'Jerry' looked at 'Marjorie', and then to Baki, then last to Issei. "I'm terribly sorry, I was unaware of the oreo milkshake. Though I know we can get one at the Cat and Phoenix afterward, if that would suffice? Otherwise, Mister Baki was it? I could always make a phone call and order one, if you wouldn't mind retrieving it? I'm not certain Miss Miller would like me driving her boss' vehicle." He chuckled softly and turned to Issei.

"As for finding her, all I did was look up the nearest notary in town and got directed to Miss Miller here. I can't speak for her, but I'm no one to turn down a friendly kiss of business, no?"

'Jerry' caught the look from Baki, and cleared his own throat. "But if that's out of the cards, then so be it. I do not believe your friend seems to like that idea. So, Mister Hyoudou, if bourbon will do, then I will take you for a milkshake afterward... Otherwise, I'll put a call in and have one delivered, or we send Mister Baki to pick it up?"

"As for signatures, yes. That, and the transfer of funds, is all Miss Miller here needs to secure the transaction and sell of the building into your name. Unless I'm mistaken?"

He looked at 'Marjorie', his features resting in a quizzical nature.

Marjie, as she was calling herself for the moment, nearly choked. On one hand, who the fuck did this guy think he was. On the other hand, though she wouldn’t outwardly show it in this guise, she admired his boldness and flair. Clearing her throat softly, she nodded at ‘Jerry’ with a tart, professional smile. 

“Ah don’t think my paramour would appreciate me kissing other men... for business or otherwise. Howevah, ah will be more than happy to leave you gentlemen to whatever celebrations tickle your fancy just as soon as these signatures are properly witnessed,” she assured them both, opening her ledger to the next blank space and jotting down the necessary information as she spoke. 

“Mr. Jerry Wence, Jr. hereby executes a transfer of deed for the commercial property located at...” she glanced over the deed copying down the address as she mumbled softly, “relinquishing all property rights, including the buildings current contents - as is - to Mr. Issei Hyoudou for the sum of eleven-thousand dollars on this the...” she checked her watch and scribbled down the date, “as witnessed by myself in accoradnce with the Notary Public commission of Pennsylvania.” Completing the affidavit statement with a flourish, she turned the log toward the men, flipping their folders open with a warm smile. 

“Simply as a legal formality, I will need to verify your identity with a government issued document. Or, if you would rather, your associate can sign an additional affidavit as a witness. After that, I simply need you to sign here,” she pointed to the log, “here and here,” she finished indicating each man’s copy of the documents. 

“I assume that you brought the funds with you, Mr. Hyoudou... or proof of a wire transfer?”

"As I said Baki, this is very entertaining, although, you did bring the money, right?"

Issei's voice switched up once again, there was no longer that quality of entertaining something between all of them and it was certainly going to be delectable. Of course, that didn't happen and he pouted once Baki placed the brown envelope down, so much so that he gave his faithful guard the eyes which Baki rolled his eyes at, scoffing. 

Baki was used to Issei's antics, of course, this was different people, they were not some of the people who knew him and what he was like. Especially considering this new way of doing things and how it came out, for one thing, Baki was hoping that the two didn't come anywhere near close to the truth, cause that was a knot he did not wish to undo anytime soon. 

"There it is, of course, I had to include something of a bonus for the two of you, I'm kind with those that help. Especially, family and Jerry, I am so sure that your father would be...proud of what you did here, he must be grateful you helped out us Sinners."

Closing his eyes with a smile then, it was clear that Issei was playing the game with ease, not even wondering if he was bordering a line here and was willing to step a toe on the other side. It mattered not to him, he could see the two would be getting their business, of course, he simply wished to play a little more for a moment. 

"I mean if there are any other ways I could help you out, closing a deal. Spending a little money, of course, that would be beneficial to both sides in the end. Let me know, Le Dragon always finds a way to repay those who have....gone beyond to secure this deal."

Giving Majorie a look, a smirk as he leaned forward, oh so noticing the way her pronunciation changed there...it was almost like she had...shaking his head. Issei traded a look with Baki who shrugged before he nodded and decided then, he was going to stand behind his boss for right now. 

"Majorie....your wish is my command."

