Within the heart of Detroit, where small time buisnesses and casual dinners still managed to stay afloat was The Detroit Thrift shop. A recently opened clothing store, specializing in buying and selling used garments for men and women. The tight economic times within Detroit gave the locals good reason to trade in older clothes and possibly find something newer that caught their eye. The buisness was the idea of Falcon, a well known buisness man from New York City. Being unable to run the buisness on a day to day basis himself, he hired a long time store manager named Raul to handle his newest venture.

As you enter the store, Raul is there to assist you with whatever needs you may have. Everything from mens overcoats to ladies shoes can be found, usually at a very reasonable price. In the back of the store there are two dressing rooms, one for a male and one for a female. A third door in the corner is blocked by a large man with a protruding gut. He says nothing to anyone, he just sits infront of the door, casually reading the local paper.

Jodie see's a Thrift Store while doing a drug run in Detroit. She decides to check it out. She walks in and is immediately greeted by Raul. She smiles at Raul and says she doesnt need help, she is just looking around. Jodie continues to look around until something catches her eye while she is humming to herself.

<em>afrosamuri heard of his boss having a thrift shop in the heart of Detroit  and goes to that business to check it out. AfroSamuri walks in the front door and isgreeted by Raul. He says he is ok just checking out the new business. AfroSamuri sees his boss Falcon.</em>  Hiyah Falcon Nice Business Business you got here. By the looks of this place you really now this place is going to succed.

George makes his way into the Thrift store owned by his family head Falcon. He nods to Raul as he enters and makes his way over to the used suites. As he looks around he notices a few familiar faces from back home shopping as well and he thinks to himself. "Hmmm maybe they know its easy to dispose of these used ones when on business then dirtying up some of there finest threads."

Henry walks into the store and takes a quick look around. Nice place you got here boss man. Now I know where I can get a change of cloths in between robb em costume parties I mean. Hey Raul I got a bunch of hand tailored suits out in my car h think they fell out of a truck why don't you send someone out to get them. Just a little house warming present.

Scarface is eager to check out the store that he heard about while "working" in NYC.  He is impressed by the different clothing options.

Very nice store you have here Boss.

After wandering the aisles for a while, Scarface settles on the Raccoon coat, matching silk tie and handkerchief, a canary yellow or green silk shirt, Italian glove silk undies, a cream colored borsalino wide-brimmed hat.

Here you go Raul,  Scarface places $500 on the counter & changes into snazzy new outfit.

Scarface lights up a cigar & heads out into the cold dark streets of Detroit looking for a few new marks to work over.

Violet just arrived in Detroit, she heard from the gossip mill that Falcon , because of difficulty in money had establish a business in Detroit. So she puts h9is shop on the list of "places to visit during the stay in Detroit".

Walking the not-so-busy business district of Detroit she saw the store, she cautiously enters it not knowing what to find. She wrinkled her nose seeing the storekeeper Raoul talking and assisting the customers.

Hey Raoul , is Falcon here? I want to talk to him and give him this old stuff of mine. And i also gather some clothes from the Headquarters, and oh yes i saw this old ducky that Falcon had left in the Headquarters. I thought he might want to sell it or treasure it. His choice to be honest.

She smiled at him, trying so hard not to laugh. She does not want to make the store keeper that she is thinking badly of Falcon. In fact she wanted it as a surprise to him.

So when do you think he will visit here.

After mulling through all of the suites George finally takes his selections to Raul. He opens up his billfold and leave Raul a very nice tip. George then heads for his flight back to the big apple.

Scarface returns to the store & walks in on Violet talking about Falcon's rubber duck.  He shutters a little at the thought of his mafia boss & Rubber Duckie....   (Just kidding Boss)

He approches Raul at the counter.

I got a little blood on my suit ummmmmm shaving (that sounds like a nice cover he thought)   Anyway, I am going to hit the casinos later tonight & need some new duds.

Walking into the store Reckless see's his long time coffee shop friend Falcon. He waves and says hello the the Mafioso. Scoping through the stuff Reckless finds a very nice vest that would look really good under his new suit he just purchased. Grabbing it and taking it to the front.

How much do I owe ya?

