The door opens on it's own. Mancuso is in his chair, just getting up, and walks over to greet Lucky. Lucky, good morning. A bit early today, but it certainly makes for a fine way to start the day off.

He ushers her in, then ksses her full on the mouth as he nudges the door close with his foot. The kiss is very deep and passioante and lasts for a long time.

Lucky returns the kiss, moaning in all the right places. Finally she breaks the kiss and pulls back to look at Julian. Are we celebrating, Julian? She smiles.

It seemed like a good time for it. If you're not busy, I have some time for more celebrating. Here on business?

Lucky pulls the banded envelope from her pocket and hands it to him. Well... I was, but I think I could do with a little celebration. She smiles slyly and pulls Julian closer, returning to the kiss.

Lucky leaves the Naughty Kitten about an hour and a half later. Apparently there are some nicer ways to end a relationship then just having them ritually destroyed by a loa spirit. She gest some appreciative looks from a number of the men as she leaves. Apparently Mancuso's office ins't completely sound proof.

Lucky spends the rest of the day moving from one contact to another, never asking about the VP specifically... just chatting them up in general, spreading cash around and passing time.
If anyone is watching, at least it looks like I'm searching for Eric's killer. The only thing to really do now is wait for Rock's phone call.
At about 2 p.m. Lucky stops at her usual spot in the bayou. She sends a small force spirit to locate Nathaniel, telling it to relay the message: Contact me when everything's been taken care of.
Taking a deep breath, Lucky takes a slow walk around the bayou road, watching the water ripple and flow.

After seeing a behemoth slide in to the water, ucky decides that perhaps Bennet is right. There are safer places to wait. The spirit returns shortly after with a simple message of assent.

She picks up Dante from day care after 1700, and hits Bourbon street. They grab dinner first at one of hte local bistros, and promptly get to work on finding on finding a "arctic whiz-cade".


Her commlink rings at 2100, just when Lucky is beginning to wonder if maybe something went wrong. When she answers, it's brief. Nathaniels voice.

Done. it disconnects.

Lucky quickly deletes all traces of Nathaniel's call from her 'link, and then waits another 10 minutes before placing a call to Julian's phone. When the voicemail prompt beeps, Lucky leaves a frantic message:
Julian... listen to me... when you get this message, call me! It's crucial. I need to talk to you. I think we might be in trouble, all of us.. just call me, soka?
Hanging up, Lucky heads back to her house and tucks Dante into bed.

About 20 minutes after arriving, her comm rings again. Busy night she thinks ruefully. It's Rock. Very predictable.

Lucky answers, a look of concern already on her face.
Rock... I was just about to call you... what's wrong?

Lucky ... look, uh, you better come in. Come up to the House. Fast. Oz says 'now.'

The House. That only means one place. It's strange, when you can hear a word be capitolized. The House is Miriam Kozlowski's home.

For one brief moment, Lucky is convinced that this is what a heart attack feels like.
I'll be there, Rock. Lucky swallows and hangs up the phone. Oh, fuck! fuck! fuck! fuck! ... Lucky heads out of the house and crosses the lawn to her neighbor's house.
Knocking on the door, she calls out to the elderly woman whom she can see moving about in the kitchen window.
Mrs. Carol? Mrs. Carol?! When the woman comes to the door, Lucky smiles worriedly. Mrs. Carol, my boss just called and I have to go into work right away. Is there any chance you could keep an eye on Dante for me?

Uhh.. why yes dear, of course. It is rather late though, isn't it? I don't know how you young people do it these days, keeping up with such demanding schedules. Your bosses are really qorking you to death girl.

Of course I'll watch him. He's such a nice young boy. You bring him on over. I'll have everythign ready in a jiff.

Lucky smiles and thanks the woman profusely. Back at the house, she wakes Dante and practically carries the boy and his blanket to the woman's house. She parks Benny outside on the lawn, instructing him through the AR to go to Dante if he hears the stress level in Dante's voice rise, indicating danger.
Thank you, Mrs. Carol. Thank you very much. I'll be back to pick him up shortly.
Having dropped him off, Lucky races back to her house where she dresses. Black pinstriped slacks, black silk button up, black suit coat, black heels. She runs a brush through her hair, completely ignoring the cold breeze that blows across her back from nowhere.
In another five minutes, she's out the door and speeding down the road.
... fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck....

Anyone who's anyone in the city knows where the Kozlowski House is at. Compund is more like it. It's up on a hill, on the northern skirt of the city. The house is huge, and well lit. There are no neighbors around on the hill. It's the Kozlowski hill. They own the hill, the street up to it, hell even the cops that patrol the street leading to the street leading up to it.

