Slash had got up bright and early like he did everyday, walking from his bedroom to his Office to collect any mail that had arrived through the night that Axel hadn't yet dealt with. There hadn't been much through the night at least, a warning mail of some attackers from Delaware arriving in various cities - nothing uncommon there, these fools showed up a lot and were always sent packing. The next letter however was unmarked, no sender was showing and was hand written in what looked like a childs crayon.

I'm coming for your Apples.

The message alarmed Slash. Very few people knew that code word, certainly only one person outside of Vegas knew it. Slash immediately dropped the letter and headed off in search of his Hands. He saw Axel drinking with WoonDa and playing poker, probably both been up all night trying to beat each other at one thing or another. @Gemma however wasn't anywhere to be found.

Slash sent for his guards immediately and informed of the threat. They searched high and low in the HQ and found no sign of Gemma. Slash was starting to get both very concerned and very angry. Who would have the balls to come to his home and take his Apples? Just at that moment Gemma walked in the front door with a bag of loot over each shoulder, dropping them as she entered and moitioning for someone to take care of them for her before taking the drink out of WoonDa's hand and finishing it off.

Gemma looked at Slash with bemusement, oblivious to the concerns he had moments before.

"Have I done something wrong?" Gemma gave slash a cautious look, unsure what had caused his reaction. He explained the note to her and she had to stiffle some laughter. It couldn't have been meant for her, only her Evil Twin knew of that name and even she wouldn't be crazy enough to break into the HQ to steal her.

Slash was more confused than ever now. He couldn't think what else it could mean. He decided to head off into the Garden to clear his head and think some more, after walking around for a while he sat down by his favourite spot, under the large tree at the back of the Garden. It suddenly dawned on him to look up....

WHERE THE FUCK ARE ALL MY APPLES?!?!?!

Without meaning to, Slash had screamed at the top of his voice and guards came running from all angles armed to the teeth, now staring at him with a look of confusion not to dissimilar to that which he caused Gemma to have moments before.

Some little fuck has been in our Garden and raided our tree! Look at it! It's fucking bare! I want this Tree guarded at all hours! Slash grabbed a few of his guards and instructed them to find Camilla and Conn. Even though Camilla had briefly left the HQ to help PJ set up Fort Izzel, he knew he could trust her to come home for a bit to help out, plus he had other reasons to speak to her too, but they would now have to wait until after this mystery had been solved.

Such fond memories of her beloved rose garden in Eden raced all through her mind as Cami glanced out the office window of Fort Izzel.  A knock on the door broke her train of thoughts, forcing Cami to focus on the present.  

“Vieni dentro.”

Her head security detail burst inside with urgency, panting and sweating.  She glanced him over wondering why he was out of breath then arched her eyebrow waiting.

“Godfather...... Slash....."

His panting made his speech come in short bouts.  Cami suddenly sat up on edge wondering if something was wrong, but then the older gentleman continued.

“Godfather. Slash. Needs to. See you.  A s...a p.”

Without wasting time, Cami arrived at the Garden of Eden within a few moments.  She went in search of her Godfather curious to what in the world was going on now.  She smiled as her blue eyes peered around the Garden noticing the subtle changes after she had left for Fort Izzel.  Slash always threw her into wild action and sometimes adventure, and she swore he got more creative with his requests and orders with each new task.

Cami remembered the one time he was parading around in those tight black pants as he held in his mouth a stolen rose from her garden….she shook her head quickly pushing that memory away as she shivered.  Her pace increased in her searching, but Cami couldn’t fight the cheeky smile as soon as she spotted her Godfather.

“Quello che è così importante alle tre del mattino?  Not that I would refuse coming at 3 a.m., but some of us need our beauty sleep, too.”

Cami winked with impish delight before taking a seat to hear about the recent happenings of the Garden.

“Mio Dio!  Some bastardi stealing apples?  What do you need me to do?  I am always happy to assist you Godfather Slash!  You know the Garden of Eden will always feel like Home to me!"

After gathering all the information from Godfather Slash, Cami nodded after receiving the okay to go find Conn.  She exited the Headquarters out in the Garden, but the darkness of the early hours kept her pace slow and steady as she made her way to the Tree.  Her mind was filled with anger knowing thieves were sneaking their way into Eden.  Every step she took, Cami kept her senses alert in case she heard or by chance saw anything.

