//------------------------------//
// Family Business 
// Story: The Other Side of the Law 
// by Herr Director 
//------------------------------//

	The Friendship Express pulled to a halt in front of the Fillydelphia train station. The usual crowd of ponies bustled in and out of the train cars, as it prepared to make the return trip to Canterlot. Among those arriving, were two Royal Guards, though few could tell since they were out of uniform. Shining Armor and Flash Sentry stepped out of the busy train station into the cobbled streets of Fillydelphia.
"So, Captain," Flash inquired. "Where to next?"
"Let me see," Shining took out the piece of paper that the apple stallion had given him. "We need to go to the Knoxford Apartments."
"You know where that is?"
"No, I don't go here very often, even for work." The two walked around, until they at last found an information booth with a map of the town. "Flash, look here." Shining called Flash over and pointed at a spot on the map. "That's where we need to go."
"What do you know?" Flash said in surprise. :It's just down the street too! Let's go." He then faltered a bit. "Uh, not that I'm trying to give orders or anything, heh." he said with a nervous laugh
"Calm down now Corporal," Shining reassured. "This is an informal visit. Rank doesn't matter here like it does on duty."
The two walked down the street. It was fairly clear of hoof traffic. Carts and carriages dominated the lanes. The stallions kept going until they reached their destination. The Knoxford building stood five stories tall. It looked fairly nice, and well kept for an apartment building. Inside, the lobby was small, but cozy. A single reception mare sat at a desk by the stairs. She looked rather bored.
Shining stepped up first. "Excuse me?" he asked. The mare looked up lazily. "We're here for the resident in room 215." The mare nodded, and reached up and rang a bell on the wall, marked with 215. "Thanks." he said, as the two stallions ascended the stairs.

The two came to the second floor and, after a minute, came to room 215. Shining knocked on the door.
"Hey!" He rapped. "It's Shining Armor. Open up!" He tried the door. It was unlocked. The room inside was rater dark. The guards stepped into the dim space.
"This place gives me the creeps." Flash said as he shut the door. Shining said nothing, scanning the room. At last he spoke out.
"If the rumors are true and you really are alive," he said curtly, "Cut the drama and get to the point." Sure enough, a voice laughed from the shadows.
"Shiny, Shiny, Shiny. You really haven't changed a bit have you?" The voice was low, and hollow sounding.
The lights flickered on. The room had some pretty decent furniture and decor. A phonograph sat on the coffee table, and a harmonium stood in the corner "Behind you." Flash Sentry nearly jumped out of his skin, seeing as he was closer to the door. Standing by the light switch was another unicorn stallion. He had a dark tan coat and a grey mane. His cutie mark was a bullet with a trail behind it.
"Rusty 'Deadshot' Bullet," Shining was awestruck. "You son of a gun. I busted your gang again and again, but you never said die. After all these years-"
"Aww come off it, Cousin," Deadshot said with a grin. "Two years ain't that long."
"Whoa whoa whoa, hold up," Flash interjected. "You mean to say that you, a criminal, a boss of criminals in fact, is related to the Captain of the Royal Guard?"
Deadshot laughed. "That's right. You're a fast learner kiddo. You'll be useful to the plan."
"Wait," Now it was Shining's turn to be confused. "Plan? Plan for what?"
"I was worried Big Mac wouldn't make it clear enough." Deadshot shook his head. He looked up abruptly "I'm here to help you find your girly girl! What did you think? Biscuits and tea? Maybe a harmonium concert?"
"Oh." Shining wasn't quite expecting that. but he wasn't sure of his cousin's true intentions. "But why? Why do you want to help me?"
"As a mob boss, I consider myself a family stallion," he replied. He took a cigar and lit it. "When you remove all our differences, we're family, you and I." Deadshot's cocky grin never left his face. "Families stick together, yeah? So, you in?"
Shining was very hesitant. He didn't want to have any dealings with his cousin, especially since he was a former criminal. On the other hoof, he could be the last hope he would ever have of seeing Cadence again.
"You may be a rotten scumbag," Shining began, "But you may be the last chance I have of seeing Cadence." He paused, and stuck out his hoof. "I'm in."
Deadshot nodded. "Figured you would. What about Junior here?" He cocked his head towards Flash Sentry.
"Uh, me too." Flash said quickly.
"You sure about that, Junior?" Deadshot turned serious. "Once you join, you go by my rules, and there's no going back until we get the job done. Capiche?"
"Yes!" Flash voiced raised a bit. " uh, capiche. I want to help you guys."
"That's the spirit!" Deadshot patted him on the back. "Ya know what, Shiny? I'm really starting to like this kid!" He then left and opened a drawer. "Okay guys. The first step is to get finances." He pulled out a floor plan of a building. "We pull this one bank job and we'll be set for all the bits we need!"
"No way!" Shining said angrily. "There is no way I am robbing a bank! If anypony sees me there, I'm screwed!"
Deadshot wagged his hoof in front of Shining's face. "Uh-uh," he said, almost tauntingly. "My rules now. Besides, I have a solution to your identity crisis." He took a spell book from out of another drawer and flipped it open to a page. "I am a bit knowledgeable around advanced magics. Really helps with evading authorities, you know." he explained. He pointed to a spell. "This spell will change your appearance to others. Nopony will have any idea it's really you."
Shining let out a deep breath. This whole rule breaking and illicit activity deal was going to be very difficult for him to adapt to. "Fine." he said at last. "Out of curiosity, which bank are we robbing?"
"I have a feeling you're going to like this." Deadshot smirked. "Let's just say that Prince Blueblood is going to be giving you two a late, and much deserved bonus." Shining Armor and Flash Sentry looked at each other and grinned mischeviously. After much humiliation at the hooves of the Prince, some much needed revenge was in order. "Thought so." Deadshot nodded. He began to point at the map. "Okay gents, here's the plan..."