"Hmm, I wonder then, whom could have done that? Their suppliers? I can assure you, I did not order such brutality, now Soroka. You seemingly know my name, what I do and how I operate, what don't you know? Respect, perhaps?"

Now the man had got his attention, ever so slightly, there was an aura around him, arrogance? Rom knew when to deal with these people, they were usually searching for something, and he knew that it wasn't the few grunts that had got clipped by their superiors. It didn't nerve him, he simply found himself eying him ever so slightly.

"I didn't know we were friends, nor do I wish to be with someone who doesn't know where he is. So tell me, Soroka, what exactly do you hope to gain? Power, money, a priceless artefact? I may be able to help you, if you show the correct way of doing this, if not, tell me, what is your interest in being here? Besides the congrats, the mutilation and that of being....well, rude."

Clearing his throat, Rom didn't even wish to give the man the time of day, yet, there was something. An interest, perhaps? Rom didn't know it all, he wished to make sure that this could go somewhere, maybe he would find himself dipped in unknown riches and becoming something of a better player at the game. 

"My work has kept me alive, it has fed my people. It has brought me to see the world for it is, an opportunist place that rarely has time for those with plans that do not benefit me in some form. Why should I not return to work, Soroka? Tell me, entice me...."

He spat Soroka, making sure the man knew that he was in no place to be poked fun at. Rom wished to drink, to forget and this man here was making him wish that he had his piece on him, the cops here could probably let it go...he gave them enough to live ten lifetimes...he wished to leave, yet something, drew him. 

"Well, thank you, I know, I have a talent. Death is sometimes the end of the story, one often has to wonder, what is next? Some say it is the next great adventure, I do not know what to call it. Yet, I know that now, I wish to enjoy the chances I have here, right now. So, I'm doing just that..."

Deciding, he motioned for one of his guys to bring on the next crowd-turner. If this Soroka wished for something, he would have to find out, maybe a drink or a dance with a lady would entice him. Refilling his glass for the man, Rom had to wonder what would be the way he had to get information out of this man. 

While he was not afraid of roughing the guy up, he knew that was something that would be frowned upon, yet tough times. So he would opt for the intrigue route. Maybe it would yield some fine results, he desired for something and maybe this would be it, he didn't know it at all. Rom knew he craved for something, maybe this...odd and blunt person could provide that.

Annoyance then, pity. Fear could have translated into courage. But annoyance would only limit his abilities and hamper his judgement. "Tsk Tsk, so serious all the time. Come on Romulus, learn to live a little." Vasili chastised the man playfully as he picked up the refilled glass. The cane tapped lightly as he walked, taking an occasional sip or two. "I didn't mean a literal mutilation, where's your sense of poetry? Find some way to burn off all that stress before it clogs your brain up further. Get yourself laid."

Nodding towards a stunning stranger out on stage he grinned. "Find a woman." Turning back towards Rom he added off-handedly. "Or a man, or some barnyard animal. Whatever floats your boat. You're gonna need to be a lot less... " Pointing to the frown on Rom's face with his cane, Vasili chuckled. "That. I can't have you being quite so frustrated around me if we're gonna be working together."

Downing the rest of the drink, he tossed the glass on to the table where it rattled and spun lightly before stabilizing. Pulling a cigarette out of a silver case in his pocket, he placed it between his lips and replaced the case. A lighter materialised in his fingers and he lit the end, blowing out tiny puffs of smoke as another ember joined the stars lighting up the hall.

"Power, money artefacts, friends, foes, flings, what are they but trinkets to a Magpie. And this Soroka," Pointing his thumb at his own chest, Vasili halted to take a long drag and flick the ash off below. Smoke seeped out of the grin that parted his lips. "He want the shiniest of them all."

Gazing off into the middle distance he contemplated his thoughts silently before adding. "I understand my eccentricities are a lot to handle especially for someone so..." A distateful gaze flew towards Rom before his eyes moved back to the stage. "Dedicated to the subtle nuances of his work. So allow me to be blunt. I was sent to this wretched city with resources and time to do deal with your friends, but your recent endeavour has left me at a crossroads."

A quick puff followed an idle scratch of his stubble. "I could assist you but I've never been one to interfere in someone else's work, regardless of their efficiency, or lack thereof. Or I could sit back and watch you acomplish your goal in due time. Except that would leave me bored and my aforementioned resources stagnant. While boredom is easy to alleviate, hiding my money in a myriad of investments poses a bit of a challenge. One that I am hoping you and your friends will be able to assist me with, so I can return having made quite the profit."

