STV-009
St. Valentine's Ledger
Patron: The Usuals
Date: Aug 10th, 1923 – Gold Coast District
Location: St. Valentine's
Proprietor: Glass-Eyes
Yeah. And so, what?
You caught me, Father. Never hurts to have more skilled hands on deck when the water starts to boil. Mags might not be exactly what we need, but she’s got her friends in high places the same as you. Father, forgive my shamelessness in saying so, but I trust Mags powers more than I trust whatever the hell it is you pray to. You’ve got a way out. I wanted one too.
If that makes me clever, then call it what it is. You think I built this place on dreams and bootleg gin alone? No, I built it on timing. On instincts. On knowing who to let through the door and who to send packing. And I didn’t let Mags in because she was a pretty face, a talented dancer, or because she knew the right people to get me out of here should the whole city come crumbling down at the sound of Nickels' voice.
No.
She passed every test I didn’t tell her she was taking. You’ve seen what she is. Good. Then maybe you understand why I’m not letting her go. Not yet. She might help keep the bridge quiet. Might help seal the cracks in the glass Nickels left behind. Might even help him, if he ever stops pacing around like the stage has teeth.
Because let’s be honest, Father. None of us have figured out how to stop that damn song. But maybe, just maybe, she can teach him to change the tune. If she is anything, she is an expert in changing tunes. Time and time again, place and place, face and face, Mags might be able to help at least delay this fiasco long enough to let you and Nickels work out how to stop it for good.
Regardless, curtains go up tonight.