Ava Claire Rousseau had only been working at the Westside Diner for two weeks.  The manager of the diner, a hot-tempered Greek man with a receeding hair line, didn't bother to interview her at all.  He simply handed her an apron and told her to show up at 9 o'clock the next day in something short.  From the looks of the other employees, the diner was a revolving door for her kind.  Ava was the only one that had yet to break into the business.  Most of the other women were still waiting on their "big break," but Margaret and Darlene were past their prime.  The grouchy, silver-haired matrons of the diner were dry and had no sympathy for the complaints of the younger ones who just knew they would make it some day.  For herself, Ava found it much better to keep her mouth shut.  She came to work in her dresses and heels, wore her make-up and hair, and took her tips home to the boarding house at the end of the day.  In her heart, she knew that she was different.  She was going to make it.

Two weeks to the day after starting at the diner, a well-dressed woman seated herself in Ava's section.  Ava grimaced slightly as she slid her order pad out of the pocket of her apron.  Women never tipped well.  Still, she put on a smile and approached the table.  

"Good morning, Miss.  Can I get you some coffee?  Maybe some tea to start?"

The woman nodded absently and murmered as she looked over a newspaper.

"Coffee will be fine- black, thank you." 

Nodding, Ava returned to the counter and took a coffee mug from the tray.  About that time, Alex came sliding out of the office with his eyes downcast and a thick envelope sealed in his hand.  She'd never seen him act this humble before, and she watched him slink toward the woman's table.  Taking a spoon, Ava pretended to stir in something and listened carefully.

"I am sorry I am late, Ma'am.  Business has been slow, you see.  I do not have it all, but give me one mroe day, please."

The woman sighed and put the paper down on the table.  Her eyes shot daggers into the sniveling little man.  

"Alex, you are lucky I haven't shut this shit joint down by now.  I gave you a pass because your father was a good man, but you are a rat and I don't trust you.  Now I'm going to send two of my men back here at closing time, and if you don't have the rest of the money, they're going to do some redecorating- and relocating.  Got it?"

"Yes, Ma'am.  Of course."

Leaving the envelope on the table, Alex hurried back into the manager's office and shut the door.  Ava picked up the coffee mug and returned to the table. 

"Your coffee, Ma'am.  Can I tell you the specials today?"

Looking up to Ava, the woman smiled softly.

"I won't be here that long.  Listen, don't let that snake shake you girls down for your tips tonight."

She picked up the coffee cup and took a slow sip, still watching Ava.

"You are new here.  What brings you to New York?"

Ava stammered, a bit unsure of how to answer the question.

"Oh- I'm... well, I was hoping to find work on Broadway.  Silly, I know, but I'd just be happy singing in the company."

She stopped herself and bowed her head.

"Sorry, Miss."

The woman shook her head and put the coffee cup down.

"Not at all.  Tell you what- I'm going to save you the trouble of job hunting tomorrow.  I know a guy that owns an off-Broadway theatre not far from here who is always looking for pretty talent."

She took a card from her coat pocket and slid it to the edge of the table.

"Come see me when you get off work. You are different than the rest of these bimbo waitresses.  Wear something nice and I'll introduce you to some people."

With that, the woman stood and walked to the door, tucking the envelope into her pocket.  Ava picked up the business card and the single bill the woman had left under the half-drunk cup of coffee.  Doing a double-take, Ava realized it was a fifty.  Glancing to either side of her, she pushed the bill into her bra and hurried back to the counter.

That night, Alex sent the girls home early.  Ava hurried back to the boarding house and up the stairs.  Dismayed at the reflection in the mirror, she began toussling her hair and re-applying her make-up.  She took her best dress from her suitcase and laid it out.  Looking over the business card again, she ruminated on what kind of business this woman could be running.  She seemed very rich and powerful, but the card only said "Integra."  

Within a half hour, she was ready.  Dressed in a nice, navy-blue dress with matching pumps, Ava made her way downstairs and looked for a cab.  She'd use part of the generous tip to make sure she arrived on time.  When a cabbie pulled to the curb, she gave him the address and climbed inside.  The cabbie seemed to be watching her as she situated herself in the seat.  

"Yes, ma'am, right away."

