"Works for me! Those are usually the best trips anyways, the ones you don't plan and just wing it."

Talia took another bite of her gyro and then another. She was hungry as well, not as hungry as Johnny or Samantha but hungry. 

"I'd say let's get the check. By the time we pay we should be done or at least I should be done and I'm gonna be the last one to finish. Samantha and I will go back to my place and throw a quick bag together while you go do your thing at your place. We can just set a time to meet at the airport and take it from there?"

"Works for me."

Johnny waved the waitress back over to their table. "Can we get the check, please?"

Their waitress nodded and headed out back to tally up the bill. A few minutes later she returned, collecting the dishes and leaving the bill face down on the table in front of Johnny. He flipped it over and gave it a read quickly before taking out his wallet and counting out enough cash to cover everything plus a decent tip. 

"That was pretty damn good actually. We'll have to come here again sometime." He said as he stood up from the table and put the money down for her to come to get after they left. 

Samantha nodded in agreement as she got up to follow Johnny, pausing briefly when she noticed Talia was still sitting.

"Don't worry she's coming. She just has a thing... can't leave any wine wasted when she leaves places like this." 

The Greek was happy to see Talia and Johnnycage enjoying themselves in conversation he was hoping that they were enjoying the establishment.  He sent them a bottle of wine and told the staff that they eat or free.  He gave them a nod and then went back to the bar.  He sat with his team and they ordered shots of whiskey as they laughed and joked.

Sal walked into the joint looking to speak with The Greek.  He was escorted to the back office were Zee and Agot were counting cash and man he came to see was reading a news paper on the couch.  Black told him to take a seat and then walked over to the mini bar and started pouring drinks.  Sal sat in a chair next to The Greek and told him that he represents Johnny Sax and wanted to do some business.  That they were willing to pay five and a half per pound for the forty pounds of snow every month.  The Greek never said a word he just keep reading.  The Sal said okay six per pound and The Greek told him to speak with Stefano and the package is fifty a month minimum.   Black handled The Greek a drink and looked at Sal and gave him a nod to follow him.  Sal thanked The Greek and followed him out to the dinning area where he made the introduction to Stefano.  

Stefano and Black walked into the restaruant with Fat Oscar.  Oscar wanted to borrow money who ever he wasn't able to obtain the loan by legitimate means.  The Greek had the means but was he willing was the real question.  Zee sitting next to The Greek talking about old times and new business opportunity.  Oscar sat at the table his fat fingers digging into his cigarette case pulling out an handrolled cigarette.  He lit it and then exhaled and started speaking about why he was there.  The Greek wave his hand and a waitress came forward with a bottle of wine and poured some into two glasses.   

The Greek made a toast and then finished his drink and turned a glass upset down and looked at Oscar giving him a nod to continue speaking.  Oscar explained that he needed money to keep his business alive.  He owned several car lots and grocery stores but he was in deep debt and the banks and vendors were planning on taking him to court to foreclose on his businesses.  Then loan would be paid back over a two years.  The Greek would get paid monthly until the debt was paid and of course interest.  

The Greek smiled and looked at Wispers and Stefano then Zee and Black who were smirking.  Then The Greek told him that if he takes his money that Zee will insure that the loans are paid off and that they are now business partners with a sixty-forty split in favor of The Greek.  Oscar will then ensure that fifty percent of the profits remain with the company and the other fifty percent divided sixty-forty.  Then the Greek told him that from time to time he may need to run some money through the business which he would give him five percent for the services because he is a friend to his partners.  

Oscar looked around an saw The Greeks men looking around he knew that if he said no the money would not be given but if he said yes he would not be incontrol of his business.  Stefano leaned forward and whispered to Oscar take the money a part of something is better then all of nothing.  Oscar head dropped and he accepted the terms and shook the Greeks hand.  The Greek told him that Zee and Black would see him tomorrow and visit the banks first then the vendors.  Whatever is left over of the money would be handed to him.   Oscar nodded and then was escorted out of the establishment.

