Now that Rain had the extra freedom of not looking over her back it was time to really get back into business.  The first thing on her agenda was to meet up with her new partner Luc-DiCaprio.  She had placed him on the back burner in the mist of trying to alleviate some of her troubles.  She knew that he had already visited some of their business ventures and heard nothing but good things about him.   Of course she had done some of her own investigation.  She quickly found out he was in the life and although not squeaky clean seemed to have to good reputation.

The attorneys needed to finalize some paper work and she asks them to set up an appointment when both of them could be there.  They returned her call and advised her that Luc said Wednesday at around 10 am would be a convenient time for him, Rain told them that would work for her also.

When Big Moe and Rain arrived at the lawyers office Luc-DiCaprio was already there seated at the conference table.  When she looked at him it was just as she anticipated.  Most of the men related to the Lucchese family had the same characteristics. They were all rather tall, handsome, charismatic and quite intriguing.  Although he was Victor’s cousin the resemblance was striking.

After greeting the lawyers they introduced Rain to Luc.

Hello Luc, it very nice to finally meet you.  Please forgive me for the long delay.  I look forward to working with you and getting things back in order.  She extended her hand to Luc.

Greenburg called Luc to schedule a meeting to finally meet his new business partner that owned the other half of the operations that fell under the Lucchese umbrella.   Luc was set for Wednesday and as usual he arrived earlier then the scheduled time.  He was in the conference office room drinking a cup of coffee.  Popeye was out in the lobby with Apples.  Greenburg was in the Lobby waiting to greet Rain.  

Rain arrived with a husky fellow that looked like he could toss a car if it was in his way.  When they came to the conference room Luc stood up and smiled as he moved closer to meet this woman that walked in with Greenburg.  She was far more then what Luc expected.  Greenburg had told him that the woman was very easy on the eyes.  Luc smiled at the goddess and wondered if the man with her was her husband.  He looked at Greenburg and then the man she was with, after she greeted him Luc replied.  

Hello Mrs. Rain, it is indeed good to finally meet you.  The delay was worth the wait.  I hope that you and I form a great profitable working relationship.  It is my pleasure to finally meet you and your husband.  

Luc shook her hand then reached to shake the hand of the big fella that stood next to her.   As they took their seats at the table Luc sat across from Rain to be in a position that he could look at her without appearing to be creepy.  Her smile was warm and inviting.  He was truly happy to meet her.  He heard that she was brillant and resourceful, he needed a partner that could see past the first buck and wanted more then just power.

Rain sat down at the table with her attorney Bill Rosenstein. She accepted the cup of coffee Greenburg had offered her.   She completely ignored Luc-DiCaprio comment about Mrs and my pleasure to finally meet you and your husband.  If he wanted to find out her status he would just have to do his homework.

Rosenstein opened a file and passed it to Rain.

Again Mr DiCaprio it’s a pleasure meeting you.  She pulled out a document and handed a copy to him and one to Greenburg. This is the original partnership agreement with my family and the Luccheses.   We know if you don’t put your agreement in writing, the state gets to control it in its entirety. If things go awry, neither partner has control over the outcome.  So I would like to keep the same agreement.

Since we have very profitable businesses I suggest we keep the distribution of profits, the same.  A annual draw of 7% for each sibling under the age of 25 years old. Then a 8% annually in a trust until age 25 years. Right now the only trust funds we have set up are for Victor, Jr. The rest is split 50/50 of course under the direction and guidance of our accountants.

Neither partner can form a binding agreement for the whole partnership; it has to be a mutual agreement.

Both of us will have full control over business negotiations including, customer relations, employee management, and accounting duties.

And of course our not so legit businesses will be handling under a different umbrella completely and all those profits will go to JohnWalton’s account.

Rosenstein turned to @Luc-DoCapiro and Greenburg and told them if they had any adjustments  they could look over the paperwork and we could meet at another time or if the original  partnership agreement  was satisfactory they could sign all the papers now.

Greenburg pulled out the same documents from his own brief case and handed Luc a copy while thanking Rosenstein.  Luc leaned back in his chair as he puffed on his cigar and exhaled very slowly, then he whispered to Greenburg as Rain lawyer spoke.     Greenburg looked at his documents an stated that Victor Jr was under the care of his uncle Vincent Lucchese and grandparents in Sicily.  The Lucchese's agreed to the trust funds for every business that was started by Victor that Mrs. Rain is a partner of that is agreed on but those started by Stefano and Michael Lucchese was not on that list nor would they be added.  However if their partner thus being Mrs. Rain wished to contribute from her percentage of those businesses to Victor Lucchese Jr they had no objection.  As for any other business you mentioned Luc is living that to me to handle as his lawyer.  He has other business to handle elsewhere. 