Miriam's fortress is always proudly displayed, as if daring someone, anyone, to try to make a move on her. That same boldness keeps people away. A few people have tried to take the house, and died trying. Rumors say the first time was for real. A team of runners, goign for a kill, ened up being the kill. The same rumors say that the second team, alrger and better equipped, was hired by Miriam her self. Hired to come in and assassinate her, to prove that even a group of prime runners had no chance.

Their heads littered the lawn in the morning. Whether or not the first part was rumor ot truth, there were heads on the lawn once. Lucky had seen the pictures.

Drawing up to the iron gate, it opened before she even pulled up to the guard house. The ork guard with the assault rifle on his back simply waived her in. More guards were walking the grounds, a few with killer cyber hounds that made Red and Blue look like off the shelf models. It made Lucky wonder what she couldn't see.

The AR pop up directed Lucky to a parking area to the East side of the grounds. A number of cars were already there, including Rock's. The house it's self was massive. Making no attempt at the southern style, the house sprwaled to like a long mansion, three stories high. It was all dark browns, with a tiled roof. The windows all had intricate iron work, adding art to security. There were more than a few evident cameras, again reminidng Lucky of what she couldn't see. The house was mainly an almost pine color, with darker trimming. Surrounding the house were rows upon rows of large Rose bushes. The red flowers were in full bloom and made the night air smell sweet. Again, art was teamed with security. The thorny bushes would make it harder to get to the walls and windows unnoticed. The climbing, clinging ivy was just as likely the awakened Guardian Vines. It covered most of the house, leaving very few accessible points for astral forms.

Rock met Lucky in the gravel lot, walking out as she exited her truck. The large ork looked tense.

Hey Lucky. You better come inside. Oz wants to talk to ya'

What's he think I'm here to do? Trim the hedges? Of course I'm going inside... Lucky thought testily and then nodded.
She followed Rock as he walked inside, clearing her head and slowly focusing on her breathing. I swear to God... I live through this.. I'm taking up yoga.

The side entrance they used went in to a hallway, cutting right past a guard room. This was obvious, as there were guards there. Lucky also couldn't help but notice the discrete slide rails where security doors would lock in to place were an alrm sounded.

Rock showed her deep in side the house, in to a warm and richly appointed living room. The room was large, but not overwhleming so. The thick carpeted flors had rugs, the couchs looked rich and soft. Pictures dotted the walls along side sconces for illumination. In the room was Jack Ozlowski, along side Harry "The Hammer" Rybinski, and Pamela Rodenbush. Besides Rock, it was just then and her. And Miriam Kozlowski.

Lucky had seen pictures of course. But they really didn't do her justice. She was supposed to be in her mid fifties, but she looked like a woman in her early thirties. She long black hair reached to the smal lfo her back, full and shining. her blue eyes were deep and penetrating. Her features were stong and defined, but she was a curvy woman, larger in all the right places. She was flat out gorgeous. La Belle Damme they called her. It was plain to see why.

Miriam and an undeniable aura of strength and authority. She's seen the same thing in a few other people. Oz when he was really upset. Remy Mayfair when she was conducting the massive ritual. Malice after she left the ring. It was the aura of someone that could and would kill without effort, and without the slightest remorse. This woman was the Kozlowski family. Any thoughts to the rumors of remy pulling her strings behind the scene evaporated instantly.

Oz spoke first. Lucky, we're interested in what you've found out. The situation is quickly becoming intolerable. Julian was killed an hour ago, inside the Kitten. His body shredded it's self. I hope you have some information to share with us. The words "for your sake" remained unspoken. Oz looked suspicious. Everyone was watching her.

OOC: Well, let's get this taken care of...
Composure Test


Lucky's face falls as Oz speaks of Julian's death, her mouth firming into a thin line.

I do, Mr. Ozlowski. I'm more convinced then ever that the Voodoo Posse is responsible for the recent murders. Everything I've learned points to their betrayal. I believe it started with Sinn, Mr. Ozlowski. Sinn was offered a position within their organization shortly after he was made an associate with ours. I believe that Sinn was nothing more then a deniable asset to the Posse, someone to be used and then tossed aside. They were the ones responsible for the hit on Mr. Weisler, choosing him because of his views on Voodoo and his influence within the family.

I believe it was at this time that Sinn and one of the Posse members, Julius crossed paths. From what my sources at the Ace tell me, Sinn spoke disrespectfully to Julius of his patron loa, infuriating him to the point of violence. The extent of his injuries left Sinn hospitalized, during which time I believe he spoke to Julian about his relationship with the Posse.

