Nikita was pleasantly surprised that Itachi joined her in having a glass of wine.  She hid a smile behind the rim of the wine glass before taking a sip when the bartender brought his glass to him.  Itachi seemed to enjoy the vintage, and Nikita felt herself relaxing even more.  She was very observant of the man beside her, and it was noticeable when he was relaxed as well.  Itachi seemed to be thinking about her question, or so she thought, and waited there as patiently as possible.  When he spoke having made the decision, Nikita smiled softly.

"That sounds lovely.  I am anxious to see this performance tonight."

Once the pair had later finished the small chit chat regarding all of the evening plans, they both had emptied their glasses.  Nikita gracefully stepped down from the bar chair, collected the black fur wrap, placed it around her shoulders snugly then tucked the clutch under her arm.  Itachi had adjusted his suit as he stood there beside her then extended his elbow to escort her into the theater.  Their security details trailed behind them both as they traveled through the bar then towards the theater.  Once they were both seated, Nikita leaned in with a smile as she whispered.

"Hopefully this evening's show is a treat for you.  The live performances can be riveting and quite entertaining.  Ahh here we go."

Once the lights began to dim over the audience, Nikita allowed herself to relax her posture as well as sitting comfortably close to Itachi's side. He didn't flinch or move away, which made her very happy.  She was very interested to see his reaction to the well known story of Hamlet enacted live in person.  Every so often, her gaze would turn towards Itachi, watching his reactions, expressions, and just ...watching him.  Towards the end of the performance, the two had sat there close for so long that Nikita was a bit sad to have to give the applause before standing up, but the night wasn't over just yet.  Dinner still awaited them.

Itachi once again extended his elbow, so Nikita willingly slid her arm through his.  Thom and Katsumi awaited them at the end of the aisle then followed closely behind the two.  It wasn't long before they were seated in the casino restaurant, a very private table in the V.I.P. section, a generous courtesy earned due to the roles working for their bossman, Don Charlie__Pavanno.  The dinner was nothing short of amazing and quite delicious.  Everything was cooked to perfection, and neither of the two had any complaints.

Nikita did find it amusing and interesting yet again about her partner, and his choices of entrees.  She totally expected Itachi to order something along the lines of his cultural tastes.  Itachi surprised her when he smiled somewhat when he ordered a cheeseburger with the works, and a side of french fries.  Nikita was fancying a steak and salad herself, but once his cheeseburger and fries arrived, she playfully tried to steal a fry.  The look he gave her was intended to be deadly, but it actually made her chuckle softly.  They both passed on dessert this time, but there was a talk of another evening sometime soon.  Once Nikita had been escorted to her hotel room, she bid Itachi a good evening, unsure if he had wanted to further the evening with a nightcap.  She had waited at the door for him to say goodnight in return.

Heinrich sat politely conversing with his colleagues as he sipped on a glass of riesling. Though many of them had been apprehensive about being seen in such an establishment, he had managed to convince them to take a break from the dull monotony of functional faculty dinners at the premises to some drunken revelry at a local establishment. Somewhat timid at the start, they now eagerly gambled away major chunks of their salaries while gossip, previously guarded, now flowed freely.

Heinrich himself was haemorrhaging money, dice was more his game after all, but he didn't mind. His recent association with Louis Mezzo had allowed him the opportunity to indulge in some casual gambling without worrying too much about his funds. Besides, the secrets he had been able to unveil were certainly worth exploring further for they might prove to be quite useful once he elected to make his bid for the post of Associate Dean at the Philadelphia University.

Infact, if the proprietor was available he wouldn't mind thanking the individual for the good riesling, a rarity this far west, and the luxurious hospitality.

Joe stared up at the Casino that was formerly operated by his brother, his kingdom and safe place. The place that had been regarded as a bright light within Detroit society. He could not help but smile at his brother's accomplishments knowing that he did this all on his own and then some. He could notice that it was still popular among some people that walked the walk, they were some of the people that enjoyed the gambling life. He never saw the appeal of it, yet he did dabble here and there, knowing when he had to stop. 

As he entered the establishment he found that his brother's former associate, Benny, ran the club like it was his family. Booze never stopped flowing and the party never stooped, something truly amazing had happened here since the passing of his brother. Benny seemed to notice him, doing a double take as he thought that he was looking at Charlie again, only Joe did not pay attention and found himself looking at the same man that seemed to be visiting the businesses more often than not. 

"What is with him and being all over the place, one would think that he was marking his territory by ordering so many Riesling's."

He shook his head and decided to head over to the slots, making sure that he was spending some money and allowing it to flow throughout the business.

Heinrich lost track of the conversation when the stranger walked in. His instincts kicked in and he immediately glanced towards the positions of the thugs passing as private security before mentally plotting the optimal course to the nearest exit. His palm itched for the touch of his Guwehr rifle as his eyes followed the stranger on his path.