Luc stood up and nodded to them.  

Mrs. Rain, I look forward to our partnership.  You appear to have a good business acumen.  Hopefully we will grow the businesses we have. 

Luc looked at Rain and her husband then to Greenburg and gave him a slow nod.  Greenburg then stated that all the documents look in ordered but he would still have to do his due diligence and will need a few days to examine them thoroughly before Mr. DiCaprio would sign.  Luc told Greenburg that he would call him in a day or two.  

It had been a little while since Rain had last seen Victor, Jr.  Alexus had brought him to Palermo a few times to see his and our family.  She was quite concern that he was growing up way to fast.  She had seen over four hundred dollars in his wallet and he showed her a personal stash of over three thousand.  He had earned the money by doing well in school from his Uncles.   She was afraid he might get into some trouble sporting all that money.  But Victor,Sr had taught him to take care of Alexus if anything happened to him.  That he would now be the Man and he needed the money.

I can’t wait to see Victor, Jr again.  He must be much bigger now; it’s been almost a year since I last saw him.  

Just then Rosenstein interrupted her.  I am sorry by the way this is Big Moe.  He is Rain’s personal bodyguard and our liaison between our Columbian counterparts.

Big Moe stood up and shook everyone’s hand.

Rosenstien then turned back to Luc and told him to take him time looking over all the paperwork. He assured him that he and Greenberg had received every including all the up-to-day financial records.  If there needed to be any changes or correction to please let him know?

Luc stopped at the conference door and turned to face Rain.

Junior is much bigger, he has matured quite a bit over these last few months, I've been impressed with some of his actions as of late.   He'll be returning to the states in a few weeks.  I didn't know you knew him, I'll be sure that he comes to a few of our meetings when he returns.  He needs to learn the business and hands on management is the best way.  Hopefully you can help teach him on how to do his homework before having a sit down.

Luc looked at Rosenstein and then smirked.  

Greenburg started to chuckled shaking his head no as he knew what Luc waned to say to Rosenstein.  Greenburg knows that Luc doesn't like to be rushed.  Greenburg told Rosenstein that he would review the documents as Luc personal attorney and will return the documents with Luc signature if they are in order.  Luc doesn't trust lawyers even those that work with and in other sensitive areas of family business.  Rosenstein nodded in agreeance.  As Luc then looked at Moe and nodded and quickly looked at Rain.

We have many hotels that can be revamped to generate a few more dollars Ms. Rain, I would like a chance to meet with you when you have time. 

Luc adjusted his tie and smiled with his cigar burning a bright orange.  

Rain stood up to shake Luc-DiCaprio hand.

I will be looking forward to it.  As soon as all the paperwork is finalized surely we will be getting together.  I've only been back in the States a short while and very anxious to get back in the swing of things and meet everyone. 

Luc shook Rain's soft hand, he instantly felt her warmth as the touch radiated from his hand up his arm and chest.  It was a warm and fuzzy feeling that he never felt before.  He didn't want to let go as her eyes narrowed.  She pulled her hand back.  Luc smiled a little embarrassed by his actions.  He turned away upset with himself.  He had played it right all the way up till that last dam hand shake.

t was a couple of days since the meeting when Rosenstein gave Rain a call telling her that all the paperwork had been finalized and signed.   She was please to hear it.  Now that she had a legitimate partner she called her new partner @Luc-DiCapario and set up a meeting for them to meet that next Friday  evening at a local restaurant. She wanted to get to know him better and  talk to him about a large Colombian shipment of cocaine. JohnWalton would finance the deal but wanted extra protection on his investment.  Either they could take the trip together or he could go a lone with big Moe. 

Rain was really looking forward to the meeting.  Her gut feeling told her Luc could be trusted and a good asset for her. She dressed in one of her favorite outfits.

Big Moe dropped her off at the restaurant for he wanted Rain and Luc to spend so time together getting to know each other. 

Luc hadn't arrived yet and Rain was seated at a table and ordered a glass of white wine.   A couple of minutes later she saw Luc rushing toward her table.  As soon as he got to the table he lifted her hand and kissed it and apologized for running late but some drama had occurred that he had to take care of.

Rain told him she understood how things like that happens and it was fine.  But to not let it happen again and they both laughed. 

