Dubliner had everything ready. It was the Roarin' 20s and what more could a man do but party and drink away his money? He had more alcohol than all of the small moonshine distilleries in the Appalachian Mountains combined. Decorations were paid lavishly for. Ice sculptures, plenty of food, butlers carrying trays for partygoers to grab what they wanted from them. He dropped thousands of dollars on entertainment for the night which included dancers, entertainers, story tellers, musicians, singers; heck, he even dropped 2 thousand on a tiger from the zoo to be shipped in for viewing pleasure... Or maybe he stole it from Hawke...? No one would ever know (It was Hawke's). He had paid Gatsby handsomely to use his mansion. The pool could be a big hit once some people 'break the ice'. Dub was determined to make a night that no one would soon forget... or remember...?

Everyone who was anyone came to this party. Police Chiefs, Politicians, Movie Stars, Movie Directors, Foreign Dignitaries, Mob Bosses. Just about everyone was permitted into the party. Lights from the festivities reflected from the lake in the backyard. Music was blaring as guests started to arrive. Dub had made sure to send out plenty of invites and posted fliers everywhere saying that it was open to anyone and everyone. He expected the party to be packed out the front doors. 

Dub walked over to Gatsby and thanked him. He was quite busy staring out the front window. Looking for something or someone, Dub was not quite sure. He looked out the window quite longingly as if a piece of him was missing and he was searching for it out the window... Dub got his attention and immediately he snapped out of his trance and wore the usual, warm smile that he had. He ended every sentence in, 'Old Sport' which further cemented Gatsby as a classy fellow in Dub's mind. Dub smiled as he shook his hand and thanked him then turned and went over to the next room getting ready to open the doors for everyone to flood in like water rushing from a broken dam and spreading into every room trying to fight for their 'spot' in the party. 

After opening the doors, Dub rushed out into the backyard and got people onto the dance floor while the musicians played on a raised stage. Dub was hoping to see some of his friends come out tonight and enjoy the party. He was dressed up in his finest clothes. He had a white tuxedo on with a royal blue vest underneath the jacket. And, as usual, Dub chose one of his bowties to wear instead of a tie. A blue and white detailed bowtie and vest combination. And to top it all off, Dub was sporting some royal blue shoes. He was a character, Dub. He hadn't a care in the world about what anyone thought about him. He was here for fun, and fun would be had. He waited in the back yard as people rushed in. Watching and waiting for someone he may recognize...

Morte was doing her daily walk on Main Street in Brooklyn, enjoying the scenery and the people-watching, when she saw a flyer posted to a light post. She made her way up to the flyer and read it, and it was an announcement for a party that would be going on that night in The Loop, Chicago, hosted by DublinerFM. She figured she could very easily make the flight to Chicago and still have plenty of time to get ready in a hotel room somewhere. She wondered if anyone she knew would be there, then thought maybe it would be better to meet new people and make new friends.

She pulled her personal notebook out of her purse to look at her schedule for that day and saw that she actually had a free evening for once. She hadn't had a free evening since the night of her own party in Brooklyn. She wondered how much better DublinerFM's party would be. She imagined that with it being in Gatsby's mansion, it was going to be a HUGE party for sure. Mentally picking an outfit out of her closet, she started to walk back towards her Headquarters rather quickly, because she needed to book a private flight to Chicago first thing when she arrived.

Fifteen minutes later, she walked up the long flight of stairs to the yellow door of her HQ. She opened it and immediately made her way to her bedroom, where she grabbed the sparkly red dress she had picked mentally, and a pair of black pumps to go with it. She quickly put her outfit inside a small suitcase, folding it just right so that it wouldn't be wrinkled, and then walked over to her wall phone where she dialed her Pilot, Damon. She told him to have the plane ready in fifteen minutes to go to Chicago. He agreed and she hung up to continue getting her stuff ready to go. She grabbed her clutch off of her desk and grabbed her car keys off of the chain by her door. She touched up her lipstick quickly in her mirror before leaving her bedroom to go downstairs and announce to her Family and Associates that she would be leaving to Chicago for the evening.

