My name is Carlotta DiAmbrosi, or at least that is what they call me.  DiAmbrosi, it's funny if you think about it, it means Immortal.  They call me that because I was found almost dead in one of the cities razed by the war, shot in the crossfire and left for dead.  For a long time no one was sure if I would make it.  I had to learn how to walk again, and it was only sheer force of will that let me succeed.  But then my world crashed down on me.

Everything I knew was gone.  The two men I knew in the cities were gone, forever.  Vince_DiMartelli and Mr Steele.  Neither of them were coming back.  So here I was, alone, afraid, unsure of who to turn to. Most of my aunts and uncles were killed in the war, leaving me alone.  And now, I'm looking for the only one I know is still alive.  Alissa.  

I didn't have any other name, just Alissa.  I didn't know what family she was from, but I head rumors she was from New York, and so that is how I came to be standing at the bus station tonight with all of my worldly possessions in a bag at my feet, looking for a woman I had never seen.

My worldly possessions besides my clothes amounted to my cousin's gun, a double-eagle coin, and a hundred dollars I had stolen from a small shop on my way across country.

My hair had finally grown back to hide the ugly scar that started at the back of my neck and went down my back almost to my waist.  But I was still self-conscious so I wore a hat, and rarely tied my hair up.  I liked colder weather so I had an excuse to wear scarves and gloves to hide the few scars that the surgeons couldn't fix and as I stepped across the street I was aware that once I got inside I would have to take the hat off and face the world.

I stood outside for what seemed like hours, not wanting to go inside, not wanting to face the world.  I had put it off for as long as I could, but finally, when I couldn't make any other excuse I went to find my one living relative.  Alissa, from what I knew was well-respected in the families and if anyone could help me find the ones who had shot me and left me for dead, she could.

At first, I had thought it was just part of the war, which was hard, but acceptable, but then I found out that the cousin I was with, Carlo, was killed, not because of the war, but because someone wanted a target to shoot at.  And, as if that were not enough, they had taken anything they could get away with.  It didn't sound like much, but among the things missing were a music box made of glass with a stained-glass rose on the top.  Inside was a necklace.  One I had seen many times before. They said it belonged to my mother. 

I don't remember my mother, she died when I was young.  But the one thing I do remember is the golden rose she wore around her neck. It was long-stemmed with three leaves, two on the bottom, one on the top.  She was never without it and people sometimes spoke of the 'secret of the rose,' and that secret was one that I hoped Alissa could help me to answer.

As I stepped inside, I saw her.  Seated at the table near the back.  The very sight of her made me want to run.  It made me want to quit this foolish quest.  Such grace and class she had, that I felt even more like a stupid child than I had outside.  But finally, it was the same stubborn force of will that had made me learn to walk that made me take the steps to her table.

I stood, clutching my carpet bag in one hand, practically shaking in fear.  I knew so little about this woman.  What could I say?  How would I bring this up?

Finally Alissa noticed me. 

You must be Carlotta

Even her voice was beautiful.  Soft, silky, and yet very powerful and commanding.  It surprised me only a little that she knew me on sight, but I guessed it came with the territory.

She gestured with her long, slender fingers for me to sit down at the vacant seat.  I did so, acutely aware of how much I looked out of place in a high-class ristaraunte like this.  My dress was nice, but by no means up to the standard of a place like this, and my hair, once gracefully brushed, was now snarled and bunched with the wind. I quickly pulled my hat off, trying to avoid thinking of the scars that my hair didn't hide.

To make matters worse, the long bus ride had upset my back, and only sheer force of will was keeping me from crying.  I couldn't sit comfortably for long, and I wasn't looking forward to getting back into a car anytime soon.

Carlotta, Carlotta DiAmbrosi I heard myself saying with a polite bow of head and shoulders, which was all I could manage.  I sounded so much like a child, and with a name like that, how could I possibly be believed? 

Carlo was a good man.  I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Her eyes said she was sincere.  I had learned a long time ago to read eyes instead of words.

I nodded numbly.  It still hurt too much to talk about it.  I could still hear it.  The tires on pavement, car doors, gunshots, people screaming, breaking glass.  Something threw me sideways and down, and then I heard Carlo calling for me.  I called back, once, twice, more gunshots, something slammed into me like liquid fire, and then nothing.

