Whitzz/544K-RP-Datasets huggingface dataset:
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Through the triumphant cheers one of the line workers caught Maeve mid flight. Easy girl easy, he said as if speaking to a frightened animal. Maeve yelped at being caught but she was at least stilled. Her eyes were wide and wild. The cheers turned to murmuring as the workers gathered. Maeve was incoherent at best. What's she saying? One of the men demanded. The worker who held her still shook his head in bemusement. I'm...not sure. Something about men...and...killed him... Look! Blood all over her dress! The men huddled closer. Slashed across the front of her mossy green dress was a dark stain. A thick spray of blood across the very front. Miss Maeve, you have to take a breath. What happened? Still her eyes were wide and wild. It played across her mind over and over again. The men in dark suits who stepped from the shadows. Their faces dark blurs as the forced her father to his knees. Something about the wrong family. Then the ear rending gunshot. It rang in her ears as much as her own scream. Brain and gore splattering her and the pavement. People shouting for her to stop. She couldn't stop! Were they mad? She needed...needed something. Fear had given her feet wings. Then a sudden stinging pain on her face. The men around her. Not the men with dark, blank faces but the men of her father's mill. She touched her stinging cheek, feeling the heat and the throbbing. Sorry... One man said sheepishly, shaking his hand. He...he's dead... She said quietly, a hand to her cheek. Who? Several shouted at once. Father. Chaos erupted. Shouts of calling the cops. All around her noise and yelling. Cool it! Someone shouted above the din. One Italian man shrank from the crowd and ran to Jimmy's office. Ey, ah, Jimmy...we got a problem, he said, jerking a thumb to the scene. Slowly the men got Maeve to her feet. Cal, you go call the cops. Dan, get some water for the miss. I'll take her somewhere quiet to sit. Her head spun as one of the man, James, started leading her away. Her father was dead. Gone. In the blink of an eye, the beat of a heart.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Maeve was steered, not unkindly, into an office. Jimmy. Despite his involvement in the books she didn't actually know the man well. Not like the others in the mill. He kept books as well. Though why she had never been certain. Her father just said it was good to have another set of eyes for the accounting, in case anything was overlooked. She sat down and found a hot cup of coffee placed in her hands. She had never been partial to the noxious, dark drink but it was good to have something to hold on the. The warmth calmed her, even if just a little. She started when he asked her about a funeral. For a moment she just stared up at the man. Oh...yes I-I mean no...that is... She stopped herself and took a long, deep breath. I can handle the funeral. We will have the viewing on the estate. Father had said he wished to be buried in the grounds. She felt her throat tighten and her eyes burn. Control. She couldn't lose herself again. Her mad flight was embarrassment enough. Then he spoke of the business. The cost of upgrades. She sat back in the chair, her face a mixture of surprise and revulsion. This hardly seemed the time for such questions. Before she could reply a roar of chaos came from out in the mill. Jimmy was quick to the door. With a quiet word the noise settled. Faintly she could still hear the men talking as Jimmy walked back over to her. A frown creased her eyebrows as he spoke again. I don't know anything you don't already know. Our books should be the same. Her voice grew steadier as she spoke. Somehow discussing business matters kept the wolves of grief at bay. For the moment at any rate. As soon as he heard of the new smelting process he borrowed a little from the bank. Most of the money came from his savings. He keeps some money tucked away for just such events, you know this. Though...it wasn't enough for the safeties. He said as soon as the new equipment settled out and proved to be a useful he would invest in the safeties. She paused, thoughtful. Jimmy...you realize this irregular to ask,now, of all times. The police will be here soon. I must speak with them. Maeve got to her feet and put the mug of coffee on his desk. I need to go home...plan the f-funeral. Tell mother...oh God... She pushed her fingers to her temples. How can I tell her? This will kill her...if she even... Maeve shook her head. I need to get ho-As ucht De! The car...it is still where.. She shook her head. I am sure the police can take me home. We can discuss the books later. Will you tell the men to go home? The mill will be closed until the funeral. Two days from now I suppose.