Stubbing his cigarette out in the empty whiskey glass, Vasili shrugged. "I'm offering to fund your business ventures for a guaranteed rate of return. Minimal operational interference as long as the possibility intrigues you. I told you Romulus," Brushing his hair out of his eye, Vasili winked as he repeated the phrase he mentioned earlier. "Curiosity, is a funny little thing."

"I don't need advice from you on what I should be doing in my free time, mate. You're here to assist on business you say? Yet here we are discussing personal matters, I understand, mate. You see an attractive man and you decide, what the heck?"

Ever so playful, Rom poured himself another drink as he grabbed a smoke from his pack, soon lighting it as he watched the girls continue to do their rounds. It wasn't a challenge, he needed that, something that brought the fire within him. This was...well, it could be a welcoming endeavour for him in truth.

He just wondered how much he wanted to pay for this next adventure? What would be his return on this, eh? Rom did not know, yet he had a funny feeling he would be finding out in this small-time with the man opposite him wishing for business.

"The shiniest of them all? I don't know what you heard mate but heists aren't my thing, you want that? Go down to the next fucking petty criminal on the corner, aye?"

The Irish in him was coming out, Rom wished to keep that at bay sometimes. Yet he knew that he could only do so much with it, another reminder that he was only half-blooded Italian, something that continued to burn him, yet that didn't matter right now...not really. 

"You wish to invest with us? I appreciate what you're offering me here, yet I have to know why you're coming to me of all people? There's over a few hundred businessmen, why come to me? I know I'm pushing out the Russians, I'm beginning to build something that even a few of your comrades would take note of...."

Rom wished to know why he came to 'invest' with him of all people. He found that people's intentions were never truly revealed, so this is where he found himself at a loss, one where he could believe the man's words, yet it was not the full truth.

Maybe there was something, there always was, something that brought him here. And it sure as fuck wasn't a crew who had only recently begun making waves.

"Tell me, what are you bringing to the table besides money? I have money, what makes yours so different? Do you have muscle? Intel? Anything that could help my organization?"

Sipping at his glass cautiously, he continued watching the man as his hand had never once gone to his piece. The man wasn't a threat, he knew some things, sure. Yet something gnawed at Rom, egging him on to find out and use to his own wishes...something that he would do if found out....

Visibly surprised, Vasili chuckled aloud. Tucking the cane in his armpit, he clapped aloud. "Good, there's some fire in you after all. I figured it'd come out sooner or later. In Leningrad, at the circus, the ringmaster would poke the bears with a stick whenever they get moody before a performance,till they complied." Miming the motion with his cane he continued. "Ofcourse sometimes, the bear would rip their head off, but its better than putting on a bad show with a sleepy bear and having to beg, borrow or steal for rent money later that week, ya know?"

Curiosity, enters quietly into the mind, through the eyes, through the ears, through the skin. It lies dormant, disguised, dead until you offer it sustenance. At the slightest show of weakness, it hatches, infesting your mind, taking root, consuming your being, driving your actions, prickling away at you every waking second and every fantasy dreamt.

As Vasili realized that Romulus had been infested, his lips widened into a sly grin. "Deluding your self is never healthy. My comrades as you called them, care little about a minor businessman dipping his toes into the world of crime. They are consumed with ambitions on a far grander scale than you can possibly fathom. Infact, most of them in my place would have killed you off for interfering with one of our internal issues, before you could bring one of those frowns you love, to your face."His fingers caressed the ivory handle, itching to unearth the Damascus steel dagger concealed within.

Instead he sighed. Stepping in close he whispered softly. "They do not have the patience to nurture a diamond in the rough when they can buy or seize the mine itself. Neither do I, usually, but I need someone to run an errand, a well-paying one of course. And this is my way of assessing potential candidates."

"You ask what I can offer you? Money, musle, intel, contacts, produce and my own charming self." With an exaggerated courtesy, he smirked. "Ofcourse, the price goes up with each purchase. A consequence of the capitalism your people cherish unfortunately. The question you need to ask yourself Romulus, and this is the only question that matters, if you could have all the help you needed, how much of your sould would you sell and are your ambitions big enough to bear the price?"

