Trouble in the Neighborhood (PM to join)

[wideeyedone]

Annie Morgan walked home from the grammar school where she taught first grade. It was just a few blocks from her home. She lived in the flat above her father's corner store. It was just her, her father and her younger brother David. Her mother had passed five years ago, when Annie was in high school. Annie was in her first year of teaching. She had come home from teacher's college and settled into the neighborhood school. Part of her had wanted to try somewhere new. But her father and Davey needed her. Each night she would walk home with her satchel of papers to grade and then fix supper for her father and Davey. Her father had faded some after the death of her mother. He was lonely and had never done well at taking care of himself. Now, it was his daughter that baked bread and mended his work shirts

She was a pretty girl. Her long dark hair was pulled back and pinned up neatly, her father thought the new short haircuts of the day were scandalous. Her bright brown eyes took in the world around her, and just a few freckles dusted her skin, even if her name hadn't given it away there was no hiding that Annie was irish. She wore a conservative navy suit, the skirt skimming her calves. She loved the navy and white heels she wore that day, they were new and a treat to herself. Most of her teacher pay went into the family kitty, but she had splurged just a little.

The neighborhood was bustling in the early evening. Men were coming home to their familes, children were playing in the streets. The young mothers were standing out on the sidewalks their babies on their hips. The street, true to its irish heritage smelled of corned beef, and fresh baked bread, a few houses smelled of cabbage. Annie picked up her pace when she saw the shiny car sitting in front of her father's store. She didn't recognize it or the sharply dressed man leaning against it. His suit was expensive and he looked shady to her. She only hoped her father wasn't in any trouble. Since the onset of prohibition there had been tons of trouble in the neighborhood.

 

[Starsailor2804]

It had been just another long day for Henry McDonnough, nothing new there, but this one had been full of boring and embarrassing events. Today he had broke up a fight between brothers, chased a pickpocket that had eventually gotten away after Henry had slipped turning a corner into an alley, and causing some stickball players to disperse cause they were blocking the road. Not exactly what he had gotten into the force for, not that he had much choice either. He was pretty much forced into it thanks to his father, who didn't want his son to be a fancy pants writer...which his father claimed was not a real profession.

What his father didn't know was that Henry had been writing a western story for awhile now, and it was near completion. It was more a hobby than anything else, but surely he wanted it published for the world to read. It would speak volumes for all the times he had gotten into fights against those ignorant Malley brothers who claimed writing was for sissies. Of course his dad could get away with saying that, but not the Malley brothers. Catching a blinding light from the sun's reflection off a mirror on the side of the road Henry broke out of his daze, which was a good thing as he slammed on his breaks just in time before he hit a kid who had run into the street to chase his ball. His mother didn't even look as she ran into the road to grab her dazed son and give him a few smacks on the ass for running into the road.

However, the mother gave Henry her attention for long enough to give him a wave and smile that said so much more than thank you. He knew who she was, she had tried to seduce more than one officer, the last time she did officers on duty barely saved the young officer from getting a bullet from the woman's husband. Now she was a widow, which made her so much worse. Looking in the rear view mirror Henry fixed his officers hat and pulled along the side of the road. Mrs. O'Donnell was waving him down. Getting out of his squad car Henry looked back and noticed a familiar car, which concerned him, but he lost sight of it as Mrs. O'Donnell reached up and squeezed his cheek.

"Oh Henry, did I ever tell you how handsome you look in uniform?" The old woman smiled, still holding onto his cheek. What a nice woman she was, but what a bother. But, he did consider her as his second mother, she had taken good care of him after his father had died and mother needed so much help raising him and his three brothers.

"Yes, Mrs. O'Donnel, you tell me that everyday," he said with a smile. His smile was radiant and made everyone around him smile as well. His deep blue eyes seemed to glimmer at the same time as he smiled and his dark brown hair was always short, ever since his brother had lit it on fire. That memory made him smile even brighter, no matter how much it had hurt. At five feet and about ten inches tall one would have thought Henry would have gone to college and played football. He had always been a strong fellow and his buddies always called him the bull, for no matter how many kids tried to tackle him, he carried them all to the endzone. The force had only made him stronger, and there was no one in better shape than him.

