"Take it easy on me, okay?  I'm still mastering these heels and I have at least one blister that is absolute murder!"  She said accepting his hand.  "Of course, when I dance with you it's more like flying so... I have zero doubts that we'll make this look good regardless.  This is one thing I KNOW we do well."

She smiled at him and let Billy lead her out onto the dancefloor.  

Dom is back in Detroit, so he heads for the Blackhawk again, the taste of that great steak still in his mouth. he walks in and sees dancing underway, and sits down to watch the fun. His bodyguard looks around as usual, and Dom orders a baked potato and fried chicken for his meal.

Neil wiped the chocolate mustache off Brigitte with a silent chuckle, trying to make sure some of it didn't end up on the fancy dress she' wore for Papa.  She'd finished her dessert which Aurora had finally relented to her having.  It was past nine.  Nearly ten now.  Billy's runner, Gerald, had said he'd be late but this was more than late.  Lil' Gav was out cold after his nine o'clock feeding so that was one less thing to worry about but the band occasionally woke him when they struck up a lively number. While Oscar and his wife were having a great time, Charlie was not. 

This surprise 'dinner with the guys' was supposed to be a decent reason to let Billy find his own way home today, but now several hours later than expected, Charlie was antsy.  If there was anything Aurora knew well, it was the look of a hired gun uneasy... Charlie was down right on edge.  In his expert opinion, the time to worry was two hours ago.

But Aurora wasn't quick to assume.  Billy was a capable gangster.  Her husband a big guy and if he got on a hot run of dicing, well, he wouldn't rush back.  He'd want to make the most of it... of course, it was just as likely he might have lost big and be desperately trying to win it back - but in either case she worried less for his physical safety while dicing than when he got here and had Charlie giving him a what-for.  He wasn't supposed to be out unprotected, and certainly not for this long.  And with good reason.  There were still people out there who wanted them all very dead... no matter what her husband thought.  

She kissed the top of Gavin's head and put him into the small bassinet she brought with her and noticed as Brigitte let out a yawn.  She sighed and adjusted the choker of her black sequin evening gown which revealed part of her Momento Mori tattoo on the front of her left shoulder and the Byrne family crest on the back of her left shoulder. 

"I think we're about done waiting, Charlie, please go get the car for us and we'll wrap it up... Billy will just have to meet us at home.  We'll let Oscar and his wife wrap up this dance first though."

"You want me to stay here and wait for him?  Or go retrace his steps once I send you off?"  Charlie was eager to find his boss, to know he was okay.  She couldn't blame him.

She shook her head.  "Assuming he's not out at Emily's place, you and Dad can go out looking together if Billy's not home already.  Maybe he just didn't see the note on the kitchen counter?"  She knew that was impossible, but a girl could hope.  Billy was thick sometimes.  

"Can I dance with Neil?"  Brigitte asked.

She glanced at Neil who only smiled at her.

"Yes."  She told her overly-tired little girl.  "But only one dance.  Go on now."  

With that Charlie went outside, Brigitte and Neil made their way to the dance floor to dance near Oscar and his wife.  This left Aurora alone in the reserved booth with her baby boy who was fast asleep in the bassinet.

It had taken considerable effort, but with a few well-placed tips, he had been able to locate the woman. However, when he arrived at the restaurant he stopped and blended into the crowd of patrons to the rear. She was with her kids and considering their previous conversation if he were to approach her in their presence, Rufus wasn't sure he would get to say a word before a bullet found its way to his temple. Fortunately, as she was preparing to depart, her bodyguards momentarily left her alone, probably against their better judgement.

Recalling just how dire the situation was, Rufus let out a reluctant sigh and cut a slow, deliberate path through the crowd towards the table where Aurora sat. His blood-stained blazer and generally dishevelled appearance was a stark contrast from his previous look. Perhaps that was why she had not noticed him until he had approached the table. Or perhaps it was because she was tending to the boy sleeping beside her.

Either way, by the time she was alerted to her presence, she could not object before he slid into a seat opposite hers. Of course, that did not stop her from having him shot if she so chose. Taking off his crumpled fedora, he placed it on the table and scratched the top of his head as he contemplated just how to proceed. As he turned to meet her gaze, his hands calmly descended onto the table. 

