I know the feeling there. I grew up in the GeMiTo sprawl. Alleginaces shift like the wind there, if anyone bothers to make any. Kill or be killed, dog eat dog, and all that.

Woman like you, you should come to the old country some time. You'd fit right in. Seems like half the folks on this continent are just looking for the bottom dollar. Beluieve me, that ain't no way ta live. it ain't about who makes the most money.Lot more to it than that. 'Course I s'pose you already know that.

I suppose you're right, though I'm not so sure about the old country. Aren't women there supposed to be subservient and proper? Somehow I don't think I'd mesh well.Lucky's voice is teasing.

She's about to go on when your commlink rings. Picking it up, it's the clinic.

Yeah I don't think I could picture you as a submissive. Just a sec

Darius picks up the commlink, musing to himself on the double meaning.

yeah Darius, go ahead

Mr. Darius, this is Amanda Whitehall from Crash Cart. We were told by Ms. Santangelo to contact you regarding the paternity test results for a Mr. Gino Santangelo? Is this correct?

Thats' correct. Can't take the suspense much longer either.

According to our results, Gino Santangelo is not the father of Lucky Santangelo... However, there were 14 allele pairs in common, which indicates a close blood relationship through the fathers side, possibly a niece or cousin relationship. Have I fully answered all your questions today, Mr. Darius?

Darius hangs up, then forwards Lucky the test results.

Well the test was a neg, but they said that there were a lot of genes in common, which means that you are realted. They said probably a cousin or a niece. He's got no siblings, but he has an uncle, Miklos, so maybe that's the connection.

Lucky looks at you stunned for a moment and then excuses herself from the table. She disappears down the hallway leading to the bathroom.

Since she'll probably be a minute, put througha quick call to Geno. Secure. It'll be middle of the day in Greece.

Geno, it's Darius, I've got the results. They're a neg on parental. They say she's probably a cousin or niece.

Really? .. How old is she, Darius?

20's , Sin was issued in 2034.

2034? That could mean... Miklos. A niece, then. I never even knew that he was with anyone in New York, he was still so torn up by my mother's death. Tell me, what do you think of her Darius?

She's sharp. A bit unsettled by all this, so I'd guess she's been looking for anyone for a while now. But she's been in New Orleans for only a year after moving twice, and she's already got her own place. My sources say she's a mage, although not that hot yet.

I'd say she's feeling a bit trapped here in New Orleans. Someone or something here has her on edge. Paraniod like a runner. And I'd say she'll be going places ... eventually.

This does explain the resemblance, but not the last name. Where did she get Santangelo? Find out for me, Darius.

The nunn's at the orphange gave it to her. Maybe they knew more than they said. It was in New York. If your uncle was there, the pieces fit. You could always pull DNA and find out.

Keeping an 'eye' out with olfactory boosters and select sound filters for Lucky returning, although it's only been 30 seconds. Better safe than sorry.

I'm not sure how to proceed here, Darius. If she is family then she should be welcomed home with open arms, but... I am unsure. What do you think?Gino's voice sounds every year of 65, he sounds tired. The mention of Miklos name and the color went from his face. From the small commlink screen, Darius can see Gino take another nitro tab.

She's family if she's family, ain't she? She can say no , and then no worries. But Miklos is dead. If he had a kid somewhere, there's no worry 'bout shame of it now. 'Sides, the girl looks like she could use a little direction. Maybe some family can do that. And you'd like her. And she's a hell of a looker. You just remember she's family when you see her in person.

Darius smiles at the little jibe. Gino may be three times his age, but he had all of Darius' appetites and more.

All right kid, see if you can convince her to fly back here for a week or two, see if we can't get this whole mess straightened out. In the meantime, thanks for taking care of this for me. I look forward to having you back home, but enjoy yourself, Darius.

Gino coughs and then hangs up the phone. He doesn't look well at all. This last month has really taken it out of him. Off the phone now, you can turn your attention back to your food. It's when the dish is finished and the waiter brings you your second beer that you realize that Lucky isn't back yet.

Cal Lucky on her phone. While I'm at it, checkto see if there's a back exit down that hall.

There is a back exit and Lucky doesn't answer the phone. But, from somewhere down the pier you hear the echo of a ring.

Pay for the check and follow the ringing. Also use my thermo graphic vision to spot here, and follow her scent.

The thermo here is hard to read, the ambient humidity is so high that along with the think scent of spice and seawater make it almost impossible to track her by sight and scent. But, coming out of the mist is the unmistakable sound of a woman weeping. Following the sound, you soon come to the end of the pier where you see Lucky sitting on it's edge, her feet dangling and her head in her hands. Her commlink sits beside her, flashing red.

Darius walks up and crouches beside her shoulder. Within arms reach but not touching her yet.