While waiting for patiently for Falcon, Violet takes another round on the shop, she picks things up and peers at them closely taking note on the patches and stains . She just shakes her head and hid a smile. just then she notice an apprentice of the Griffin. She saw Scarface talking to Raoul. She moves closer to them and eavesdrop on their conversation, she did not know that she is still holding the rubber ducky and she squeese it a little to tight that it gives a high SQUEEKKKKKK!!!!.

Looking embarassed for the two looks at her dumbfounded, she smiled weakly and said.  Hello Scarface, nice day huh? She then held the ducky to him Do you happen to know where is your leader I wanted to give this to him you know. I know that this thing is very precious with him. Because when he took his bath he always brings it. and it makes a lot of noise when they shower together.

violet explains to Scarface  laughing.

After leaving another establishment in Detroit, Ava walks into Falcon's thrift shop.  She chats casually with Raoul about the current stock and then looks about the store.  After she tries on a couple of amazing looking dresses, she ends up purchasing a beautiful green one and an unusual looking brown sheath and matching pumps.  She can't believe the mint condition of the clothing.  When Raoul rings up the purchase, Ava gasps at the low price.  "I must remember to thank Falcon the next time I talk with him," She mentions to Raoul.  Then she glances over at the man who is blocking a door, reading the paper.  She thinks about speaking to him, but decides against it.  He doesn't look that friendly, so she heads outside into the hot summer weather with her shopping bags.

Walking into the Thrift shop after noticing the beautiful Ava_Marie exit outside the front he opens the door for her and nods politely. Walking into the thrift shop his he takes his time to check out the suites one by one until coming across a few choices that are worthy of a purchase. He then takes his time looking over the slacks and other buttonup shirts. After picking up a few more random items he makes his way up to Raul.

Good day Raul, always a pleasure. Heres the cash man will see ya soon!

Raul was thrilled. For the first time since the store had opened, multiple customers had visited the Thrift Shop. Actually profits where being made. Despite them being small, profit was profit. It ensured that Raul would collect a paycheck this week, a paycheck issued from the store, and not from his bosses pocket. Life was good for Raul today.

Then, the surprise of surprises hit Raul, the door opened and Falcon walked in, carrying two large boxes. Raul rushed to the door to relieve the owner of the heavy burden in his hands. Falcon noded his approval at Raul as he walked to the back of the store. The bodyguard sitting in front of the door nodded and stepped to the side, allowing Falcon to open the door and step into a hallway. At the end of the hallway was another door, taking the key from his jacket pocket, Falcon unlocked the door and stepped into the empty space.

Back in the store, Raul was busy unpacking the two boxes. Belts, shoes, socks, and undershirts filled the first one. The second box was a much better surprise, brand new, pressed white dress shirts. These shirts where quickly becoming a much asked for item. Fifteen shirts where within the box, and Raul was sure all fifteen of them would be gone within the weeks time. As he hung one in the store window to advertise it, Falcon walked from the back room, a room that Raul still had not entered. He stopped at the register for a moment, briefly scanning over todays recipts. An approving smile briefly lite up his face, he motioned for Raul to return to the register.

Raul moved with caution towards the register, unsure of what was about to happen. Falcon had been firm and unbending in his demands of Raul when he hired the man. The shop was to make a profit each week, or Raul was going to be jobless once agian. Raul stopped at the counter, awaiting words from his boss.

Falcon reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out a small white envelope. As he handed it to Raul, he gave an approving nod.

Raul, I'm impressed with what you've managed to do this week. You've more than earned that paycheck, and the bit of bonus that comes with it. I fully expect to see profit once again this week. With the new shirts Ive managed to provide you, and the rumors of growth within Detroit, this upcoming week should be just as impressive. Ive been sending various friends of mine in here, and all reports have come back the same. You're running a good, clean shop, and that you're very friendly. Keep up the good work Raul, and youll continue to see that paycheck grow.

Raul smiled, then hesitated for a moment. Taking the time to gather his thoughts and speaking the words in his head over and over, he quietly responded to his boss.
Sir, its an honor to work for you, and to run this shop when you're not around. I will continue to give it my all. I will not let you down. Also sir, two ladies inquired about you this week. The first was a lovely young lady named Violet, she actually stopped by twice. The second was a beautiful lady named Ava_Marie, she paid a visit and purchased multiple items sir. I informed them both that Id pass the information onto you that they had visited.