"Can you walk me home?" She smiled, knowing Henry could say no, even though he was on duty, and her house was not even a block away.

In his police blues Henry smiled and nodded, and Mrs. O'Donnell took his arm as he walked her home. However, before they continued Henry looked back to look at that car once more. It was definately out of place. Giving his attention back to the sidewalk Henry noticed a beautiful young woman walking towards him, his eyes never off her, even though he knew it so wrong. As they passed one another Henry looked to the side and continued to watch her, which Mrs. O'Donnell noticed.

Suddenly, she slapped his arm. "Stop looking at pretty girls Henry while you walk me home."

Giving his attention back ahead of him the two turned and crossed the street to Mrs. O'Donnell's home, Henry trying to watch the young woman as much as he could.

 

[wideeyedone]

Annie rushed to the store, her satchel of papers clutched tightly. She could feel it in her stomach, something wasn't right. Her mother had always teased that she was a little fey, at this very moment though, Annie prayed her mother was wrong. The man leaning against the car gave a wolf whistle as she hurried past him. She rolled her eyes and walked into her father's store.

Morgan's Grocery was a little store, but it did a steady business. Her father had worked hard building up the little store. Annie had always loved being in the store, talking to the customers and helping her father. But that was when her father loved the business, when her mother was behind the counter with him.

Annie looked around the store, something was off. Three men she didn't know were wandering around the store, looking as if they were trying to look like customers but not succeeding at all. Annie hung her satchel up and looked to her father. She could tell he was frightened. She just didn't know why yet.

 

[Starsailor2804]

It was as they stopped at the stoop to her home that Henry realized where he had seen that car before, and now looking longer, he remember the man's face who leaned against the car. The whole thing reeked of trouble, but another slap from Mrs. O'Donnell brought his attention right back to her. "You always had your heads in the clouds and problem focusing Henry, would you like to come in for some dinner?" Smiling he could not help to laugh alittle at her comment. She was totally correct, he did have a problem focusing on one thing at a time.

"No, not tonight, must get back to work, but tomorrow, I promise." Saying their goodbyes Henry walked off, down the sidewalk, on the opposite side of the shady man by the car. He couldn't remember the man's name, but knew he was trouble. It was always important that an officer knew everything about a situation before getting into one, but he was not that fortunate this time. Obviously his buddies were inside that store, there was no doubt about that. Was there a shakedown? Mob activity or just hoodlums? Staying in the crowds Henry passed the car and then doubled back, coming up behind the man at the car.

"Is there something I can help you with?" The man at the car turned around as if he was going to let all heck loose, but he stopped when he saw an officer. Now he was all buddy buddy. "Oh no officer, I'm just waiting for my friends. They are picking up some groceries." Henry didn't buy it nor did the crook think he had fooled him either. There was alot of unease and that was when Henry came up with a clever reply. "Well, I suppose I should pick up some groceries now as well. Heard good things about the quality of stuff this place has. Good day," Henry said with a tip of his hat.

Walking into the store Henry noticed the crowd hovering around, surely not shopping like some of the customers. No, they were here for something totally different, and the face of the clerk, or owner, confirmed that. The beautiful woman who he had seen before was here as well. What fate. Walking right up to the counter Henry smiled, "Good evening, do you have any fresh fruit? It's been a long day and I could surely go for a nice juicy apple." Henry didn't want an apple as much as he wanted the bad individuals present to know that he was not going anywhere and wanted them to know exactly why he was here, he didn't really want a juicy apple. Looking at the young beautiful woman he winked, letting them all know he knew something was up.

 

[wideeyedone]

Annie fetched an apple for the young police officer. She shined it on the sleeve of her jacket. "This one is on me officer. We like to have our boys in blue happy." She said with a forced smile. Her eyes darted to the register. Her father's hand was in the till.

The other men were pacing about, touching things on the shelves but not picking anything up. One of them let out a long hissing sigh. Annie looked at him sternly. "We close up soon, if you gentleman will make your purchase."