Luc was excited to see Rain again.  He wanted to get there early so he could have bragging rights about waiting on her.  Just as he was about to leave Popeye came to him with an issue.  JoJo Levine was caught trying to steal five pounds of his coke.  Luc hated thieves, especially when they rip him off.  Luc walked with Popeye to the cellar where they were holding Levine.  Luc asked Levine why and Levine replied that he wanted to earn and become a partner.  Luc looked at Popeye and then Apples and nodded then turned to Popeye and said make him a partner.  Popeye looked at Apples who shrugged his shoulders and then said okay.   Popeye walked over and sliced Levine neck open; killing him in less then a minute.   

The blood got onto Luc lower pants leg and it forced him to change suits.  He arrived late to the first meeting with Rain without the legal begals hounding them to sign and read paperwork.  Luc was hoping that Rain would like his ideas and they could start revamping the hotels just a bit to make a few more dollars.  Once he arrived he saw her sitting at an table sipping on a glass of wine looking like a movie star.  Her eyes shimmered like the moonlight does on the ocean at night.  She was a delight and she knew that her beauty always caused men to pause and stutter.

He took a seat at the table as she made him laugh with her comment about not letting him being late happen again.  He looked at the waiter and waved him over and asked for a bottle of Champaigne to toast to the business and partnership that hopefully builds a great friendship and more money.  

Rain enjoyed the dinner.  She got to learn a few things about her new partner. 

Before we leave Luc-DiCaprio  there something I would like you to think about.  Big Moe has set up a large order of cocaine to be shipped from Columbia. JohnWalton will finance the payment but wants to make sure his investment is protected.  Big Moe has it all set up but needs someone to travel to Columbia with him to protect the money.  Half the money will be given in Columbia and the other half then the shipment arrives to the States.  We can travel together or if you rather go with just Big Moe it's cool with me, but I rather go.  Things can get a little dangerous there and both Big Moe and I know our way around. If I go I would rather have you there with me. We don't have to decided right now we have a couple of days to figure out how to handle the shipment. 

Rain raised her wine glass.

Toast to the beginning of a great partnership, Partner. 

Luc was thrilled that Rain asked him to get in on a deal for their Don John Walton.  When Rain said the deal is with Columbians he had reservations about that.  Going to a country that he didnt speak the langauge was a no no for him.  Second Luc was a major player in the drug importation business and his suppliers were from Sicily and France crossing them was taboo.  It never occurred to him to find out where they get it from.  Luc wanted to meet these new players that would be entering in his world.  The more he thought the perks started to show such as it would be easier to get more product and maybe they could supply him also.  Looking into Rain's eyes and hearing her speak he knew she really wanted him to go. 

Okay hear me out on this.  Lets both go but I also want to take two of my guys along.  Also I don't speak Spanish.  But if you agree to the  stipulation of me taking two of my guys to help protect the product I'll go.  

He then thought this chick is bold, getting into white powered; she might be the partner he was hoping for.

Rain was finishing the last of her wine. She looked at Luc-DiCaprio thinking how much he looked like the Lucchese family. 

I will let you talk with Big Moe about that.  I think it would be a little dangerous.  They are really skeptical about foreigners and keep a good watch out for them.   We can pose as tourist and not create a lot of attention to us. I've been there a few times so a few know me. They have such a tight knit community I think two other would draw unwanted attention and it would be hard for all of us to communicate ourselves.  Talk it over with Big Moe, he knows the operation well. 

Rain and Luc-DiCaprio finished up dinner and decided to meet with Big Moe at his apartment.

When they arrived Big Moe briefly explained the operation to Luc and as to why it was so lucrative.  He understood Luc’s apprehension.  They decided it was best for Luc to get to know Big Moe better.  It would also give him a chance to set something up in Bogota for Luc’s security if he decided he wanted to check things out in the future.

We sat and had a very productive discussion regarding other matters.

Both Rain and Big Moe were very satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.  Rain looked forward to her new partnership.

Luc was frustrated that somehow someway Rain had a hold over him.  Her eyes and voice was persuasive he didn't want to go yet he wanted to be there to protect her.  Luc just landed a deal with the leaders of China town in LA.  They offered him 200 Kilos a month in Heroin to and after doing the math and learning how to convert Kilo's into pounds he saw the profit margins swing higher then buying for his Sicily and French connections.  They also told him that they could supply him up to ten times that amount if need be.  

Yet he was willing to put his life in her hands.  He wasn't into the money that they were going to make with the Boss as he was making enough to match that for the boss.  His skin was in the game because of the woman he wanted to get to know and he hated the fact that he was looking weak for wanting to be with this woman that he knows nothing about.  He realized then that his cousins got bit by that bug and they then chased after the women of their hopes and dreams.  

