The quiet streets were covered with slushy snow, and the sidewalks barely shoveled.  Some shops had been closed for days due to this winter storm.  Many of the nearby homes were surrounded by mounds of the white powder, untouched,  including the orphanage.  Which happened to be where Jaci stopped for a rest as she took her morning walk in the cold, snowy weather, a habit she had picked up from her mother.  With shivering hands, she placed a cigarette between her lips and fumbled with a match to light it up, an addictive habit she had picked up from her father.

Turning her eyes back to the orphanage, she noticed that it looked very shabby and run down. The roof seemed to have more lose or missing shingles than good ones, the paint was peeling and faded, railing on the front porch looked cracked and broken, and she could only imagine of the work that needed done on the inside.  She caught sight of a few heads peeking through the windows, looking at her.  The sight saddened her, children having no parents to call their own and having to live like this because of a lack of money for repairs.  Why didn't the church help them? What about the city?

She felt herself growing angry.  As a child, she had saw her father give so much of himself to help those in his community and they in turn had loved him for it.  The law had  came to hassle him many times during her childhood, because of his life of crime...but did his community turn on him?  No!  They respected him.  He treated them fairly, and in all things conducted himself with honor, more than they could say for the law there at that time.

Jaci let her cigarette fall to the icy covered ground, and stepped on it with the toe of her boot.  Her father had told her once that if you were always sitting around waiting for someone else to do it, then nothing ever gets done.   If other organizations in the community weren't taking care of the problems, then maybe it was time for the mafia to do it.

She knew she couldn't do it alone, she was calling out to other mobsters.  Together they could restore their communities and bring the honor, respect, and loyalty back to the streets. 

And things had to start somewhere....for the next few hours, she visited the orphanage and took down a list of repairs, she picked up some supplies from the hardware store along with some snow shovels, made some fliers and distributed them around town, and stopped by the grocery to buy lots of hot cocoa.

As she walked back down the street, toward the orphanage, she placed her last poster on a fence near Loop's Pizzeria.

Come one Come All

Let's Restore our Community!

The Orphanage is in despair

and needs some repair!

Come to work or come to play

Let's make these kiddos day!

Free Hot Cocoa and Fun

Jaci had always been a "fun before work" kind of girl, so hoping to give some others time to show up to help...she escorted the kids outside and was going to teach them the fine art of making Snow Angels.  She fell backwards in to the snow, flapping her arms and legs around.  A few kids followed suit and a few giggled.  The sound of the giggles and laughter made it all worth it, even if she did look crazy.

Deception notices his old friend Jaci offering to help rebuild the orphanage and decides to offer his help.

He approaches Jaci and asks how he can be of service. He waits patiently for Jaci's reply and is excited to be working with his old friend again.

*Zeitgeist is on his daily stroll through the streets when he notices a familiar face in the crowd desperately trying to gain attention*

Jaci, your words have definitely resonated with me, any project that aims to restore presence, loyalty and honor to our streets and our community is one I am more than happy to spend time and money endorsing.

Too many people lack the heart and passion to speak in front of the crowd, either lacking original idea or purpose. It brings me great joy to see a fellow New Yorker with such a fire burning.

*Zeitgeist walks up to Jaci, sliding a large stack of bills into her hand*

If you ever need me I'll be around, say the word and I'll be there.

Jaci was most certainly covered in snow, but it was worth it to hear the shrill laughing of the children.  Wait! The Children weren't laughing anymore.  She looked around, realizing that two gentlemen were standing near the wide-eyed children. Deception! Zeitgeist!  She welcomed her friends with a smile.  Deception offered her his hand, and pulled her to her feet.  She smiled assuredly at the children.  "Don't be frightened, these guys are my friends.  They are here to help."

When Zeitgeist handed her the money, she felt a tear come to her eye.  So much could be done to help the little ones with this much money.  At a loss for words, she gave him a hug in thanks. 

She turned toward Deception, thankful to see her good friend.  "Thank you for coming. I think we should start off shoveling off the walkway to the house, it will make bringing up all of the supplies easier.  After that, I know the children would love for you guys to come in and have some hot chocolate with them."  She winked, and then whispered. "It might help them not be so afraid of you." 