He wondered if he was being stalked. All these coincidences seemed rather improbable in such a short duration. The stranger moved towards, who Heinrich had surmised was the floor manager or some other person in charge and the man seemed to defer to him. That was certainly curious to say the least, for it seemed the stranger was something more than just another thug. The way he carried himself suggested an authoritarian bearing and yet the men that turned to him gave awkward glances as if they were somewhat unfamiliar.

The stranger had grown more and more intriguing at every sighting. It would be inadvisable of him to attempt an altercation at the moment for his reputation might take a serious hit if he succumbed to an episode in front of the other Professors. Perhaps if the man continued to follow him to Philadelphia, Heinrich might find a use for him.

Briefly their eyes met as the man took his spot by the slot machines and Heinrich raised his glass of Riesling in acknowledgment from afar.

Joseph raised a curious eyebrow, wondering why the man seemed hesitant, he seemed to be avoiding him at the very least. Perhaps his other life and his night one were clashing right before his very eyes, either way, Joe found it amusing and instead turned around, playing the slots. He did notice a few of the private security had looked at him with wide eyes before turning their heads away, he looked away, not wanting the attention and wondered if people knew the connection between him and the owner of the said Casino. 

"Okay, who the fuck are you!?"

Joe turned around, coming face to face with Benny, C.O.O of the Tops Casino and former floor-manager. He wondered how it felt to the man that had done so much in this casino to suddenly become the boss, ruling it as if he was in Vegas itself. He decided to let that go and knew that it was time to focus on the here and now. He smiled thinly knowing that Benny would not assault him in the middle of this finely established Casino that did not do well with violence. 

"I'm Joseph or Joe Pavanno. I know who you think I am and I am not him. Now, I'm not here to take charge or anything, this was my brother's and it's now passed down to you."

Joe watched as Benny smiled at the acknowledgment. He wondered if anybody had challenged his leadership over this establishment, he would have a few choice words

"Do you know who that guy over there is? Don't look, just see if you can't inform me or something."

Benny tilted his head to the side, giving away the whole incognito spying before he muttered something under his breath. 

"He's HeinrichGrimm, he comes here on occasion and seems to be a professor of some kind, is that all?"

Joe nodded before turning back around, playing the slots wondering what a professor was doing here of all places.

LonelyWolf feel a bit lucky and are also a bit thirsty so first he goes in and order a whiskey then he starts going to the roulette and will take a big shot of 500 grand and put on black, if loosing he finish his drink if winning he takes another 350k bet on red and after that its over and done, hope winning both, here we go, 350.000 on black, the ball is rolling.....its a WIN, the crowd is glad for me, now the last bet on red, its rolling........damn it went black again, alright, we break even he thought, thanks all around the table and finish his drink and then oput in the streets again.

Tutte sat and watched LonelyWolf when he  had some luck on roulette, but in he end the bank always win was his only thought, it was really hard in the end to beat the bank, he knew it from own expierence so he just sat and drank his drink quitely and enjoyed what he saw all around this great casino.

KingAlucard was wandering through the Detroit streets aimlessly never spending much time around the city, he walked up onto a pretty nice looking casino that had everything he wouldnt find at a normal casino, he walked in and went to the theater and watched an act in the theater, as he was leaving he left a card under his chair that read "N"

kiddo out driving in an evening cruise goes downtown to see the businesses and trouble he can get into' less than a block down the road.The Tops: Casino and Resturaunt.kiddo says not my weakness slots.He pulls up to the chalet who parks the car for him gives him his tag number.kiddo walks up the steps that were red carpeted and went in to get a drink and find a slot'he goes up to the bar and orders a double whiskey pays the bartender,and heads to his destination SLOTS'      he walks around and around and he sips his drink,then a slot comes open and he goes right to it sets his drink down,and after 7 tries losses he downs his drink and goes for it again,Bells-whistles go off while Kiddo hits and is very pleased.. got his chips to turn into cash and won 7,000  Kiddo says not bad for a days work and wanders off..

The young Lucchese was given a tour of the casino and restaurant as he saw the operation he could see the money he could skim off the top and the money made from the unions and contracts from the maid to the uniforms to the food prep to the meat handlers.  The dealers and the Janitors.  He saw dollar signs in it all.  He could make a few coins with very little effort if given the chance.  However he was there to see a friend.  He wanted to talk shop but his friend had not arrived and he was getting hungry.   Then he saw a guy that was ducking him, a musician that owed him money.  The man was there with his daughter he was telling his child the days when he played there and the money he once lost and that this was the place he met her mother.