Hours after Sinn was released, Julius was killed by a spell blast from behind. I believe Sinn sought out Julius and had his revenge. Shortly after this, Sinn planted
the car bomb as he was instructed...

I cannot be sure as to the timeline of what happened next, but I believe that Midnight found out about Sinn's betrayal of Julius and made the call that tipped Lone Star to his location. I believe that Midnight knew that sending someone who prized their magical abilities as highly as Sinn did to Blackstone would be the worst punishment possible.

After that, I believe it became a matter of tying up loose ends. I believe that Gumbo was killed for his knowledge of the Weisler murder and that... Julian... that Julian was killed for his knowledge of Sinn's involvement in the Posse...
As far as proof, I have nothing conclusive... only the method by which each individual was killed.

Con Test

Oz nods slowly, taking in the information he's being told. Harry and Pamela however are livid. Harry speaks first.

That FUCK! He's fucking DEAD! I know just the gang raping assholes to do it to!

Pamela stands You make him fucking pay Harry. His death cannot be quick. Make him suffer. Make him beg for it.

The two of them continue spitting venom for a few more moments, until they notice Oz, and Lucky, looking at Miriam, who is simply standing there patiently waiting for them to finish. They do. Quickly.

Finally Miriam speaks.
You believe that the Posse had Erik assassinated Lucky. Why? To what end?

To be blunt, Ms. Koslowski, I believe the Posse is attempting to change the climate in the Family to one more to their liking. Mr. Weisler was a traditionalist and he had influence. More and more members of the family were listening to him. To the Posse, Mr. Weisler posed a considerable threat. I believe that by tapping Sinn to kill him they thought they were killing two birds with one stone. Inwardly, Lucky's mind races. This is Miriam Koslowski! She BROUGHT IN the Voodoo Posse... her consiglieri is REMY FUCKING MAYFAIRE! And here you are telling her that they're stabbing her in the fucking back! Lucky m'girl... you're seriously playing with fire this time.

Miriam looks ... dissapointed. I'd thought that indulging them would perhaps ease their tesnions. It seems that I was mistaken. Jack, you certainly have no lvoe for the voodoo tradition. Nor do you Miss Santangelo. I'd say it's very likely the two of you will be their next targets.

Jack, I'd like you to deal with this personally. Erik was like a father to me, and a brother to you. I want them dead. All of them. Bring me their corpses, whatever their condition.


Make it known that the Voodoo Posse is dead on the streets. Anyone that brings me one of them, or one of their associates, will be well rewarded. I'll give one million dollars to anyone that can bring me one of them alive. I want them wiped out. They're a test that has apparenlty failed. Make it happen Jack.

Pamela, go with him. I want you to get some hands on experience. Harry, Jack gets the honor of hunting the Posse's inner circle, for Erik. I want you to hunt their associates. Anyone that can be proven to do business with them. Talismongers, fixers, street dealers, smugglers, anyone. I fully expect that you'll find very few that will still have any ties once the word gets out. The ones that still do, hurt them badly. Kill them messily. This won't happen again.

As for Sinn.... leave him alone. For now. Midnight is right in one regard. I want him to suffer first. Anyone can be killed.

Miriam looks directly at Lucky. It's a special kind of torture, putting someone like him there. I want him to wallow for a while before he dies.

Lucky, you've done very well, gathering your information so quickly. Even if you have no hard evidence, the Posse seems to have supplied it them selves. I'm giving you tonight off from the hunt. Stay here, as my guest. There is one other thing however, that needs to be seen to.

Jakob Sinner has a young son, who I understand is under your care. Midnight may strike at him to, to harm Sinn as deeply as possible. There is no place safer in New Orleans than in this house. Go and bring him here. You will both be my guests for tonight.

Lucky listens, processing the information as Miriam speaks. When she mentions Dante, Lucky's eyes widen.
Thank you, Ms. Kowslowki. Your offer is more then generous. Please, understand, that I too, cared for Mr. Weisler. I will want my own revenge on those that took him from me. All I ask is that you allow me that opportunity. Lucky's eyes don't leave Miriam's. It's the first time she's ever made mention of her relationship with Eric before and the weight of the revelation hangs heavy in her heart.

I understand. We all have vengence to hand out for Erik. I promise you, you will have you oppurtunity. The Posse is striking quickly, trying t oclear the board it looks like. The two of you will stay here for the next two days, to ensure your safety and the boys. After that, I will have plenty of hunting for you to do. You have my word that you will have your time.

Yes, Ms. Koslowski. Lucky lets her gaze cross to Oz's, watching his eyes for his reaction.

