Frankie looked at the band setting up and her mind wandered back in time.  A smile split her face as she recalled the first time 'ugly' Tony DiCaprio came to a party and wanted her dance card filled with his name, "Do you remember the first time we danced...?"

She laughed, "I gave you such a hard time back then.  Tell me - was it worth it?"  Frankie said looking at her husband with eyes shimmering with love.

TonyCastelli came up then.  Frankie stood as he got to the table and she greeted him with a hug and kiss on both cheeks.  This man had saved her life and to him she'd be eternally grateful.  That he would join her tonight was an honor and she wanted him to know it.  Quickly she introduced her new associate MJ and let them exchange hellos.

"No, I fear I haven't seen any of them.  SullivanBlack might make an appearance.  I asked Matty to check on him for me as she has a way of making him perk up ever so.  He's... doing his best.  It might be just as well if he skips this event.  The mourning is taking a lot out of him.  Work seems to be the best thing for him right now so I'm trying my best to keep him busy."

Frankie looked around the room for Heathro - not sure if he would make an appearance tonight even though she'd sent him a note reminding him that it might be a good opportunity for him if he wanted to get into some more white collar work.  "Remind me," She said to TonyDicaprio "To introduce Tony Castelli to Heathro if he shows up.  He has been making quite an impression upon me lately and I have big plans for his future.  I think it's time he get a formal introduction to Mr. Castelli here."

"Mrs. DiCaprio?"  A woman in a simple flower print dress came up to the table.  Frankie turned to look at this woman who she didn't recognize. 

"Yes?"  She gave the woman a kindly smile.

"Mr. Foust said I could find you over here.  I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner, but I wanted to come by and personally thank you for what you and your husband did for my family."

"I'm sorry... you are...?"

"Oh!  Yes, I'm Karen Baresi.  My husband-"

"The detective."  Frankie said remembering.  Her smile became one of sympathy as she introduced the woman to the table of her friends  "This is Mrs. Baresi.  Her husband was Detective Baresi who ... well, he was a very good officer who did a great deal for our community.  He also helped me handle some troubling affairs we had a few weeks back."  Frankie was clearly speaking of the aftermath of The Nightingales' demise.  She looked back to Karen.  "I'm so very sorry for your loss.  I hope you received our flowers at the funeral as well?"

Karen nodded.  "The money you sent-" the woman became choked up.  Frankie took her hand and waited for her to be able to finish.  "It was a godsend.  I was able to pay off our mortgage with that money and now I have a place to raise my children.  I just don't know what I would have done without your help."  Karen took her hand and pressed her lips hard to it.  "I and my sons are in your debt Mrs. DiCaprio.  If ever we can do anything for you... please... just say the word."

Frankie loved hearing those words but she tried to smother her eager grin.  "Well, I can't possibly imagine when I'd have need of help from a dispatcher at a telephone company... but I do appreciate your oath and accept it.  Rest assured Mrs. Baresi that you and yours are in my thoughts, prayers, and care whenever possible.  Please... enjoy the night.  What we do here, we do for people like you and your children.  Tonight is your night."

Frankie patted her hand and sent the woman on her way.  Looking back to the group she picked up her water and took another drink.  "Say what you will about rubbing elbows with the elite - it is nice to know what we're doing will help good people.  Widows and children... this is the sort of work you can be proud of doing.  Now... let me have a bite of this cake.  God it looks good!"

Shaggs was dressed to the nine's. He hadn't looked this good in ages. His black tuxedo almost shined in the moonlight as he walked into the Masquerade Ball. His own mask was a deep purple, a color he'd become a bit known for with his Mystery Machine. He was arriving fashionably late, it hadn't helped matters that his driver had gotten a bit lost.

This was a cause that concerned him greatly. He always wanted to make sure the police were in his pocket and his $20 donation had turned into $20,000 under the table very quickly. The listened to him though and did everything that he needed of them. It was an odd feeling to be above the law but he'd gotten used to it.

He walked in and noticed TonyCastelli sitting with Frankie-Messina and a few people he hadn't met yet. He made his way over, shaking a few hands on the way and sat down with his friends. 

I do wish I lived as close to you guys. I miss the old place. How are you all tonight? It seems I'm in need of a drink before some of the others get here.

Shaggs waved down a waiter and ordered a gin and tonic. He figured he'd start the night off easy.

Frankie saw Godfather Chairman Shaggs approaching the table and she once again stood to hug and kiss the cheeks of her better - more importantly a man who she'd been with since New York.  Surrounded by friends and family again it felt more like home than it had in some time.  Becoming a Don and running her own family out of The Ivory Tower in Summerlin was grand - but it wasn't the same was working along side these people who were not giants.

