This is when Mimi is getting ready for the dinner in Rio.

Disclaimer: I don't own Blue Bloods.

In the Face of Death

Mimi POV

I sighed as I walked into my hotel room, overlooking the beautiful waters of Rio de Janiero.

All day I had been on the beach, relaxing and enjoying my time off school, but I had to remind myself that this wasn't a vacation.

Tonight was the dinner with the Brazilian Conclave. I almost laughed. This "dinner" would solve a great many problems and hopefully lay this idea of the silver bloods return to rest.

I pushed that out of my mind for now. I stepped into the bath, into the warm water. I cleared my thoughts. Too much was going on.

Charles's impeachment.

The silver bloods possible return.

Lawrence becoming Regis.

My teeth clenched together.

Jack's affair with the half-blood.

I loosed my jaw, refusing to let any of these things get to me. They're thousands of miles away.

I stepped out of the bath, into my fluffy robe. I sat at my vanity, brushing through my thick hair. I rolled it into curlers.

I had picked out a gorgeous Valentino cocktail dress. It was black and white, with a thick black ribbon around my waist with a lacey bow.

It was perfect. I smiled as I looked at it. Nothing lifts my mood faster than things going my way.

I dusted my skin lightly with shimmer, enhancing its bronze tan. I put my makeup on carefully. I took out my roller and the golden curls fell softly against my face.

Perfect.

I slid out of my robe and into my dress. I tied the bow tightly around my slim waist. My heels were black with thin, crossing straps. I grabbed my clutch. A tiny thing with black and white stripes.

I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. My eyes, emerald green against my tanned skin. The eyes that had seen the rise and fall of empires. The face that had endured years of war and terror.

The face of death.

I stepped into the sleek black car that waited for me outside the hotel.

The driver didn't have to ask, he knew where to go. We drove high above the city. I watched the bustling city, and my eyes swept to the slums on the outskirts of the metropolis.

My stomach dropped. I don't know what it was about this, but it was making me uneasy.

I looked at our destination. Christ the Redeemer overlooked the city, seemingly protecting all the inhabitants.

If only they knew.

The car pulled to a stop in front of a magnificent villa at the edge of the cliff.

It was quiet except for the sound of soft voices. Normally, the Brazilians throw huge parties with samba dancers, music and entertainment, but this was a small affair.

When I entered the building members of the New York conclave stopped to greet me along with the Brazilians.

I chatted with the guests, including the host, Doña Beatrice before sitting down to eat.

The first course came, a mushroom soup. We discussed unresolved committee matters.

"Madeline, have you invited the mayor to the gala yet?" Edmund Olerich, asked politely from across the table.

I smiled demurely. "Yes, he will be there. But his girlfriend, I suppose, will accompany him." I made a sound of disapproval. "She has absolutely no interest in society." I said, shocked. "She doesn't even have any interest in the ballet!"

Edmund chuckled. He went to take a sip of his wine. But then the lights went out.

And all Hell broke loose.

Good? Bad? Pretty please review! I haven't gotten as many for the past few updates. My friend and I are having a contest to see who can get the most reviews for this one update. So please please review! (sing - song voice)

Windy