Session 10 - Scene 4 (of 7)

Heading inside the church, Father Mulroney encounters Sister Mary in the vestibule. She asks where he’s been and where Francis is.

Father Mulroney explains that Shoes was “taken from us in the line of duty”. Sister Mary scolds him again about not being able to recruit enough boys to keep up with his use of them. Changing the subject, she then notes he has a visitor waiting for him outside his office.

Mulroney decides to go see who has been waiting for him this early in the morning. He instructs Sister Mary to tend to Biggins; she is clearly not thrilled with the idea. The nun coldly asks what he suggests she do. All he can come up with is to make sure the alderman doesn’t bleed too much.

Heading back to his office, Mulroney is shocked to discover his visitor is the girl from the asylum – Maisie Brockovitz.

He asks Maisie what she is doing out of the hospital. She explains she had to get out – she needs to figure out what that thing she encountered was, referring to the monster she was attacked by. Maisie goes on to explain how she made a rope out of sandals she collected at the hospital.

Father Mulroney isn’t sure what to believe and laughs at her story. Maisie takes no notice, matter of factly mentioning that it would have been noticed if she used bed sheets. Mulroney sarcastically agrees using a couple dozen sandals was “more subtle”, but tells her he likes how she thinks.

He takes her into his office to talk. He offers her coffee, but she explains she doesn’t care for it. Mulroney notes that he doesn’t either, mentally shuddering at the terrible coffee Sister Eunice makes.

The priest wants to know what led Maisie here. She explains she knew he was a priest, and wasn’t hard to find. And since he’s the only person who believed her about the monster, it made sense to go to him.

Mulroney goes on to tell her about his two encounters with the monsters, noting he barely escaped with his life both times. Maisie is confident she can kill the monster herself at the next encounter.

He asks Maisie if she has any additional information, but she merely scoffs at the idea, noting she’s been locked up. She hasn’t seen that creepy Dr. Krasnik lately, however.

Confirming she is there looking for help, Mulroney explains he recently lost his assistant and suggests she can fill in. He goes on to explain to her about his investigation into the monster and most of their dealings. He leaves out the parts about kidnapping Krasnik and the rest of their illegal activities.

Father Mulroney then starts to feel out Maisie’s tolerance for illegal activities. He explains that it is an expensive world, and a man has to do a few extra things to make money. He notes that she may hear things that could shock her.

Very bluntly, Maisie suggests to the priest he buy her silence. He commends her for being his type – resourceful and greedy. She quotes him a rate of $10 a week. He agrees, unaccustomed to being the one being shook down for money.

The priest then asks Maisie where she’s staying, and is a little cautious when she gives her intention to return to the family home. He wonders if there won’t be alienists or men from the asylum waiting there for her. She doubts anyone is looking too hard for her, and her father certainly wouldn’t turn her in.

Mulroney explains he needs to leave soon for an important meeting. He tells her he’d take her, but she wouldn’t fit in. Instead, he asks her to look after Biggins. She tells him it will cost him another $5. She also asks if there is any whiskey, but settles on drinking the communion wine instead.

He then takes her over to the rectory to meet Biggins. The man is still in something of a daze. Maisie asks Biggins what the hell happened to him, but all she can make out is him muttering “fall…” and “shoes…” She explains she has no shoes but is wearing sandals. He then mutters “fire…” and Mulroney pats him gently on the shoulder, saying “It will be all right, Jethro”.

Finally taking notice of Maisie, Biggins eyes light up with recognition. He asks her if he is in the asylum ward now, too. She explains that he is in the rectory. Half-conscious, he wonders aloud if that is better. Maisie says she doesn’t really know – her synagogue doesn’t have one.

Session 10 - Scene 5 (of 7)

Before heading to the meeting, Father Mulroney knows he needs a new lieutenant, but his prospects are slim – Zack is too green, Tony is too young, Chaos is too unpredictable, and Andy is too faint-hearted.

In the end, his only choice is Gem Archer. The tall, lanky youth isn't much for muscle but is a pretty good thief.

Mulroney calls over to the warehouse, which Gem answers as "Gem Archer's Distillery". Father Mulroney laughs at the joke, noting that the youth sounds a lot like Shoes. Gem explains he learned from the best.

The priest goes on to tell Gem he has bad news and good news. He starts by saying, "Remember how Shoes was my lieutenant?" Gem immediately picks up on the use of the past tense. Mulroney goes on to clarify that the bad news is that Shoes is dead but the good news is that he is being promoted to take his place.