The tour ended with a dinner and Lucchese ensured that he sat with the man that owed him.  The meal was delivered and the guy was a bit scared but Lucchese just smiled at him and as they eat that's all he did was smile.  The man couldn't talk it any more and asked him what was his problem and Lucchese told him that he is happy that he recovered from that terrible accident they destroyed his hands.  They its a shame that he will never play again.  The man put his fork and knife down as Lucchese just smiled.  The man told Lucchese that he will bring him everything he owes right after the meal.  

Lucchese still smiling told the man that he was happy to hear that and that he would still be at the casino with the mans young daughter until he does.  The man looked at her and told her he would be back in one hour.  He looked at Lucchese and the smile lift Lucchese face as he wonder if the man had something to say that might turn ugly.  The man nodded and quickly left.  Lucchese order the young lady desert and then started talking about the casino as the girl was horrified at the entire situation.  Yet after one hour the man returned with everything he owed plus the vig. Lucchese stood and shook his hand and then bided them a good night.  

Seven thirty in the morning and the bathroom door swung open as one of the casino hostesses walked out; not a hair out of place, immaculate makeup and looking like a million dollars.  From the window of his hotel suite overlooking the Tops casino the sky looked dark still until he sat up and saw the orange glow in the distance as the sun started to rise above the horizon.  The clear skies outside were going to mean a chill when he was to venture outside but from what Kittie had been saying last night, breakfast in the casino restaurant was worth savouring.

He picked up a room service menu and cast his eyes over the selection, it was all pretty standard fare but would certainly fill a gap but he was in the mood of some eggs benedict and it wasn’t going to be served here.

“Do they do eggs benedict over the road Kittie?”

The waitress finished applying her mascara in the mirror and sat beside Louis.

“Honey, you can have eggs any way you like.”

She stroked Louis’ chin as she stood up.

“Will we do this again Louis?”

Louis smiled, the memories of the night before were fresh in his mind as well as the scratchmarks.

“What time are you finishing tonight?”

“Oh not tonight honey, I’ve got a night with the girls…some other night though.”

She pulled her high heels on, kissed Louis on the cheek and headed out the door.  He watched out of the window as she crossed the road and back in to work before taking himself into the bathroom for a wash.

The corridor to the casino restaurant was covered in mirrors.  Louis looked at himself before opening the restaurant door; sorting his suit and tie out and making sure hairs were not out of place. Sitting down he simply asked the waiter for eggs benedict, a glass of iced water and a cup of coffee.  While waiting for his breakfast, Louis looked out of the window overlooking the casino.  Even at this hour there were plenty of people desperately trying to recoup the losses of the hours before, seemingly with little success by the looks on their faces.  Once the breakfast was complete, he strolled into the casino and found himself at the blackjack tables.  Face to face with the same croupier who was giving him a hard time last night.

“Back again sir?”

“Yes…” Louis looked at the badge with a smirk, “…Eleonore.  I’m back for my money.”

As Eleonore started dealing the cards out, Elyse walked across, leaned over to Eleonore’s ear and whispered something in.  Louis wasn’t massively paying attention to what was going on as he looked at the eight and the six in front of him.  He could see some of the other cards and it didn’t seem a bad idea to keep going.

Another six.  There were a couple of aces on the table already so it didn’t seem wise to carry on so he leaned back.  Eleonore turned a four, then a seven and a ten with a smile, Louis shook his head and nodded to get another hand.  This could be a long morning!

Louis glanced impassively at Elyse as she took her place at the table. Another body wouldn’t make that much difference to how things were going unless it was Lady Luck herself.  Some day he would look in to why Luck was a Lady; but given how long she had been the custodian of fortune surely the hag of luck would be more appropriate. One toothed, smelling of cabbage soup and radishes. The way she was treating him now, the stinky toothless hag of luck was laughing at him now. 

Three and a five. The dealer had a nine. Louis sighed. He threw a couple of chips on to the table. The dealer dealt two more; two sevens. He smiled. 

Damn hag!

Tutte smiled and were happy he decided NOT gambling for a while, he made  a promise to himself and walk insted to the restaurabg to get a drink.

"Lets have an old scotch whiskey please and some salty peanuts also thanks, meke the scoych double and NO ice"

He sits and drink slowly and puts some nuts in his mouth and watch around him but there arent that many in here right now so it was quite silent right now and the only sound came from a jukebox in the far corner playing old good music to listen to quitely.

Ten and a queen...aaaahhh...the hag of luck was toying with him, he was sure. There was an incessant thud from somewhere in the room, like a mechanical hammer...the nervous tapping of a heavy, clumpy foot. Louis glanced to his side at the heavy set man beside him. His legs didn’t seem to be tapping. Someone though. Somebody at the table was putting him off. 

Eleonore sprung a 22 and Louis smiled. Keep it coming Lucky Hag. A bit more of this and he’d soon have enough to get the lucky hag a proper mouthful of teeth.

