There's only ever two kinds of people find a place like this. The ones who have always known about it, and the ones who stumble upon it at 3 o'clock in the morning in a drunken state, and will never find it again. In fact the blasé front, just off Park Avenue, is so normal and unassuming that you may have even walked by it a thousand times and never seen it. Its only when you stop and take a look that it becomes real. The Doors are polished Brass with Gold painted darkened glass, the high lacquered Gold lettering simply proclaims 'The lounge - Private', no opening times, no fanfare, nothing else.

Pushing your way in, you are greeted with a very dimly lit, yet highly ornate Art Deco entry way. A Cloak Clerk stands to the left, ready to take your hat or coat, the Maître D waiting to check you in and have you escorted to a table. And that's it, all there is on this level. A double wide ornate brass staircase leads up to the next floor, and gentle Piano music playing soft jazz wafts delicately down the stairs. Guided by your waiter, you are taken up the stairs, which open out into a wide floor, still dimly lit yet ornately decorated. Along the full length of the west wall, runs a bar, dark woods, mirrors and brass, with recessed lighting and the geometric patterns of this time. A single, solitary bar tender, Stan, tends bar, applying the finishing touches to a couple of drinks while a waiter stands ready to whisk them off. 

The rest of the room is filled with tables and chairs. Small lamps on each table are the only source of light, and the delicate murmur of conversation seems too low for you to overhear. A grand piano sits to the right hand side of the bar, a little back but not so much to block access. The Pianist, Phil, starts to play a song that seems instantly familiar, yet the name evades you. You are lead to your table and seated whilst your waiter takes your drink order.

Sitting at the bar is Walter Blunt, a minor celebrity in this parts. He appears to be speaking to the Bar tender who is feigning polite interest. The Bar tender without being asked to, reaches for a bottle of Glenmorangie and tops up Walter's glass.

"Thank you Stan, you're too Kind." A pause "Stan, has anyone ever told you that you bear an uncanny resemblance, in profile, to the Duke of Windsor?"

"No I've haven't heard that Mr Blunt."

"Oh I am surprised, you have his mouth. Have you ever studied that era?"

"Nah."

"Wallis Simpson is perhaps the greatest woman of the 20th century.

"Why's that Mr Blunt?"

"Because, she was an American divorcee, who almost became Queen of England. Nearly brought down the whole fucking House of Windsor by herself." Walter Chuckles to himself as does Stan.

"Well, I did not know that!"

"Edward, The Duke of Windsor, he gave up his throne for her. She was strong, he, he was weak, a total mess. That was a fascinating and dangerous time. They were very friendly with Jimmy Donahue, the Woolworth heir..."
Stan nods at a name he finally recognises.

"Jimmy was a... somewhat erratic homosexual..." Walter wheezes a laugh before continuing, "One time, in New York, Jimmy was shaving the sex organs of a soldier and by mistake he loped off his balls. Left the poor fellow like an orphan by the Brooklyn bridge."

"A Soldier? Awwww I don't like to hear that. My father served."

"Oh yes, poor poor lad, but he made it to a hospital, and it cost Jimmy's mother a quarter of a million dollars. Which is not enough for having lost your testicles, but, in those days it was."

"Well it is the depression."

"Quite. Supposedly though, Jimmy could be very charming, unless you were a soldier."

Stan laughs and moves off to serve another customer, leaving Walter with his drink.

I walk up and sit next to Mr. Walter_Blunt, "So his father served huh?, story you just told looked to have creeper him out a bit, can't blame him. I served myself, Germany, 2 years. You simply can't fathom some of the shot you see."

I order a whiskey and switch the subject.

"Well you were right Walt, place was hidden, glad you told me how to find it."

Walter turned towards the new intrusion, his double vision struggling to focus on Darmody. Finally as his compatriot comes into focus Walter smiles.

"Ah James, I didn't see you come in dear boy. Glad you could make it."

Walter signals to Stan and orders another round even as Stan sets down Darmody's original order.

"Actually you just caught me, I was thinking of going home to beddy byes. I had dinner earlier with Danny Craig and Jeffrey Katzenberg, but they left ages ago. Both light weights. Actually Jeffrey is one of the good guys. So how are you settling in working for KateLogan?"

Walter waited for Stan to finish topping up his drink and swallowed almost half in a single gulp.

"Both Ms. Logan and Detroit has been great, restaurant is in place and profits are great."

I sip my whiskey and look around the place a little more.