Gem is shocked at the death of his close friend and pseudo-brother. He asks what happened. Mulroney explains Shoes had a fall. Gem wonders if he means that metaphorically, but Mulroney goes on to clarify that he physically fell onto a sharp piece of wood.

With that out of the way, Gem wants to know if this means he can pull off his necklace caper that weekend – noting that Shoes was against the idea. Mulroney gives him permission and Gem agrees to take the new position.

Mulroney then tells Gem to grab the truck from the warehouse and pick him up at the church.

Session 10 - Scene 6 (of 7)

After Gem picks him up, Mulroney explains they have an important meeting to attend. Gem gets nervous at the sound of that; he wants to know if it is like the "meeting" he sent Guigsy and Bonehead to.

The priest explains it is not, but it is like the meetings where Biggins got his finger cut off and Shoes got shot, so he should be present but quiet. Murloney reflects that Shoes was a good lad, but had a bad tendency to say whatever he thought. Gem happily suggests it won't be a problem for him since he doesn't think anything.

At the site of the big meeting, Father Mulroney is greeted by O'Conner and Yiddie Neumark. Spotting Gem and not recognizing him, O'Conner asks Mulroney who he is and what happened to McDougal.

When Mulroney explains that Shoes is "no longer with us", O'Conner assumes it was his smart mouth that got him killed. The priest clarifies it was actually a sharp stick, which actually gets something of a reaction from O'Conner, who calls it a hell of a way to go.

O'Conner then asks if the new kid is another smart one. But Gem quickly tells the priest he is not smart.

The gangster leads them over to the table where Merlo is telling everyone to sit. Mulroney spots Tolino and Lombardo nearby. Next to them are a couple of men who O'Conner explains represent New York's interests (meaning Boss of Bosses Joe Massere) – Frankie Yale and "Two Knife" Altieri.

Next to them sit a pair Mulroney recognizes, "Bloody" Angelo Genna and his brother Antonio "The Gentleman". The priest mentally notes that weapons weren't checked this time and wonders if Genna is carrying his trademark meat cleaver.

The rest of the gangs aren't familiar to Mulroney so O'Conner gives him a brief run-down. He points out the "degenerate Irish" Ralph Sheldon, the current boss of Regan's Colts, and his lieutenant – a new guy named Ryan O'Reilly. Next to them are Joe and Sam Aiello, who O'Conner counts as Italians you can do business with.

"Polack Joe" Saltis and his partner Frank McErlane are there as well; O'Conner calling McErlane crazy for his love of drive-by tommy gun shootings. They are separated from their rivals, the Southside O'Donnells, by the unrelated Westside O'Donnells represented by Myles O'Donnell and his brother "Klondike" Bill (rumored to have once been part of Soapy Smith's gang in Alaska). Finally, the Southside O'Donnells are represented by the recently pardoned Edward "Spike" O'Donnell and his brother Walter.

Father Mulroney is surprised by the sheer size of the gathering, noting that Merlo really did recruit everyone with a gang in the city, though mentally notes that Dion Carmody and his crew aren't represented. O'Conner makes a comment about that bastard from Chinatown (referring to Chiang Li Ching) having the balls to send a note sending his regards, as if they would invite him. He scoffs at the idea and makes several racial remarks about the Chinaman.

Merlo quickly calls the meeting to order. It is clear he wants to get it over with quickly, before any violence breaks out.

He tells them all that they are all there for the same reason – Dion Carmody's war against the Russians is causing them all to lose money. Merlo suggests that it is in their best interest to stop the violence between the two factions. He suggests they all agree that whoever takes out the Russians and Carmody can take over Flynn's old territory.

Most everyone agrees. Leaning over, Mulroney asks Gem is he hears the sound. Gem reminds the priest he's not supposed to talk. Mulroney tells him it is the sound of opportunity.

Angelo Genna, however, tells the group in no uncertain terms that the heroin trade in that territory is his. No one feels like arguing with him, though Mulroney isn't so sure he'll completely secede the heroin trade in that area to the Gennas.

Merlo notes it will be dangerous, but quite lucrative for whoever manages to serve up Ulnovsky. Father Mulroney then takes the floor, telling the others he is a small time operator compared to them and can't take on the Russians himself. He does let them know they can ask him for help. This gets nothing but snide comments and sneers in return, just as the priest wanted it. He doesn't want anyone thinking he is a real threat yet.

Session 10 - Scene 7 (of 7)

Back in the truck, Gem drives the car while taking out a wallet. He starts counting out $500 in cash. He tells the priest that the meeting really did lead to an opportunity.