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Maeve's spine stiffened as Jimmy spoke. Her mind whirled at this private individual whom her father had supposedly borrowed money from. That wasn't possible. She had seen the bank notes herself. Red mottled her cheeks but then she turned a vibrant shade of red when he spoke of gambling. She opened her mouth to berate him but he pushed a thick file into her arms. The books were familiar enough. If she had time to look through them she would see they matched all she knew. But he said these were the ones the police needed to see. We're there books they couldn't see? What was going on? Jimmy had to be crazy. This was her father. A better man few knew. He didn't holdw with gambling and shady private investors. A knock at the door and his entire demeanor changed. That scowl could scare the wimple off a nun. As soon as he turned back a kindly mask was back. Who was this guy? She gave him her own vicious glare, eyes narrowed to slits. We will talk more after I speak with the police. Her voice was quiet and came out as a small hiss. But at only five feet tall she was likely as threatening as a kitten. Then the police came in. Irish as herself they glared at Jimmy as if he were the foulest thing on the earth. Easy gentlemen, Jimmy is a family friend. I will speak with the detective now. They didn't seem eased at all by her words but escorted her out of the office. Maeve wasn't gone long. Yes gentlemen, thank you. I assure you Jimmy will see me home. There was some quiet dissent from the police as she opened the door to Jimmy's office. Three days right? Very well, I will have the services ready by then. Good day. She closed the door with a heavy sigh. Her eyes were red again but she held herself rigidly. Recounting the events again did not make the pain easier to bear. Seeing Jimmy pulled the pain back. Anger flooded through her once more. She strode to his desk and, rather unlady-like, slammed the files on the wood. Where are the real books? Who is this individual? How is it you, some up-jumped Italian, know this but I, his own daughter, don't? Who exactly are you? As she threw out question after question her face grew red again.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Maeve glared when he laughed and her cheeks turned redder. Not in anger. She looked down the the desk abashed. He wasn't wrong there. If her father hadn't come to America she would likely be digging potatoes out of the family field and herder a flock of sheep. Probably already married with a brood of fiery haired little ones. It was truly embarrassing to have that pointed out so quickly. She read through the books, mouth opening and face palming with each line and page. A hollowness gripped her stomach, soon replaced with illness. If her constitution was that of a strong Irishwoman she might of vomited. 15 interest a week? Not to mention the names of strange women everywhere. Strange names too, they couldn't even be their Christian names. Jimmy spoke to her and the words were mostly just a strange buzzing in her ears. Slowly she grasped the idea. The Italian Mafia. Her father had gotten himself involved with those viscous thugs. What madness was this? Another group of them had killed her father. If the mill failed then the family Jimmy worked for would lose their golden goose as he had called it. That meant a great deal of money lost to them. Only as he put on his driving gloves and went to the door did she snap up and back to the present realm. Wait. Go where? I can tell you what he looks like as you take me home. I have to go home. Ma needs to be- she stopped herself, eyes going wide. Oh God...Ma...you don't think they'd hurt her too do you? We-we have to go get her.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Intent on cutting her noodle Maeve didn't notice him stand. Not until his reprimand did she look up from her plate with a start. Before she could protest or even breathe he leaned over her from behind. Now she really couldn't breathe. His hands were warm and gentle as he removed the offending implement from her grip. She watched his hands manipulate hers to twirl the pasta around the tines of the fork. Chills crept from her ear to her tail bone at his whispered word. Yet her face and ears burned, turning the same crimson as her hair. She obeyed his prompt and opened her mouth. He place the tangy noodles on her tongue and she closed her mouth. He even went so far as to dab sauce from her lips. Though when he said not to chew she couldn't manage that order entirely. She'd gotten perhaps two bites in before trying to swallow them. It felt too strange and the lump of noodles made her eyes water. At least she didn't ruin the mood by coughing or choking. Wait. Ruin the mood? The color flared in her cheeks before disappearing to a ghostly parlor. She was losing her mind. There was no mood. He was just some hired thug. With a fine face and words like honey...but still a thug! Her heart beat too hard against her breast. In a flurry of movement she dropped the fork and spoon. Her chair slid back, heedless if it might wind him. She was up and away from him faster than a cat dropped in a bath. For a moment she stared at him, her face flashing red once more, her arms around her almost protectively. She muttered something about not being hungry before fleeing to the safest refuge she could think of the stable. Inside her sanctuary her heart stopped racing and her face cooled. She mentally berated herself for listening to him. Letting him envelope her, body and mind, even for a moment. This was madness. There were men after her life and no one after...whatever...it was he wanted. She growled to herself as she went into Chulainn's stall to brush and saddle him. Some time in the field would set her mind right.