Godmother Marie_Lucania and Don Salvatore_Luciano had put a RIDICULOUS sum of money into the hands of their most trusted people to make the event of a lifetime occur in honor of American Independence.  As most of the people in their families were immigrants or children of immigrants who were now realizing the 'American Dream' - this particular holiday meant a GREAT deal to them.

Detroit and Chicago were alive with music and more food than anyone had seen in months - free to the public!  The two powerful leaders of the Great Lakes Cities were welcoming Gangsters from around the country to come out and enjoy a night of frivolity on their dime.  

Isabella was finally starting to feel well again and she was dressed a short length black dress with straps, the sort that was all the rage with the young people in this new decade.  Her hair pulled up so she could feel the breeze off the lake on her neck made the summer heat bearable.  She found herself being pulled away from the lawn where a sea of people were sitting on picnic baskets feasting, waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Benny Goodman's band was wailing on stage now and a young man of no more than 18 was taking her away from her discussion with Elias_Luciano and Donny_Donowitz to dance.  She laughed, he was the son of a prominent Detroit official, she dared not refused.  She needed this boy's father deep in her pocket if she was to keep things going her own father's way downtown at City Hall.  "I'LL BE BACK!"  She called out to the guys as they ran into the thick of the make-shift dance floor.

As they went past Draven she called out "COME DANCE!" to her father's right hand man.  "GRAB HETEPI HE'S OPEN!"  

She squealed as the boy spun her past Somnyoneshoe and Hideyoshi - she was pleasantly buzzing from the whiskey that Elias had snuck in with him.  No doubt Chun-Li and JoeDough were making some cash selling the moonshine that she and Draven had them bring in for the party.  The bottom line was going to be in the red, but the point wasn't to make any real cash, it was to gain love and trust.

The only person who seemed dark and gloomy tonight was exactly who she would have expected to be... the man who didn't plan this, the man who wasn't benefiting from her father's ever increasing popularity.  Isabella noticed the Godfather of Detroit give her a nod as her partner wheeled her past the vip seating area where tables, not blankets, were put up.  

Apparently, Godfathers did NOT sit on the grass.

DeeSe7en and KyleVongeld were just parting ways near the vendors alley, a small place where local craftsmen and women were selling their wears hoping to make a buck.  She wondered what trouble or fun they might be up to tonight.  

Brushing past Apache she called out, "SO SORRY!"  She and her partner laughed, but Isabella was glad they didn't knock the Don down utterly - what an embarrassment that would have been!

"Who's that?"  Her partner asked.  

She looked to where he was indicating, "They call him Funshine ... don't ask me why.  Just trust you don't want on his bad side.  He's a barrel of laughs, but not a bear to be poked."

The kid laughed.  Isabella wondered if his name was maybe Chad?  It was so hard to keep track of all these people tied to those she ACTUALLY cared about.

"And that one?"  Chad asked.

"Oh... Heartless is that one's name."

"You sure know some strangely named people for a such a sweet Dame."

Isabella winked, "Trust me, I'm far more trouble than you know."

"I bet!"  he said then he stole a kiss from her cheek.  

Isabella's eyes went wide as he spun her outward.  As she came free of Chad, accidentally, she bumped into Calimero_DiGrazia  Without warning she took his hands, "Dance!"  She said urgently, Chad coming quickly towards them as if he meant to take his partner back. 

One thing was certain, THIS was going to be a wild night.  

Flexx had heard of a day of fun and hustle and reached out to one of his guards. He loved to mingle and network, so he decided to meet up with one of his guards downstairs in the lobby of his building. He knew this was going to be a great venture so he pulled his fancy digs out fresh from Flexx Cleaners. He gets dressed and tosses his fedora on ready to go. He takes one look in the mirror and makes his way downstairs to the lobby. Taga was down smoking a blunt as he waited for Flexx. He looks up and spots him and they make their way to the vehicle.

“This should be a great event. It’s a really good group of folks putting that together.”

