I leaned forwards on my elbows, thinking over his words. Nothing in this world came without a price, there was always something. Be it money, power or influence.

After a moment or two, and a sip or two, I let out a small sigh, “Do you have anything in place already?” I questioned. “It’s not so much the risk. It’s the smarts. Work smarter, not harder. Things work a little easier that way.”

Relaxing ever so slightly, it wasn’t best to be as tense as I was at the moment, I took a moment to reply, “These things aren’t always as cut and dry as we’d like them to be. Especially with your name on it. That will always immediately draw attention. How’s that new line of shoes that you’re soon to be distributing across the country doing?”

"Yes, I wouldn't have contacted you with a barely prepared business. Whoever does that needs to start thinking ahead, I've got the distro's sorted and I have the front's operational. All I need now is for someone of your stature, I guess, to come in and be a part of this business plan. To be someone within my growing crew of people who are simply trying to make a little more cash to go home with."

He wasn't going to try and say that he had nothing, business plans were all over the place and all he needed was Detroit's finest. If it could be working here then maybe down the line, further expansion was the truth of the matter. With a raised eyebrow, he found himself sizing up Grayson. 

"They're not meant to be, the risks, even the ones we take care of, will always be there. It's not a 1% chance, fuck that! Because I know when I've tried to size up my enemy, my opposition, I was too late in seeing that they were a bigger threat than I realized. And that's just on the court, in real life, it's a lot more difficult."

Shrugging to himself, Rom found himself watching Grayson as he spoke a little more. He could see the worry but maybe there was a gleam there, the chance to get in on a ground laying project like this. It had all the people ready, now it just needed him as another player in the game. 

"My name is already a curse, it already has landed me in so much trouble that sometimes the league wasn't for me. I followed a different path and here I am now Gray. The life that I led, the path that took me here, I think I was meant to be the one to walk it. I just took the longer path in getting here, Gray."

Rolling his head, he took one final swig of his beer, sighing to himself. Maybe this is just the type of thing he really needed right now. Giving Gray a soft smirk, was he really getting in on the lingo maybe?

"It's soon and a lot of people are ready for it, just a few more things to work out before it's out there in the many cities..."

Chuckling, he tipped the bartender wondering what Grayson was going to say now. The man seemed interested enough, if not, a little worried with what was coming. Did he choose the wrong person? Romulus knew he didn't, he just needed a little nudging.

I made it look like I was deeply considering his proposal but in actuality, I figured it out a while ago. It wasn’t a terrible deal and if things ever went south, Romulus’ name was always going to be front and center. I figured he do a lot more to keep his name much cleaner than the average person.

”Alright, Romulus, I’ll do it.” I extended a hand, “We can work out the financial details another time. Now, we celebrate.”

I shook his hand hard before turning back to the bartender, “Best bottle of scotch you’ve got back there, please.” It was always a good time for a solid scotch and I wanted to see how Romulus would be able to hold his liquor. I generally had a problem trusting someone if I can’t sit down over a bottle with them. Must have been one of those deep Irish catholic roots or something.

I contemplated the whole deal as the bartender filled two glasses before placing the bottle down between us. There were always going to be drawbacks of this type of work but the risks all seemed to be out weighed by being able to get a small foothold in Chicago. Even with everything that had happened with the Chicago Boston Celtics recently, Romulus’ name still meant something there. It probably always would. That was something o could use to my advantage. Besides, he had a lot more to lose on this than I did. That made him at least a little bit more predictable.

"Celebrate!?"

Raising his brow, Rom couldn't help but let loose a chuckle, shrugging to himself. He decided what the hey, he could do it and maybe this would bring him a little closer with the man. He did decide that he was going to be losing nothing, should he have told him that this casino would be laundering some of his cash but this was for another time. For now, he smiled at the bartender, thanking him as he went to the other patrons. 

"You do know that this is a simple deal right? It's out here that your name means something, mine, well, it doesn't carry as much weight but it will soon enough. I want you to know that soon, very soon, things will change after the second or fourth week of you being in business with me."

He had to make sure that the man knew what was going on here. Rom could read people, not so well, because this was not on the court. He always knew when he was out of his element, yet Grayson was a different beast, someone that closed himself off. 

