The year is 1922, and Prohibition has made it illegal to consume alcohol. The chance to make an enormous profit was born for those willing to break the law and get into the market, as the demand was the product was high, and the availability could only come from outside legal means. Already powerful gangs suddenly became even more wealthy and influential. Small time names that before lacked the numbers or firepower, were now huge because they were quick to jump on the train of boot legging and moon shining before it left the station, rather than trying to keep up after it had taken off. What was simple liquor became liquid gold that not only did the mob benefit from selling, they were the
selling. Artists, workers, thrill seeking young men and women, business men, politicians, everyone had a thirst to quench, and Prohibition had unwittingly put America in the hands of gangsters, with The Mafia holding America by the throat, And The Mafia was ready to squeeze it for all it was worth.
It was an aggressive market though, and one had to be ready for blood to spill after the booze did.
"
Come on, carefully now, I don't want to see any broken bottles!"
Nora Rosetta, Right Hand and Daughter of New York's newest big player. Unofficially she was considered the second most powerful person on her side of Manhattan, the first being her father. She was the one you wanted to talk to when you had to deal with the Rosetta's though, as Neil's already dark reputation had only become more and more sour through the years. Potential partners had almost lost hope until she was declared the new Right Hand and in addition the one to handle major transactions regarding her family.
The rise to power of the Rosetta Family was nothing short of astounding. Neil had caught wind of Prohibition and predicted it would pass and did the smart thing. Stockpiled more booze than The Hudson could drink. With the initial shock of the Eighteenth Amendment leaving everyone's mouth dry, he was there with a cool glass and business offers, landing him numerous deals with the best jockey's before the other gamblers could even enter the stadium and take a look at their odds.
Riding a wave of money he continued to act quick and play smart, purchasing business and hiring workers to establish an underground utopia to house his organization and product. He made no grandiose gestures and kept off the toes of the law enforcement, carefully gaining allies in public office and the police force. By the end of 1921 he had a finger in just about every pie the city. Success such as this, in a market of this nature, does not come without it's risks though. His rapid encroachment on already established and comfortable criminal kingdoms caused quite a stir. Enemies were made, and hits were carried out.
The ultimate blow was made a few months ago as Neil's Right Hand was struck down along with two of his other Cappas. His anger over this lead to both the destruction of the rival family responsible, and heavy losses on his side.
Nora Rosetta has been a miracle worker in the healing process for The Family, even building back up bridges that were once thought burned. Just last night one of the broken fragments of the destroyed rival gang, after long negotiation, had agreed to a partnership and to merge with The Rosetta Family's operations. Tonight was a celebration of this success,
"
Alright, start taking them in and cracking them open, we've got a lot of guests and we want to show them a good time!" Nora encouraged the burly mustached men unloading crates from the back of a truck in the back alley. They started carrying the boxes inside and a crowd cheered. The drinking could now begin! One after another the crates were emptied, bottles trading numerous hands.
"
Issall Brandy!" Neil complained with a bit of a chuckle, looking at the bottle in his hand, nudging Nora with his elbow, "
How's a proper Irishman to drown himself in this?"
"
Jus drink it, alright? We dun want to be rude to our new business partners." Nora whispered back.
"
Ah, you're sorely mistaken if ya think I ain't going to be drinkin'!" Neil declared, popping the cork off himself and wasting no time in turning the bottle upward, chugging the contents.
Nora left her father to his devices. She was one of the few in the place without a drink in her hands now and she smiled, seeing their revelry. It was nice, this was as close to a normal party as she ever got to attend. Walking through the crowded space of the corner bed'n'breakfast she was given plenty of pats on the back and congratulations for landing the deal. They way many of the patrons saw it, she was the one to thank for the free booze that night, which made her a hero. Nora slid herself into an empty booth, relaxing into the cushion, content to watch.
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