The Greek was eating a Gyro when Stefano and Whispers walked in with Larry Tate a older man who was in the shylock rackets.  Tate wanted The Greeks permission and protection to work the neighborhood.  He was hoping that The Greek would toss some of his clients that needed some cash after spending their money at The Greeks card games.   He was willing to cut The Greek in for a third of the profits and a grand a week for the vig.   Tate sat across from The Greek and gave his pitch, but the issue was The Greek wanted a bit more then a third.  He looked at Whispers and stood up and walked away from the table.  Whispers asked Tate who will do the collecting and Tate said you men will.  So we collect for you, protect you and send you customers and you want the man to except a third of the cut.  Tate became quite and then offered fifty percent and upped the VIG to two grand a month after the first four months.  The Greek walked over to him looking Tate in the eyes and then Tate said a sixty forty split and The Greek shook his hand and told him that they can start this weekend.

Mercury found herself in the Detroit business district. She was starving! It was time to find something to eat. She wanted something different.

Churros, no. baked goods , no. Coffee, coffee or coffee, no.

She finally found something promising! Athans. A Greek restaurant! Perfect! Mercury went inside. The oak tables and fireplaces were so charming! The harp playing set the mood.

Mercury asked for a table by a fireplace. After she was seated, when a waiter appeared she ordered. 

I'll have  Greek Salad, Moussaka, and Baklava please, she said to the waiter.

The Greek spotted a young woman entering Athan's he watched her as she looked over the menu and placed her order.  He walked over to her with a friendly smile and thanked her for choosing Athan's for her dining pleasure.  He told her that todays food will be on the house.   He then told her not to be afraid of trying a bottle of wine with her Baklava it brings out the sweetness in the Baklava and the fruity favor of the wine.  He told Mercury that if she needed him he would be around talking to guest.  

As Mercury sat at her table waiting on her order, the man she thought had been following her appeared out of the back.

He walked over to her and gave her a charming smile. Thank you for choosing Athan's he said. Your meal shall be on the house, he said. Don't be afraid to try a bottle of wine with the Baklava. It brings out the sweetness. I'll be around if you need anything.

Thank you, Mercury said. She was at a loss for words. Is this man genuinely friendly? She had heard he was a tough guy, a connected guy. She had connections too however they were mostly east coast. This guy was a tough nut to figure out. She would err on the side of caution as was her nature.

Mercury flagged the waitress over. The gentleman suggested a bottle of wine to pair with the Baklava. I'd like whichever you think is best, she said to her.

The waitress went and spoke with the gentleman who led her to the wine. She brought the bottle back and poured a glass.

Mercury swirled it in her glass and let it breathe. When she was to her Baklava she tried it. It was very good! Mercury drank it a little faster than she should have and poured another glass. Halfway through the second glass Mercury began to feel dizzy. Her eyelids felt extremely heavy out of nowhere. She looked around the room. Everything appeared blurry. What the hell was happening!!!! Her head nodded as she drifted off.

The Greek watched as the young lady ate and drank then he noticed that she was drinking a lot, he was confused she seemed shy and carried herself like a church lady or a woman of high birth or society.  When her eyes started blinking fast he knew she was in trouble and he rushed to her aid.  She was starting to pass out he had them bring her water to drink and a wet cool towel for her forehead.   He placed it over her and called her lady as he didn't know her name.  She started to come too then punched him in the nose.  He stood up and grabbed his nose to stop it from bleeding. 

He looked down at her as he waved off his men.  He knew she was confused and didn't know this man hoovering over her holding her hand and she had every right to strike him.  He introduced himself and reached out her hand as he explained that she had passed out for a minute or two. She just looked at him in as if he was trying to pull the wool over on her.  

Mercury something cold and wet placed on her forehead. She awoke with a jolt. When she say the proprietor over her she left out a defensive right hook and punched him squarely in the nose.

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? DID YOU DRUG ME? she accused him. LET GO OF ME!! YOU DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE MESSING WITH! she bellowed with superior arrogance. 

My name is The-Greek, he said introducing himself. It seems like the wine was a bit much for you. You passed out, he explained.