The clumpy feet noise was starting to irritate him.  Coincidental that it happened when Elyse appeared at the table?  Who knows.

Elyse was not sure if it was the way the last had of cards fluttered to the table or the angle of the guy's chin at that moment, but the penny dropped. That was the guy she saw on the St Patrick's day float, something to do with gaining some formal recognition or something. The damned memory of hers was rubbish this early in the morning and she had not had a lot of time to familiarise herself with all the different big cheeses knocking around the place. Suddenly Elyse felt a small sneeze begin to build so she quickly turned her head away from the table, which happened to be in Louis's direction so she lowered her face a little more to avoid sneezing on him by accident. 

Suddenly Elyse saw something that she would recognise anywhere and never would have thought to see in this part of the world, let alone a Detroit casino. Louis shifted slightly on the stool and that unmistakable and once widely celebrated jiggle happened, not much as he had clearly managed to gain more control of the natural momentum of that particular area of his body.

With complete and utter disbelief she took a third look and then turned to look studiously at her cards while soundless mouthing. "No frigging way can it be him!" But there was no mistaking that butt, no wonder there was a big fuss about getting him to get up on that float and the insistence of being able to sit at all times. The name sprang to Elyse's mind 'LouisMezzo' she remembered clearly now. Back in 1930 something Brazil, there was a widely celebrated masked dancing man that everyone called 'The americano bolha bunda dancarino'. Statues were erected in his jiggly butt honour and stories told of how it seemed to have a life of its own. One day he vanished and all that was left were stories and the sad truth was that his grandfather had got wind of LouisMezzo's glorious career as 'americano bolha bunda dancarino' and demanded he return from Brazil and find a proper job.

Elyse politely excused herself from the table, placed a tip and then began to causally walk towards the exit. The walk gradually became a run as she could not wait to tell her boss who LouisMezzo used to be before getting all respectable and show the pictures too.

The sound of a sneeze caused Louis to lose his focus slightly

"Gesundheit" he returned absentmindedly, turning slightly.

He returned to the matters at hand and the matter at hand was shining shitely on him once more; a three and a four.  "Hit", an eight.  Louis sighed.  With a weary inevitability he asked for another card...a king.  Of course it was.  The tapping of hobnailed boots had stopped but the heavy clumpy footwear was obviously attached to the rapidly disappearing Elyse.  She could move reasonably quickly but my word she wasn't quite about it...herd of elephants sprang to mind but it was unfair on the relatively twinkle toed herbivores.

"Eleonore, thank you...the pleasure was all yours I fear."

Louis stood and walked around looking for somewhere else to lose his money

Tutte sat and watched the game of BlackJack very carefully, he had lost a small fortune lately so he wouldnt take to big chcnes right now so he watchd and thought carefully when to jump in with $1400, right thre he do it ten and a jck, 20 and the bank has a jack, should at least be a draw this one. A win, the bank hust reached eighteen, anohter roll, ler the cash stands. Puts in a few more dollars so now we bet $3500. Ace and 7, eighteen and the bank sits with a four, pretty hard this but he decides to stay and takes a zip on his scotch. Another win, bank king four and a tree, splendid, one more and then its it. $7000, starts to be much now, he got 10 and a five, damn so stupid hand and the bank got  a lady, hes sreewed how he does so he takes another card and hope for a six, a it got to a five and 20, at leat now its a draw he hoped for, he laughed at toke a big zip from his glas when seeing the bank got 22, good money won, he was happy and bought a drink to a beautiful girl standling nezt to him, everyone were happy so see such good play on this table.

Aaliyah decided to pay a visit to the Big D. It was a mini trip for her. She needed to be back later to the Big Apple for work.  The first thing she did while she was in town was going to Elmwood Cemetery to pay her respects to Mr. John Farlane. He played an important part in her life when she was still in early teens, homeless and scared. He gave a home and a chance to finish schooling. She was surprised he had a will and left her sole benefactor. He left her a nice little nest egg with a few properties. She was still little shaken by Mama Bettie death, everything she said happens Mama Bettie died with a smile on her face while spending time at Peace of Mind with Liyah earlier. Respecting her wishes Liyah had Torin to go get her body cremated, her ashes to be scattered over the gardens at Peace of Mind. While she was in town she decided to pay a visit to The Tops: Casino and Restaurant. Liyah heard a lot of things about the joint but she had to see it for her own eyes. It was run by a Mr. Charlie Pavanno. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was a bastard like Mr. Joey Pavanno. Liyah started to giggle he probably wasn’t, this spot was alive and well not a pile of ruins

Aaliyah strolls inside looks around; it wasn’t bad looking at all as she made her way to the casino hall. A few hours later she was walking out with a couple of mils added to her name. She heads to one of the bars for a celebratory drink of Sprite.