Carlotta?

Now the voice was worried.  I must have gotten caught up in the memory.  It wasn't unusual when I was tired.  I'm sorry, the trip was longer than I thought it would be. I could hear my own voice but it still seemed like someone else was talking instead of me.  I'm very tired.  I couldn't believe I had said that aloud.

She nodded. I knew you would be.  I made arrangements for you to stay at the house. 

I couldn't believe what I was hearing, me stay at the house?  I stood to follow her out when it happened, my back, after all the hours of riding in cars, busses, trains and sitting in chairs, rebelled and I fell forward as it seized up and refused to let me move any farther.  Even my willpower was waning, and, to my utter mortification one of the two bodyguards, I think his name was Sal, picked me up as if I were a baby, and as gently as he could, laid me down in the car.  Then, he got in the car with me and held my head in his lap while my back spasmed uncontrollably.

Tears rolled down my face, but I managed to bite back the screams that came with them, and still Sal sat with me holding my head still, allowing me to grip his arms in a white-knuckle grip when the pain got too bad.  By the time we had gotten to the house, the spasm had calmed, but the pressure of Sal's hands on my shoulders kept me from moving.  I heard him say something about the doctor, and then my lack of sleep over the trip caught up with me and I was gone.

I awoke in a comfortable bed smelling fresh coffee.  The linens were warm and there was a fire in the fireplace nearby, but the sun streamed down in far too cheery a way for my mood.  Finally with a sigh I rolled over and thought about getting up.

I sat up gingerly, afraid to move too fast for fear of my back rebelling again, but it twinged and then was fine.  My muscles felt heavy and I got the feeling that I had slept through at least one entire day before I awoke.  I didn't really care right at this moment, I had warm blankets, hot coffee, and I had found Alissa.

I stretched and squinted over at the clock, and to my dismay it was nearly noon. I took a sip of the hot coffee, added cream, and then, reluctantly put it down in favor of getting up.  I was attired in soft pajamas and I found a pair of comfortable pants at the foot of the bed along with some flats.  In the closet a soft, grey sweater that allowed me to wrap up and be warm.  The air was beginning to chill for the year, and I found the comfort of the coffee and the warm sweater familiar.

My bag lay untouched at the foot of the bed and I dug in one of the pockets to find the golden chain upon which the double-eagle coin had been threaded.  And, with a smile, I put it around my neck, the weight was comforting and I sat in one of the large, wing-backed chairs to finish my coffee.

Just about the time I was looking longingly at the empty cup, and trying to decide if it was worth getting up for a refill, there was a knock on the door. 

Come in.

Sal stood in the doorway, he appeared relieved that I was up and around.  When you are ready Alissa has prepared lunch.

I nodded and thanked him, pulling myself gingerly out of the seat before turning toward the door. Sal walked down beside me, not as if he were afraid I would fall, but more as if he were escorting me. I felt a little like a princess.  I wasn't sure whether to be flattered or annoyed, but it did feel good to have someone worry about me again.

The table was set with dishes enough for two, and on the table was arrayed a selection of meats and cheeses, and small rolls, vegetables, olives and fruits to make a meal of it. 

I had hoped I would be able to bring you here a year ago.  Carlo had wanted to bring you to see me, and then the war happened.

Somehow I knew what question was coming.

What do you need?  Are you holding up ok?

I wanted to yell and scream, No I wasn't ok.  My Uncles were dead, my Cousin Vince was dead, my protector was dead, and now, here I was half-way across the country from where I had been with a name I barely knew, talking to a woman I had only ever heard of about a silly little rose pendant stolen from me.

I'm all right. I heard myself say.  I just want to know who killed them.  I want--

The Rose.  Alissa said.  It was a matter-of-fact tone that told me she knew the truth and wouldn't accept the lie I had prepared.

Yes.  And Justice.

Alissa nodded.  I couldn't believe it when I heard that someone had stolen the golden rose.  It took us so long to find it after-- Alissa took a sip of her water and dabbed her eyes as she tried to keep from crying.  Your mother died when you were young, and gave you the rose in her will.  Alissa's voice was tight but I pretended not to notice.  That rose is the key to everything.