"I just want you to know that our business relationship can change on a dime. This, the way we work, how we will work, and how we make our cash, can change. Don't think it's going to be one avenue, either way, I'm glad that you have some business sense."

Chuckling, Rom raised his glass in cheers and knocked back the drink with ease. He watched the Casino, the people playing, it was empty, and he wouldn't lie, he wished to get this back to the way it needed to be. With patrons flooding the place, spending money and becoming high rollers. 

'Some day...'

He stated in his mind before turning away with gritted teeth and a sharp breath escaping him. He went back to giving Grayson the little smile he had on this entire time, maybe this would work for a while.

“I’m well aware of how these things work.” I downed my drink in one long pull, grabbing the bottle by its neck, I refilled both glasses again. “Sure, things change, businesses shift. The one constant that can be held is, you don’t fuck me over, I don’t fuck you over. It’s really that simple.”

Maybe it was the drinks but, I didn’t see any reason to play my cards close to the vest. I wasn’t in the mood for beating around the bush at the moment. “The thing is, if you do fuck me over, I have the innate ability to make your life miserable. Now, I’m sure you don’t want that, and it takes so much time and effort, I don’t want that either. This can be a peaceful partnership, or we could continually bump heads until one of us pushes it too far. I’d much rather the peaceful option Romulus. That’s the one that makes us the most money.”

I sat back in my seat, swirling my drink in my glass as I watched Romulus’ face for any tell he might have.

"Me? I'm the one that is going to be putting his distribution on the line here. I have a lot riding on this Gray, don't grow on me right now and don't think that I don't have the sense to see that fucking you over would cost me a lot more money than I could make in a few years. Detroit is a city for me that has been closed off, you here, a first dealer or partner for me, whatever you want to call it. It's something that I would be counting on with the highest of respects."

Scoffing, he knocked the drinks back again, finding that the man was being a bit loose. He was being open about his business with him, he was glad for that at the very least. With a small grin, maybe Gray did need this a bit, leaning forward, he found himself a little thrill at the little game. Maybe he was going to be something interesting in the future, he was for sure ready to test that theory.

"I know what it is to play on a team Gray, do you? You've clearly had a bit...of a problem, the way your being so aggressive within the first moments of our newly minted partnership being out of the way. So DickGrayson, calm down, now. I told you that you are one of the key people in my business at this point in time, I need this, more than you! I have people counting on me and that's not something I'm trying to fuck up already, alright?"

Giving the man a blank look, he made sure that this was clear. His words had clear meaning, he had suppliers, and he had money to make. They both wanted this and there was no chance in hell that this was going to be fucked within in its first moments of barely making the first cent. 

"So the peaceful it is but don't make be stupid in thinking that people won't want a little something out of this, alright? We're all trying to make our monies in this world. I'm just trying to do it a little faster, with a bit of support and thank fuck that you answered the call. Cause now I can see that you're not a power hungry shit that would kill me and then go to the supplier...."

Motioning for the bartender, he ordered a second bottle of bourbon, he was going to be needing a lot more if they were making some agreements off the table, obviously. 

"Just believe me when I say that this is going to be a sure fire thing, alright? You have nothing to worry about Gray, you'll learn to trust someone in our team. Hopefully, me."2

“No ones got the time for that,” I dismissed, “I’ve got enough to deal with without having to worry all about taking over the reigns from you here.”

I really didn’t have all that much to worry about, to be honest. Worse case scenario, this all goes belly up and I have to figure out another way into Chicago. Best case scenario, I continue to grow that nest egg for Emma and Jason. This might be my best shot as some real cash, the life changing amount.

”Just making sure everything is quid pro quo. I find it easier to deal with people if they’re up front about their intentions, and the consequences of actions, whatever they may be.”

There wasn’t any doubt about making the deal, but I very much so needed to know who I was proverbially climbing in the car with. Especially if I wasn’t going to be the one doing the driving. Romulus did surprise me a bit when he ordered the second bottle though. I wasn’t expecting such a bold move so early on. One bottle was one thing but two was an entirely different beast. One only a few could take head on. Fortunately for myself, I was one of those people.

"Oh trust me, who I have working with me and for me, it's going to be a different game for all the parties involved. Now, to tell you what you;ll be doing from here and how you'll be making the drops of my cash."

