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The man approaches Janet Brewer while smacking a lead pipe again the palm of his hand, grinning as e moves threateningly towards her. Janet Brewer is the owner of a small gift shop just outside of Sherman Square. During the riots; her shop, Trinkets 'n Things was looted and nearly destroyed. The following day, she was visited by several men who wanted her to sign a contract, which would essentially give ownership of her business to some anonymous conglomerate. Though she could use the money to repair her shop, she had refused the offer. The men had made veiled threats as they left, and Janet had hoped that she had seen the last of the men. She hadn’t.

“You know, you should have just taken the offer.” The man tells her as he continues to slap the pipe in his palm, each time the sound of metal striking flesh sends fear through her body as she imagines just what it is he plans to do to her. “My employer’s offer was more than generous. But to be honest with you, I’m kind of glad you didn’t- This is much more fun.” The man’s grin widens from behind his beard. 

He raises the pipe over his head and is about to bring it crashing down on Janet’s skull when a bluish glow emanating from the street outside of the shop catches his attention. The bearded thug turns his attention to the strange glow and is shocked to see the form of a woman within the light. 

[color=662d91]“I don’t think she’s interested.”[/color]The woman says as she approaches the man. [color=662d91]“I suggest you back off.”[/color]

“Screw you lady.” The man says as he pulls a revolver out of his waist band and begins shooting.

The man gasps as the bluish light around the woman grows brighter, and the energy around her deflects the bullets as she continues to approach him. 
[color=662d91]“Wrong choice.”[/color] She says as she returns fire with a single electrical bolt that sends the man flying across the store. 

She then turns to the woman, who is still in a panic over the attack, the bluish field around her dissipating as she makes eye contact.

[color=662d91]“You may want to get out of here. If he has friends, they’ll be back.”[/color] She says as she takes her leave.

[i][b]The Next Day[/b][/i]

Alexa Winstone stands before a group of reporters that had gathered before her for this hastily called press conference. Alexa’s encounter the night before had made her aware of a great injustice that was going on in the city. With just a little research, she learned that the woman who owns Trinkets ‘n Things was not the only small business owner that had been subjected to such harassment. Though she doesn’t know who is behind the strong arming of local businesses, she feels a strong urge to do something to help.
[color=662d91]
“Thank you for joining me on such short notice. I know that our city has seen some true horrors over the last several months. From D-Day to the riots of just a few nights ago, the people of this city have shown the grit and determination to continue to push on. 

It has recently come to my attention that there are a number of predatory elements out there that are looking to exploit the hard working people of this city, and are using the events of the last few nights to profit off of the misfortune of those who have had their businesses ruined.

 So I have decided that Winstone International’s Lost Haven branch will earmark 15 Million dollars to aid those small business owners who have seen their livelihood threatened by the thugs who nearly burned portions of our city to the ground. We will be issuing a press release within the day which will detail how business owners can apply for the grant to cover the cost of repairs to their businesses.  It’s time to show the people of Lost Haven, and the rest of the world that you don’t need a cape to help. Thank you.”[/color]She says as she steps away from the podium as reporters shout questions at her.