His reaction was odd, she thought, but no matter.  He was driving quickly and she would be there in plenty of time.

When they arrived at the restaurant, the cabbie jumped out and hurried around to her door, opening it for her.  

"Enjoy your evening, Ma'am."

Puzzled, Ava handed the driver his payment and tip, then looked through the large, picture window of the restaurant.  It was somewhat crowded, and looked like there was a dinner party of sorts going on.  Suddenly feeling under-dressed, Ava froze.  "What are you doing?  You don't evne know these people."  That's when her actress instinct kicked in.  She straightened her shoulders, pushed her blonde curls behind her ear, and stepped to the door.  She had no idea how her life would change once she crossed that threshold.

The night air was cool and crisp, it was a perfect night for a gala.  Just like the one she was at, a fund raiser for a local politician in a monkey suit.  Black tie events, she hated them, they reminded her of her childhood and the parties her parents held at the estate. However, Integra knew this man was going to be the next mayor, and that this man had higher ambitions than just Brooklyn.  LF had sent Integra in to make sure he received the money to ensure his victory.  She agreed that getting a politician in your debt before he even takes office is better than needing to strong arm him later.

As she looked around the restaurant Integra wondered if Ava, the young woman from the diner, would show up tonight. As Integra made her way to the bar for a glass of wine, she noticed Ava as she entered. "Two glasses of wine."  Integra grabbed the glasses and she gave the bartender a few bills for a tip.

The Don smiled as she approached the young woman, she could tell the girl was a little nervous.  Ava  had normally lighter skin tone, but she looked pale.  However, it wasn't just her tone that gave her away, it was her eyes.  "Eyes, they always give people away..." Integra thought to herself as she approached Ava and handed her a wine glass.

"Let me guess, you feel a bit out of place and under dressed?" She questioned with an understanding chuckle.

"Yes ma'am, I feel incredibly under dressed and in turn that makes me quite nervous." She said timidly, then quickly apologized. "I'm sorry I'm rambling."

Integra flinched at the young woman using ma'am to refer to her, then began to speak. "First my dear, don't ever call me ma'am.  My name is Integra Fairbrook..." She paused before saying her last name, she knew the name would give away her heritage..."Hellsing. Integra will do just fine though.  Miss Fairbrook if you insist on formalities.  Next refrain from apologizing, you are with the rich and snobby now act like it.  THIS is your audition on a number of levels.  You see I have told the theater owner, that you will be here.  However, he and I have a little bet on IF he can pick you out amongst the crowd.  His name is Gavin Williams, when we part here I will walk over and talk with him.  So keep your eyes on me so you know who he is."  

The color in Ava's face had disappeared completely, Integra knew she had to do something to make Ava feel more comfortable.  She excused herself, and walked to the coat room for a few minutes, she came back with a fur and a small hat.  Integra could tell by the shocked expression on Ava's face that she knew exactly what Integra had done, and the don just laughed.  "Don't worry, we're just borrowing them.  I paid the desk clerk to return the items when you leave, so just hand them off to him."  

Integra placed the hat on Ava's head, then placed the fur around her shoulders.  "Something is still missing" she mentioned to herself, then walked behind Ava while taking off her own necklace, then placed the old gold and sapphire pendant around young womans neck.  She almost looked the part, but her face still lacked the proper color.  Integra searched through her hand bag.  "Lipstick,but no blush."  Then an idea hit her... 

"You are going to want to down that glass of liquid courage I gave you hun, trust me."  Then as Ava downed her wine, Integra put some lipstick on, then closed in on Ava and kissed her square on the lips, transferring most of her newly applied lipstick to Ava.  As Ava's cheeks reddened in a blush, Integra smiled, turning Ava to face the mirror.  "Sorry for that, I didn't have any blush, and that just seemed the quickest way to put some color back in your face, but see you can't even tell you're nervous anymore. Now, the second part of this audition. It is purely optional, but I would like you to steal Gavin's wallet and bring it to me."

Ava's expression said it all. "Oh now, we'll give it back.  This is bit of a test, if you would like to know more about what it is I do, bring me his wallet. If you enjoy the feeling and don't get caught, I can show you more.  Now just go out there, mingle, think about my offer, and just enjoy yourself."