Kirsty instructs the driver of her cab to head down to Armour Square, the poorest area of Chicago.  The driver asks if she will be safe here - Kirsty touches the revolver in her bag and assures him that she will be.  She is dropped off at a derelict social club, near a public bathroom.  She looks around for her interviewee, VoxNeruda (Vox).  He isn't at the social club, as agreed, and she becomes nervous.  Suddenly, a dishevelled figure walks out of the public bathroom and walks over.  A brief conversation ensues, and Kirsty suggests that they conduct the interview at Vox's home.  Vox explains that he is homeless, and that his life is mainly spent between the social club, the public bathroom and a box generously lined with Star Examiner pages.  Before the interview started, Kirsty discussed sports with him, including ice-hockey.  At this point, Vox becomes animated, angry, and appearing for all to see as a deranged vagrant.  Kirsty hands him some money, and he calms down.  Chastened, the interview begins... 

What's your life story?  How did you end up in the line of work that you are currently in?

Hey you think I could get a few bucks to tide me over?  Just need enough to maybe buy a few units of drugs.  Not sure I can pay you back but if you could spare it I would appreciate it

Kirsty hands over some cash, around about $10.

What special skills does your background give you for this life?

Well I informed my current leader, a kind man named Grin-07, that I was very capable at generating money.  This pleased Grin-07 and he gave me a position in his upper structure.  As luck would have it the whole conversation was kind of a big misunderstanding, as Grin-07 was under the impression I meant that I was a shrewd earner, whereas I meant I was capable of generating money by asking people for it.  Some would call it "begging", I prefer calling it politely asking.

What have your experiences with the glory hole taught you about a/ men in general b/ the type of men in our society?

Well the reason why everybody agrees that a men's restroom stall glory hole is such a great metaphor for This Thing of Ours is that there are generally two types of people.  Those who stand at it and those who kneel.  Figuratively speaking, I like to see myself as one who stands.  In my personal day-to-day life, speaking in literal terms, well, let's just say that sometimes a desperate man has to do what he has to do to get by.

Who do you most admire in this life?

Probably SamAdams.  He is a man who isn't afraid to dig deep to get the hot story out to the community, will pay handsomely for tips and will also believe just about anything you tell him.  He's not afraid to step up to the competition when he feels his interests are being impeded upon as was evident by his public distaste of the new Rusty Star Examiner (who recently conducted a superb interview with my crewleader Grin-07) .  This type of competitive spirit is what gives a mobster his edge.  I'd expect to see some great things from this young man.  Not only is he a man of his word, he once promised me 20k for information about the recent Philadelphia takedown, and after I sent him some questionably accurate information he sent me an additional 5k.  I find this generosity to be a very admirable quality in a mobster.

And least admire?  

The late CommissarZverev.  He abused his powers as Leader of the Streets and really soiled the title with his deeds.  The streets are very important to me, and when I see the guy that everyone looks up to act like a tyrant, I am immediately turned off.  I shake my head in disbelief every time I think about the fact that prominent Godfathers once nominated this man's ancestors as Street Orator of the Year.  Unbelievable I know, but alas he was.