Taga says as he passes Flexx the blunt. They make their way towards the location, it was a short drive right up the block. They pull up and park. Flexx had brought a little extra herb for smoke and sell. Just a few strains for testing and social chiefing. Flexx and Taga hop out of the vehicle and look at the area before they step in to mingle. Flexx takes another drag of his swisher as they start to mingle. Flexx had a blunt of Toxic Koolaid, and Taga had one of Swivel. The two strains he had available at the moment, two of his best sellers. Flexx looks over and sees his boss Apache. He walks over to greet him.

“What up, how ya livin? This looks like a nice gig here.”

Flexx says as he takes a drag of the blunt and passes it over to Apache. He could see other associates and gangsters around. It was another good day to be out in these streets. Can’t hate that.

Apache has been invited to the 4th of July party hosted by Isabella-Luciano. Finally after looking for a few days he found a white suit with red and blue pinstripes. Apache went and got his long black hair braided to not look so raggedy. Then it was time to head to the party. Apache pulled up in his all white Bugatti. The ballet boy took the car to the garage while Apache walked in. The Native man was pretty socially shy especially when their is a ton of people in a tight area. He decided to stay off to the side a little and let his friends come to him. As he was relaxing to the Benny Goodman band, he felt a bump into his ribs. He turned around to see Isabella_Luciano and he dance partner flying past.

Apache smiled at her apology and remained to stay on the sidelines of the party.  That was when he noticed his Left Hand Man Flexx-Mitchell talking to him.

”Yes it is nice Isabella worked hard on getting it all together, let alone getting all the family to show up at the same time.  Let me hit that blunt you got there bro?”

As he was taking a drag off the spliff he noticed a familiar face off in the distance and she noticed him back.  Apache waved high up in the air to be sure to get Draven s attention.  As she walked over they gave each other a hug.  

“Hey, Draven you made it.  Oh yeah this is my left hand Flexx.

After the two greeted one another Apache started feeling a little more comfortable to the party maybe he just had to warm up to the family a little more.  Then he seen his boss Salvatore_Luciano through a space in all the dancers.  He nodded to Flexx and they both walked over to the boss.

”Hey boss man!  I wanted to formally introduce you to Flexx this is my Left Hand man.  He’s been helping out a ton in downtown.”

Apache was happy to have the whole family here in one place at one time. 

Joli had heard of events going on hosted by Godmother Marie and her favorite Don Sally, she decided to get dressed for the occasion and wore a nice short white sun dress with red ribbon boarder on the bottom and her hair pulled up in a dark blue ribbon. She arrived to the picnic sun shining down bright and small breeze keeping things comfortable. It was beautiful out and she soon recognized family from Chicago as well as Detroit. Spotting Donny_Donowitz first she headed over waving.

"Hey Donald!" She winked and hugged him, soon noticing Elias_Luciano. "Elias! It's so good to see you, you look well!" she smiled squeezing his arm.

"Where's my bestie!? Isabella-Luciano ? Don't tell me you've already lost her!" She stuck out her tongue as she looked around for more of their friends, scanning to find Isabella as well.

"Has anyone heard if Joy and Coltrane will be able to make it out? I hope they can, I feel like it's been forever since I've had a chance to see them!" Joli scrunched up her nose thinking and hoping Joy would make an appearance with her recent move to Seattle she was even farther away from Joli.

Star loved a good party and the celebration of the birth of America was as good as any reason to get gussied up and make a show. The dress she'd chosen was a soft blue with slightly puffed sleeves. She paired the look with a bright red pillbox, white gloves, and white pumps. Usually she stayed in her home town for the celebration as Philly was rather proud of being a rather large influence in the birth of the country. 

Still, it was nice to get out of the norm and enjoy the holiday with some of her close friends. Isabella and Joli were both already there when she arrived and she waved to the both of them. It wasn't long, however, before she was kicking up her heels on the dance floor as Benny Goodman wailed on his clarinet. She jitterbugged through several songs before taking a break to grab something to drink and talk to her friends. 

"Joli! It's so good to see you, happy fourth of July! I might not be a native born, but America has become my home through and through. This party is something else, I'm amazed Godmother Marie was able to bring in Goodman himself. He sure is a wizard on his clarinet isn't he?"

