Thunder roared in the distance as a storm rapidly approached. The sun was just beginning to set underneath the unsettled raging clouds. Lone rain drops began tapping on the steel roof of the shed the group was meeting in--illuminated by a single dulled light bulb hanging from the center of the room. A lone wooden table surrounded by 4 chairs sat claimed by Dub, Lynn, SteampunkMax, and Stefania as they waited for their boss to join them. The thunder was growing more and more intense by the minute borne ever closer to their small shack. Dub knew something was going down. He'd never been asked to meet Bunny here before for any sort of business dealings so the fact that it was so far outta the way of the HQ and out in the boondocks meant this was serious business. 

He pulled out his lucky coin and began fidgeting with it. Sending it cascading down each of his fingers before swinging it back around to the top of his hand--it was how he dealt with anxiety and stress. Something to fidget with, but it couldn't Spin... That stuff annoyed him. He looked around the table at the three others waiting for the meeting. Lynn was sitting silently staring almost through the table lost in thought. Steampunk sat across from Dub holding a cigarette and Stefania was busy writing furiously onto a piece of paper. The silence was deafening to say the least. 

Dub clears his throat awkwardly busting the silence that was engulfing the room broken only by the pitter-patter of the approaching storm. "Soooo ho--" 

Bunny busts open the door, trench coat wrapped around her and taking off her fedora. She hangs her hat on a nearby stand as she begins talking and cutting to the chase. 

"Thank you all for meeting me here tonight, we've got some people to bury. A smalltime gang has popped up over the strip, demanding protection money from tourists and being a general nuisance. There are three 'bosses' as they call them and, of course, the main man Theodore. I don't care who takes out who, but they all need to die. Here's the catch: They all are at the HQ. Go in stealthily or go in guns blazin', I don't care. But they all need to die at the same time to effectively send the rest of their small, pathetic gang into a state of pure confusion unsure of who is in charge... That should send them running."

Thunder roared as the lone light source in the room, the single dull bulb began flickering. All four members had their eyes fixed on Bunny as she paced around the table hand over her mouth explaining the situation. She told us we'd need to decide out of the four of us who would be the driver in charge of escaping, we'd need an 'arms master' in charge of picking out the weapons we'd be using for this job, the triggerman who'd ensure that all parties were in position before pulling the trigger on the bosses, and of course, the message sender, in charge of really driving home the fact that all the smalltime's gang's bosses are dead ensuring mass chaos amongst the leaderless crowd and intimidating them to stay innocent civilians from now on... She reiterated that all four would need to take a shot on their respective bosses, but after, they had their specific jobs.

"Aerie will be there as well if crap hits the fan and you need an extra gun..."

Bunny stopped talking and turned towards the group. Dub stared at the other three waiting to see if someone wanted to claim a particular job... The storm was now almost on top of them and the rain has begun to pour. 

Lynn sat at the table, her chin resting in the palm of her hand as she stared down at the table. She wasn't exactly sure why she had been summoned but knew it was something regarding the family business. It's not often your presence was requested in this fashion but it also wasn't the first time she had been at this table, in this shed, at this hour. She knew it had to be something important, especially since this meeting took away from a bottle of wine her and Bunny were supposed to open.

She let out a a big sigh as she pictured that bottle of wine sitting in the fridge, all alone and waiting to be opened. Just them she heard Dub open his mouth. Keeping her chin in her hand she slowly looked up at him, her mouth opened to speak but before she could muster up any words the door flung open.

Lynn jumped a bit as Bunny flew through the door. Her heartbeat began rapidly beating.

"Bunny, what the hell. Why do you have to come bursting in like that, damn near gave me a heart attack."

Bunny looked over and smiled then went onto why they were all gathered there. Lynn sat there and took in what needed done. A smile went upon her face, it had been a while since she had been involved in something of this magnitude. A good ole fashion clear the competition. Once she heard what needed to be done she tuned out most everything else. Thoughts of planning started pulsing through her head.

Looking up she noticed everyone had gone quiet, almost as if someone was waiting for her to speak.

"What?"

She glanced around the table, at this point SteampunkMax, Stefania, Dub and Bunny were all looking at her.

"I heard something about Aerie, right? I'll go meet her and give her the rundown. I'll do whatever you guys need, as long as it doesn't involve driving. Other then that I'm totally game."

