After his dinner he did a pretty awsome catch, he found a wallet in a back-alley full of money, when he counted it there were more than $250.000 surely drogmoney, he took it and no one saw him, now he got a brilliant idea, he went into The Tops: Casinoa and Restaurant to put all of it on roulette, he felt lucky as a punk. He stands there and watch when the wheel spins around and waits out this one before he will decide what to bet on, black or red or perhaps he tried column 3 and lost the lot, shit he thought, he walked towards the street again, damn so unlucky he was often.

Charlie lit the cigarette in his hand as he looked over the gathered group of his associates within the confines of his private room. The Tops had changed during the time he had been here last and he decided to leave it as it was, allowing his own men to retain control. Keeping it legal and to themselves, hopefully keeping the law enforcement happy. 

Charlie knew that this meeting was happening due to his meeting with the agent back in Vegas. That had been opening but he kept it to himself, if he could find the snowy-haired love of his, he would be happy. Plus he could make some money with this, considering what he was doing was nothing short of changing the game and world he lived in. 

"Want to tell us why we are all gathered here, Charlie? It seems like a meeting of epic proportions if I can say so myself. The Russians and ourselves, plus with the gathered Medellin Cartel. It makes for quite the deadly combo of organizations."

Ever the needy, his men wanted some information that he could not give them. Charlie knew he was smart and had to gather up some of his own intelligence, he would be able to gather the world's biggest and worst. All under one roof and talk business, it would lead to an unholy alliance that no one would see coming. Not even The Firm.

A light switched on in his head and Charlie knew that he had the perfect plan, his men would buy it. The plan was doable and would leave him with much more than he thought possible. An alliance, was that what the Agent wanted? He knew not but it would be the plan he was going with. An alliance, one that would shake the foundation of the very underworld. 

"Well, we are going to be fighting against The Firm in a war of territory and with some promises here, a few there. We could gain some nice people on our side and we could turn the very tide against them, it would be brilliant. Trust me, boys, this meeting will be one of the better ones that are not going to be forgotten, ever."

Charlie's lips twitched up in a devious smirk before turning away and releasing a deep sigh. Lying to his men was one thing but he knew that two of his guards knew why he had been in Vegas and with him gathering these other bosses, it could be seen as him turning rat. Charlie hoped that the two men would see sense and stand down, he was doing this for the betterment of the family. Or at least he thought.

"You really want us to sit here and not tell your son that you met with this agent? Where is he anyway? Working for his bride, eh?"

Charlie sighed, smoking away as he played some blackjack. He had a good hand but it was still all up to the dealer and how they played, he released a breath. The two associates had opted to meet him down here in the Casino, away from prying eyes and people who would look for signs that the boss was changing in some way. 

"My son is doing business for the family as we all are, don't worry. This agent will be dealt, too bad we don't have the same people ready to deal with them, eh? It's going to be a fucking big day once that happens. We have to be ready to end this threat of the FBI, they will always find ways to take us down. I believe I will look into what Adonis did for me once and for all, see what it did for me."

The two associates sat happily drinking away, knowing that this meeting was one of the many moments where Charlie couldn't be bothered. He was himself, more or less. They knew he still kept up the hard shell of being the boss, something they respected. They respected his strength and the determination he had, he wanted to show them that he was still in control and they believed it. 

"What are we to do in the meantime? Be nothing more than lookouts or do you wish to be something else currently? We are here to help you, Boss. We want to make sure that you succeed in whatever is you have planned, we are here to assist you and the family with whatever you need."

Charlie smiled sadly if these two knew his true plans, would they still help him? He was not going down a path that would guarantee him success. In a way, he just might be killed. He may end up back in prison but the risk was worth it. Now he stared at the two gentlemen with eyes of steel. 

"I need you to make sure that both organizations are well looked after. Nothing is to disturb them or make their moods worse. There is a lot riding on this gentlemen, you may go. Do our party well and I'll see you rewarded."

The associates nodded, heading off before nodding their heads, faces stoic and ready to do their duty.

"You've sat here a good while and still refuse to talk with me, why?"

Charlie looked up at his newest guest, Devlin O'Leary. The Irishman had taken to himself as a sort of bodyguard for the Cat Man. While Chuck appreciated the effort, it was kind of weird to himself. Used to being alone with his thoughts, he never did have a confidant of sorts and whoever grew close to him sort of died soon after. It led him to keep himself closed off in fear of certain things happening, his family, the chosen society had been the only one that he considered one. 

