Realistic or Modern The Oath - 1940s Gangster Drama - IC (Ended)

[Misty Gray]

Vincenzo Romano​

"Who the Hell invited Frankie Vianello?!" Vinnie joked with Kitty, a wide grin on his face. He liked to harmlessly tease that guy and would be sure to do so later. "I'm glad to hear you're doing well, though I hope you can bring some integrity to that newspaper," he remarked. It was nothing against that particular one, just the sector in general.

When Kitty addressed Gianna and introduced herself, he shrugged his shoulders. "I still don't shut up about her," he was quick to add, placing his arm back around his wife's waist. He looked around the room as Gianna mentioned the turnout. "There's plenty of single young men in here tonight, Kitty. Perhaps you won't be living alone for too long."

sprouhtt TofuMafia

Leo Davide​

"Well, in that case... One apple juice, coming right up," Leo told Alena. He then made his way off to the bar, having a little conversation with the barman, a friend and colleague, as he served him. He eventually returned to Alena with her drink and a single shot of whiskey for himself.

When she mentioned he'd never asked her to dance, a boyish smile appeared on his face. He looked over his shoulder to see a few couples were already on the dance-floor. "Would you like to dance with me, Alena Romano?" he asked, putting on an overly charming voice and holding his hand out to her.

sprouhtt

(OOC: More replies later)

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter​

James observed Lucy, noticing what he believed to be a mixture of worry and stubbornness. He could only hope he hadn't made a mistake and brought her into a situation where she could end up harmed again. When she stepped closer and then kissed him, he couldn't help but display a roguish smile. Suddenly feeling awkward, the other two Irishmen looked to the clock and were relieved to see it was time to do their bit, so they left the room to check the area was clear in advance of James and Lucy eventually leaving the room.

"We've got this, Lucy," he told her, finding it amusing at how fast the two guys had left the room. He placed his hand on the back of her head and drew her in closer to return the kiss with one of his own. Despite their games having gone on for some time, this new 'romantic' development seemed to give him another objective for the night: to actually get out alive whilst having Lucy and Conor's backs. He wanted to see more of the beautiful woman standing in front of him.

Bellz

Conor Sullivan​

Conor had checked the escape route was clear and made sure there were enough guys around to make sure it stayed that way. Once he was sure of that, he sneaked his way to the back of the stage without being seen. As he lingered waiting for the right person to approach, he heard the heavy accents of some Italian mobsters talking about a recent restaurant fire. He managed to find a nice spot down the side of the stage to hide out until they were gone. Seeing a cardboard box nearby, he picked it up and held it under his arm. When he saw a boy leaving the nearby men's room, he beckoned him over. Although he was a kid, he was likely a Romano kid, so probably wouldn't be as innocent as expected. "Do you know Alex Romano?" he asked, putting on the best Chicago accent he could, to which the smartly dressed boy nodded. "Can you tell her to come round here, alone? We've been planning a surprise for Vinnie Romano," he explained, pointing to the box. "Tell her I'm Mick, from the diner," he added, hoping she would remember the place they had their first date. "Make sure nobody else knows, yeah?"

The boy had agreed so made his way back down the side of the stage and dance-floor until he saw Alex by the bar. "Give me some of that," the boy cheekily asked Alex, pointing to the cigarette.She would know the kid as her cousin, Rico. "Some tall guy wants to meet you round the back of the stage. Said he's Mick from some diner. Something about a surprise you've been planning for Uncle Vinnie."

neverbackdown

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex snapped from her thoughts when she heard a kids voice speaking to her. She looked down as her cousin Rico pointed at her cigarette "not a hope Rico, your too young" she answered with an amused smirk, Rico was a cheeky kid and he never failed to amuse Alex. Alex finished her cigarette as she listened to what he told her. She frowned at first, trying to remember if she had planned anything then as she remember Mick's diner was where she had her first date with Conor her eyes widened. "Thanks kid" she said with a smile before finishing her drink and placing her empty glass on the bar. While Alex wanted to see Conor a feeling of dread took over her as she made her way to the stage, if he was here that meant nothing good, but Alex's nativity and her feelings for Conor meant she wouldn't believe something was going to happen until it was confirmed. When Alex got to the back of the stage she saw Conor immediately and walked over to him "While Im always glad to see you,why are you here?" She asked uncertainty and a slight bit of fear clear in her voice



Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Shannon Sullivan​

The Sullivan house was too quiet. Conor was out with James and the others carrying out the plans to attack Romano. Sinead and Lucy were both supposedly out at friends' houses. Carrick was home, but seemed to be keeping a low profile these days. As for Emmet, well he'd gone off out on some other business, seeming more distracted and distanced than ever before. She was regretting not joining Conor and James. She'd have felt a damn sight better fighting for her children than sitting around the house like some lonely housewife. She'd done all the painting she wanted to that day and her next photoshoot wasn't until Friday. She was going crazy sitting around the house and worrying about her family. She got out of the chair and marched to the bottom of the stairs.

