As the moon rose over the cooling October evening, Kates slipped the strap of her old green dress over her shoulder. Jack sat in his playpen in the corner of the room and, as he reached towards her with his outstretched arms, she couldn't help but smile and swing him up against her chest. He was almost a year old now. And safe, which was the important thing, after that business with Tomimoto had been handled. It was bloody, but at least it was over. Perhaps she'd speak of it soon in the streets, as it had been pressing on her mind recently. But not tonight.

Tonight, she had other plans. The streets were still buzzing with news of a war between Los Angeles and Chicago- and the feds had their eyes turned away from Detroit. So she took the risk her man in Russia had been demanding she take for over a year. It was the largest single shipment of cocaine coming into the U.S. that the country had ever seen. A logistical nightmare. And even though the eyes of the FBI had been drawn off to Chicago and LA, a diversion was nevertheless needed. An excuse to bring so many of the wealthiest men and women in Detroit, and some even from outside the city, together. But particularly her own crew, The Renaissance. It had been years since she'd brought them together and they'd rarely ceased to impress her. A nice chance to reward them for their hard work, as well as distribute the coke.

A soft knock at the door announced the presence of SammyGato and Maria, Jack's bodyguard and nurse, respectively. Sammy seemed to be taking a liking to the little fella and, while Kates had at first been nervous leaving Jack even for a moment, she'd come to trust in the Sammy's skill while she had business of her own to attend to. Such as tonight. With a wink at Sammy, she adjusted the old dress (just a bit tight- nearly back to her form of a year ago... nearly...) and headed out the door. She'd rented the ballroom at Lombardo's for the occasion and expected people would be arriving shortly.

A few press were milling about near the entrance and, as the Osborne brothers assisted her out of her limo, she gestured to make them disappear. A black silk scarf draped around her neck down the emerald dress as she made her way to the podium, past the expensively ornate dining tables whose silverware reflected the light of the chandeliers overhead. The dozens of people that were there fell into a hush at their tables.

Kates took a deep breath. The only way to get in, officially, was to come as the date of a member of the Renaissance. She supposed some of her people would be inundated with requests for dances. Regardless, she knew that there'd be some lone wolfs who showed up on their own accord, as well. Everyone would be getting a slice of the coke, now spread out into the various gift bags being distributed throughout the tables.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank for you attending the Renaissance Ball. I have a few important announcements. First, and most importantly, the gift bags being passed around to you contain some very, very nice presents. If you're not a member of the Renaissance, I expect a nice percentage of whatever this... gift... brings you. But I expect most of you are here either as a member of my crew, one of their dates, or as a complete stranger. Regardless, welcome."

"I'm happy to announce today that, as of earlier today, I've become one of the country's premier art dealers. I've acquired a wide variety of paintings over the past four months and I hope to be expanding my business even more in the coming years. And so I encourage you, if you have a passion in art, to seek out my services. But today is not a sales pitch- it's a celebration. So enjoy the... bubbly refreshments... the food... and the music!"

With that, Kates gestures to the curtains behind her, which rise to reveal a jazz band. As the music fills the ballroom, Kates watches contently as people talk, eat, drink, and dance the night away. Eager for a drink of her own, Kates heads towards the table in the back and notices the "Non-Renaissance Tip Jar" for the gift bags.

Walking out of the Renaissance HQ Don Carlochi and Violet and some of the crew members were excited by the thought of what tonight had in store for them. It was a big night for them as it was the first Ball in downtown Detriot, stepping in to a fine array of cars, limos, mercs, rolls royces and bentlys. Don was escorting Violet to this fine occasion, Don was wearing a full tux and had a mask that covered half his face, everyone was looking glamorous. After driving for about 35minutes they pulled up outside a beautiful club owned by one of Kates friends, bodyguards were patrolling the area and making sure none of the other family could spring an attack. Stepping out of the car Don turns to escort Violet into the ball, offering his arm she takes it and they walked in, Don turned around to see who was there, everyone was it would be a nice night. As Don and Violet stepped through the double door it dawned on them how spectacular this place really was, crystal chandeliers, lights flooded all around them.

And to top it all of they both looked like pin ups...

as Don looked to the left he sees people opening there goodie bags a bit to soon...

to the right a group of people talking about who they killed and who they are going to kill...

stupid really, as my dad used to say 'Loose lips sink ship'

Don turns to Violet

"I must say you look absolutely stunning, dont tell Rover i said that tho"

Thank you for your compliment Don, no worries about Rover he is not my date tonight. I guess the people can't wait to open all their goodies. And Kates really did spent a lot here in our Ball.