Mulroney, however, is concerned. He asks Gem where he got the wallet from, since he knows he doesn't pay the boys that much.

Gem explains he lifted the wallet off of the nicest dressed guy at the meeting – Spike O'Donnell. Mulroney lets out an exclamation of "Holy Jesus!" He then asks Gem if he realizes who's wallet he stole.

The youth quips it was someone better off than they are. He goes on to praise the father for his idea about staying quiet; no one took notice of him at all. Father Mulroney tells Gem not to steal from mobsters; especially not mobsters with connections to the governor.

He then has Gem hand him the wallet so he can toss it after Gem extracts the money. Inside he finds little else of interest except for Spike's (fake) driver's license and a note with the phone number for Governor Small's chief of staff, Scott Harris. Mulroney takes the note out and tosses the wallet out of the truck's window.

Gem drives the truck over to the church – Father Mulroney wants to make sure Biggins is still alive. After checking on the alderman, he takes Maisie aside to talk.

Mulroney explains to Maisie about the situation with the Russians. He wants to kill Ulnovsky and take over Flynn's territory. Since he knows Maisie was involved with Flynn, he asks her about her connections to organized crime and if they can access the talents of the Magenta gang.

Maisie responds that she has her own gun, but Mulroney notes she's no match for the Russians. He just needs her to locate and infiltrate the Russians so they can have them taken out.

While Maisie works on getting in with the Russians, Mulroney wants to take Biggins to the hospital. The priest notes they will need a story. Biggins suggests they simply say he was mugged. Mulroney agrees it is a great idea and fits in with Biggins' help of DeMotte's war on crime.

Gem drives the two off to the hospital while dropping off Maisie at her house so she can change clothes and get her car to head down to the docks.

Session 10 - Session Notes

This session was much shorter than previous ones - I'd say no more than 2 hours. The Biggins player was back in town so there was a large dinner outing before the game.

Maisie got to reappear this session as I convinced my GF to come to an actual session. She originally was going to come the previous session, but had been sick.

Gem is obviously the replacement character for the Shoes player. The sudden death of Shoes was the result of not one bad die roll, but about 4-5 in a row. Though not exactly an exciting death, it did remind the players how quickly deadly BRP rules are.

Various notes on the session:
* I loved that Mulroney showed (willful) genre blindness by having the group split up, but since there is no monster in the mansion, it didn't have the result he was expecting.

* The hidden note doesn't make a ton of sense because they didn't go up into the tower later to see the connected clues (and now, never will). Of course, the fact Shoes hid the clue meant even if Mulroney would have gone up there it still wouldn't have made much sense to him (at least, not in character).

* I really abbreviated the search of the upper level in the game the same way the write-up reads. I don't have it in me to come up with 20 different ways to say "here's a bedroom attached to a dressing room - neither of them having anything interesting in them".

* I thought having the hole in the wall, the half-collapsed roof, and the scorch marks would have given the PCs enough hints that the area might be dangerous. I guess not.

* The Shoes player was actually doing some work at the time on his laptop when Mulroney ordered him to go save Biggins. If he hadn't been distracted, he might have been more cautious and lived. But I think it works in story - Shoes is reacting to Biggins being in trouble and not stopping to think.

* Mulroney not bothering to go check on the men and do more investigating first was priceless.

* Mulroney missed all kinds of clues in both the unfinished room and the turret of the tower. None are essential, but would have explained how things fit together better. The fact he burned down the house was kind of ironic in that it hurt them a lot more than the people they are up against (who clearly abandoned the home some time ago).

* Mulroney complaining about "why couldn't it have been Biggins" elicited a lot of laughs. Biggins also played his part great, grunting and breathing heavy while not being able to talk.

* Maisie is more of a special guest star - she's only planning to come back for one more session (my GF isn't really into the whole RPG thing).

* One thing I planned to do but didn't get around to because of a busy week was actually go over the back story for what Maisie was up to with my GF. So the story she gives was more or less improvised right there.

* Maisie putting the screws to Mulroney for cash was my favorite part of the session. He instantly realized he really stepped in a bear trap by taking her into his confidence.

* The Shoes player went with Gem Archer as he has the most potential. He's still working a bit to give him a more distinctive personality (though Gem is clearly dumber than Shoes). Plus, now I can use that Morgan Necklace Caper storyline after all.

* Again, Gem Archer is a real person. I took the liberty of using his nickname as positioning him as a jewel thief.