"CARRICK!" she shouted up to him. "Are you still home?"

Lazy Taco


Conor Sullivan
​

Conor grinned as Alex joined him, only letting it fade a little when she questioned his presence. "How's your arm? I bought you a gift..." He held out the cardboard box and looked at the label on the side to see what was inside. "Paper plates..." he said, slowly reading out the words. He then grinned before tossing the box back aside. "I'm not sure if I already told you I like danger, Alex. What's more dangerous than sneaking into the enemy's party to see a hot girl? Totally worth it," he said, looking at the dress she was wearing. He then looked towards the fire exit and took on a more serious expression. "Why don't we get out of here and get some drinks elsewhere? Or we can check into a room here and have drinks. Come on, be a rebel," he suggestively told her. He really wanted her as far away from that dance floor as possible.

neverbackdown

 

[Lazy Taco]

Carrick had been at his home, reading some books while laying on his bed. He already knew that the others had left to go do something against the Romano's, with him wanting to go join them but had decided against it, mostly because he didn't feel like going at all. He had llns to accomplish, but now he had to take his time. When he heard his mom call him, he dropped the book on his phone and stood up from his bed, opening the door to his room. "Yeah, I'm here." He called out to her. "What's wrong?"

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex smiled at him "My arms okay" She laughed when he tried to hand her the box "Paper plates, what Ive always wanted" She teased. She listened to what he said a smirk playing on her features "and you said I'm the bad influence yet I dare say, you're more drawn to danger than me" she teased him. When Conor looked to the fire exit and tried to coax her into leaving the party, she frowned noting that he even went as far as calling her out to be a rebel, Alex took a step back. She didn't want it to be true but her guts were telling her to run back to the room and get everyone out of the ballroom. "I can't its a family party, I cant leave" She said the last bit slowly as she looked back towards the stage and then back to Conor "Is their a reason I shouldn't go back in there?" She asked him, giving Conor the chance to tell her the truth. She caught his eye, a serious expression taking over her features "There are children in there, innocent children"

Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Detective Edwards
​

The Detective looked to Jon with an indifferent expression. He didn't really care what was important to the lieutenant, especially not since he'd decided to be quite an ass towards him this evening.

"In fifteen minutes. I look forward to it..." he flatly remarked. He returned to his office where he had a dozen case files spread out neatly across his desk. It would appear that solving crimes would have to wait another day. He'd only left the office for a coffee break and now wished he hadn't bothered. He began gathering the files together in a specific order and placing them in a perfectly neat pile in the corner of the desk. The files were all pieces of a puzzle he knew were linked together, but finding and proving that link was going to be quite difficult.

Trignome
(OOC. Sorry, I'm stalling so they don't catch up to the other plot too soon!)

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray
Lucy gave a soft laugh as the men scrambled to escape the room. Her eyes lit up as he noticed that he used the word "we". That was a word he rarely used when speaking to her and it showed her that he was romantically interested. She smiled into the kiss he gave her before he pulled away. They were going to get through this, like he said.

But in the back of her mind, there was a small ounce of doubt. She was unsure if she ran like she had promised, that he would make it out alive. Of course, she trusted him to get out of there alive but she didn't know if she would be able to run.

Biting her lip, she once again fought her stubbornness and she nodded her head. "I'm going to run...but I swear to god if you don't make it out with me I will make sure to find you in the afterlife and make you miserable." She threatened before pulling out a cigarette from her purse and lighting it. Taking a drag to destress, she looked at him for further instruction.​

 

[Misty Gray]

Vincenzo Romano​

As the pianist reached the last two songs on the playlist she'd been give, Vinnie noticed more couples moving to the dance floor for the slow numbers. He'd not had a relaxing night like this for a while, so decided to make the most of the opportunity. He glanced over the pianist for a short time, noticing from her tiny frame and distinct posture that she wasn't one of the usual musicians. Regardless, he would be sure to ask Leo about her later as he'd been quite impressed with her playing this evening, so would quite like to have her back in the future. He focused his attention back to Kitty and Gianna.

"Kitty, will you excuse us for a few minutes?" he asked her. "We will continue our conversation, but first, I must have this dance with my wife, before they switch to some noisy band," he explained. He then took Gianna's hand so he could lead her to the dance floor. "Shall we dance, my love?" he asked her, with a charming smile.

sprouhtt TofuMafia

 

[Misty Gray]

The Grand Hotel

As Sinead played towards the end of the final song, she looked to Vinnie and Gianna from the corners of her eyes. She'd managed to get through the entire playlist in the presence of Vinnie and many of his gang members. The same man who had made a point of trying to ruin her life, along with hurting many of those she was close to. She couldn't help but feel accomplished and stronger for it. As she played the final few notes of the song, she decided to play a bonus tune for him. The tone of the music took on a clear shift as Sinead began playing a rather sombre version of 'Happy Birthday'...