There was a long pause as we both considered what was said and our next moves.  You were found almost dead.  In fact, originally we were told you were dead.  But a couple of my boys who had known Mr Steele knew you were sterner stuff than that.  

I knew her voice now.  You were the woman in the red hat who came to visit me.  The one that told me about the rose.  The one that told me about the note that made me come here.

Alissa nodded.  When my men found out that you were alive, and that someone had taken the rose from you, we started digging.

that was beautifull....

mail me sometime and well talk

i know sometimes grammer can be hard but this was great and i like he use dialouge

Umm guys this isnt a story its a RP

I sat and listened to Alissa as I ate what I figured was my first full meal in three or four days.  I had lived off of what I could beg or steal, too afraid that whoever had taken the rose knew I was looking for it.  I had always felt that it was important but I didn't know why.

Your mother was given the rose when she was not much older than yourself. Alissa said.  It was a token from a man she loved.  Unfortunately, someone else was dating her at the time.  A Boss, long since dead, but either way, the young man couldn't date her, couldn't marry her, though it was in his heart to do so.  But he couldn't cross his Boss.  He couldn't risk her life like that. 

Alissa paused a moment in her story.

Being a Romantic, he did the only thing he could.  On her next Birthday he gave her a gift, a single rose pendant.  It was a golden rose with emerald chips on the leaves, and ruby petals. She wore it for the rest of her life.

So what happened to them? I asked

He continued to serve his boss, as her bodyguard.  There are some rumors that you are his child, but no one knows for sure.  What we do know is that you were five when she and her husband were killed.  Her bodyguard did what he could to protect you.  But the killers got away, and they took the rose with them.

Alissa smiled and squeezed my hand a little.  That pendant has changed hands many times.  Everybody wanted the secret of the rose.  You see, no one inherited your mother's things.  The Will clearly stated that you or whoever had the rose would inherit, but only if they had the rose.

I looked at Alissa.  You mean that all this is over that stupid rose?

Your mother was a rich woman Carlotta.  And she asked her friends to look out for you.  It was her protector that brought the rose back last time. But no one knows if he is still alive.  No one has seen him since.

They were hoping by making it seem random that they could cover the theft.  And they hoped we would just think it was lost in the mele.

You know differently don't you?

Carlo was killed on the street, you were inside, once they heard you cry out, they figured you had the rose.  Unfortunately they didn't know that you didn't usually wear it.  When you didn't have it they shot you.  Five times.  Finally, in searching the house they found the music box and the pendant.

I sat back.  This was new to me.  I knew he had been killed, I'd heard the gunfire.  I knew they had shot me, but my back had been to the door, and I don't remember anyone entering.  But then again, all I really remember clearly is the noise and the pain.

How did you find this out?

One of the shooters.  We found one of them, injured at the scene.  It took some time but we were able to get the information out of him.  He was also the one that told us you might be alive.  He said that he had pulled one of the other men back from finishing you off, telling them that you were not long for this world anyway.  When the police came it was becasue they had been called, but the caller didn't leave a name.

Where is this shooter?

The same place Carlo is.  Her voice was cold, and I hoped I would never hear that tone used against me.  When you feel ready we have everything you need.  Cars, guns, and connections.  It is your mission, so anyone you choose to bring along is your choice, but I would feel safer if Sal went along.

The conversation is interupted by a knock on the door, as the door is opened Carlotta can hear a low talk in the entrance hall after a while there steps coming towards the room she and Alissa is in. The door opens and Sal and some strager comes in

This guy wants to talk to you Carlotta, we sent out some feelers to our trusted boys and now there seems to be some news.

The other man slowly removes his hat, then looks carlotto strait in the eyes

I am sorry for the loss i hear you have had, my condolences.