"I'm glad to see you and the children are doing good Mrs Mastrosimone." He said in a stoic manner. He was sincere about being glad, for if they had been compromised, Rufus would have to seriously evaluate whether helping Billy was the optimal course of action or if he should turn the man to whoever had shot him in the first place.

Aurora startled at the sight of Rufus_Volpe sitting down.  Her hand fell upon Gavin's sleeping body as the other man spoke.  Surely he wouldn't do something here?  This place was not the place you handled business even if that's what this was about.  No one hurt children but the worst of the worst and she hadn't pegged Volpe for that... a fool, perhaps, but not a monster.  

You've been wrong before Lioness...

Aurora dismissed the memory of her mother's own bodyguards turning on her, men she trusted and loved.

She took in the sight of the man before her and it didn't help settle her feelings of unease.  Bloodstains weren't the first thing she noticed but it didn't shock her once she'd seen the rest of his look.

"Are you hurt?"  she asked quietly, wondering if the blood was his own.  If it was, why the fuck would he come here?  Why would he come seeking her?  She'd seen the goons following him before, maybe he'd come to ask for her help?  Or for Addie to help him? 

"Do you need help?"

Her question had surprised him and a part of him wondered why she cared about his health. "I appreciate the concern, Mrs Mastrosimone, but the blood isn't mine." Reaching out with his hand he tenderly cupped her palm and stared deep into her eyes as he added. "I need you to stay calm, for the sake of the children at least. You need to make some quick rational decisions."

"Your husband's been shot." He whispered, ensuring no one nearby could overhear. "The important thing to remember is that he is alive, for now. He is currently in one of my safe houses with a woman who was accompanying him. I do not know who she is or what the nature of their relationship is, but I am certain she means him no harm. They have access to food and medical supplies, enough to get them through several nights. Your husband's wound, however, needs professional assistance and I have advised them not to seek it till they have adequate protection. The sooner he gets it, the better his chances of making a full recovery."

His hand retreated to his side and he leaned back into his chair, ready to turn over the table if she pulled out a gun. "Time, I'm afraid, is of the essence."

"Okay."  She said, her heart racing.  She looked out toward the dance floor and it was Neil who caught her eyes first.  She gave him a quick nod indicating she wanted him to return. He, likely noticing and remembering Rufus sent Brigitte scurrying over to cut in on Oscar as he crossed the room to her like a shot.

"Neil, you remember Mr. Fox?"  

The mute giant nodded.

"He's brought us some news, Billy's been shot,"  she said softly.  "We need to get to him quickly.  I want you, Oscar, and his wife to take the kids back home.  You're on lockdown with Dad.  Tell him everything."

Neil nodded and gave a disapproving look to Rufus_Volpe.

"Charlie will stay here with Mr. Fox in my office until I'm sure everything checks out,"  she looked to Rufus.  "No offense, Mr. Fox but I really don't know you yet.  Dinner and drinks are on me while you wait.  If all is as you say, I'll be in your debt.  If it's not...,"  She let her words trail off.  There was no need for threats right now.  She hoped.

Neil nodded once more in agreement.

"I have a friend who can help tend to my husband's injuries.  I'll swing by her place, pick her up, and then go to where my husband is.  The question is ... where are my husband and his lady friend, Mr. Fox?"

Rufus nodded in acknowledgement. Her apprehension though ungrateful to some was understandable as a prudent measure to him. If worse came to worst, he could always give his guard the slip, after all, he'd gotten out of tighter pinches in the past. 

Pulling a pen out of the breast pocket of his suit he began drawing a map on a cloth napkin folded on the table. He carefully stated the directions that led up to the rear entrance of the Bakery. "At the door, you should see a fox carved into the wood." He said as he drew a similar illustration in the bottom corner, before folding up the makeshift map and tossing it in her direction.

"I've warned the woman to shoot at anyone Mr Mastrosimone doesn't recognize, but it is possible he may not be conscious when you arrive. To avoid any unnecessary actions, suspicious though it may seem, I would suggest that you clearly state your identity before entering." He elaborated as he tucked the pen back into place. 

Taking a moment to straighten his tie and put the crumpled hat back on his head, Rufus stood up. "Now then, as soon as Mr Charles can take custody of me and escort me to your office, I will encourage you to depart with haste." Perhaps in her absence, he could snoop in her office and unearth some interesting secrets, or so he thought with a sly grin on his lips.