The power seated at this table was did not go unnoticed in the room.  It was somewhat funny, really.  This whole table should probably be in jail two-hundred times over for the crimes committed between the lot of them and yet here they were in a room full of police, politicians and celebrities; most of whom were eager to get their ears and attention.  Their money, after all, kept businesses and operations (legitimate and otherwise) moving.  It was their blood in the streets that kept employers putting honest men to work each day and feeding the families of The Strip and Summerlin.

In truth, while their table might have represented the greatest power of organized crime in all Las Vegas - this room was full of criminals just as bad as any of the ones seated with Frankie... just, she and her friends were a bit more honest about it.  How many politicians in the room had they funded the campaigns of in exchange for compromised votes?  How many of them had paid to be with the women who walked the streets for her organization?  How many of these cops sold them drugs from evidence or looked the other way when they were picked up for crimes?  And the celebrities... many of them were high right now or in the bathrooms getting so.

All of them criminals, all of them pretending to care for those beneath them... and in truth, Frankie felt that maybe only the people at this table ACTUALLY cared what happened to the honest men and women in The Strip and Summerlin.  THEY wanted a community of hard working men and women protected from the power, twisted, and corrupt that lived on their blood, sweat, and tears.  Mrs. Baresi would never know that her husband didn't die a hero - and thank God for that small miracle.  Perhaps her sons would do better - be better than their father - Frankie would do all she could to ensure that.  AND, if they strayed from the narrow honest path, she'd be there to scoop them up because if a man could not live an honest life - there was no greater honor than living and dying for those who could.

"I love your mask."  She said to Shaggs.  "The color suits you.  Did you bring a date tonight?  Any woman would count herself lucky to have you on her dance card tonight - I hear the band is one of the best local jazz bands.  I didn't hire them, but the woman who did is quite the jazz lover so I trust her judgement."

As if on cue, the band struck up their first song.  "MJ - this is the most respect friend we have in all Las Vegas.  Shaggs.  Shaggs this lovely creature is MJ, Marilyn Jean... if you get the itch to dance and have no partner I'm sure she'd love the chance to be spun around the dance floor?"  She winked at MJ .  She was doing the young associate a real favor.  After all, in what reality would an mere associate have the chance to dance with a Godfather Chairman?  This could be very good for her future in this thing of ours.

Though deep down he knows violently abusing the poor sod that was unlucky enough to have pulled out in front of him won't evidently get him to the Grand Hotel any faster, he still decides to continue the abuse..

"You absolute weasel! Get that fucking heap of junk moving!" he roars

Luckily the car veers to the left, weather or not the yelling contributed to that he's not sure, but he likes to think it did. 
Finally having another clear path down The Strip Heathro put's his foot to the metal and his 1927 Ford Model A Purs as she is put to her paces..

Arriving out front of the Grand Hotel Heathro slide's out of his car, has a few words with the chauffeur then quickly makes his way up the main stairs where he is greeted by a formally dressed man requesting donations. Being the crooked, wise guy, criminal that he is Heathro slips him a $100 federal reserve note and ventures on pass..

Mind you, he's feeling exceptionally good dressed in his brand new, black, designer suit with his hand crafted masquerade mask inspired by Lon Chaney's 1925 silent classic..

"I'm finally making something of myself" he thinks to himself as he waltz through the corridor..

"All this hard work is paying off"..

Upon opening the doors he is overwhelmed with the amount of people that have turned out, one of if not the biggest function he has been to, to date. He does a quick look out over the festive room and makes note of every exit and escape route he can, It's come to be a must in this line of work.. no matter what the occasion. 

.. He suddenly notices the very familiar and welcoming face (Even though her mask cover's it slightly, you'd never mistake the radiating beauty) of Don, Frankie. Though she seem's to be quite tied up at this very minute, instead of intruding he decided's to take it slow and source a strong beverage to calm his slight nerves In this unfamiliar proving ground.  

The band was done setting up and Frankie was taking glances at Tony.  He stood from his chair as he nodded to Tony-C and Shaggs and then took Frankie's hand and excused himself and her from the table.

Excuse me gentlemen but Mrs. Frankie-Messina owes me a dance and I intent to collect all night long or until her feet hurt with the shoes she is wearing. 

Tony walks her to the dance floor as he places a hand on the small of her back and talks her right hand into his left as they start.  He looked into her eyes and they understood each others without saying a word. 

"Well doesn't he look dapper tonight,"  Frankie remarked noticing Heathro and his entrance.  She gave him a wave as TonyDicaprio took her to the dance floor. 

"Can you imagine my Grandfather seeing me like this?"  She asked Tony as he spun her outward and pulled her back in close for the slower song the band started with.  Her face erupted into a bright smile that came out of her doe-like eyes.  "For the first time, I feel like this is really happening."

