Walking to my favorite coffee shop, my mind drifts back to images of the enchantress he'd seen in the paper days before.  Something about the confidence in her eyes and the obvious power she held etched her picture in my mind.   Oblivious to my surroundings, I take no notice of the black limo that pulls up to the curb or the large men that step out to stand on either side of a car door before it opens.  

Just as I reach for the door, I catch movement out of my eye and turn to see the stunning Marie_Lucania walking up to the same coffee shop. As if on cue, the enchantress had come to life.  Stepping back and holding the door open "My lady, may I get the door for you on this fine morning?" with a grin spreading across my face, and butterflies in my stomach.

While the two bulky men on either side of the Godmother glared at the man holding the door open, Marie smiled.  "Thank you sir.  It is such a fine day is it not?"  She stepped into the coffee shop and pulled off her sunglasses as she turned and waited for the man's response.  It was so nice to see a gentlemen in this day and age.  If there was one fault she had with this country it was that many of its inhabitants failed to see the necessity of common courtesy and respect within a society.     

With his heart racing, he could hardly believe that she was standing right in front of him.  Even more shocking was the fact that she had actually talked to him.  He had day dreamed of how he would sweep her off of her feet, but he never believed the day would come where she would materialize.  Her voice was nothing like he expected.  He could not place the accent, but the tone and pitch were mesmerizing to the ear.

Removing his hat, he looked up into her beautiful eyes and said "It is, my lady.  Pardon my blunt nature, but, may I buy you a cup of the finest coffee in Chicago?"  

The tallest of the two men escorting Marie snorted at the offer, and she shot him an annoyed look.  "Rand, do you seriously believe that a hitman might have stationed himself at this coffeeshop that I have never graced in the off chance I might be stopping by today?"  She shook her head.  She loved Rand to death, but sometimes he made her life hell with all his rules and procedures.

Looking back at the stranger she said, "I am honored by the offer.  I will take their strongest blend, black.  While you get the drinks I will get us a table."

Watching @Maria_Lucania walk away, I glance up at the guard and receive instant gratification when my wink causes his brow to furrow.

Walking over to the counter, a young lass greets me with a smile "What will you have Sir?"  Returning her smile, I say "Two of your strongest blends, black....and Lass, there's an extra large tip for you as I need this to be the best cup of coffee you've ever made!"  Looking back, he sees that Maria has picked out a table and chair back in a private corner near the back of the shop.  Thinking to himself every decision this beautiful woman makes involves mitigating risk....the stress in her life must be unbearable at times.

Marie took a seat and looked out the shop's front window as she waited.  It was obvious that she was deep in thought about something when Casinova approached with the coffees.  She looked up at him, "Thank you.  We did not properly introduce ourselves.  My name is Marie Lucania."  She took her coffee and immediately raised it up to her nose to inhale the dark roasted bean aroma.  The smell always made he feel so good. 

"Nice to meet you Marie, my name is Casinova Farrusi, but my friends call me Cas for short."  Sitting down, I watch Marie close her eyes as she holds the coffee to her nose and inhales deeply.  For just a second, her features relax and a peace comes over her thoughts.  

Taking a sip of coffee, then looking the beautiful woman in the eyes, I say "I'm in town from Seattle and found this gem of a coffee shop a couple of days ago.  And today, good fortune is clearly on my side once again."  Smiling and taking another sip of coffee as she watches him intently, continues "Tell be about something that makes Marie smile?"

"Yes, my Family is in Seattle and they mean the world to me."  Taking a sip of the coffee. "But my profession takes me where ever I'm needed.  My business partner, Rosaleen, and I are in the process of opening offices in both Las Vegas and Seattle.  Should have our grand opening soon."

With a disarming smile "Any recommendations for an insatiable entrepreneur?"

"Ah Rosaleen!  That is a name I do know.  Hand to Don NicodemoMangana, if memory serves me correct."  She took another sip of the coffee.  This time it was just about the perfect temperature.    "I can't say that I necessarily have any good ideas for an entrepreneur.  I find that it usually helps to look for a need and then fill that niche.  The really great ideas tend to be original in nature.  Anyone can open a bar or restaurant, but if you are looking to make a name for yourself you have to take chances." 

