It was just another day as Blowed was in the streets gettin his money, it was just the time for a quick break. Just a switch from the hustle. Blowed stops off at the market to pick up some cigars, He walks in, the bell ringing on the door. The cashier directly to the right as he walked in, he steps up to the counter.

“How ya do’in? Can I get a pack of newports and a box of cigars?, swishers please”

The cashier turns to pick the items that he has requested.

“Oh yea, and a book of matches, a few would work, thanks”

The cashier passes him some matches as well and takes his money and then returning his change. Blowed turns and walks out of the market packing his squares. As he steps outside he looks around as he pulls a cigarette out and lights it. The day was calm, but moving just fine. The zoo was good place to go and just kickback and relax. He waives a taxi down.

“To the Zoo pleas”

He says to the driver as he pre pays him with a 20 dollar bill.

“And keep the change”

He says as he sits back and lights a swisher he had rolled earlier. The driver looks up in a bit of surprise

“Tha- Thank you sir. And right away.”

The driver heads towards the zoo, in a casual fashion, making sure that the beautiful day was seen.

“I have seen you out here on and off pretty much. What's your name?”

The driver says trying to bring up some small talk.

“I am Blowed, and yea, I am out here pretty much, what do you call yourself?”

He takes a drag of his blunt

“They call me Scoot. Here is my card. Just give me a call if ya need a ride. If I’m not busy I gotchu.”

They pull up to the zoo, and Blowed steps out and takes a look at the place. You could smell the animals from outside. You can hear the ruckus inside as well. The owner who he had spoke with earlier was there to meet him. Blowed turns his attention and reaches out to shake Jeb’s hand

“Good to see you, the place looks exactly as I pictured it.”

He said with a smile

“Yea it is all ready to go for ya. I just received those monies, let me show you around the place.”

They start to walk around the park. Not much activity due to the day, so a perfect time to see who, and what is was going on. Right next to the first exhibit there was a bar. Perfect, grab a quick drink while we walk around and see the place. These are the list of exhibits we saw that day, and besides everything miscellaneous, the workers and trainers were included in the sell.  

EXHIBITS

The Edge

he Edge, brings you closer than ever to the Zoo’s Amur tigers. It features multiple yards and connecting bridges that allow tigers to stride 12 feet over guests’ heads, and a viewing area with a perforated wall that brings visitors mere inches from these magnificent creatures! This allows for unique interactions as guests are able to hear, and even smell, the tigers through the mesh.

Located on almost a full acre of the Zoo's campus, The Edge increased the tigers’ outdoor space by almost 50 percent. The yard mimics their natural habitat with a dozen 120-year-old pine trees to provide shade, as well as large pools to keep them cool and provide enrichment.

Predator Ridge

exhibit where guests can meander through rock outcroppings and native brush to experience lions, hyenas and African wild dogs. The exhibit has set standards for both visitor and animal care expectations for zoos around the world. With rotational yards, different species may be seen in the exhibit at different times which allows animals to rotate through multiple habitats, stimulating their minds, expanding their experiences and providing important exercise opportunities.

Primate Panorama

Immerse yourself in the seven-acre habitat for the Zoo’s apes and monkeys, large and small. Tree-dwelling monkeys delight in the open-air wire mesh tents that soar four stories high and cover more than an acre of ground. Inside these tents, the monkeys play and climb on twisting vines, and drink from the cool streams.

The gorillas and orangutans roam freely in their separate one-acre exhibits, climbing ropes and taking afternoon hammock naps in one of the most expansive great ape habitats in the world.

Birds

From playful toucans to flocking flamingos, see nearly 200 species of birds. Walk through Bird World, an indoor aviary where each room features a naturalistic habitat and aquatic ecosystem, most without barriers so birds can fly freely among zoo visitors. Guests can hand-feed colorful lorikeets at Lorikeet Adventure and learn more about Denver Zoo’s avian propagation program while walking through the Nurture Trail.