He then went to the kitchen and called Rain and told her he would go but if anything happen to him Moe would lose a mother and her a friend for life.  She laughed at him then told him that she would pick him up when they get the cash for the Don.  

Rain was pleased that @ &Luc-DiCaprio had decided to join her on the run.  The operation always ran smoothly and of course things could go wrong but she was confident they could handle it.

Big Moe had been making these runs for JohnWalton over a year now.  The very lucrative deal that Big Moe had obtained was due to the newly established production of cocaine by his group and the dependency of Colombia in the U.S for the purchasing of coffee.  It made it easy for the cocaine to be concealed in coffee containers without questions. 

This was the plan.

JohnWalton would prepare three money bags.  Rain never knew the amount she carried.  Big Moe would take the first bag with him as a down payment on the product.   Rain and Luc would deliver the second bag to a special hanger at Techo International Airport once the product was placed on the plane.   Big Moe would fly on the private plane with the product; Rain and Luc would fly on a commercial flight back to Miami.  Once in Miami John would send someone to meet them with the third bag, a car and a truck to pick up the product and make the payment.  The product would then be driven to the warehouse on the Ranch as Rain and Luc followed in the car.

Rain thought that since this was Luc first time to Columbia they would go in two days early and do a little sightseeing together.  Big Moe thought it was an excellent idea so people would think they were just tourist.  She had a couple of favorite places she could show Luc, one being her favorite salsa club.

The plans were for them to leave next Tuesday.   Gilberto Russo who lived outside of the coffee-growing zone of Cundinamarca, west of Bogota, where the product was placed in coffee containers.  He would pick them up from the airport.   He had a beautiful villa on the mountain side.  They would stay with him and his wife Maria. He would provide them with weapons for protection and transportation during their stay.

Rain called Luc to make sure the plans were good with him.

Luc was in Detroit eating at his dinner Cali's Gobagu when he got the call he had been waiting on.  He took his napkin and wiped his face to reveal a smile.  He stood and walked over to the phone.  Bobby kept his eyes on Luc as Apples watched the door.  Popeye followed him to the phone and kept watch.  The soft voice on the other end was that of Ms. Rain as she greeted him with a friendly hello tiger he laugh and asked her how was she doing.  Then after the pleasantries Rain ran down the scoop.   They would be leaving out of Miami in three days and they would be staying with a friend of hers.    

She then told him that they would stay with a friend at his family's villa there was a few places she want to show him.  That no one should go to Columbia and not see the sights and enjoy the beautiful places and things that country has to offer.  That she would like to see if he has true dancing skills of was that a fluke the other week.  Luc laugh as he then replied that he's sure that the place is beautiful and that he would enjoy seeing the sights but she would have to speak for him as he doesn't speak the launage and that he will be relying on her for a lot.  He then stated that he will need to pack and she replied that everything was already there he just needed to bring that fun loving spirit and that award winning smile.  

They said they would meet in Miami then fly from Miami to Columbia.  Luc told her he would be staying at the Roney Plaza Hotel in Miami he booked two rooms her room key would be at the desk under the name Rose incase she didn't want anyone knowing her real name.  The hotel was on the beach so if she was willing they could have a drink or two and just enjoy the view of the ocean and the feel of the warm sand and the cool breeze.  When she agreed he gave Popeye a high five and silently said yes.  She told him she would meet him there.

With the conflicts breaking out in Chicago and New York Rain found herself calling luc-DiCaprio cancelling the plans to arrive in Miami earlier. 

After attending the funerals of some friends in New York she flew to meet him in Miami to catch to the flight to Bogota later that afternoon.   They meet at the check-in counter and after making eye contact his went directly to her luggage.  Indeed it wasn’t the luggage she would normally travel with.    It was meant not to be conspicuous with the same flowery print that the locals use for their travels, except it bared a special orange luggage tag.  The luggage would have eyes on it from the time it left Miami to the delivery of it to her in Bogota.   It contained the money hidden in a sealed feminine product box that they knew custom agents would never touch in case of a search.  

It wasn’t a bad flight I’ve had worse.  We went down to baggage claim and as usual Pedro one of the baggage handlers bought me my luggage, for show I gave him a modest tip. “gracias”.  We waited for Luc’s suitcase to come down the belt.  Of course customs flagged Luc, took him over for questioning. I stepped as close as I could.  I heard Luc tell them “Now Gentlemen, if I haven’t done anything wrong,  I should be on my way. To my amazement I heard the Custom Agent apologize for the inconvenience. When he came back and met me all he said was “you ready”

We made our way out to the car where Gilberto was waiting for us. “Hola como estas” as we hugged each other.. I introduced Gilbo (as we called him) to Luc. Gilbo was proud of his English “Hello Mr. Caprio pleasure to meet you.” Both Luc and I let it just slide. We knew I would correct him at a later time.