Charlie entered and Aurora picked up the bassinet passing it off to Neil.  "Get them safe, Neil."

Neil nodded and moved towards the dancefloor to meet Oscar and his wife who were leaving.  Aurora picked up the napkin and gave Rufus_Volpe a nod.  "Charlie," She said as he came to her side.  "This is Mr. Fox.  Please see that he's comfortable in my office until one of the family returns to let you know all is well.  He's brought us news of Billy.  I'm going to get him."

"Where is he?"

"No time, Charlie.  The kids are going with Oscar and Neil and I don't have time to call someone else to come stay with Mr. Fox so it's you.  Are we going to discuss this further?" Her question was one that suggested any discussion she had with him on the matter would not be friendly.

"No, Ma'am."  He agreed.

"I'll be as quick as possible in getting word to you and I'm not going alone."  She'd leave out that Emily probably didn't really have much in the way of combat skills.  No need for Charlie to worry any more than he already was.  "Just let Mr. Fox have drinks and food.  He may have just saved Billy's life.  Treat him with respect ... he's a guest, unless he tries to leave.  Then he's... more."

Charlie nods. "I'll take care of him.  Mr. Fox, if you'll just follow me I'll show you to Mrs. Mastrosimone's office."

"Thank you."  Aurora said holding up the napkin to Rufus_Volpe.  And with that, she departed.

Lordian walked into the Blackhawk fully expecting an old, abandoned building full of cobwebs and the ghosts of the past. He found some of that certainly with the older men sitting at the bar, they clearly had money from somewhere and weren't afraid to piss it away on the drinking. He made his way toward the bar but was stopped by a Maitre'd.

"Excuse me sir, do you have a reservation?"

Lordian looked puzzled and then glanced behind the man to the all but empty restaurant.

"Really buddy? Look at this place. You've got to be want for customers huh? I say we change that up a bit, you see my grandparent's owned this place. My great-grandmother built it, my Mom made a mistake in letting someone else run the damned thing, and lucky for you, and for the place, I'm here now."

He pulled out a small envelope with the letter M emblazoned in crimson in a wax seal. Watched as the eyes of the man in front of him went wide for a moment and then sparkled.

"Right this way sir!"

This was going to be a hell of an undertaking.

Isadora had put on her brown dress and her grandmother's broach.  Her bronze hair was done up in a nice bun with small pincurls hanging loose.  It was a soft look.  Mr. Fanucci liked soft things.  She'd learned that after her first visit here.  Nervously she looked around as she pulled open the front door, half expecting one of the big thugs to stop her and run his hands all over her and empty her purse like he did last time.  Only, no one was there.

Timidly she entered and called out, "Mr. Fanucci?"  She looked around not seeing any of the usual heavies.  "Mr. Fanucci... it's me, Mrs. Esposito.  I've got your payment.  Mr. Fanucci?"

Lordian heard a woman calling from the front door and slowly turned and approached.

"Miss? Miss, can I help you? Mister Fanucci is no longer employed here."

He smiled and held out his hand.

"I'm Lordian. I'm the new manager here, what can I do for you?"

Isadora hesitated and then took his hand.  "Mrs."  She corrected.  "Mrs. Isadora Esposito."  

She took her hand back and folded into the other, resting both above her belly in front of her, her purse hanging at the crook of her arm.  "I'm sorry to hear that Mr. Fanucci is no longer with the company.  I ... well, my husband had some business with him but if he's not here I suppose I'll have to look elsewhere for him."

The idea of the alternative scared the piss out of her.  Waiting for Fanucci to come find her?  There was no telling what that monster might do if he thought she was dodging him.

"I don't suppose you know where I might start my search?"

Lordian shook his head.

"I'm afraid Mrs. Esposito that you're going to have some significant trouble with finding him. In fact, if you do manage to find him, I might be in more trouble than anyone you know. So I think it wise we not mention Mister Fanucci again if possible. Now..." He gestured toward the interior of the restaurant. "...are you sure I can't offer you something to eat? After all you came all this way for something right? Might as well get something out of the trip."

He nodded toward a waitress, a young blonde thing with a fringe skirt and a sequined hat to match.

"Betty, could you see what the chef feels like whipping up for me and a guest today?"