"Well sorry mate, I'm not exactly in a mood for some heart to hearts, alright? I'd rather be left alone and deal with the coming storm. All these men, under one roof and one goal."

"To find Secra, correct aye?"

Almost instinctual, Charlie reached for his colt and placed it on the table between the two of them. Devlin did not even glance down, his eyes were staying on Charlie as they made contact. It was clear that the Irishman had some trust that Charlie would not shoot him. A man that worked for his brother and was a key ally in how he got a source of revenue? It would not be wise, something the Irishman was counting on. 

"What do you know Devlin? Something like this, of this scale, how could you ever know? Not even Joey knows, nor my Grandfather. And he would not be as kind to you as he is to me. He dislikes unknown elements, so tell me, just how did you find this out?"

The Irishman walked away from the table and poured himself a glass of scotch. He had some confidence, clear that Charlie would not be the one to kill him today or ever to be exact. 

"Do enough digging Charles, you could find a whole lot. I know about Secra, the fact that she was engaged and the fact that she broke you out of prison. Rather twisted and oddly romantic fella abused and alone. A freak as she would be called, a Don in Seattle and suddenly...poof...she goes missing and is marked...' dead' boy I do love those type of mysteries."

Charlie watched as Devlin gulped down his scotch turning back to face his allied boss at the time. Chuck had since put away the gun, finding that it would not be necessary as Charlie was sure that he was going to keep this little business between them. 

"Now, let's have a talk and make sure that we understand some things, hm? Cause trust me mate, I'm on yer side."

Charlie sat there in a bit of shock, Devlin was on his side and now it was a bit different. Not all too much, Charlie did not trust just anybody. Just because someone worked for his brother, did not make them trustworthy. His own brother had once planned to kill him and usurp his position within the family, it was not something that was known but it had brought shame to the family. 

"On my side? How the fuck do you even know these things? No one knew that is something I made sure of. Not even Michael knows and yet here you are, ready to help me in my quest, rather ambitious, like a true gangster."

Devlin shrugged, not knowing any other way to explain this to Charlie without him being pissed or angry in some type of way. No, he would be expecting that but this was for the betterment of the Pavanno Outfit, it's businesses and growing influence in this world. Like it or not, Charlie had some power now, he was getting in good with some new people, people that could help become something bigger than himself. 

"Believe me or not, I am here to support the true family that would see many people profit. Despite their pasts, you see past the blood feuds and dislikes, your family always does. Some of those enemies have brought you to your knees and made you suffer for trusting them. Others have made your money and earned a place within your inner circle, I respect that."

Chuck raised an eyebrow wondering where he was going with this. Good, he read some manuscripts, seems everyone in his family was a poet now. People became one of the greater means of living this life and Charlie would never forget that now he needed to gain more information from him. 

"I use to work for one of your Capo's. When he died, I went to work in Seattle and worked with Finan O'Reilly. I was no one really but I made my bones as you Italians say. I learned and saw things, it was beautiful, the way you cared for her like no other and it would have a tremendous sight to see but it was taken away."

Charlie clenched his hand into a fist, his face was stoic and his eyes were blank. He decided to end this little farce, only Devlin decided to speak before Charlie could even begin to realize what was really happening. 

"You loved her, you wished to marry her. You bought a ring, wanting to run away. I know because you told one man, a single man only. You told Al Varietta, your most trusted man. The words you used Charlie, they were amazing. I wish to help you because I believe she would be one of the better hopes for your family. And for you as well, this...is family business and like it or not, I am a part of this family."

Charlie bowed his head, slumping back down into his seat before noticing how Devlin smiled at him, soon offering him a drink as they sat in silence. Wondering what was in store for them with this new bomb dropping on them, in the form of the F.B.I and his beloved. 

Two hours had passed since she'd sat down at the table. Other players had come and gone, but Symplicity hadn't wavered. The slow back and forth tide of wins and losses had been profitable enough to have her a thousand ahead. 

The house might always win, but in 21, that rule was the least true. You didn't have to count cards to get ahead, you just had to watch the other players, and have a decent recollection. You could split, you could double down, but you never got crazy or called attention to yourself.

Until you did.

