As I place my hand over Billie's, I lock eyes with her before responding "of course you can have it, all I require is two things." Before continuing I stand to my feet and get the fireplace going. As it lights and sets a nice mood in the room I return to the bed and sit next to Billie, once again placing my hand over hers.

"The first thing I want is for you to focus on your career. Really put your all into it and be successful like I know you are capable of. I don't want money from you, and I know you can stand on your own two feet. Trust me this is not an ego thing, or me trying to showboat...I believe in you and I want to see you go far in the entertainment business."

Pausing for a moment, I take a deep breath then continue.

Last thing I want, and the most important thing I want... is you!... Billie all this fancy stuff, the rooms, the money, the power and fame... means nothing if you don't have a damn thing to show for it. This lifestyle we live can end in an instant, then someone else will come along to take that seat on the throne. My point is that I'm not getting any younger, and the simple truth is I love you!... and all I can hope is that you feel the same. If you do then I would consider myself a lucky man, and the next time I give a speech, or go to a party...I want you by my side. I want to be able to tell people that you are mine. Not mine as in your an object, mine as in someone I care about just as much, if not more then this empire!... now of course if you don't feel the same way its ok, as long as you promise to focus on your business, and career this place is yours."

I place the key to the room in Billie's hand, and close it.

"Remember, this is not about ego... its out of respect for you. Because deep down you know me, I'm a criminal plain and simple, even a killer at times. But I do have a heart, never realized that until I met you. I will be by your side in Paris, but what about after that?...I want to be the man by your side until the end... you understand?... because there will be an end for me."

It was a lot to throw at Billie, but I stayed next to her and waited for a response.

Private Residence 10th Floor

Billie gave him a mock pouty face, "You silly, sweet little thing." she booped his nose. "I'm paying something for this place whether you like it or not... I'll figure out a way to slip it into your books." she smiled playfully. "But... you are right about one thing," she leaned close, nuzzling his cheek, "you are a very lucky man, John Noto."  Her smile widened. 

Truth be told Billie was horrible at sappy stuff. She could make men blush in the most vulgar ways imaginable, but when it came to out and out saying words like 'love', she got awkward. Taking a deep breath, she tried to decrease her quickly brightening blush. "I'm reaally gonna try to say this without slapping myself in the forehead. So just bare with me, ok?"  She smiled as he looked at her expectantly, taking a long, deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Yes." 

...well that was anticlimactic... 

"What I mean is," she giggled slightly, trying to reign in her shy giddiness, "I... do... love you, John. And..." another deep breath, "I would be honoured... um... no, that's not quite right... I..." she paused, clearing her throat. She was REALLY struggling not to do her normal ramble-ramble-slap routine. "Nothing would please me more than being at your side... sharing this crazy-beautiful life with you... all of it."  With an uncharacteristically shy half-smile, she bit her lip. Seeming more like a nervous schoolgirl than a practiced courtesan, she slid over to straddle his lap, still chewing her lip. Usually this shit came naturally. Why did it seem so new and complicated now? 

Wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him deeply, her hands moving to undo his tie with an expert acumen that belied her shy approach. "I'm all yours, John." She smiled one of those smiles and kissed him again, pushing him lightly back onto the bed. 

Eventually they made their way to the pillows, and ultimately to the rug near the fireplace, falling asleep next to the fire exhausted and content, as the soft light of dawn shone dimly through the lush bedroom curtains.

Private residence 10th floor

The fire had burnt out as I awoken the next morning, Partial sunlight shined in my eyes as I stood up from the carpet. As I was getting dressed Billie woke up and asked me what time it was.

"Its around 7:15 darling, I already made a call downstairs and ordered you breakfast. Feel free to enjoy your new place for awhile...I got some business to handle downstairs. And a few phone calls to make, our trip to Paris is tomorrow after all."

Before heading out I give Billie a kiss, gently tucking one of her curls behind her ear. I then headed down for my office, thinking to myself what a wonderful night it was.