“I will do it.” He said without hesitation. “I’ll drive the car.”

Max smiled as he saw the doubt in their eyes. He couldn’t really blame them as it wasn’t long ago that the engine of one of his customs had blown up because of overheating. For Max things like that were the hurdles one has to take while pushing technology. But he understood the hesitation people would have to go along for that ride. This wasn’t about innovation after all, this was about pushing back competition.

“Trust me.” He ensured the group. “I’ve given this one quite some test-drives out in the desert and it performs very well. And while I like progress, I enjoy freedom more, so I wouldn’t risk jail-time by depending on an experimental ride.”

Despite their sighs, Max knew they’d be onboard. He was eager to show them his latest car, knowing how fit it would be for the job at hand. He got up from his chair and put out his cigarette.

“I’ll go and prepare the ride. Let’s meet at my workshop when you are ready. It’s in the storage warehouse of the abandoned steel factory in south Summerlin.”
 

He shook hands with the boss-lady, before nodding to the others. After that he made his way out of the shed. Raindrops tapped loudly on his hat and the dust on the street had already settled in a thin layer of mud. Max revved the engine of the Indian Motorcycle and he sped of in the direction of Summerlin, chased by the incoming thunderstorm.

Rain was usually rather soothing to Stefania. Considering both the happiest and saddest days of her life had been filled with sunshine, the dark ominous clouds that filled the sky today were hardly worrisome to the woman. In fact, they seemed to comfort her to a certain extent, as if nothing could go wrong when the sky was unleashing its own anger upon the world. She was uncertain why she, a fairly new member to the family and by far the lowest on the totem pole, would be called to the table with people of this caliber, and she’d be lying if she said it didn’t make her just the slightest bit nervous. As nice as everyone had been to her since she arrived, sitting with the family’s left hand and two Bosses while awaiting their crew leader was rather unnerving.

So, Stefania did what she typically did when nervous – she pulled out a notebook and started writing. The rain had given her an idea for a new story and she wanted to get it out on paper before she lost her inspiration. She became lost in her thoughts, scribbling furiously onto the paper in front of her when suddenly Bunny burst into the room, seemingly startlingly Lynn.

Quickly putting away her notebook, Stefania sat straight in her chair and listened as her boss explained why she had pulled them all together. She frowned at the thought of having to take one of the four shots…..maybe she could pawn that off on Aerie instead. Stefania hated shooting people.

But one of the other jobs, now that made her perk up a bit. The message sender – that sounded like a job that would play right to her talents. She cleared her thought slightly before speaking up, her Italian accent showing my heavily thanks to her nerves. “I can get the message out, when it’s all over, if no one else minds. I have a way with words so I can make sure the message is loud and clear and they know the consequences of trying to infringe on our territory.” Her hands in her lap, her fingers fidgeted as she waited to hear if anyone would have any objections. This was her first real family job and she wanted to make sure she got it right.

Aerie jumped at the rumble of thunder as it roared overhead. She never really enjoyed the stormy weather, but could appreciate a bit of rain! She had recently been brought in to the inner circle of operations, and damn, there was a bunch of learning to do! She'd step out to the front doors of the headquarters, peering out to the near torrential downpour of rain. The sight of all that water amid thunder made her cringe, ugh, her hair and make up were going to be a mess! 

She gasped as she remembered she had to find Lynn for something about a job occurring. Fuck, she couldn't miss out on the opportunity! She was brought into this thing of ours by Lynn and would hate to disappoint! She'd turn from the front doors and move down the hall to where the upper echelon were meeting. She'd position herself up against a wall, waiting outside the door where plans were being drawn. The meeting had already been underway, it wouldn't be too smart to just barge in now. So she'd wait.

Aerie peered up as the door cracked, seeing SteampunkMax step out and march out toward the other end of the headquarters. She figured it was for the job. A smile curled at the corners of her lips as the door remained ajar and crept open enough to give her a line of sight to Lynn and others sitting in the room. She'd offer a slight wave, which was more a wiggle of a few fingers as she caught Lynn's attention.

As steampunkmax walked out to secure the car and Stefania volunteered to deliver the final intimidation blow to the lowly gangsters, it was just Lynn and Dub left. Lynn had deferred to everyone else to choose their roles and what was left was the Coordinator and the Arms Master. 

