Looking at the fine gentlemen, without hesitation I say,

"I would like a presidential suite please, I'm only here for a couple days and should make my stay fabulous."

Placing the cash on the counter waiting for the keys, as I start to slowly fall asleep at the desk.

With a smile, and a twirl, the receptionist quickly moved to the keys and ran her finger along them until the paused. Nodding, she snatched the key and turned back to the desk. She took the money and handed the key off.

"Room 914. It has a beautiful view of the Detroit Skyline. On the ninth floor, you will be able to see above most of the other buildings within the city."

The woman smiled to Jezebel- as the transaction was completed, "The elevators are just to your right." She pointed off to the elevators for visual cue. "Please enjoy your stay, and don't forget your complimentary massage on floor eight. The parlor is next to the elevators there!"

As Jezebel moved towards the elevator, I was getting off and heading for the lobby to speak to Thomas_OShannon. As I was getting off the elevator me and Jezebel almost collide. I recognize her, but she had no idea who I was.

Standing in the path of the elevator doors I speak up "Jezebel." She looks up, confused that I her name. As she confirms its her I ask her a question.

"The wedding... did you get the note?." Before letting the doors close I wait for an answer, but I knew she would know what I meant.

Billie's heels echoed across the polished floors of the foyer as she confidently made her way to Noto's office. The stunning chandelier wasn't quite so dazzling after a few times. So she didn't have to stop and stare this time. From the central desk the receptionist voice crested above the rest of the ambient noise, "Good evening, Miss Faegan~" her tone tipped sharper musically, like a child singing about kissing in trees. Several of the customers turned to eye her, and suddenly Billie felt quite vexed at the girl's inference. 

Still moving toward her destination, Billie waved dismissively to the girl, giving her a harsh glare, "Pay less attention to me and more to your guests, sweet cheeks." The pet name was venom-laced, the words clipped and dangerous. The girl behind the desk shrunk away with a soft squeak and returned to the line of people at the desk. Billie tried to hide the smug smirk that played across her features, but failed horribly. 

Still smirking, Billie knocked lightly on Noto's office door, not even sure if he was in. Her smile broadened, perhaps if not she'd just have to make a 'house call'.  What was she even doing here... she didn't really have a solid reason. She needed to plan for Paris, but didn't necessarily need his help for that since Kate had volunteered herself to go. There was so much on her mind as she stood there, waiting. Perhaps that was it. She just wanted a moment or two to not have to think...  

Hearing a knock at my door I reply "come in!" As the door opens I see Billie walk through the door. I couldn't help but smile, as we had a great date the night prior.

"Didn't expect to see you tonight Billie, I figured you would be packing for Paris. Have a seat... you want a drink?."

"Yes, please." Billie veritably melted into the chair opposite his desk. "Honestly, I didn't really expect to see me tonight either." She chuckled. "But I got to thinking I... we... might be able to make some new business while in Paris. And I mentioned it to Kate, and she invited herself. And... that's a lot of upper structure to be out at once. I wanted to commission Tommy, since he has plenty of international experience, but now I'm not sure I can. And it would take a lot of planning. And somehow I wound up here...." She was rambling again. Why did that always happen around him? 

She gave him a 'help me' kind of look, the curls around her temples beginning to frizz from the rest of her day. 

"Hmm, business in Paris huh?... what did you have in mind?. No need to be nervous, its just you and me in here."

I pour a drink of Scotch for Billie to help her relax.

"So who will be accompanying you to Paris?".

Billie took large gulp of scotch. It was cute that he remembered. "Well, tentatively: you, me, Kate, and Mercedes. I wanted to take Thomas, because he's got RA weight to throw around, but I'm thinking it might be better to leave him here with all of us going. And, I figure Mercedes has a man in the shipping business. That gives us an in directly to the heart of the city. So if we pull the right strings, we could move whatever the fuck we wanted in or out.... or both." She shrugged, it seemed unenlightened now that she said it aloud. 

"I mean... illicit pharmaceuticals, better wine...." she trailed off a moment, "Women." 

There it was. Surely she wasn't suggesting... or maybe she was. She met his eyes with a cautious gaze and shrugged, trying to take the edge off the idea with apathy and placidity. 

"That's brilliant! I mean you should really focus on your gig, but at the same time we should plan this very carefully... this could be very profitable. I guess its true... beautiful can be dangerous."

I pour a glass of wine and take a sip. Billie looks at me, shocked that I am not drinking Whiskey.

"Trying to slow down with all the hard liquor. That song you sang to me... the lyrics, use that as advice. Only instead of giving your all to me, give it all to Paris, and that gig. I mean give it to me to. Ah look now I'm rambling, well the plan is genius, count me in!"

I stare into Billie's green eyes, just like the night prior when we kissed. It was certainly a night to remember.

Billie laughed out loud. He was rambling! She loved it. She bit her bottom lip, wondering exactly how far to take this little plan... 