Spoiler: LISTEN HERE

Vincenzo Romano
​

As Vinnie danced with Gianna, he held her close with his hands placed on his hips. "We haven't had a night quite like this in a long time. I'm also curious to see what you've got me for later," he told her. As the music took a shift into a very moody version of the birthday song, he glanced to the pianist, a small smirk on his face. He'd already been suspicious, but now he was pretty sure the girl was Sinead. He would let her have her little moment and he would let her leave unharmed. Hopefully this minor protest of hers would be enough to give her some closure for the trouble he'd caused her. She wouldn't get another chance after tonight, as he knew his patience with her would soon wear thin.

sprouhtt

Conor Sullivan​

"Perhaps next time I'll gift you with some fine bone china," Conor joked. "Oh, you are a bad influence. I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for you," he assured Alex.

Conor was aware of how close this whole thing was and he knew it was too late now for Alex to do anything about this. He trusted James would not start shooting at kids and if Alex went out there creating chaos, it could cause James to act more impulsively. They were not here to target innocent people. "Alright, don't leave the party then," he relented. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "But you can't go out there yet. Not without at least letting me kiss you for a bit so it wasn't a wasted journey." When she mentioned the innocent children, Conor couldn't help but feel offended. "The children will be fine," he seriously assured her. If Alex attempted to run back out into the ballroom, Conor would used his strength to hold her back and stop her from leaving. He wouldn't hurt her, but he also wouldn't let get away from him. The last thing he wanted was for her to rush out in front of a bullet intended for someone else. That was the image that had been going through his head since the previous day.

neverbackdown

James Porter​

James grinned at Lucy when she threatened to find him in the afterlife if something happened to him. "Well, at least I'll have a beautiful ghost woman to keep me ghost-me company," he remarked. "Seriously, though. Thank you for agreeing to run. As soon as you've fired that gun, you get out of here, no matter what. With the Romanos involved, shit will kick off very fast and I need to make sure our guys have my backup," he explained.

Hearing a knock at the door, he used caution before opening it. One of the Irishmen gave him the go ahead, confirming the area was clear. "It's time..." he said, looking Lucy in the eyes. He grabbed the guns and handed Lucy's hers. "Ready?" he asked, before leading her out of the room and across to the balcony.

Once they reached the balcony, James held out his arm for Lucy to stand back out of view. He peered over to check the scene. The balcony was directly above the stage, so the band's instruments were out of James' and Lucy's sight. From the balcony, they had a clear view of the dancefloor and bar. James continued to scan the area, picking up on the faces of the gang members he knew. A rather depressing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' was playing - it wasn't distracting, but it kind of creeped James out. "Vinnie is dancing with Gianna," he whispered to Lucy, pointing to the right side of the balcony. "They're out in the open, so you should have a clear shot," he told her. A mixture of his feelings for Lucy and the fact she needed to get her own back for what had happened to her the previous night, James was willing to let her take that shot. "He's all yours. You shoot first and I'll follow," he told her. He knew as soon as the first gunshot was heard, people would start to move around much faster, but he'd had much more practice in following moving targets.

James had a clear view of both Monte and Angel, but he had already set his heart on killing Monte and he was going to take great pleasure in putting a bullet in that asshole. "Whenever you're ready," he said to Lucy. As James was about to aim his firearm in the direction of a distant Monte, the sombre song came to an end and left only the voices of the guests to fill the hall. When he glanced down towards the piano, he saw the pianist look up towards the clock on the wall, giving James a clear glimpse of her face. "Sinead..." he whispered, lowering his gun. As Sinead stood up, she suddenly became too risky an obstacle for him to now take his shot at Monte. By this point, it would be too late for him to tell Lucy to hold her fire...

Bellz Enzyme

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex laughed at his comment about fine bona china "Ah I wouldn't trust me with that kind of stuff, paper plates will do nicely" She joked. When he placed his hands on her shoulders Alex knew that her gut instinct had been right and this feeling was only confirmed when Conor told her the children would be fine. Alex's eye darted back towards the main room as the words sunk in, they had targets, meaning her father, her mother, her brothers and sister were out there right in the firing range. She needed to warn them, she didn't care if they questioned how she knew, but she needed to tell them. Alex turned to run but realized that she wasn't moving as Conor had her in his grips. "Let me go Conor" She said in panic as she struggled to break free from his grip, she kept repeating this statement each time her voice getting colder and more desperate.
Alex realized that she had no chance of getting away from him, he was a lot stronger then her and on top of that she was injured. She knew he was trying to save her life and prevent her from getting hurt but they were her family out there and if any off them died she was going to kill every last Sullivan prick she could find. A feeling of helplessness took over Alex and she turned in his grip to face him "So what's the plan?" She asked her voice cold "They kill my family and then you leave me here while you run back to help them escape, because if that's the case I promise you I will follow you or are you planning on taking me with you, because I'm dead either way" She stated, fear and anger were present in Alex's eyes. While Conor processed what she had just said, Alex got an idea, a stupid idea at best but if timed right could be helpful. Alex listened carefully to the background noise and heard the music was beginning to die down, without warning Alex opened her mouth and began to scream one single word "RUN"
​