I talked to Gino. You're still family, and he would still like to meet you. I'm going to be in town for a while . Until you're ready to go that is. He's the only family you've got that we know of . Miklo's dead. He was an old man when you were born. Don't know if you're his, or a little more down the line, but we can find out.

I've got an open plane ticket for you when ever you'd like to go. I'm sure you'll want to wait a couple of days. Probably can't jsut up and dissapear.

Darius sits and waits for a reply. Eventually he places an arm around Lucky's shoulder, sitting down next to her.

Lucky resists for a moment, her entire body going rigid, but then she seems to melt into the embrace and rests her head on his shoulder. When she speaks, it's in a whisper.
I have a twin brother. He was born deformed and was taken away to a boy's school in another part of the state. I've never known what happened to him. He.. could be dead for all I know. It's just that I've spent years looking for him, thinking he was all I got... and now.. this. It's a little bizarre. I don't know what to do now. I have a lot going on here, I don't know if I can just leave. There's people I have to talk to.Lucky shakes her head and wipes away the tears. Turning to look at Darius again she speaks in a shaky voice.
Please don't tell anyone about my brother. Please?

What brother?

Listen, I'm in no hurry to leave at the moment Things are dull back in Greece. No one needs killingright now. Down right depressing. I'll ahng around here for a while, we can go kill some people together, you can get your deals all set, then take a little vacation. Mediteranean Cruise. it's good stuff, trust me.

Darius continues sitting with his arm around Lucky. He's seen vulnerable women before and this is vulnerable. Knowing that, if he abuses it now, or acts inappropriately, any trust there might have been will be completly wiped out for good. So he sits, holding her against his shoulder. Vaguely hoping some punk that needs killing comes along.

After a few minutes, Lu seems to pull herself together.
Hey, whaddya say I show you around? Show you that all night party I was talking about?
Lucky stands up and dusts her pants off, giving Darius an inadvertent glimpse of the black lace thong she's wearing under those leather pants.

Never one to pass up a pleasant view, Darius enjoys it while it lasts. The nhe stands, and puts his arm around Lucky.

You just said my favorite words darlin'. Where to first?

Darius starts leading them back to the car.

Lucky smiles and on impulse, leans forward and kisses Darius. It's sudden and hard enough to take him by a suprise. She tastes of cinnamon and Scotch, she must have been drinking before he showed up. It's over just as soon as it started.
Without another word, she walks off towards the car. Turning she looks at Darius,
You comin'?

For a woman that tastes like cinnamon and scotch and smells like Versace and leather, I'll go anywhere.

Darius gets the car door for her again, but this time giving her a palyful swat on the rump. He smiles, trying to make it look innocently playful, then gets in the car on his side.

Smiling back, Lu reaches up and opens the sunroof. Directing him on which roads to take, they soon find themselves in the middle of a huge block party. Dueling bands play on either side of the street, laughing and throwing insults and the crowd cheers. Resteraunt kitchens are in full swing, and the scents of roast pork and chicken, gumbo, spicy jambalya and beer fill the air. Further down the street, voodoun fortune tellers throw the bones and cackle at passerby. Darius is amazed to see his first ghosts, transparent little girls dressed in matching pinafores that appear and disappear right before his very eyes. Lucky laughs and drags him into the maelstrom of music and flavor.
The band starts up a hot little number and Lucky begins to gyrate, dancing close to Darius. The crowd moves together, forcing bodies close. In between the swaying couples, joints are passed. Lucky takes one and inhales deeply, and then offers it to Darius.

Darius takes a long drag then hands it back to Lucky.He opens his jacket takes off his tie, tossing it aside, and unbuttons his shirt. He puts his arm around Lucky's waist and pulls her in close against him.

For the next three songs, you and Lucky remain entwined. Your eyes and hers barely leave each other. By the end of the third song you are both so keyed up it's hard to focus on the music. Lucky suggests grabbing a drink and leads you to a street stand, ordering two beers. Popping the top of her bottle, she takes a long drink and looks around.
So where to now, tourist?She says, leaning against the pillar of a nearby resteraunt.

Take me to where you want to go. Where ever the action is.
Darius looks Lucky up and down, obviously.

I want to see everything.

Smiling, Lucky takes you back to your car. Once inside, she gives you directions to a long and dark alleyway. Starting down the alley, wondering where in the hell she's taking you, you're startled by the figure of a man stepping out of the shadow.
What the frag you doin' here?Lucky steps up to the man and holds something out in her hand.
We're here to see Le Croix.
Yeah, yeah. Over there.The bum waves them over to a steel door set into a wall. Opening it, Lucky steps through and waits for Darius. She smiles mischeviously as he follows her through what seems like a mile of twisting tunnels until you emerge into the sound of a roaring crowd. You're standing on the top level of a huge underground arena. The arena itself is broken into seperate sections, with different rings in each section.
Lucky turns to you and waves a hand,
Welcome to the Arena. The bloodiest place in N'awlins. Come on.Lucky leads you down the stairs until you come to a level exclusively dedicated to private suites. Paying the man at the door, Lucky steps through one.
The suite offers a prime view of the Arena and the men who come to place their bets. The glass of the suite is one way, and the suite itself is decorated in black and grey. The suite also contains a fully stocked bar. Lucky loses her jacket and walks over to the bar and reaches over (there's the black lace again) to grab a bottle of Scotch.
What's your poison, my man?