It was a new dealer, and a fresh deck. Symplicity felt it coming, and pushed all two thousand forward. The dealer blinked at the pile, but dealt anyway. He was unaware of her mild-mannered playing style up until that moment. 

The first ace landed with a soft snick​​ of sound, and she didn't move. When the second landed a moment later, she breathed through the moment, even as the remaining two players at the table with her quietly cursed in amazement.

​​​​​"Split them," she said, lifting her tumbler of bourbon as the dealer moved the cards apart and rested their partners on top of them. 

King. Queen.

More cursing from around her, but all she saw was the dealer bust with a 25 while the pit boss approached, lured over by the ruckus her fellow players were now making. Symplicity cursed herself, then, and stood, willing the dealer's fingers to move faster as he counted out her winning chips.

They were in her hands and she was in the wind before the pit boss quite reached the table.

Scott walked in and for once, there was no smile on his lips, there was a fire in his eyes that could not even be denied. He was met by some of the security and they all let him pass, with a smirk, he nodded at them and knew what he was doing next within moments. He walked towards the floor manager as he was given a briefcase and winked, heading towards one of the slot machines, giving a small pull and his eyes narrowed on the man before him. 

"Neil DiMone, nice to meet you here. I heard you were doing some good things for the crew while my family was out of town, good. Things are changing, I need you to take all the earnings from this join to Las Vegas and leave them at an Apartment Block. I'll give you the apartment names later."

Neil nodded, just watching Scott walk off before he headed into the boss' office. It seemed he was cleaning things up, better than a few bosses had tried doing. The Families who were still around had decided to leave this thing, it didn't make as much money anymore but it still did a lot for them nowadays. 

"Benjen, nice to see you've cleaned this place up. Here's the take from this week I see, it's pretty good....if I remember correctly, it was a 25% cut to the boss and then the rest went to the bosses at the top. That remains the same, I want to see some things changing...first, advertising and maybe getting a deal with Shizune, see what I can do with his betting horses business."

Benjen nodded, writing this all down, a lot of people did not know but the families still involved with the Tops had tried bleeding them dry. Trying to dig whatever left they could, Benjen had to make sure he kept some things locked away, no matter the power of the crew. He would make sure that he had the backs of his crew, the Pavanno's. 

"Good. Next, I want you to start getting better security, greeters and some new live acts. I'll be sure to sort a few of those things out for you soon, for now, keep doing what you've been doing. I'll see you soon and be safe."

Scott walked out, leaving his new casino in a completely new state, hoping to see the old place get something off of its feet. Hoping that something...anything could come from it, that is all he wished for and he knew...something could just come from it within a few weeks. 

"Let the good times roll..."

Scott whispered, heading back to the Blackhawk and hoping to see what Brisa had gotten up too in the time he had left her here.

Escaping from the law had become an institutional thing for Sisyphus who had now spent the larger part of his life working in unscrupulous dealings with people of low morals. Money was the only thing that mattered to these people, and he was the man they would go to if one needed to secure a large amount of cash in very little time; there were a lot of rumors that he would even steal from himself if given the opportunity to do so.

Which is why after busting into the jewelry store to make an example of them for not making their payments on time he needed to quickly find his way out of the area and into a less conspicuous place. Why he thought that a Casino would fit that bill was beyond him, but the clothes he had on were so tattered and colorful that he would be sticking out like a sore thumb in most places, so in his rationalizing of the situation the conclusion was come to that a Casino is in fact the best place to hide out all things considered.

"I'll just play a few hands and then be out of here in a flash."

Those were always his famous last words when he made his way into an establishment such as this and it would end up being no different this time around than all of the others. First he decided to give blackjack a try, using the only clean money he had on him which was a single hundred that had been crumpled up in his pocket for days.

"Red. It's always Re.."

BLACK 22!

Damn. That wasn't what was supposed to happen... refusing to give up so early and at this point completely forgetting about the entire smash and grab that just happened not even an hour ago, Sisyphus went and pulled out another thousand dollars from his bank account before making it back inside of the Casino and over towards what looked to be a good game of poker going on; something he had become quite versed in during his younger days attempting to steal cash from the kids around the neighborhood in any way that he could.

22 Minutes Later...

Well that didn't go quite as expected. Huh. People must have been cheating too, because there was no way that Sisyphus would lose with a Full House under any typical scenario. Luck just wasn't on his side today and enough time had now passed to where he could leave and go back to his house, it was most likely going to be clear at this point. Thoughts still continued to swirl inside his mind, the vision of winning big on the slots and taking home millions was just too good to pass up.