Nyx walked along the street silently, she felt empty inside and so wanted to give back to the community somehow. She had heard about and run down orphanage being helped by local people. She so wanted to take part in this, being an orphan herself, she went looking for it.

The winter had been harsh this year, the snow covered the sidewalks, yet she could see tiny footprints of childern along the sidewalk, the building wasnt hard to find and was in a bad state. "Oh no, this wont do" she thought to herself as she seen a shovel laid up against a near buy pole. She grabbed it and started shovling the snow, she knew others was watching her, but she was unaware of them, no child should suffer in this cold. Nyx made sure the side walk infront of the building was clear, it was hard work and she was cold to the core but somehow that didnt matter to her.

Ever so often she would catch a tiny face looking at her through the window, she would smile warmly and wink a the dirty faced child before continuing her task. Once her task was complete and she was happy with her work, she went to the mail box and pulled out a wad of rolled up cash, her earnings from todays dealings, she stuffed the cash in the box and made sure the flag was up, so someone would know there was something there.

Nyx placed the shovel back where she found it, turned to look at the building once more, before silently taking her leave, feeling somewhat better about the task she completed..

The word was spreading. The orphans were in need of help, and the mayor had obviously been spending cash on other things. Maybe his mistresses, maybe even paying organized crime syndicates to keep himself in the hot seat. Whatever the case, the money that should've been funnelled into projects like this had dried up at some point, and maybe never even existed. It was sad to see, yet it wasn't uncommon.

The poorer places in the cities that the governments neglected did need some much needed attention, and if not from the Mafia, then who else would step up? As ironic as it sounded, the families and groups that prayed on others for their healthy lifestyles did give back to the greater communities, and it was looking likely that Jaci's efforts may just be another one of those support networks.

A truck rolled down the street with signage on the side from one of the bigger food companies. The sound of rattling from the undercarriage alerted those in close vicinity and with the engine roaring, it muffled out the quitter sounds of orphans laughing and playing in the snow.

The truck eventually pulled up outside the orphanage and came to a quiet standstill. Out stepped Scarfo and one of his associates, Antonio. They eyed the area momentarily before Scarfo gave a quick nod to his driver and sometimes worker bee. Antonio nodded back before making his way toward the back of the truck, as Scarfo dug his hands into his overcoats pockets and leant up against the side of the goods mover.

Jaci looked out through the front window she was scrubbing clean admiring the freshly shoveled sidewalk and walkway in front of the orphanage, thanks to Deception and Nyxie.  The porch railing and some broken floor boards had already been repaired, ensuring that the little ones could get in and out of the building safely.  Broken windows in the back had been replaced along with some holes in the walls that now were patched, which would help keep the cold air out and the warm air in. 

She noticed a large white truck with the name of a local food company roll to a stop in front of the orphanage. The children stopped their romping in the snow, and watched as two big, strong men exited the vehicle.  She watched as Scarfo leaned against the truck watching the children, while Antonio went to the back then began hauling boxes of food up to the house, the children watching in awe.  Their fear from earlier now gone of all the new men and women who had descended on this place, replaced by a bit of hero worship and admiration. 

A giggle escaped her, watching Deception teach some of the lads the fine art of a good snow fight.  One of the boys, caught up in the moment, sent a ball of snow flying through the air which landed right in the middle of Scarfo's chest.  The small boy hid behind a snow pile, thinking he was in trouble.  The other boys stopped their play, looking to Scarfo, fearful of what would happen to their friend...

After having helped shovel the snow off the walkway, Deception was enjoying the impromptu snowball fight that the children had started. Deception was teaching some of the children the best ways to pack the snow together to make the best snowballs to throw to hit your "enemies." As Deception was showing the children how to pack the snow and then throw it to ensure the snow stayed as a ball til it met it's target, one of the children threw a snowball with all his might and it made a muffled thud when it hit the chest of Scarfo.

Scarfo, a very well respected mobster out of Philly was taking time out of his busy schedule to help rebuild the orphanage in Chicago. When the snowball struck Scarfo, all of the children froze in their places unsure of what the repercussions would be. Deception noticed Jaci off to the side observing the situation not sure what the next moment would bring as far as a reaction from Scarfo goes. Before anyone could make a sound, Deception suddenly lobbed his snowball at Jaci and it impacted her right shoulder. 

