Sitting in the home that had been set up by Lily Black was something special for her, she had been protected by an outside person, someone who Vince had decided to go into business with. It had saved them from the gaze of the Syndicate, Douglas had kept them informed of everything happening there, it kept them safe and now it was something of a benefit to have a spy network on the ongoings back in Nevada. Eventually, they would go back home, they would settle accounts with those traitors. A Carelo never forgot a debt and Salero had acquired a large one, it was not going to be forgotten for a while. 

Valerie could not focus on the debts owed to them, she had decided to go out there and have some fun. It was not something that did at all, sometimes she wished that she was a bit more out there, something of a people person but right now, she had none of that. She was nothing but a lone wanderer waiting for news on her brother, she needed a moment to herself, a moment to forget like her brother often did with their life. Vince had always said that it helped him, maybe this was that chance for her, to get out there and do something with herself, it was not something she was going to regret doing. 

Smiling to herself, she stood from her position on her bed. She knew that this was going to be one of the only moments, she needed to be ready for the night to come. Heading to the closet, she dressed up in a suit, the sleeves rolled up as she did not really do dresses unless it was for a big event. She preferred it this way and walked out without another word, she noticed the eyes of her fellow partners in arms. The Irish capo of hers decided to walk with her, wondering where she was heading out to. He had to admit, she did look nice and that was something that no one could deny right now. 

"Where are you going, lass? Usually, when you're this dolled up, it's either to get some things going or to deal with another matter of business. And ever since we've been here, you've been keeping away from this kind of life, so what has gotten you ready and raring to go? Is it a date? Do I have to put the screws to someone? Warn them not to break your delicate heart or then I break something of theirs?"

Raising a delicate eyebrow, Valerie turned to Biran, he seemed to be enjoying that he could tease her relentlessly like this. She tilted her head to the side, looking down at herself, she was not that dressed up as he putting so much into it. She shook her head for a moment before deciding to give him a look, one that had him chuckling, knowing that she had no response to him right now.
 

"I'm just going to have some fun Biran, if you want to come with me and watch over me like a hawk, please. I welcome the company, still, I expect you to find a lady before I do and at the moment, you should be the one to enjoy yourself as well. Is that understandable? Do you think that you could find a partner for the night? I wouldn't want to be the only one having some kind of fun, it's only right that you get some as well. Or is your luck running out, unlike the rest of us Irish people, who don't even need it to get some."

Laughing, Biran followed, loving this side of Valerie that was coming out to play. It seemed that she did as well, not even knowing where this side of her was until a few weeks ago. It was good to see her being this type of way, she was not worried and focused on her enjoyment, knowing that Vincent was going to make a full recovery, now it was time for her to have some fun. He wished that she had been like this before, she would have earned a lot of connections, though it was clear as day, she didn't feel that comfortable.

This was just for fun and it was understandable, not something that she would be doing to forget about what her brother was going through. He admired her right now, she was not allowing the business with Vincent to consume, she knew that he was strong and that is something which gave her hope for his recovery. Now it was time for her to be doing the same, she needed to be ready for this, that is the only thing that he wished for her. She needed to move forward, build something here that could help with Los Angeles. To make it feel more like home. 

"Hello? Biran? Are you good there bud? You kinda zoned out, I'm wondering what you're thinking about there. I see the way you were looking at me, you find this a bit surprising?"

Nodding his head, he exactly felt that way for a moment. Only he knew she needed this, Biran smirked and noticed how she turned away with a similar smirk on her face. Soon she flipped him off as they came to a stop, their eyes gazing at the club before them. It seemed like a hotspot for some tourists and people who simply wanted to have fun, they both traded looks with one another. Almost like they were trading a silent conversation, it did seem pretty obvious that they were.

"I followed you here, so I'm going with whatever your plan is here. Get drunk, find a lady friend or start a brawl. Whatever, I don't really mind, as long as you are going back home safe and sound. We can do whatever the fuck you want, lass. Just make sure your halo doesn't tip in this city of angels. We don't need people seeing that the devil is amongst them."

Striding inside the club, Valerie was hit with all kinds of things, the sounds coming from all directions of people dancing, arguing or a woman in the bathroom. This place was not somewhere she frequented, only she was here now and was making her way to the bar. She sat down on a stool, motioning for a beer as she left a hundred dollar tip on the table. She didn't know what else to do besides scout the place before Biran seemed to get an idea, hep walked onto the dance floor, getting some eyes on him but he never let it stop him. Going on until he found a partner for the night. 

Soon, Valerie had the beer in front of her. She took a small sip as a woman settled next to her, if she had to guess, she would have said that the woman was Dominican. She shrugged, it really didn't matter, she was starting to think this was a bad idea before she could stand up and tell Biran she was leaving. The Irishwoman was stopped by a small voice, one that held plenty of teasing to her. She turned her head, tilting it to the side as she narrowed her gaze on the Dominican woman who simply smiled back. The look meant nothing to her, that is what alerted Valerie.