"Rosaleen is amazing and I'm proud to be working with her and her family."  Taking a sip of coffee, he reaches into his side pocket for a flyer.  Before he can pull the flyer out of his pocket, large hands grab onto his arms, pinning them to his side and another large arm is around his neck in a choke hold.  Knowing he doesn't have a chance against the large men, he doesn't resist and looks at @Maria_Lucania with pleading eyes.

"I apologize Marie_Lucania for my folly.  Lost in conversation, I had completely forgotten about your men.  As you can see, I'm armed with nothing more than a piece of paper and my own sense of humor" Glancing over his shoulder, he looked at Rand and winked just to see if he could get a reaction.  A stone faced Rand just continued to glare.

Reaching out and picking up the flyer that had been thrown on the table, Casinova, offered the flyer to the confident Godfather. "I hope that NEAT would be able to provide a service should you need anything in the Las Vegas or Seattle areas.  While a woman of your stature and power may not need our assistance, I'm sure you get pleading hearts on your doorstep periodically."

NEAT, INC

NEAT, INC  is a full service Resolution Agency,.  We pride ourselves in always meeting our agreed upon expectations, one way or the other. We represent the Families in this thing of ours no matter what the circumstances,  as well as clients in the community who find themselves on an uneven playing field, the ones who has shallower pockets and less power. 

Sometimes matters are negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.

Sometimes there’s no negotiations at all.

When you need results that no one else is able to provide, contact NEAT, INC and speak to one of our representatives to establish guidelines and set clear expectations.  From there, Operations Specialists Rosaleen and Casinova will assist on achieving the results you demand and deserve.

Marie put down her coffee and took the flyer.  As she read, her head tilted slightly and her eyes widen with potential interest.  When she reached the end her eyes drifted up to regard him again.  "I can see such an agency being quite useful under certain circumstances.  I will definitely keep you in mind should one of those circumstances arise."  She pointed to the flyer, "May I keep this?"

"Why, absolutely Maria", instantly chiding himself for showing to much exuberance in her positive response.  Regaining his control, he looked at the beautiful Don and said "Marie, I mean no disrespect, but your husband is a very lucky man.  How I hope to someday find similar luck" and smiled. 

"Why thank you very much Mr. Farrusi.  If you like, I know some women in this thing of ours that I could introduce you too.   You may find them to be as wonderful of a catch as I was for my husband."  She grinned as a few names came to mind.  Folding up the flyer she slipped it inside her purse and clasped it back shut, but not before a glint of light reflected off the nickel plated pistol that was held inside.  Laying the clutch back down on the table once more she looked up at the young man from Seattle. 

I shall have to talk with Godfather Coltrane about this young fellow, she thought to herself.

Happy with her kind guesture and seeing that he still had her attention, he asked "So, Maria, what can you tell me about this beautiful city?  I've only visited a few times, but I find it quite amazing.  And the Chicago Cubs...What a team!  Manager Hornsby really has them playing well."

Marie chuckled, "You will have to forgive me.  I am not fond of any sports except for the horses and do not follow them.  That said I am a supporter of the boxing gyms that are going up around the 7 cities, even though I have no love for it.  Perhaps some day you may wish to visit the Limbo gym when you are in town,yes?"  She smiled, "There are also many bars and restaurants, a park, and even a boardwalk on the lake.  Actually there are many attractions to see in Chicago.  When you are next in town perhaps, if I am able, I could take you to a few of them."

Momentarily caught off guard by the generosity of the prestigious woman, Casinova's first inclination was to turn down the offer.  Swallowing and collecting himself replied "Marie, you are truly a gracious host to this fine city.  I have a business meeting sortly, but will be around this afternoon if you might have time in your schedule."  Looking over his shoulder at the bodyguard, he continued "If you do have time in your schedule, can you make sure and bring Rand....I think we are bonding!"  With a large grin on his face, he takes a long sip of the heavenly coffee.