Falcon grinned as he spoke.
Thank you for that wonderful news. Ill be in the backroom if you need anything. The big lug over there will get me, just give him the word.

Raul returned to his boxes and Falcon walked back into the empty backroom, many ideas running wild in his mind

Kate entered the shop, her eyes flicking about the room, absorbing the inventory in a few seconds.  She sauntered up the narrow aisles, now and then pausing to examine a blazer or skirt.  She suddenly pulled out a dress, examining it closely.  It looked vaguely familar. She checked the size of it before whipping it off the rack and making her way to the front counter.  Ringing the bell, she snapped her eyes on Raul as he approached.

"I want to try this on."

Raul stopped dead in his tracks at the site of Kate Beckett. He knew who she was, though they had never meet formally before. Lustful words about her had been spoken by Falcon on more than on occasion. At first, Raul ignored the words, but soon, he realized that this Miss Kate Beckett must be something special.

Clearning his mind, he directed Kate towards the changing room.
The one on the right is for the ladies, there are multiple mirrors to give you a view from all angles miss. If you need any assistance, or any altering, I can offer those services too

He was unsure if he should inform Miss Beckett that Falcon was in the building. She was most likely aware, and Raul was unsure if it was his place to give away the location of a powerful man like Falcon.

"Thank you."

Kate slipped into the dressing room, flicking the light off.  Knowing Falcon, he'd be sitting in a back room, staring through the two-way mirrors to slobber over a piece of fried chicken and any unfortunate woman who had decided to dress here.  Turning the lights off would prevent him from seeing her.  Struggling in the dark to remove her garments, she thought she heard a tiny rip in the dress as she put it on.  Cursing a storm beneath her breath, she managed to button the dress up and turn the lights back on.  She bit her lip as she examined herself in the mirror.  The simple light green dress fit her just as it had her mother so many years before.

Falcon was sitting on an empty crate in the vast storage room, toying with the remains of his mid afternoon snack. A sub from the Auto Workers Union Bar located just down the street from the Thrift Shop. Mari-Mac had someone bring it over, a very nice gesture by a fine lady. As he finished his food, he noticed a light coming from the changing room. At one point in time, there was a window looking the changing room, but it had recently been covered with boards and bricks. The slightest cracks in the mortor showed the light shinning through.

From the window placement, Falcon knew it was the ladies dressing room. This intrigued Falcon. Rarely did something like this catch his interest, but today, he was curious. He stopped just inside the main door and asked his bodyguard who was in the dressing room. The big lug shrugged and returned to his paper. Falcon hated the fat man, but he served his purpose. Stepping out, he snapped his fingers and caught Rauls attention.

Raul, who's our lady friend in the dressing room? I can smell the slightest hint of perfume in the air. Clearly, we have a lady of class in our graces.

Raul tried to withhold his grin, his lips cracking into a smile despite his best efforts.

Miss Kate Beckett just stepped in there to try a dress of some sorts on. I didnt get a clear view of the dress, I just showed her the room and gave her her space

At first, Falcon was at a loss for words. What was Kate doing in Detroit. They had buisness in New York to conduct, thats why he had left her in charge during his trip away from the Big Apple

Ava turns around, walks back into the thrift shop and goes straight over to Raul.  She is in a bit of a hurry to leave town, but wants to complete this bit of business before heading out.  She hands him a small slip of paper, and a little extra cash to him and says, "Here is a list of items I am looking for, to bring to the church in St. Louis.  If you could contact me when they become available, I would appreciate that very much.  I have some families that are in great need. This would be helpful, to say the least."  Then she slips out the door as quickly as she crossed the threshold, and makes her way toward the airport and out of Detroit.

With his best smile, Raul takes the list from Ava Marie and studies it carefully. Many of the items are already located within the shop. The few others items wouldnt be hard to locate. Raul had connections within the eight cities, more than one buyer and seller owed him a favor.

Shortly after aquring the list, Raul located all but two items. The two missing items would be sent to him within 48 hours and Ava_Marie's request would be granted.