crime scene in his own car. “Oh,” Jon said, clearly miffed about being left behind. It pained him to spend the money to do it, but he realized he was going to have to take a cab to the bakery.

* * *​

By the time Jon paid his fare and stepped out on the opposite side of the street, a crowd of spectators were already gathered just outside the perimeter of police cars. An officer in uniform was trying unsuccessfully to get the civilians to step back from the police tape that encircled the body lying a few paces away from what remained of the bakery. A firetruck was parked by the nearest fire hydrant, just around the corner. The unraveled hoses lay like large, grey snakes spitting out the last droplets of water, which steamed and evaporated as they dribbled onto the sidewalk that smoldered in front of the burnt-out building. A familiar-looking Allard was parked about a block away from the commotion. Jon soon spotted its owner crouched by one of the shattered windows of the bakery. Of course the detective had gotten here first; the lieutenant ignored the twinge of annoyance he felt and crossed the street to speak with Benny. Perhaps he’d found something useful while scrounging around the scene of the crime.

But before Jon could cross the police tape that separated him and the crowds from the body, he noticed someone else trying to step over the tape. “Excuse me, civilians are not allowed through the tape without accompaniment by an authorized personnel,” he said and put a hand out in front of the woman to stop her. She looked up with wide eyes and immediately dropped an open notepad on the ground. Jon picked it up, reading the headline at the top of the page as he handed the notepad back to her. “Police Fail to Respond to Attack on Local Bakery, Severe Casualties…which city publication do you work for?”

“I, uh...the Slanderer.” The woman fidgeted with the wire binding of her notepad. “It’s an independent journal.” The reporter didn’t try to cross the tape again, but she eyed the crime scene with an air of contempt.

Jon followed her gaze; she was watching Benny, who was still wandering beneath a building just opposite the body of the victim. The lieutenant immediately knew the detective was looking for evidence; probably the casing for the bullet that was fired into the man’s head. But to a civilian, or inexperienced crime reporter, the detective just looked like a busybody cop poking blindly around the crime scene.

“If you need any statements about how the CPD plans to make a thorough and effective investigation of this matter, I’d be happy to oblige.” Jon smiled and tried to steer the woman away from the area. “The other officers are busy inspecting the scene, so if you’d kindly refrain from-”

The woman scoffed and pointed directly at detective Benny. “Your officers are busy? Should I ask that man over there if he’s busy? Is that what our tax dollars are spent for, paying cops to walk in circles?” She raised her voice and several of the other bystanders looked over in curiosity.

“Miss, I’m going to have to ask you to lower your voice. You are creating a public disturbance that may distract my colleagues from their work.” Jon tried to calm the reporter down and prayed that Benny hadn’t overheard the conversation.

Axel The Englishman Benny

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex chuckled at his comment about her father. "He'd slowly torture you and then lock me in a tower never to be seen again" she laughed, although she was laughing, she was fully serious. If her father ever found out she would be killed or locked away never to see the outside world again.
She thought hard about his question and bit her lip while she was thinking "well he doesnt go to your bar but then again I wouldnt be overly welcome either" she used a joking tone, but ot wasnt exactly a lie "as far as I know he doesnt really go to the jazz club, and he only really drinks in the foxes den" she said with ashrug. "But then again he has some celebration thing tonight so I doubt hed be near the casino"

Misty Gray

 

[Foxy]

Lloyd Castellano
Lloyd smirked at Maite's antics, watching Danel leave with a wild spark in his eye. He obliged to Danny's request though, and put his feet firmly on the floor, ordering another drink and sipping it slowly as he tried to eavesdrop on Monte's words amongst all the conversations buzzing around him.
After a few minutes he gave up, instead studying the facial expressions of those around their table, and the nods from Fortuna, and after Vinnie spoke, a sly grin from Monte, who also nodded. Eventually, Lloyd stopped shuffling the cards in his hand, setting them on the table and pulling the top seven from the pile and fanning them out face down. He pulled one from the fan, a seven of spades. He snorted, tossing the card. It didn't make much sense, but the cards weren't tarot cards anyway.
Lloyd finished his drink, feeling more buzzed than ever now, but more that capable of knowing it wasn't wise to be incapacitated by the boss. After some time, Lloyd returned the cards to the deck, returning to shuffling them.
When activity broke out, Lloyd stopped abruptly, looking up. He only caught the tail end of it, but cracked a smile as Danel kicked a man out. Shortly after his friend came and sat down with him.
"I'm doin' good." Lloyd said, tipping his glass back and downing the amber liquid inside in one fell swoop. "Poor girl. Danny to the rescue eh?"
He gave a teasing smile, punching his friend on the shoulder across the table.
"I've just been drinkin'. As expected." He gave a hearty laugh, setting his cards back down on the table. "Any chance you're up for some mischief later after the bar has settled down and the boss has left? Or are you shutting down early?"