"Star!!" Joli beamed and embraced her in a hug. "How are you!? I'm so glad you could make it! How's the crew coming along? Congratulations again!" she smiled and offered Star a soda. They continued chatting, dancing and greeting friends as they saw them. "My other half JasonLeeScott needs to hurry up, I swear you can not pay that man enough to ever be on time!" She laughed and got a couple sparklers out and lit them and handed one to Star and began making designs in the air and acted like she was going to burn Donny_Donowitz with the sparkler.

Star returned Joli's hug and grinned, the look of pride unmistakable on her face as she answered Joli's question.

"I feel like I'm on the moon right now honestly! This is something I never could have dreamed and now it feels like I'm living in one! How silly is that? Anyway things are going smoothly, I've reached out to those who've joined my ranks and we had a little get together last night to break bread and talk."

She chattered a few more minutes with Joli before one of her favorite songs came on and quick as a whip she made a mad dash to do a bit more dancing. She was sure to wear out her new shoes in no time but it felt wonderful to be able to let her hair down. Soon after sundown, as the band mellowed down and began playing softer songs, Star joined with the crowds to watch as they lit off small fountains such as the Mount Vesuvius and Snow Storm and squealed with delight after being handed a sparkler that shot of bright flares of silver stars that she could wave around. There wasn't a time where she could remember having more fun in quite a while and she was glad to be able to share it with friends and family. 

Calimero had been invited to a large and fascinating gathering being put on by Marie and Sal, but organized by Isabella-Luciano. He was walking around listening to the music and looking around at the many different faces he found around him. He spotted some people selling crafts and wears and was contemplating taking a look...

Umph...He felt another body bump into him. Turning he found his hands being taken by Isabella as she told him to dance. Being a bit caught off guard he awkwardly attempted to join in. Although dancing was not quite his best skill after all these years. Calimero smiled and shrugged at Isabella as she giggled at his miserable attempt.

"I think I shall let you continue to outshine everyone in the art of dancing." Calimero bowed slightly and took his leave of the group that was dancing. 

He was making his way towards his original destination when he spotted another familiar face. It was a man who was a leader in Detroit, Apache. Although he did not know him personally yet, he had heard of him during his time working in Chicago. Being from the old country meant constantly trying to learn the different crews of each city. 

"Hello Apache, I just wanted to say hello and pay my respects. I hope you are enjoying yourself and the event. It is quite impressive is it not?" He smiled as he spun around taking it all in once again.

After introducing his friend to the boss of Detroit he started walking back to where he was standing before. That’s when Apache was approached by Calimero_DiGrazia. The new face paid his respects to the Native man.

”how are you doing man! I appreciate you coming by to pay your respects here to all the bosses.  This is a good little get together huh.”

Apache looked around to the one big family dancing and talking.  He felt a wave of happiness fall over him as he was talking to Calimero.  He pulled a wad of cash out of his pocket and slid a couple hundred dollars in the newer gangsters breast pocket.  

“You remind me of myself,  keep at it man and there is no telling what you can become.”

Apache then shhok the mans hand and continued around the party looking for some more familiar faces.

Though he is a youngin' within this world of ours, John couldn't resist a night out on the town around family and friends'. He had gotten all dressed up from tip to toe In his freshly tailored suit, he looked a millions dollars'.. Well so he thought!

Upon arriving John notices some very familiar faces out mingling with the crowd; one of whom Don Salvatore_Luciano.. With a great big smile on his face as if he is really enjoying himself, which Is good to see. After all the work he put's in around here he deserves to let loose occasionally.

John then decides to pop over and grab a drink, It seems like a great venue God Mother Marie and Don Sal has put on, just what the two cities needed!

Joy breezed into the festivities, hoping she hadn't missed them completely.  She had been so busy with her new HQ, she barely had time to breathe.  She dared to wear a pair of Levi trousers.  They were tight fitting and flattering to her shape, along with a red and white peasant style blouse.  Red sandals and a white hair bow completed her look.

She glanced around for her dear friend, JoliBebe and her darling Prince Coltrane.  Not seeing either of them right away, she helped herself to a glass of punch.  Then she wandered around looking at all the people and the marvelous decorations.

Joy sees the hosts of the party, Marie_Lucania and Salvatore_Luciano and pays her respects to them.   What a lovely gathering, on such a beautiful day!  I am enjoying myself immensely!  She then excuses herself and gets another glass of punch, people watching and continuing to enjoy the day.