Misty Gray

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray
The knock on the door had silenced their playful banter and she watched tensely as James opened the door. She wasn't sure whom she was expecting to see on the other side of the door. But it was just one of their men, he spoke to James silently before he turned to look at her dead in the eyes. <i>Its time...</i> She wasn't sure how to feel about those words. Her mind wanted revenge, sweet and honest revenge. But her heart was racing and she felt a cold sweat come over her. She didn't say a word as he handed her the gun. But when he questioned if she was ready, she knew she had to say something. She couldn't be afraid. She couldn't feel guilty. It was do or die at this point for her, and she was definitely going to do it, and a man was going to die.

"More than." Lucy answered, surprising herself with how confident she sounded. Upholding the image she had shown to the world for most of her life. That of confidence. Lifting her chin slightly, she offered James a smile as he led her out of the room and towards the balcony. The brace on her leg now was sturdy enough for her to walk without crutches, so she could walk easier. There was a slight ache from it however and that just seemed to fuel the fire inside of her.

She stopped behind James' arm and a watched as he looked out at the scene. She couldn't help but stare at him openly in admiration, this was what he did. He was in his prime and he was letting her get her revenge. Risking everything for her really, his life and his job. Her cheeks blushed wondering what made him risk it all, the answer in the back of her mind told her the obvious but she didn't know whether or not to believe it. Her thoughts snapped back to attention when he began speaking to her and she nodded at his words. "Good luck, I'll be waiting for you at home." She murmured to him before pecking his cheek and moving towards the right side of the balcony. She positioned herself for a nice clean shot.

Happy Birthday came to an end and she prepared herself. Vinnie was in her sights, she raised two hands to shoot him. The two had slowed in their dance and she was confident that she would be able to hit Vinnie directly. She took a deep breath and listened to the crowd quietly conversing. She was so nervous that she took a moment to close her eyes. You have this. Do it and run. She told herself before opening her eyes and taking another deep breath. Vinnie was still her target at the end of her barrel as she counted backwards. 3...2...1...She pulled the trigger and everything seemed to happen in slow motion. The couple that had been dancing turned and she watched as Gianna took the bullet that was meant for Vinnie. But no time was left, all hell broke loose and she began running back towards the nearest exit.​

 

[Misty Gray]

Vincenzo Romano
​

When the music came to an end, Vinnie glanced to the pianist as she stood up from the piano stool. He removed his hands from around Gianna's waist and was about to place his hand on her back to lead her away from the dance floor. Before he had chance to say anything or take a step, he thought he heard Alex shout something from a distance, but this was soon pushed aside upon hearing the gunshot. It had all happened so fast and it took him a moment to realise who had been shot. When he felt the extra weight against his arm, he looked to Gianna to see the blood pouring from the bullet hole in her chest. "GIANNA?!" he frantically shouted. He wrapped both arms around her as he brought himself to his knees, carefully holding her in his arms. "Help. Someone help!" he called out. He used his hand to place pressure over the wound, trying in vain to stop the bleeding. He'd seen enough people shot, and shot enough people, to know this didn't look good at all. "Stay with me, Gianna," he whispered. With his free hand, he gently cupped his wife's cheek, gently kissing her forehead as his eyes filled with tears. Either she was shot by mistake or shot to make him suffer, but whichever it was, Vinnie knew it should be him bleeding out on the floor.

sprouhtt

Conor Sullivan​

As he listened to Alex coldly and desperately plea for him to let her go, Conor felt sick. He hated to see her in such a state and to be the one causing it, but he couldn't let her go out there knowing she could get hurt. "I'm sorry," he softly repeated, maintaining his hold of her.

"This was never part of the plan and I don't even have a plan. All I know is I want to keep you safe, so this is what I'm trying to do," he told her. Conor knew Vinnie was on the top of James' hit list, but he wouldn't be surprised if others were on it too, like Monte, Fortuna and Angel. With the exception of Angel, he didn't care if any of those were killed tonight - Vinnie especially. After what the Romanos had done to his family, this was overdue. "I'm not supposed to be down here, Alex. I just care for you too much not to be."