I'll take a Jack

While she pours, Darius takes a moment to enjoy watching her, not hiding it at all.

Noticing his look and enjoying it, Lucky poured his drink and brought it over.
So, tell me... what do you do for this other Santangelo?
Pushing Darius with a hand on his chest, she put him into one of the leather easy chairs. Flipping out the ottoman, she sat on it, one leg draped over each side.

Frankly, whatever needs done. Most of the time it' basic bodyguarding. Others oit's more proactive. I was a merc since I was 14, the na runner for a few years. Gino found that I had many skills that he could put to good use against his rivals when things got a little too heated. Explosion here, a hit there, you know the score.

So, Gino's the kind of guy that needs your kind of protection? Who is he? I mean... who is my uncle?Lucky seems to find the whole thing rather ironic, and laughs, and then takes a drink.

He's a business man. And I mean that. He does the shipping bit, extra virgin olive oil, all that. He's connected. Everyone in Greece is at some point or another, whether or not they know it. And that's part of why he needs a man like me. All the business in Greece want to get ahead. There isn't a lot of room to expand anymore, so if you wanna go up, someone else has to go down.

Well Gino is already up, and other people want to change that. It's my job to put 'em back in their place.

Is he... Lucky seems about to say something and then changes her mind.Did you tell him about me?

Of course I did. He's anxious to meet you. He has a son and a daughter. AJ, his son, well, he's goinsome time and a lot of growing up right now. His daughter Apple is here in the states going to law school. His first wife died years ago. When he found out he might have more family, he sent me out as quick as he could.

Gino was raised by his mother. His father never knew he existed. he felt for your position.

Ahh, my position. You know, you don't have to feel sorry for me. I may have been an orphan but I was raised by sisters who loved me. They treated me well. I still see them every Christmas. I did well for myself.
Lucky seems to fold in on herself and gets up to stand by the window and watch the fights.
So, now what? You're done here, right? You go back and continue your whole boyguard/security thing?

I'm not going anywhere until you are. Besdiesm this city is growing on me. I could do with spending little more time here.

Darius stands up and behind Lucky, watching her reflection in the glass.

I've still got a lot to see after all. And Gino will want his only neice looked after closely, I'm sure.

In the glasses reflection, Darius can see Lucky smile. She takes a drink and then turns.
So, you tell me then. What do you know about me? I'm sure you've done your own research.
Walking back over, she stands in front of Darius.

if you really want to know everything, I'll tell you everything. But first, your word that you won't pry on how I know what I do know, or be upset about it.

Great. She had to ask that. Hope I don't lose her here.

Okay. Deal.Her voice is husky.
Lucky is still standing close, she's tall and in those heels she's almost eye level.

Darius stpes up, and puts his arms around her. He looks her swuare in the eyes so she knows that he is telling the truth.

I know you grew up an orphan, and I be tyou send them money when you can. I know that you ahve family you odn't knwo about ,and you consider that a potential weakness, so you hide it. But you look anyway. I know that sometimes you feel out of place, but this is the only life you know. And besdes that, you enjoy it. Especially enjoying the fruits of your labor. I know that you're proud of the fact taht you started with nothing, and worked your way up. Nothing free, everything earned.

I know you cam from Seattle because of some heat up htere. The same reason you left New York. You came down with a friend. Or at least someone you still hoe is a friend.

I know that you're a mgae, and youre still learning. Like your family, you don't want anyone to know, because you're not very good at it yet. So until it becomes a strength, it's a weakness. I know you're learning from a spirit, but you're not sure on who's terms.

I know that there's a lot going on in your head right now. But the one thing that keeps coming up is that you want me, and you're not quite sure if you wnat to open up that much more.

I know that I feel the same way. And I am willing

Darius leans in and kisses her hard.

Later, after many more fights, and a string of betting between them ,Darius ending up three grand in the hole, Darius leads Lucky back out of the Arena, and back to his car.

Where to now Darlin'?

Well, let's see... I think I can swing for breakfast considering how much you just went down.Lucky laughs and winks at Darius.
I know this great little place. C'mon.

Yeah , breakfast would be good. I feel like I've been eating all night, but I'm not full. Proabaly just drank too much. Show me the way. Then I could use some rest. Mind if I crash at your place? All I have is a hotel suite, and they always smell strange.