"Annie!" Her father's voice was harsh. "Be polite." Her eyes widened as he pulled out the crisp bills from the till and began counting them under the counter. He took the bills and slipped them into a bag with a few candy bars.

"Fellas, these are on the house. Thanks for stopping by." He handed the first fellow the paper bag. The guy nodded and then headed to the door.

 

[Starsailor2804]

As the young woman returned with an apple Stephen took it and tipped his hat, "Thanks Ma'am, looks like I owe you one." Turning around he watched the other men as Annie told them that the store was closing soon. They weren't having much of it, but with him present he knew they would comply. Taking a bite from the apple Stephen turned back to the counter as the store owner scolded the woman. Annie, that was her name. Not the best way he wanted to learn her name.

Watching as the store owner handed the men a bag he knew exactly what was inside the bag, and it wasn't only candy bars. Stephen was no fool, but he let it happen anyways. He had no right to stop them for the owner gave it on his own free will and said only candy bars were inside. As the men left though, Stephen made sure to notify the store owner he knew what was going on. "Sir, this neighborhood is going to get cleaned up. We are the only protection you need, and we don't take money under the table. Good evening."

Tipping his hat to the store owner Stephen made sure to look at Annie as well, knowing she was the one who would actually stand up to those men. Not that he wanted her to, but he knew she wasn't one to just give in like her father.

Walking from the store Stephen stood outside the store as he watched the men pile into their car and pull away. He made sure to remember the license plate number before making his way back to his own squad car.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Isaac Gould

Isaac Gould
37
Straight
Jewish
Gangster/Bootlegger
6'2"
235 lbs.
Dark Brown Hair
Coal-Black Eyes
Married (but not exactly faithful)

More to come...

IC:

Isaac Gould sat at his desk in his small apartment just outside the heavily Irish neighborhood. As one of the few non-Irish folks in the precinct, he ran into more than a little hostility. His main source of trouble, however, was that he was a criminal boss. The Gould gang controlled the Jewish mafia in that part of the city. It worked closely with La Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian syndicate, and mainly dealt in gambling and booze. Those two vices were the cornerstone of Gould's enterprise in this staunchly Catholic area.

With Gould were Anatoly Sorkin and Karol Zivozc, Jewish immigrants from Russia and Poland, respectively, and both prominent underbosses. Gould wasn't Dutch Scultz by any means, but he was as nasty as the infamous head of the Jewish mob in New York in his own way. Gould dealt with the local Irish mob by allowing it to control cockfighting in the area, as well as beer. Whiskey, brandy, and other hard liquor, as well as the hard numbers rackets were his turf, and while the Irish got a cut, he took an even larger "tribute" from their profits. He was the overlord and they the vassals, and the Irish gangsters knew it. The greater discipline of the Gould syndicate was the main key to its predominance in this section.

As to prostitution, neither the Jews nor the Irish handled that directly. They preferred to delegate to a couple of local madams whom they could trust, both Irish widows fallen on hard times.

OOC: Waiting for a good place to step in here.

 

[wideeyedone]

Annie fumed as she slammed the door shut and began doing up the line of locks. She slid the heavy deadbolt angrily, the metal lock clicking into place loudly.

"Dad, are you out of your mind? How long have you been paying them?" She asked exasperated. It would explain so much. It seemed no matter how busy the store got, that there was never enough money.And her father had started buying some of his wares from new, more expensive suppliers. Annie sighed heavily. "They will only keep coming back more often and asking for even more money, Dad."

Her father, Tom Morgan, tossed his apron on the counter. "This is my business and I know how to run it, little girl." He took the drawer from the till and headed up the stairs. "What you need to worry about is supper. Your brother will be hungry." His heavy feet plodded up the stairs and that was the end. Tom Morgan wasn't one to be drawn into conversation.

Annie worried about Davey. It wouldn't be good for him to see her father paying off these thugs. They already had shiny cars and fancy suits. Davey loved cars, he just wanted to be around them. Annie quickly took the stairs up to their flat.

