When The Smoke Clears

Synopsis

Alessandra “Al” Capone, a young female mafia boss has one goal in mind, freedom. She’s tired of her current life and wishes for something more domestic. This lives in the forefront of her mind all the more while sitting in an interrogation room with Detective Helen who wants nothing more than to put away the woman that’s been wreaking havoc in her city for years.
Al remains on edge after encountering Lottie, a rival mob boss in her own territory at a speakeasy she frequents. Lottie warns Alessandra and her crew to stop encroaching on her territory or there’ll be consequences to pay.
Al’s restaurant co-owner and right hand woman, Francesca Netti, finds herself also at Detective Helen’s interrogation room. Talks of friendship, loyalty, and trust lay bare, however it seems nothing but the opposite is shared between the two. Francesca makes it clear on her end she’s with Al until the end, Detective Helen seems to understand this despite her frustration.
Francesca & Al are in their restaurant enjoying the night. Francesca slips some cash to their bartender Betty with a wink as an added tip while Al fixates on her lighting her cigarette. The two discuss the recurring topic of Al wanting to get rid of Lottie’s gang quickly. Francesca is not enthusiastic about the request and wants more time to plan. Al expresses that she wants to step away from mob life, surprising Francesca.
Bartender Betty receives intense scrutiny under Detective Helen’s interrogation. She inquires about her jewelry and how she can afford such lavish accessories. Betty doesn’t bite and remains unfazed.
Detective Helen presses Al further, demanding her whereabouts on the night Lottie and her gang’s murder in the “Valentine’s Day Massacre”, Al gives her nothing in smugly. The detective pulls out Al’s signature lighter from her jacket letting her know she was there. Al shocked, puts the pieces together. A flashback shows Francesca was the last person to hold the lighter – she left it on purpose. She’s been betrayed. Dismayed in the interrogation room, she accepts her fate.
In the midst of euphoria, Detective Helen feels everything associated with the events leading up to her collaring Alessandra Capone. Lost in thought she finds herself sitting across from Al in the speakeasy face to face. Overwhelmed she steels herself and finds herself back in the interrogation alone holding Al's lighter.
In a back-way alley Francesca smokes a cigarette and next to her Detective Helen. Francesca takes one last drag before passing it to the detective, they share a nod, a smile, and go their separate ways.