Malcolm squinted as he looked up at the sign outside the office building in Soho. There were several businesses that shared the office, but he was focused on the gold letters that read "SoHo Construction Co." over the dusty black background. It was a smaller than most of the cast iron factories, apartments, and other buildings in the neighborhood, but it was more than enough space for the office personnel of a thriving construction company. Malcolm negotiated his way into a partnership with Patrick Crawford, the day to day manager whose gambling losses had necessitated making Malcolm part-owner. Construction could be a lucrative business, especially for someone willing to bend the rules. In the brief time since making Shepard a partner, he'd already been called in to negotiate a few more lucrative deals- including some with city officials who chose which companies would get the government contracts.

There were a couple plans in the works. Shepard had already started making some contacts in the workers' union that could pay off, and he'd been trying to figure out the intricacies of his new line of work- some more successfully than others. He left the number crunching and paperwork to Crawford. He was a big picture kind of guy, he'd tell anyone who asked. They didn't need to know Malcolm had dropped out of school after the 6th grade and anything beyond the simplest math made his eyes cross. He adjusted the jacket of his new grey suit and walked inside.

"Good morning, Mr. Shepard!"

One of the secretaries greeted him as he emerged from the stairway into the office. There was a reception desk immediately in front of him and the secretary's welcome was accompanied by a wide smile. What was her name? Carol? Malcolm returned the smile, since she was a redhead with a nice figure, and resolved to confirm her name as soon as he could. He walked passed the reception desk to the right and saw an open area with a few men working at desks of their own before he entered the hallway that contained three offices and a larger meeting room. He stuck his head into the office of Patrick Crawford, his new partner. Crawford had been nervous bringing in Malcolm- but he'd been desperate and overwhelmed by a gambling debt. Crawford had gone from viewing the partnership with Malcolm as a necessary evil to a blessing, although occasionally still a mixed one. Shepard's extralegal ability to get things done had been a great asset; Crawford could barely remember a time the office had been busier and he was planning on hiring an entire new construction crew, as well as some more office help. The day to day manager was working on something at his desk when Malcolm leaned into his office. He was still afraid of Malcolm, but he was getting used to working with him.

"Hey, Crawford. What's the name of that redheaded bird out front? The new girl?"

Crawford considered telling Malcolm that the girl in question was his niece, but decided that he'd rather not create a potential conflict. Instead, he whispered a silent apology to his brother and simply said "Carol".

Malcolm nodded, adding "And hey, send me back someone who can write good. I'll be in my office."

He only been seated behind his desk a few moments when his office door opened. Not Carol, unfortunately. Some guy who'd been working for them up front. Some sort of designer... or accountant... or something. He looked like he was just out of college. Thin, reedlike, and obviously intimidated. 

"Alright listen up, kid."

Malcolm was only a couple years older than the other man... but he was also the boss. Finally, he was giving orders instead of taking them- at least some of the time. His deep voice rumbled across the desk.

"I want to get a new advertisement out there. Mostly New York, but maybe a couple national publications as well. Take what I say, and... smarten it up. You know what I mean. I don't have time to be too fussy about it myself."

The young man took out a pen and notepad as Malcolm began to speak.

"Notice to New York... and the rest of America, too: Soho Construction Co. is taking on new work. We can build anything, but we're specializing in businesses. If you're launching a new business, we can put some work into your plans and improve them. Add some cool things, fix some things, whatever. We also remodel existing businesses. We'll take a look at a business anywhere in the country and can help improve plans, but we are located in New York and can't get directly involved outside the city like we can here. Uh. What else? Prices are affordable, depends on the job. Yea, that should be good. Get that done today. I'm heading out to lunch and I'll take a look at it when I get back. Maybe tomorrow."

Enough work for one time. Time to hit the streets again and try to make some more connections. He winked at the receptionist on his way out.

"See you later, Carol."

Several days later the advertisements had spread throughout New York in particular, but also a few other major cities across the country.

SoHo Construction Co.: Our Business is YOUR Business!

Soho Construction Co., after expanding due to demand, is now consulting on design and remodeling jobs. While we can build anything, we specialize in retail and commercial venues.

If you're considering launching a new business, why not let our experienced team review your plans and provide you with valuable feedback?

If you currently own a business or shop, why not let us review your plans and help you remodel?

We are particularly committed to help businesses in the fine city of New York; we can offer these businesses personal visits and additional consultations, as well as discounted rates. 

If you're not from New York, we cannot send our management team to meet with you in person, but we will gladly fly you to meet with us or conduct our business through mail.

Why not give your business the extra edge? Put our experienced eye to work for you for affordable rates! Contact Soho Construction Co. today- or visit our offices at your convenience.

With great interest Rob read about the ongoing investigation into the death of FBN Agent Sonoda. The local FBN branch had known quiet times, but recently they found themselves in a lot of chaos with dead agents and stories of corruption surfacing. After finishing the article, Rob realized he had been stirring his coffee for way too long, especially considering he didn't even add the sugar yet. After sipping some from the already cooled down liquid, he turned to the next page and scanned past the adverts where his eyes rested on the listing of the SoHo Construction company.

After reading the ad, Rob got up from his chair and walked to the window overlooking the upper bay. After thinking for a few moments, he called one of his associates in.

"Go out this afternoon and find a Mr. MalcolmShepard from the SoHo Construction company. You'll probably be able to find him in the Manhattan area. I want to meet that man to learn what he can do for us. We're starting with a project here in Brooklyn and his expertise might be of use. Make sure that he understands this is no project that can end up in a public portfolio though."

As the associate left the office, Rob sat down again and read up on the latest achievements of the Yankees.