Charlie hadn't really been one for standing up and making speeches....he left that kinda thing to folk like Grooglez and Homer, and serial spammers such as Gallus, but now he had run out of ideas, he need the help of the people, not only in Las Vegas, but across the nation.

“I was going to begin by saying that I have a friend, with a problem...but we all know how that comes across. But it's true. My good friend and associate, Jono, seems to be lacking something!”

Charlie waits amount for the sniggering and outright laughing to die down.

“Ever since Jono's great (and not so great) ancestors lost their forts to every tom, dick and harry with a pea shooter, Jono and his kin seems to have lost their zest for life. They lack direction, lose interest quickly, hell, sometimes they seem to even forget that they have a life! This CANNOT surely be put down 100% to scouse blood running through his veins...even they have some ambition (but that is surely for another discussion).

“So, as my last resort, I come to you, the people of these great cities, for help. How can we get Jono to at least the first great milestone in his life, becoming a Goomba? Bribery? Cohersion? Flattery? The man obviously needs help, aside from professional help from qualified bricklayers skilled at building decent forts!”

Cassi had been trying to walk quickly through the cold to get to her destination. She was not built to handle such weather and wanted to spend as little time in it as possible. But something caught her attention. A man was speaking to the masses. A call for help. This always pulled at her heartstrings, no matter her level of uncomfort. She stopped to listen, shivering as she was. When he finished, she took a small step forward. 

"Losing something, over and over and over and over and over... Okay I think my point is made, can really take it out of one's sails. I know a bit of this man of who you speak. Enough to suggest bribing him with some spirits from the local tavern just might be a good start. I've also heard flattery works wonders on his ego. 

Cassi smiles and does a curtsey before hurrying back along on her way. She was not interested in becoming an icicle. At least not today. 

Jedediah comes onto the scene with a shit-eating grin. 

Well, sir, I think Jono can be a little thick at times. His lack of answering mail can get quite annoying. He's not very observant either. You can pretty much tell him the answer to something and he still can't figure shit out. He's lazy as fuck too. So don't expect anything form of effort. Pretty sure I've heard some women call him a "dead fish" in bed. It's genetic. His entire family line is lazy. I spent a day in the old Mafia Gazette archives last week and came across this excerpt from an article in '04. I feel it's appropriate to share at this time:

"Chicago family leader Jono received a surprise this week when he was promoted to Consigliere early in the morning of February 28..." 

That may have been one of the last times his family saw such a prestigious rank given to them. I'm still working my way through the collection of old issues, but I haven't found anything yet. I'll let you know if I do.

Jedediah heads back out into the cold in search of more information about the Jono family line...