Straightening his tie, Vasili brushed off the creases in his suit. "Thank you for the hospitality and congratulations, yet again on your victory. Whether we see each other again under amicable circumstances, is entirely up to you. I have high hopes for you Romulus. Do not disappoint me." With a parting nod, he walked towards the exit, the sound of the cane crashing against the marble in line with his stip,echoing out behind him.

Juanita catwalks into the casino and strikes a pose

gimme credit homes, my shoes will cover it, dey so hawt.

Juanita does clicky snaps in a 'z' formation

Now was the time for the man known only as Nutmeg to try his luck at the wild world of gambling. Putting on his finest tuxedo and getting into the most quality of crocodile skin boots, he was ready to enter a night on the town with a few of his close friends who had been pestering him to try out The Tops for a long while now-- heading into his car, he took the short trip into Detroit's most illustrious side and took a quick stroll around the building while his friends arrived slowly.

"What's taking them so long?"

That's when he took notice that a few of them were already inside! Telling by the rather large top hats they all wore for the occasion, but why did they not wait for him? Hurrying towards the front of the place he was stopped by two hulking bodyguards. Ah, fuck, he had almost forgotten but was quickly reminded.

"You're still banned from gambling for 11 days, 09 hours, and 22 minutes. Please come back then, sir."

Fuck. He did this to himself, after all. But now what would he do with the rest of his night? Taking a stroll down the city streets Nutmeg waited for some sort of inspiration to hit him.

Rossa had been busy in recent weeks, the life as of late was getting to new heights, there chiefs being bribed and money to be brought in. The plans for something bigger formed in his head, there couldn't be small businesses handling the laundry and former businesses wouldn't cut it. Especially if former owners were members of this life and had foreseen wars, unfortunate deaths, or the immigration coming to take them back to the Old Country. 

Rossa wasn't no mustache pete, he'd had his ties with them, sure, but to be considered one of them was a way of the past. Times were changes and the new blood brought innovation, as well as a few puzzling mysteries, such as money being skimmed and rats. Of course, it'd be handled, at least, that's what Rossa continued to tell himself. 

"Ros, we've got a few players tonight, there's been a recent guy though, from Philly. Says he's here to gamble but I don't know, there's a look about him and I don't think you've got ties there, do you?" Some of his guys could use a course in secrecy. 

Rossa didn't have no ties to Philadelphia, it was a foreign enough place to him, filled with piers and weird smells. Of course, some could say the same about Detroit but to him, the Machine City just had it all, class, and power. 

What else could he have there that he didn't have in Detroit?

He peers behind his guy, and sure enough there is a guy there, dapper enough and looking quite the handsome figure. Rossa hums to himself, shrugging as he glances up to Gio. 

"Okay, well, treat him well. I don't want no problems tonight, especially with our-" Rossa didn't get to finish his sentence as he watched one of the dealers clearly try and cheat his way, wait a minute, and of course...

It'd be the table where the guy from Philadelphia was, if he noticed than he would have to step in. Not that he wished too, in fact, Rossa wanted to collect this week's take but if this had to be taken care of, his life was officially shite. 

"Go get that dealer, bring him off the tables and into a backroom. Put the freshie on it, now, don't want no mixups." Rossa is all smiles as the words dart from his lips in a hurried roar of a whisper, Gio notions to the detail and each of them approach the dealer whose only paled in fear as Rossa slithers his way to the table and calmly looks between the two. 

"Apologies, my friend, I wanted to make sure that you were being treated fairly here. After all, I can't have an esteemed guest of Philadelphia being treated in this way, especially in a place like this. Such history, so please, appreciate my apologies and should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask, I'm Rossa, may I know your name?"

Rossa is dazzling, charming, and all the things he is used too, he just hopes, for the sake of this all. T

It had been a hell of a night so far. Raphael had been up and down the motor city looking for somewhere to hang his boots for the night, and when he found one, to his surprise, there was a Casino nearby. So of course, he had to drop in. An hour later, maybe two, he lost track to be honest, these places did that to you, he was just about even, up a little but not by much. Suddenly, there was nother gentleman next to him talking his ear off. One who seemed friendly enough, wore a nice cologne, and a good suit. There was no way this was just some manager, no way in hell.

Raph put on his best smile then and stood to shake the other guy's hand. "Raphael Debar. Friends call me Raph. Nice to meet you Rossa, say you like to smoke?"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigar, offering it to the other gentlemen. Raph didn't smoke much himself, but he liked the smell, that was always nice.