* All of the gangsters at the big meet are real ones from Chicago's 20's era, except for Ryan O'Reilly who comes straight from HBO's prison drama OZ. There's a subplot planned for O'Reilly, but that may or may not ever show up.

* Soapy Smith was likewise a real person.

* Spike O'Donnells connections to Governor Small are indeed real, and the governor was re-elected despite them. Scott Harris is a made up name - I couldn't find who Small's real chief of staff was. If I remember correctly, I combined some names from guys who worked for mayor Daley and governor Blogovich (or whatever his name was).

* A big point of this scene was to give Mulroney incentive to finish up the Ulnovsky / Carmody plot himself (and give him a reason to use Maisie).

* Gem picking the pocket of Spike O'Donnell was another great character moment.

* Next session is likely cancelled due to a scheduling conflict, so it may be a couple of weeks before we learn what happens next...

Just wanted to drop note saying that I enjoy reading these reports.  Keep 'em coming!

Quote from: Drohem;640977Just wanted to drop note saying that I enjoy reading these reports.  Keep 'em coming!

Thanks! I'm afraid tonight's regularly-scheduled session is cancelled due to Good Friday, but we should have another session on April 12th so the next installment will come then.

It's always good to know people are actually reading these things. I never get many comments so I always wonder.

I primarily type up these notes as a service to my players and because I like keeping track of things. I post them here (and at TBP) just in case anyone else finds them interesting.

Sadly, nothing since my practically-legendary Rifts campaign has grabbed the online community's attention very much. I am debating a future Palladium Fantasy game set in a non-Palladium world (rhymes with Sark Dun) once this is over but I'm still working on the rules adjustments (not really changes so much as setting-appropriate tweaks).

Session 11 - Cast of Characters

Father Clink Mulroney - Irish Roman Catholic priest running a bootlegging operation out of his church

Alderman Jethro Biggins - Corrupt city alderman on the take from Mulroney

Colin "Gem" Archer - Another of Mulroney's boys involved in his bootlegging operations; sidelines as a jewel thief

Session 11 - Scene 1 (of 10)

Alderman Jethro Biggins was finally allowed to leave the hospital several days later. With Maisie still out on the streets looking to connect up with Karina Krasnik, Father Mulroney and Gem Archer decided to pick up the alderman.

Biggins isn't terribly interested in talking to the men. Instead, he just has them drive him back to his office. He is anxious to check in with Boss Burns.

After dropping him off, Mulroney and Gem try to decide what to do next. Gem notes the party at David Thomas Morgan's house, where he plans to steal the necklace, is tomorrow night. Father Mulroney suggests they make sure they have a good plan and has Gem head over to the North Shore area of town.

Morgan's mansion sits far off the street up a small hill, with a tall, wrought-iron fence and accompanying hedges surrounding it. Staying away from the main entrance with the guard house, the two observe the grounds from across the street. They do not get a good view of the mansion itself, but the horse paddocks and stables can be clearly seen along with the tennis court and a gazebo near the front courtyard.

Father Mulroney wonders about the easiest way for Gem to get away once he's nabbed the necklace. Seeing the stables gives him an unconventional idea, but he dismisses it when Gem notes he has no experience riding a horse.

The two then turn to the idea of Gem hopping over the fence and into a getaway car driven by one of the other boys. Gem isn't so sure, he's not terribly athletic. But the youth knows one thing, once the necklace is discovered missing it won't take long before Morgan has his security checking people so he can't just walk it out.

That gives Mulroney another idea. He speculates that they don't need to get Gem and the necklace out, just the necklace. He could sneak off, toss the necklace out to Chaos or one of the others, and then exit out the main entrance later. Gem isn't so sure he trusts Chaos with anything, much less the beautiful necklace he has his eye on.

Just then, Gem spots a man walking around the area who seems out of place. He can't tell what the man is up to, and points him out to Mulroney. The priest is surprised to see that the man is the Spaniard he saw at the hospital, the one called "The Basque" who works for Tolino.

The father isn't sure what the Basque is up to either, but wants to take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of him. He has Gem quickly pull the car out and runs him down in the street.

The accident happens quickly and neither can be sure if the man is killed or not as they just keep driving. It seems like the perfect crime until they get a couple of blocks away and hear a police siren behind them.

With the police car only a few car lengths behind them and not trusting Gem's driving skills, Father Mulroney has him pull over the car. The police car pulls over as well, keeping a bit of distance.

As the cop gets out, he draws his gun and points it at the car. He yells for the men to come out with their hands up. Mulroney tells Gem to pass him his gun.

