every year, the famiglia held a grand ball in the center of the city- where their main buildings were based. it was one of the main times that everyone would get together and discuss their business, as well as drink a whole lot of champagne and merlot. primarily drink champagne and merlot. it had become a birthday celebration, as well, for the don. one could usually count on seeing everyone there. this party had a few risk factors, of course, but there were precautions in place to avoid putting anyone in unnecessary danger.

carlisle stood off to the side of the dance floor, talking with a few of the other executives. his rings glinted in the light, champagne sparkling in the glass he held in his right hand. he was keeping an eye on the floor, just in case.

isaia was running around, checking on catering and all the decorations. people were still arriving- everyone was checked for weapons at the entrance.

astor and dimitri stood off toward the columns, probably talking about their recent jobs. he could only see them for a few moments before a group of soldiers blocked his view.

as per usual, dante was no where to be found. he always was the last to make an appearance. he and carlisle had had this conversation before, and the don believed in being fashionably late. he was always accompanied by two executives; giuseppe and angelo. his personal guards, very skilled in their craft. they'd arrive in around forty minutes, if dante was being true to his usual ways.