"Dad, where is Davey? Why isn't he home?" Davey was almost always home by the time Annie made her way to the appartment. He was usually in a stickball game or riding his bike. "Dad!"

Her father appeared at the top of the stairs. "He has a job. Running some errands for a fella." Annie didn't have to ask to know it was for one of the thugs that had been in the store. Annie turned on her heel and went back down the stairs. She opened the locks and rushed down the stoop of the store. She shielded her eyes from the setting sun and surveyed the street for Davey.

"Davey! Dav- ey Morgan!" She hollered down the street. She yelled down both sides of the corner. He wasn't anywhere in sight.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Sitting in his squad car Henry began to write down a series of information of the men in the store, the car description and license plate, as well as the man who was standing by the car. He knew for certain that he would run into them again sometime in the future. They certainly would be making more problems on this street and that particular store, and he was not going to let them get away with it. He considered everyone of this street to be family, this was his street, he grew up on it not too many blocks away.

For some reason Henry looked up in the rear view mirror and saw that young woman, Annie he believed her name was. He had promised not to forget it, but all the commotion had nearly cost him remembering her name. She looked to be in more distress and was calling out for someone, but certainly not him. Had she, she would have approached his vehicle. Deciding he best do something to help, all good intentions of course, Henry turned on his car and went in reverse down the side of the road.

Stopping it by her Henry looked over and then leaned over to roll down the window. If only they made rolling down windows so much easier! "Is something the matter Ma'am?" Looking at her in distress Henry felt overwhelmed to help her, no matter how minor it may be, his dark blue eyes looking directly into her eyes.

 

[wideeyedone]

Annie turned and looked at the cop in surprise. She had been so engaged in her search for Davey that she hadn't really noticed him coming towards her.

"I, um, didn't mean to alarm you. It is just my brother. He should be home and my father let him run some errands for one of those men that was in the store. I just, I don't want him to get mixed up in that." Annie offered with a heavy sigh. She couldn't help but feel his eyes looking into hers. She felt like he could see right through her. Nervously she smoothed her skirt. Then she offered him her hand. "I am Annie Morgan by the way. I teach at the grammar school." She couldn't help but blush when he smiled.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Watching her every move Henry noticed how she smoothed out her skirt and blushed as she took his hand and introduced herself. Holding her tiny hand in his own he leaned in and smiled again, "Well, it's nice to meet you, unfortunately in such circumstances, but still. Name's Henry, let's see if I can help you out. Come, take a seat in my car and let's see if we can track him down." Sitting back in his seat his eyes focused on her smooth legs, as her skirt flowed against them in the wind.

Letting her in his car was definately not protocol and actually frowned upon, but Henry couldn't pass up the opportunity. He had always been a shy one, but something told him to just go for it. Maybe he was using his profession to his advantage, but he did not care at this point. He wanted to not only help her, but be near to her as well.

 

[wideeyedone]

"Davey's a good boy. But, since my mother died, my father hasn't really been looking after Davey the way he used to." She explained as he started the patrol car. "I just don't want him to get mixed up with this business. I swear the world was an easier place to live when people could get their beer at the corner store."

She watched the sidewalks as they drove. The street was bustling with the life of the neighborhood. Women taking their wash off of the lines that hung between the apartment buildings, children being called in for supper, and the men trudging home from the warehouses and factories. Annie watched him from the corner of her eye for a moment. He looked vaguely familiar.

"Did you grow up in the neighborhood?" She asked softly.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Henry didn't exactly pay close attention to her as they drove for his eyes were on everything in front of them, but he heard her. As she spoke about her brother and the trouble he may have gotten himself into he wasn't all that surprised, it wasn't the first time he had heard such a story. It wasn't like him and his brothers were angels growing up either, but they knew who not to get involved with, their dad ensured they didn't. Nodding at times to show he understood what she was trying to say Henry looked out his side window before responding to her.

"Yeah, I grew up right down the street, not too far from here. I'm a McDonnough, my dad was a cop as well. Your dad probably knew him." Looking around the street in front Henry kept his eyes open for anything out of the ordinary going on. He wasn't as talkative while on duty, he was in a totally different zone most of the time. However, Annie's scent, perfume, or whatever it was, it was surely luring him to think about her.