When Alex shouted "RUN" Conor was about to cover her mouth and drag her away, but he was stunned by the sound of the gunshot. This was followed by screams and the sounds of guests rushing out of the emergency exits around the ballroom. This was it. Had James managed to kill Vinnie? His heart sank as he heard Vinnie shout Gianna's name. In his shock, he loosened his hold over Alex, giving her the opportunity to run away from him. Maybe he was wrong and Vinnie was just shouting out through his own pain, but it didn't seem that way.

neverbackdown

James Porter​

It had been too late for James to tell Lucy to hold her fire. As soon as he heard the gunshot, he turned to the two men keeping watch nearby. "Go with Lucy. Make sure she gets out of here and home safe. Sinead is down there... I have to get her," he told them, glancing over to Lucy once more before rushing off down the corridor.

Having studied the floorplans, James knew to avoid the main staircases and to not end up anywhere near the main lobby which by now would be in chaos. He rushed down one of the back staircases, finding himself at the back of the stage in some empty corridor. He sneaked down the side of the stage, opposite to where Conor was but at the correct side to where he knew the piano was. Keeping out of view, he saw Sinead cowered on the floor, taking cover beneath the piano. The path between him and Sinead was blocked by Romano gang members by now and he was trying to figure out how to get to Sinead. She'd gone the whole night without been noticed, so perhaps it would be safer if she came to him. So preoccupied with what was going on in front of him, he didn't realise there were Romano men and Fortuna right behind him...

Bellz Ineptitude

Sinead Sullivan
​

As soon as she heard the gunshot, Sinead fell to her knees and crawled beneath the grand piano to take cover. She began trembling as she realised what a big mistake she had made. When she heard Vinnie's shouts and pleads for help, she started to cry. She peered to the dance floor and could see the Romano boss holding his wife in his arms. She hated the man, but she wouldn't wish this on anyone and she suspected she'd be equally saddened if it were Vinnie bleeding. Angel had been right. The Romanos were still people and if her assumptions about who had shot him were right, her family was no better than them.

Sinead saw James looking towards her in the darkened area down the side of the stage. She was about to try signal to him about what she should do and how they were going to get out of there, when she noticed the Italians standing right behind him. She tried to warn him whilst not drawing attention to herself, but it seemed to get lost in translation, so James wasn't sure what she was trying to say.

Detective Edwards
​

After making a quick call to his wife to tell her he might be late home, Steven put his overcoat on and grabbed his briefcase. If this was a case, he needed his things with him. When he found Lieutenant Xin, he glanced to the door. "Let's get this out of the way then." He looked over his shoulder to check he hadn't left anything. "You know, Sergeant Hunter would have happily agreed to this. He loves parties," he noted. The sergeant probably didn't like parties, being that he disliked most people, but the Detective and Hunter seemed to enjoy winding each other up. "I hope Detective is an appropriate dress code for this party."

Trignome (can we still stall a little before they arrive on the scene?)

Lazy Taco Foxy TofuMafia Enzyme Mooriot Thatoneflawedhero

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex listened to what Conor said but she couldn't comprehend it as her mind and heart were racing too fast for her to handle. She didn't even know if shouting had helped, had anyone even heard her out in the ball room. Alex opened her mouth to say something to Conor when suddenly she heard a gun go off followed by chaos. Her heart jumped to her throat as she tried to get away again, she was certain that her father had been hit, but when she heard his voice her heart broke and she began to physically shake in fear. Her mother?. When Conor loosened his grip on her Alex ran without a second thought or even a look back. Please be Alive, please be ok. Her mother couldn't die, she needed her, she needed her mother to be around, to help her pick her dress if she ever got married, to help her with boy troubles, to confide in. Alex was very close to her mother, she was a mothers girl at heart so when she saw Gianna lying in her fathers arm with blood flowing from a hole in her chest, Alex froze. She hadn't even made it fully onto the stage but she couldn't move. She stood just at the entrance to the stage and looked at the scene unfolding before her. She felt sick, she felt weak and she thought she was going to throw up. She wasn't sure if Conor was still standing behind her or if he had left to help the Sullivan men to escape, but she didn't care. As Alex heard her fathers cries and the pain which was so evidently radiating off him, Alex broke. She no longer felt sick or teary, she felt numb.
Without a thought of the consequence Alex rooted through her bag and grabbed the knife out of the secret compartment and held it in her hands. She looked and felt empty and she had only one thought on her mind, revenge and she didn't care in that moment if she died trying to get it. Alex took one last look at her mothers body and the chaos in the ballroom before turning around and walking to the fire-exit behind the stage, Knife in hand. She knew a gun would be more effective but she didn't have time to go find one, not that she'd be given one. Alex walked straight past Conor without even looking at him and straight out the fire exit door.​

Misty Gray

​

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray​

Lucy was slowed down by the crowd of people still evacuating the building. The two men that had been with her before were now right behind her with weapons raised, and within seconds Lucy was pushed to the floor as shots were fired. Her breath left her with the fall but she scrambled to get out the door. The two men that had been with her were lost with the crowd as Lucy made it to her feet.