Maxilgal

 

[Mooriot]

"I've told you before and I'll tell you again, Harry's as good as gone," a man across the table asserted.

Giorgio frowned ever so slightly, carefully perusing the cards in his hands. He was sitting at his usual spot at the local casino, surrounded by his usual acquaintances, give or take a few who had other pressing matters to attend to. With the presidential election only a mere two months away, it was only appropriate for the topic to surface among the group of friends he had gathered tonight. Giorgio himself had little riding on the election beyond a few petty bets of overall insignificant value. It was more for the satisfaction – which was a good way to describe his stance on gambling as a whole, really.

"Hey, don't say that with Romano around," another voice interjected. "You know how much money he put on Truman."

Giorgio chuckled at the jest, shrugging in the process. "You never know..." he began. "Nobody ever wins by betting on the favorite, do they?" He had doubted the possibility of a Democratic victory himself at this point, though he admired the passion of the Truman campaign and his tenacity if nothing else. It was a quality he valued rather highly, and one he wished more people would adopt. Just as he'd finish speaking, another man approached the table before taking his seat with a heavy sigh.

"You're late, Robert."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," he deflected, panting quite heavily. "But get this, there's this fire couple of blocks down from here. Did some asking around, turns out something went down at a bakery – a murder, people are saying."

"Who?" Giorgio asked, not immediately worrying as of yet. Stuff like this had occurred on a rather regular basis; he had grown plenty of thick skin after years in the organized crime industry. While it was entirely possible that the rest of his family was caught in the mess, he'd trusted them enough not to be as reckless as to get "caught" in public.

"Don't know yet, the CPD's already all over the scene," Robert responded. "Gotta hand it to them: as useless as they are, they're pretty quick on their feet."

Giorgio nodded. Being a curious person by nature, his instinct urged him to go check out the scene for himself, though he knew better than to get in proximity of the police. While his record was substantially less damning than most in the Romano family, one could never underestimate the desperation within the CPD and their likeliness to pounce at any lead they could get their hands on. Giorgio shook the thought out of his head. He'd ask around for the details later. Right now, he had a game to finish.

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan​

"It's my pub. I decide who's welcome," Conor half-joked to Alex. "But you don't want to by surrounded by that rough lot," he added. He loved his sister's singing, but he found the jazz club a little too stuffy for his tastes. He decided what better place to take a risk than at the casino. "Let's just go to Aces Casino and keep a low profile," he suggested.

When they entered the casino, Conor looked around and soon noticed Giorgio at a table with some others. He turned his back to Romano's son and raised an eyebrow. "Looks like your brother is here. Is he going to be an issue?" he asked her. He didn't think he needed to be too concerned, but would gauge Alex's reaction.

Alex would also notice her friend Angelica was working and dealing at a table deeper into the casino.

neverbackdown Mooriot M MiladySolo

 

[MiladySolo]

Angelica KingAngelica had been dealing for a few hours as her shift ended at midnight. She didn't mind it, the opposite, really. She loved dealing cards and seeing how the cards could flow between her tender fingers, the way she knew she could control the cards and cause the men at her table to lose near to everything. Having the knowledge of how to steal the fortunes these men had spent their lives trying to collect.

Angel had just finished a round when she noticed Conor Sullivan walk in with Alexandra Romano, a close friend of her's. They'd met a little while ago when some of the Romano family was playing at her table. She knew Conor, too, but that was because of his gang. The Sullivans were a well-known gang that she'd dealt for a few times. "Hey, Alex!"

neverbackdown Misty Gray

 

[Ineptitude]

Fortuna allowed a smile to spread across her lips, so bright and radiant that it became more difficult to discern whether or not it was even genuine at all. "Of course." She agreed as she rose from her seat, her three-inch heels clacking on the ground as she followed her boss into the private room he had Maite reserve for him.

Mentioned: Misty Gray

 

[Maxilgal]

Maite


Excusing herself, Maite managed to get outside. It was too crowded in there for her. Taking a broom with her, she began sweeping the shards of glass off of the stoop, making sure it was safely out of people’s way. She found herself gazing up at the night sky. You couldn’t see any stars, too much pollution in the way for any light to poke through. Even the moon was a little dimmer than usual.

Maite returned to the bar and told Jona she could go to bed, she could clean everything up with Danel. The woman smiled tenderly and bid her goodnight before exiting through the back and climbing the stairs to their apartment. Again, Maite became busy with the hustle and bustle of the bar. Glasses clinked and drinks sloshed around gayly as she danced her way through the people.