 

[wideeyedone]

"Do you have a younger brother named Dennis McDonnough ?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. She had had a crush on Dennis when she was still in the Catholic girls school. Dennis had had everyheart fluttering. Annie had been bookish and shy and hadn't ever really been noticed. Besides, she had always been too good to flirt much. Especially back then. The wilder girls like Marybeth Conner and Ailish Donnel seemed to catch Dennis's eye.

"Isn't it strange? The neighborhood feels so small and then you meet people who have lived here your whole life that you have never met before." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she offered him her best smile.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Her question was the first that got his real attention and he looked over at her. "Yeah, he's my younger brother, well one of them." Looking over at her again after he looked back at the road once more Henry got the feeling that there had been something between the two. Annie seemed to be lost in the thought of Dennis, like it brought some deep memories. "How do you know him? You two use to be an item?" Henry said with a smile, that was more faked than not as he hoped that wasn't true.

"Yeah, I'm sure we probably met somewhere before. I'm not that much older if you know Dennis so surely we have seen each other before at least. Oh well," he said, noting her smile, which caused him to smile as well. "There is where I currently live," Henry said, pointing at the brick townhouse. 324 was the number. "Seems I can never get too far away from this street, I'll probably die on this street at an old age as well," he said with a laugh.

"I don't think our search is going to get us anywhere, I'm sure your brother will be home in no time. Then you can give him a good talking to, and if you'd like, I could talk to him as well." Pulling his car to the side of the road, actually near his home, Henry put it in park and wrote down his number on a pad for her and then handed it to her. "If you ever need me, just give me a call."

 

[wideeyedone]

"I didn't really know Dennis that well. He took out a girl I went to school with. Marybeth. I was their alibi a few times. I doubt he even knows who I am. Anyway, thanks for your help. I will track Davey down. I didn't mean to take up your time." She took the paper with his information and tucked it into her pocket.

She opened the car door and slid out of the seat. She was out on the sidewalk in a flash. "Thank you, Officer McDonnough. I appreciate your help." She offered him her best smile. And then with that she started down the block back towards her father's store. She bit her lip wondering if bringing up Dennis had been the wrong thing. She really did like Officer McDonnough a lot. She shrugged, as usual, she was at a loss. It felt like high school all over again.

 

[Starsailor2804]

As she left the car Henry watched her leave, taking a long look at her very petite and cute body. She was definately one he could see himself really pursuing and he knew he would help her out to all ends, no matter how against protocol it was. After she closed the door Henry thought of a way to get a little more time with her. Opening his door he got out and called to her. "Annie, wait...," he said, which caused her to stop and turn, allowing him to catch up with her.

"I know your father isn't too interested in getting involved in all of this, would you like to use my phone to call some of Davey's friends to see if we can track him down? I'm off duty now anyways, and I'd like to help out." Henry took an extra step closer to her, a bulge already appearing in his pants from the mere thought of being close and having her in his home. He hadn't exactly been all that active, in that way, for a very long time. Hopefully the bulge wasn't noticeable, it was so very against protocol and he could easily be reported.

 

[wideeyedone]

"I could call a few people." She said softly. "My father just wants them to leave him be... he wants everyone to leave him alone." She followed him up to her apartment. She bit her lip, she hadn't ever been to a man's apartment alone. But she felt safe with him, and she thought he was very good looking. She raised her eyebrow as she compared him with Dennis. She was sure that Henry was better looking, especially in his uniform.

She followed Henry up the stairs. He had his key out. "Do you live alone? Or do you still live with your family?" She asked almost nervously. She felt a little excitement in her stomach but she didn't know why. It was just an apartment, it was just a few phone calls.

 

[Starsailor2804]

"Good, I'd rather have you call here than not at all. Your father is stubborn, but most are the same way around here. They know some things are just best left alone, which shouldn't be the case." As he took out his key and opened the door he held it open for her to enter first, again getting to watch her walk by. Entering behind her, though not too close, he answered her question as well. "I live alone, though Dennis stays with me every now and then." She didn't tell him why Dennis stayed with him, but it wasn't worth mentioning either. He wasn't here now anyways.

