Aurora Mastrosimone, with the blessing of her crew leader Xanxus of Detroit’s First Legion & inspired by the work of her Aunt Tara Byrne and 'Grandpa' Jack, had called together, many important personages of the Cosa Nostra.  She’d never done anything like this before; while some had told her for years that it was ‘in her blood’ the amber-eyed blonde brimmed with nervous energy. 

The Detroit Riverfront, or Riverwalk as it had been rebranded recently by her company the Calico Development Group, was situated on the Detroit River in the Motor City.  It was an area considered to be on the Canadian side of Jefferson Avenue and extended from Gabriel Richard Park in the north to West Riverfront Park in the south. 

The area had been hard hit by America’s Great Depression, with many businesses and properties literally falling apart due to lack of care and the constant conflicts between the various organized crime groups which had held the territory from one time to another.

Once full of factories and warehouses, many of those were now refurbished into spaces idea for business fronts, entertainment venues, and even residential properties.  A boardwalk illuminated at night by electric street lamps had been installed all the river’s front.  Lush greenery was planted beside its walkways to entice sightseers and business patrons alike to take a long leisurely stroll along Michigan’s sunrise side.  Ideally, they would leave behind some of ‘greenery’ of their own!

Everyone in the room had been given a tour of The Riverwalk and then invited for dinner and drinks at a private pitch meeting.  Once dinner had been served and was nearly done, Aurora gave her husband Billy_Mastrosimone a kiss on the cheek and then ascended the stage to address the private gathering of potential business partners.

“Good evening and thank you all for accepting my invitation.  I encourage you if you have not done so already, to take a few moments to read over the flyer you’ve been given.  It will provide you additional information about why you’re here.”

“Many of you already own businesses, maybe even some here in Detroit.  Some are legit, others are fronts for…”  She gave a devilish smirk to the crowd allowing a tittle of laughter to drift through the crowd.  “… Other activities.  Well, regardless of the type of business you do or why, we all need the same thing… customers.”

Aurora glanced to Xanxus receiving a smile and nod before she continued, “The First Legion of Detroit and Calico Development Group are proud to announce our latest business venture – The Riverwalk.”

Off to the left and just behind Aurora on the stage, a waiter unveiled a large map on an easel. 

“If you have an idea for a business that you’d like to see located on The Riverwalk, you will reach out to me as a member of The First Legion and COO of Calico Development Group.  Then, for a start-up investment of $250,000, you will become business partners with The First Legion of Detroit.”

“After receiving your investment, I will discuss with you your business proposal.  We will iron out the details, tour potential locations for your new business, and we will provide you with assistance to make sure your business is of the highest quality possible to ensure maximum potential for success.”

“You will launch your new Detroit based business in the following format: ‘The Riverwalk – NAME OF BUSINESS.’  In return for your investment, we will guarantee a steady flow of customers to your business as long as you are still drawing breath to keep the doors open.  Our flyer goes into some of the finer details as well as some of the bells and whistles which might make this offer more appealing to you.”

“Finally, because our goal is to build a thriving and active business district, any business which remains active for thirty-days will receive a payout from Calico Development Corporation of $1,000,000 with further bonuses possible down the line.  Our way of saying thank you for investing with us and in the future of the Motor City.”

“Detroit is a city a limitless possibility with a very long history of being a go-to place for people from all across the United States – friends of ours looking to move their products and make the biggest profit possible.  While they’re here… why shouldn’t you be benefiting from their presence?  They could be spending time in your businesses, buying your goods and services.  Let us help you ensure they do.  Whether you’re opening up a completely new idea or a franchise location of an existing successful business … as a business partner in The Riverfront, you’re bound to find success.”

She finally let herself exhale.

“Does anyone have any questions?  Please feel free to speak up or just reach out to me privately.  If no one has anything to ask then I’ll simply say thanks for your valuable time and leave you to enjoy your dessert and drinks.”

Many were in attendance shoveling the delicious meal into their faces... Thomas included. He felt out of place when it came to talk of owning businesses, but it was possible that the time was right for him to consider business opportunities. Especially if it could help the Order and Seattle as a whole. As he ate, Thomas skimmed over the flyer, stopping and looking closer every little bit... Even wiping a few crumbs away as he finished the meal, only a small mess made. SUCCESS! Nothing had gotten on his suit. That was, perhaps, a first.

Leaning back in his chair, he noticed that everyone at the table with him had stopped and stared. Most of their plates were still full and steaming. Had he really scarfed down the meal that fast? He grinned at everyone and thought to himself... -Ooof, slow down. They'll think you're poor and haven't eaten in days!-

Excusing himself from the table, he stood and made his way across the floor about the same time Aurora stood and made her way to the stage. He bowed his head as he passed her and winked, but continued toward the dessert table; snatching a wine flute off a tray as a server came rushing by.

Perusing the dessert table, he heard Aurora start to speak and turned his attention. Listening intently, he nodded along. "This could be a grand adventure. I'll have to return to the Order with this idea."

He waited until she finished, a wonderful speech, and he clapped along with a few others that hooped and hollered as Aurora exhaled.

Then, of course, came the questions and answers part of the night these meetings always had.

No one seemed as if they wanted to ask anything, or even participate in the chance to speak with such a business woman. After standing and waiting around, Thomas shrugged and raised his flute of wine a bit.

"I have a question... Where and when would you like to meet for a discussion about a business and a tour of this Riverwalk?" He smirked and chuckled, bowing his head.

"An absolute thrill of an idea, lass, and I look forward to becoming business partners. You'll receive a money wire by the time you sleep tonight. My word or my honor. Anyone else care to join in?"

He lowered his glass and looked around the room, offering for others to pitch in their money and invest now or just voice agreements and/or concerns...