Making his way to the slot machines there was a whirling sensation that had nearly knocked him off of his feet. All of the sights and sounds were enough to blind a man for a moment. Deciding that this would definitely be the last game he'd partake in during the quick trip to the Casino, the man took care to not lose too much money... and it's gone. All of it. Well, fuck.

"Why did you contact this broad again? It's not like you can't handle this yourself but I didn't think you'd need help."

Scott mumbled to himself, he looked up into the eyes of the man in charge. Benjen looked back at him, looking over at the investment he had made...she was a good singer and was already livening the place up. He would have to make sure she could become a mainstay here at the tops, hope to see more faces popping through here. 

"I didn't but then came a lot of the other shit. So I had to make sure that I could something, here I am now, just wishing to see what else she can bring us here."

Scott could only roll his head slightly, he sighed, picking up a few bucks from the table before walking out of the aces theatre. The place was still one of the better spots in The Tops, still, he liked the peace he felt there for a few moments. 

He looked out over the railing, looking over the casino and he saw someone from Detroit, huh, what was the leader of the streets doing here? Well, he could be considered a pretender, there was another, over in Chicago. And then someone named him, he could only laugh at that. 

"What to do?"

Scott mumbled for a moment before he saw someone, he had seen her around the city on occasion...what was her name? She had usually been seen around Bricktown...huh, he didn't really know her name and now he really wanted to now, throwing caution to the wind. He walked down, deciding to be brave and see what conversation was in store for him now...

Talia had a bit of time to spare and a wad of money in her pocket. Sure she could have been smart and stashed it away in one of her secret hiding spots or she could have taken it and gone shopping but her closet was getting rather full. There were still outfits that had tags on them, shoes that hadn't been worn. Really if she were to shop anymore she'd need to buy a bigger place and for the moment that was out of the question. 

Stashing it away seemed rather boring and sitting at a bar at this time of the day seemed rather sad and depressing. Plus she wasn't looking to being hit on by random drunken bar regulars, life hadn't gotten to that stage and she hoped it never did. 

The only thing she could think of doing was hitting up a casino, it had been quite a while since she had sat down at a table. Normally she would have been too busy running errands for her boss but he was out of town and there wasn't anything to do. Was the perfect day to gamble, have a couple drinks casually and sit there with a smoke. 

Maybe she'd run into a bit of luck and walk out with more cash then she came in with. Maybe she'd run into someone interesting and have a good time or maybe by the end of day she'd have some exciting story to tell later in life. Anything was a possibility, just a matter of how things progressed. 

As she pushed her way through the casino doors, she took a couple steps in to get her bearings on where things were. This place was new to her, though she did see a few familiar faces. None of which she cared enough to say hello to or even vaguely converse with. Still not getting the lay of the casino, Talia moved to the center of the room. The smoke cloud was thick but there were gaming tables everywhere. Now it was just a matter to figure out what she wanted to play but more importantly whom she wanted to sit with. 

Decisions.... Decisions... 

Sitting in the Aces Diner of The Tops, Sal found himself oddly quiet as he sat opposite Keelin, she watched him for a moment as she took in his news. 

"You're being serious, you are going to be moving out to Seattle? Why?"

Honestly, he needed to see his family's reach and if he could. He knew it would be something special, his Uncle Joey had been in this world for a time before calling it off. He had decided to see what he could do for it, only to then call it off, something had happened and he had never been the same man again. 

"To scope out what my family have done, to see where we could improve and even now, some still talk about it. The once growing empire that my family had, what it could have meant and been...something great, special, truly. Yet we barely broke the ceiling, we had nothing left after numerous wars and infighting, the family feuds, the Irish, the lies, it all ends with me."

He meant it, Sal may have been many things but he had often meant his words. The only Pavanno's remaining were very few, his family needed a host back into the society again and he had a feeling that could have been him. He could be someone special for this society of the chosen, he would need to make sure that something came of this. 

"I want you by my side once I figure out where to begin, we start with all the former places out in Seattle. Uncle Joey has his remaining impact, the others, the ones that didn't make it...we deal with them after. For now, the main cause for concern is Seattle and what it brings. Especially if we know how to deal with the Omertas."