__________________________________________________________________

Danel


“Nah. Mai would kill me if I did anything tonight. With ‘ol Boss around, you follow?” He wiped another drop of blood that was creeping down his lip. “When’re you going to marry my sister then,” he teased. There was a long running joke that Danel was trying to get Lloyd into the family. “You’re the only person I think I could trust.” He took a deep swig of his whiskey and sighed, sinking into his seat. “It has been a long week Lloyd. I’m glad tomorrow is Sunday.” He gave a weak smile to his friend before leaning forward. “Maite wants to go straight. Smuggling is getting too dangerous with not enough revenue.” His voice was a serious, scratchy whisper.

Foxy

 

[Enzyme]

Angel stood out of his seat, adjusting the edges on his suit jacket. With one swift pull, the creases vanished. He looked to the quiet area reserved for them. His eyes shifted slowly around the crowded bar. People sure were testing their limits tonight. Men who couldn't hold their liquor dropped like flies around the establishment. It didn't seem to put a dent in the liveliness, for every spot a man passed out in, another bar-goer took his place. Angel gave a little nod, as if acknowledging the stupidity of Chicago's inhabitants.

Moving into his coat pocket, he revealed a Don Pepin cigar. Placing the butt between his lips, he retrieved his stainless steel zippo lighter from the same pocket. "Non c'è niente come buoni soldi o cattivi soldi. C'è solo soldi." was etched into the side in fine print. With a flick of his finger, the tip of the cigar was ignited. The smoke dissipated into the heavy atmosphere of the bar, dancing in the air like a performer.

As Angel made his way to the reserved area, a heavily intoxicated man clattered up the stairs to him. "Aye buddy! You look like you got money! Pay the barmaid to take her shirt off!" The man stammered, falling on Angel's shoulder like a lifelong best friend. Angel shoved the man off, allowing him to collapse onto the floor in front of Lloyd and Danel. Pulling the handkerchief from his vest, he began to wipe the man's spit off of his face. He then looked up to Lloyd. "I don't have time for this. Teach the man some manners for me." Readjusting his lips on the cigar, he made his way to his bosses.

Maxilgal Misty Gray Foxy

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex laughed "no I dont think aload of sullivan friends would be suitable for a Romano". She nodded at the thought of the casino and followed beside him. It wasnt a far walk so she didnt mind. She saw conor turn his back and looked over at his brother and smiled seeing him engrossed in a game. "He wont mind, i hope" she said. She wasnt too worried about Giorgio, he wasnt too impressed in the family buisness.
Before Alex had time to react she heard her name and grinned, grabbing Conors hand and pulling him towards Angelica . "Hey, hows things?"
Misty Gray Mooriot M MiladySolo

 

[Foxy]

Lloyd Castellano
"Damn." Lloyd grabbed his glass, trying for a swig but coming up empty, twisting the glass with an eyebrow arched as if the alcohol inside had just magically disappeared on him. He sighed, setting the glass down with a forlorn look on his face. He watched Danny's face as he spoke, trying to decrypt how his old friend was feeling. He glanced briefly at Vinnie, who was working his way back with Monte Angel and Fortuna, then back again at Danel.
Lloyd hunched over at the table, glancing around.
"I know it is. I've been stuck at home far too often lately." He muttered, gesturing at his empty glass. "Too much drinking nowadays, not enough work. It's been killing me. I could go for some gamblin' but I don't have near enough money to be wasting on that lately."
There was a somber silence between the two, and again Lloyd picked up his glass, turning it upside down and inspecting it as if more liquid would have apparated out of nowhere.Again dissatisfied, Lloyd set the glass down, sliding it to the end of the table. Though young, he looked worn down now as he spoke.
"Don't need any more anyway."
He was all but unaware of the tussle behind him when a well intoxicated man fell to the floor beside him, and then Angel spoke. Lloyd nodded, though looking down at the man didn't have much urge or inclination to do much. He wasn't exactly in a fighting mood, he felt worn down and tired. His laziness usually stemmed from an easygoing nature, but tonight his mind and body just weren't in it. That said, in no way was he going to let it slide, especially under Angel's command and under the watchful eye of Vinnie. Sighing, Lloyd stood over the man, grabbing his collar and roughly pulling him up. He motioned at Danny to follow, though he didn't much care if he decided to come or not. Lloyd roughly dragged the man outside, tossing him against the wall and letting him collapse, dazed and confused. Frowning, he lit another cigarette, taking a long drag before blowing a thick cloud of smoke into the man's face.
"Look here bud, I'm just the messenger. You best not be causin' trouble 'round these parts. Sober up, and keep your vile tongue to yourself." He snapped, flicking his embers onto the man's rumpled shirt. Normally, Lloyd would rough him up, but seeing as the boss and his closest companions weren't around, he decided to let it slide. If he got in trouble, he got in trouble. Danny, however, was a different story. If his friend wanted to lay into the man, Lloyd would have no problem holding up the drunk.