Unscrewing the cap of the bottle without a care in the world, he chucked it high in the sky before chugging at the bottle for a few seconds before sighing at the burning with a cry of "woo" and leaving himself a moment to collect. Clawing inside his pocket for a cig, he found one and lit it with ease before taking a sharp breath, exhaling moments later...

"Your domain and your territory is obviously 12th Street, the way we divvy up our profits is through the districts. I'll soon have a connect in Bricktown as well but that remains to be seen, how you deliver the cash is a different matter. Welcome to the headquarters of our little operation, when you want to get off your ass, I'll be showing you the place where you make the drops for the little venture. There's more and there're things you need."

With a little smirk, he wondered if Gray was really invested with this game, the way they had to play, sometimes peace was not the option. Victors were made through blood, settlers were made by diplomacy. Rom knew what he wished to be, and he was determined that blood was the way to get it. 

"This casino, The Tops used to heavily operated with the tops organization out in South Philly by a game named Charlie Pavanno. He operated it for the families out here, a few Detroit Big Wigs. He was a good earner, and so he earned his place, a few years ago, his grandson comes onto the shores...he didn't do so well. The Families lost all interest with the casino and I swiped it out from under them, this, is a legitimate casino as far as the law is concerned..."

Standing to his feet, he looked at some heavily armed guards around the place. Of course, it didn't mean that this place was weak, he shook his head. Far from it, things were changing in The Tops Casino.

"You coming DickGrayson? It's time to show you the operation and to show you where you'll be making the drop-offs in the next two weeks...ooh yeah, make sure to bring the bottle too, I need me some courage."

My hand instinctively went to the handle of the colt that was tucked into my back waistband as Romulus stood. I didn’t survive this world for this long without growing a slight bit paranoid. It had kept my alive before, no need to buck that trend now. As much as I knew this deal could make or break things, I wasn’t going to stop being cautious. He very well may be leading me to the killing floor for all I know. That wasn’t a risk that I was willing to take. 

”Sure, lead the way.” I stated numbly as I stood after finishing off my drink, “‘bout time to see where the magic happens.”

I made sure to step inline behind him as I lifted the bottle from the bar.

Sometimes Rom wondered if the late Charlie knew what he had in this place, smiling as he made nice with the politicians and the various police captains that stopped by. Many noticed DickGrayson looming behind him but paid him no mind, they knew that if he was here with Romulus, that he was good and connected with the business at hand. 

"Captain Langston, I'll be sure to send you and your wife some flowers. After all you've done for me and my people, I'll be sure to pay you back in kind, eh? Go to the Ace's Theatre, a special production is being held in a few minutes. I told Tommy to save you the front row seat, alright? Enjoy yourself."

Charismatic didn't even begin to describe the way Rom knew he was moving, he found himself charming the pants off these people. They never knew that he was a real player of the game, the way he had used them as a means to an end. To them, he was still that same old basketball player with seven rings and for a while, he would use that for a good few months or years until it didn't fit him any more. 

"Judge Fisher, it's a pleasure. Thank you for all you've done for me, this casino, it really is something. Especially considering whose hands it used to be in before, right? You've done alright by all of us here, don't forget that you are always welcome here."

There were many more people, it lasted a solid five minutes before finally, he and Grayson made it into the backroom of the chips counter. Where plenty of monies were handled and where The Tops cashier remained, receiving a small nod from her boss, she let him in through the back. Finding them in warehouse like space, seeing it for the first time, you would see plenty of containers and locked inside those containers were countless millions of dollars in the casino money...

"This is it, the legitimate money of The Tops casino. It's made a solid return, in the years it's been open and has not declined. We clean it this way, this is where you'll be depositing the drug money, Gray. Every two weeks like clockwork, any questions? Besides asking for a loan."

Taking the bottle from his hands, he chugged the bottle again before puffing on that cigarette from before. He found himself ready for this, regardless of what was to come, the game was going to be played right. With every single one of his people accounted for, it was time to time this right and subtle...