'Fuck it' she finally decided, might as well spill all the beans. The cat was already mostly out of the bag anyway. 

"I was thinking..." she chose her words carefully, "I mean, I haven't passed it by Kate yet, it would need her approval... and of course yours..."  that sounded weird, but just wait for it. "But I was thinking I might... have a plan..." 

She leaned forward a little. "I was thinking about starting an escort service of sorts. I'd offer safe passage, free etiquette training, and protection to women... and maybe men... who don't qualify for... traditional immigration. And in exchange they'd work for me... for us... for a a period of time equal to our risk and investment. After which they could leave, or choose to work for the family." 

She watched his reaction carefully. "I was hoping you might... loan me or... or rent me some space here... in the tower. It's luxurious enough for the kind of high end clients I want, and..." she smiled wickedly, "and it would keep me close to you. What do you think?" 

"About you being close to me?... best idea I ever heard." I take another sip of wine. "And I don't want your money, I would be honored to let you use some space here... just get Kate to approve and I'm on board."

I place my hand on Billie's.

"just don't go selling your body to other men, I can provide you with anything you need. It is a good opportunity for you to have a thriving business."

I chuckled a bit as I realized I was being protective towards Billie. It puzzled me how she was the only women who made me feel other emotions, when I was with her it wasn't just about business, or anger. It was one of the many things I loved about her.

Billie choked on her words a bit, stammering. "John... I..." she exhaled heavily. "I don't plan to be selling MY anything." She smiled softly. It was kind of sweet, but still.. "And while I appreciate the sentiment, really deeply, I need you to know that I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."  She sighed heavily. She'd really hoped to have this conversation much later in the relationship, but it was too late now. "If you go just giving me everything, then I'm basically just selling myself to you. And that's not what I want." 

She sighed... really heavily... one of those 'oh shit' kind of sighs. 

"And I need you to understand that... sometimes... my body is the best ammunition I have. That's the way I've survived my whole life, and I don't know any other way. It's all the leverage and all the assets I have in life. And I can't have you trying to kill every guy or girl I ever target. I mean... I'm sure sometimes that would be equally useful, but sometimes I need them alive. And I'm not saying I plan on going around sleeping with people, I mean, god no, quite the opposite. That's exceedingly rare in fact. I just..." 

She sighed again. 

"I just... kind of... Well I kind of fucked up this whole conversation." She laughed at herself, melting back into the chair with her drink. 

Taking a deep breath she tried again, "John I... am dangerously close to saying words that I've never said to anyone in my entire life. But I still need to be able to... work like I work... and be me. And I need to know that that's okay. It takes a really strong man to put up with life with me.... and I'm not trying to say you're not... in fact I'm really kind of hoping you are... but.... but...." Billie's voice wavered a bit... "I'm scared. And I need to know that you're totally prepared for everything that comes with loving me if that is what you choose." 

Well that went south REALLY FAST. 

"I'm shutting up now... " she said with a shy, miserable smile, chugging her scotch. 

I lean back and think for a moment.

"you are right Billie, I apologize...I just never had feelings like this before. I do love you, and I am willing to face whatever comes with that. My whole life to this point has been business, and money. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy being a criminal." I smirk slightly "because I do! But you... make me feel like a better man."

I exhale and lean back, taking another sip of wine.

"Lets just focus on Paris, I know your going to show the world you have a gift. Tell me... have you picked a song to sing at the Grand?."

Billie stood silently and moved around his desk. Wine sounded good. Her hands shook as she poured healthy helping into her scotch glass. This was no time to stand on ceremony, she needed a drink. "Would it be too much if I said I didn't want to focus on Paris?" she smiled one of those 'i can't believe I just said that' kind of smiles as she leaned back against his deck, not bothering to return to her chair yet. Of course it would...

She chuckled into her glass, cheeks flushing a deep red; like the wine that stained her lips. She took a long time savouring that sip of wine; eyes closed, relishing every unique note and flavor. When she opened her eyes again John was staring at her, intent but speechless. Whether by choice or act of god she wasn't sure, but she wasn't sure it mattered either. Taking a deep breath she flipped the script, deciding Paris sounded like a wonderful topic. "They've got two other shows going on after me -- traditional naturalist horror, their specialty." she smirked, "I've done my research." 

She wrinkled her nose a little feeling silly, and very proud of herself, "I'm going on for the opening teaser and the feature productions both concern crimes of passion. So I thought I might do a song about temptation, to kind of lure people in. I know this great little number that has a fantastic second verse in french. It's a bit more jazz-night-club than is usual for me, but it's sultry enough to make people squirm... which is always good," she smirked uncomfortably, hoping he wouldn't read too much into that, "And I figure if I drop the french bit into a minor, then the key change is both gripping and dark enough to convey a hint of the macabre. And I figure if I can do like I do for Vito, and pull in more regular customers for the main act then I might... y'know... get a call-back... or whatever." She shrugged, feeling a little silly. It was kind of cute hearing all her stage-speak.