Violet's cobalt blue eyes (almost periwinkle in shade) scans the crowd. She was wearing a rose colored muslin gown that accentuated her petite figure,  while her black hair was pulled back making little ringlets surrounding her face.

Lanxs Shows the Guard his Invite, and then steps into the large Ball Room.

Hello Everyone

Lanxs walks around the ball room admiring just about everthing in it, As he walks around he spots out Violet.

Why hello Violet, Thanks for the invite. Sorry I could not have been here sooner, I got lost on my way here, But then again Don't I always?

After thanking Don for escorting her to the Ball, she waited patiently for her date to arrive. So she walks around the ballroom looking at everything, and for good measures double check the guest list. She doesn't want any gate crashers to come and ruin their party. She then heard the familiar voice of her friend Lanxs.

No need to apologize I know that you are a busy person, and that sometimes its hard to understand the directions I do, even I got lose on my own directions. 

She then looks at him and was astounded that he looks good in formal attire and not the one she was used to seeing him. She motions for a waiter to give him a wine .

Lanxs takes the wine and takes a Drink, He admires the taste and turns back to continue his convesation with Violet.

Thank You for the drink, Its good to talk to you again, When I got your invite I was glad I could get a break.

Olive shows the guard at the door her invite and walks into the spacious ballroom, careful not to step on the train of her long black evening gown. She sees violet and comes over to say hello.

"Hey Violet, what's shaken girl?"

After taking his cue from Kates, Danny decided to join in the festivities. Heading to an upstairs VIP room, he quickly changes his attire. Leaving behind his usual suit and shoes, he dons a crisp white shirt, black tie, straight black slacks, immaculately shinned shoes and a three quarter length coat. Eying his holstered weapons, he sighs, and slips on into the holster of his coat. Never one to be without his weapons, even though he could hold his own very well with just his hands. He was one to never take chances. Heading back downstairs, the sounds of music and chatter reaching his ears. For the most part he glided through the crowd easily, staying as was his job; invisible. Spotting Kates by the bar, he moved up behind her, and tapped her shoulder once, a small smile curling the edges of his lips.

McKnighter walks inside the ball room, wearing a formal black suit, white dress shirt, red tie. He watches the people talking, dancing, having a good time. He checks his watch on his wrist. He mutters to himself.

"How am I going to find that girl in this mess."

After talking to the doorman for awhile and chatting about the beautiful event that is taking place, Paulie walks in with his best black and white pin striped double breasted suit and white and black patten leather shoes. Paulie came alone tonight hoping to be able to dance with some of the beautiful women here in Detroit.

Paulie walks up to Kates and see's her talking to Violet and Olive...Paulie waits patiently being careful to not interupt them.

May I get you ladies a drink this evening?

"You know I never turn down a drink Paulie," she says with a smile.

PG walks in wearing a long fitted strapless red silk evening gown which shows her nicely shaped figure. The body is encrusted with tiny crystals. Her curled red hair drapes around her shoulders. Normally she doesn't wear her hair all curly, but for this occasion she curled her hair. She is all by herself and looks around and is amazed by how it looks. Te room is stunningly decorated. She notices Violet, Olive and Paulie and walks towards them.

'Goodevening ladies and gent, how are you today? 

walking around the room, looking round to sees whos here he sees PG, his loyal sister, she is with Kates, Violet, Olive and paulie.

As he swaggered over to them and takes each of the hand seperatly, and planted a gentle kiss on each one, Paulie got a firm handshake.

"Any one want a drink"

She couldn't feel but be amused at the courtesy her associate is showing to them. Violet is quite proud on how he turns out to be.

Don, you could motion for the waiters so that we can pick our drinks and some nibbles. Though my sweet ladies where are your dates?

Obaying Violet he gestures the waiters over, slipping $100 in each of there pockets he whispers to them

"Make sure these lovely ladies are never without drinks or 'nibbles'"

looks at Violet

'I didn't had time to find me a date, so no date for me tonight. Who is your date Violet?

'A white wine for me please Don_Carlochi' Pg says as she looks at him.

Don slides a glass of wine down the bar for PG....

"so tell me my sis how could a stunner like you not have a date"

'Thanks DC' PG raises her glass and takes a sip.

'I just told Violet that i didn't had time to find me one, where is your date?