Kutee: Looks like Frankie wants the girl, doesn't it? You want to know? So do I! Wonder if we'll find out soon…

"Whatever happened to Sylvester?"

Bianca glanced over at her companion before returning her gaze to the surrounding bright green grass and deep blue lake.

"Don' know." Frankie answered.

Bianca sighed, "It is beginning to get colder."

Frankie hummed noncommittally.

The day after Frankie appeared at the Montgomery household, Bianca showed up at the store. Scott gleefully greeted her and ran to get Frankie from the back. Upon seeing her, Bianca requested a walk. Frankie readily agreed. They ambled through town, their feet traveling a well worn path to the lake.

"I will have to purchase a new coat. I left my winter attire in Paris." Bianca peeked at Frankie's reaction. "Perhaps you should consider dressing more warmly as well. If you'd like, we could go to the city together. There are a few wonderful boutiques there."

Frankie knocked a pebble away with her cane, "I got clothes."

"Oh."

"I got a real swell scarf. I'll hafta put it on next time."

Bianca's eyes lit up, "A scarf?"

"Yeah, bu' I still ain't no good at tying the thing."

Bianca smiled softly, "I could help you, if you'd like."

"Oh?"

Bianca shivered at how similar it sounded to Adam Chandler. Misconstruing the shiver for coldness, Frankie stopped walking and wrapped an arm around Bianca's waist, "If it's too cold, we can go back."

"No, I am fine." she did not want to leave.

"I don' want ya gettin' sick." Frankie frowned.

"Perhaps," Bianca coyly spoke, wanting to divert from thinking about Adam, "if you stand closer to me, I will not be cold at all."

Frankie smirked and stepped closer, "Tha' better?"

"Very much so."

Bianca looked down at the blonde. Hazel eyes darkened and she felt her body react to the heated gaze. She lowered her head as Frankie pushed up on her toes, their lips meeting halfway.

She closed her eyes at the sweet sensation. Their lips slowly moved together, creating a delicious friction that had her whimpering for more. Her hands clasped Frankie's arms, needing to hold on to something strong lest she float away. Twin hands cupped her flushed face.

Bianca did not know they were falling until her body came into contact with gentle hardness. Her fingers dug into the grass as she stretched out, her form engulfing the woman below her. Each time their lips broke apart, she dove back in, hungering for the sugary taste of Frankie's mouth.

She heard a throaty groan as Frankie shifted beneath her. Hands tangled in her dark silky locks. With surprising stealth, her hands slipped over Frankie's body and hovered over her belly. Frankie tore her mouth free, panting for air. Bianca rested her head against the blonde's cheek, eyes fixated on her porcelain fingers while they carefully undid each button of the waistcoat, making sure to unhook the golden watch chain when they bumped into it.

Frankie pressed a quick sloppy kiss in to her hair before lying back. Releasing the last button, Bianca felt the blood rushing through her veins. She could feel muscles twitch beneath her hand as she touched Frankie's stomach through her shirt, the last barrier. She slid up and captured her mouth in another kiss.

Frankie pulled back. Breathing hard, she let her eyes trace the curves and dips of Bianca's face, "Ya sure are a knockout."

Bianca blushed lightly, "I am not the only one."

Frankie's gaze was soft as butter, "Simply crazy 'bout ya."

Their lips melted together.

The sun was beginning to set as the two women strolled back to the store. Bianca cheerfully swung their linked hands together, drawing out a chuckle and lopsided grin from Frankie.

Bianca laughed at a joke Frankie told her when they stepped through the door into the store. She leaned into Frankie, her shoulders shaking with humor. Her laughter died out as she felt Frankie stiffen against her. Confused, she glanced at Frankie's face. The hazel orbs had grown glacial and her mouth was set in a thin firm line.

Looking ahead, two men stood near the counter. She recognized one instantly as Junior Chandler, his canary yellow suit catching her eye immediately with its garish quality. She did not know the man who stood next to him. His skin was dark as the oncoming night, and a cocky smirk quirked on his lips.