Gem complies immediately while the father stays behind. When the cop threatens to shoot, Mulroney insists on staying in the car. He tries to tell a story about not feeling well and being on the way to the hospital, but the cop isn't buying it.

Mulroney starts to get nervous when a warning shot comes through the back windshield but keeps his cool. When the officer starts to walk over to the car, Gem attempts to distract him by appearing to be sick, but the cop pays him no mind.

As the cop gets into position, Mulroney quickly pulls up Gem's small pistol and fires off a quick shot, winging the policeman. The office fires back with his revolver, putting a couple of shots into the car but missing Mulroney.

Gem takes the opportunity to get over to the cop car. Getting inside, he starts it up and prepares to run down the cop.

He doesn't get the chance, though, as Mulroney's next shot catches the officer right between the eyes. Gem hops out of the police car, grabs the cop's gun, and gets back in their car. They speed off quickly, smashing the fender into the parked police car as they pull away.

Session 11 - Scene 2 (of 10)

Cheryl is glad to see the alderman looking better when he shows up in the office, telling him how bad he looked when she brought him the spare suit from the office a couple of days ago. She has a large stack of messages waiting for him while he was gone.

Biggins takes the stack of messages and heads into his office, closing the door. He ignores the messages for the moment and calls over to Burns. As expected, the political boss is hot about where he's been.

The alderman explains about his stay in the hospital, explaining it as an accident while visiting with constituents at a construction site. Burns isn't concerned about the injuries Jethro sustained, but is upset he didn't have any reporters around to witness it and report the story.

Boss Burns then asks Biggins what happened with his house burning down. Biggins has no idea what Burns is referring to. The boss explains that he heard Biggins' house burnt down a few days ago.

While Biggins tries to process the loss of his home and all his family possessions, and worries about having to tell his wife, Burns rambles on about it being arson and how crime is running rampant in the city. He notes he even read a story in the paper that day about vandals striking the old museum, wondering what the world is coming to.

Burns then tells Biggins they've got a great opportunity here. He wants Biggins to talk up the arson to the newspaper, framing it as the brave politician who had his house torched by criminals for fighting against crime and corruption in the city.

He notes, however, that he certainly won't be sending a Tribune reporter, as "that rag" is owned by the McCormick family. The mention of McCormick reminds Burns about the invitation to the fundraiser at the Morgan house. He once again asks Biggins if he plans to attend the party and warns him to stay away. Biggins again agrees he has no intention to go to the party.

Burns tells him the City Star reporter will come over in the afternoon to interview him and cautions him to stay out of trouble until then. Biggins, mixing up his cover stories, makes a comment about avoiding being mugged. Burns is confused, reminding Biggins he said he was hurt in a construction accident not a mugging. Biggins notes he suffered a head injury and still isn't thinking clearly. Burns, clearly annoyed, tells him to make sure to get clear by the time the reporter shows up.

Once off the phone, Biggins checks the paper for the story Burns mentioned about the old museum. It is a small piece on page 3, simply noting that vandals had apparently broken into the basement of the old museum and knocked over several shelves, damaging some of the archived pieces. According to the story, Sir Archibald Beatty assured the press that nothing valuable is stored in the old archives. Police have said very little publicly about the crime, but the crime reporter quotes a source as saying the police have found a bloody fingerprint at the scene that they are keeping quiet about for some strange reason.

The alderman then decides to go investigate what Burns said about his house. He heads out to the main lobby and asks Cheryl if she can drive him over to his house. She just laughs, explaining that as a young woman in the city she doesn't know how to drive. He has her call him a cab instead.

Taking the cab over to his neighborhood, Biggins quickly sees his house has been reduced to nothing but charred remains. After paying the cabbie, he can do little more but stand in his yard and stare in shock for some time.

Session 11 - Scene 3 (of 10)

When Mulroney and Gem pull into the warehouse, Andy tells the father he has a message telling him to call Harrigan's. Knowing that calls from O'Conner never lead to anything good, Father Mulroney sighs and makes the call.

In a pleasant surprise, O'Conner seems to be his jovial self when he gets on the phone. Deanie mentions he's been busy looking for a line on the Russian, explaining how being able to expand into new territory will be good for both of them. He promises Mulroney a 10% finder's fee if he can provide any information.

Mulroney can't help but smile, O'Conner really believes his story about not going after the Russian himself. With Maisie's help, Mulroney knows he could soon become a major player in town.

But O'Conner is not just interested in talking about the Russian. He also wanted Mulroney called because it's time for him to call in another favor.