Now for a brief moment everybody froze. No one knew what was to happen next. Two very well respected mobsters with reputations for brutality had been hit by snowballs that were lobbed in their direction. The children stood in complete silence and almost seemed to be holding their breath waiting for what would happen next. Suddenly, Scarfo was heard yelling "Snowball fight!!" 

At that very moment, every person that was in front of the orphanage at that time, whether they were mobsters or children, began scooping up snow to make snowballs to peg at each other. Within a matter of moments the mood went from an air of uncertainty to a full on party atmosphere which the mobsters seemed to enjoy almost more than the children. It was nice to be able to have a little bit of fun and bring some joy to the orphanage that had been racked with such sadness the last few weeks. The scene in front of the orphanage started to resemble a battlefield, a snow fight battlefield. Mobsters and children grouped together on opposite sides of each other and began lobbing snowballs back and forth. 

The sound of laughter could be heard for blocks and began to start catching the attention of passersby on the street who seemed to want to join in the fun. Deception was getting molding another snowball, getting ready to lob it once again in the direction of Jaci when suddenly SPLAT! He was hit directly in the face by a snowball that Jaci had thrown. The sound of the snowball impacting Deception's face cause Jaci to begin laughing uncontrollably. Deception then yelled out to the children, "Charge!!" At that moment, all the children and Deception began running towards their "opponents" hitting whoever they could see with snowballs. Deception was able to make it over to Jaci, who was still on the ground laughing, without her even noticing.

As he stood above her with a snowball in his hand he said, "I know what your thinking. Did he throw six snowballs or was it only five? Well to tell ya that truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself. So now you've gotta ask yourself one question Jaci, Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya..." Before Deception could finish his mock rant Scarfo lunged a snowball from across the court that hit him straight in the chest. Taken by surprise, Deception, smiling, looked in the direction of Scarfo getting ready to toss a snowball back. Before he could act, Jaci quickly grabbed one of his feet and tripped him causing Deception to fall to the snow. Now it was Jaci who stood over the now laughing Deception. Jaci called several children over to help her surround her old friend and now it was her turn to tease him while he was down...

Lottie heard the laughter coming from down the street. She turned the corner just in time to see the snowballs flying. Giggling to herself, she watched as Jaci let one fly as well as any fast ball Ray Benge had pitched for the Phillies last season!

Still smiling, Lottie entered the corner soda fountain and ordered up 2 hot chocolates to go. While enjoying the smells of the shop, Lottie inhaled deeply as she struggled to get her gloves off and the money out of her purse. Such a pleasant place! She paid the shop keeper and made her way back outside into the cold.

"Jaci!" Lottie called out, holding up the steaming cup of cocoa. "This will help your pitching arm!"

The scene and mood was one to behold. Mobsters, powerfully connected and fearfully respected, throwing snowballs at each other whilst usually sad and poverty stricken orphans joined in the fun. There was laughter and joy in abundance. Children smiled and zipped about in the snow, rolling balls of forgetfulness and appreciation to be hurled at those they had come to admire and respect. The Mafia was giving back, and even the hardest of shells melted in the presence of such innocent love and admiration.

Others not so caught up in the icy warzone were still at task, doing odd jobs around the place, yet still enjoying the fun none the less as the energy swept everyone up into a big ball of happiness and gratitude. There was still work to be done, yet to see and experience the break from the hard work they had put in was inspiring, and uplifting. And others still, like LottieLottieDah, were there to support in other ways still.

The locals had always come to rely upon the generosity of others, beside the governmental bullshit budgets. Money just never seemed to reach the places that needed it most, and this kind of care and respect for the civilians kept a healthy support network for the criminally minded families to keep their balance sheets ticking over. The government banned alcohol, and the mob made sure the locals got their daily fix. The government shat on the needy, and the mob was there once again to clean up the bullshit. It was necessary, and very much appreciated.

After watching Jaci turn the tide on Deception, Scarfo crept up slowly to the kids surrounding the downed Mafioso. He let out a playful roar as if he were a lion and chased the circle away. A hearty laugh was then followed by an extension of his hand to the grounded Deception, offering to help him to his feet.