Detroit had been empty for a while now, and apparently it gave way to vagrants and hoodlums to think they owned the world.  The audacity they all had for thinking Sin City would tolerate such disrespect and thievery was just baffling.  Cami didn’t know what kind of boondoggle those clowns were up to, but enough was enough.  No one steals from the Garden of Eden!!

Lost in thought, Cami stepped quite loudly on a branch then stopped for a moment as she glanced around.  She saw what looked like a cigarette lit up, but it quickly vanished into the darkness if it was.  She began her quiet approach once more, finally coming up to the tree, spotting a dark figure. Naturally assuming it was Conn, Cami didn’t retrieve her weapon like some jitterbug on her first stakeout.  

The figure turned around suddenly as if spooked, and she was able to see in the moonlight Conn’s face clearly.  She arched an eyebrow at the gun he pointed in her direction,, and chuckled softly as he realized it was her.

“Si, si.  I think I heard Axel’s voice in the Headquarters just as I was leaving, so let’s keep our weapons secured if he joins us out here.”

Cami chuckled again enjoying the teasing to one of her favorite people.

“Godfather Slash gave me the low down on everything, so I have sent my security back to Fort Izzel to alert PoisonousJelly as well.  Those rat bastards won’t get anymore of these apples.  We will guard this Tree, and be like the Cherubim of the Garden, the protectors!”

PoisonousJelly is startled by a loud and hurried knock on his office door. It made him jump so much he damn near choked on his apple. Putting it to one side he shouted for whoever it may be to enter. The familiar face of Camilla's bodyguard entered, flustered and out of breathe.

"Mr Jelly, Miss Balistreri has been tasked with protecting our dear Rose garden and heading over to Detroit. Apparently someone has been stealing apples from the garden and Godfather Slash wants the culprit."

With that, PoisonousJelly stood up, stealthily kicking the apple cores strewn across the floor behind the desk hoping the bodyguard hadn't noticed them when he notices his cupboard door beginning to bulge and an apple starting to squeeze through the gap. Hoping to keep the bodyguards attention away from the cupboard full of sweet, stolen apples he motions for him to leave and follows him through the door. Being sure to lock it behind him. 

A short trip and a few extra hubcaps later PJ arrives at the Garden to find CamillaBalisteri and Conn, guns drawn, patrolling through the Garden for clues. While their  back is turned he takes an apple from the tree and rubs it against his jacket before taking a chomp out of it. The noise gets the attention of Camilla and Conn...

"Oi, PJ! Where did you get that apple?!" Camilla asks. "What? This? I uhm, brought it from home? Yeah... I brought it from home. Had it in my pocket all this time." he replies. 

Ah, poker. Who could think of a better game? Axel sure couldn't, and he loved a good drink too. Maybe a little too much, as his behaviour had been getting out of hand recently and spilling out into the streets. A drunken fight here, a verbal assault there. Nothing too hectic, but his liver was taking a real beating, just like that Jackal guy copped when he challenged Axel to defend himself with his Drunken Boxing.

Axel sat at the makeshift poker table in HQ with WoonDa. He completely forgot about checking on the Garden overnight due to his intense battle of wit with his secret arch-enemy. He would've loved a real one, but this would have to do for now.

"I win!" Axel shouted as he slammed the cards down on the table. Just as he began scooping up the various bank notes, he heard a metallic clicking sound which preceded a cold deft touch to his forehead. WoonDa had withdrew his gun and pressed it against his drinking and smoking pal's dome, loaded and ready to go, or at least that's what Axel had quickly concluded. 

Axel froze, not sure how to react or what to think. Then as if right on time and to cut the tension, Slash's voice could be heard booming from what seemed like the Garden. Axel raised up and took a quick look at where WoonDa was suppose to be seated, who had now suddenly disappeared. Most likely off for a nap, Axel pondered, then hurried on toward the HQ grounds as he stuffed the bank notes into his trouser pockets.

In a drunken stupor, Axel ended up losing his way in the massive headquarters. He was more use to the simple layout of his usual haunt Arizona Club. He quickly found himself on the top floor and on a balcony overlooking the Garden.

With Apple in hand, Axel took a seat in his favourite spot. He'd come up here with Gemma sometimes to indulge in the stars, but more so the fruits of the Garden, away from security. There was a small stash in a box on the balcony. Nothing major, just a little something to promote healthy eating. He watched as various guards frenzied themselves attending to the tight leathered Godfather's instructions.

