Shane was after an elusive and clever target, Marcello Colla, who intercepted a heroin shipment meant for the Stetson family. Colla was hard to track down because he was not associated with any of the big crime families. Stetson found an opportunity when he learned that Colla had attempted to woo Stetson’s Left Hand, MsRain. Colla had crossed paths with MsRain at a local Philly bar right off South Street. Colla did not know who she was beforehand, but the first time he saw her, he felt like he had to figure out who this unknown beautiful woman was. MsRain was never one to take someone home that she met at the bar for the first time, so she maintained her sense of mystery. Colla handed MsRain an invitation to a special Masquerade party he hosted every Halloween, where he hosted many powerful people including top city officials and entrepreneurs. MsRain put the invitation into her purse and gave Colla a seductive smile. 

“I’ll be there,” she said. 

Returning to the Rattlesnake HQ, MsRain entered Stetson’s office. She went to his desk and placed the invitation down. 

“I knew you could do it Rain, great work,” Stetson told MsRain. 

Shane was greeted by a valet attendant as he stepped out of his cobalt black 1953 Chevy Corvette, a recent acquisition thanks to an abundant amount of business the Rattlesnake Syndicate had completed. It was nighttime and he was dressed in a smooth, black tuxedo. Before he tossed his keys to the valet, he grabbed his black masquerade mask from the passenger seat, which he quickly put on. Stetson pulled out a large bill and gave it to the attendant. 

“I won’t be here for long, so don’t go far,” Stetson told the valet. 

He could hear live jazz playing in the beautiful mansion, a contrast to the quiet outside. A short line was formed at the door, attendees handing the special invitation to the doorman who verified the authenticity of the invite followed by a nod and an open door. Stetson walked up, waited in line and finally his turn came up to present the invitation. He pulled out the card, handed it to the doorman and was invited in. 

Stetson became immersed in the smooth jazz notes that flowed abundantly in the common area. To the right he could see an open bar where attendees enjoyed a fine selection of alcohols. Across the crowd, he instantly spotted Colla. Stetson moved toward the bar and asked for two whiskey and cokes. The bartender quickly poured his drink, Stetson sliding a tip in exchange. Stetson pulled a small vial out of his tuxedo’s inside pocket, a special concoction created by his Right Hand Alysia. The potion was created to turn the victim into a pumpkin, though it had not been tested before. He poured the contents into one of the drinks. Stetson picked up the drinks and maneuvered his way through the crowd to get to Colla. 

“Jack and Coke, right?” Stetson said to Colla, handing him the poisoned drink. 

Colla instinctively grabbed the drink. 

“Hell yeah, and you are?” Colla asked. 

“A man with an opportunity for you,” Stetson replied. “My agency gave you the info on the Stetson heist, and I’ve got another opportunity for you.” 

Stetson handed Colla an envelope. 

“You’ll find information on a truckload of coke that the DarwinRoss family is moving in a few days, use it wisely,” Stetson said to Colla. Stetson hoped that Colla would not immediately open the envelope as there was not actually anything in the sealed envelope. 

Colla let out a smirk. 

“Let’s have a drink to success,” Stetson said, raising his glass. After a smooth clink, the two men took a swig. 

Stetson nodded, turning around and slowly headed to the front door. As he stepped out and closed the door, he looked back toward Colla and noticed him grabbing his throat, suddenly collapsing to a plump, orange pumpkin. 

“Trick-or-treat, motherfucker,” Stetson muttered to himself. 

Stetson’s car was still out front, where the valet immediately ran to open the door for Stetson to enter. He got in the car, removed his mask and drove off.