Tony dipped her and when he pulled her up she said, "It's hard to reconcile the kids we were in Sicily to this sometimes.  Covered in mud, running up and down the rocky hills, fishing in the stream... this wasn't what I thought my future would look like, but I'm so glad things went the way they did."

She nuzzled Tony's cheek as he held her close.  "I could have lost you."  She whispered by his ear.  "Everytime I look at Sully I think about how I thought he and I were in the same position.  I keep thinking... what would I have done and... Tony I don't know.  I just... don't."

She put her head on his shoulder.  "I thought about taking us to Seattle, to start a crew there.  Dovahkiin had given me her blessing but the moment she told me she wasn't going to let you come with me - well, I... I gave up on it.  I knew in that moment what I really wanted in this life.  All my childhood, all I thought I wanted was to be a Don like my Grandfather and then there was this chance to make it real - all it would have cost me was you," She shook her head.  "I couldn't.  I realized the titles, the power, the money - none of it meant damn if you weren't with me."

"I looked back on my childhood and all the things I said and thought and realized I never wanted to be a Mafioso, not really, I just didn't want to be left behind.  My father left ... he was Mafioso.  You boys were forever going off with the men... I couldn't.  This, all of this, was about my dad... and then you.  I wanted to be this so I could be with you."  She lifted her head and looked into his eyes.  "And now I have you.  Forever."

She put her forehead to his.  "Don't ever scare me like that again, okay?  I can't do what Sully is doing.  I don't think I could survive it.  Promise me?"

Tony listened as she spoke he twirled her around and around then pulled her back into his arms.

Sweetheart its not my intent to die anytime soon.  I want to grow old with you and get a little farm house and make wine with you.  Drinking it on a warm day as our grand kids run around laughing and playing.  I know that we have not talked about kids yet but at some point you will find yourself holding a little bambino.

He dipped her during their dance then lifted her back up looking into her eyes smiling. 

What did you think this life would be like Francesca? 

Frankie considered for a moment all she hadn't told him that moment, before she'd been taken to the Green Room after the demise of The Nightingales, but no... not this moment.  Soon though.

"What did I think our life would be like?  Well, before you left Sicily, when we were young - I use to write my name as Francesca DiCaprio in my journal daily.  From the moment you saved Uffa's life, I knew I'd be your wife if I had to hide a dozen bodies of my peers."  She laughed.  "Oh, I would have pitched a fit.  I would have told my Grandfather that I was doing it in protest... I imagined my aunts forcing me into some lacey dress and walking down the aisle to you in this arranged marriage ... only to be smiling when you lifted my veil.  I wanted to be respected and I was scared that there was a difference between the respect and honor given to women and what men won for themselves."  She shrugged.

"I was wrong."  She admitted, much to Tony's amusement. 

"When you left, I was... gutted.  You might as well have been dead and it was my fault.  I was miserable and shattered and I figured I'd fight my way to a wedding veil if they forced me into one against my wishes.  That I'd try to run and they'd have to take me to a priest at gun point and then I'd be the most miserable wife any man had ever been cursed with - I'd make him take up a lover and leave me so I was always there waiting for you.  Just me and my goats."

She drew a breath and hugged Tony tight as the song came to an end.  "When we have children... if we have a girl, could we... would you be upset if I wanted to name her Jacqueline?  To honor my cousin?"

Tony had to put his stone face on he nodded in agreement but he was not in agreement in his heart.  He didn't want to be mean but he wasn't sure about that name.  He needed time to think on that and he wanted a son a girl would end his bloodline.  In their line of work death comes quick and without a male heir the Dicaprio name ends. 

They went back to the table and took their seats then he lite a cigarette and then looked at his wife.  He recalled why he was forced to leave Sicily because he accompanied her on a un sanctioned hit.  She wanted to impress the Don's in Sicily and Tony took the blame to spare her life.  He never told her and he never would.  Her Grandfather was the one that ask Tony to take the blame and flee so that Francesca can live.

Tony had some reserves about having a child.  He already sent Katy away and have a daughter would be his death.  He would feel guilty because Katy had to go to Sicily when she wanted to stay.  He sent his brother and Neri along with Giuseppe to make her feel as if she was back home. Now she wasn't to have a baby and a girl at that and name her after her cousin.  Tony wanted to play it off and needed time to think.  He wasn't going to rush and now more than ever he needed to be cautious when with Frankie during their limited private time.   

Frankie wasn't sure what happened.  First he points out that she's going to one day be holding a baby, then he asks about the past, she tells him how much he means to her and brings up honoring Jackie and now silence.  The Mountain and his stony face escorted her back to the table with only a polite nod to her question.