"If Its all the same to you, Lynn, I'll take the role of Coordinator. That would leave you Arms Master. We'd need silenced weapons to get in and handle the main business as stealthily as possible. I heard someone patented a 'surpressor' back in '09 but I doubt they're in wide-release so however you need to secure 5 of those, I'd say do what needs to be done."

Dub waited for a moment to make sure those present were ready. He then exited to see Aerie standing at the doorway. 

"Aerie, how are you doing? You ready for tonight?"

Dub smiled as Aerie shared her thoughts and moved to step outside of the small shack after she had finished. The storm had rolled in. Flashes of lighting and rolling thunder loud enough the shake the bones of any man... It never rained much in Las Vegas, but when it did, it was always rough. He caught SteampunkMax outside as he was about to leave. 

"Max!"

Dub jogged over to his motorcycle as the rain started falling slightly heavier than earlier.

"Remember, this storm looks rough, we'll need something that can make its way over muddy terrain and fast enough that we can escape anybody who may give chase! I'll meet you at the HQ in 30 minutes! Good luck!"

Steampunk nodded his head as he quickly took off. Dub decided he'd just walk to the HQ. It wasn't too far and he'd always liked the rain; it was the lightning he was never a fan of, but similar to one of his favorite military commanders in the 1860s, Dub knew that God had fixed the time for his death so he didn't concern himself with fear but was always ready for the moment death would overtake him. Dub agreed with this general that, were all men to live that way, all would be equally brave. However, tonight would call for an inordinate amount of bravery.

Dub put his hands in his trench coat's pockets and walked alone down the street mentally preparing himself for what was about to happen.

I was on my way to meet Moe my bootleggers for the shipment of moonshine at the usual place.  We usually met at a little building not too far from the Headquarters’ down a long narrow road.  All of a sudden I had to stop. Ahead I saw some familiar cars parked in front of the building.  I saw my Boss Bunny get out of her car and enter the building.  The other cars I knew belonged to Lynn, SteampunkMax, and Stefania.  The road was narrow and a little wet and muddy from all the rain.  It was hard for me to maneuver a u-turn but I finally got turned around, looking back to make sure no one saw me.

As I was driving back luckily I ran into Moe in his truck delivering the shipment.  I jumped out the car and ran over to Moe’s truck.  Moe rolled the window down.

 Sorry Moe it seems like my Boss and some others are having a private meeting in the building. The road is too narrow for you to make a u-turn so you will have to back out. The main road wasn’t that far back so it was easy for him to back out.  Just back out and follow me and we will go to another secure place.

Moe was a little confused and pissed but he did as I asked.  We turned on the main road and Moe was followed me.

While driving I thought to myself

Damn I wonder what’s going on. That must be a very important meeting to take place way back here.  Being that I was just a Wiseguy and hadn’t received my button yet I knew I wasn’t privilege to know the things that were going.  Man my curiosity was killing me and was so intrigued by what could be going down.  They are going to take out someone, I just know it. I had heard of some people causing trouble on the Strip.  Yeah that’s it they are going to take them out.  Sure wish I could get in on some of that action.  I know I am ready. Maybe soon I can be trusted to take the oath.

Well I can’t worry about that now I have to get my shipment to a safe place.  I guess I will just have to take it over to Salt and have her lock it up in her cellar. I know I can count on her.

"Suppressors? Do you really think we need to be quiet about this?"

Lynn looked around the room as everyone gazed over at her.

"I mean think about it, once we are all in position it's only going to take a couple of shots to get the job done and these are our streets. You all know as good as I do the cops never get involved with business dealings down here."

A smirk went upon her face.

"They know better, plus with the amount of money we line their pockets with they wouldn't even bat an eye."

Lynn looked over at Dub who had his arms crossed and was giving her a serious glare. She was serious, the cops weren't going to be an issue if that is what he was worried about. She stop talking for a moment, but noticed that SteamPunkMax and Stefania were doing that thing with their eyes. You know the quick darting motion back and fourth between her and Dub. Waiting for someone to say something. At one point the room got so quiet the rain drops on the roof echoed and she wasn't even sure it was raining anymore.