The downpour of rain was a shock to her but she continued out into the open street. Anything was better than being in that building. And as much as she wanted to go back and help, she knew that she would be one more distraction.

Slowing down her pace, she found herself in the back alleyway of the building huddling next to a few garbage cans. Her injured leg became painfully noticeable as she stood still and she bit her lip slightly. Should she go back for the two men? She needed them to get home right? Her heart thumped in her chest as she struggled to come to a decision.

She felt herself struggle for breath and she leaned against the buildings wall as she tried to calm herself down. Lucy was ashamed at how fearful she was. But in that moment, she made a decision that could ruin everything and moved out from the alleyway. Heading back towards the side exit door slowly , her gun was raised shakily and her breathing was uneven.

 

[Trignome]

Xin had just walked down to the first floor of the station when he heard someone behind him. The lieutenant turned around to see Detective Edwards walking towards the front doors with a briefcase in his hand. Once they were outside the station, Lieutenant Xin gave the detective a polite smile. “I wouldn’t say detective attire is appropriate…but as long as you keep your holster under your coat, it’s passable.”

Xin would have been irritated with how callous Edwards was being about this matter, but he was in a good mood from anticipating a quiet, efficient evening in his office. He took the keys to Garths’ personal vehicle from his inner breastpocket and headed to the employees’ parking lot by the side of the building. All he needed to do was find an opportunity to leave the detective and the young lady at the party, and then…the lieutenant stifled the excitement from showing on his face.

Once he found the right car, Xin opened the back passenger door. “I’ll drive. You can keep our guest company.” He looked at the detective, who was wearing a somewhat dour expression. “I may have forgotten to tell you our guest is the daughter of a CPD official. It would be in your best interest to be a bit more sociable.”

The lieutenant left the passenger door open and walked over to the driver’s side. He locked eyes with the detective. “That may include taking the liberty to smile every half hour or as often as you think a married man should.”

Misty Gray (Their detour to pick up Garths’ daughter can take as long as is necessary...)

 

[Foxy]

Monte Romano
Monte had, of course, been a bit interested in his sister's words, though he decided it was a topic best discussed later, without the ears of others around to drop in on the conversation.
He'd left Alex with but a few words, returning to mingle with others before the party slowed down, and he watched, head tilted, as his father danced with his mother.
It was clear how much they loved each other, and for a moment, Monte was a bit irritated. He wanted that.
Of course, he knew with his habits he likely would never have it, but for a moment the dream lived in his head. Turning away, an annoyed look on his face, he shuffled off to a corner in the great room, eyes darting over dancing couples and analyzing their body language. It was what Monte did best, of course. Strip people of an emotional feeling and read them by their body language. Eyes half closed, he was startled when the room jumped into action, bolting upright and hearing a haunting cry from his father. As people screamed and the room collapsed into chaos, Monte shoved past people, trying to find his parents. As he shoved, he looked around frantically, trying to find the shooter while simultaneously drawing his own gun. Catching a glimpse of people running, Monte narrowed his eyes, turning away from his father.
"Son of a bitch." He muttered, taking off and bursting through double doors. Whatever happened, those bastards would pay. Looking for an exit, Monte found one, shouldering his way past people until he was outside in the pouring rain, blinking raindrops from his eyelashes. He tried to ignore the people running around him. Most were frantically running, but whoever did this would be running somewhere... Somewhere for an escape.
@whoever?

 

[Ineptitude]

Fortuna steadily approached James from behind, slowing down to a stop as she stood just a few feet behind him. She clicked her tongue at him in displeasure. Before he even had the chance to react, however, the hitwoman had already reversed her grip on the pistol in her hand, striking a blow to the back of his head. A particularly satisfying crack resounded from the hit. She watched, impassive and unperturbed as his body fell limp on the ground, her disposition falling into complete and utter neutrality.

"I want three of you after the girl." Fortuna ordered not moments later, craning her neck to look back at the men that had accompanied her. "Two of you, with me. The rest of you know what to do." The men nodded in unison at her, swiftly acting upon her words.

Mentioned: Misty Gray Bellz

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan​

Conor hadn't followed Alex, but he was trying to see into the ballroom from a gap in the stage curtains. He couldn't see much and knew he now needed to rejoin his own gang, to make sure they were all out safely. Completely unaware James or Sinead were in a dangerous zone, he figured it would be as simple as meeting the others by the exit at the back of the building and then on to where their getaway drivers were hiding out nearby.