Afterwards, she left her HQ and walked to her car, quickly starting it and making her way to the airport, where her Pilot was patiently waiting next to the plane. He waved at her as she got out of her car, and she smiled and waved back as she leaned back in to grab all of her stuff, then shut the door and walked over to him. She said, "Thank you so much for being available on such short notice, Damon. It means a lot! Hopefully this makes up for it!"

She handed him a roll of cash and his eyes lit up as he said, "Wow, thank you Morte, but you really didn't have to pay me. I was just doing this as a favor for you, but still, I appreciate it greatly!"

She waited as the stairs came down from the side of the plane, then hefted her bags and walked up the stairs to take a seat as Damon readied the plane and then took off, quickly going up in the air and away from Brooklyn.

....

After what seemed like only ten minutes, but actually a few hours or more, the plane began it's descent into Chicago. She only barely tolerated the turbulence as they descended, and she was glad when the plane came to a halt. She wasn't a huge fan of flying but sometimes it was necessary, so she dealt with it. When she got out of the plane, she saw that Damon had a vehicle rented already for her to drive while she was in Chicago, and she couldn't have been more grateful. After thanking him for everything and telling him when she would be ready again, she got into the waiting vehicle to drive around and search for a cheap hotel room to rent so that she could get prepared for the party.

When she found one, she rented the room for the night and began getting ready, starting with her hair, which she put into a messy bun with her bangs hanging down over her forehead, and then did her makeup. The final touch was her signature red lipstick, which she put on quickly before slipping into the red dress and putting on her black heels. She checked herself in the long mirror on the bathroom door and gave herself a nod of approval. She then turned around and grabbed the car keys and her clutch off of the desk before leaving the hotel room and getting in the rental car to make her way to the party.

The flyer she pulled off of the light post was in the passenger seat, so she grabbed it to read the directions again. She made her way through Chicago towards Gatsby's mansion, and when she arrived she was in awe. She couldn't believe her eyes at the sight ahead of her. The mansion was gigantic, but she should have known it would be. She knew it would be beautiful but she didn't know it would be THAT beautiful! She parked her car in a designated spot and then got out, taking in the whole property as she walked towards the entrance.

The door was wide open so she made her way inside quickly so she could admire the inside of the mansion as well. She quickly noticed how many people had made it there before she did, and hoped that at least one of them would feel like being talkative with a stranger. She felt a little uncomfortable so she tried to find the bar area as quickly as possible. Alcohol helped ease her nerves and she needed it now more than ever.

She scanned the room looking for a server or bar or something, anywhere that she could get a drink. When she spotted a Butler carrying a tray of drinks, she walked up to him and grabbed a glass of whatever it was. At that point, she didn't really care what was in the glass. She just wanted to hold something in her hand, drink something with alcohol in it, just anything to ease the crazy butterflies in her stomach. It had been a long time since she was that nervous, and she began hoping that at least one of her friends would be there. She probably looked like a crazy lady scanning the room but she just had to see a familiar face in the crowd to calm herself. 

She spotted Dubliner, who she only knew in passing, but she began to make her way up to him and, when he was standing by himself for a moment, she approached and began babbling, saying, "This party is definitely amazing. You did a great job with this. Way better than my Block Party over in Brooklyn, that's for sure! I'm sure this costed a pretty penny, huh? You probably planned this for weeks! The mansion looks gorgeous, and all of the decorations are just wonderful... I'm sorry for talking so much. I get nervous around huge groups of people. Anyways, thank you for the open invite to the party. I saw the flyer in Brooklyn and just had to come here! How are you doing so far this evening?"

Dubliner smiled and nodded as Morte_Rossa spoke to him. He could tell her nerves were a tad on edge and he wanted to help her relax and enjoy herself. He also grabbed a drink from a passing butler and sipped it as Morte finished asking him a question. He smiled and nodded, "Yes, expensive indeed. I had to drop a hundred grand just for the mansion from my friend Gatsby. Perhaps you know him? He should be here somewhere, perhaps inside? The bribes to the Chief of Police, who is also here, were the next biggest expense followed by all of the alcohol here! Haha! The entertainers are great though. We got some nice swing music going. I think I may try and get some people to start doing the Charleston here in a few."

Dubliner chuckled to himself. He had not added up the numbers as to how expensive the party actually was. It actually kinda made Dub sick! 