It was clear he didn't like the idea.  He was being nice.  She tried not to look forlorn as she sat back down in front of the remnant of her chocolate cake.  She picked up her fork and picked at the slice listening to her friends go on about this and that.  What could she say to him?  She could tell him that they didn't have to pick the name Jacqueline.  What an idiot she was for bringing this up now.  There was just never going to be a right time.  

She looked around to spot the way to the nearest bathroom so she could at least be alone while being emotional and not feel a fool at pouting over her husband's less than enthused reaction to her testing the waters on the topic of babies; when she saw Martha Cook headed straight for her table, eyes locked on her.

She'd forgotten to tell Tony about the auction!

It had been last minute when the matronly wife of the gaming commissioner called her.  The woman was far too important to have refused and it wouldn't really have been a big deal if she'd prepared Tony for the whole thing but now... RIGHT NOW this was the worst moment possible.  She wished she could sink down low in her chair and disappear utterly.

Frankie lowered her voice and turned towards, "Please don't be angry.  I did it for the children without parents and the widows... my heart was in the right place."

"What?" Tony gave her a confused look, crushing his cigarette. 

"Did you bring your check book?"

"Yes... why?"

"MRS. DICAPRIO!"  The woman's shrill voice silenced everyone at her table.  Frankie forced a smile.

"Good evening Mrs. Cook."

"Oh it's Martha, please.  Look at you... you're a vision!  You must be so happy to be married to such a lovely young woman Mr. DiCaprio."

Frankie smiled at TonyCastelli and Shaggs as if to apologize.

"Is it time already Martha?" Frankie asked wiping her mouth with a cloth napkin just to make sure she'd cleaned herself.

"Yes.  Mr. DiCaprio, you're such a good sport.  I have no doubt your wife here will fetch a significant sum for the Officer's Bereavement Fund in fact, we ladies talked it over and we're starting the bidding at $500!"

"Bidding?" Tony said softly enough that Frankie only heard, though the look on his face said more than enough, luckily Martha was already distracted by another person talking to her.

"It's a charity auction.  Please bid.  I love you."  She said kissing her husband's cheek.  "Excuse me again everyone."  She said to her friends at the table.

Frankie went over to the stage where a group of nicely dressed ladies and two men, including the Mayor of Las Vegas, were standing in a group.  Mrs. Cook addressed them.  "Folks, thank all of you for agreeing to be part of this very important charity event.  In a few moments I'm going to go up to the band, they will stop playing and then I'll announce the auction and how it's going to work.  One by one you'll be called up - I will tell the crowd a bit about you, about where you'll be taking the winner for lunch, and some fun facts about you to encourage bidding.  Is that okay with everyone?"

Everyone was very giddy, no doubt from drinks that no one was suppose to have but all did.  Everyone, that was, but Frankie who was still worried about her husband being out of sorts.  She simply nodded and kept looking over toward Tony to see how upset he really was - especially now.  Sadly she couldn't see where he'd gotten to.

"Mrs. DiCaprio, I think we'll probably have you go second after the Mayor.  We'll mix it up at first... guy, girl, guy, girl... you know to keep those bids coming. 

Frankie nodded. 

"Could you fill out this form so I have some facts about you and where you wanted to take the winner for lunch?"

She took the pen but her mind was a complete blank.  All she could think about right now was wanting to go back to the table and tell her husband that they didn't need to name the baby Jacqueline and that she was sorry for bringing it up but that it had been on her mind ever since the morning Vegas was attacked and why that was.  NONE OF WHICH she could do right now.  Even if she could go back to the damn table and walk out on this stupid auction by just cutting a check - how could she tell Tony anything after how he reacted?

"Stumped?"  The Mayor asked her. 

"Wha...?" 

"Are you stumped about what you want to write?"

Frankie gave a nervous laugh and nodded.

"Just write the first thing that come to mind.  After all, if I were to hazard a guess it's your husband who will win you anyway.  We all know that's why Martha called you for this thing.  Not a person in this city hasn't heard of that man's affection for you."

Frankie looked at the Mayor with a bit of confusion.  "Really?"  She said, truly confused.

"There are a lot of things I know about you... Frankie."  he said her name in a way that made her blood run cold.  "Your husband's love for you is just one of many details."  He finished writing something on his paper.  "I can't tell you how much your support would mean to me in the coming election.  I hope I can count on it?"

Frankie hesitated and then smiled before looking to her paper, "I think my writer's block is gone.  Thank you for your help Mr. Mayor."