As he waited for Rossa to decide whether or not to take the offering, he took the opportunity to look around at the oppulence for the first time since he got into the place. It really was a nice spot, could rival anything Philly had to offer. Might even rival a few spots out on the Vegas strip that he'd been to. Never let the guys in vegas know that though, caus eit would either be his neck, or this place burned to the ground.

"What's your game Rossa?"

He wonders what he means, for a second he glances over the tables, the various assortment of sounds and laughter, the dull grumpy sighs of fate banging on about the place. 

His game? It was this, the businesses, the life, the way they tried to change their fate as if they didn't know the fingers that dealt to them. Of course, Rossa was a different sort, he pictured himself as the man of honour. 

One that didn't need fancy tricks or fancy guns, of course, his pristine 1911 Colt was always tucked away into his holster, in the case of business like this. 

"I'm a man of means, business, Raphael, it's a pleasure by the way, my guys tell me that you're something of a new guy to the town. I can show you around, this place isn't all booze and gambling, I think the former owner wanted something classier, swankier, a place for the guys and gals." Rossa manages to keep his smile, sliding into a seat next to him as he watches one of the new dealers deal, thank the mother of jesus that he hadn't said much about the clear cheating. 

Last thing Rossa needed now was a scandal on his hands from the likes of a Philly guy, what would that mean? He'd like to keep his business and cash, plus, with all the connections he could make. Who knew what it would bring him?

"My game however is this, I like chatting with new folk, seeing how they find one of our fairest businesses around, I mean, come on, I can't exactly be the only one who likes the classics, places like this, well you don't see 'em anymore. Heck, you don't even manage to catch new businesses with so much life, it's either cafes, steakhouses, and a few odd apothecary's, nothing so vibrant, nothing so true to life." Rossa was only being truthful, of course, partly. 

Sometimes things needed to be said and this was one of the times, how else could he do it? Shit needed to be rebuilt, to be given life again, he sometimes wondered how. 

"What do you like doing Raphael? What gets the people in Philly kicking up a storm and enjoying what is only the finest? The cream of the crop? You only have me intrigued, you've got me wondering just what you might consider doing. This is the first time, I've seen you here, at least." Rossa catches his eyes, a wink only brings a smile further from Rossa as he wonders, just what the man could be looking for or looking to do. 

Rossa takes the offered cigar, bobbing his head in cheers before finally setting it alight, taking slow pulls from it as he does so. 

Lucious entered the resturant of the casino and took a seat, it was the first time he sat alone in years.   He sat there for a moment and thought of the all the women he encounter and the things he has done wrong in his relationships and the crazy way women think.  The last thought was what snap him back to the moment as he held the menu but read nothing on it.  Then he saw southern fried chicken breast and homemade mashed potato with butter and sourcream, it came with string beans and two dinner rolls.  He then ordered a glass of sherry.  

When his food finally arrived he found himself a bit grumpy from the long wait.  However the homemade spuds was the best he has had in a long time and the rolls were fresh and hot.  The sherry washed the chicken down with ease and he felt satisfied with the meal overall.  

Raphael pulled out a lighter, and left it on the table for Rossa to take at their leaisure. 

"I'm gonna be honest with you Rossa, I don't know much about Philly folks. Aparently I've got ties there from a while back, but the place I was looking for is supposed to be around here somewhere. Found it not too long ago, but like you said, lots of places have been left to rot. I'm glad you like cigars though, maybe I can put some money into that old dump and bring it back to life a bit."

He took a puff of his own cigar then and tapped the table to indicate he wanted another card. 20. He waved his hand.

"I do like places like this though, a bit of a smoke, a bit of a drink. Steakhouses are good for that too, but not in the same way. The one thing I will say is, there's this place I've also got ties to, a restaurant of sorts. The good thing about places like that is the quiet. Sometimes you need that sort of privacy. Other times you need to blend into the crowd. Every spot's got it's purpose." He reached over and picked up a near empty glass, finishing off what was the watered down contents of melted ice and what could have once passed for alchohol.

"Son of a bitch." He said as he looked up at the dealer's cards, having turned a 21. "Lady luck ain't too happy with me today. Let's see if you've got better luck Rossa." He placed his normal bet in front of the other man's spot just then.

"Luck? Is there such a thing?" Rossa gives the young Philly guy an easy enough smile but he trades a look up at the dealer. He doesn't seem to wish to do the game against Rossa, but the charming man only softly gives him a smile as he begins the game. 