"So Walt, what's your plans here?."

Walter screwed his brow up a moment whilst he thought about what he'd been asked. Truth be told he'd been here so long that his ears were working about 500mph faster than his brain.

"Here? Nothing at all. Its not like I own the place or anything, I just come here to hang out. To be honest I have no idea who owns the place. I've never met them, and neither have Stan and Phil, and they've been here since forever. You do get the odd minor celebratory in from time to time, like Danny Craig earlier. I think they come here to avoid the crowds."

Walter finishes his drink and waves to Stan again, who is down at the other end of the bar finishing a dirty Martini for a blonde in fur with legs all the way up to her armpits.

I finish off my drink while listening to Walter speak.

"Interesting Mr. Blunt, if no one ever claims ownership you may want to consider taking the place over. Could be profitable for both yourself and Ms. Logan."

I stand up and put my jacket on.

"I'm going to head out, heading back to the restaurant, when you have time come check out the place. The Royal 313, its on the corner of 10th Street and W Jefferson Ave."

"I certainly will James, not sure if I could stomach solids right now, but you never know."

Walter watches Darmody go, and then downs his own drink. He wonders if Katelogan has any more work for him, and then decides to leave that course of enquiry until tomorrow. He stands unsteadily, putting on his coat before throwing $20 on the bar and turns to leave. A look of consternation crosses his face. Turning back to the bar he looks up and down its length.

"Stan, where's harry?"

"Don't know Mr Blunt."

Walter turns back around and almost falls off the small step leading to the bar, stubbling he heads for the door. The Pianist, Phil, stops playing.

"Mr Blunt, why don't you stay and have a cup of coffee."

"My regards Phil, but I'm off to beddy byes."

"Would you like Stan to call you a Car? I am concerned."

"I'm Ok Phil, don't forget, I'm Walter Blunt - Right Here, Right now."

Phil nods and sits back down at his piano as Walter leaves and gets into his car. He takes a swig from a hip flask before opening a bar of cannabis infused Chocolate and taking a 'Healthy' bite. He switches the Radio on and loud garish Bebop Jazz pours out.

Kate steps out of the car, a trifle unsteady before she finds her footing again. As she turns and watches Dusty emerge from the black towncar, she scowls once again.

"Sorry I didn't talk much in there. I hate those things. Never really been in one since I got here in Detroit."

Turning, she heads for the door.

Dusty brushes down her skirt and straightens herself up a bit. Flashing Kate a smile before following her to the doors.

"It's fine. I much prefer to walk around my city as well. I find its a nice stretch to stop and think."

Grabbing onto the door she opened it up for Kate so they could head inside.

"The nights seem to be getting a bit chillier these days it seems. This is a very interesting looking place though. I am much excited to see the service."

After several hours and a full days work, I went into the lounge to relax for a bit. As I stepped inside I noticed KateLogan, who was with a friend, or so it seemed. I made my way over to the both of them.

"Evening Ms. Logan, didn't expect to see you here. I don't believe I've met your friend."

Kate walked through the polished brass doors, surprised by the opulent decorations found in an establishment that looked so simple from the outside. She spent some time examining the staircase, although she quickly caught up when she heard Dusty's voice. She smiled when she saw Darmody approach.

"Dusty, James. James, Dusty. You probably recognize her from the streets. At least one renowned publication recently proclaimed her streets royalty."

Smirking she turns her attention to the bar.

"You must be Stan. Walter_Blunt recommended this place to me. Usually, I'm a whiskey gal. But tonight... I'm feeling something with rum. What're you drinking, Dusty? I'm buying."

Dusty hid her blush at the mention of streets royalty. Turning towards the bar she flashed her smile at Stan.

"I'll have the whiskey then. Straight please."

Turning herself back towards Darmody.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I don't often venture too far away from home so this is a first time getting out and about in Detroit."

Kate, leaning one arm on the bar, winked at Dusty.

"I knew I liked you. I'll have a Dark and Stormy. Gotta shake things up every once in a while, you know? Try something different. I would have thought that you would have traveled all around the country by now, Dusty. Does that cultured exterior secretly conceal a homebody?"

After meeting Dusty I didn't want to intrude on the ladies good time. So I shake hands with Dusty and respectively kissed the top of her hand.

Pleasure to meet you Ms. Dusty, and Ms. Logan I will see you later.

I then head out an let the ladies have their fun.