Oz simply looks angry. More than anything though, he looks like a caged predator, waiting to be released. He's holding it in well, but Lucky's gotten better at reading him , after many hours of poker at Weissler's home. Harry and Pamela have gone back to swearing and planning already.

Miriam nods, moving over and giving Lucky a short but firm hug.

Go and get your boy, and get back here. I'll send two of my men with you to make sure there are no problems.

and then you'll know right where I live... and everything about me... *sigh* I remember when life was easier... Lucky smiles slightly and returns the hug, keeping her contact minimal.
I'll be back soon, Ms. Koslowski. Lucky nods to the other three still standing there.
Ms. Rodenbush, Mr. Ozlowski, Harry. She makes her exit.
... fuck, fuck, fuck... Heading back to her place, she can't help but notice the sleek black sedan shadowing her movements. *sigh* Lucky lets out her breath as she pulls into her drive. Should pack for us first then get Dante. She heads inside.

-Lucky's House- 2240

Packing is stressful ,what with one of the men waiting at her front door. Sure Red is there, but know her secrets out. If it ever really was a secret. Lucky packs quickly, getting together a few essentials Lesse... tooth paste, deoderant, spare ammo, smoke grendades...

Once packed, it's time to pick up Dante. He should be sound asleep.

Frowning in frustration, Lucky packs up her things and tosses them onto the porch. She goes back through the house, locking up and initializing the security system. She finally heads out into the backyard, where she leaves Benny and Red. I would really like to have you both with me, but it's probably not a good idea. I don't think you'd get along with the beasts already there. Keep an eye on the house. Don't let anyone except for Dante and I in. Lucky then heads over to Mrs. Carol's, throwing a quick smile to one of the "henchmen" lounging against the sedan.
*grumble* She knocks and waits.

It takes soem time ,and a few more knocks for Mrs. Carol to answer the door. She's in her night robe. Oh lucky dear. How wonderful that you didn't have to be out long. THe boy's fast asleep up stairs. Come in, come in, I'll help you fetch him.[color]

He idea of helping turns out to be 'supervising' Lucky lift the sleeping Dante, and somehow managing to ctirque her boy-lifting and boy - carrying techniques all the way out the door. Well meaning of course. [COLOR=salmon]You have a good night now dear! Oh, and watch his head on that banister!

Lucky grits her teeth but manages a smile over her shoulder as she leaves, inadvertently knocking Dante's head on the aforementioned bannister. He wakes, crying.
Oh, goddamnit all to hell! Shhh, Little man... shh... no..no, thank you Mrs. Carol.. I have him. Yes, yes I know.. thank you. Goodnight. Lucky takes the porch stairs two at a time and heads for the truck.
Just breathe, Lucky... just keep breathing... that's all that's important now.
Looking down, Lucky sighs gratefully when she sees Dante has fallen fast asleep again. Lucky places him into the passenger side of the truck and buckles him in. Swinging back inside, Lucky stops to stare up at her balcony window. From behind the linen curtains, she swears she can see something move. The curtains sway slightly and then her bedroom light flips on. Irritated, Lucky just taps buckles herself into the truck and puts it in reverse.
You... I'll deal with later.

It's late when Lucky arrive sback at Casa de Kozlowski. There's just something wrong about putting spanish and jewish together she decides. Lucky is shown first to a room for Dante, adjoining hers, by one of Miriam's butlers, and then is shown down in to a parlor, where Miriam is waiting. The woman now is wearing what looks like evening wear. A long deep blue silk nighty, that reaches to the floor, and a soft thin robe over it.

Have a drink with me Lucky. You and I have much to talk about. Already having a drink in hand, she motions to the wet bar for Lucky to serve her self.

Lucky smiles and walks to the wet bar, pouring herself a double... no, triple whiskey on the rocks.
Once again, thank you for your hospitality, Ms. Koslowski. It's very much appreciated. Lucky takes a sip of her drink.
Can't help but remember what Cynthia said...

It's 'Miriam' Lucky. We are, after all, family. Besides, I have people calling me 'Ms Kozlowski' all day. A change of pace at home is necessary.

Tell me aobut your self Lucky. I know you came to us from Seattle. I know you worked with Mancuso, and that you also associate with a Dealer named Pounder. I know you've had a number of relations, which is quite understandable for a young lady such as your self. But that tells me what you've done, not who you are. Tell me who you are Lucky Santangelo.

Miriam sets her with a level look, stating clearly that she's quite serious.