Pausing briefly to alow Carlotta to garther herself from whatever emotions the condolence brings up in her he goes on to say

My name is Knud and i am here because i have heard of this rose youre apparently seeking

Carlottas eyes open wide and Alissa shiftly says

Then talk man  dont drag it out

Knud sends her a big smile and holds an extra little artistic break before starting

Well mam  thats my way damn hard to change, anyways what i know aint much but still enough that we migth get wiser on the issue. I hang at this bar in detroit called Infamous Bar & BBQ theres several regulars there amoung them a guy called Tony two bites. Tony does some buisness involving money laundry for some heavy duty guys through hes several restaurants in the city. But lately Tonys bad habits have sent him in debt too these people and frankly what em hearing is he only lives now cos hes been usefull at laundering fair amounts of money. Anyways he been talking to me about his troubles and how the heavys have been leaning on him. Then this morning i meet him and hes seriously hung over from last nigth, he starts rambling of all hes troubles and amoung all the pathetic thing he says theres one thing that catches my interest. He says he was as close to being whacked as a man can come but that he was saved by the fact that this guy who he owes money had accuired some rose sharped piece of jewelry that was apparently valuable enough to put him in a sufficiently good mode to let Tony live. Since its our way not to ask questions i dont know for sure who it is he launders money for, but im sure we could convince him to enligthen us on the matter.

Knud stands silently awaiting the reaction from the other 3 in the room, while sending a long look towards the bottles standing on a small table under a mirror

Carlotta swallows hard at the mention of her loss yet again, but listens with interest to what Knud has to say. 

This man has no idea of the price for that pretty rose.  A deadly gleam in her eye Carlotta nods.  Then I guess we should pay this man a visit, and if he thinks that he was in trouble before, he has never met me.  I don't care if Sal comes with, he's not a bad guy, but heaven have mercy on him if he crosses me, and doubly so for these others.

You may have what hospitality I may offer mr Knud, Alissa says.  But I expect you to treat her as a lady should be treated. 

Sal looked up from the chair in the corner where he had been enjoying his meal and glared at Knud.  I'll see to it.  He said with another glare in the general direction of Knud.  As he shifted his weight, a double eagle coin flashed from a cord around his neck.  He smiled at Carlotta.  You are my first mission Car.  The form of address and conspiritorial wink reminded her of Carlo.  She knew she'd have to ask eventually.

We leave tomorrow.

Carlotta was far more comfortable in the pants and shirt she now wore than the dress she had been in earlier.  Her long dark hair went down her back obscuring the worst of the scars.  Knud and Sal could see the marks across both hands and arms where the flying debris had cut into her.  Long, ragged scars criss-crossed her arms and down her side, and one small scar near her right eye told everyone just how close they had actually come to killing her.

The Pistol she tucked into her waistband was larger than was 'proper' for a woman to carry but Carlotta didn't care.  It was Vince's gun.  The same gun etched with his half of the double-eagle design.  Carlotta looked over at Sal who stood, tromboning the slide on a shotgun with a wicked grin on his face.  He too carried a pistol, this one making a tell-tale bulge under his arm. 

Sal slid the shotgun under the seat, and she heard the rattle of steel pipe too.  She smiled.  Sal thought like most of the men she knew, overkill was always preferable.  Better to be better armed than not.

The car stood at the curb, idling loudly.  It was a new Packard, the type they called a roadster.  She was pretty sure that they had fixed up the engine though, knowing them.  Sal handed her inside and got in next to her, leaving Knud the front seat.  Sal, she knew didn't trust Knud much, but then he didn't trust many people when it came to Carlotta.  Since you know where we are going, you drive.  Don't wreck, and consider this your only warning Knud, if you betray her, if you hurt her... Carlotta heard Sal trail off into Italian words that made him hastily cross himself.

You'd better ask pardon, if Alissa ever heard you say that she'd never let you near me again.

Grinning at Carlottas last remark Knud turns the keys in the car, then turns hes face to Sal and says in a voice that becomes weirdly soft

Apparently you trust me enough to come along so no need for threats even if i do not doubt youll carry em out to the letter, but im here cos i want to be of assistance to Carlotta and i may or may not have my own reasons for that apart from the handsome promises of cash that was spread around...but a mans motivations is hes rigth to keep within himself as long as his motive are true or so some sunday school preacher told me long ago. Now lets be on our way.

