Mac checked his watch. 9:30. Late enough that it seemed like he had better things to do, but not so late they'd think he wasn't coming. It surprised Mac how easily he had fallen back into a bad guy mindset, but he shook that off as he adjusted the cuffs on his black shirt. He was wearing the only pair of jeans he'd been able to dig out of his wardrobe – black and almost too tight to fit. Stella had assured him they suited, so he'd let it go. Cracking his neck one last time, Mac reached forward and rapped shortly on the door. It was opened immediately, and Mac effortlessly stared down the bodyguard standing there.

"Who're you?" The guard asked. Mac was glad there was a real cover story underneath Don's front cover.

"Name's Rogers," Mac lied easily. "Sonny's expecting me." The guard gave him an evaluating look before stepping aside and letting him in.

The music that hit Mac when he stepped in made him want to turn and leave, but he took a deep breath and kept walking. It took him a moment, but his eyes quickly locked onto Sonny Sassone, and he started walking towards the man. When Sonny saw him, he stood with a cocky smile.

"You must be Rogers," He said, putting his drink down.

"Call me Mac," Was the reply, and Sonny laughed in approval. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed everyone near; both male and female. He indicated for Mac to sit, which he did.

"You want a drink?" He asked, and Mac nodded. Another wave brought a young woman with a tray of drinks. She handed Mac a drink with a smile, before turning to Sonny.

"We're almost out of champagne Sonny, gimme your credit card so I can go and get more." Mac hid a smile at the exchange. He recognised the tone immediately as family, and the sigh Sonny gave as he handed over the card confirmed it.

"Sisters," Sonny complained as she walked away. Mac simply took a sip of his drink and remained quiet.

"We have business to discuss," Mac offered when it seemed Sonny wasn't going to start talking again.

"We've got all night for business," Sonny replied. "Have a drink; relax a little. I'll be right back." Sonny stood up and walked across the room; checking the rest of the guests were having a good time. Mac took this time to look around; gauging the crowd in case of trouble. His eyes stopped at the sight of someone who definitely didn't belong. The man was average height, but seemed to stand tall. His dirty blonde hair was sticking up at odd angles, and his lithe body was clad in tight denim jeans and white top. When the man turned his head, Mac could see sharp blue eyes surrounded by black kohl. The sight almost took his breath away, but Mac forced himself to focus as he saw Sonny start to walk back towards him. The sly smile on the criminal's face told Mac that maybe he hadn't been as quick as he'd like in hiding his interest.

"Can I get you another drink?" Mac turned to see a young, scantily clad woman that Mac suspected was just shy of the legal age.

"Thanks," Mac said, handing her his half empty champagne glass. "You got anything stronger around here?"

"Jack ok?" Mac nodded and the girl smiled at him before turning to leave. By the time she left, Sonny was back. He sat down opposite Mac with a grin.

"You relaxin' yet?" He asked. Mac faked a smile.

"I'm getting there, yeah. Your girl over there," He indicated to where she had left. "Is getting me a stiff drink." Sonny smiled in the direction of the girl.

"Yeah, she's a good girl," Sonny allowed. "Her brother was a Tanglewood boy a few years back."

"What happened to him?" Mac was sure to keep his voice curious.

"There was an unfortunate accident," Sonny replied vaguely. "But we promised we'd take care of his family, and that's what we're doing." Mac nodded, turning to look at the girl as she picked up his drink to bring to him.

"How old is she?"

"Twenty-two, would you believe it?" Sonny laughed lightly. "She don't look it, I know." Mac smiled along with Sonny, but he didn't stop scanning the room.
"So, how about that business?" Sonny eventually asked. "You wanna discuss it here, or would you prefer somewhere more private?"

"If you trust the people in this room to hear about it, I'm ok with that." Mac answered as Sonny beckoned someone behind him.

"Alright," Sonny smiled; pulling on a hand outstretched behind Mac. "But first I'd like to offer you a party favour."

Mac turned his head to see the owner of the hand; the same young man he'd been looking at earlier. The young man settled onto Sonny's lap, but Mac could see the discomfort in his eyes.

"Mac, this is Danny." Danny smiled as best he could, and Mac hoped the smile he gave in return was comforting.

"We have things to discuss first," Mac started; trying to keep his tone even. "Maybe later."

"Alright," Sonny agreed, slapping Danny on the leg. Danny got up obediently. "We got work to do, Dan, so beat it." Danny started to walk away when Sonny grabbed his arm.
"Nobody touches you," Sonny's voice was a clear warning. Danny nodded dutifully and walked away. Mac forced himself not to watch Danny leave, and pretended he didn't see the knowing look Sonny was giving him.