After a few moments of watching Romulus dealing with the upper echelon in these parts, it was quite easy to see he knew exactly what he was doing, exactly when he meant to do it. I had figured he had to be at least a bit calculated out on the court but now, seeing it first hand, I could see the pieces moving in his head like a chess board. Two and three moves ahead of where everyone else was. It was subtle, slight, a quick dart of the eyes, a handshake that lingered an extra moment longer. This was a dangerous man, even if he played it as not being one. 

We eventually made it to the back room. I took a look around the room, my hand falling to the colt once more, out of habit than anything else. It wasn’t anything special, a few workers carrying bags to and fro and the counting machines ticking away. It looked like just about any other casino back room.

”Seems easy enough.” I took another swig straight from the bottle, “Every two weeks it is.”

"This is the operation, yet, not all monies is going to be coming from a casino, Gray. What we are building, what me and you, along with a few other partners are going to start a play to become the biggest goddamn runners this side of Michigan. Then Illinois and then Nevada, Washington, New York, and so on. What we do here is only the start, and you are going to be earning a lot of money in this game of ours. Only one question from me, do you think that you can handle this pressure?"

This was like the time that the coach had given him a pep talk before the big game, where everything seemed above board. Only not everything in the league was as it seemed, with a little wink to the man, he motioned for him to follow as they came across a few men guarding a locked storage house in the middle of this big warehouse operation. It was truly like a single casino operation.

"Gerry, go get the stuff, our very own superhero Grayson is going to be starting today. Every two weeks, he knows this."

His favoured guard simply gave the man a little snort before heading into the storage house, gathering the things that were necessary for the young man who was now working with them in the business of bringing a little product to the people of Detroit.

"Gray, don't worry. This is a one time thing, of you getting the product here. We just needed you to deliver this out onto the streets as fast as possible, make us the quickest cash you can. If you ever truly have need of me, I handle my business in the Blackhawk, it's few places down from here. Talk to me if you ever have some problems, alright? You're a part of this operation."

Gerry came out with a briefcase, opening it and showing it to his boss, along with the newest member of the team. It was filled with fifty dollar bills neatly packed. Pushing it to the side, Gerry revealed a hidden panel filled to the brim with cocaine and heroin....

"If you can, sell this on your own, if not, well....hire some people. Offer a cut, just don't let them know about me, eh? To them, you're the boss and that's who they need to fear. I know you'll do well, those bills in there, it's for your use. Enjoy it, alright?"

Puffing at the smoke, Rom smirked at DickGrayson, the man was going to be making some serious monies and if he played his cards right...He was going to be the Chicago distribution for this type of thing soon enough....all in due time.

“This...” I paused for a moment, trying to figure out the best way of going about all of this, “Isnt pressure. This is just another day, another dollar. A job that needs to be done, nothing more, nothing less.”

I wasn’t feeling any particular way about this stuff. I had made deals before, spearheaded some myself. None of this was in chartered territory for myself. The only difference being, now a partner was involved. As much as I engrained looking out for myself, that wouldn’t fly while working with someone. 

I listened to Romulus’ words as I took the handed off briefcase. It was simply enough but go around the block a few times and easy enough is never that easy. The extra cash would have been nice but I had no intention of actually touching it. This wasn’t such a large amount that I would need any help moving it and I’d much rather not be in someone’s pocket if I could avoid it. It was nice being the ace in the hole but I really wasn’t in the business of owing anyone, anything.

”You got a number I can reach you on when this is all said and done?” I asked Romulus as calmly as I could.

"Gerry, I like this guy...he says what's on his mind and holds no regrets, he's going to be a good addition..."

Rom spoke like Gray wasn't there when he stood right in front of him, with a little smirk he walked towards his newest partner. He sat upon a crate, seemingly uncaring as he watched the man for a moment. 

"Good, it's just another day for all of us, another day of making money and another day we get to live. Get my drift? It's all about the little pleasures in life, how we live it and who we live it with. I'd say, don't forget that but I have a feeling, you know it already."

He didn't speak any more than that, but he found himself pausing, he seemingly wasn't one for joking. He stood there, stiff as a board and seemingly a little on edge. Rom knew the man was packing, the way he seized up when Rom walked too close, the way Gerry watched him. It was clearer than the sky on a fucking sunny day. 

"Well, it's in the briefcase. This is just the first shipment, Gray. We need to know you can be trusted, we need to know that our business is now a part of yours. This is not me being a boss, fuck no, this is all of us involved in making some fucking money. I don't need to tell you though, you already get my drift."

