As you arrive at the Race Street Bank and Trust company, you are immediately greeted by a perky blonde secretary who leads you back to an office in the rear of the bank.  The plaque on the door says 'Bank President.'  

She taps on the door and peaks her head inside.  

"Mrs. Byrne, Roxanne has just arrived."

"Send her in.  Thank you, April."  The middle-aged Italian woman replied with a smile.  

She motioned to the seat across from her as Roxanne entered, "Hello Roxanne, I'm Don Isabella Byrne, please - make yourself comfortable.  Can my secretary bring you anything... perhaps something to drink or eat?"

"A glass of Chenin, merci." Roxanne replied as she sat down and crossed her legs.

Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear she began. "Bonjour Madame Byrne. I have just arrived from Europe and know not where to go. I seek une maison tranquille where I can write in peace with nothing to bother me except beautiful étrangers and their mystérieux tales. I wonder if that is something you can offer."

"No one can know what excitement lies just over the horizon, not for certain, but I do know that my operation is somewhat less ... aggressive than others in our professional activities.  Granted, that's not to say we don't have our share of problems.  Lord knows right now I've authorized the recruitment of those whose skills and talents are a bit more physical in nature - but can't believe these current issues will go on forever.  Soon we should be back to our very quiet monetary exchange operations."

She smiled.

"I've often found that women have a much better head for numbers and securing the best end of trade bargains.  Men tend to lose all good sense when presented with a pretty face and a fair offer, sometimes it's made worse for them when the woman seems a bit of a mystery or exotic due to an accent."

Bella smirked.  "Considering all you've done for us thus far, I'm inclined to give you a shot.  Temporary protecting under my banner, and see how things work out for you.  If we both find you're a good fit, we'll discuss that next step somewhere down the line.  Tell me, do you have housing arrangements and resources to help you get started here in Philadelphia if you choose to stay a while?"

"Madame Byrne, while I admit appréciation for reaching out to me, I must confess some appréhension because of the bubble that has been built around this city, a bubble that oh so many are eager to burst. The potential for instabilité concerns me. As such, I desire minimal participation with your organisation. Temporary protection is all I seek for now." Roxanne replied sombrely.

A thought danced through her mind and her eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. "I am terrible with numbers, though I fare much better with men. As you said, a pretty face and an offer made in a délicieux accent is often enough to convince them you have their best interests at heart. Using me for the latter might be a smarter choice."

"The families of Philadelphia have survived crisis after crisis for far longer than anyone could have predicted.  A tribute to the effective leadership of our Godfathers and the blood, sweat, and tears of the made men in this thing of ours.  Truly our story is written in the blood of those good men and women."

She nodded to herself, thinking of all the dead whom she missed so dearly.  Dead she would one day be reunited with.

"Well, I definitely can supply you with those types of jobs which center on your great beauty as a tool.  In my younger days, I had plenty I could do personally in that department but as a married, older woman, I fear that my time batting eyelashes to get what I want is quite finished.  Thusly, you are an asset I can't afford to pass up."

She chuckled.

"If you're willing, I'll give you the temporary protection you seek.  Let me know if you decide on something more permanent though, yes?  Otherwise, consider yourself protected by Race Street Company Trust."

She offered her hand to Roxanne.

"All the same. I'd rather my gloves be stained with wine than blood Madame." Roxanne said apathetically as she leaned back and rested an elbow idly on the armrest.

"Nonsense Madame Byrne." She countered politely. "Like a fine Nebbiolo, I'd say you've simply gotten better with age. I suspect if you so desired, you could surprise many with this je ne sais quoi that you possess. Of course, it is a different matter that a woman in your position no longer needs to."

Accepting the hand offered to her, she held it in a delicate grasp and shook it with subtle elegance. "Merci Madame. All that remains is a quest in search of suitable lodgings here in the city. Could I possibly impose upon your hospitality and seek your assistance with that?" She inquired hopefully in an intonated manner.