Deanie briefly explains the situation. A Chinaman named Fung Xian has recently arrived in the city. O'Conner hints around that Xian represents a different interest, and hence a different tong gang, than Chiang Li Ching, who currently runs things in Chinatown and has connections to Tolino. Getting the gist of Deanie's plan, Mulroney notes that perhaps Xian could be an "Irish Chinaman".

O'Conner agrees that Mulroney has the right idea. He warns him the Li Ching runs a tight ship down there. Mulroney voices his understanding that the meeting would have to be discrete. Deanie is glad the two are speaking the same language. He tells the priest to call him back once he's met with the man and sees what kind of deal could be worked out.

After the father is off the phone, Gem asks what the man wanted as he works to fill in the bullet holes on the side of the car. Mulroney explains that O'Conner wanted another favor, one requiring them to go see a man in Chinatown. Gem groans at the idea of another killing, and Mulroney comments that they never know what they will be required to do in the service of the Lord; but, he explains, this is just a talk.

The father then explains they should head over to the church first to change into something else. Gem wonders if he is going to attempt to disguise himself as Chinese, but the priest calmly notes that his intent is simply to look more civilian.

In the meantime, he tells Gem to clean up the car as best he can before they go out of the warehouse again. The priest then heads over to talk to Chaos.

The boy named Chaos is busy at work on his workbench. The priest can see him working on some sort of yellow chemical flakes. He asks Chaos what he is up to.

Chaos explains he is adding nitric acid to the dinitrotoluene to produce trinitrotoluene. When he sees it is clear the priest isn't following, he clarifies he is producing TNT.

Father Mulroney is a bit nervous about Chaos working on explosives in the warehouse, but it gives him an idea. He asks the boy how much he can produce. Chaos thinks about it for a minute and explains he can probably produce a couple pounds worth quickly. He'd have difficulty producing any more as he is running low on something called oleum.

Mulroney asks if it would be enough to destroy a small building. Chaos agrees, noting that it is a matter of setting the charges in the right location.

The priest then asks about how to remotely detonate such a device. Chaos starts to talk about a project he is working on to use an old alarm clock as a timer detonator, but Mulroney explains it isn't right for what he has in mind. In that case, Chaos suggests the typical plunger detonator with a wire running to a blasting cap. He notes they'll want at least 50 feet of wire.

Chaos goes on to say that he has something similar rigged up as a booby trap in his room at the orphanage. When Mulroney questions the comment, Chaos explains that Shoes told him to do it as part of a defensive plan. Mulroney realizes the boy must have taken one of Shoes' sarcastic remarks seriously, and warns him not to blow himself up as he needs the explosives in a couple of days.

Mulroney then heads back over to Gem and explains his plan. He wants to get Ulnovsky and Carmody in the same location at the same time, and then blow them both up. Explaining it to Gem, he believes he can just tell each of the men that the other one is in the building.

Gem isn't so sure about the plan. He notes that it sounds awfully familiar to the plan Shoes once explained to him that the priest had about getting O'Conner and Tolino together; and that plan didn't work out so well.

Instead, Gem comes up with his own dim idea to steal things from both men and wait for them to come looking for their stuff at the warehouse. Once the men are in the warehouse, they can slip out the back and blow it up. Mulroney explains the downside of the plan being that they'd blow up their own warehouse. Gem notes there is a lot of territory down by the docks to make into a new base of operations.

Session 11 - Scene 4 (of 10)

Once they change into standard attire, Mulroney has Gem drive down to the alderman's office. He hopes the alderman can use some political connections to help him find Fung Xian.

They find the politician at his desk with a blank look of shock. When Mulroney asked what happened, he explains his house burned down. Gem asks what the alderman did while Mulroney inquires about his health.

From the outer office, Cheryl asks if it was related to that awful Dion Carmody who visited earlier in the week. Biggins tells her that is probably not the case but inwardly isn't so sure.

Gem, looking on the bright side, tells Biggins he is now free to come to the party at the Morgan house. Biggins tells the boy he has absolutely no intention of going. He explains he is an injured man and has a reporter to talk with about public safety that afternoon, so they'll have to find someone else to go with them.

Gem is confused why Biggins would bother with talking to reporters about his house being burned down. Biggins briefly explains about needing to bring up the crusade against crime in the city, saying they have a mayor to elect. When Gem asks him if he intends to lie about what happened, Biggins explains he is a politician and will say what is needed.

Since the alderman isn't interested in accompanying him, Father Mulroney asks if there is any other news to tell them about. Biggins tells them to shut the door so Cheryl can't hear.

