Chicago

It was still early in the evening when Andy entered the Continental. Using the front entrance, he walked through the foyer where the bouncer usually stood and toward the bar. Rico, the bartender, and Fred the busser, were already hard at work stocking the bar for the evening festivities. Saturday nights were always busy.

Without asking, Rico poured a scotch smooth and Andy picked it up as he continued through the front room. Passing tables and ultimately the stage, Andy slipped into the back hallway and to his office. Three men were already waiting there.

"Boys," he said nodding to the two standing men, Slick and Tank. "Mr. Price," Andy said making a tisking sound with his tongue and sitting on the edge of his desk facing the man in the chair. "I thought you said we weren't going to have any more problems?" His thick Chicago lilt rolled off his tongue like venom.

"N-No problem, A-Andy." After a sharp slap to the back of the head, the quivering man corrected himself. "I mean Mr. Aurelio."

"Really? So...everything is going according to plan, then?" Price nodded. Andy's face went from amused to stone cold. "Then how come I aint seen a dime of my export fees!" Andy backhanded the man who crumbled in his seat. "I pay good money to ship my merchandise all over the states. Your company is supposed to make sure it arrives on time. It's been three days, Price. And I haven't seen a dime!"

"You have to understand, the Bulls are watching me! They're making searches and interviewing my dock workers! They know I'm working with you Andy. I have to protect my business!"

Andy stood and paced in front of his desk. His eyes met Slick's and he nodded. "Well then, Mr. Price. Seeing as working with you has become a liability...I think it's time we explored other options." Taking two steps to his left, he watched as Slick removed his pistol and shot Price in the head. Without hesitation, Tank grabbed the body and began dragging it out of the room. "Adrian, find me a Mr. Beckett down at Beckett and Mills. Tell him I'm in the market for a new partner. Oh...and set fire to Price Dockworkers."

"Right away Andy," Slick said and moved from the room. Taking a seat at his desk, Andy waited patiently as Fred ran in and began mopping up the mess. He sipped his scotch with a half smile on his face as the music from the main floor began to hum. The band was warming up. Saturday's were always good for business.

Jo was just getting ready to go out on the town tonight. She looked herself over in the mirror. She had dressed up in a bright red flapper dress and red shoes. Around her neck was a long string of pearls that hung loosely about her neck. SHer lips were adorned with bright red lipstick. She looked like a harlot, but she liked this look. She gave herself one final look in the mirror and smiled. She was sure to have a swell time tonight. She grabbed her bag and walked out the door.

She arrived at her favorite speak-easy only to find that the blue's and gotten to it. She pouted and thought to herself That was the last good place in town. There was only one other place still operating and that was the Continental. She didn't really like the place, but she hadn't dressed up only to go home dissapointed. She grabbed a trolley and made her way there.

She arrived a little early, but could see tat it was already getting busy. As she made her way to the door, a man passed who seeme n a bit of a hurry. She gave him a smooth smile and stepped inside. She was stopped by the bouncer almost immediately. "Ain't you a little young to be here?" he asked her heavily. She looked him square in the eye and said "Now listen here big fella. I didn't dress up this pretty to stand at the door. I'll have you know, I am twenty-one. Now step aside and let me in." The thug looked her over again. It was clear he was confused about her age, but he didn't to get in trouble so he let her pass.

She gave a smile and walked confidently past him. She bypassed the bar completely, as she had no love for alcohol and took a seat in the corner. The music was lively and he was icthing to dance, but didn't want to be the only one on the dace floor so sh sat in her corner tapping her foot and observig the people.

Vivian Rose sat at the vanity in her room, pulling her fishnet stockings up while examining herself in the mirror. Makeup was delicately and skillfully painted on her face, intensifying her best features, and her hair was curled perfectly into place. It had taken her a good two hours to put herself together in such a brilliant fashion, with all the makeup, choosing of a dress and fine details that went into jewelry. She wore large pendant earrings that glittered in the light with its several diamonds and silver, and a matching necklace that hung perfectly about her collarbone. Her dress was the greatest feat though, being made of small beaded rows that hung from the expensive woven fabric. The neckline swooped down to reveal some cleavage and the shoulders were cut out, her sleeves hanging in a lazy fashion making her look effortlessly scandalous. Her dress wasn't something she would usually wear, most times she was adorned in rich colors with gold, and her evening dresses were intricate and eye catching.

Today she was to blend in. For reasons unknown, her uncle had instructed her to keep quiet and low. Vivian seldom followed anyone's orders, but her uncle Charles was one serious man. Last night, the house had been up and dealing with business late. She was to avoid the Partisan family and the police at all costs. Vi rolled her eyes whole thinking of this, of course someone had been careless in dealing. She let out a sigh that moved a stray hair that was caught in her eyelashes. She put on her heels and stood up, taking on last look at herself. She was presentable enough to go to The Continental.

After another moment of vanity, she clicked her heels together and set out for the door, grabbing a small purse and her over jacket to finish off the outfit. Living just a few building from The Continental she arrived at the club only moments later. Vivian waved a lazy hand at the doorman as she entered, she was most often welcomed with no questions. There have been few times in her life though when she was blocked from the entrance. Really Vivian had nothing to do with these family issues that kept her from the club, but still she payed the consequence. Her feet clicked as she headed toward Andy's office, not many people were out yet. A girl in the corner, and some men occupied the place. It was kind of lonesome in the huge space with only a few people drinking. There was no entertainment yet, but the band was warming up, and the bar was remarkably clean of booze and bodies. Vi smiled toward Rico who was rubbing away at the expensive crystal that would be used tonight.

Once at the door of Andy's space she gave a light knock and entered, not caring. So many people were afraid of him and his gang, so afraid to step out of line, or come in unannounced. Vivian wasn't scared though. Mostly because they were close childhood friends, but also because she could throw a good punch and shoot a good shot. The room was musty, and she flicked her hair back as she took in her surroundings. Unlike most of the regulars, Vi was all too familiar with this office. Fred was mopping, she could only guess what had just happened.

"Hey.." Vi gushed smoothly, paying no mind to the mess. She smiled as she walked to his desk, and gracefully tipped herself over it, resting her elbows on the surface, bent over to face her dearest friend. "How are you, darling?" Her pearly smile grew, smelling the scotch on him.

And so her evening began, being the girl that ever man wanted and every girl wanted to be. She would need a cigarette soon.