That was both a problem and a situation that neither wished to deal with right now. The Omertas were an old family, one that kept coming back, like the plague. Shrugging to each other, they knew something would come...something that could help them out, maybe.

"Salvatore Pavanno?"

Turning his head, he was met with an old man, surrounded by numerous bodyguards and something told him that these were not members of the Omertas, gesturing for Keelin to go get some food for him. The old man did the same with his guards, leaving them to speak for now, once they had all left, a sly smile played at Sal's lips. 

"Al Camona, The Old Don, it's a pleasure to see you make this trip. What brings you here, especially when I could have flown out to see you instead of you making this trip."

"Your family, the Maldonado's..."

And like that, Sal found himself interested, he had hardly ever heard of his family back home but now it had taken him by surprise. He needed this, he leaned forward, eager to listen.

"You and your sister, you're the last of the family line. The rest are either dead or imprisoned and I need something from you, as the last remaining Maldonado involved with our way of life, I need to make sure that you can do this for me."

The Old Don had pulled out a photo, it was a young man, he looked a little bit like Al for a moment. From what Sal knew, the man had a daughter yet here was someone who looked a little too like him. With a sad smile, he met the man's eyes for once. 

"This man is Sonny Camona, he's my son...a few months ago actually, he launched a coup. Taking over the Camona Organization in Sicily, he killed all the Don's who opposed him, a few remained on our side in the ongoing war of the commission. Your great-grandfather, tough son of a bitch, clung to life before being executed. You are the last one, truly."

Sal nodded, he had since accepted death into this way of life. He had never known his other family members, never having been to Sicily but being taught the language, he found himself wishing to go, almost like he needed too...only it was almost too much and he never did. Even now, all he knew was that there was no chance of him going there to survive. 

"So, what happens now? You obviously escaped with a few loyal soldiers, he must have half of the commission, the rest would either be scared to face the combined might of his guys on the streets....so they're all escaping here, aren't they Al?"

He nodded, fuck. This was going to complicate things, the last thing they needed was a bunch of old-timers here fucking up a good thing and he had just wanted to make sure a few things would stay put. Yet that wasn't going to be happening anytime soon, sighing to himself, he knew what he could for right now. 

"When are they arriving? And what's this got to do with you meeting me here, huh? I love and respect you, Al, don't doubt that. You've given me guidance but the arrival of these old-timers, it could complicate matters. I'm just landing on my feet here, I need to make sure they could be protected."

Al nodded, he understood that as well but having them here, it was the only way to make things work and he would make sure the kid understood. His son was the cause of this, Al needed to make it right, he couldn't have them suffering from his son, that was not his way. 

"They will work under you, as crews, they understand who you are and they begrudgingly respect you. Make them respect or fear you, either way, you are their leader out here. They know no rules and you have to make them follow your rules, when they arrive in Seattle, they will challenge you and you need to understand, it's your way, only yours!"

Al was making sure he knew what he was getting into. He was going to be a leader of men, yet Sal was not stupid, Al didn't mention himself in this. He let it go, for now. 

"I understand, just...make sure they arrive and soon. I'll give them the opening speech and whatnot, thank you, for informing me, Al. I won't let them down, just...be careful, yeah?"

The old don nodded, leaving just as Keelin and the bodyguards came back, soon leaving with their employer as the Irishwoman began asking questions about what that was...

"Boss of Bosses? If I'm correct...Capi Du Titti Capo?"

Snorting at the incorrect saying, he needed that for a moment. Keelin never failed to make him smile, she always made up for it somehow. He knew he needed that, the two were going to be needed in the Casino soon enough, they were both sure of that. The games were still being played but Sal would have his cut for the day, plus the for cut for a few of the bosses around. 

"Capo di tutti capi, Keelin. I don't think I will be that, to be honest, it's more of survive or die type of deal, if I can bring them into the fold of what we are planning than that makes it all the better for the future of our little plan here. I don't want to rule over them like some lord but I understand very few of them, they may have plans to usurp the position granted unto me."

He understood the way of politics in the mob, very few had ever liked the Capo Di Tutti Capi position, those that had often proclaimed themselves as such found themselves dead. By others who would create councils, commissions and rule cities under one family or a ruling panel of crew leaders. 