Billie's eyes flew wide as Noto mentioned the time and the trip, "Shit shit shit!" In a flurry she was throwing her hair up, and wiggling back into her somewhat wrinkled clothes. She paused briefly as he leaned into kiss her, tucking away one of her escapist curls. "Cancel breakfast, my love. I have to go. I've got a meeting with Kate this morning, and another with Mercedes' warhouse man after that, and I still haven't packed." She kissed him again, only barely remembering to grab her key from where it had rolled under the bed and buckle her shoes, as she sped past him and out the door. "I'm sorry. I have to go... I'll see you tonight... I hope... Have a good day!" she called behind her as she raced down the hallway and into the stairwell, not bothering to wait for the elevator. 

It's been awhile since I've been here with the most amazing view in my room I decided to come back to check it out once more.

also in the back of my mind I need to come and talk to someone who knew my name but i knew nothing about him, he mentioned a note that i received on my wedding night. While well no one else knew about. I found it a little strange that someone i knew nothing about new about my past life... 

I walked into the hotel once more and made my way to the reception one more time.

"Hello there, is there any chance that room 914 is available?" I stand there as the receptionist looks over her books.

Suddenly in the corner of my eye I see Thomas_OShannon along with I'm guessing to be the owner of the hotel.

While standing with Mr. OShannon, I see Jezebel at the reception desk. I politely nod to her, but it seemed she was going to approach me. I waited patiently while she finished speaking with Linda behind the counter.

as I stood there waiting for confirmation on my room I get he cash ready to hand to the receptionist. I see the owner standing there looking at me as he nods my way. 

I hand the cash to the lady and grab my key.

"thank you very much I'm sure this stay will be just as great as the last." 

I gather my things and begin to walk towards the owner extending my hand to introduce myself 

Thomas nodded to Jezebel- as she approached he an Noto. Their conversation lulled to a halt and he turned his attention from John to both John and Jez, "Welcome back ta Detroit, lass. What brings yeh t'is time? Business, or pleasure?" He smiled noticing the key in her hand. "Ah, same room as teh las' time yeh came, hi? Liked tha room did yeh? Teh ninth floor has one o' tha best views in t'is tower..."

He leaned back against a column in the foyer where the three of them now stood.

"Nice to meet you Jezebel, I guess you enjoyed your stay last time. The last time you were here I seen you when I was getting off the elevator."

I stood there knowing Jezebel would have questions for me.

"Yes I had an amazing stay Thomas thank you. What brings me here this time is just pure pleasure." Looking at him with a smile from ear to ear.

"Nice to meet you as well, I had to come back to ask you some things maybe you could clear up for me."

Knowing that he knows some what about my past I stand there and look at him with my eyebrow raised as I brush my blue hair out of my eye.

"Maybe we can meet up in a little bit and have a chat. right now I think I should make my way back to the room and get freshened up."

I turn my attention to Thomas_OShannon once more as I bend over and grab my bag, I stand once more and give the men a wink.

"Sure thing Jezebel, ill meet you in my office, just come in when your ready."

I look to Tommy as she walks away. "Think she likes you Tommy!". After nudging his arm I walk to my office and wait for the arrival of Jezebel.

I head up to the room, place my bag on the bed and just stood there for a moment at the window.

It was breath taking, some memories came flooding back with the hotel in Vegas that she helped run.

"well, I should get ready and meet Mr. Noto in his office for a much needed chat."

I walk to the washroom to splash come water on my face and prepare to get ready. Everyone has to look their best so of course I grab a simple dress from my bag and quickly get dressed.

I make my way down to his office and I knock at the door waiting for a respond to come from the other side.

I hear a knock on my door. As I sat behind my desk I speak up "COME IN!" Jezebel then walks through the door and takes a seat opposite of me, as I offer her a drink.

"Yes a double on the rocks please. Give me the good stuff" I giggle.

As I sit there I can see a picture on his wall of KL my jaw instantly dropped to the floor. I got up from my seat and walked over to the picture to take a closer look.

I place Jezebel's drink on the desk.

"I thought you would spot that, I would say all your questions are being answered." I chuckle a bit.

"Knew KL fairly well, I was just a boy...I ran errands for him at the Paradise. Learned everything about the hotel business from him. But through the years I gained his trust, he kept a lot written down... including the note I left at your wedding. Don't know much about you personally, just what KL documented."