She paused to take a deep breath, "Also, I may have invited Kate to... accompany us... one night... um... on a date." That sounded weird. Really weird. But she wasn't sure how much Noto knew about Kate's.... status.... and she certainly didn't want to betray her trust if Noto wasn't in on the 'secret'. Billie rubbed the back of her neck with a tense sigh. How was it that all her charm and poise seemed to evaporate as soon as he walked into the room? 

Just don't look at him, she thought to herself, fixing her gaze on the toes of her shoes. "And since... y'know... I'll be performing and running business, and since women... like me," she gestured to herself -- meaning what neither of them would say, "...tend to have it rough in business. And since I don't know if Paris is any different than home, and since you make me feel safe," she skimmed over that bit, saying it a little more quickly than the rest, "...I was wondering if, maybe you might... act as my handler... while we're gone." She glanced up, not sure if he was familiar with the term. REALLY REALLY hoping her didn't misconstrue her meaning. "I was gonna ask Tommy, I ... um... yeeah." She trailed off softly, like a balloon deflating, feeling like an idiot. "Never mind." 

"What did I tell you from the beginning?...I told you that whatever made you feel comfortable I would support you. If that means being your handler, although you have to explain the title a bit to me, then I will do it to make sure you have a great time in Paris. As far as Kate coming with us on a date, I have no problems with that. I promised to love you, no matter what...I always keep my promises."

Taking one final sip of wine, I clutch both cheeks and pull Billie in for a kiss. "Don't be so hard on your idea's, just relax and enjoy the trip."

Billie kissed him back, and with a wide smile. "Support me, huh?" She blushed a little. "I'd be lying if I didn't tell you there's a part of me that likes the sound of that." She looked away, clearing her throat and opting for another sip of wine. 

...a few more gulps of wine... 

"A handler is like a manger... kind of... except... different." she rolled her eyes, that made no sense. "Kind of like a manager and a bodyguard put together, but better. Does that makes sense? Someone I keep around... all the time... y'know... permanently?  For advice, and support... and protection in public... y'know. The person backstage who takes care of me..."  she blushed and gulped some more wine, but finally met his gaze with a smile, "I'm asking you to take of me, John." She smirked, "Y'know handle ALL my business." There was a hint of a tease in her voice. 

"And I will focus on the enjoyment part when the business part is all squared away." She put her glass down on his desk with an air of finality.  "So, take me up to see Kate while I'm still somewhat confident that this is a good idea. I think having you behind me might make it easier some how." she moved to the door with a coy 'chase me' smile. "And maybe we could talk about our plans for... enjoying... Paris." 

Motioning for him to follow she exited the office and made a break for the elevator, telling the meek little desk girl to call up to KateLogan and let her know the two were on the way up. She waited by the elevator, praying he'd actually go with her. 

Letting out a chuckle, I stand up and accompany Billie into the elevator.

"So I'm your manager huh?, I like the sound of taking care of you backstage... that part sounds interesting. I laugh a little as I see Billie smile.

"Well here's hoping Ms. KateLogan is up there. She needs to authorize the visit, that's the only way the elevator will go to the 12th floor."

A beeping on the elevator confirmed it's travel up the 12th floor. Jack, looming outside the elevator itself, nodded at Billie_Faegan and Noto as the walked past him and pushed open two large wooden doors into Kate's penthouse.

The first thing one noticed when they entered the room was the view. The walls in front of them when they walked in were dominated by huge windows that looked out at the city of Detroit. It was a breathtaking view, due in no small part to the fact that they were on the twelfth floor. Cars and people were visible milling around Downtown far below as the busy city went about its business. Off to the side, they could see the Detroit river connecting to Lake St. Clair, a wide body of water stretching into the distance. In this large open room, to the right when you walked in, there were a couple leather couches and chairs facing a fireplace on the far right wall. To the left was a small kitchen and a table with chairs. A grand piano rested in the center. 

The master bedroom, Kate's room- which included a private bathroom, was off to the left behind the kitchen. Two other bedrooms, as well as bathroom more easily accessible from the living room/kitchen, were on the right on the side with the fireplace.

They heard Kate's voice from her bedroom. "Be out in a minute! Grab a seat!"

Billie helped her self to one of the smoothe leather chairs in front of the fire place, sitting sideways so she could flip her legs over one of the arms. This place was niiice. She smiled at Noto, "Damn, Johnny-boy. I could get used to this." She grinned wickedly. If she got her way, she would. 

Calling out to the general direction of the bedroom, "Take your time, Boss. No rush. It's kinda nice here."

With my hands on my waist, I look around before saying "fuck me... this is nice, first time I been up here since construction was finished."

I take a seat near Billie in the other leather chair.

"Kate really went all out decorating this place, makes me want to upgrade my house." I laugh after making the comment.