"I am doing fine thus far. Waiting for a few people to show. We've already filled up a big part of the house. The lights and music can probably be seen from planes flying over. I'm glad you came out! I wasn't expecting anyone from New York to show up, let alone a family boss! Anyone you'd like me to introduce you to? Movie stars? The Police Chief? Anyone?"

Dub sipped from his drink as he waited for Morte Rossa to answer. He looked to the French doors atop the balcony to see anyone else that may show up and looked back at Morte.

John had heard through the grapevine about the party of the century, and pretty much everyone can go. John loves a good party. Even though he wasn't officially invited, he did not want to miss this party. John found his favorite and best tuxedo shirt he had, and put it on. He wanted to look his best. He was hoping to find his future Mrs. Lychitcki, even if for only one night.

John made his way down to the party. He couldn't believe all the glitz and glam. He was glad he wore his very best. He made his way up to the line to get in. Everyone was getting let into the party. As soon as John got to the door, he was pulled to the side. A large bouncer refused to let him in. John was in shock. He knew he hadn't made anyone mad at him...lately. He had been on his best behavior. He was on great terms with Duplicity. He couldn't think of why he wouldn't be let in. 

"You know what. Fine. I'll go have my own party. With booze. And Hookers. Forget the hookers...and party."

John plops down on the curb outside the party, and pulls out a flask of scotch and begins to chug. 

Morte took a deep breath in and let it out slowly to calm her nerves while she listened to DublinerFM talk about how much he spent. She was completely shocked to hear that the mansion alone costed one hundred grand, but after taking another look around at the vaulted ceilings and the wood floors, the ornate decorations, and everything else, she understood why it was so expensive. She could only imagine how much the alcohol and entertainment costed, and she knew for a fact that the Police were not cheap to bribe! 

She said, "I have met Gatsby in passing, and have heard only great things about him. I'm sure he's here somewhere, and maybe I'll get the chance to fully meet him at some point, but until then I'm fine with mingling around, meeting anyone and everyone, and drinking this amazing alcohol!"

She laughed nervously when Dubliner chuckled, then listened again as he spoke, saying how the lights and music could be seen and heard by a plane flying, and that he was surprised she came all the way there from New York.

She replied, saying, "Good to hear you're doing well! I'm starting to relax a bit. The deep breaths in and out are helping. Rather embarassing to be this nervous but what do you do? And you know, I knew I had to be here for whatever reason. I had a free night and needed some fun away from New York! It's nice to be out and about around nice people, drinking and having a good time. I'm sure you understand, or you wouldn't have thrown this party! And honestly, you can introduce me to whoever. I'm calm and collected now. I can always just finish this drink and grab another and I'll be great!"

Dub excused himself from Morte as he invited her to make herself at home and to enjoy herself. He walked to the front of the house and stood out on the front stairway looking up to the sky. Just needed a quick moment away to himself. He noticed John_Lychitski sitting out on the curb of the driveway sucking down the contents of a flask. He walks up to John and asks, "You know the party is inside, right? What are you doing out here?"

Several taxis were dropping off partygoers. You had your high school jocks, your sophisticated high class members of society, rubbing shoulders with the lowest of the lows on the economic charts. The high pitched squeals of cars pulling into the driveway at high speeds startled Dub for a split second. He looked down at John as he waited a reply.

Victoria was just beginning to recuperate from the party at The Paragons' Headquarters hosted by Morte_Rossa.  What a wonderful party it was.  Still in the partying mood when I heard about the party DublinerFM was hosting and calling the party of the century, I just had to attend.

I had been in the company of DublinerFM a couple of times in Los Angeles but never really got to know him.  But from those few times I was in his presence there was no doubt in my mind that he would throw a hell of a party.

I called Morte_Rossa but did not get an answer but knew that she wouldn’t be missing a party like this.  I knew I would probably catch up with her there.

I booked the 5pm flight so I had plenty of time to pack, catch my flight to Chicago, check in and dress for the party.  I wasn’t going to procrastinate or fret over what to wear.  I was going to use my eeny, meeny, miny, moe method. I picked out 4 dresses laid them on the bed and eeny, meeny, miny, moe.  I ended with my burgundy chiffon dress with sultry sheer mesh panels at the bodice, twisted back straps, and flirty back cutouts.