Rossa was a gambling man, he'd done it all his life and managed to end up as one of the truest players of his craft. Now was that gambling in the correct sense? Course not, he read people and managed to know whether or not they were good people. 

So, of course, when Raph manages to say he's into the business aspect that he wants to ply his hand at one of the trades here. He will only trade a look with one of his guys before he proceeds to motion for another card...

He's got a 2 and a 5, 7 in total but he finds himself with an ace for finally as he glances up at the dealer and stays. This was enough for him, a 19 and it was up to the dealer if he managed to beat him once and for all. 

"Business What kind? I've heard of a few places, but in recent weeks, there's always something stopping it, I will tell you, I have an idea. Me and a partner of mine, we want to reintroduce business and a lot more work into Detroit, as you see, a lot more guys are coming into our businesses, the long stretch of road that it is." Rossa glances about the place, he catches sight of a few people, but there's always a few with starry-eyed quality, those who just want to be little and small in their homes. 

They'd rather enjoy the peace and quiet of a business district, have a coffee, and discuss the news of the days. Of course, Rossa didn't wish any worse on those guys, but he wondered if they could ever spice things up. Do some work with him, he'd welcome it, on the odd occasion. 

"So, if you like places like this, maybe you'd like to hear about my new business. Something like investment. Something better, I wanna talk to you about it and if you don't mind, this business isn't going to exactly be easy but you'll sure earn a ton of money. Do you respect that enough?" Glancing to the dealer, he watches as the Dealer busts on 22 and he shares a smirk with Raphael, for a moment, nothing is said for a long time. 

It's like the world stills and a bit of luck was needed there but in all honesty, Rossa didn't care. He had his needs and business took the front seat, it's why he wishd to discuss something of a small time effort with Raphael, if he could open up some gates and see about transport, he'd be a step further. 

He would be seeing the moment through, if he could, then maybe it'd be time to approach just how he could funnel money through Philadelphia and Detroit, if he could, then money would be sweet and he'd be laughing all the way to the bank. 

Raphael nodded. "I respect it certainly, anyone who can make money earns respect pretty quickly I've come to notice. In fact, it doesn't particularly matter how that money comes in either, which well to each his own there."

He slid the winnings for that hand over to Rossa and took back the original bet, moving it back over to his spot.

"Let's see if that broke the streak then shall we?" He smirked at the other man, and took in the room once again before continuing.

"One of my ancestors had a cigar factory up in this neck of the woods. If you like the cigar, let me know I'll get you more. It's not exactly easy to get anymore considering the disrepair. But like you said, more business is, well, good for business." He chuckled a second at his own words, and the lack of vocabulary he had at his disposal, but soldiered on, paying more attention to the cards in from of him for a moment.

8 and 3 of spades, with a dealer shoing an 8 of hearts. He smiled and shook his head.

"I'm going to regret this. I know it." He slid a few more chips forward to double the bet, and the dealer flipped over another card. 2 of spades.

"Look at that, a flush. Wrong game." He laughed again though as the dealer showed his face down card to be a King of spades.

"Should have let you keep playing Rossa." He put another bet forth to continue. "So, I'd be more than happy to help you in what ways I can, but in order to do that, I need to know more about your plans. Or at least, what you're willing to share. You want to retire somewhere more quiet, or is this the type of conversation we can have in mixed company?"

The three of diamonds and two of clubs landed in front of Raphael.

He glances at the man, there's certainly a greater suppport for business and he wonders if the man only kows that there's few like him in the world. So, he does what he has to do. 

"Not so mixed company, somewhere quiet, something safe, and a little more different than this scenery. The Presidential Suite, only used by a select few. I happen to know a few people, come on, I'm sure that you're able to pick up this game another time." Rossa winks efore glancing down at his winnings, it's not small money but it's not exactly big either. 

Glancing to his winnings, there's only so much that he manages to do before he slides the winnings back over to Raphael. How else could he manage to do this? It was his money, plus Rossa didn't need it, he had his funds tied up with business and got back his weekly payments. 

Especially this place, it was not exactly a printer of cash, but it did well enough for him, especially being a casino and knowing just where and when the money stopped and started.

"Take that, and don't worry, it's actually some good money but I'll make sure that some of my boys take care of this table for you alright? Don't worry about much else, I assure you of that. Now, come on." Rossa leads the both of them down some walkway all the way to an elevator. The best that the Tops has to offer and it is right here. 