Sal had no intention of proclaiming himself such a name, he knew that would only bring him his death sentence. For now, he was a provider, giving them an into the Seattle Underworld. It seemed like he would have to work with various outfits to come, maybe having that call with the Omertas would not be such a bad idea now. 

"How fast could you get a few Irishmen to guard the warehouse and docks, by that, I mean transport, guns, booze, our regular shipments from Colombia and such?"

Keelin furrowed her brows, humming for a moment as she thought and took a fry, nibbling as she had done so. 

"About a few days, depends on what the job is and how big this supply would be? If you're intending for a big move, I could call a few people from Tacoma, Olympia, and Spokane. They can make the trip easily, lad."

Sal nodded, giving her the okay to call them up. He would need them, soon. It was time he started to grow into his role as the leader of this ragtag group of Irish, Italians, and whatever other groups wished to associate with him now. 

"Good...let's head down, I have a feeling Georgie might just have some good news for us, eh?"

Without another word, both had walked out of the Aces Diner, deciding then to take the basket of fries with them. Milkshakes in hand as well, humming a tune as they went...

"Georgie, heya! How was tonight's take!?"

Georgie Streiss, newest manager of the tops Casino, he was not feeling too hot. It had been a while since a Pavanno had come into this place, he didn't want the kid to know what he had been doing but the kid seemed fuckin' naive as hell...he was sure that he could pull the wool over his eyes and continue his operations. 

"Good, boss. We've made a ton of cash, we can easily begin to start expanding if you wish, which is the case, right?"

Sal shrugged, eating his fries as he dipped one inside the milkshake for a moment, savouring it for a moment before turning his crystal blue eyes onto that of his employee. The Casino remained in the family name, he and his sister, along with Uncle had been getting a sizable income here and there due to the Casino's draw and sales. It was doing pretty well, especially the Aces Theater, he would have to go there sometime after he dealt with Georgie. 

"Not really, Grandpop wanted to keep it to Detroit. Seems a little...fucked up to try and ruin that image for him, don't ya think Keel?"

The Irishwoman hummed, agreeing with her friend as Sal shrugged off his black suit jacket. Revealing the holster strapped to his back. His lips did not even quiver, he was completely comfortable as if nothing in the world bothered him and maybe that was the stone-cold truth of it. Georgie though, his nerves were acting up, he had to get this kid to leave now. 

"So, you want today's take or you want to keep it maturing for now?"

There it was, Sal decided to snicker for a moment. Breaking the tension for a moment before he sobered up for a moment, only to then scowl, Georgie must have imagined because he had blinked and Sal's face was back to smiling. It was then that the room had reached a tension that was making him uncomfortable. 

"No, Georgie. I want every take...from the last year that you've kept from the Pavanno family...you've played a long game. You conned your way into this position, Benny died, suddenly wacked by a few fuckin thugs from 12th Street. Then Vicenzo died, again, wacked by the members of the 12th Street posse. Only to then fall to you, a made guy, still, you made your bones for the family and have risen to become the day to day boss of The Tops."

Sal still sounded happy, his smile still on his lips. He was enjoying this, watching the man squirm and Keelin continued to relax with her feet up on Georgie's desk. Only the man was looking at both of them, worried, he always knew his day would come but not by some young fuckin kid with no way of knowing what he had done for this family!

Watching him, Sal could see he knew something more, yet he continued to play his own game and he was enjoying every moment of it.

"Who gave the money Georgie? It wasn't any of the fucks back in Italy, it certainly wasn't Uncle Joe or Lilian or myself. Someone wanted you to rise this far, so you'd owe them a favour. Who did you rat us out too? Tell me, Georgie....and I'll spare your life."

Georgie looked at the kid like he had a fuckin' halo over his head and he squealed like the pig he was. Sal smiled, watching. Almost like he was getting pleasure from this very moment but decided to remain calm, allowing himself to watch for a moment.

"It was The Omertas...FUCK! FINE, it was them....Benny, Vincenzo...even in Italy...they backed someone to take on the commission, I don't fucking know. All I know is that they're ran by some broad now, she wants you....not dead, just wants you to work under her...not as a partner...please, Sal...I beg you."

Sal nodded....he had promised that he would spare the man's life. Smiling, he turned his turned and went back to his fries when the audible suppressed sound of a pistol firing caught his trained ears and then...the thud, turning around he saw Keelin standing over him. Face, emotionless before they nodded, heading out to find Swank.