I finished backing took care of some last minute business for the Boss and was off to the airport. For once everything was on time and my flight made it to Chicago in record time.  There was a driver waiting for me at the airport that took me directly to the hotel.  After relaxing a little while I showered and got dress.  After glancing in the mirror I had to say I was dressed to kill.

Another car was waiting to take me to the party.  It was a pleasant drive.  As we approach the mansion where the party was being held nothing but excitement came over me.  People were already dancing and having fun.   A gentleman carrying a tray of drinks offered me one.  As I started to mingle and walk around I saw both DublinerFM and Morte_Rossa.  I knew she would be here I laughed to myself.  DublinerFM looked so fine in his white tuxedo and   Morte_Rossa looked amazing. 

I walked over to them and said hello and let DublinerFM know that this was an awesome party.

Morte was waiting for a reply from Dubliner when he politely excused himself to attend to some business outside of the mansion. She watched as he walked outside, then turned her attention to the a Butler walking by carrying more drinks. She grabbed one off of the tray and when she looked towards the door again she saw that VictoriaStone had arrived to the party and immediately grabbed a drink from the same Butler's tray.

Morte smiled and got up out of her seat, making her way to Victoria to talk to her for a bit. She said, "I'm so glad to finally see a very familiar face here! To be honest, I was beginning to think no one else would dare make the trip here for the party! Hopefully your flight was alright! I took a private flight as I wanted to get here quickly. By the way, you look stunning! I love your dress. It's very suitable for this wonderful-looking Mansion! I was thinking of taking myself on a tour of the mansion actually. I've never been inside an estate this big!"

John looks up as a voice begins to talk to him, looking around to find it's source.  ​He spots DublinerFM, stashes his flask, and staggers while he stands up. 

"Evening DublinerFM. I know the party is inside. But one of the bouncers refuses to let me in. I mean, I see a hobo talking to the VP of a bank, and I can't get in. Is it the tuxedo shirt? I feel like I didn't get a classy enough tuxedo shirt for the party."

John pulls out his flask again and take a pull. He offers it to DublinerFM. 

"I mean, I've been on my best behavior. Other than killing some Durdens, I haven't done anything to make people mad. I just want to drink some booze, meet some ladies, and have a good time."

Dubliner raises his hand turning down the offer of his drink. He looked over to the front doors as John explained that he was denied entry to the "All-Access" party. Dub looked at John and said, "Come with me. Of course you're allowed in."

Dub walked up the stairs towards the front door and motions for the guards at the door to make way. They both oblige and step to the side of the door. He lets John go in first and stops to have a word with the guards.

"You aren't here to act as bouncers, remember that. You're here to keep things from getting out of hand..." Dub puts his finger into both of the guards faces as he talks to them, "Don't let me hear that you kept someone out again..."

He turned and fixed his hair as he follow John into the mansion. He leads him to the backyard as he pulls two drinks from a butler's tray and offers one to John. John looked at his flask and at the drink... "Tell me you won't turn down free booze." Dub said. John reaches out and grabs the drink from Dub's hand. 

"I want you to have a good time, okay? You're family. Enjoy the entertainment, the women, the booze. Help yourself!" Dub smiled and motioned for John to have a great time.

Morte_Rossa what a surprise to see you here I said in a very sarcastic way. We both had to laugh.  You are right there aren’t a lot of familiar faces around here but there are sure some very distinguish looking people here.  We will just have to mingle and get to know some of them.   Wow the atmosphere here really puts you in a partying mood.  Victoria starts to sway to the beat of the music.  The band is off the chain.  They really sound good.  Just then the waiter passed by with more drinks and offered Victoria another one.  Let's walk outside and check out those beautiful ice sculptures. By the way did you get to see that fierce tiger?

Morte laughed when VictoriaStone said that she was surprised to see her here. Of course she wasn't surprised. Morte would never miss a good party and a good chance to meet new people and drink while she was at it. 

She said, "Yeah you know me too well! I couldn't miss this for anything, and I had a free evening over in Brooklyn so I figured, why not fly to Chicago? It was well worth it because so far this party is pretty amazing! Glad to have a friend here now, so sure. We can go check out the ice sculptures! I wonder if they have started to melt yet!"