Well isn't that a convenient story, she said to him. She grabbed her bag and rummaged through it. Everything appeared to be there, even her gun. She thought about brandishing it and asking this guy what really happened but since he had men and she was alone she let it pass. She got up , steadied herself, and headed towards the door. She had an appointment to meet an old friend at the Cafe Colombian. She would surely be asking her friend about @TheGreek.

He looked at Mercury and shook his head she was a bold little lady.  He smiled and took her that everything was in her handbag.  He gave her a smile but she blew him off as if he was a bum off the streets.   He told her that he prides himself on his businesses providing the best customer service and that she was welcome to return he would be happy to serve her himself but she was so upset that she pushed past him like he was a stop sign on the corner of the road.  He looked at Agot and nodded for him to over he whispered to him to follow her in case she faints again or someone jumps her and she needed a little help, and find out where she works and live.  He thought to himself he likes the tough young woman she might want to go into a business or two.  Then he thought she might even be married he better slow his horses and wait to find out more about her.  

Mercury felt like she was living on planes. She had flown to Las Vegas and was now back in Detroit. There was a brand new sedan waiting for her and Michael. He ran his finger along it and smiled.

I've got to see an old friend here today. She's a busy lady but hopefully she can make time, she said to Michael.

We have to be careful here. There is a character called The-Greek loose in this City. I'm pretty sure he drugged me the other day. He runs a restaurant called Athans. I ate there and passed out after 2 glasses of wine. My tolerance is much higher than that! Mercury was rambling because she was deciding how to handle the situation. Lets take a drive by the place and see what is going on there. 

They both got in the sedan and left the airport. There seemed to be a lot of activity around the place. There was a loud noise coming from the building. It sounded like a Trumpet. What the hell was going on? A Greek wedding? Mercury shook her head.

Lets keep going. Are you hungry? I am! Lets find a place for breakfast. I could use some coffee too. Mercury was rambling again. Just drive up the street and I am sure we will run into something, she said.

Michael did as she asked. He drove for a bit without finding anything interesting. He took a right on Broadway and saw a place that might work. What about this place? he said pointing at a sign. The sign read Cafe Colombian. 

Mercury laughed. They had ran right into the front Rain had set up. Was this karma or what? This will be fine, Mercury said. Michael parked and they went inside. Keep an eye out, Mercury said as they entered. That buffoon who drugged me could be anywhere!

Agot came back and informed The Greek that Mercury was going around calling him out of his name and telling people that he drugged her.  He looked at Agot shanking his head.  He looked at Stefano and Whispers they could tell he was a bit hurt by the news.  He tried to make a new friend and now that woman was dragging his name through the mud.  Then he stood to his feet and poured a glass of wine for everyone at the table.  To them that know me well this will pass and my name will remain in good standing based off of the content of my character.  They raised their glasses and drank.  Each man with him knew that dragging a person wasn't his style he was a man of honor.  He wasn't a doctor but he knows that if you drink the home made wine to fast you can nod off to sleep.  

After spending a week out on the west coast the boy's were back in Detroit.  They were proud of what the accomplished while out west.   An Asian connect for more Heroin, a storage spot and distribution on the pier in Seattle, a casino in Vegas and all the family work completed what more could a business man need.  He was hoping to see Rain in Seattle but she was away on business so he fuddled his way around that rainy state.  Now it was time to relax and let the fruits of his labor kick up to him while he relaxes.   

Rain and Mercury sat down in the office.  She ordered and had delivered a Cholados Colombianos for both of them.  As they sat there sipping on their drink Rain explained.

When you called me The-Greek was sitting in the other office.  You hung up so fast I could believe what I was hearing.  After I you didn’t call back I was so upset about what you said I approached him the next day.   He said there had to be some misunderstanding.  That was only reason why he had his men follows you. He was concerned about you because you had fainted in his restaurant and wanted to make sure you got where you were going safely.  He told me he wouldn’t ever have a reason to drug a beautiful woman and took offense to being accused of doing so.  He told me he knew I hadn’t known him that long but he wasn’t anything near that type of man.  He said he has always treated women with the utmost respect. 

Rain told Mercury he really sounded sincere about the whole incident and she believed him.  I think he’s a very up and up, professional guy and plan on doing business with him.

