Through Time She Came

Ch.11 New Years Eve 1927

New Year's Eve rehearsal...

"Ooch." grimace, "I don't think I can hit that note." She laughed.

"How 'bout singing it like this, Miss Annie." He sang the verse as he played.

She tried. "Perfect! Thank you."

Vince walked in followed by Tommy. The two in conversation. Vince seemed more attentive to the pre-opening details than usual as Tommy continued talking.

"'You getting that song down pretty well, Angel?"

"Yes, sir, Vince."

"Make sure that you do. Remember, be sultry tonight. Wear that new dress I had specially made for you tonight. I want to show off my newest angel in all her beauty and brilliancy!"

"You talk like we have a special guest coming in tonight." She grabbed her glass of water. "Who's the big cheese?"

"Victor Selini."

"Selini?" the name sounded vaguely familiar. She brought the drink to her lips.

"He's one of our boss's top dogs. Maggio."

Water spewed half a mile out her mouth.

The gentlemen looked at her.

"Water's too warm." She spoke nonchalant, "I didn't know you guys worked for Maggio." Tommy handed her a handkerchief. "But it actually makes sense."

Vince looked at Tommy. Tommy shrugged his shoulders.

"What?"

"Sorry, Angel Face." Vince said, "I thought you knew. Look, everyone knows Maggio's reputation, and the reputation of his top dogs; if this isn't something you think you can be part of, I completely understand. I wouldn't stop you if you decided to walk away from this right now."

Anet looked away for a moment to think.

How had she not given a thought to Maggio this whole time being here? The whole Maggio gang has been the biggest outfit since the 1890's! The mysteries surrounding the Maggio's intensified during the years of prohibition.

She was here because of Maggio. She was too caught up in the picture-perfect glamour of the era that she didn't realize the golden opportunity she had as a detective of the 21st century!

That fool's hope that told her she might one day get back to her time began rising from the grave she was ready to bury it in. If she could somehow bring down the Maggio gang, perhaps it would change the future to where she never has to come here. Or maybe leave a big enough shout out to Professor Olivier where she is! That was it! She'd need to get in with Maggio's boys and make it to the books somehow. Hopefully, without damaging anything or anyone too important.

She had to try.

Smiling coy, she faced the boys awaiting her response, "If Maggio's boys are anything like the racketeers I've known, then I'm good, Vince. I'll be as angelic an angel as ever." Wink.

Vince broke into a smile. "That's my girl. Keep up the good work my dear." He returned to taking care of details for their special guest.

Victor Selini.

Anet's head was awhirl.

Maggio's gang.

Tommy walked up to the stage, he looked up at her, intent. She lowered herself to be at his level, sitting with legs draped over the stage.

He spoke quietly, "I was being selfish when I got you this job, An."

"I know." Reassuring smile, "I'm not afraid of singing for a few gangsters." She ruffled his perfectly styled hair, "I hang out with one almost every day." Wink.