Pachyderms

See hippos swim and wallow to their heart’s content while black rhinos romp in their outdoor yards or cozy up in their indoor quarters. Across from the real hippos, the bronze mother hippo with calf statue has become a favorite photo spot for generations of zoo guests.

Bear Mountain

A national historic landmark built in 1918, Bear Mountain was the first naturalistic habitat of its kind in North America, based on giant plaster casts of rock outcroppings from an area near Big Bear lake Ca.This concept was revolutionary in zoo design – people could see the animals at eye level in a natural habitat without apparent bars or fences. It’s currently home to grizzly bears, Asiatic black bears and coati.

Felines

Feline House the most dramatic exhibit to open since Bear Mountain. Now home to more than the members of the feline family like Amur tigers, Amur leopards and snow leopards, guests can also see striped hyena and foosa.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“All great exhibits and attractions”

Jeb says as they make their way to the back office, which was secretly located in the back behind the storage house. The perfect set up. As they approach the back office Blowed notices a whole nother operation going on. Looks to be that Jeb has a farm already set up in the back here. Jeb looks at the smile and money sign look Blowed had on his face.

“Oh I didn’t mention this bonus huh?  haha “

He chuckles.

“Well I have known your family through generations and have kept a great relationship, from me too you brother. This is my gift to you. Enjoy”

Blowed look with a surprise on his face, but also with that lightbulb look as well. First thing he had to do was get his family involved. He started to ramble names through his head of close family and friends he would be able to call. Knuckles, Manny_mo, theiceman, Olivia, Honesty, and maybe Sarah_Farron. The stage was set, just needed the final pieces, and that was soon to come.

Lucky LOVED to multi-task.  Two birds, one stone and all that... she considered herself a modern woman who could juggle a busy business life with a happy home.  Today she was on an outing with her little girl Katy Dicaprio, age five, and a small army of bodyguards who her husband Frank-Dicaprio insisted she kept handy so long as the list of their enemies continued to grow.

While Katy was excited to see the silly monkeys and get a soda from the bar in the front of the zoo, Lucy was equally excited to make contact with the owner of the establishment who she was told could help provide her people with much needed product.  

"Look mama!  A tiger!"  Katy squealed and pointed, bouncing as she did.  "And balloons!  I want a balloon too!  Can I mama?!?"  Lucy laughed.  Frank really was turning her into a spoiled little thing.  She'd be unbearable come her teens.

"Of course honey."  She nodded to one of the bodyguards, Nery, to fetch Katy a balloon.

"A RED ONE, NERY!"  She called after the bodyguard as if she, a toddler, was in charge of the staff and not her mom.

Lucy shook her head and wet up to the bar.  "Two coca-colas please and... could you tell me if the proprietor is on the grounds?"

After hearing there was a visitor waiting up front, Blowed grabs his fedora and heads towards the entrance. With a nicely rolled swisher full of what is called, sunra. A nice sativa strain powerful yet smooth. He approaches the front where LuckyLucy waited.He walks up, taking a nice long drag from his swisher.

“Hello there, not sure if we have been formally introduced. My name is Blowed, nice to meet you.”

He tips his hat in respect and extends his hand.

“We have barely got this place going, but soon we will be at 100% and running constant. Just waiting for a few more of the crew to arrive shortly,. What can I do for ya?”

Lucy shakes Blowed's hand.  "Good to meet you too, I'm Lucky Lucy Dicaprio.  This is a really beautiful establishment you got here.  My daughter is enrapt."  She smiles over at the little girl playing with the bodyguards and a balloon. "I'm looking forward to seeing the birds myself - and the plants.  I hear you might have some real quality growth in this place that - for the right price - I might be able to supply to my friends?"

Lucy arches an eyebrow, "Have I heard wrong?  Or should I come back maybe when you and your people are set up a little better for business?"

Blowed stops her quickly. taking another drag of his blunt. 

"No, no not at all, I definitely have time now, and you have heard correctly,. Do you have time to go over some numbers?"

waiving down the bartender, he gets his attention. 