"Junior, Jessie." Frankie greeted them, voice even. She let go of Bianca's hand and took a half step forward. Bianca noticed she also shifted to the side. She had moved between them, blocking Bianca from the men.

"Hello, Frankie." Junior responded with a snorting giggle.

Jessie only nodded, his eyes ticking to Bianca. The brunette felt a chill go through her at his look. Frankie shot the man a warning glare, and he looked away from Bianca with a contrite look.

Frankie took out her pocket watch, "There's still another hour."

Junior scratched at his glassy eyes, "There was a problem. Father wants you there now."

Jessie cleared his throat, "We tried calling, boss, but you didn't answer."

Frankie stood still. Bianca could feel her mulling over the situation. After a minute, she gave a sharp nod, "I'll meet ya at the car."

"Sure thing, boss." Jessie walked to the door. Passing by Bianca, he tipped his hat with respect, "Have a nice evening, miss."

At Frankie's hard stare, Junior followed after Jessie. Like Jessie, he tipped his hat, a little more wobbly than the other man had, "Good day, Ms. Montgomery."

When the door closed, Frankie turned to face her. The frost melted and she smiled sadly, "I gotta go."

"Ok."

Frankie gave her a quick kiss, "I'll see ya tomorrow."

Bianca watched her go. Through the window she saw Frankie walk down the sidewalk to a parked car. Jessie opened the door for her then went around to the driver's side. As they drove passed the store, Bianca noticed it was not the duesenberg. Tilting her head, she confirmed what she had seen earlier. Frankie's vehicle was parked to the side of the store.

Bianca breathed in deeply. Frankie had been wonderful yesterday and that day. She could feel her skin burn at the thought of their encounter at the lake. But, there were still so many questions that plagued her mind. She did not want to think of them. They only hurt her heart and confused her mind.

She needed to know, though.

The way Frankie had reverted at the sight of the men was frightening. It made her skin crawl whenever she heard Frankie mutter that "oh" so much like Adam did. That man Jessie had called Frankie boss. She never saw Jessie working at the store. Did it have something to do with what Frankie and the Chandlers spoke about when she witnessed their gathering at the mansion? Did it have to do with why Uncle Jack told her to stay away from them or with what Opal said?

Making a decision, Bianca spun on her heels and bolted out the door. She ran as fast as she could to the duesenberg. She flung open the door and toppled inside. Slamming the door closed, she looked over the wheel. Frankie had given her one lesson on how to drive, and it had been nearly disastrous.

She prayed this time would be better.

Starting the car, she carefully guided the car onto the road. Making sure no one was in the way, she pushed on the gas and the car lurched forward. She held on tightly to the steering wheel as she sped through town.

If she caught up with Frankie, she could follow them and find out what was going on. As the car careened down the road, Bianca felt a burst of excitement flood through her veins. It came to her that this was like one of the adventures she used to read and dream about. She could not think about it long, though. Her knuckles were white as snow as she tried to keep the car going straight. Each bump or hole had her swerving like a madwomen. She fought back against the road, determined to not be stopped.

Roaring with reckless speed, she gasped as a car came into view. It was the car!

She let off on the gas, not wanting them to see her. She was able to keep enough distance between them that she could see the back of their car, but she was not right behind them. Her excitement changed to nervousness as the sky began to darken. She did not remember how to turn the headlights on. It would be deadly for her to drive without them. Where were they going? She was certain they were far outside of town. Only endless fields surrounded the road.

Her jitters only grew as a side road appeared and the car turned onto it. Following, Bianca discovered it was nothing more than a muddy path barely big enough for the carriage let alone the car. The setting sun cast a brilliant array of oranges and yellows across the sky. Dipping over a hill, the colors illuminated a massive building.

Bianca frowned. The building was in the middle of nowhere, yet there were dozens of delivery trucks around it. Getting closer, she could make out its features. It was made of sturdy red brick, and the windows were open to allow the evening breeze to pass through. It must have been at least three stories tall. There was no signage to denote its purpose.