Reserved for Leaders, this was the place to be and it was only meant to host some people like them, how else would this sweet be found? Guards decorated the place, saluting and cheering Rossa as he sat at the bar, waiting for Raphael to catch up. 

He'd sat there for a while, wondering how'd he pitch this to him and the thought came to him with those cigars. It'd be easy to ship them in bulk to the East coast, of course, then came... the boxes, the bags of coke, maybe this would be it and so he glanced at Raphael with a smirk. 

"Tell me, Raphael, what's your experience in smuggling operations? Typically, high scale, and usually with big trucks but recently. I've had t move the operation, do some shifting and wondering if some key players in the east are able to support the weight that I'm moving. I assure you, it's not guns either." Rossa finally decides to have a smoke, he's been sitting a while and decides to take another long draw of the cigar. 

Blowing circles as he glances to Raphael, the two of them don't really say much but it all rests on Raphael here. Of course, it was his business that they'd be using and of course, there'd be the package deal and what cops, in this day and age, really wanted to mess with them? They'd gotten a lot of power, even right now. 

Of course, it went to different crews, different states, and Rossa was not someone to try and swing his dick on the East Coast. By no means was he a lunatic but this had implications for all parties in involve, a lot of money, a lot of political power, and a brand to start it all. 

"If you're interested, take a seat, hear me out. Let's discuss the future, because I think, this is where everything changes, especially for you." Rossa and those parting words are enough that he takes another draw from the cigar, it is all he can do for the time being. 

Raphael had left the money on the table when they walked away from the casino and into the back area instead. His hackles were certainly raised when more than a handful of folks nodded toward Rossa. Clearly the guy had been managing the casino for a bit. Or he has just placed guys where he needed them to look impressive. Either way, he had guys he could place, and that said something.

After listening for a minute Raph nodded and took the seat offered to him.

"Gonna be honest with you Rossa, I've never had to smuggle a damned thing in my life. Tobacco ain't illegal, but Philly, well that's got a nice sized port, and I had a few folks over there I've been working with to make things a bit smoother. Might be able to tap them and see if we can't work something through. If my stuff can get past them quick, I don't see why your stuff couldn't. Guns or not, shouldn't matter much."

He quriked an eyebrow and took out a cigar of his own. 

"I've got a question though." He gestured around the room. "Cleary, you've got pull. So why you need me? Why not grab one of your guys and send them over to work out a deal with someone who can get you in the door?"

"Always some questions, that's going to be a greater way of doing things, certainly enough." Rosa locks eyes with Raphael and it's strange that's the only question he manages to ask and instead, Rossa could opt for the whole spiel of trust but the thing is, he doesn't know the guy and of course, this business was all about networking. 

It's how life worked and of course, there came the chance with this guy out here that business started to ramp up again. How else? It was a guy from Philly that started this place, of course, there were rumours of how he'd gotten his start. Charlie Pavanno, is often hated but remembered for how well he shifted the business for Detroit to Philadelphia. 

It's not often a guy manages to pull that off in his spare time and only being an unmade guy at the time. He managed to build connections, but his temper and from that, his issues with the law, it cost him greatly. 

"Hm, is this where I say that the business matters more? That one of my guys could easily fill in that spot?" He smirks, of course, Rossa's having a little bit of fun and when it was him, he took it when he could. 

Rossa takes another slow draw and he wonders if he could manage to slowly implement this guy truly into his side of things. Taking some appraisal, he always managed to do something, from the way he came off, mr nice guy and managing himself in this way quite easily. 

It was greatly inspired, and only managed to convince Rossa more that he needed someone like him on board. Someone that could shift the table, an interstate narcotics operation? It was often dreamt of, but there'd be the time where he needed to do it, to believe he was capable of running such an operation, so he would. 

"I'm not going to say all of that, what I need, what I'd want, is for you to be the guy, yes, one of my guys could go there but how long until they piss off a boss or two? They find themselves filled with cement shoes, you know the people, you operate on their city's rules, and not ours. Plus, I don't think either of my guys have the fortitude to move forward with such a ballsy move, they're small time, into petty shit, what could I do for them but give them that life?" Rossa lays it out, bluntly. He doesn't mind being that way on occasion, sometimes it's necessary to build some trust, a little bit of it at least. 

If Raphael was going to be number three in this operation, he'd need to understand that this business came first, that all the money would make him a brave new face. A greater contributor to his crew, and what else mattered but that klind of business?