"one shot of Hennessy,"

He looks at Lucy, 

"can i get you anything? Maybe something for your little girl. You can run my tab for the day, and yes if you do have time I can definitely take you on a tour and we can talk."

Lucy started to say a shot of whiskey but then realized for various reasons, now was not the time.  "Just some water for me, thank you.  And it's very generous to open your tab for us.  Thank you."  She waves over Giuseppe.  "I'm going to talk business for a short bit.  Please stay close to Nery and Katy.  Take her to see the monkeys like she wants, alright?"

The large Italian bodyguard nods wordlessly and makes his way to Nery and Katy to inform them it was time to see the monkeys as 'mom' promised.  Katy looked to Lucy.  "Mommy will be here when you get back!  Go look at the little monkeys and say hi for me!"

"Okay Mommy!"  She swung like a monkey between her two guardians arms and laughed so loudly that Lucy could hear her long after she'd disappeared into the zoo proper.

She looks back to Blowed with a smile.  "Being a working mother keeps my days very full."  Lucy drops her voice to talk business, "Sadly, the recent death of Godfather Tobias has put me in the position to seek out some new business associates to supply my dealers.  As part of his crew I had good terms with the Everly Brothers out of Gary, Indiana.  Now - that avenue is dead for me.  I've got people who have buyers on the hook and I've got no product... or sub-par product at best, and I can't peddle that for long without losing my loyal customers to the competition.  So... here I am."  Lucy shrugs. 

"I need to know your product will satisfy my people... and I need to see if you're capable of meeting the demand we've got.  So... you have my full attention.  Tell me a bit about your operation here."

Blowed looks with a smile, as he takes another drag from his blunt.

“I like your style, and let me tell you we have what you need when you need at a good price. Plenty for everyone. Yea the zoo is a perfect fun family place but, the fertilizer is where the gold is and which makes the product I produce so on point. Only because we have just gotten started there are only 15 different strands to start with, but all the weight you can handle. I can get my receptionist to put a list together for you if you like, or did you have something already in mind”

He waives over to Taga, and lets him know to have betty put together a list of the strains we are holding. Taga walks off to retrieve the document.

“We can definitely get this moving. Like I said just let me know what you need.”

When Taga returns, Lucy looks over the list, she seems impressed.  "You know, between you and me, I've never smoked the stuff.  I've got people who swear by it as being better than alcohol any day of the week - easier on the system you know?"  She shakes her head.  "To me it's always been product and nothing more.  Maybe sometime I'll come by without the kiddo and indulge."

She taps the paper, "This is impressive - and you're just getting started you say?"  She nods thoughtfully to herself then looks to Blowed.  "I'm like the Chamber of Commerce, I believe in doing business locally when I'm able.  I'll have my people get you a full list of our needs in the next few days." 

She hands the paper back.  "Provided you got the quantities you say, I don't think I should have any issues working with you exclusively and those twats in Gary an go jump in a lake.  If they think they can cut me off simply because Tobias isn't here anymore... well, I'll make them regret that decision by hitting them where it hurts.  Their pocket books."  

Lucy smiles, "I'm afraid they don't realize how many friends I have in the Windy City.  I think I'll send them your way as well.  I'd love to see your operation put them out of business for good."

Lucy offers her hand, "I look forward to doing business with you."

Blowed reaches back with a smile, and a feeling of accomplishment, knowing that success was in the fold. 

"Hey, its my pleasure and you are always welcome. You and your family. like I said just let me know and we will get it all worked out. There is always a path to get any situation resolved is what I say."

He says with a big smile shaking Lucy's hand.

Thinking to himself how the near future looked, there was nothing to do but plan. Blowed takes another long drag from his blunt, and then begins to walk back to his office. 

Manny arrived late in the day hopeful to still see some of the attractions. Word got to him that the son of one of his friends bought a ZOO.