Gripping the wheel, she steered the car off the path. There was a pile of used wood, and she hid the car behind it. She exited the car and concealed herself behind the wood, peering between two boards at the building. The car she had been following parked in front of the building. She watched Jessie open the passenger door, and Frankie got out. She stormed to the entrance of the building, Jessie and Junior at her heels.

Swallowing worriedly, Bianca ducked around the wood pile and started toward the building. She had to see what was happening inside. With as much surreptitiousness as she could muster, she dashed toward the building, darting between trucks and cars on her way. Reaching the car Frankie arrived in, she felt her heart stop. Two men meandered around the corner of the building. They were talking quietly. She held her breath as they passed by, releasing the air in relief when they did not spot her. She waited for them to round the next corner before running to the building.

It would be foolish to use the door. Someone would surely see her. Flattening her back against the brick, Bianca slid along the wall until she reached a window. Peeking inside, she saw the coast was clear. Inhaling a breath of courage, she scrambled through the opening.

When her feet hit the floor, she heard voices. Scared, she ran behind a stack of crates. Safely hidden, she took in the space. The building was one large room. It was filled with stack after stack of crates and boxes. Peering around, she spotted Frankie in the middle of the room. Adam was at her side, and handfuls of men loitered about, waiting for instructions.

Curious, Bianca crawled until she found a stack nearer the center of the room. Listening carefully, she could hear what was being said.

"It ain't tha' at all." Frankie smacked a pencil against the sheet of paper in her hand. "Four hundred cases go ta Marconi in Philadelphia. Only three hundred go ta Lewis in Pittsburgh."

"The trucks are already loaded with five hundred to Pittsburgh." one of the men spoke up.

"Unload it." Frankie growled. "An' it better not be none of tha' lousy bathtub stuff. Lewis wants Jamaican, an' he paid fo' it."

"But boss," the man piped up again.

"Ya got a hearin' problem?" Frankie glared at him.

"No, boss." the man gestured for his friends to follow him outside.

Frankie made a note on the paper. Another man spoke up, "Hey boss, tha' judge in Harrisburg is getting mighty itchy."

"I'll give 'im a call." Frankie muttered, watching the man she had spoken to earlier walk in with an armful of crates.

"I thought we were going to give him a ride."

Frankie's head snapped over to him, "Wha?"

The man cowered slightly, "Some of the boys already went up there."

"Get 'em back here, now!" Frankie threw the paper to the ground, "Why would ya do tha?"

"We were told to." The man gulped.

Frankie griped her cane hard, "Ya know every decision goes through me. If I didn' say it, it don' happen."

The man bowed his head in apology, "I know, boss. I'll get them back. Nothing will happen."

"Wha' blockhead tol' ya ta do tha'?"

The man nervously pointed at Junior.

Adam walked up as the man scurried away, "I hope there is no trouble, Frankie."

Frankie pursed her lips, "I've been cleanin' up Junior's messes for a while. Ain't got time to keep doin' it. 'specially with the new buyers comin' in."

Adam nodded, "I trust you will handle this…situation properly?"

"Yes, Mr. Chandler."

"Splendid." He patted her shoulder, "You know how I feel about obstacles to our success."

Frankie nodded mutely.

"Take care of it." He gave her one last pat.

Bianca watched him walk away. Frankie stared at Junior for a minute. Then, she subtly waved Jessie over. She whispered something to him, and he nodded sagely. Jessie walked over to Junior, and another man walked up to Frankie. The blonde's attention was diverted to the man. He handed her the crumpled up paper she had thrown and they went over numbers of crates and destinations.

Bianca shuddered at the tone Adam spoke in. There was a glint in his eye when he mentioned obstacles. Even more, Frankie's eyes had flashed with what looked to be pain. Bianca had a very bad feeling. Her body screamed that this was not right. What were they shipping? Glancing around, she spotted an open crate a few yards away. Silently, she crept over to the crate. Yellow straw littered the box, and she clawed at it. Her hand jostled something. She removed a chunk of straw and looked inside.

Her entire body froze at what she saw.

Dark bottles.

She lifted one up. It was rum. She lifted another one. Rum. One after another, every label read rum.