"Look, I don't doubt that you could get pass a few things, but we're talking coke. Not small-time either, it's a new game and this is the start, I want to make sure that you're not talking a big game. Your cigar operation, I wanted it to open up under an umbrella, a new type of dealing, something that me and a partner are working on." He chances that glance, to see his reaction and wonder if the man is nervous, not even a little. 

Rossa supports, thanking whatever he can to see that the man he wished to bring on as a key Philadephian player could easily manage to push his weight into the city of brotherly love. 

"Look, if you want, I can organize a meeting, where all three of us can sit down and discuss the future but I need to know, Raphael. Are you on board with this? Are you willing to start making a whole lot of money?"

Rossa wonders for his answer a slight bit, slowly taking a bottle and pour two glasses of bourbon. He slides it over to Raphael, it's a moment, a bond to finally seal the deal if the man wishes to get the show on the road. 

Raph smirked when Rossa started to explain the difference between himself and one of Rossa's own men. He waited patiently for the other gentleman to finish and then glanced toward the bourbon.

"I get it." He smiled and took the glass in hand. "Yes, I'd love to meet your partner, but you keep bringing up money and opportunity. You explained why not one of your guys, but it's more than that. You could send a guy out to Philly, work a deal, and given them a damned good time and a nice little operation to run under your umbrella. I don't know anybody that would say no. It would be more costly though than having a Philly guy do it since they've already got the blessing to operate in that space."

He swirled the bourbon and took a good sniff of it. It was solid quality, might not even have been watered down at all.

"It's more than that isn't though Rossa? It's about the ambition. You need someone who is going to build a business with you, not just follow orders. You are looking way bigger than one little smuggling ring. I can see it already."

He lifted the bourbon and offered to touch the other man's glass with his.

"I'm in, so long as your other partner is alright with it. But for the record, define partner for me. Is this a first among equals sort of situation? After all, I notice you're making a deal with me right now but your partner isn't around. So are we under your umbrella and you call the shots and we help you realize your vision and reap the rewards? Or am I going to be expected to call the shots on the Philly operation?"

He took a drag on his cigar while he waited for Rossa to touch his glass, and toast together, or to answer the question. Whichever came first.

"You're a smart one, managing to see what I'm trying to do, fine. It's true, I don't want a lackey, I want a goddamn third, fourth, and fifth. My guys, they know orders and not too well but they know it, you? Well, you're your own man, you know who makes money and how they do it. I can appreciate and love that craft for what it is." Rossa takes another slow pull, watching as Raph only manages to continue his own descent and profile of him, it's quite the rush to know this is the business partner he's found for himself. 

Rossa doesn't know what it's like sometimes, to imagine himself as the first in the line but he's not exactly, he had a boss, who had a boss, as far as he saw it, he was only a single line of lieutenants all leading up to a very large boss in the form of Detroit's underworld. If he managed to continue on the path he was heading for now, he truly didn't know where he was heading to next. 

Imagine himself talking like this with Vinh, it'd be a little bit of time that he managed to convince himself that he was a boss, that he managed the connections and so here he was. Doing some work, setting up meetings and here another partner of his operation managed to give him what he needed.  

Raph managed to see that he wasn't wanting a soldier for a multitude of reasons, so what else could he do? He would tell the man the truth, what was going on, and how much he needed to know. 

"Someone who can build, like this place, imagine it Raph, the future, the power, the goddamn money. You're sitting there, wondering, why is he talking about opportunities? Isn't this the land of it? The power, the number of businesses we could improve, restructure, hell, even a grand opening, all because of a little powder. So yes, you're catching on quick, because first, you get the coke." Rossa lists these on his finger, his index finger going first as he stares softly into Raph's eyes. 

"Next, you get the political connections, and that's being taken care of, slowly. Third, there is the landscape, knowing your friends and knowing how powerful they are. Philadelphia, a land of love, brotherly as it may be but it is truly smething to be grateful for! It's why I want you, I coulda chosen anyone, hell, I'm sure some old timers would have scoffed, but us? We're the new guys, the generation where we can take risks and live with it, eh?" Rossa doesn't manage to only capture his passion but there's something more, even as he discusses the landscape and friends he hopes to make. 

Business is a little more than that, it's something amazing, great. Partners could become friends, allies, even lovers. Yet, with Raph, he may have found a gem, someone that was willing and able to work with him. That's what he needed, so all he needed was to tell him the good news. 