"Ring-A-Fucking-DING! I'm the boss now, good to know...."

Swank, ever the optimist looked at both Sal and Keelin with loyalty in his eyes. He was grateful for this chance, he wasn't going to fucking squander his chance his, he wanted to make sure that they knew what he could do and what he wished to do for them. 

"Yeah, Swank, from now on, you guard this casino. Name your yourselves, from this moment on, you're a crew under The Pavanno Outfit, leave us to handle the big boys that walk through that door demanding for your superior. You're basically a captain, remember that, you demand respect. Other than, if you find yourself approached by an Omerta, you kill them...straight away."

Sal was not going to negotiate with The Omertas, she was the reason his great grandfather had died and why he had to push up the date with so many things. She wished to turn the empire his father and grandfather created upside down. That wasn't going to happen, he was going to make sure that it would survive, even long after he had died or left the states. 

"And oh yeah, a few weeks from now, all of us are meeting in Seattle. Be there, we'll let you know the location. No one is going to be kept in the dark for long, alright? I want you to know, this is the new era for all of us, you got that?"

Swank nodded all the same, still happy at his promotion. He didn't need to be warned or know what Georgie had done, it was pretty clear that he was something...snakey. He had betrayed the family, something Swank would never do and was ready to lead his group of...Chairmen, yeah, that sounded fucking nice, The Chairmen...

"Got ya, boss, I'll see ya and oh yeah, good luck on that date of yours. Hope you got yourself a real nice dame for yourself."

Remembering his date, he had been so caught up that he realized he had a few hours to get ready. Without another word he sprinted out, a smirk lighting up his features. 

He had heard the melodic laughter of Keelin and heavy laughter of Swank as they watched him go before he finally made it to the doors...

Sana...he was coming...wait, he really needs to work on his phrasing...chuckling he rushed home, ready to finally show the girl that he was serious about this...oh so much.

"Shit, I thought we had the contact out here but even they are saying this might take a while now..."

Romulus sat with in the diner of The Tops, the place seemingly looked to be one of the better avenues of income for the mob. Yet now, it was like all the other places, no longer popular and simply trying to buy time with some good famous players. Rom had remembered that, he knew how he could easily draw some people to a place, and he was sure that the owner or it's committee at this point would be witnessing a great renaissance in its place of business in a while. 

"Bartender, gimme a beer...and keep it coming, about three bottles..."

He was tired from his trip, he had never been through this type of thing before. With a small twitch of his lips, he could see that many people looked at him in awe. He decided why not, waving them over, the seven time league champion could see that this was something they had wished to take advantage of immediately!

"Rom, are you going to be playing against those Miami douches soon!? We need the triple threat back!"

"Rom, are you going to New York in a trade!?"

Rom smirked, he and New York were always mentioned in trades and sometimes he had to chuckle, wondering where it came from. Even if they did not know he was taking fewer minutes with the team, he simply wanted to make sure that these guys witnessed a few more games with him in his prime before he fully left for another role. 

"I'll be back on the court soon enough, Miami will never beat us, trust me when I say that...and no, Chicago is my home, I'll never leave. Even if it is for a cushier contract, now who wants a few autographs before I have to go?"

And like that, he made the day of a few people before noticing the time. Chucking them one last smile, he found them to be a little more happy with this representation...going off, he really needed to make this business deal now.

It had been sometime now since I was last in Detroit. Work had me traveling to and fro across the entire country but, when I got the call about the business deal that Romulus wanted to set up, I figured now was as good a time as any to head home for a bit. 

I wasn’t exactly sure what the deal itself was, it wasn’t anything that should have been discussed over the phone I gathered, I had to at least check it out. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious as to what type of deal the seven time basketball champ of the Chicago Boston Celtics wanted to make. 

After cleaning up and getting myself dressed, I headed down to the Tops. I’d never been before but it seemed as inconspicuous meeting place as any. I doubted there was anywhere that Romulus could go without any one recognizing him anyways.

I let my eyes wander around the place as I walked in. First things first, I scanned for the exits. I may have been curious but I wasn’t stupid. If things went south, it wasn’t going to hurt to have more than one contingency plan. I saddled up at the bar, nodding in Romulus’ direction as he signed a few autographs for his adoring fans. Must be nice, I chuckled to myself.