Suddenly it dawned on him. Axel's doubled vision become singular with the closing of his left eye, and he saw the stripped apple tree. He gulped, looked at the apple in his hand, then slowly placed it back into the box with a bite missing. A little afraid to do anything else, he simply sat there, worried, yet watchful as the commotion kept unfolding below in the Garden.

Slash decided not to wait any longer and invited Camilla back into the HQ with him. As he entered the HQ, Gemma and Axel were there waiting to share in the news with Camilla.

Camilla, there is something I'd like to speak to you about. Nevermind about the Apples for the moment, before this all happend I had other news for you.. Artus, Fitz and I have been discussing the emptyness in this world and how somewhat crowded Vegas has become in comparison to some other Cities.  With that in mind I would like to extend you an offer, to help re-build Detroit. You've done so much already to build Vegas I really should call you Cami the Builder to be honest. You helped me build the Garden from scratch, before then moving out to assist in building The Flood with Artus, then on your return you later headed back off again and helped build the House of Scouse with Space-Pole, before briefly having a room here again in the Garden, then once again heading out to help build Fort Izzel. Clearly you are an amazing builder. But not just that, you have earned a chance to build something that you get to keep instead of just helping others to build.

You will still be considered Family, we aren't abandoning you, but the time has come that I need you to spread your wings over to Detroit and bring the City back to life. Others from Vegas will join you in due course, but its up to you to get the ball rolling for us. Do you think you can handle that?

Slash looked at Camilla as her mouth slowly opened in a look of absolute shock, eyebrows raised. He sat back let her respond.

Cami headed back inside the Headquarters with Godfather Slash.  She glanced back noticing PJ had continued his exit, and she figured he would return to Fort Izzel.  Conn stood near the Tree still guarding it with fierce determination.  Voices echoed throughout the Headquarters as she followed Slash to his office.  Once inside he began speaking after closing the door.

Cami sat down with her natural graceful movements, crossing her legs then resting her hands atop her lap.  Her blue eyes were focused on her Godfather as he turned to face her.  Cami arched her delicate eyebrows as her lips formed a silent ‘O’ with the news that followed.  

“Sul serio?  Ma Detroit è così lontano!  Perdonami Godfather.  But Detroit is so far from the Garden of Eden.”

As she exclaimed in her native tongue, then stopping short in her tirade as he paused and smiled.  Cami was used to his amusement as she always reverted back to her Sicilian heritage when excited or angered about something.  He continued onto explain that she would be an extension of Summerlin, and still under his guidance.  She nodded with utmost sincerity.

“Grazie.  This means very much to know you have complete confidence in me, sending me off to rebuild Detroit would be a privilege.  I remember how it thrived not long ago, and I will do my best to see it thrive again.”

As they continued to discuss the details in more depth, Cami queried if she could take someone from Sin City along with her.  Smiling as she offered the suggestion - Conn.

“He is ambitious, eager to learn and has proven himself in the family for so long now.  I would dearly love to have him come be by my side in Downtown.”

Godfather Slash nodded in agreement, which cause the bright smile on her face.  She realized she needed to sort out so many things before moving way across the country, and began asking a few questions.  After a short while, Slash mentioned notifying PJ, but Cami asked if she could tell him in person.  As she made her way to the door, Slash stopped her with a single question. The crew name.  She smiled impishly as she turned her head, the blonde curls fell off her shoulder.

“Cherubim.  Of course!  We are the protectors of the Garden of Eden.  Distance knows no boundaries for famiglia!”

"Anyway, so you've finally been told eh? Congratulations! You two will do absolute wonderful things in Detroit. You have both been fantastic members for us here in Las Vegas and contributed immensely to our establishments. Well done, you've earned it! Just be careful of the apple thieves around these parts!"

PJ turns to leave but not before quickly picking another apple, putting it in his pocket and bolting as Camilla and Conn shout in the back ground.

Receiving the blessing from her Godfather meant more than he could possibly know.  She set off in search of Conn, still guarding the tree.  She briefly discussed things with him before heading back to Fort Izzel one last time.  She found PJ in his office, and had to calm herself as the Italian began to flow once more.  She smiled then explained everything, answering a question here and there.