"We expect you to make $50,000,000 within the first month of business, from there, we expect it to double, then triple, and all we ask as the providers of this product is 33% for the first three months of business. From there, I expect things to change, because you'll be making a lot of money, for yourself. For Philadelphia, and for your future political partners. Do we have an accord, Raphael?" Rossa manages to smile, a charming one but enough that it's clear, he's quite pleased with himself, all this talk, all this work and it might pay off, very soon. 

Of course, the man is not yet to stop there. He finds himself snagging a drink, raising it in toast before leaning forward, tapping him on the back as it slowly comes together. 

"You're boss.The Philadelphia operations belongs to you, so once everything is tied together, we should be ready to talk further. To our future, Raph, and to the riches that will rain upon us."

Raphael managed to listen, noticing the entire time how passionate Rossa was getting about the project in front of him. He mentioned the players that be, which meant he also knew what kind of structure they were working under. He wasn't looking to get a Boss, or hell even a Capo on his side. he wanted someone who could do the job, but wasn't expected to tithe every penny up.

Then he mentioned the number and Raph let out a long slow whistle.

"Rossa. That's no small chunk of change. If that's my cut, even at thirty percent. Someone in the city is gonna notice that."

He shook his head, but took another sip of his drink.

"Nah, you're going to need to funnel that in other places. You can't have each of your people doing that kind of load and nobody taking notice. You're set here with this place, money comes and goes through here like water under a bridge. Not the case in other places. If I start pulling in that kind of bankroll someone will see it. So, your other partner, they are working politics. Your fourth? You need a banker. You need somebody who can move money without it being seen. Cause this much, the feds won't be the only ones who notice."

Raphael sipped at his drink some more, and then tapped his chin as he thought.

"Listen, best I can do for now is buy up a few properties. They belonged to my family, so i can tie some money up in them, and in some construction projects to give them face lifts. Most of Philly could use a good one, I won't like about that, but it's barely going to scratch the surface of what we're talking about here. 50 a month? Rossa, if you're right about this, the smart thing to do is to re-invest it back into the business. Fuck working with the guys I'm working with at the dockyard, buy the fucking Union off with that kind of green."

He shook his head and felt the room spin just a little, stopping himself after making that mistake.

"I'm not saying no. Far fucking from it. But I am saying we gotta be smart. You're a smart guy, slow and steady. How about we enjoy the rest of the night tonight, and you set up a meeting with yout other partner to see if they're good with me coming on board. What do you say to that for now? And I'll see about getting another box of cigars in the mean time."

Rossa lifts his hands in surrender, only managing to ease up a slight bit. Of course, he would have said a few things here and there, but he knew when it came to things like excitement, he was like a kid on a sugar rush or an addict with a high. Yeah, he had a feeling the partner would have loved to see that, she would have loved it all. 

Of course, what Raph ddn't know was that he had already started his progress. Police Chiefs from Detroit, Chicago, and Las Vegas were in his pockets, the politicans had managed to earn themselves quite a good payday. There was the business with the bankers, but even then, his donations, his wishes for them to enjoy themselves, he'd easily make sure that he would and could be able to work into places without a goddamn thing said. 

Rossa knew his strengths, he'd known how able he was with certain things, especially the lighter handed things of the life. Rossa was an expert, if things went well, he'd be making sure that the unions were in his pocket. Of course, he had thought far ahead enough, perhaps, maybe, eventually, they'd get a president elected, ha! Like that would ever happen. 

"I understand it, but you're doubting me a bit much, I promise you things will sense once there's a sitdown. Between all parties involved, with you in Philadelphia and presumedly New York, but who knows, I may have a guy for that, I don't know yet, but we'll see. We'll all be making some money, big cash!" Rossa doesn't need to say much else, he only takes a draw from his cigar as his thoughts on the growing interstate empire settled in his head. 

Now he'd just need to get a few people to the table, perhaps some greater reach could be had, some business could be given but in the end he would have to make sure he paid his boss a visit. After all, this was his empire, his overall operation and Rossa would have to wait. 

"You're right, we can wait for that meeting and when our sitdown can happen, a lot of parties could be satisfied in knowing that the business at hand can and will be satisfied. We'll all make good money, I assure you of that, I don't half ass things, it's not in my nature. But you will see that in due time..."

Rossa raises the glass again before knocking it back, his thoughts going to his next meeting with his boss. It certainly wasn't going to be anything light, and who would know, perhaps he'd get a nice little paycheque. Well, he hoped for that at least.