Dusty waved to Darmody as he made his exist. Turning her attention to Kate as she takes a small bit of the whiskey at first. Savoring the burning sensation.

"There is no place like home Kate. No matter what the beds just aren't the same in hotels, you know? Do you travel around a lot?"

Dusty finished off her drink and ordered another.

Kate waved goodbye to Darmody as he exited before turning her attention back to her drink- and to Dusty.

"I suppose you're right. A few years ago I would have interrupted you to dispute the very idea of "home", although I've mellowed a bit since I first arrived, and I must admit I do see Detroit as home now. And I travel as often as my business allows. Although I tend to stick to trains, which can make travel a bit more complicated. 

I mean, I don't even like cars. They can just... go anywhere. Trains, at least, are on a track. And don't even start with me about planes..."

Kate promptly drained a large amount of her drink at the thought.

"So tell me your story, Dusty. A woman of your skills and stature must have had an interesting upbringing. And if you show me yours, I'll show you mine."

"Home can change depending on circumstances that is for sure. New Amsterdam is very much my home though.

My story is not too interesting. My mother was here only a short while before she met her death. I didn't have to travel across an ocean to get here but I did have to make my way to a big city from a small town. That was a huge adjustment. I've adapted though through observation and learning."

Finding a stool nearby Dusty grabs it and brings it over so she can sit down. Resting her arm on the bar as she looked at her drink before carrying on.

"I really am an open book though so not much to hide. Everything I do I have learned and keep working on to master. What about you? Surely yours must be more interesting than mine."

Kate followed suit and brought a stool over herself, which she placed closed to Dusty's. Ordering a second drink, Kate glanced around the bar with her thumbs tucked into a large belt that was somewhat obscured by a long jacket.

"Your small town was probably a metropolis compared to the ass end of Texas where I grew up. I'd ask you to not spread the details around too much about me. Don't want you to destroy the mystique I've got goin', after all. But I spent the first fifteen years of my life learning how to be a well educated young woman, 'til my mother died. Then I spent the next five years learning how to be the toughest, fastest bitch in Texas, 'til my father died. Now I've just been kind of doing my own thing for the last few years. Tramped around the country a bit before I wound up in Detroit. By which I mean walking... mostly. "

She winked.

"But yea, I dunno. Guess I never really expected to live this long. Learned a lot from Mr. Gato. Now I write a paper and chat with beautiful women in bars. It's a good life."

Dusty couldn't help but to chuckle.

"I would never share a detail that wasn't my business to share. It's your story and those that wish to know should ask you themselves as far as I am concerned. So no worries there.

That paper you write. That is a work of art. I almost fall over myself grabbing the latest copy. I reckon next week won't be any less spectacular. "

Grinning Dusty brings her drink closer and downs the last of it. Pushing the glass away from her as she turns her attention back to Kate.

"Seems like its a good life. Chat with lots of beautiful women in bars? "

Walter entered the Lounge, Harry in tow. His run in with the police, and caught with that Transgendered prostitute was a disaster, but then to stand on top of his car fighting of Detroit's finest whilst quoting Shakespeare... well at least there was no such thing as instant media. he didn't think he'd have lived it down if the whole world witnessed his shenanigans. What a wonderful word that was, thought Walter. 'Shenanigans', not enough people used that word, it rolled off the tongue so effortlessly. Turning to Harry he continued a story that obviously the rest of you didn't hear.

"It was all very well for you saying that it was not the audience for Hamlet you weren't the one being carted of in a Police car. Luckily UBS Network's Lawyers were on the ball." Walter sighed, it had been a stressful 24 hours.

Harry for his part pointed at Walter's face. "Major, you have coke on your nose. People will talk."

Shocked Walter raised his hand and felt the underneath of his powder caked nostrils, and hastily wiped them. "Thank you Harry what would I do without you?"

"No Major, what would I do without YOU!"

As they approached the top of the stairs, Walter instantly recognised James Darmody. Sitting beside him was Kate Logan, and beside her was... was a woman he was unfamiliar with. Almost immediately James rose from his seat and headed to the stairs, obviously leaving. Hmmm, who was this woman? Shit! Walter never liked being on the back foot, and if he'd known Kate would be here he wouldn't have snorted half of Peru, maybe just had a joint or two. Deciding that taking the bull by the horns, he stepped onto the 1st floor and made straight for the bar area.

"Kate my dear, how lovely to see you. I feel that we have been ships in the night these last couple of days. How are you, and who is your fabulous companion?"