“Conn will be going.  I have to go make arrangements to secure permission for GiuseppetheKillerBun to come as well.  So many things to do right now.  Packing and securing flights, and perhaps one last round of collections around the city.”

Cami thanked PJ for the warm congrats and well wishes.  She set out on her way to Chicago before heading to Detroit.  She would definitely miss Sin City, but her heart now had two cities to cherish.  She whispered softly into the gentle breeze outside.

“Detroit here we come!”

Giuseppe wakes up to his entire bedroom shaking and turning. His eyes shoot wide open, and he jumps out of bed. He quickly kicks off his lady friend gently, but hard enough so she will move. He gets up, puts on some pants and runs down. He had never heard of earthquakes before in Chicago, but whatever. He runs down the spiral staircase to see his whole living room is full of blooming and beautiful red roses everywhere. He has only seen these kind of lush gardens back home. But sitting on his living room couch is @CamillaBalistreri and Conn. He knew Camilla from the stories his cousin told, and meeting in person, but Conn was a new face. He feels the lush grass grind on his foot as he he walks closer to his couch. 

"So what is going on?" 

Giuseppe says louder than he anticipated, trying to keep himself from yawning. Why did they come so early?  A Bunny needs his beauty sleep, too. Camilla then goes into how she is starting a family up in Detroit, with connections to Godfather Slash. She proceeded to tell him how much she would need someone trustworthy to help them guard the Garden.  He let out an full yawn, before he answered.

"I hate to leave Striphe, and all of my family, but I would be honored to protect this Garden with you guys."

After pausing for a moment, he requested a day to stay in Chicago, so he could say his goodbye's, and get all his things together. 

Vinny sat in Sicilian Delights at a table on his own, he has come accustomed to his daily strudel from there, each day he gets to eat great food and see @CamillaBalistreri for atleast a few minutes, before they each carry on with their daily business. He sits there thinking about when he came to this world, how Conn took him in, gave him a home with Space-Pole. Placing down his fork his straightens his left arm, exposing his watch so he can check the time, quarter past seven. Thats strange he thought to himself, He would have usually seen Cami by now.

“Hey, Cosima!” Shouts Vinny, perhaps a little loud but he was concerned.

“Where's Cami, is she ok? Shes usually here”

Cosima straigtens her pinny with her hands before walking over to Vin.

“Excuse me please Sir, but Madame is on very important buisness in The Garden of Eden.

Vinny rudely stands up, grabbing his coat he leaves without a word to Cosima, his concern for Cami is great, why has she been summoned, is she ok, is she in trouble, what did Slash want of her...

After getting a cab to the other side of Summerlin, Vinny orders the driver to stop just around the corner, next to his favourite fruit and veg shop. He knows if he is going to enter the Garden of Eden he best have a gift, and what better than some fresh, crisp apples for the family, as he knows how fond of apples Godfather Slash is. Grabbing a brown paper bag he selects a few large, sweet smelling apples, before tipping the grocer and walking off down the street.

He is greeted on the door by the usual bodyguard, he has never entered the Garden of Eden uninvited before. The bodyguard recognises him, but doesn't open the door.

“Is there a problem? I come from the Gunslingers looking for CamillaBalistreri, and I have a gift for Godfather Slash”

The Doorman still doesn't move, Vinny can hear footsteps getting closer from behind the door, what's going on, why wasn't he allowed inside. He starts to panic a bit.

BANG! The door slams open as a dark figure propels themselves through it, directly in front of Vinny. It is no-one other than Camilla.

“Señor, señor, I have the greatest news” Says Cami, Vin is overwhelmed that she is ok. “I'm moving to Detroit”

Vinnys heart stops for a second.

“Your leaving?” Asks Vinny

“Oh señor, I'm being given my own family, my own crew, my own CITY”

Vinnys glum suddenly turns to excitement and happiness

“That is amazing news my sweet, oh how well you will do with your own family! You are such an excellent woman, strong, powerful and beautiful, I cannot imagine anyone better for the role of building a city than you! Congratulations”

Vinny hugs Cami, smelling her sweet perfume, her golden hair brushing his face, she pushes him off balance slightly, he stumbles trying not to drop the bag of apples.

Cami Turns to Vinny, raising an eyebrow.

“Apples señor, and where did you acquire those from.”