Martha Cook made her way up to the platform and the band stopped.  The crowd applauded.  "Ladies and Gentleman can I have your attention please?"  The woman had all eyes in the room turn to her and so Frankie took this opportunity to step away from the Mayor, suddenly less occupied with thoughts of Tony than of what the hell the Mayor was getting at.  Was he threatening her into supporting him?  What the hell was he wanting exactly?  She knew this would probably lead to a meeting later, but next time she'd be better prepared.

"I am Martha Cook, my husband Gregory is the Chairman of the Gaming Commission here in Las Vegas."  There was a bit of applause and she continued, "Tonight it is my honor as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Branch of the LVPD and chairwoman for the Officers' Bereavement Fund, to announce our first ever charity auction!"

"Now I know this wasn't announced in advance, but we hope you've brought your checkbooks BECAUSE we have a handful of brave souls - important personages in our community - who have volunteered to stand up here and to be bid upon by you the public.  For a winning bid, you will receive a lunch date with one of these fine people.  Now, to make it a little more fun for everyone - if YOU would like to offer yourself for auction just come on up and get in line right over there and Mrs. Gladys Edge will be glad to get your name added to our list!"

"First up tonight, to show us how it's done is our own Mayor of Las Vegas everyone please give the Mayor a round of applause to encourage him!"   The applause and cheers went up as the mayor, a true politician went up the steps waving to his adoring supporters.  Frankie took her place at the bottom of the steps just off to the side of the stage and handed in her paper with notes about herself.

"The Mayor is 52 years old, married for 20 years to his lovely wife Edna, and they have 3 children all grown and moved out of the home.  If you win this bet - the Mayor will take you to lunch at a restaurant of your choice anywhere in Las Vegas.  WOW very nice... we're opening the bidding for this prestigious man at $1000.00  Who will help out a great cause and get a date with the Mayor for $1000?  Anyone?  AH!  Yes thank you ma'am that's $1,000 do I hear $1500?"

Frankie fidgeted as the mayor's price went up and up.  She was up next... she looked around the room but from where she was standing she couldn't see her husband.  Where was TonyDicaprio ???

Tony was told about the auction but he never thought his wife would be one of the women to be bided on.  He immediately walked away from his table and walked out into the hallway.  A few minutes later he returned and stood against the back wall.  As she was announced and the men cheered Tony blood ran hot they would have a long conversation after this and if he losses one of these city officials will be taking a dirt nap. 

The bidding start at $500.00 for Frankie and it keep rising as Tony looked around the room there were many people bidding and she was already over a grand and he had not bided yet.  The surprise after surprise started making him wonder when did they stop telling each other everything. He looked at a man he spoke to in the hallway and the man looked back with what appeared to be a smirk.   The man raised the bid to $2,500.00.  

Then Tony looked at his wife as she stood up there looking around.  She looked so innocent that all he could say was.

Damn why do I love her so much. 

Tony walked up to the front of the crowd so she can see him.  She smiled when she looked down at him.  She was already at $3,000.00 and Tony pulled out cigarette and lite it.  He looked up at her and slowly blow the smoke out of his mouth as the was up to $3.300.00.   Tony raised his hand and yelled $5,000.00 then the man that gazed at Tony jumped his bid as the crowd became quite.  Tony looked at the man and yelled $7,500.00 and the man jump Tony's bid by and additional $500.00

Tony took a puff and raised it as the two men battled back and forth they were at $20,000 as the man continued to raise the bid.   Tony's eyes looked at Frankie's as she wondered who was bidding against Tony.    Her eyes held a little pride and fear as to who was this man.  Tony then looked at the man again and back at Frankie.   She shrugged her shoulders as Tony took another Puff the auctioneer made a comment that This was the highest bid that they ever had.  They were at $30,000.00 and climbing. 

 This Godfather Chairman I was introduced to was a big deal, I gathered. I was pleased to meet him so early in my service. I smiled , hoping I did not look as nervous as I felt. I wanted to make a good impression, you know. This place is something else too. Must have been the most beautiful and most fancy place I had ever been to in my life. I had heard the word "auction", but I did not know what it was. I caught views of people seemingly pulling out their checkbooks or cash. I knew it would be a fun time, whatever it was.

"Mrs. DiCaprio was born and raised in the providence of Messina, Sicily.  She's a recent resident of Summerlin and she's going to take the winner out to a lunch at the restaurant of their choosing.  Let's start the bidding for this local philanthropist and business woman at $500."

Voices went up and her price was up to $3,000 quite quickly.  She kept scanning the crowd but it was time before she found Tony coming to the front as calm as the day was long - his face emotionless as he smoked. 