Knud start driving the car silently, then after around 10minutes starts to speak again

Tony will come to the bar around 22:15 in the evening. He will be well liquired up after visiting hes restaurants to collect. I suggest we sweep him up from the street a block or so before the bar cos as i mentioned hes got ties and we dont want someone muscling in. So the bar is there...

Knud points as they pass by the infamous bar and bbq then puts the car into the curb  abit up the road. Then turning to Sal with a big grin

So Sal should i keep my gun in the pocket just as not to worry you hehehe  just joking man  i know the guy abit  ill open the door and start talking  then you can show him that baby you put under the seat and im sure he will come along without bother. does that sound like an acceptable plan?

Sounds good to me.  Sal said. 

Sure enough, right on cue the man in question came out of the bar and Knud called to him, getting his attention and getting him over near the car.  Sal stepped out with a practiced ease and was behind the man in a moment, the shotgun pressed into the man's back. 

We have some business, you come quietly and things will go better for you.  You make a scene and my friend here is going to speak very loudly in your general direction. He pressed the gun into the man's back, but shielded it between himself and the car from passers-by.  Most of them would know better than to get involved, but all he needed right now as a busy body.

You get in the car without a fight and we will see how things go from there.  The man, seeing he had no real choice got into the car.  Sal resumed his former position in the back seat.  Don't try anything stupid.

beautifull.showed the rue will poer of a strong loving woman.  just awesome. i hope u do a  2 part the it and i would love to here more. and i would love  for u to mail me and tlak with me ok. keep up the  good poests.

Tony two bites gets into the car without problem, he sits there sweating like a pig, while Knud drives the car to a quiet industrial area. Here the car halts and Knud says to Tony

Listen up, what we want is information. Youre gonna go inside here and give us this information and we will all be happy and youll be driven back to your bar and tomorow this will all be a bad memory, BUT Tony we are gonna ask you about some people you may not feel good about talking about. Ill just tell you now we want that info and we will inflict pain on you to get it and be warned once this has gone from a little confidential talk to something more unpleasant theres no turning back then we will finish the job.

Tony follows Carlotta Sal and knud inside the building and sends out a gasp of horror as he sees a chair placed open a heavy carpet who clearly totally out of place in the little production hall.

Dont worry Tony  im sure you understand this is just a precaution if hmmmm we should need to use more  handy arguments, but we all buisnessmen here rigth Tony...that wont be necesary will it.

Tony is placed on the chair while mumbling  no no and sending scared looks towards the people in the room, he eyes again and again meeting Carlottas while sending out a silent prayer for help

Ok tony, you told me before youre fucked cos you owe someone heavy some money due to your gambling and drinking habits, you also told me that this guy had summonded you the nigth before last nigth and that you feared he would whack you but hes fantastic mood saved you. This good mood you said was due to him getting his hands on a certain rose, a golden rose to wear around your neck. I want to know who the guy who had the rose was and where we can find him and where he keeps the Rose

Tonys eyes getting wider with fear hearing this strated mumbling

Knud  you know i cant talk of him  he will kill me and...

suddenly Sal puts the shutgun up to Tonys mouth interupting hes words

He may kill you if he finds out but youre dead as sure as hell is hotter than honolulu. Now talk you fat gambling pig

ok man ok its paulo lucini  he is the one i owe and he had the rose but i dont know anything about it other than that he was happy about having it in his possesion  very happy. And you guys know damn well where to find him everyone knows him,as to where the rose is   hes safe at hes club is my best bet  thats the safest place of his  but who knows he migth have it at home now can i go  please  please let me go.

Knud smiles at the words from Tony then sends Carlotta and Sal a little nod suggesting they step back slowly he circles the chair while speaking

Thanks Tony thats all we wanted to know  very helpfull indeed, and because you was so troubleless and cos we had drinks together  youll not get it in the head   so you can get a decent funeral

Just as Knud has spoken the last words he has made sure hes behind the chair and swiftly takes hes revolver and fires a round through the back of the chair at the point where Tonys heart is positioned. Then as Tony drops to the floor he follows the shot up with another also aimed at the heart. The bullit that has passed the wood of the chair has ripped a major hole in Tnoys chest so he quickly dies in a flood of blood colouring the heavy carpet.

