Mishka pulls a drag from his cigarette as he makes his way up the sidewalk, his fine leather shoes splashing in the puddles. It had rained the past two days. He reaches into his jacket and feels the cold steel of his pistol as he continues on towards the betting parlor. There is a backroom card game being run by a rival mob faction, high stakes and lots of cash. Mishka has plans to claim that cash his own by way of the gun.

As Mishka trods through the puddles, a kid steps out of the alley and calls to him.

Hey mister, can you spare a dime?

Mishka chuckles and reaches into his pocket and hands him several bills.

Go get yourself some candy, kid.

The kid gratefully takes the money and runs off down the street to the corner store and buys some gum and a soda. Mishka continues on his way towards the parlor, looking up at the cloudy sky as he walks. He pulls another drag from his cigarette and wonders if it is going to rain again TO BE CONTINUED

Avery needed a smoke, and she needed one bad. This new dress she was wearing didn't have pockets, nor had she remembered to bring her purse. As she walked down the street, she noticed a man walking towards her smoking a freshly light cigarette. The smell was intoxicating, joyful, and kicked up her need for one even more. Usually she would cross the street when such a man was walking towards her, but she marched straight towards him.

Hello sir, I'm very sorry to interupt you. Could I bum a smoke?

asking a stranger for a smoke was very dangerous, but the urge needed to be quelled. once he oblidged, she could be on her way to a day of being pretty and stopping to smell all the flowers along the way.

I know its tacky to ask, I just really need one. This here dress is new, so no place to put my pack. And I left my purse at home like a silly billy that I am. Im sure you could help me out

She smiled her brightest smile and hoped the kind stranger wouldn't ignore her.

Mishka pulls a cigarette out of his pack and passes it to Avery, his mind still focused on the task at hand...

Avery accepts the gift with the joy of a fat child receiving a piece of candy. She leans forward for a light, hoping not to disturb this man any more.

I appreciate it sir, I really do. Nothing like a good smoke while strolling down the side walk. It really makes my day much better.

she notices the man ignoring her, but she doesn't really get the message.

I'm Avery! What's your name? Do you live around here? I really want to get a piece of pizza, would you join me?

she giggled and twirled around, the cigarette dangling from her lips, slowly burning.

Mishka looks across the street and sees The_Phantom and Charlie approaching.

Hello gentlemen. How about all this rain we've been getting recently, eh?

broken hearted, Avery dropped her unlight smoke on the ground and stomped off pouting. she was ignored and didn't understand why. before she reached the end of the block, she regretted dropping the cigarette, but knew she couldn't turn around now. sadness flowed over her as she went about her less than interesting day.

Let's just say I have a little 'business transaction" to take care of... if you get my meaning.

Miska nods

Any idea what the weather is supposed to be like tomorrow my friend?