CassandraVilmont entered the mansion still clutching the pawprint signed letter in her fist. She held a box of treats in the other as she usually did when she planned on seeing Rubix. Her Boss's car was out front and it appeared to be packed for some sort of trip. She wasn't sure what kind of situation she was about to walk into but she planted her foot on the bottom stair anyways and began to climb. The hallway was quiet but there were definitely people in the room at the end of the hallway. 

Her footsteps echoed as she made her way closer to the door, it opened as she gave a single knock. Rubix was sitting at his desk and Cary was in the chair across the table. Rubix gave a nod for her to come inside and take a seat. She was worried that something had happened, she entered quietly and sat the treats down on the table in front of her. She sat in the chair and shifted awkwardly when she noticed a folder with her name on it. 

Rubix was watching the treats now that they were right there on his desk but he took notice to the folder that Cassandra was viewing. He placed his paw on the top of it and slid it across the desk. Before she had a chance to read it Cary had spoke up, "I think I want to take some time to travel, see the sights, get some cultural exposure for some of the films down at the studio. Thats where you come in, I need someone from Southside to continue all the great work you've helped me achieve." Cassandra was not sure what Cary was saying but was sure she'd understand more from the file in front of her. Rubix attempted to help her to understand, "Woof woof woof woof woof. Woof. Woof woof woof. " She nodded along politely and took the folder. 

She opened the front cover and much to her surprise an envelope of cash fell into her lap. She looked up to see if anyone else was surprised by this but decided to keep reading while the unaverted eyes continued to gaze at her. She picked up the envelope and pressed it against the front cover of the folder which was folded back. She then began to read the important paperwork. 

CassandraVilmont,

You have done great work in the South Side district and it has not gone unnoticed. Cary_Grant has expressed his interest in taking some vacation time for the upcoming holidays so we immediately met to discuss the best course of action that would allow him to do so while being able to keep things working smoothly and efficiently. Per his recommendation, we have invited you here today to request your assistance with leading an operation of your own. We are aware that this is short notice and have prepared an envelope of startup funds to help you purchase a property and secure it... with fortifications, not restraints. If this is something you would be interested in doing, please bark to accept. 

🐾
 

Rubix, the Dogfather Chairman of Chicago, offered Cassandra a confidential file. She had no idea of the information it held, but she didn't have much choice but to take what has been given to her. A look of confusion was plastered on her face just before opening it, as Cary was talking about plans to travel. But she gained back a sense of clarity when Rubix started talking to her in woof language. "Ohhh. Right. I see. I guess I should take a look in this file then..." She nodded in a courteous manner before opening the document up. 

Cassandra reads through Rubix's message. She starts to realize why she was called here at his office. The mentioning of 'vacation time' and 'operation of your own' had succeeded in sending Cassandra piecing the puzzles together. While it was definitely unfortunate and sad to see Grant go off on his own, she was able to breathe a sigh of relief as she imagined all the previous days where she had started to notice Grant getting quite tired trying to run MGM Inc. It was a huge responsibility, after all. And required alot of his time. This vacation for him was well deserved. He was a man that she would never forget. 

When she was finished reading, she put back her hands back in her lap with her legs closed together, as prim and proper as a Catholic schoolgirl... Well, that was a bit of a reach. She was far from innocent.

Anyways, Cassandra looked up at Cary and smiled. Then turned to Rubix. She tapped the arm of her chair in a gentle manner. Without hesitation or reserve, she nodded her head again. Cleared her throat. 

"I understand what is expected of me right now. Look, to be real with you - I've never had to do something like this before. But I guess being Grant's left hand," she turns to Grant and smiles before focusing her attention back to Rubix, "that gave me some training."

"Say no more. I will round up the old and new recruits, and give them a home in the new headquarters I will be setting up in South Side. Good thing I did in fact prepare for this. Although thank you for the startup funds. I guess I was waiting for a chance to lead a family of my own as well." 

Rubix doesn't have to say anything else. Nor does Grant. She knows that they want, what they expect from her. And she promised to herself right then and there that she wouldn't let them down. Cassandra closed her eyes for a moment so she can shut out the world and concentrate on what this moment meant for her future. And before she knew it, she was opening up her eyes to to a world of opportunity. 