Chuckling, his pearly whites shining for a moment before he started puffing on that smoke again. He looked to Gerry, deciding that Gray was alright, he sent the burly man on his way elsewhere. 

"We're trusting you Gray, don't take advantage of that. You're a part of this operation now, your problems are my problems, my problems, well they're all of ours. Is there anything else you need before you go?"

Standing onto his feet, he stepped into the DickGrayson's personal space. Making sure he understood what this was, a moment of trust. Something that he was making clear, if he ever had a problem, he could come to him and it would be sorted before he could even say "Help."

“I think I’ll be just fine.” I stated coolly as Romulus stepped closer. Not wanting to back down, even though I was starting to feel the all too familiar uneasy feeling working up my spine, I stayed stoic. No reason for him to think he’d get the drop on me, now or in the future.

Shifting the case to my left hand, I extended my right, “I’ll be in touch when this little test of yours is done with.”

Without waiting for a reply, I turned on my heels, stalking over to the door. I took a deep breath as I paused at the exit, “I’ve been around the block enough, dont fuck me over here Romulus.”

Closing the door behind myself, I headed towards my first lead for moving the product in Detroit.

"Trust him boss?"

Squaring bis shoulders, his smoke all but forgotten as he stamped it out on the ground. His forearm coming up to wipe at his forehead, he shook his head ever so slightly, shrugging afterwards. 

"Grayson isn't stupid, he's doing this for a reason, everyone has their reason for wanting to get involved with this life. Family, Money, Debts. Each is something that someone wants to either escape or find in the case of Family. Money, he doesn't even look like he's hurting for it but the way he held his own with it, his ambition is there but for something more. Unlike me, his problem isn't debt... I'd guess family."

Gerry hummed to himself, maybe that was the case and maybe it was the way his boss was suggesting, but they had no way of truly knowing how he worked or his motivations besides money. Maybe they would when he dropped off his cash of the product, sharing a look with Romulus, he walked away. 

"I look forward to seeing you work Grayson..."

Whispering to himself, he knew that the man was an asset. Romulus knew a warning when he heard one and that was all there for him. Grayson had something, close to his heart of hearts. He was looking for and possibly, protecting someone and maybe, Rom would be ever so inclined to help the man in his quest....

With the latest of news, Rom did find himself in the Aces Theatre, enjoying the live show of a new band, the rad pack. They seemed to be a hit with the comers and goers, especially some officers and detectives that found themselves here. Enjoying certain VIP perks that made it to them, while Rom was sure it would loosen their tongues, his men downstairs were loading up trucks, filled to the brim with heroin. 

In other news, his recent push with the Russians in 12th Street and Bricktown had proven to not need the services of Nick, the man had...well, he had gone somewhere, it was the last time he saw him. Rom would not lie, he had been saddened by that. The man had been a great person, well, more than a little rough around the edges. 

Combing his hair back with a slight move with his hand, Rom had seen one of his associates walk towards him, wishing for a talk. The loss of Gerry had been something he didn't exactly wish for, something that even he, began to miss. So without another word, he motioned for the man to come forward. 

"There's someone who wishes to congratulate you on the victory or...push against the Russians, what do you want to do with him?"

Humming to himself, he found that it could more than a setup in his eyes. Maybe this person was an assassin, he motioned for his associate to let him up. Whoever he was, it didn't really matter, the man wished for an audience, he would get one.

"Get him, search him as well, I don't want this place spilled with my blood, eh?"

Without anything else, the soldier left, never having told his boss that he was meeting Vasili_Petrovna.

Vasili perused his surroundings indifferently as he awaited the return of the associate. An odd mix of people from both sides of the law filled the theater, much to his surprise. Was the owner that bold or just that foolish to let something so conspicuous transpire in the heartland of his operations?

As the band took a break, he found himself seeking ways to alleviate the boredom and proceeded to start up a conversation with the members. Most of it was mundane drivel about the monotony of their bleak existences. A classic sob story, far too common to stir his heart. Why anyone would ever want to be a musician traveling from city to city, living with uncertainty and unrest, Vasili could not fathom. Without a certain level of financial cushion, one couldn't possibly discover the true pleasures of an enlightened life, or so he thought. Thankfully, after the promise of a round of drinks, a particularly boastful old-timer playing the saxophone agreed to talk about his employer, giving Vasili the much needed, albeit biased insight into the man he had come to meet.

