The Velvet Room was a high-priced escort service and brothel, owned by Bianca St. Claire, first mentioned in Storm Front. The business was run out of an old mansion at an expensive lakefront location, with an iron-fenced gate and security guards. Rumors have it Al Capone had it built for one of his mistresses. There were several beautiful, charming, and witty women catering to the richest men in the area for hundreds of dollars an hour.