Dropping the bottles back into the crate, she blinked at the sting in her eyes and the clenching in her heart. As fast as she could, she snuck out of the building. She sped to the duesenberg and swiftly drove away.

Her mind reeled at what she had seen. Booze. It was all booze. Alcohol was illegal. Bianca shook her head viciously. It couldn't be true. It simply couldn't. However, her brain reminded her of all that she had witnessed. Frankie was able to get her wine at the restaurant. She said she went there for business. The restaurant was a buyer. Cecilia said Frankie had connections. Junior was always able to stay drunk. Uncle Jack, who worked for the government, disliked Frankie now.

Stuart was dead.

Bianca nearly drove off the road as it hit her. Stuart had operated the store. The store Frankie now ran. The store no one went into.

With renewed vigor, Bianca raced toward town, not even affected by the lack of light. She squealed to a stop in front of the store and sprinted inside. Scott gave her a strange look from the counter where he was tiding up before closing. Bianca did not even see him, too intent on finding out what she hoped was not true. She stalked down the aisle and went to the back. There were boxes and crates all around. She tore at the first one she came to.

It was full of matchboxes.

Bianca pushed it away. It was matchboxes. Only matches, not anything illegal. Bianca did not know whether to laugh or cry. The store was just that. A store.

Her eye saw the back door.

Ever so slowly, she made her way to the door. She gradually turned the knob and opened it. Eyes adjusting to the dark, she saw the storage building.

Gulping, she walked up to it. The doors were locked.

"Do you need help, Ms. Montgomery?" Scott's voice called out.

Bianca turned to him, her lip quivering, "It's locked."

"Frankie always leaves that locked when she isn't in it." Scott ambled out to her side. "Did she need you to get something from it?"

"Yes."

Scott rooted around in his pocket and produced a key, "This'll open it." He unlocked the door.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Ms. Montgomery." He went back to the store.

Hands shaking, Bianca pushed open the door and stepped inside.

It was full of crates.

Bianca felt a tear roll down her cheek. She moved to the first box and looked inside. She saw the edge of a label.

Whiskey.

A hand flew to her mouth as she choked out a sob. She stumbled away from the crates and ran around the store, her feet staggering with each step.

Frankie was a bootlegger.

Frankie was a criminal.

Bianca got in Frankie's car and pulled onto the road. She did not know where she was going, but she had to go somewhere. She could not stay there with all those bottles.

Stuart was dead.

Adam had spoken about obstacles to their success. Had Frankie killed Stuart? Was that why Uncle Jack despised her?

No, it couldn't be. Frankie was not a murderer. She simply wasn't. Frankie was gentle. She was adorable.

She was cold. She was cruel.

Tears flooding her eyes, Bianca saw the drive that led to the Chandler Mansion. Making a split second decision, she roared passed it and went on till she saw the next drive. She swerved onto it and drove up till she saw it.

Frankie lived near the Chandlers.

The house was not as big as the Chandlers', but it was very large. It looked intimidating in the dark. Bianca fell out of the car and went to the door. It was locked. Yelling in frustration, she kicked at it. It did not budge. Her feet swung around, hitting everything within reach.

A golden lion statue fell over to reveal a key.

Bianca picked it up and shoved it in the lock. She slammed open the door and went inside. Without thought, she roamed through the house, turning on lights. The house was huge. Various pieces of expensive furniture and decoration dotted the rooms. It was just that, though. Decoration. There was no warmth in the house. It was cold, much like its owner could be.

With a lurch, Bianca stumbled upon an office. The large wooden desk sat powerfully in the dark room. The walls were painted a dark maroon. Sobbing, Bianca went to the desk. She ripped open the drawers, causing papers to go flying about. She did not care. She did not even know what she needed to find.

All she could think about was Frankie. Frankie, who was a criminal. Frankie, who was breaking her heart and didn't even know it.

Her body stilled as she brushed her hand over something cold. With trepidation, she lifted up the metal object.

It was a gun.

Gasping, she dropped the revolver, and it clattered on the desk. Legs giving out, Bianca collapsed into the dark chair. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

"Wha' are ya doin' here?"

Frankie's voice echoed through the office.