Mercury was in many ways relieved. In their line of work there were all kinds of nefarious characters. She had thought he had drugged her. Wine generally doesn't hit her like that. She had known Rain a LONG LONG time at trusted her. If she said The-Greek was ok then he must be.

If there is one person's word I trust from the West Coast it is you, Mercury told her. What was I to think? I'm nowhere near the safety of my turf and all of a sudden I am passing out in his restaurant. I handle wine just fine Rain. I truly believed I was drugged. If you say it wasn't him, I believe you. I still think someone drugged that wine. I felt horrible for hours afterwards. Maybe it's time to find out who handled that bottle of wine, Mercury said. 

The Greek walked into Athans with Stefano and Liam they were in Farminton Hills and a bit frustrated after meeting with Jimmy Hoffa.  As he walked in and took a seat he was told by Whispers that Rain was in the office talking with the woman that past out a few days ago.  He nodded and went to check on them when Black said that Rain had a call from a guy name Big Moe.  He knocked on the office door which was strange because it was his office.  Rain open the door and he asked her was everything Okay Rain looked at Mercury then told him yes.  He told her that some guy named Big Moe called.  

The Greek looked at Mercury and gave her a nod then told her he hopes she understands that he meant no harm he thought she past out from taking medication with wine or she drunk it to fast it was a sweet favor but the alcohol content is much higher then the stuff made in america.  Then the ladies left as he hoped that everything was cleared up.  Rain told Mercury that they needed to go to the Cafe they can finish their conversation there.  Adrian took his seat and then closed his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. 

He was back in the motor city and sitting in one of his establishments.  He ordered a gyro with lamb and a side of puff rice with shredded lettuce and a bottle of white wine.  He was with Rusty and Beans these two were hungry and happy to be in the city were they coud rip and run.  The food arrived quickly as he had called it in from his hotel room.  They eat and drank laughing at the poor saps that worked for the police.  Then his two younger brothers walked in Stefano and Liam and they also called their orders in and sat with them.  The food was hot and it kept coming.  

Stefano whispered that a extra shipment from their friends from the east and it was on consignment which made him happy he already had buyers lined up and gave Stefano to go ahead to issue the extra to them this gives him so extra time to get this columbian shit in ordered.  He really needed to connect with rain he needed a ton a month and he needed it last week.  He also told Stefano to let their Asian friends that they would need to up their order to two tons a month.  Stefano nodded but Liam had concerns about the new connect orders when they actully start rolling in.  

Adrian told them that depending on the amounts and the frequency of the shipments they would used that to store and sale when things get tight or they get a few new customers.  He then told Liam that he needed to get a few more dirty cops on the payroll and to make it happen soon.  He stood up and went to the pay phone and called Rain.  He looked around as he closed the payphone booth and dialed her number.  She actully answered as he greeted her.  Her laughter made his heart melt then she told him that they would meet soon to tie down the last minute details.  The sound of her voice was comforting and when she hung up the phone he felt good and then he felt a loss as he wanted to talk more with her the subject he could careless about.  He just wanted to connect with her every second he could get.  

Devante walked into his new establishment the previous owner had to unload the joint and Devenate liked places that had culture and great food.  He took a seat at a table and looked over the menu.  He ordered a traditional lamb gyro with rice and paper thin shredded lettuce.  He looked over at Victor and Keith who sat a table across from him and then he looked at Carlos and Damon they were sitting at a table behind him. They also placed their orders and it was placed on his tab.  The food was as good as he was hoping and the italian wine was topshelf.  

Then as he was ready to leave Mercel DiMayo walked in to talk with him.  He wanted to talk with Devante about purchaning product wholesale.  He was offering him peace of mind if he did.  Devante smiled and told him that he already had peace and in his mind he didnt need to compete against himself.  Mercel stood up and asked if he liked his hotel and restaurants.  Devante smiled and asked how was his mother as he listed off her address.  Then he asked about his sister and his kids as he ran off their addresses.  Then he looked up from his bill from the food he ate directly into Mercel eyes and told him that it would be a great idea for him to read a book.  He recommended the Art of War.