Surely there were easier ways of making money he thought. But the front potential of such a venture was priceless,  think of all the storage space and smuggling opportunities. Suddenly Manny cought a wiff of something in the air, something.... herbal... *sniff sniff*.. Then he realized what was going on behind the scenes. " Looks like Blowed has a green thumb " - he thought to himself.

As Manny moved to the gates there were numerous people lining up to enter the Zoo. Having his numerous guards make a way for him he pushed the peasants out the way and quickly ended at the front of the Que. Being abruptly stopped by a ticket clerk Manny gave her a grave look but quickly turned friendly when he spoke. " I am here to see the owner , is he in? "   

The clerk had an emotionless tone as she spoke. " That will be *inaudible* dollars to enter for the day Sir, and yes that is without those pack of goons behind you. " Manny was quick to hit back with a fire spitting reply  " Goons ?  IS THE OWNER IN ?!! DID I ASK FOR AN ADMISSION TICKET. JEEEEZUZ  ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS ? !!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT LEAD POISONING IS ?? " 

Quickly some of his guards stepped up to make sure the alteration didn't escalate.

In the mist of the almost altercation, one of Blowed's guards walks up in the middle of the small crowed forming.

"HEY..   Lets keep it cool.  Manny_Mo"

The Guard nods in recognition

"Sir you can come this way. Blowed has an office in the back. But I would have to ask the possee to stay out here and kick it with us."

He escorts Manny_Mo to the back office where Blowed resided. As they approached the office there was a faint but stiff smell of fertilizer. The guard looks over at Manny-Mo as they shrivel their nose from the smell. 

"Oh if you come around enough. you will get use to it.. haha."

The guard says with a chuckle. As they approach the front door, the guard  opens the door for Manny_mo, Points down the hallway.

"Down that way to the left. He should be in his office."

He turns and walks away getting back to his business watching over the Zoo, 

Manny nods to the guard in appreciating and start to follow him before being stooped by his main bodyguard Krummelpap who had some thoughts to share   " Boss, are you sure about  this? It might be dangerous. "   
With a slight chuckle Manny looked at Krummelpap and spoke with a humorous tone. " Krummel, the most dangerous thing about this place is the quality of herb that Blowed uses as medicine. "

Manny hands a roll full of $5 notes to Krummel and continues " Here is some money, take the lads and go look at some animals and have a good time. Buy everyone some ice cream and tell the boys I love them all. One thing tho , NO RIDING THE ANIMALS. I don't want that dead donkey incident again. Okay !! Krummelpap tries to look away and pretend he didn't know what donkey incident the boss was referring to but it didn't matter, Manny knew everything about his guards. Manny smiled as he told Krummelpap he knew it was Katkop who shot the petting zoo's donkey. But none the less It took only $500 to solve that totally unnecessary problem.

Manny followed Blowed's guard and for a moment his nose was irritated by a familiar smell. OH, Manny knew where he remembered this smell from. The farm also had such smells especially during planting season, but what exactly did he plant. Taking a few sniffs in the air he knew.... there was some quality herb production going on. Manny found the corridor and walked down the hallway until he reached the office.

Manny knocked hard on the door almost making it sound like gunshots. KNOCK KNOCK !! Jokingly he shouts  " FREEZE DON'T MOVE IT'S THE POLICE !!! "  He starts laughing as he could hear people scurry around inside.

Blowed looks up from his desk and hits his blunt in a relaxing way.

“That sounds like Manny_Mo, open the door. Thats an old friend of family. “

One of his guards opens the door with a serious look on his face. Blowed commences to roll another blunt as his guest enters.

“What’s good Manny_Mo, hows everything?”

Blowed hits his blunt. While glad to see a familiar face.  

“I was just about to make a few moves Manny_Mo, but when I get back we can definitely do some catching up. Meanwhile enjoy the park and exhibits, and I have instructed my staff that you are my V.I.P. so enjoy, until later brother. “

Blowed gets up and walks with a few guards and exits the building heading to the airport. On the way he sounds off a few instructions for the few guards that are staying behind to take care of the zoo while he was away.