Lucky looks at Miriam for a long time, considering and then speaks. I'm a lot like you, Miriam...or at least, I'd like to think I am. A woman with ambition stuck in a world where men could care less. I've clawed and bled for every inch of respect I've earned and I'll be damned if I'll see it taken away. I'll do anything it takes to survive and whatever I need to succeed. Lucky returns Miriam's level look, her face set.

Miriam smiles. That's what I like to hear.

So, did you kill Erik? It's far past time for it to matter anyway. Sinn certainly is a useful patsy. But I don't believe it was the Posse. I'd suspect Cynthia, but the lose ends are wrapping up to quickly. She would've left less, and taken her time with the rest. And Cynthia would never finger the Posse. She has no defense against them.

The rest of the sentence "and I know you do" is written on her face.

Lucky's face never changes. Sinn killed Eric, Miriam. Of that, you can be sure.

That I know. Sinn was the bullet. Who was holding the gun Lucky?

Lucky looks at Miriam for a moment and then replies It was Julian, Miriam.
Hope you're prepared for the stakes of this particular game, Luck. You tip your hand and you're dead.

And of course, he told you he'd make you captain when he became Sottocapo. But you don't want to be Captain, do you.
It's not a question. She takes a drink.

That's what I like to see from my sottocapos.

Erik, as much as I loved him , was getting old. There is no retiring from this business. There is only one way out. Erik's time is done. Be thankful that it was quick, instead of some lingering death in his pajamas. This way, he will be remembered. Mancuso was a man who wasn't happy unless he was plotting something. He had his uses, but he was quickly out growing them.

Are you the one I should pick ro replace one of them Lucky?

Lucky replies very matter-of-factly, as if the answer was a foregone conclusion.
Yes. I am... and I think you know it. I loved Eric. He was for me what no other man had ever been. I'll aways remember him for that, but I also agree that his time had come. Julian was dangerous. He was loyal to only himself and everything else, including the family came in a distant third.
I understand what must be done and I also understand when the status quo must remain the same. I won't claim to understand your motivations, because personally I haven't always agreed with them. But, I am loyal and I will do what needs to be done.

Not everyone would have the steel to say so. Most would give some bull shit line about humility and saying that the decision is mine, that it's my call, I know best, on and on. Like whining children asking permission to pee.

So who is left Lucky? Anyone else in my Family that needs to die before you're in the clear?

Terry. He knows more then he should. Unfortunately, a good decker is hard to find.

Miriam holds up a finger, and walks over to a commlink on the wall. She hits a quick button, and waits a moment as the call connects.

A familiar voice comes up on the line. Cynthia.

Miriam. Good evening. What can I do for you tonight?

The strain is evident in Cynthia's voice. It's a question it sounds like she's asked many times before, and usually doesn't like the ansewr.

Something simple tonight dear. I need your decker Terry here in an hour. See that he isn't late.

She disconnects the call before Cynthia can answer. She then turns back to Lucky.
Sometimes you just have to take matters in to your own hands.

So Lucky, you're really willing to do anything to succeed?

Lucky's face doesn't move. Whatever it takes, Miriam.
God help me...

Excellent. I have just the thing. But first, we seem to have some time to kill before Terry arives. I assume you're armed?

Without really waiting for an answer, Miriam moves for her, taking her roughly. it's rough, passionate, hard, and very loud. It also certainly explains the reputation Miriam's men have for being extremely tight lipped.

Lucky's mind reels for a moment... How could you do this? Oh God... she's in a blue dress and everything... but Lucky pushes it deep, returning the passion Miriam shows with everything she has. She uses every trick of the 'trade' she's learned, doing everything she can to blow Miriam's mind.

Their time is interrupted by a buzz of the intercomm, and nothing more, letting her know that Terry is being sent in. Miriam puts on her night shift again, and sits in a chair, waiting.

Your weapon Lucky. He won't be armed. Make sure he knows what is coming, and why first.

Lucky stands and draws her Ares from it's holster. As Terry enters the room, she turns so her back is to him, hiding the gun.
Hello, Terry.
She turns when she hears the door click closed behind him, the gun coming up to point at his head. I'm sorry, Terry. I wish there was another way... but, you know to much. Lucky fires.

Reaction Test


Firearms

The gun blasts as Terry tries to move. The round catches him in the head, sprarying blood. It's not a dead center shot however. it hit a bit high and to the right. He's still standing, stunned, with a small chunk of his head plastered to the wall, as blood runs down his face. Stunned, he drops to his knees.

Lucky sighs in disgust and walks to stand over him, firing another shot into his head.
At least you didn't feel much, you poor bastard.
She turns after a moment and faces Miriam. Her face is hard.
So, how about that promotion?