Cassandra stood up and politely took Rubix by the paw to shake it. "Woof? Woof. Woof woof." The room fell quiet for a second. Then she turned to Grant. But it didn't seem enough to just shake his hand. She spread out her arms wide and hugged Grant, as if she was a little girl getting picked up by her dad from school. "I'll miss you. Be safe on your travels. Don't hesitate to send a quick telegram or a postcard." She whispered into his ear.

***

When some comes back to the MGM Inc headquarters to spread the news, she first looks for Scofield and Nikolai. They were the first people she had seen since stepping inside. She asked for Rabbit. Said she was out somewhere. The newest recruit NaomiWong was hiding. She's shy. 

"Oh Naomi! Come out come out, wherever you are!"

This time, Cassandra offers Nik and Scof the confidential file. Waiting for their reactions.

"Yes... Grant is retiring. I know. It's.... quite sudden. But we're moving forward now, boys. Let's gather all the other members for congress. Gotta get moving. Quickly."

"Oh. By the way. Say hello to your new boss. Businesswoman and brothel owner of Sodality of Dominants." She winked as she started to imagine all the great fantasies she could open up for her family. Maybe even Rubix the dog would like to give it a try? Would be a bit hard though.

Michael grabbed the file while jokingly elbowing Nik, then grabbed Nik's reading glasses since he'd left his somewhere (probably on his head). As he read a grin made it's way across his face, and he looked up to wink at Cass while Nik tried to read over his shoulder, quite unsuccessfully since Michael had his glasses. He finally handed both the file and the glasses over to a now extremely eager Nikolai, who gave a short glare in Michael's direction before reading on himself.

Michael turned his attention fully to Cassandra, who was simply beaming at this point. He could remember how much work she had already invested into this city, and his piercing eyes warmed as he smiled proudly at her.

"You're going to be amazing, hell, you're already amazing. This is just a chance to show everyone how much. You got this, and we'll be with you every step of the way." 

Taking back his reading glasses from Scofield, he began to read the file and couldn't help but grin as the wonderful news became apparent.  Then he looked over the reading glasses on his nose at CassandraVilmont and said "A brothel?  Really?"  Looking down at his aged and battleworn body, he continues "We are going broke if you think this body is going to turn tricks Darling!"

Hearing Scofield spit up coffee from laughing at the comment, Nikolai give him a sideways glance and says "Laugh it up, ole boy...Let's see how many tricks you turn!  Want to borrow my glasses again so you can see what you're doing?"  And with that, he could no longer hold back his laughter.

Turning to CassandraVilmont, he reassured her with "Cass, you'll be a great leader.  You have a good team with so many promising recruits.  This will be the beginning of something special.  I can feel it in my old bones".  Then he walks over and gives his new boss a hug of appreciation. 

Colt was kicking back, sitting in his cozy wagon, fireplace lit and a bottle of whiskey from The Walker Brand. He was catching up on the mobs latest news thanks to his close friend, JohnMarston, and his new amazing newspaper. It was a great read, and as he came to its end, he noticed a name he knew. CassandraVilmont. His heart skipped a beat as he read it over and over again. It was her! Cass! 

He jolted up and immediately put together a private to his hometown, Chicago. He wanted to congratulate her in person. On the way to the wind city, he thought back on the night he met her. He had so carefully avoided every reference to the mob or anything related to that. And yet, it turned out she was in the business too.

Once he landed, he called a taxi over and asked to be taken to Miss Vilmont. The driver knew exactly where to bring him. The car stopped I'm front of a brothel. And it looked jam packed with people. Shit, she was one hell of a businesswoman too. He noticed her walking up to the front door. 

Cass!!! CASS!!! he yelled, before she turned around. She was even better looking than in his memory. I read the newspaper. Congratulations on starting your own operations! I had no idea you were in the buisness, guess it's something else we have in common! I have no doubt you will be an amazing leader! he said, smile as big as his face. Oh, you look stunning by the way he added, kissing her hand and letting her go on with her day.

A giddy Coltrane showed up at Cass' door. Who would've thought? All the way from Seattle too. She was grateful.

"COLT!! Heck, this is quite an unplanned visit. Hah, yes. Featured in the newspaper. Thank you so much though. We've settled in smoothly. Renovations have actually finished up, and brothel is ready to take clients. Business district. Drop a visit next time. When you want a break... from life."

The kiss left a friendly vibe. She smiled for years.