"Mrs. DiCaprio's family were originally goat herders and have made their fortune in numerous industries around the world.  With connections here and abroad Mrs. DiCaprio would be a very good friend to make for any business man."  The MC continued but Frankie barely paid attention.  Tony had an air of danger about him, and she liked that, it meant he had something up his sleeve.  It was like he was daring one of these jerks to try to take his woman - picking for a fight just like he use to as a boy.

He's not mad at me after all.  She gave him a smile.

"Mrs. DiCaprio has never met a chocolate she didn't like, enjoys shopping, fresh cut roses, and taking her pet goat Uffa for walks around Las Vegas."  The crowd chuckled at the announcement that she had a pet goat.

"$5,000."  Tony called out, there was a round of applause as her husband made his bid.  It was like the world cheering for her hero coming in on a white horse to save the day - as all husbands were expected to do if some rogue came to move in on his best gal.  Frankie's face split into a smile that could have thrown a shadow across the sun itself.  Tony was fighting for her, just as he always did.  This was it.  No one would dare try to out bid a woman's husband by law.  Tony had raised the dollar value so high she was ...

"$6,000."  one of the other men called out.  There was an audible & scandalized gasp among some of the women, whispers across the room, people - including the mobsters of Vegas back at her table including Godfather Shaggs and TonyCastelli were all looking to see who the dead man was.

Frankie's eyes went wide.  Who the hell is this idiot?!?  Doesn't he know my husband will kill him?!?

Back and forth them went, the crowd silent as death - the room tense as could be.  Frankie became keenly aware the room was full of cops - men who knew she and her husband were into the sort of things they were into.  Politicians in this room knew who they were and what they could do; it was as if everyone in the room save the man bidding against Tony KNEW he would die for this insolence!  Why didn't he give up!?!

"$30,000 would be the most we have EVER raised at one of these events and we're just getting started."  The crowd went wild with applause.  "Gentlemen I sincerely hope you're capable of paying for this VERY expensive lunch... I just don't have words for your generosity up to this point... Mrs. DiCaprio, would you consider taking both these men to lunch if they split the $30,000 between them?  I mean, that seems fair what do you all think?"  The MC was afraid.  Afraid that someone would not pay up, but most of all, afraid of the two men in front of her and what they might do.  Everyone in the damn room felt the fear save maybe her friends at the table who were quite amused by the whole damn sight.

Frankie looked at Tony.  She tried to read him and that damn stony face of his.  She locked eyes with him and tried her damnedest, without words, to let him know she had faith in him - total trust - love.  She turned her head to the auctioneer and said one word that caught everyone off guard.  "No."

At first the crowd was shocked and again gasps but then, she had won them over to her way of thinking.  They cheered for her and her dedication to Tony.  She would be her husband's date and ONLY his. 

"Well then... let's keep going.  $30,000 ... do I hear $35,000?" 

"$35,000"  The mystery man said. 

"$40,000"  Tony replied cooly before the MC could ask for it.  Frankie couldn't help but clap a little.

"$50,000" The mystery man said.  Frankie held her breath.  This was an unprecedented amount of money even for them.  She felt she might faint.  She looked to Tony and waited to see what he'd do next.

The man called out $50,000.00 and Tony smiled and looked at the man as he took his last puff on his cigarette and then exhales and offered $75,000.  which was the goal that then where hoping to raise.  No one said a word as the auctioneer looked stunned and looked at Frankie.  Tony looked at the man bidding against him.  Tony nodded and he nodded back and walked away.  Tony turned and handed the pre written check. 

The auctioneer was surprised that it was pre written and that it was a valid check from the same bank that he banked at.  Tony walked up to the Platform never speaking to anyone until he wrapped his hands around his wife then he turned to the audience.

I get to have lunch with this lady officially and she is obligated to be with me at the appointed time and place.  I have you all as my witnesses. 

Tony faced his wife and in a loud voice asked the mayor what happens if she doesn't show.  The Mayor replied she will spend a day in county lock up.  Smiling at Frankie he said.

See that babe lunch with me or a day in Jail now that's power.  I have gangsters and police officers looking for you if you don't show.  and I will have them searching for you if you try to name my baby Jacqueline.  We can name her after your aunt or mom or my mother.  Hell I like the name Dee-anna Dicaprio. 

He picked his wife up in his arms and walked off the platform with everyone clapping and cheering other women were rolling their eyes at Frankie as the men were shaking their heads.  It was heard by several different men saying I would never spend that much on my wife.  The Auctioneer looked at the list and wondered if they should even continue.   Tony to her to her seat and lowered her to her feet. 

The man that was bidding against him walked up to the DiCaprio's. 

Excuse me boss, Ms. Dicaprio is there anything else you need from me.

Tony faced his wife smiling

Honey this is Pete Logosso he is a he works for me as of yesterday.  Pete you did great.  Thank take the rest of the day off I have a room in this Hotel you can pick us up around noon tomorrow. 