Sorry Carlotta, but it had to be like this. If we are to do this rigth this wont be the last murder either

Then Knud proceds to roll up the carpet and then turns to Carlotta and Sal

My associate Narishma will take care of the rest, hopefully now you are convinced that im determined to go all the way to help out Carlotta Sal. Anyways lets get into the car

Carlotta nods.  You are far more generous that I would have been.  When I find the men who have the rose, they will rue the day they tried to kill me.  I will make them pay for every death they have inflicted.  She nods at the body.  Including this one.  Carlotta's smile is devious. 

If people ask, he died under the orders of Paulo Lucini.  And anyone else we have to kill to get him.  She smiles again and turns up the collar of the coat she is wearing.  I plan to make his life miserable before he dies.  We need to find Paulo, grab his driver if you can.  Drivers know everything.  Make him a deal.  He works for us, we spare him, he goes against us, and I will make the war look like a pleasant dream.

Carlotta turned toward the door.  Let's get out of here.  I have enough ghosts of my own.  I want that bastard to be looking over his shoulder.

You got my back Right Sal?

Sal nodded.  My brother would never forgive me if I let them get you. He crossed himself  Buon Anima. 

Knud, you handle things pretty well.  Just see that your compassion doesn't outweigh your common sense.   Carlotta left the room, Sal at her heels, even if they were staying here for the night... she didn't need anymore reminders of death. 

The three of them gets back in the car and slowly drives of, meanwhile Knuds associate Narishma leaves the car hes been sitting in waiting. Walking with heavy steps he curses Knud in hes thougths, why is it he always have to kill fat people. Sawing up that whale would take a good part of the nigth.

Meanwhile in the car the talks go on how to go about the issue with Paulo Lucini.

Listen Carlotta, theres no doubt i wanna help you retrive the rose, but going at a guy like paulo aint childsplay. It will have to be cleared from the higher ups

While saying that Knud sends a look towards Sal

As to the situation itself. If we are to attack Paulo in his own place we will need some muscle. I have my two associates who can assist us. They are not the most hardened of guys but they are reliable and will do good with the experience. Im sure you can provide some boys too Sal. I suggest we send some boys in there to mingle with the crowd then they can keep the crowd under control while we go for paulo...another way is to lure him with some sort of buisness proposal that way we migth get him a place with less of hes boys but we would still have to go get the rose. idk  somehow i guess just going the direct way and get it over with seems like my kind of approch  but what do you think Carlotta

Carlotta retired to a back room to plan.  Sal, we need to call in some favors.  See if you can find anymore of the people who knew Vince or Mr Steele.  Tell them that the coins are in play.  In fact, if you can find them, get ahold of Starshine or Tie or Giaquinto.  They  all have Eagles.

Sal nodded and left the room, going to make a few calls and contacts... He just hoped that any of the people with eagle coins were still alive and able to arrive.

Knud, you and some of your guys need to go out and start getting information on this guy, I want to know everything I can about him if we have to go against him. 

Carlotta knew that she had permission from Sal's boss to go against whomever she needed t.  but right now she needed to find some people to have their  backs.

Star idled up to the curb in her green Ford roadster and cut the engine.  She had received an urgent call from a man earlier calling himself Sal.  He told her that Carlotta needed help and for her to bring her double eagle coin and gun. Unbuckling the seatbelt, she opened the door and slid out of the seat.  She tucked her Browning pistol into the holster on her side and slipped into her wool coat.  She found it difficult to button it over her slightly rounded belly.  She patted the bump idly as she sauntered up the the heavy wood doors.  As she raised her hand to knock, the door was wrenched open and a man grabbed her hand and pulled her inside.  As her eyes adjusted to the gloom of the interior, Carlotta emerged from the next room and walked forward to embrace her friend.

Starshine?

Carlotta stood in awe, waiving for Sal to put his gun away.  This is one of Vince's friends. 

She threw her arms around Starshine.  I thought you were dead with Vince and the others.

Carlotta smiled, then sobered.  They got Carlo.  They killed him and left me for dead all to get mom's rose.  Carlotta sat down.  Now we wait.  Knud should have more information soon.

Fayth looks on dumbfounded

This is amazing!