Once the door is shut, Biggins starts going through his messages. Mulroney and Gem get confused, thinking the alderman had something to tell them. Neither notices the newspaper story on his desk about the museum, and the alderman himself seems to have forgotten it as well.

The alderman looks through several of the messages – various constituents upset about something or wanting favors, calls from the fire marshal and the police precinct, etc. He stops at a strange one that says, "Hope you got the message" and is signed "DC".

Biggins wonders who DC is. Father Mulroney gently reminds him it is likely Dion Carmody. Biggins concludes the man must have been the one to burn down his house. Gem asks why he would torch the house, but Biggins gets confused. He suggests it might be related to the bank robbery. Mulroney, not saying anything, recalls that it is probably related to the threats Carmody made about suspecting Biggins had ties to Ulnovsky from his activities on the docks; he wonders how hard the alderman hit his head since his memory is so affected.

Changing the subject, Mulroney mentions they have an errand to run in Chinatown and suggests the alderman accompany them. Biggins begs off, explaining he has not political contacts in that area and needs to stay and wait for the reporter. Mulroney warns him to keep an eye out for Carmody, but Biggins absent-mindedly mentions he is focused on something else at the moment. As they leave, Mulroney tells Gem it is a good thing that it isn't catching.

Session 11 - Scene 5 (of 10)

Gem drives himself and Father Mulroney down to the Chinatown district. Mulroney has Gem pass by the popular Chop Suey restaurants and touristy shops and head back into the slummier areas where the people actually live.

The two pass by the On Leong Merchant's Association building and Mulroney knows they are in the On Leong Tong's territory. The area is filled with row houses, apartment buildings, and even a few siheyuan houses.

Unfortunately, neither Mulroney nor his young protégé have any experience dealing with the Chinese and so end up wandering around the area like tourists; watched with suspicion by the residents.

After a block or so they are approached by a young Chinese boy. He asks if they are looking for something to buy. He is trying to get them to come visit his grandfather's shop.

Figuring the store is as good a place to start as any, Mulroney decides to follow the boy. He leads them to a basement storefront identified as "Wing's Antique Emporium". It is a large, dimly-lit shop filled with stacks of old junk.

Mr. Wing emerges from behind a curtain leading into a back room. He is a tall Chinese man with long white hair and a white beard. He smokes a long pipe, but Mulroney can only guess whether it contains tobacco or opium.

The old man greets them. He has a strong accent but speaks clearly. Mr. Wing explains he does not often get visitors in his shop and tells them he has a wide variety of fine goods they may be interested in.

Father Mulroney tries to explain they are not in the market for any goods, but Wing draws their attention to a nearby chess set. He claims it is a fine set made of marble and jade, worth $300 but he will sell to them for $200.

Gem examines one of the pieces. He openly tells the priest not to buy, it is fake jade made from dyed quartz. Mr. Wing laughs good-naturedly, noting they are obviously not typical Chinatown tourists and asks what has brought them to the area.

Mulroney explains they are there to find his "uncle", a man named Xian. Wing looks him over. He correctly deduces they mean Fung Xian, whom the old man refers to as the "Triad man".

The father perks up at the mention of the triad. He knows the various warring tongs are all organized street gangs of Chinese-Americans, but the triads are powerful organized crime syndicates found in China and Hong Kong. If Fung Xian was sent by one of the triads, something major must be brewing in Chinatown.

As Mulroney considers the implications, Wing continues explaining that he knows something is up in the area. He mentions many new men in the area who carry cleavers and don't speak English.

The priest asks the man to arrange a meet with Fung Xian. Mr. Wing offers to connect them, but explains it will be dangerous as Chiang Li Ching, head of the On Leong Tong, has spies everywhere. For the risk, he wants $500.

Father Mulroney balks at the price. He threatens to involve the police into Wing's affairs. Wing doesn't flinch, but asks what price he had in mind. The two eventually settle on a price and Wing insists on getting his money up front.

As part of his cover, Mulroney also purchases the chess set, but for the actual cost of the item, commenting always enjoying a good game of chess. Wing dryly remarks he prefers Chinese checkers, which gets a chuckle from the priest.

Mulroney then asks Wing if he is also interested in arranging a buyer for a valuable necklace. Wing explains that such a thing can be done; he suggests Mulroney give him the necklace and it can be shipped out to his "relatives" in San Francisco who can find a clandestine buyer.

Gem and Mulroney then get ready to leave the shop. They set up a meet time of 10:00 that evening to return. Mulroney is pretty sure he can trust the old man.