Maxilgal


Monte Romano
As Fortuna and Angel replied, Monte nodded, leaning back, obviously satisfied with the answers he received. Looking over at Angel, he thought the man was probably somewhat similar to himself, and he mused at the thought. He'd never worked with Angel directly, instead just spoke to him in meetings like this. Monte watched Fortuna head towards the room, tilting his head and focusing on her heels hitting the floor. She was beautiful, but there was a dangerous edge to her, and Monte thought for sure she was a woman he wouldn't want to tussle with. His attention snapped back to Angel though when a dunken man made several rude remarks, prompting Angel to shove him to the floor where Lloyd sat talking to Danel. Angel told Lloyd to take care of it, and moments later, Lloyd stood, grabbing the man roughly. His friend briefly glanced at him, and Monte gave him a reassuring nod before following Fortuna back.

Misty Gray Enzyme Ineptitude

Violeta Reyaz
Violeta had been practicing boxing all evening at home, and now, sweaty and tired, long dark hair plastered to her face with sweat, she headed to the shower, relishing the cool water on her hot skin. Minutes later she exited, dressing in some slacks and a loose fitting button up shirt. It wasn't exactly fancy or lazy, but it worked well. Trying her hair up in a loose bun, Violeta started momentarily at her cello before heading out. It wasn't an awful night to be out, she thought. While most in the Sullivan gang wouldn't think of going to the Den, Violeta was comfortable there, and as such, she figured she'd stop by. She wasn't well known by the Romano's, and none knew she was part of the Sullivan gang anyway. Plus, unbeknownst to her fellow gang members, she preferred the alcohol that the Den served. Of course, going there also ran the risk she'd see Angel, and with a grimace, she set her face and headed down the street towards the Den. Cracking her neck, Violeta looked down nervously at her bruised and bloodied knuckles. She'd had them wrapped while she practiced, but nowadays she seemed to need more protection for her hands. Women like her - even in the gang - weren't highly looked upon by others, and a small, meek woman like herself would look odd with knuckles like hers. Angel, of course, would know exactly what she had been up to, but it wasn't like him to announce it to the world. It would be busy, as nights like this usually were, and Violeta hoped to fade into anonymity amidst the crowd assembled.
As she walked in she spotted the usual assembly of Romano family gang member and looked down, hiding a grin. Behind enemy lines.
Violeta sat down in a dark empty booth, walking behind the bar and pouring herself a glass of whiskey. She could get in trouble, but figured whoever was working tonight would be so busy that they didn't need to wait on her too.
Looking around, she smiled to herself. Mission success, she'd slunk in unnoticed. Even her daring venture behind the bar seemed to have been looked over.

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan
​

"You hope he won't mind?" Conor asked, letting out a laugh. He was about to follow-up on her comment when she took his hand and pulled him towards Angelica. He couldn't help but smile at her energy. He knew this could only lead to trouble, but what harm would one night do? When Alex and Angelica addressed each other, it was clear the two were already friends. He acknowledged the familiar casino worker with a nod and a smile. "Evening, miss," he greeted her. He then continued to scan the building as the two you women presumably spoke. Other than Giorgio, it seemed relatively safe for him to stick around the place with Alex. As cautious as he was being, he had to admit he was enjoying the danger.

neverbackdown M MiladySolo

Vincenzo Romano​

Once the four of them were sat at the table in the private room, the friendlier smile Vinnie had been carrying in the main bar left his face. "Now that pantomime is done with..." he remarked, referring to the priest's presence. "We need to reassess where our contraband is delivered and stored. I'm sure we've all noticed we've been short changed lately and I managed to find out which sack of shit has been stabbing us in the back. He's been taken care of." He leaned forward and raised an eyebrow. "Incidentally, you might want to find somewhere else to buy your bread," he added, making it clear Paolo Salvatore was the traitor in question. "Conor Sullivan," he said, the volume and venom in his voice momentarily increasing. "I found out he's the one Paolo was giving away the locations our goods to. I've sent him a message this evening," he explained. Vinnie rarely did anything so publicly, but he wanted the Irish lad's attention and the attention of anyone else who might be betraying the Romanos. The reason he'd had the priest in the bar was so the key Romanos players all had the most trustworthy source of an alibi possible, should they need it. "I have no doubts the Sullivan kid is fucking with us and has been taking more than we know of. The message I sent tonight will register with him, but it won't truly get his attention." As much as Vinnie would love to be permanently rid of Conor, killing him would not only create an all out war but the CPD would know exactly where to look. "I'm proposing we teach him a lesson. I want him to see the consequences of his actions and that he's not in a playground snatching toys from the other kids. I want that stupid smile wiped off his face. Do any of you happen to have some ideas on how we can break him?"


Ineptitude Enzyme Foxy