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Apr-7-2007 14:31

In 1920, over three-quarters of a century ago, Congress passed the Eighteenth Amendment ushering in the Prohibition Era.

In New York, as in every American city, 'speakeasies' mushroomed, but none was more celebrated than "Jack and Charlie's '21'", founded by two collegian cousins from the West Side, Jack Kriendler and Charlie Berns.

Apr-7-2007 14:37

Barry and Amber arrived at the speakeasy by taxi. Barry helped Amber out of the car and watched her face as she took in the unassuming building they got out in front of.

"Barry? I thought we were going to have dinner at a restaurant?"

Barry smiled, "This is a restaurant. It's just inside this house at #21." He took Amber by the elbow, helped her through the wrought iron gate and into a remarkably cozy and well appointed space. They were treated to a welcome by none other than one of the owners, Charlie Berns. Barry extended his hand. "Mr. Berns, I see your establishment has made it through those dark times in very good shape."

Charlie Berns, like most restauranteurs, greeted Barry like an old friend. He grasped Barry's hand in both of his and said, "Thank you kind sir. Yes, Prohibition was not going to stop us. I'm happy you have returned." He then looked past Barry's shoulder then said, "Please excuse me." and released Barry's hand and walked past him to take care of some business.

Barry escorted Amber up to the Maitre d' and asked about his reservation. "Grant, table 28, 8pm." The Maitre d' told them they were early and if they wanted table 28 they would have to wait. "We'll wait."

After Barry took Amber to the bar she said, "Barry? Why is it important to be seated at table 28?"

Barry handed Amber a drink. "It's a good spot to see but not necessarily be seen in."

"Do we have something to hide?" Amber's eyes widened and began to look around.

"No. I just want to be prepared for anything." Barry raised his glass to Amber. "To old friends." Clink. Barry and Amber spent the next 15 minutes catching up on what had been happening since Barry left The Closers. At 8:00 the Maitre d' came over and told them their table was ready.

After being seated side by side, because that was the only way to sit at that table, they were handed the menus. Two minutes later Barry placed their order and after the waiter left, turned to Amber and said, "What brings you to NY?

Apr-9-2007 19:53

Barry and Amber were enjoying a very nice dinner. Based on the questions Amber was asking, they discovered they had a mutual friend: Becky. It seemed Amber and Becky were school chums who had lost contact with each other after Becky suspected Amber of trying to steal her husband.

At the time, Amber was not given the opportunity to explain it was the other way around. Now that she knew where Becky was, she saw this as an opportunity to set the record straight.

Barry and Amber were enjoying their dessert when a waiter came in and handed Barry a small note. Barry looked at the waiter and realized he was no waiter. He was one of Dave's boys so he thanked him and gave him a wink.

Barry opened the note so Amber could not see it. He was only mildly surprised at the contents and quickly folded it up and stuffed it into his inside breast pocket.

"Barry? What's going on?" Amber's detective instincts were kicking in. "Why did you wink at him and why was he wearing a different waiter's outfit?"

"Amber, it doesn't matter. It seems that I am being sent on assignment and I don't know how long I will be gone. Let's see what I can do about getting you in to see Becky tomorrow. I may have you deliver a note to her for me."

Barry paid the bill and escorted Amber out into the NY night again.

Jun-11-2007 18:23

Suddenly a mysterious figure toppled out from the alley. Barry pushed himself in front of Amber and stared intently into the night. The stranger's face remained concealed in the shadows. However, Barry could have sworn to see a smile cross the stranger's lips.

"Who are you?" Barry questioned. His voice shook slightly but he regained his composure. Amber was grasping his arm like there was no tomorrow.

The stranger said nothing. He simply stared and waited. Just then, a policeman darted out from the alley.

"Got you punk! You're goin to jail for a loooong time." The cop shoved the stranger into his car and sped off. Barry began to think to himself. Was it just him, or did he recognize that man?

Jul-26-2007 03:45


Jeanne De La Motte entered the 21 Club. She shook off all her notions of fear from the men that started attacking her with malicious gazes. Everyone here knew who she was. Everyone also knew exactly why she was back.

The darker side of Jeanne De La Motte was about to be uncovered. She sat at a distant table in the darker shadows. She smiled to herself as she took off her overcoat and uncovered more of her skin.