As Dion hears the words Coffee from Tommy he turns a bit sour, after a moments pause he says to him, "Sir, this is a tea establishment. No coffee here, we do however have teas that will give you an energy boost like coffee does. Would you like one of those?" As he waits for Tommy's reply he hears another customer enter and take a seat. Calling out to him the customer asks for a very specific and not very often asked for tea. Dion smiles over towards Manny_Mo and says, "It wouldn't be a tea shop if I didn't stock the finest teas from all the lands. One Rooibos tea coming right up sir." Turning away from Manny he went back behind his counter and prepared the tea. Placing a napkin and a cup of Rooibos tea before Manny he returns to Tommy and says, "Sorry about that good sir, will you have a breakfast tea then?"

With an excited smile Manny took the cup of rooibos and immediately allowed the fragrance to filter through his senses. He could feel his shoulders relax and his knee stopped aching. Slowly he took a few sips, mmmmmmm just like home he thought. A familiar warmth crept over his chest as he laid back in his seat and enjoyed the taste taking hold of his senses even more.

"It's the real stuff" , his thoughts echoed while thinking of when his mother made him tea.

Excuse me DionBrook, do you perhaps have some spare crumpets? How did you get the rooibos if I may ask? I never thought I would have the privilege to enjoy it this far from home. I thank you he said with a sincere gratitude.

When he heard the response, Tommy involuntarily bit his tongue. Gazing around he saw the overwhelmingly British ambience and sighed. He realized his involuntary tendency to make social faux pas at the most unfortunate moments would one day be the death of him.

"Apologies Signor." he said to Dion with a nervous smile "I am afraid my knowledge of teas is limited. Perhaps you could be kind enough to suggest something considering your expertise in it?." 

Tommy paused for a moment to look at Dion carefully. The man despite his reputation and stature did not mind entertaining guests, even hopelessly uncouth ones like himself. Perhaps this was the right guy to get in business with. 

It had been weeks since anyone had seen or heard from Dion Brook, the owner of this place when a man stopped by looking for tea. Finding the place desolate of anyone or any staff the man takes one last look around the place before letting out a loud sigh and flipping the door sign to *CLOSED*

Broken-Glass-Santina walked in with three of her bodyguards and took a seat towards the back of the dining room. She looked for the waiter, hoping to get a menu promptly. She was feeling famished.

"This place is a ghost town," Santina said aloud. The door had been unlocked though the sign had said CLOSED. "Let's go somewhere else," she said to her men. They helped her gather her coat and slipped it on her shoulders and she left the restaurant.

Tony arrived late and he had a bit of fear in his face as he hoped that Bubbles had not left yet.   He rushed in looking around and found no one.  He sat down and looked at his pocket watch and shook his head as he was twenty minutes late.  He looked down at he shoes and realized that his socks didn't match and he was still late.  Traffic in Detroit was bad and he couldn't figure out how he got lost in this city.  

The waitress approached him and ask if he was ready to order and Tony nodded slowly and asked for a cup on hot green tea no sugar and a lemon wedge.  He sat there wishing he left his job sooner.   He looked at the news paper that was left behind and saw that the last person made selection on the horse races they were all long shoots and he just smiled as he shook his head.  A sucker was born every day and Tony would never be that type of sucker. 

Tony thought that he would sit there with the hopes that Bubbles may be running late.  It was only a hope but nevertheless it was worth a shot.  He flipped that page on the paper and saw a add for a new RCA radio for $35 dollars and thought that was a bit pricey but if he took carry of it may last for a few years.  Then his Tea arrived hot with two lemon wedges as the waitress winked at him an slowly walked away. 

Bubbles rushed up to the front door of the tea and crumpets place. She was late, which was something that usually never happened. Normally she was that type of person who was usually early but for some reason today just didn't go as planned. She got out of her hotel room later then she wanted, then the taxi driver got a bit lost. In his defense he was new to the city as well but still how does a taxi driver get lost? It was just one of those days, though she was still hoping that Tony was there. Hopefully he had enough patience and waited for her to arrive.

She stood there in front of the door, adjusted her coat and then walked in. The warm air inside the place met her instantly. It was a very welcoming considering it was a frigid December day in the motor city.

Standing just inside the door Bubbles looked over the place. It wasn't a big place, just one of your typical mom and pop shops. You could see the entire place from basically any spot you were standing. That's when she caught a glimpse of Tony. He had a cup of tea in front of him as he read the daily paper.

A small smile went upon her face. After being as late as she was he still waited around for her. Just then the door opened from behind her, a cold gust of wind hit her right on the back of the neck. It sent an instant shiver down her spine. It got her moving, towards the table Tony was sitting at.

Walking up to the table she began to take her coat off.

"Hey you waited for me, sorry for running late. It's been one of those days so far."

Tony looked up and smiled and then nodded.  Then he stood as she sat down at the table.   He waved over the waitress and then sat down

Well how are you kid?  I just got here a few minutes ago and thought I was late that I missed you.  Traffic was a monster getting here I assume it was bad for you also.  Knowing that you are always ahead of time.

Tony smiled looking at bubbles as the waitress arrived to take bubbles order. 