As they head to the car, Gem explains his confusion that he had no idea Mulroney was part Chinese. Mulroney, having some fun with the lad, tells him he grew up an orphan in China and explains that's why he takes such good care of the orphaned boys now. He asks Gem if he knows he can always trust him. Gem agrees.

Session 11 - Scene 6 (of 10)

Across town, Biggins is having much worse luck trying to convince Jake Mingle, crime reporter for the City Star, that the burning down of his house is connected to his crusade of justice in the city. Jake notes it's not much of a story, but he might be able to get it added as a human interest piece. He tells Biggins he'll let him know and leaves.

The alderman then decides to make a call to his wife, Bertha, to let her know what happened. He is relieved she is still at her sister Martha's home in Sheboygan.

Once the operator gets her on the phone, however, he can tell he's made a mistake. When he starts to talk about the fire, she immediately becomes hysterical. He tries to calm her down, asking about the children – Eva, Pearl, Jean, Frederick, Joe, and little Viola – but has no luck and she ends up hanging up on him.

Deciding to deal with the domestic affairs another time, Jethro decides to contact Captain Deakins next to see if he has any information on the crime.

Captain Deakins has a little information. His detectives have located a witness placing Dion Carmody near Biggins' house the night of the fire. He asks Biggins if he has any connection to Carmody, but Biggins lies and tells him there is none he is aware of.

The captain then inquires if Biggins needs any protection. He has a man in mind who could keep Biggins out of trouble. Given his connections with the priest's illegal activities, the alderman tells Deakins he'll consider the offer, but notes he wants to remain approachable to his constituents. Deakins cautions Biggins to consider the offer carefully, noting the alderman has been engaging with elements in dangerous waters lately.

After Biggins tells the captain there is nothing else he needs to know about, he hangs up the phone. With all the excitement in his own life, it never occurs to him to ask the police captain about the bloody fingerprint discovered at the museum.

Session 11 - Scene 7 (of 10)

When Father Mulroney and Gem arrive back at the church, they find Sister Mary in the vestibule. She comments that they smell like Chinese food.

The father tells her he has a present for her and hands her the large, wrapped chess set. She asks what it is and he explains it is a chess set he purchased from a Chinaman.

Sister Mary's eyes narrow as she confirms they went to Chinatown. She wants to know why; specifically if they are looking for a new heroin connection. Father Mulroney assures her that he was not looking for a new supplier, but she still warns him not to try and cut out Dr. X as he wouldn't like that.

Father Mulroney wonders exactly how close Mary's connection is to the mysterious doctor. Trying to sound casual, he asks her if there is a chance of meeting the good doctor in person. She brushes him off, saying the doctor wouldn't like that and that he likes to keep things just between the two of them.

Mulroney's suspicions increase with the rebuttal. He makes a mental note to have Mary followed at some point so he can get more information on Dr. X.

Dropping the subject for the moment, he asks if there is any news to report. She has none, but does complain about the chess set and how the father keeps bringing back junk to the church – the strange stone, those musty old books in the rectory, etc. The reference reminds the father he still needs to look into the books he brought back from Ravenscry Manor when he has a chance.

He tells Mary he was wondering if Alderman Biggins had called, mentioning how the alderman's house burned down. Sister Mary asks if he fell asleep with one of those cigars he's always smoking, but the father clarifies it was arson. She says she'll keep an eye out, as they don't want any fires at the church.

Mulroney also asks about recruitment efforts, but Mary tells him it will take more time to recruit. She has to make sure to get the right kind of boys otherwise they'll end up with more like Liam and Noel.

Gem, however, wants to hear about the strange stone Mary mentioned. Father Mulroney realizes he hasn't shown the boy his trinket yet, and offers to do so but warns only to look, not touch. Gem remarks on how he loves pretty rocks.

When the priest takes out the black disk, Gem immediately becomes entranced. Unconsciously, he reaches out to touch it but Mulroney pulls it away in time. He warns the lad that anyone who touches it ends up in the hospital. Gem is confused how touching a stone could put someone in the hospital but takes the father at his word.

Archer is very interested in the stone, noting that he can't identify what it is made of. Mulroney offers to perhaps let him see it again sometime, but is concerned about the affect it had over the youth.

Father Mulroney decides they should go see Biggins – he'd like to have him as a getaway driver in case there is trouble at the meeting tonight. Gem asks where the alderman is staying, and Mulroney tells him he assumes at his office. Gem suggests the orphanage might be more comfortable, which Mulroney agrees would be an improvement over sleeping on a desk.