After Scarfo helped Deception stand upright, he advised him he was making his leave and gave him a firm handshake.

"You're a good sort, be sure to let me know when your in Philly. We'll play a game of poker and have a drink."

Before Deception could respond, Scarfo plopped a snowball into the gap between his neck and the back collar of the garment Deception was wearing, before dashing away toward the truck. Antonio was already in the drivers seat with a smirk on his face, and had already unloaded the crates of stolen goods, having stacked them in the kitchen of the orphanage.

Scarfo zig zaged his way to the truck in hopes of not being caught be another snowball, then quickly hopped in. As the truck pulled away Scarfo popped his head out the window of the moving vehicle and waved his fedora whilst shouting to the group.

"ENJOY THE FOOD! CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING ELSE!"

Jaci wasn't sure that she had ever seen such a sight.  Her fellow mafia men and women struck fear in to many just by their presence, but here they were, romping with the children in the snow.  Snow balls were flying!  The sound of laughing and snowballs making contact on their intended victims was in the air.

The workers on the roof and the crew scraping the peeling paint off the exterior walls looked on in wonder at the sight. 

Two little girls ran down the walkway, they took LottieLottieDah 's hand and pulled her in to their fun. 

A small group of boys came sneaking up behind Deception and attacked him sending him head first in to the snow, with them falling on top of him. 

It was a beautiful sight, maybe even magical. 

She walked inside the house, knowing that the kids and her friends would need some hot chocolate soon.

It was a slow day in Detroit Penny was sitting at her old oak desk day dreaming, it is something she did the best. She was envisioning a place where unicorns roamed free and where leprechauns set out to catch them for their magic... Yeah she day dreamed some random crazy stuff but it made her happy. It was what felt like seconds staring out into space but was actually minutes more like 35 minutes. It would have been longer but she heard a faint knocking sound, figuring it was someone outside she looked at the stack of papers on her desk. She let out a huge sigh and picked up a stack to organize, when she heard the knocking sound again it was a lot louder this time.

"Hey Pen you there?" It was a very familiar voice one she knew all too well. Penny quickly shot up out of her chair and rushed to the door. 

"Yeah give me a sec I'm coming"

She unlocked and opened the door and to her surprise there stood Nxyie,

"I thought you were in New York for another couple of days" Penny said as she gave her friend a welcoming hug. "Come sit, let me how the trip was."

The two walked over to Penny's desk and sat down, the conversation started casual at first then quickly went into business. They talked for hours about how the Carnival was doing, what new associates there were around the HQ, any latest rumors going around. You know just typical mobsters talk. There was a short break in the conversation and Penny took the time to reach into her desk she pulled out two shot glasses and a bottle of whiskey. Pouring each glass to its brim she slide one over to Nxy and picked up one for herself. "Nice to have you back home and to that we drink." The two pounded down the drinks and slammed the glasses on the table.

"So tell me about New York"

Nyxie sat back in her chair and started rattling off the things she did, the people she meet and the landmarks she had went to see. She went on telling Penny that she did a good deed while she was out there, she went on explaining how there was an orphanage that needed a lot of love the building was falling a part and the children were the saddest you had ever seen.  She said in midst of the whole picture she didn't do much but any little bit of help was good.

Right then and there this story pulled on Penny's heart strings, she almost felt a tear ball up in her eye but she quickly mustered up the strength to keep it in. Penny thought for a moment perhaps this was something that needed addressed and quickly, all those poor kids they need some where safe to reside while waiting for a home.

"Nxy do you remember the name of the person in charge and how to get in contact with them?"

Nxy thought for a moment and remembered she had taken one of the flyers with her, to remind her of the good she had done. She shuffled through her bag and pulled out the flyer and handed it to Penny. Penny flipped it over and started to read it:

Come one Come All

Let's Restore our Community!

The Orphanage is in despair

and needs some repair!

Come to work or come to play

Let's make these kiddos day!

Free Hot Cocoa and Fun

In the bottom corner was a name "Jaci" followed by a phone number. Penny quickly picked up the phone and dialed the number, she listened to the ringtone waiting for someone to answer....