Pete nodded to Ms. Decaprio and with a smile the man walked away.  Tony kissed his wife on the cheek and looked at her as she sat down with a look of shock.  Tony explained.

The fat guy that sat at our table said there would be an auction I didn't think you would go through with this.  I walked into the hallway and spoke with Pete to out bid me up to $50,000.  They wanted to raise $75,000 now they can get maybe 100 grand since you made their day.    I know you never met Pete I had him follow behind in case I happen to be attacked again. 

Tony kneeled down in front of her chair. 

Kids huh?  Lets make a mess of them and see how many you can keep track of.  I will find a few nannies to keep them clean and feed. 

Frankie took Tony's hands as he knelt in front of her.  She smiled at him, eyes wet with unshed tears of pride, relief and love.  She laughed, drunk on joy.  "You hate the goat... you really think you're ready for kids?  They're a ton more work, they make messes and break stuff and eat stuff they shouldn't too!"

She laughed.  "And what do I know about babies?!?"  She rolled her eyes.  She didn't know anything about them, or anything motherly, but the idea that Tony wanted children - while she was sitting here wondering if she was with child - was the best news she'd had this month.

She kissed his cheeks.  "Siamo stati distratti. Abbiamo bisogno di tempo per noi. Anche poche ore. Cosa ne pensi?"

Tony kissed both her cheeks then replied.

Sono d'accordo, e Goat non può chiamarti mamma o papà.  Kid ' s avvolgere le dita piccole intorno alla tua mano e che il mio amore scioglie il cuore.

Tony then stood and took the chair next to her and smiled as he held her hand.

Now what shall we do now?

Frankie nodded.  "Yes, we've done as much damage as we can here."  She looked to her friends. 

"My husband has arranged for us to have a room here at the hotel tonight.  We're going to retire early.  Please enjoy the night and I'll see all of you soon."  She stood up, hand in hand with Tony and departed the party heading upstairs to their hotel room for the night.

Sullivan had made it just in time for Tony's stunt with the auction, Matty on his arm. They were later than he had planned, but getting Matty dressed and dolled up proved more difficult than he'd expected. He was used to his canvases (read dead bodies) not fighting back as he applied makeup to them. He'd had to wash her face and reapply more than once because she'd continually reached up and tried to "help" him. He eventually made her sit on her hands, reminding her that he was probably, SADLY, better at doing makeup than she was.

Ringlets draped around and framed Matty's face, and the makeup matched her skin tone so well that it only gave her a bit of depth to her lines, drawing out her angular features. She wore an evening gown that had been owned by Jacqueline and, though Matty was a hair shorter, it fit her perfectly.

Sullivan wore a full-ensemble, red and black, with a white button down shirt and a matching reddish-black top hat. As the two entered, Sully removed Matty's coat and handed it to the doorman, along with a couple of folded bills, before they made their way through the crowd of people. He removed his hat, grinning from ear to ear as he watched his cousin on stage being auctioned off for lunch. He also contemplated choking the mystery man who continued to bid against Tony. Did he know Tony would KILL HIM?! Regardless, Sully offered a wave at Frankie, who smiled and waved back. He pointed at Matty, his lips pulling back into a crooked grin. He was -HAPPY- to be out, and seemed in good spirits about dragging Matty along with him! Perhaps he was finally getting better.

Tony looked at the man and Sully leaned down to whisper to Matty. "Stay with me, but don't jump in the way if I have to stop Tony from killing someone..." The two slowly made their move toward the unknown bidder, but Tony and the man nodded to each other with a knowing smile. Sully blinked, catching it... A set up? They were jacking the bid up on purpose! Sully chuckled and elbowed Matty. "Nevermind. Crisis averted."

With a smile, he pulled Matty closer to the front as Tony turned in the winning bid of SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND SMACKAROOS just for lunch with Frankie. Sully chuckled, but it was a good point to make. One, family sticks together, and two, never disrespect another man's wife. Some of the biggest codes the Mafia followed.

With Tony gloating on stage, Sully smiled. It was nice to see them happy. He turned to say something to Matty, but a comment he overheard Tony tell Frankie made him whip his head around. His face twisted with furrowed brows and his jaw tensed as he grit his teeth together. His eyes were like daggers, cutting through Frankie as she turned to catch his face after the Jacqueline name drop. Sully nodded to Frankie, but she'd know he was at least annoyed.

He turned to Matty and gave her a look, the worry written across her face enough to make his muscles relax and Sully smiled. "You know, you look absolutely stunning. Would you care to eat? I believe they are on the second round of serving at this point... Or perhaps just a drink?"