This place is small and out of the way but they have the best tea's around and they have good crumpets if you like those things.  Me I normally just drink the tea.  So tell me how has business been?

Bubbles looked up as the waitress walked over to the table. She wasn't really hungry but the cup of hot tea sounded delightful.

"I'll just have whatever he has, though no lemon."

The waitress nodded and then walked away. Bubbles focused her eyes and attention back to Tony.

"Yeah it really just seemed like nothing was going right this morning. It was one thing after another, after another."

Bubbles sighed and shook her head.

"Anyways though, we are both here now. All that matters, right?"

Before letting Tony answer that question, she continued to talk.

"Business is going well, been very busy as of late trying to get things in order for Clown. They never told me this promotion would entail so much work but it is what it is."

The waitress came back to the table and placed the cup of tea in front of her. Bubbles grabbed it with both hands, letting the warmth of the cup warm up her hands.

"Ah, now that feels good. So how have things been in your neck of the woods?"

Tony nodded, then smiled as he looked back at Bubbles.

Clown is a good guy and now I know he is a smart man.  He selected you as his right hand and that says a lot.  Nevertheless I know that it has to keep you busy.  I know your crew may have a thousand questions but between the three of you I'm sure that you guys answer them all.  Teaching is never easy, directing isn't as fun as it looks.  Heavy is the head of the one wearing the crown. 

I'm glad you are able to get away and rest a bit.  Things for me have been slow since the death of my best friend.  I keep put money in different areas but the returns have been dismal and fleeting.  I need to refocus and create a business that people love and need. 

You look good though, something must be going right for you. 

The comment made her smile, she didn't have proper time this morning to get herself completely together. Her hair was a bit messy from the wind and her shirt had a couple wrinkles in it.

"Yeah things can be a bit daunting at times but you just have to push through it. That's what I have learned at least. You know you can't stress on the little things."

She picked up her tea and brought it to her lips, taking a small sip. The warm brew instantly warmed up her body.

"I'm sorry to hear about the lose of your friend, I've lost some people close to me and it never gets any easier."

She paused for a moment to take another sip.

"You have any thoughts of what kind of businesses you would like to get into?"

No business seem to pop up and fade away just as fast as they arrive.  With the casinos around high steak games seem to be fading out also.  No such thing as a easy ride or a free penny. 

Tony sips on his hot tea and then smiles.

I was hoping you knew or heard of something from the streets you know a tip or two?

Tony looks down at the table then looks back at her.

You avoided my question young lady.  You look happy wants the cause? 

She thought for a quick moment before giving her shoulders a slight shrug.

"I haven't spent much time on the streets as of late, not really sure what the word is. Though I do maintain a regular supply of booze and what ever other party favors are in demand. It's quite lucrative actually, got a warehouse just north of Wrigley Field. That in itself keeps my pretty well off and then when I feel adventurous I gather a group of people and cause a bit of trouble." 

Reaching for her cup again, she picked it up and took another sip.

"I look happy?" She asked with a smile on her face.

Yes you do don't get me wrong that's a good thing. 

He looks around and then pours a little whiskey from his flask into his tea then offers Bubbles the flask.

I'll figure out something and start a business.   I need to get some action going or I'll be the worst earner in Chicago.  I need to get around also have been to outgoing with the family.  But I will admit that getting out is not easy but building a name is even harder.  I want to be respected for what I bring to the table.  You know what I mean? 

It's tough having such rugged good looks.

Tony erupts in laughter.

She smiled and laughed softly.

"What's not to be happy about? I'm alive, I'm healthy and I'm enjoying a nice cup of tea with some great company."

Bubbles adjusted herself in her chair, she was what you called a fidget. Always had a hard time sitting still for an extended period. 

"Truth be told you aren't bad on the eyes at all... at all."

She went silent for a moment before quickly changing the subject.

" I'm sure you'll find something to dip your hands in and help fill those pockets, I have the utmost faith in you."

Tony smiled and nodded to say thank you.

Your quite attractive yourself Bubbles and don't you ever forget that.  I will find something at some point.  You know this city is somewhat empty and has been for a while.  Like LA on a cold winter day.  Do you want anything to eat or should we go down the street then again we could rob the joint. 

any ideas?

Her cheeks turned a slight shade of red, as he complemented her.

”You’re too sweet.”

She gave the place a quick look around, she doubted they had a lot of money in the register. 

“I dont think this is the place to rob, too much of a hassle for very little profit. Now I did see an art gallery just down the road. That may be an option.”

Tony was eager for a job and he didn't care what it was as long as it was going to bring excitement and a bit of cash.  He nodded indicating he was all in. 

Tell me more, how many guards and do you have someone that's willing to buy what we take.  I need a break and this could be a break or at least an escape for a bit.  Have you planned it out or are we going to walk in and just take the crap?  If so I'll just park at the nearest door. 

Bubbles smirked as Tony began going on about this art gallery. It wasn’t really anything that she planned but was more of a landmark she remembered passing. 

“Honestly I don’t know the logistics of it, haven’t done any scouting. I only just remember passing it on my way here to meet you. I’m sure it wouldn’t take much though to figure out what we need do and in regards to the buyer I’ll pay you your share and keep the painting to hang in my office. I have a wall that would be perfect for some kind of artwork.”