Heartless was invited to the big festival that is held by Marie_Lucania and Salvatore_Luciano, he walked in little nervous as he is not familiar with festivals, he walked to the Lady Marie and Don Sal and show them his respect and loyalty, the he walked and have a drink.

He was happy when he recognized some familiar faces around, He saw JoliBebe he walked to her shake her hand and wished her good day, he was happy to see Coltrane and Joy  there too as it was long time they didn't meet since they are moved to Seattle.

Heartless was looking around searching for someone when he saw beautiful lady looking at him and someone with her, he asked his guards about her identity as they told him that she is   Isabella-Luciano, he smiled and waved for her.

TigraineMantear finally was there, when he saw her he hugged her "Glad that you make it here today" after while  Maurice- was there too he welcomed him and they had drink together and Heartless was happy that his family was there in such day.

Heartless finally saw  Secra , he waved for her and hugged her "you looks amazing today", he introduced her to Tigraine and Maurice as she is one of the most people he loves.

Colt walked in, making last minute adjustment to his handkerchief. He had chosen a classy outfit, a dark blue suit and pants with a white shirt and a pair of beige shoes. He brushed his hair with his hand, making sure it was nice in place and went on to go see his friend, Benny Goodman. They knew each other since they were kids and they had both grown up together, playing music.

After that, he went to go say hi to Godmother Marie_Lucania and her husband, Salvatore_Luciano. He had the honor of having worked with both of them in his earlier days and was thrilled to see them again. He then went of on to surprise hug his dear friend, Heartless. Seeing him again was a treat, as they had grown very close over the last month.

He kept on saluting all his friends, JoliBebe, JasonLeeScott, Star and Isabella-Luciano. Then, he saw his princess, Joy, looking as amazing as always. He ran over to her and kissed her hand, before locking arms with her. What a night this was going to be, with all his friends!

As the fireworks peppered the sky with awe inspiring light, Jack was stepping out of the Windy City Casino. He motioned to place his hat back up where it belongs, however on sight of the shimmering colours temporarily etched into the star spangled sky he paused, then left it at his side. It would be a crime to dull the atmosphere that this eve brought. 

Despite being part Irish, part Italian, he took great pleasure walking among associates from all walks of life through the streets of Chicago. What better place to be than in the heart of the country. The sounds of revelers, music and singing resulted in a permanent smile on Jack Mezzo that night.

Still in the white short dress, I did not have shoes on, and I did not know where I left them either. Just thinking of what I looked like,  a train wreck, after the firework party. I looked down at my dress, figuring there would be wine stains or something, as white seems to attract red wine like a magnet. (phew, nothing that I could see)

Remembering the night...Lots of fireworks, fun and alllcohol.. makes the world go 'round. I was still feeling whatever I drank last night.. must have been some party. I had not been this drunk in a long time. Standing up, I smoothed my dress, sliding my hands down my body, double checking to make sure at least I did not look like I went swimming in red wine or whatever I consumed last night.

Standing up, my ankle roled some and I was a bit unbalenced..no wonder I took off my shoes. I scanned the area , sparkling blue eyes are probably bloodshot looking like I am high as a kite. Now, where are those shoes? I also looked around to figure out where I was, I did not seem to have made it home, or did ? I could not remember, with this pounding headache, oh yeah, I mean hangover. (I hope I would not need to throw up, for sure it would get on this dress and would embarass myself)

After exiting the meeting with Jack Mezzo, Gavin had taken off for the west coast immediately. Tara, however, hung around the Midwest to partake in the celebration. Her brother was usually the one who indulged in drinking, but there was something about the heat, the music, and the good company that led Tara to truly let her hair down. For a less experience drinker, though, moonshine could be dangerous.

At the moment, Tara was speaking passionately to a dog.

"This day? Independence day? It's really a day for us. Those assholes forcing themselves to wake up at the same time every day, driving into a job they hate, barely having any time to themselves... are they really independent? It's only the outlaws who are truly free, don't you agree?"

The dog looked at her and tilted its head in confusion.

"What do YOU know about freedom? Damn leash-wearer. I will never wear a leash... and you are not as communicative as Rubix."