His attention was diverted when he saw Alex walk right by him with a knife in her hand and head out of the side fire exit. After a brief reluctance, he followed her. He wasn't going to let her go and get herself killed now. He pulled his hood up over his head as he stepped out into the pouring rain. Timing it right, he rushed behind Alex and pulled her to the side and out of view, not even bothered that she had a knife in her head. He had a gun in his, if they even wanted to play "my weapon is better than yours". It took him a moment to steady his breathing before he could begin to try speaking. He still struggled to form any words, still shocked that it was Alex's mother who had taken the bullet.

"I'm so sorry... I.. .whatever you're doing, it's a stupid idea," he eventually managed. "You'll just end up getting yourself killed and what will that achieve?!"

neverbackdown

James Porter​

So distracted with wanting to help Sinead, the blow to the back of his head was a shock to James and one he didn't get chance to process. He collapsed on the floor, unconscious, and dropped his gun nearby.

When James woke up, he felt the throbbing paid at the back of his head before anything else. He then realised he was laid out face-down on the floor, his face pressed against the cold wooden floor and his hands tied together behind his back. He rolled onto his side and opened his eyes. It took him a time to see through the blurriness, but when his vision cleared, he saw two pairs of men's feet standing by him. He wouldn't realise straight away, but he'd been taken to one of the hotel rooms the Romanos kept aside and out of bounds to the public. He swore in his own head as he wondered if he was going to get out of this unfortunate situation. One thing for sure, Conor and Sinead were going to be in deep shit if he did get out alive. Conor for not sticking with the group and Sinead simply for being there at all.

"Ma'am, he's awake," one of the deeply spoken Italian men spoke. "What shall we do with him?" he curiously asked. The fact he had woken up made James hopeful he wasn't going to be killed. Though he suspected the alternative wouldn't be any more pleasant, especially given he was outnumbered and disarmed.

"Evening... Fortuna..." James managed to speak up, without a doubt in his mind that the female the man had addressed was Vinnie's right-hand woman.

Ineptitude

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex was walking aimlessly, she didn't have a plan, hell Alex didn't even know where to go once she made it outside . The rain felt nice against her skin, So she didnt care that her makeup was probably running down her face nor did she care that she was getting drenched as she made her way towards the car park, but before she could even reach the corner of the building she felt a strong force pulling her to the side. Alex had been so preoccupied on what she was going to do that she hadn't heard anyone behind her. Which she realised was a grave mistake and so as she was being pulled she raised her knife ready to strike at any moment, that is until he spoke and she realised it was Conor.
Alex lowered her hand as she looked at him, listening to what he said "I, I don't know but one of those bastards deserve to die" she said this coldly but her voice broke as she continued "They killed my mother, she never gave any orders, she didnt do anything wrong, she didnt deserve it" As Alex spoke tears begin to fall freely down her face, and her body began to shake as she came to terms with what happened
​

Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Detective Edwards
​

Edwards followed Xin to the car and listened as he mentioned he would be keeping a guest company. He'd gone undercover before and knew how to act, but it was usually good protocol to be briefed on the the mission before being thrown into it. It was also odd that the person he was keeping company was a CPD official's daughter. He hoped she knew what she was doing. "Oh, I can fake a smile whilst on the job, Xin. How do you think I get along with some of those jackasses back at the station?" he joked. An actual joke with an actual smile. He would give the lieutenant what he wanted.

It wasn't that Edwards was a trusting or naive man, but he was a very professional man who believed Xin would be equally professional and all of this was business. Cavorting with colleagues and their daughters was very unprofessional, even for an unmarried man, so he would treat this as a case and be hyper-vigilant of everything around him from this point on.

Trignome

Conor Sullivan​

Conor watched as Alex lowered her knife and he slid his gun into the inside pocket of his jacket. When she said one of the Sullivans deserved to die, Conor couldn't blame her. However, he also couldn't let her do anything, out of loyalty to his family and concern for Alex's safety. As she mentioned them killing her mother and how the woman didn't deserve it, he felt sick. Seeing Alex upset and shaking broke his heart. It didn't matter if they were on enemy sides, it didn't stop him from feeling upset for her. He wasn't sure what he would do if his mother was killed - he wasn't sure he could handle that. Seeing Alex shake, he placed his arms around her and pulled her in close so he could hold her tightly. He wasn't sure what to say, he couldn't echo her desire for revenge or even apologise on someone else's behalf. A few inches higher and a Romano gangster would have killed Lucy and Sinead the previous night - Sinead being so far removed from the family business. Regardless, he cared for Alex and she had just lost her mother. All he could do was console her and put himself in her place. "I'm so sorry about you rmother, Alex. Nobody deserves to lose their mam," he said, his own voice faltering. As he too teared up, Conor kissed the top of Alex's head, still holding her close until she desired otherwise.

neverbackdown

*****************************************​

As Lucy headed back towards the side door, she wouldn't realise how close she was to Conor and Alex as they were standing out of view down a nearby narrow alleyway. Someone she would see, a little close for comfort, was Monte who was just stepping outside into the rain...