Turning my attention to the bartender, I placed a stack of folded bills in front of myself, “Whiskey please, double. Whatever your finest is.”

"HERE HE IS, DICK MOTHERFUCKIN' GRAYSON! Bartender, making sure to give him the Malt! I'll pay whatever!"

Jostling himself next to the man, Rom found himself smirking as he wrapped an around his shoulder playfully. He did find himself enjoying the moment before he sobered up with a swift swig of the beer, leaning forward as his baseball fell in front of his eyes, concealing himself away knowingly or unknowingly, he didn't really know.

"Well, Dick....is there anything else I could call you, saying Dick out loud is making me ever so uncomfortable. I mean, it's like tempting fate ever so slightly..."

A grave chuckle escaped him before moving on, it was an icebreaker that was more than a bit honest and maybe it could help him convince this young man to give him a bit of assistance in moving his medicinal product throughout 12th Street.

"I need some help, some friends of mine, we're involved in a little situation. We need your connections out here to move some of our product and fast, while keeping it under the radar, is that something you could, you know, work with?"

Taking the man's bills that he had stacked in front of himself, he had given it back to Grayson. The bartender had given him a look before Rom simply tossed him five hundred, deciding that would easily shut him up for now. 

"And, my friends, we take care of those that assist us, you know?"

With time of the trade had come a little confidence with how he manoeuvred himself with some people. Like this, he would need to show Grayson that he was valuable in some way that maybe they could work something out in a trade style of agreement.

"And since you're helping me out, maybe back out in Chicago, something that you need taken care of, I can help there. You're understanding what I'm free throwing right now, eh?"

Taking a swig of the beer as the bartender settled the malt whiskey in front of him, Rom found that he was raising a brow towards the brown-haired man. He wondered if he would go for this but only time would tell.

I shrugged off Romulus’ arm from my shoulder, I knew of him, I didn’t know him. It was best to handle these things as not trusting anyone until they give you a reason too. We certainly weren’t chummy chummy like that yet.

”Grayson works.” I said flatly, “I suppose all of that depends on what you’re looking to move. Some things...draw a bit more attention than others. Don’t get me wrong, it can be done. One way or another, it can be done.” I chuckled lightly, “Some things cost more than others as well.”

Folding my arms across my chest after taking a long pull from my whiskey glass, I sat back a bit in my seat.

Lowering my voice, I spoke so that we were the only two that could hear the words, “I, unfortunately, can’t decided without all of the information. I’ve never been one to go in blind. There’s no life expectancy in it. Need to know the variables before the risks can be weighed against them.”

"Oh fine...and here I paid for your drink....not even a fair how do you do? Where are your people skills?"

With that, the basketball champion laughed ever so slightly before noticing how he was working, he was silent and it was clear that this was more business for him. Giving him a blank smile, it didn't hold anything, it was just one of business as he turned his head taking another swig. 

"Then Grayson, it's pure powdered sugar. The good stuff and I need it moved through here within a good few weeks, This stuff isn't easy and how I'm involved, well, let's just say I'm willing to pay a substantial fee to make sure you make some good money from our business deal."

He wasn't going to be making this seem a little bigger than it was, things like this had always been bigged up a point where it got the attention of the Feds. Their drugs had gone through so many channels that no one was going to be able to track it, especially with the business out in Chicago ramping up. 

"It will be done, trust me on that. Well the risks are minimal, we've paid off the Feds, and we've paid off airport officials to not put their noses where it doesn't belong. Other than that, it's a possible chance that our rivals in the streets will try and fuck up the shipment. This business doesn't always have us make friends, you would need your own squad of people to help out with that. And, yes they can be paid out of my pocket as well."

He was serious, the money from the cocaine was going to be bigger than anything else. A lot of the people in Basketball had known that he was getting older, and he didn't have that many seasons in him, well now he had a connection with the game of medicinal product, and he was really ready to begin opening up a new means of becoming richer than god if he had too.

"It's your choice...yet right now, you're my only choice and I'd like to have you assist in getting this stuff dealt. Put it out onto the streets via whatever means, I'll be opening up a few shops out in Chicago to help with distro, other than that, it's up to you guys and maybe me if we continue expanding out here..."

Taking a swig, he made sure to meet Grayson's eyes, this was a time for business and a deal that he could not refuse. Look at him, a basketball champion negotiating a business deal that would make him more money than he had ever earned on the court.