"You stand there, so dull and without life. I'd say that you lost someone, you were looking to come here and drown your sorrows in some women. Turning out that you lost the nerve to do so, now you're sitting here dolled up and with nowhere to go. So you were deciding to go some and not do anything about it, ah, do not try to deny it. I've seen this type of thing before, was he shot or stabbed? Your friend, there is only one thing that brings the ruthless Valerie Carelo out of the shadow of Vince. Either he's dead or he's injured, either way, something's happened."

The nerve of this woman, she had confidence that much was clear, she knew exactly who she was. Valerie wouldn't lie, she was intrigued by the woman. She was a bit unnerved how she knew already who she was, not even stating her name. That type of thing was something, it meant that she had connections, that is not something anyone had. So with a smirk, Valerie sat back and took a large gulp of her beer as the woman looked her over before smirking. 

"You know my name, love, and yet I know nothing of you. My reputation and name precede me it seems, I have to say that is entirely surprising. This has me wondering what is next, just what else do you have on me and my people, miss? Oh come on, are you really trying to play hard to get right now?"

Valerie raised an eyebrow, turning her head to look at Biran who was now sitting down in a booth. He seemed to be entertaining more women, the man was in paradise it seemed.
 

The woman did seem to be enjoying this little game that she wished to play, so she simply took a sip of her wine before allowing herself a look of Valerie, she decided that she could be useful. Leaning forward, she smirked at the glint in the Irishwoman's eyes, there was something that excited her about all of this. She could only wonder what that really was, she assumed that she had not been involved with this type of thing in a while since the attempted removal. Sticking out her hand, she smirked at Valerie, deciding that her introduction would be the best thing going forward. 

"Marisol Montez, I operate as the advisor and Lawyer to Sal Bocchino, he is my boss and he has me on the take. I know who you are because I looked into it, the Las Vegas syndicate are not looking to see you guys thrive, they contacted every small gang from here to New York. If you ended up on our streets, we were supposed to kill you and send your remains back to Nevada. You guys are supposed to be dead, in the ground, not even a single moment of breath was supposed to be drawn from you, yet here you are in a nightclub."

Shrugging, Valerie knew that type of thing was bound to happen, Joe never did like to leave things with a chance. He wished to be on top and never stopped, he was ruthless and had his mean streak that could rival many of the other mobsters around the states. It was something that she and Vince had used with him. When sending him to deal with opponents that did not wish to fold, Joe would bet he one to make them see sense, he always had a way with words or a bat, he was the enforcer and was damn good at it. 

"So what are you going to do with me? Is there where I plead for my life and get kidnapped anyway, watching my bodyguard die without another word? Because I know your boss owes us a favour but that is not why you are here, stopping and drinking. You want something from us, something that we can provide you with. This is where you need something from us and we can easily provide it, so go on Montez, tell me and I will see that pot of gold is at the end of your rainbow. Don't be shy, I've dealt with your type before and it always ends up being fun."

Marisol knew that she had place Valerie's negotiation skills below the actual level of what they could truly be, here she was showing that she was a viper. Nothing seemed to be deterring her, not the fact that she could be taken back to Vegas or that she was talking with a woman who had a connection to the society of the chosen. She was not even frightened and that is what made her sure she could trust the Irishwoman with what was to come. She was going to be a great partner, she was sure of it.

"I need a partner, don't flatter yourself. I hear that you and Vince had plans to work with Ottawa Trading Company. A legitimate company, I also hear from sources within the company that they are still looking to partner up with you. I need you to do the same with me. A partnership that is likely to change how we operate in the business going forward, I need you right now Valerie. You are the only one that can save me with this new business plan going forward. Sal needs this, it's just another favour that we would add on."

No longer was she smirking, Valerie recognized the chance before them for a business in Los Angels, Sal needed support and it was not something that he did easily, he never liked going to others, especially them. Vince and Val were ruthless to their cuts in a business and this was no different, it seemed Marisol had the same look on her face as she simply waited for the answer that would come out of the devil's lips, though she waited a long before releasing a breath as they continued to measure one another. Testing how far they would truly go.

"We'd need to know of the businesses you have in the area, Marisol. And we shouldn't do this out in the open, who knows who might be listening. I need to talk with you about the cuts, distribution and where our bases would be covered. If you're heading into business with us, it's going to be a simple back and forth of exchanges that culminate in us getting nothing, then being screwed over. We want real cuts of the business, none of this other crap that would have us looking for the next paycheck, only for it to not be on our doorstep."

Marisol shrugged, looking over at one of her henchmen before tilting her head to the side, she stood from her seat. Motioning for Valerie to follow as she got Biran from his seat in between two beauties. Business had called, there was no denying, they all knew but still, where fun was had, their life seemed to be ready to drain it all away in one single instance and that is not something any of them liked right. It was almost too much to bear, though they had somehow done it, they were ready to move forward with it. 

Soon they had all entered the office, Valerie did notice a man sitting at the desk. He looked up at Marisol with a fond glint in his eyes before turning those grey eyes onto her. She simply smiled, noticing how Biran seemed a little tense, he had turned into his more serious persona. It had all shifted when he saw Valerie being taken to the offices, now it was the time for talks. Something that both sides wanted to be done with quick ease.

"Let's get this started then, shall we? We all know why we are here, we wish to move our business forward. For that, we need your support with the Ottawa trading company."