I take a seat, as I begin to drink my whiskey.

"So you wanted to speak with me about something?."

"You already answered my question. Was wondering where you got the letter. We were suppose to get married but there were other plans it seems."

I sit down across from Noto leaning forward to grab my drink.

Seeing that picture brought back some memories I completely forgot about.

"So did he say anything about me?"

"Like I said, he never spoke of you to me, but when he passed I found this book." I slide the small black book to Jezebel.

"Never really read it to be honest, but I would imagine there is a lot of personal things in there. You deserve to have it more then I do. The letter was inside there, along with some of your ancestors info. So after all he did for me I figured least I could do is deliver the letter to you. I'm sure he wanted you to see it."

I take a drink and let Jezebel browse through the book.

I sit there fluting through for little book that shows, business ideas, crimes and apparently the best day of KLs life when he met me. it brought tears to my eyes. 

"well this was a nice surprise thank you. I still can't believe he's gone." 

Thomas sipped on his fifth glass of whiskey that night waiting. Noto had sent word to Thomas that he wished to speak, but Linda had informed Thomas that Mr. Noto was preoccupied with the Lady Jezebel. He'd gone to the bar, but was growing somewhat weary of the conversation nearby.

"Those Para-sites are nothing but a nuisance in this city. They think they own the town." Thomas eyeballed the drunk spouting off without a proper clamp on his lips. "Be quiet, you fool! Did you forget you're in Paragon Tower! Para...Gon... Tower. As in, they OWN the building," a seemingly -less- drunk fool retorted.

"So what if they do. It's not like they care to even bother with the people they step on every day. I dare one of them to walk up and say something to me... Fucking assholes." The man went to take another sip of his drink as the glass slipped from his fingers. He eyed the hand that had taken it from him, following the arm of the black suit up to a stubble faced, blue eyed devil staring back at him...

"I think yeh had enough, lad," Thomas spoke out, venom lacing the words. "Oh yeah? And who are -you- to say otherwise? Huh pal?" The drunken man stood from his stool, swaying, as Thomas slid his drink back to the bartender. The less drunk of the two men leaned closer to his friend and whispered, loud enough for all around to hear, "Look at him, Jack..."

Before the man could finish his sentence, Thomas interjected, "Name's O'Shannon... Thomas O'Shannon, Jack. An' I happen ta be one o' yer, what was it yeh called us? Parasites?" Thomas whistled as the man seemed to almost sober immediately for a moment. "Nae too smart ta come runnin' yer mouth right here, now, is it lad?" He slapped the man's cheek in a mocking fashion, "Think maybe yeh should go home an' sleep it off, boyo."

Jack's sobriety seemed to fade quickly as the liquid courage set back in. "Yeah? Well fuck you, paddy." He spit on Thomas' suit, the irritation flushing Thomas' face. Closing his eyes to keep from acting brash, Thomas inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. Opening his eyes, he looked to the less drunk friend, "Take 'im home, lad... Now." Nodding, the man grabbed Jack's arm and tugged him away. Jack protested profusely, screaming and yelling obscenities as he was drug from the bar. Two armed guards met the men at the exit and escorted both of them from the premises. Thomas sighed as Jack's yelling silenced with the Tower's doors shutting. He finished his drink and walked to the front desk.

"Linda, Am just gonna wait in teh front room while John speaks wit' Jezebel, tá?" Linda nodded and Thomas slipped into the waiting room for Noto's office. He could make out voices from the other side, but couldn't understand them. Closing the door behind him, he sat at the table in the center of the room, staring out of the window at the night sky.

As Jezebel scanned through the book, I heard a ruckus outside. Seemed like the situation got resolved, so I turn my attention to Jezebel.

"Yea, he was a good guy... made some mistakes, but that's life right?. Anyway Jezebel you will have to excuse me as I have to speak with a friend of mine. Take that book with you, I'm sure it will keep many memories alive. On your way to your room can you please tell the gentlemen you spoke with earlier...Thomas_OShannon to join me in here?."