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Once Chulainn was brushed and saddled Maeve led him out of the stable. In her mind she still heard Jimmy's laughter. She couldn't decide if it had sounded derisive or not. A small growl escaped her throat as she swung easily into Chulainn's back. What should it matter? It didn't matter. The fact it might even matter a little set her blood boiling. Sensing her unease Chulainn shuffled back and forth, pinning his ears. Maeve let out a long breath and stroked his neck. I'm sorry laddie...it's been a hard day. With that they wheeled around and took off for the woods where her practice jumps were set up. Nothing cleared her head better than riding. Flying over hurdles and drops brought a peace to her mind. Focusing on the spacing and alignment made the gracious and confusing day melt away. But Chulainn couldn't keep jumping and wheeling for the rest of her life. She would need to face her problems sooner or later. Chulainn was a good companion. He listened to her talk, comforted tears. Where would she be without him? Well, she would find out sooner or later. Before she knew it the sun was setting. They needed to head back. Certainly the nightly protector would be put out if she was gone too long. They took their time getting to the stables. Maeve brushed Chulainn down and settled him in for the night. Liam met her at the veranda. Maeve the-ah-gentleman has requested I escort you to your room? Maeve blinked for a second as she pulled a twig from her wild mane of hair. Why? She asked with a puzzled frown. Liam cleared his throat and looked to the ground abashedly. He...requests me to...lock the do- What?! Her voice was sharp and shrill. Where is he? Liam's face turned redder. Funny thing is miss...he's in your room. Ice coursed her insides. Everything from finishing school fled her mind. Fire erupted in her belly as she turned from Liam and stormed into the house. The door to her room flew open with a resounding bang. Her face flushed a bright red as she stood there, her chest heaving. You have- she stopped abruptly as she took in the scene. He was half dressed in her room. If she didn't think his position clear before she was certain of it now. She marched right up to the man, aggressively prodding his chest. Just who the hell do you think you are? How dare you embarrass this household you half fledge miscreant. Demanding to lock me in my own room where you stand half naked! What game are you playing here then, huh? And you got Liam involved in your ridiculous ideas! Liam stood in the doorway watching the scene unfold with a mingled look of amusement and sheepishness.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

If she hadn't been so irate she might have been surprised as she had managed to cow him. His posture and face said everything. A little fire of triumph if ignited in her chest. The sweet taste of victory was short lived, however. After he stammered that he hadn't know it was her own room they stood in he was back again. Didn't realize her foot! She opened her mouth for another verbal assault but he cut in first. Telling Liam to lock the pair of them in. Liam's face turned as red as Maeve's hair. Liam...don't... Maeve started, turning to her father's manservant. But Liam bowed his head. He seemed sad but resolute. Liam closed the door and locked it. Maeve's mouth fell open. What in the name of heaven was happening? Liam, staunch Liam obeying Jimmy? She was broken from a long line of questions in her head when the lights were snuffed and they were bathed in near darkness. The only light a watery silver from the moon. She looked over in the direction of Jimmy's voice at his question. At this point she was too dumbfounded to be irate anymore. That Irish fire quenched as quickly as it has flared. Well you do all look similar...but I don't' quite remember. It is still a bit of a blur. I just remember dark faces, like in a nightmare. The one that held me had an odd smell...like...low tide and garlic. She might not know it, but it was a decent clue. Only one of the families had their base of operations at the warf. Dinaploi, the family who hailed from Naples. Time passed slowly in the darkness. After some pacing Maeve finally settled herself near the window and stared at the dark fields. She could hardly make out anything in the darkness. His sudden movement startled her out of a doze. Clearly something was out there. She stared hard and could barely see figures making their way toward the house. His finger went to the trigger and she shoved her fingers into her ears. He went preternaturally still then the gun went off. One of the dark figures fell. The other three began to scramble, running about to find cover. Maeve cocked her eyebrows at Jimmy's question. How odd he was so calm when he just took a life. Yes, Prince Charming, we have a few horses besides Chulainn, she said, biting back a retort about camping. No, she couldn't help it. You aren't serious, are you? Camping? The scurrying on the grounds had ceased. Though with no more shots the bravest of the three, or the dumbest, came out from his cover. He walked slowly, waving his gun back and forth. The other two weren't so foolhardy. They remained behind what little cover they could find.