Leading her into the kitchen Henry smelled her scent again and became intoxicated in it. "The phone is right over there, Would you like something to drink?" Leaning against the counter he waited for her response. There was so much that was on his mind right now, and none of it had to do with work.

 

[wideeyedone]

"I'd love some water..." She replied and then sat by the phone. She started dialing. She only knew of two or three of Davey's friends. She asked a few questions of the harried mother that answered the phone but she got no where with her first phone call. "I just wish Davey would help Dad at the store and do his school work." Her voice a soft sigh. Then she looked up at Henry.

"You have a very nice place. I had wanted to move out when i came home from teacher's college. Dad says I should stay at home until I get married someday"

 

[Starsailor2804]

Fetching her a glass of hot water every now and then Henry looked back as he overheard some things she was saying to whoever she was talking to. Bringing back a glass of hot water he gave it to her and then leaned agains the counter again. However, things did not seem to be going to well for her, which was a shame, but he knew boys would be boys. Who knows where he would be right now and there was practically no real way of finding him. He would just come home when he was able, or wanted to. As she looked up at him he smiled and found himself looking deep in her eyes again.

"Well thank you, I try and keep it as nice as I am able, you happened to be here after I had actually cleaned up the day before. The place gets pretty lonely though, this big place to myself. But, oh well, that's just how it is. I have to work too much to..., oh nevermind, I'm talking too much about boring stuff. Umm... would you like to see the rest of the house?" If it was anyone else this would have surely been a ploy to get a girl to their room, but for Henry it was anything but that. He really just had no idea what else to ask of her, he didn't want her to leave, but he didn't know what to chat about. This seemed like a good way to go.

 

[wideeyedone]

"I'd love to see the place. I am getting no where with these calls. And then I probably ought to get home. I was supposed to cook supper for Davey and Dad." She got up from her chair and smoothed her skirt. Her pretty dress shoes left moon shaped imprints in his rug where she stepped. Her soft scent clung in the air as she followed him on the tour of his place.

 

[Starsailor2804]

Glad that she wanted to see the place, but wishing she did not have to go anywhere soon Henry still smiled and walked her around the house. Her scent filled every room they entered and he was in heaven during it all. Her scent not only enticed him, but made his hormones go mad, so much so often his thoughts were simply of ravishing her. Eventually, he walked her upstairs and showed her the various room before pushing open his bedroom door. Annie could tell he had some money from the house alone, but it was all furnished well also. His bed had expensive wood posts and elaborate wooden decoration as well.

"And, finally, this is my room. The most comfy bed in the entire city, I assure you," he said with a smile. "Here, I'll prove it to you, take a seat on it, but don't lay down or I'll have the trouble of waking you up then." He played all innocent, and he really was not making any moves, but this whole thing was highly not proper. He did not care though, it had been a long time since he spent this long with a woman alone.

 

[wideeyedone]

Annie sat on the bed with a smirk. She wiggled and patted the mattress and then with a smile replied. "You are right. This is the comfiest bed in the city." The bed was a little high off the floor. So, high that her feet didn't touch, leaving her pretty open toed shoes to dangle beside the bed, the little ankle straps accentuating her shapely legs. Annie looked up at him smiling. Her big brown eyes warm and happy. She adjusted the saint's medal around her neck. "I probably should be getting home. My father will worry."

 

[Starsailor2804]

There was just way too much that was perfect in this situation to think it was real. However, it was real and he wouldn't have traded this moment for anything else. She was the perfect woman, in his eyes, and he knew that one day he would marry this woman. He knew this better than he knew himself. "As you are the most beautiful woman in the city," he said with a blushing smile. Watching her adjust the necklace, smiled as she looked up at him.

"Well, we wouldn't want your father to worry," he said as he held out both his hands to her to help her off of the bed. His palms were sweaty for his heart was beating oh so quickly.