We took the long drive to of Cundinamarca, west of Bogota.  The sightseeing experience consisted of a diversity of areas.  We drove through the city, travel crossed cobblestone streets, witness poverty stricken communities in the valley and travel to the beautiful mountain tops.

When we arrived at the villa Marie was there anxiously waiting for us.   She greeted us both and I quickly introduced her to Luc but they were already friends by her warm welcome.  We went inside and she showed us all around while Gilbo grabbed our bags. He doubled checked with Marie which room was whose and places the proper bags in each.   She told us to hurry and unpack get settle that dinner was almost ready.

Luc and I walked into our respective bedrooms which were right next to each other.  Both of us were drawn to our balcony because we ended up right there checking out the view,  over what the Dominicans called The Golden Triangle.  

The day started off wrong and continued until the sun went down.  At 6am Luc was woken to the phone and a rough voice on the other end was JohnWalton telling him to becareful New York was in a gangland war and bodies will be droping all over that state.  Luc had friends there and he didnt know what to do or say John also relayed some work he needed Luc to do.  Luc wanted this day to happen so he could see Rain but the way it was starting off he wasn't sure it was going to happen.   Then Charlie called and stated that they were switching teams and Joe the Boss needed to go.  He wanted Luc, Benny, Vito and Joey A to do the hit.  Luc agreed  and knew that it had to happen fast.  Then the phone rung again and it was Rain on the other end and she sounded like she had been crying.  She told him that she couldn't meet him in Miami because she lost friends in New York the other day and the war is taking a toll on the city and the families up there.  She needed the time to bury her pals.  

Days went by the war ended when Joe the Boss was killed.  Luc was in a mood that he wanted to get away from he lost a few good pals and that hurt but he was excited about seeing Rain again and he felt guilty because of it.  She made him smile and think and he liked that.  They took a long flight to Bogota but Rain was about to get off prior to Luc and Luc was detained by security.   He was known as a man of means and power so they wanted to test the waters Luc droped one name as they reviewed his passport and saw the cash gift and they thanked him then escorted him of the area.  Luc look at Rain and could tell she had been laughing at him and all he could do was shake his head.  When they got to the car he told her that the Local officials wanted a few american dollars to enjoy themselves a bit.  He told her that he placed five one hundred dollar bills in his passport and they took it.  He ask them if they knew colonel Otiez and believe it or not they new him.  

Luc was happy to see that Rain had friends there that spoke english and that they had transportation.  As they pulled up to the villa Luc smiled as viewed the country side and the warm breeze.  The Villa was beautiful and then when he saw Rain looking at a small little child and the different colors of the ground trees and sky that it was a amazing view.  Then Rain looked up with a strange smile wondering why he was looking at her like that.  Luc then looked at the horses that was running in the fenced in areas they looked like race horses.  The rolling green hills in the distance against the dark blue, light blue and pink sky was enough to get him to thinking about buying a Villa himself.  They entered the house and it was something Luc could get used to quickly.  Then they went to unpack and get ready for dinner and Luc smirked as he was going to have dinner finally with Rain and her pals.  

Rain and Luc-DiCaprio sat down to a very nice dinner prepared by Maria of  of fresh fruit, homemade soup, and a main dish with shrimp and rice.   Maria was a beautiful woman that sure knew how to cook the local dishes.

However her eyes were on Luc since he arrived.  She flirted with him at the dinner table telling him how handsome he was, what a nice smile he had, on about his strong looking hands and how he seems dominating in a very sexy voice.   I looked at Gilbo and he was taking it all in stride so I just thought it was her kind of overly friendly nature.  Luc would occasionally say thank you or just ignore her comments.

After dinner we ventured to the local Salsa Club. The music was great and we were really having a good time, Luc was a real good dancer.  Again Maria was all over Luc on the dance floor.    Dancing the salsa is already quite a sexual dance but she was taking it to the max.  Luc seemed to be enjoying himself but I wasn’t sure.  Then I saw him and Gilbo talking outside I wondered if everything was alright but dared not to say anything.

When we returned home it had been a long day and I was dead tired, said I was headed right to bed.   As I was walking into the bedroom I overheard Maria asked Luc if he cared for a night cap.  I didn’t wait to hear his answer.  When I closed the door I saw that it could lock and thought at least he could lock himself in the bedroom if needed.  I laughed to myself .