Lynn took a deep breathe and let out a sigh

"Fine! Whatever, if it will make you happy Dub I will get a couple suppressors. I'll get a couple extra toys as well."

Lynn glanced over at Aerie

"You can come with me."

Before Dub walked out of the shack, he heard Lynn object to his idea. 

Perhaps you're right. It was just an idea. You're the arms master, Lynn, you have the final call. And you outrank me. 

Dub smiles at his Left Hand Woman as he nods his head. He steps out of the door and makes his way to the HQ.

Now if you run into five foot two covered with fur
Diamond ring and all those things
Bet your life it isn't hers
Could she love could she woo
Could she love could she coo
Has anyone seen my girl

(Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue by Gene Martin)

The radio crackled more and more as the thunderstorm had now reached the city, but Max kept singing along. While cleaning the grease from his hands, he took a step back and admired the Buick he has been working on. The original engine was replaced with an early version engine of Ford’s Tri-motor plane, boosting it’s natural speed significantly. The back-compartment had been removed, allowing for more diverse usage all while dropping weight.

“My baby.” Max whispered softly. While pushing open the warehouse doors of the old factory he looked up to the electric skies. Lightning struck down and briefly threw an eerie glow over the abandoned factory terrain, before the rumbling thunder scared it away. Shortly thereafter Max sped through the mostly empty streets in these parts of Las Vegas. Arriving back at the HQ, Max spotted Billie and inquired whether the booze delivery had went as expected, before telling him to keep an eye on the car while he went inside the headquarters where he met up with Dub.

“You know if we are ready to roll soon, Dub? I finished preparing the car and I feel this storm might give us a good opportunity. With less people on the streets, they might just have an easy night and we could find them all together having drinks or counting their profits.”

All the jobs had been handed out and Stefania was ready to head out when Lynn and Dub started discussing the need for silencers. She stayed glued in her seat, her eyes shifting between the two. Lynn seemed to notice and eventually caved and said she would get them. Stefania was slightly amused when Dub also caved, leaving the decision to Lynn. Watching their interactions, she could see that the people in this family were all so close, and Stefania was so grateful to be a part of it. She knew she had a lot to learn and even just being able to be a part of this job was rather thrilling for her.

“Well then….I’m going to get back to the headquarters to get ready. I’ll start writing something up on the way over there – something harsh, intimidating and sure to cause these nobodies to pick up and leave Las Vegas fast enough. See you all soon!”

Stefania flashed a smile before hurrying out into the rain, Jarrett waiting for her in the car. Slipping into the back seat, she pulled her notebook right back out, but this time she turned to a fresh sheet of paper. “Take us home Jarrett, I need to make a quick pit stop before we go to the headquarters. And keep the radio off this time, I have some writing to do.”

Her pencil moved quickly across the paper as the car pulled away from their meeting spot.

Arriving at the HQs not too much later, she stepped inside right as Max was asking Dub if everyone was ready. “I’m here!” She spoke up, smiling as she bounced inside. She’d changed into a more suitable outfit, dark colors so as to blend into the night. “Ready to go and I’ve got a draft of our message ready as well. Just putting some finishing touches on it.” She pulled out her notebook, flipped open to the page she'd been working on, and sat down to keep working while they waited for Lynn and Aerie.

A smile curled at the corners of her lips as the plan began was set in motion. She'd only nod to Lynn stepped toward her and shared to follow her. She still wasn't quite sure what the job or plan was but hell, to be part of the operation was exciting enough. She'd glance over her shoulder to the meeting room as they began to walk to the next location.

"What're we doing, Lynn? I heard something about ..toys?"

She could speculate what they meant by toys, though, as her thoughts began to reel.. it'd probably be better for her to ask! She would have asked Dub but he was a bit in a hurry during his greeting. 

Lynn glanced over at Aerie and gave her a smile.

"We have to go pick up some party favors, I have a personal stash back at the HQ but those are mine."

She took a short pause as she peered out the door. The rain had stopped falling and the air had a slight coolness to it. It was nice, perfect weather to walk in.

"Alright, so I know this guy. He is a big time arms dealer here on the west coast, he kind of owes me a favor or two. I will introduce you to him, he's a good one to know."

Lynn could see the potential in this one, kind of knew she had to show her all her tricks and introduce her to all her contacts.