Sully removed his top hat and slipped it under his arm, pushing his to-be-had conversation with Tony to the back of his mind and led Matty to a table, pulling her chair out.

Sully didn't really have to tell Matty to stick close. There was no way in seven hells he was getting more space than a bathroom door between them until they got home. And her vice grip on his arm said as much. She was completely, entirely, unequivocally out of her element. Not only was she still adjusting to this whole new mobster life... in her own mind, she was still poor! Like, princess of thieves, belle before the beast, Cinderella with no mice kind of poor. And she was wearing a gown that she swore cost more than her entire shack of a house. Not to mention the heels... and the jewellery. But as she caught sight of their reflection in a nearby window, her scowl uncomfortable scowl quickly melted into a wide, shy smile. They really did make a smashing pair... even if she did bear an uncomfortably striking resemblance to Jackie. 

Glancing down at her feet, Matty squeezed Sully's arm tightly. He'd truly done an amazing job... even if it did take a few mishaps to get her there. Sure it was like three applications of makeup, and maybe she tripped twice on the dress before Sully finally pinned the front hem for her. But looking at her now, you couldn't tell. And she was positively BEAMING. And why not? She felt like a fucking princess... and Sully surely could play the role of the dashing prince, his broad smile lighting up the room around him as he tugged Matty to the front of the Auction. She'd probably seen him smile more than anyone in the last few days... and yet she'd never seen him like this. He was positively radiant... right up until Tony opened his big fucking mouth. 

Sully whipped around looked downright murderous, as the tiniest of gasps escaped Matty's lips. She had to remind herself not to smudge her lipstick as she covered her mouth, worry and painful empathy etching deeply into the faint lines around her lips and eyes. She knew he was her boss and all... but how dare he?! ...ruin her one perfect night... and upset her Sully. It made her want to kick his shins. ... because she obviously couldn't do anything else to someone who so far outranked her. ... maybe she'd poison the goat. 

'My my', the voice in her head teased coldly, 'aren't we just the vicious little minx tonight? You got all gussied up like some John's personal lolita doll and NOW you feel feisty??'

Matty growled softly under her breath, pushing the thoughts aside as she lightly squeezed Sully's arm. To her surprise, his rage and tension melted away as he smiled down at her. And she couldn't help but giggle shyly; her gaze searching the floor for her feet under the layers of petticoats and chiffon.

 -"You know, you look absolutely stunning tonight."- 

She blushed a tell-tale shade of BRIGHT red that even Frankie could probably notice from her position on stage. "Pues... WELL..." she overcorrected her word choice loudly, "Maybe I'll just have to let you dress me up more often if it makes you this happy."  She winked playfully as he led her to a table, moving to sit before realizing the chair he grabbed was for HER. Blinking softly she blushed, taking a seat with a soft chuckle. "I MAY yet get the hang of this nicey-nice brouhaha one day." 

Settling into her chair she smiled up at him, "I... um... I haven't EATEN today... so... dinner sounds great. And... maybe a gin and tonic?" Her voice pitched up as she asked, unsure if drinking in public were outside the whole 'etiquette' thing that she clearly knew nothing about. "But... um... what I'd really like is a DANCE." She blushed a little, "I mean if you don't mind... if we could squeeze that in somewhere. I mean... you DO dance, yes? It would be such a shame with that frame if you didn't." 

She was nervous-talking again. And she knew it. "I'll just... follow your lead, my l... Cariño Mio." Matty cleared her throat softly, strategically choosing to insert a covert Spanish flair. "I'm here for you, tonight, remember?" 

"You do you. So I can learn," she playfully shooed at him with the nonchalant half-impatient flair of a Spanish grandmother. Eventually he'd have to teach her how to carry herself like an asset. She was the family medic after all. And that meant something. Even if she didn't understand it yet. 

I see some more crew members enter the room, dressed to the nine of course. It was kinda wierd to see the crew like this, muchless the other members linked to the Ivory Tower dressed, dare I say it, so pretty. I was watching the exchange with Matty and Sully, and Frankie and Tony....a beautiful exchange at that. It made me think, to believe, even , that I could one day find something like that, something magical in this cruel world. it also made me think of the family that had died before me. They were never able to find that magic. I smiles, almost with tears of happiness watching these two couples, well I think couples, anyway.

I giggled a little when I found out what Tony did, that sneaky bastard.. I just knew he was up to something.  Frankie must be on her toes with that guy. At the same time it was a good gag that also showed how much he truly loved her at the same time, They had been so busy working on this crew, they probably had not had time to themseves.  I am new to this Ivory Tower, but my mother spoke highly of it, she had loved ti here, and was happy to go down with the ship, as people say.. take a bullet might be a better thing to say.