Foxy Bellz

 

[Ineptitude]

"Evening to you as well, darling." A low, alluring voice replied, clearly belonging to the aforementioned right-hand woman. "Cesario, Tesauro, show our guest over here a bit of hospitality and set him upright." She offhandedly addressed the pair of subordinates with a wave of her hand, earning twin grunts of affirmation.

James was then roughly picked up from his position on the floor by the two men, with grips tight enough that they would bruise his arms for weeks on end, before being dropped abruptly and unceremoniously onto a plush, maroon couch.

Sitting right across from him was Fortuna, smiling ever-so-pleasantly at him. The hitwoman was strangely relaxed despite the current situation. Her long legs and feet, showing off those spit-shine suave, gold metallic high-heels, were crossed one over the other as she leaned back into her seat, her hands resting on her stomach. "Quite the stunt you and your little friends pulled off, hmm?" She commented rather cordially, though it didn't take a genius to figure out the true meaning behind her words.

Mentioned: Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter​

Even in his current predicament, James couldn't help but force a brief smirk as Fortuna addressed him. She was a strong and skilled woman, which he would be impressed with were she fighting on the right side, with the Sullivans. He grimaced as the two men roughly grabbed him by the arms and dumped him onto the couch. If he wasn't currently restrained, he'd have punched them by now. He didn't like not having the option to fight back, but he would be patient. He'd taken beatings during his first few weeks of his first jail sentence, but it was his patience and restraint that enabled him to complete his sentence with a number of new allies. The same ex-cons he continued to have as allies on the outside of jail. He hated the thought of ever returning to prison, but he was grateful for the strength, patience and resilience he'd developed whilst there. He expected those attributes were going to be very important right now.

James looked to Fortuna as she smiled and relaxed across from him. He knew there was more beyond her demeanour - she wasn't Vinnie's go-to-girl for nothing. He managed a faint smirk and a shrug of his shoulders as she spoke to him about the stunt. "It could have gone better, if I'm being completely honest," he calmly replied to her. Of course it wasn't ideal that Gianna had been killed, but he wasn't as sentimental about any Romanos as Conor or Sinead would be. "Had it gone better, I suspect you and Monte would be eyeing up the top spot by now."

Ineptitude

Shannon Sullivan​

"Nothing's wrong," Shannon shouted up to Carrick. "But I want you to get your arse downstairs so we can talk."

Shannon wouldn't take no for an answer and once he came down she would invite him to sit with her in the lounge. "Are you doing okay, son? I know everyone is so occupied with business and there's been a lot of it lately. I need to know how you're holding up and that you don't feel overlooked. How do you feel about our family's... activities?" she curiously asked him. She was well aware of Sinead's stance against it and aware Lucy wanted more of a role in it. Conor's position was obvious. But she was never too sure about Carrick's position.

Lazy Taco

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex leaned into Conor letting him hold her as tears flowed freely down her face. She couldnt speak and she felt like she couldnt move as she buried her head into his chest. She couldnt imagine what life was going to be like without her mother, but she knew she was going to have to be strong for Alena's sake. The thought of Alena snapped Alex back into reality, was Alena ok? Had she gotten out. Alex remembered seeing Alena with Leo at the bar so she assured herself that Alena would be okay and would have gotten out unharmed.
Alex unwillingly stepped back from Conors embrace and stood facing him as she wiped the tears of her face. She knew she should be angry with him, she knew she should hate him yet she couldnt. He hadn't pulled the trigger and had been with her, and as much as she wanted to scream at him she couldn't. She blamed herself however for allowing herself to be held backstage, maybe if she had of screamed earlier or not been so naive maybe she could have given the warning in time and her mother would still be alive. Alex snapped out of her thoughtthoughts as she looked at Conor "your family are probably waiting for you" she stated, the word family was coated in venom.

Misty Gray

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray
Lucy was just about to step through the side exit door when it swung open and the barrel of her gun was now touching the chest of Monte Romano and she cursed herself for the terrible luck she had. They sorta just stared at each other for a moment, wondering if they were indeed seeing what was in front of them.

She was in big trouble and she knew it. What would the child of a Sullivan be doing here with a gun in her hand? Well considering that his mother was most likely lying dead on the floor, she could only guess what he was piecing together. She cocked the loaded gun and held her finger sturdy at the trigger.

"Lovely to see you Monte,I was just passing through." She stated calmly and pressed the tip of the gun deeper into the center of his chest. Was she afraid? Yes, terrified actually...although a loaded gun was pointed at him, Monte was far more skilled than her. And if he could see through her bluff, she was going to be the one on the end of the gun barrel.

​