"Sully?"  Frankie looked up from her desk at the Ivory Tower and looked over to SullivanBlack her right hand man.  Since Tony returned home to Italy to help with the raising of Katy DiCaprio, his niece, she'd been quiet and distant from all.  In many ways, it was as if her husband had died and she certainly wasn't dealing well with his loss.  

"Bring MJ to me.  It's time to talk about her place in The Ivory Tower."

I  was startled somewhat as I heard a knock on my door. The guy said he was sent by Sully, and futher sent from the boss lady, Don Frankie herself. My nerves started doing back flips... this could men dozens of things.. I quickly made sure I was presentable.. I would not want to go to her with spinach in my teeth or something.

When the door opened and the bombshell blonde strutted in, she didn't look her normal confident self.  Frankie knew that feeling all too well.  She'd been just the same way when Dovahkiin had called her in for her button.  Scared out of her mind... and unsure.

" MJ please have a seat."  She motioned to the chair across from her.  "I've been reviewing some of the notes about your time with us.  Quite impressive."  She picked up a dossier from her desk.  MJ could see a photo of herself paper clipped to the front of it.  Her name had been written on the tab with a felt tip pen.

"Particularly in the recent war with Philadelphia and Chicago."  She closed the folder and looked at MJ.  "I don't like to admit when I was wrong about something, but I'll be honest in saying that I wouldn't have picked you as my MVP that night... but you were.  You made me take notice and so - first off, thank you.  Secondly, I have to ask... where do you hope to be in a year from now?"

Giving Don Frankie the best smile I could, I took a seat. I listened to what she had to say. I did not mind about the MVP comment as I do what I can, and with heart, not half done, otherwise why bother? I thought about her question forn a minute...

"I had not thought about it, but really just in service to this crew as much as I can be. In whatever capicty works best for the crew. I really like this crew and feel it is as close to a family as I could ever have. As for the recent war, I was more than glad to help out. I do want to be a great member of this crew."

"Well, you are.  Certainly one of my best friends in this thing of ours... which is why I've asked you here.  I have a very respected guest downstairs.  He's helping us out in a time of trouble.  See, after the war with Chicago and Philly... our patrols noticed several of Durden's people in a variety of places.  We think he's making a quiet, but aggressive move on our holdings... but there could be more to it than that.  For him to get a toe hold on our operation he'd need friends... I'm deeply concerned about the nature of our alliances with several key people."

She looked MJ up an down and thought for a moment about how badly she'd feel if she lost this associate - her friend.  "I hate to ask what I'm going to ask of you, but I wouldn't be a good friend or boss if I didn't.  You see I have some jobs that need doing... a good deal of work, but it's dangerous.  I won't lie, you may need to shed blood to make it happen - or risk your own skin.  The question is, on my word alone, are you willing to do that?  I promise the pay is worth it - but the risks are high."

Cue in the dangerous music. "yes, Don Frankie of course.. if it will help this crew, I will do my best to complete the task as hand. Whether it is making coffee all the the way to .. well you know what I mean. I am always at your service"..( do I bow or curtsey, I did not know). I knew going into this life of where it led and if I was going to stay that would also be something.. death.. it was how my mother has lived. I am sure she would not want to know I had died, but she would love how I  have joined the same crew that she was in. I think you could most definitely say I am her  daughter.

"Alright then... follow me."  Frankie takes up Uffa's leash and leads MJ out the door and down the stairs.  Through a door on the first level which she has never gone through before - a door which only Made Men are allowed to enter through.

Frankie sent out invitations to anyone and everyone she could think of, in order to celebrate MJ earning her button at long last!  She hoped that everyone would come out and wish her the best in this thing of ours!
 

I stroke the goat some, and give her ears a lil scratch, and follow Don Frankie into a room I had never been in before. My eyes widen as the door opened. This was IT. All of this time I had been working hard for this time. I could still feel my nerves doing back flips, trying to keep my legs from buckling under at the excitement. I really tried to keep it together.

"MJ I couldn't be more proud of you.  Congratulations hon!"

Thank you Don Frankie. It is my honor

Rat dances in celebration.  "Con-RAT-ulations"

Being a few drinks in, Raconteur walks a bit less steadily than before, but draws himself to attention before MJ and bows. He extends a hand with a red rose and sports a mischievous grin.

Watch out for the thorns on that flower. The greatest beauty is always the one that's a little dangerous.

He gives a wink and relaxes, letting his shoulders drop a bit and easing back to put his weight on one foot.

Congratulations on your promotion. It would be hard to miss all that you've done in recent days. I saw you moving past me quicker than I could think a few nights back and was dumbfounded. I've gotta respect someone like that and would hope that someday I can make that kind of impact. If you ever need anything, know that I am at your service.

Raconteur bows deeply and steps back, leaving MJ to the rest of crowd's congratulations and acclaim.

congrats on your promotion

Sullivan approached MJ and gripped her face with his hands, planting a kiss on both cheeks and one on her lips. "It brings me great joy to welcome you into our family. Your eyes have been a wonderful gift to the Tower, and I am glad we can repay your hard work with honor. I am proud to call you my sister, MJ."

He hugged her and then let her go.

"Congratulations."

Krieger approached MJ once she was on her own for a moment. There were so many happy familiar faces around that Krieger had to basically plunge his way through the crowd. Once in front of her he offered her his gifts of a hand-written card and a dozen roses.

"Congratulations miss MJ, you've certainly earned it! I hope to see you continue to grow in this thing of ours!"

He smiled and took a step back.

Thank you everyone.. I am honored by all of your gestures..It is a pleasure and honor to be accepted as an official member of the family.