The waitress smiled and nodded, her curls bobbing as her kitten heels clicked on the floor.

"If you'd like Mrs. Esposito, you can ring your husband. Invite him along, the band will be here in an hour or so if you two like dancing."

Lordian smiled and led the woman to a booth along the side wall.

Isadora was smiling as Lordian suggested she might get something to eat, but her smile faded rather abruptly at the mention of ringing her husband.  "Sal..."  She said his name and her voice quivered.  "I buried him a few months back."

She slid into the booth.  "Someone shot him on his way home from the club."  She said looking down at the table in front of her.  "The police said it was likely a robbery gone wrong."  She shakes her head and forces a smile.

"But I could stand for some lunch, I haven't eaten yet today.  If you'd like to join me... I'd welcome the company unless of course, you're too busy?  A man in your position must have a lot to do before you open tonight."

Lordian patted the woman's hand. "I'm sorry to hear of your husband Mrs Esposito. Sometimes the police, they can't do for us what we'd like. I've lost family myself, and closure is something the police just never manage to find for us."

He went quiet for a moment and thumbed at the broken gold wristwatch he had on.

"As for me, I'm doing nothing at all. Someone ;like me doesn't really get to do much but look good and try to invite people in the door. I don't know anything about the restaurant business, only how to make the money to keep it afloat." He chuckled and Betty made her way back over with a few bottles. He reached out and took a bottle of cola for himself. Betty offered the tray to his companion.

"Betty, this is the widow Esposito and for today she is an honored guest, anything she wants we are going to make happen." Betty nodded, her smile not fading a single twinkle save to break eye contact with Mr. M and to look a dagger at the widow. Her glare told all, Lordian was going to be hers one day if she had to cat-claw out of the pile of rubble herself, and take everyone in her way out while she did it.

"Of course Mister M. Lucky girl you are Mrs Esposito, what can I get you to drink?" Betty's tone was girlish, but a veteran at serving, there was no question of that.

"A cola will be fine, thank you, Miss."  She said softly and when the woman walked away she fidgeted with her wedding band. 

She hesitated a moment before saying, "The word widow makes me sound so old."  She gave a nervous chuckle.  "If you would, Isadora will be just fine.  Sal was a fine enough husband, oh Lord knows he had his faults such as this debt I came to pay today, but I'm trying to move forward as best I can manage."

She met Lordian's eyes then, "I'm sorry to hear the police haven't done right by your family in the past.  Have you ever considered having someone in the media bring attention to their failings for you?  Sometimes public outcry can be a powerful tool."

Lordian shook his head. "Media didn't help my great uncle, won't help me. I'd rather stick to the people I know." He paused then and turned his head to the side to check the room before continuing. "You came to pay a debt you said? Fanucci might be gone, but whoever he answered to, well that much I don't know. You mind telling me what kind of debt? I can help you know. Just say the word."

He smiled then, as reassuringly as he could. There were not many ways people got roped into working for you, but a debt they couldn't properly pay back? That was certainly one of them.

"Sal was a good man but he loved gambling a little too much."  She said, clearly not approving.  "Might not have been a bad thing if he was any good at it.  The truth was there wasn't an unluckier man in all the world than my husband.  I met him after his father passed away.  Bad heart.  I worked for his father's paper you see.  Well, after the market crashed the paper wasn't doing so well, things only got worse because Sal was losing money every week at the track.  Mr. Fannuci was a fan of my writing.  He offered my husband enough money to pay off the second mortgage, told him he could pay it back in payments that were smaller than what we owed the bank."

She shook her head, "It's been hard pulling together the money, easier now that Sal is gone and not gambling anymore, but to be honest Lordian I'm just not sure I can keep the paper going at this point.  Been thinking I might have to look for other work and just sell the damn thing to be done with Mr. Fannuci's organization."

Lordian nodded, he pulled out a pad and a pen and slid them over to Isadora.

"I'll make you a deal, you write something, and before you leave give it back to me. If I like it, I'll buy your paper and you can run it how you like. If I REALLY like it, I'll find Fannuci's guys and pay them off too, and then you can pay me out of the proceeds from the newspaper you've got running." He shrugged. "If I don't like it, then you get a free meal, and you can keep however much you've got in your purse to pay off Fanucci at least this time."

He leaned back and took a sip of his cola. "So, how about it?"