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Did his job? Maeve didn't quite understand. Why was this guy praising Jimmy? Was he an enemy? Maybe even of the of the men who had a hand in killing her Da. Her brows furrowed as she peered out the window at the man who was shouting up. It was faint but she had heard the sound too. The rustle of a drape, the creak of a floor board. Maeve's heart pounded in her chest. There were more in the house. Suddenly she felt foolish for yelling at Jimmy. They were far better off barred in the same room. Jimmy moved and she heard the click of a round being chambered. He placed cold metal into her hands. This wasn't one of her father's guns. He coaxed her around to face the door. She held the gun tightly and nodded at his instructions. She could hear the other man shouting up at Jimmy again. Her face flared with heat. Look who's talking, Dego trash, she whispered in a soft hiss. She didn't know what a bordello was, exactly, but she got the idea. Worse yet she felt an odd pang when it was suggested Jimmy marry a nice Italian girl. Her jaw began to hurt and she realized she had been clenching it. Mentally she berated herself. Then chaos. The punctuated chittering of their guns sliced through the air. Suddenly Maeve found herself underneath Jimmy. She held perfectly still, painfully aware of where his hands held her. Just as quickly he was gone and returning fire. The gun fight ceased and silence hung heavily. Her ears rang and buzzed from the sound. Slowly she pushed herself up and faced the door again. A floor board creaked. She closed her eyes to listen. Something scraped the wall then swung back. The painting, she had run into it plenty in the dark. Then it grew eerily quiet. The door flew open, crashing into the player with a bang and a crack. Maeve didn't hesitate. She ignored one part of Jimmy's instruction. She aimed and fired. There was a grunt and a clatter as the first man running in fell, a hole right through his left lung. The second hesitated too long, seeing his comrade fall. He got a shot through his right lung and his gut before falling. Faint wheezing grew quieter and quieter and then silence. Out on the grounds one figure seemed to decide this wasn't a gun fight worth having. He took his chances and fled for the woods.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Maeve struggled to keep her breathing even. She flicked the weapon safety on and slowly lowered it as Jimmy shouted his warning. The pause seemed to take an eternity. A clatter of metal on stone rang across the yard. She tilted her head back to look at the dark form of the man, David. His crass words made her ears burn. Worse than that were the names he called out. Who were these people? More members of these families Jimmy had spoken of? Finally there was quiet when David fled the scene. Jimmy's comment garnered him raised eyebrows. In the dark, however, there was little effect. He rose and went to the two dead men. Men she had killed. She took a breath to steady herself. Men who would have killed them if they'd had the chance. She had to remind herself of that. The mess I got us into? For a moment she felt a flash of anger. As quick as it came it left. She leaned her head against what remained of the window behind her and laughed. Nothing about this was funny but the rush of adrenaline had left her limbs weak and tingling. All she could do was laugh had the insanity of the day. Yes I have a better plan. Let's go to sleep and pray when we wake this was all a bad dream. Her temporary insanity quelled itself. She stared into the dark with a small frown. They'll look for us there though, won't they? If I am understanding correctly...it is now your crime family against four others? I think it is a lost cause. She heaved a sigh. You would have been better off letting the police handle this. Of course she would likely be dead already if that had happened. I don't suppose your boss has some convienant villa upsta- Suddenly she sat up. The cottage. Da built it for Ma before...before she got sick. He built it himself, no money borrowed from your boss. So no one knows we even have it. It is far though...and isolated, near ten miles to the small town. The thatch is probably in rough shape too...and being so far won't help solve the problems here...but it is safe and I doubt we'd be found.
Thread: Mills and Mafia (LuanaXVictorian)

Maeve sat quietly alone while Jimmy was gone. For the first time that day she was utterly alone with her thoughts. Chulainn and, to her surprise, Jimmy had both been expert at keeping her mind occupied. The the attacks on her home. Everything had changed quicker than a pratie wagon in a peat bog. The noise and chatter did little to help her nerves. Her teeth rattled and her ears buzzed. It all stopped when Jimmy sat across from her. She gave his quip a wan smile in response, lifting the tiny glass in salute. Slinte mhaith, she said before knocking back the drink. Fire wended down her throat cause her eyes to water. She put the glass down and coughed. If v that wasn't the worst thing she's had in her mouth. Jimmy got up and left again. A beer was brought over and left at the table. His hair a little wet Jimmy came back once more. He seemed so comfortable in the bar. She felt out of place like a hen in a fox den. His world was so peculiar. The violence and the underhanded dealings. She couldn't wait for life to return to normalcy. If it ever did. Finally he was ready to go. She took his hand and rose from her seat. You're not wrong. You aren't half bad when you aren't boorish and acting a cad, she said with a small smirk. As she looked to him she noted the fatigue in his face. The smirk fled when she realized it had been a trying day for him as well. Perhaps not personally trying but at least physically. She supposed she could stand to be a little nicer to him. You know, Da taught me the rudiments of driving. I could drive a bit out of the city, she said with a small smile as they got into his car. The drive took them well out of the city. The roads grew bumpy and pavement ended. Occasionally they passed through very small towns. Mostly the towns were dark, all their denizens fast asleep. At one point Maeve had fallen asleep despite the jarring drive. It had to be close to two in the morning when she woke. Sorry...dozed a bit...shall I drive some so you can sleep?