Just as he was done with his conversation, the associate returned and confessed his master's acceptance of the request with the added caveat that Vasili be searched. Not the least bothered,he lifted his cane by his side and opened up his arms. "Ofcourse, a violation of my privacy is a small price to pay." He replied, softly as the guard frisked him.

Once cleared, the associate proceeded to escort Vasili to the interior. Sauntering in slowly, his ivory cane in rhythm with his immaculate loafers, Vasili smiled as he took a measure of the man. "Curiosity, Mr Romulus." He whispered, softly as he neared the man at a measured gait. "Is a funny little thing no?" Pushing his wavy, unkempt blonde locks out of his eyes he let his gaze find Rom's. "Often we ignore it. Seldom, letting it receive the attention it deserves. But every so often, when we do, it offers us quite the pleasant surprise."

"I seem to think curiosity is a killer, it does many things but in the end, it does find it's way killing people. Yet here I am, taking that gamble, do you want to speak on me next? I wonder, how would you? Please do remember, you are in my Casino. Who are you and why are you here?"

Rom knew exactly why he was here, the man knew his name, never having even given it. The man must be the one to try and come here about his apparent victory against the Russians, oh how easy that would have been to displace such a thing. 

He noticed the cane, as if an attachment that was an extension of himself, the man was something alright. Rom could see, he had a presence but not one that drew people's eyes to him, as if shrouded in a cloak of black, one that kept him to the shadows and only seen if he wished it to be. 

"Attention? Death is deserved? Curiosity, as I said, often does find itself becoming the messenger..."

Without a single word, Rom found himself motioning for a bottle at his table, deciding, reluctantly on two glasses. Even the man would enjoy Scotch or leave, he was not in a mood to be played games with, the man would need to learn that. 

He could see the man had wished for something, there was something, a craving? Desire? Greed? He knew not, did he care to know? No. Without another word, the bottle of scotch was placed down and one of his people poured the two glasses. 

"So, there's liquor, music, and that's certainly enough to entertain you. What are you doing here, besides to congratulate on pushing out the Russian competition..."

Rom kept his blank face as he lifted the glass to his lips, watching the man from over the rim.

"Ah, but what is life worth without the ever lingering threat of death? Wouldn't we all just be empty little husks stuck in infinite loops of our own design, reluctant to break free, cursed to mediocrity." He replied as he walked in a slow circle, eyeing the surroundings with thinly veiled amusement. "And you," Pointing to the man with his cane, he paused to briefly turn his gaze back. "Are anything but mediocre." With a dry chuckle he averted his eyes yet again, dancing gracefully to the rhythm of the music echoing in his ears.

Coming to a rest next to an ornate piece of furniture, he leaned against the surface and sighed in disapproval at the man. "Such impatience. Are you really so eager to get back to the banalities of your work?" Are you annoyed by or afraid of the unpredictable? The question, never left Vasili's lips even as the ghost of a smile threatened to creep onto them.

Pushing off from his perch, he shrugged. "I have many names. But friends," Pausing to pick up the glass he was offered Vasili continued. "Friends call me Soroka." Swaying the glass delicately in front of his lips he inhaled the scent appreciatively before offering a toast. "So here's to new friendships. Na zdravi" Gulping the drink down, he replaced the glass on the table and smacked his lips, thumping his chest,to stifle the burn. Whiskey had never been his drink and it seemed that wasn't about to change anytime soon.

"Your Russian friends are a poor reflection of my countrymen. Which would have been fine if the dogs stayed on their leash. Alas Icarus in his ambition flew too close to the Sun. They decided to bite the hand that fed them." He explained offhandedly almost as if this was far too drab of an issue for him to recount. "I was sent to snip off their testicals, proverbially speaking. Make sure they remain docile and the whole resolution inspires loyalty in other pets."

His fingers toyed with the handle of the cane as his eyes narrowed and his smile hardened. "Imagine my surprise, when a surgeon already started operating, albeit shoddily. "