Ell is finally back in the states after what seems like an entire life pulling jobs in Europe.

Really, it's only been a few years but the brisk American air makes it seem like longer.  I've just spent the last of my free floating cash on the pack tobacco and papers in my pocket.  The rest of the cash is safe, for now.  I pull a handrolled out of the antique cigarette case I take everywhere, the one thing from family I still have that has absolutely no ties to the mob... the only thing from a life I barely remember... and place the thin cig between my red painted lips.  Lighting it, the first inhalation is instantly a huge shot of adrenaline and then slowly burns into a soft lull.  This measured practice I've been cultivating since late childhood is all that keeps me steady at the moment.  He'll be here soon.  Whoever The Judge, my sole contact with The Spanish Inquisition, sent will decide if I'm gonna make it long in Shy Town, or anywhere for that matter.

The burned up nub of my cigarette burns my wind chapped fingers and without its comforting smoke I can already smell the grease from the Chicken Hut I'm waiting behind.  The thick clouds of cooked and recooked fat threaten to drown me where I stand and desperation makes me light another.  I'm halfway through a drag when he shows.  My mind goes blank and I can barely finish the pull I've started.  He waves two fingers quickly, down at his side, to signal he knows what I'm about.  I wait for him to walk to me and play with my cigarette.  I give some cheek and even blow a smoke ring, though it's not well executed.

"Huh, could never do those myself," he murmers.

His voice is high pitched, for a man I peg to be in his early fourties, but with a bit of a rasp that only years of heavy drinking, heavy smoking and God knows what can bring.  He has a slight tick to his head, which he tries to hide by angling his body to me.  I pretend it's because he wants to hide the piece he's carrying, a bit like it's an untold threat.  First impressions are everything.

"A girl can learn a lot of things," I smile.

He stamps his foot, a combination of awkward and unsure, "Seems to me the boss didn't need anyone to come out here.  If Papa Joe stands for you, it's good enough for me."

"Yes, well.  It's been a very long time since those in charge here really listened to the words of a dying man back in Florence.  Why do you think I came back?  Papa Joe can't protect a girl like me forever.  Not with my family history," I tell him.

"Anyway, look.  The thing is everything has changed since the time my family had any pull in this town or anywhere.  I won't lie.  I know I won't make it here without a family for protection.  And I'm not sure I'd want to.  I was spoiled back in Italy, always had somewhere to go after a job.  I don't have any idealized fantasies that it would be the same here but it'd be close enough for me,"  I flick the rest of my cigarette away, down the alley, and continue to stare at this guy.

He ticks his head a few times, waiting for what I don't know.  I'm done.  All I can say is hey, I need help... and see what happens.  That's all anybody can do, right?

Licking his lips, he looks me up and down but I know he can't see the scars.  For a certaintly he's heard the stories and he's looking for them but he'll never see them.  Not some lapdog like this.

"You'll know soon," he says and abruptly turns and walks back down the grease covered alley.

A bulb grows bright and bursts next to me.  I squint as the flourescent sparks fly out and die like millenia old stars.  The EN has bit it.  THE CHICK    HUT it reads.

Jesus. I look skyward and pray that this isn't some kind of twisted sign.  In a male dominated world I'd like to think I'm not just some piece of high class ass.  I look back at THE CHICK  HUT with it's grease stains and think, maybe it's a good sign.  Maybe it's a woman's time to shine... or maybe I'm just totally fucked.

Nice read Ellie, I must say this though. You aren't in a world where its Male dominated. There are plenty of women who are around these parts aswell For Example...

Marietta Aurora ScipitaRourke AngelEyes

There are many more I can name that are around these parts but.. I would be here all day. Im sure if you dig hard you will find many more women who are around these parts. :D

Haha, yeah I know a lot of women play the game.  It was a women friend of mine who turned me on to it.  I just liked the feel for the RP that she was a lone gun... out on her own, soon to be kicking ass and taking names in her high heels.  But thanks for some names of other chickies out there.  Might be nice to say hello.