She laughed again and then said, "What?! There's a tiger here? Yeah we definitely need to get a look at that. I haven't seen it yet!"

She quickly finished her drink then grabbed another off of the Butler's tray when he walked by, and they began to make their way outside to the back yard to check out the ornate ice sculptures. There was one of a man, who she could only assume was Gatsby, and then another of something she couldn't quite figure out.

"What is that sculpture of?" She whispered to Victoria, pointing towards the sculpture to the right of them. She didn't want to be overheard asking what could be a silly question. "I know the one sculpture is most likely Gastby, considering this is his mansion, but I just can't figure out this one!"

(Gatsby*)

As Darwin's driver pulled the car up to the right address, the Chicago Made Man took a look around at the people in the area. He spotted a few associates of the family, as well as some bodyguards, standing around near the front door and a nearby alley. He grinned as he thought back to the days that he used to be on security detail for events like this. Things had changed for the young gun. He was now a guest at these types of parties, and a full blooded member of the family.

"You don't have to stick around tonight Santino. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night, and I wouldn't want you sitting out here for hours. I'll have one of the associates arrange my trip home when I'm ready to go." He said to his driver.

"You got it boss." The man said, and drove away.

He straightened out his tie and made sure that his collar was folded proper with no unwanted creases before he walked into the venue...

I could hardly stop laughing.  I turned back to Morte_Rossa whispered in her ear exactly what I thought the sculpture looked like.  I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes. Maybe it’s setting the after party mood.  I finally gained my composure.  Oh I saw the white tiger as I came in. It’s on the other side of the mansion where you entered.    You can check it out before you leave.

Morte almost fell to the floor with laughter when VictoriaStone told her what she thought the sculpture looked like. She had tears running down her cheeks and she couldn't stop herself from laughing. She hadn't even given any thought to the fact that it looked like something that COULD be used to set the after-party mood, but now that's all she could see. A big sculpture of that next to a big sculpture of Gatsby.

She said, "Oh my goodness.. I can't believe how absolutely hilarious that was. And now it's all I see when I look at it! And okay well.. On the other note, we will have to walk back through at some point to the front so I can see the tiger that I somehow missed."

She almost started laughing again but contained herself when she saw the Butler walking by them with a tray of what looked like fruity drinks. She quickly swiped two from the tray and handed on to Victoria, saying, "Drink up. I'm not gonna' be the only drunk person here, that's for sure!"

As Dub walked through the main lobby area of Gatsby's mansion, gunshots rang out throughout the home. Screams arose from EVERYWHERE on the grounds... Then another gunshot. Everyone was running wild as Dub almost got trampled over by everyone running out of the front doors. After the building cleared, Dub pulled out his M1911 and walked towards the sound of the first gunshot. It was just two rooms over where the Tiger was being held in it's cage. Dub peaked through the door and into the room. He didn't know what to expect. Maybe the tiger got loose? As he cracked the door open, he saw the tiger in it's cage still. "Thank god," he thought. He swung the door open prepared to shoot at anything that moved. 

Nothing. No movement. Everything was dead still. Ever--wait. Dub walked in to the room and saw Morte Rossa slumped over the railing that lined the stairway to the second floor. She was bleeding from her head. Dub ran to her and held her as he felt the warm, fresh-spilt, blood ooze over his hand... 

"Jesus Christ..." Dub looked around the room to see if he had missed anyone. Nothing. No sign of any struggle or any person still in the room. He laid her lifeless body down on the ground and wiped a tear from his eyes. He arranged this to be a good time. He had to find Gatsby... He remembered that the second gunshot came from outside on the back lawn area. 

He stepped out of the french doors and onto the back balcony that overlooked the entire backyard area... His mouth dropped wide open as he saw Gatsby's body floating facedown in a pool that had a red hue to it... He jumped into the pool and pulled Gatsby out and laid him on the concrete, poolside. 

"Goddamn IT! Look what they did to you, Gats..." Dub was now covered in blood and in complete shock. Two friends of his killed at a get-together that Dub had arranged. He stumbled over to the edge of the dock like a zombie. Covered by, and dripping, water infused blood from the pool... Dub looked out to the lake. Through the misty haze that sat over the large body of water, he could see a Green light. It was a green light that Gatsby often talked about...

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--Tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... And one fine morning--

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past...