Now the farm was producing, or to say the greenhouse was set up. It was a warehouse on the backlot fully equipped with security, office spaces, miscellaneous rooms, as well as surrounded by a 50 foot barbed wire fence. The operation was pushing out massive amounts of product, and there was a variety from your indicas to sativas, you had a choice in this. Just from the front from his father, it was almost like business as usual. Just need to get some clientele lined up. At that time it was put out that Blowed was open for business. Soon the expansion will begin, and the start of an enterprise.

Manny waited for Blowed to leave before collecting some nice herb samples and some seeds he could later use at home. Spending the rest of the days with his men they went about the zoo and saw the most amazing animal tricks and some strange things.

Of course there was a few problems early on when  the boys created their own version of a Unicorn and tricking some old folk believing in it. Then there was the Crocodile incident. But Manny was kind and bought ice cream for EVERYONE in the Zoo. Sitting below an old Willow enjoying the shade everyone was eating their ice cream with the breeze behind their backs.

" Ok boys we had enough fun. Let's go pickup our new suits at the tailors "

With allot of cheering Manny and his guards continued onward to their tailors.

Just getting back from a very long tripp, connecting with a few contacts and setting up a few fronts, Blowed is now back at home base. He has one of his guards waiting at the airport for the drive back. Sliprock was waiting patiently as the plane arrives. A trash pile of cigarettes outside of the car where he had  been posted as instructed. Blowed walks up with his bag, and Sliprock grabs it and places it in the back seat.

‘How is everything going down here?”

Blowed says as he hops in.

Sliprock: “Going good boss, the grow is just about ready, the zoo itself is doing just fine. We are exceeding goal everyday”

He reaches into his breast pocket and hands Blowed a cigar full of the good green. Blowed lights the blunt.

“That's good stuff. We need to put it out that we are ready to move forward. I have made a few touches in the other cities. See how these relationships go, also, I need someone to roll with on this, the more the better. But who?“

Sliprock shrugs his shoulders as they pull out of the airport in route to the office. The streets had not changed much. As they approach the office in back of the zoo Blowed sees a burst of good energy and appreciates the continued teamwork amongst his peeps. He pulls up to the office…

It was like he never missed a beat. Walking in he was confirming everything to be moving.

“What's good fellas”

Blowed walks into the office building glad to be back in town. As he dabs everyone up glad to see them.  He grabs a pre rolled blunt, and pours himself a drink.

“So let's make sure we have an invoice for Philly, Vegas, and of course here in New York. I want to start off with 100 lbs a piece. Let's see if we can get that moving in the next couple of days. I have to see what we can, or if we can get something going in Chicago as well, and maybe Detroit, and LA. but that is down the line. I will reach out to the contact in each location once we have an ETA, I will be upstairs, let me get a sitrep in a bit.”

Blowed heads upstairs to his office/apartment that took most of the top floor. He walks in and turns his music on and sits down at his desk, taking just a short break to relax and unwind. Also thinking of a few to help him run each spot, or so to help keep an eye out.

The day was long, travelling from city to city, moving that, checking on this, it was all a hustle. Back at the Zoo, Blowed takes a short walk, just to see how things are going. Just about steady, not too active. Towards the back office he stops at a stand to pick up a few refreshments on the way to the back.

Tender: Hello there sir, How can we help you today? What can i get ya?”

The tender waits patiently for the order, knowing this is the boss, but not nervously ready.

Taga: “Let us get 6 cold ones, and a box of those swishers. Anything else boss?”

Taga points at the regular swishers as he turns waiting on the response.

Blowed looks around just for a sec,

“Naw that will do.”

They grab the few items and continue to the back office towards the back lot.

As they approach the back office they see a few associates and guards just around the entrance,

Blowed greets them as he passes through the front door, in route to the office he stops and grabs a jar of herbal. He enters the office and turns his musick on and sits with Taga to discuss the next move.