Issei took the pen then, signing as instructed, for a moment he was simply doing what he was told to finally get that business in Philadelphia like he was wishing for. It was going to be glorious at the very least, Issei knew that much.

'Jerry' did the same, signing each document on the dotted lines with ease. Not even the slightest hiccup in how he signed. Like he'd written that name his entire life.

Turning and smiling, he nodded at both Baki and Issei. "Aside from celebrating with a drink afterward, or at least allowing me to get you that oreo milkshake, there's really not anything else to help with. This is the last of my affairs to tie up from my pop's estate, and then it's on with my life. Honestly, you're doing me a huge favor by purchasing the building. Less property tax and less pain in my ass." He chuckled.

"Anyway, while I'm not sad to see the place go, I am glad it's gonna get some good use. Even if I don't like the place, I hate seeing buildings turned useless."

He debated offering Issei a hand, but then wondered if that would be considered rude? He wasn't very sure on Asian cultures, even after being around so many in his time in Vegas. But, that was Johnny, not 'Jerry'. So he stuck his hand out anyway after a moment.

"Shall we shake on it while Miss Miller makes sure everything is on perfect order and then notarizes it?"

"Boss, shake his hand, we're getting the Oreos after..."

Baki's voice did not help at all, in fact, Issei turned to the man with a twitch of his eyebrow, showing his annoyance. Baki simply smirked, enjoying the fact that he could see his boss was getting annoyed. 

"Baki, I love you but shut up."

Snorting, the tall bulky man did just that and stood at attention with nothing more than a small smile. It seemed like he was obedient enough to listen to orders when he knew what they were and intended, serious. 

Of course, Issei turned back to face Jerry, the man who had just sold his father's place without so much as a sigh escaping or a sad smile. Issei was not that suspicious of things but he cared not, he could finally expand, this would help him. 

"Mister Jerry, you've proven to be a profitable partner, so yes, let's go and get that Oreo Milkshake...of course, I might wish to make sure that I can keep your information, just to...have a friend on board with things coming full circle."

Baki looked at Issei in surprise, he was always one for making friends and forming new connections but even this could have proved a bit...deadly. No one really knew about the business except these two and Baki didn't trust them, sure, they helped him here but everyone had a secondary motive 

Jerry Wence was proving that he had one, he was appealing to much to Issei, casually he sells a gym to Issei at a low cost like that? It was chump change to Issei, it didn't seem like the dragon was truly seeing what he, the grappler, was seeing. 

"Let us shake my friend, to a future that we can see, eh?"

'Jerry' nodded and shook Issei's hand happily. "Of course! I'll get you all of my information." Grabbing the pen and a piece of paper off of the desk, he paused then looked up at Issei. "I assume you don't mind me using some of your paper?" He chuckled softly, then looked down at the paper and started to write out his address.

"I'll actually be heading back out to Kansas City in the next day or so. I have a few businesses ends to tie up neatly there before finishing my move to Philly. So I'll leave you that address and then when I come back and get a place squared away, I'll update you on the new place." He smiled before finishing the information and folding the paper to hand to Issei.

It read:

Jerry Theodore Wence, Jr.
11212 Applewood Dr.
Kansas City, MO

"I'll be putting the place on the market when I return home, and then I'll be making the permanent move to Philadelphia." He smiled. "But that's where you can reach me for the time being." He nodded before turning to Marjorie. "Everything in order, Miss Miller? Or is there anything else we need to take care of that you can think of before I take Mister Hyoudou out for an Oreo Shake?"

Being nose-deep in the business end of verifying and certifying the necessary documents, Marjorie gave a distracted ‘hm?’ For a brief second before fully tearing herself away from her work. “Oh. No sir, Mr. Wence,” she smiled, her soft accent like smooth sweet cream as she signed and dated the last slip. “I’m almost finished here and then I’ll be out of your hair,” she assured him, shuffling a few things around until she found h er stamp seal. 

A few thudding stamps and a flourishing signature later, as she handed the deed over to Issei with a bright smile. “There you are, Mr. Hyoudou.”

Standing, she slipped her log, seal, and personal effects back into her briefcase before snapping it closed. Sliding out from behind the desk, she nodded firmly at Jerry, “That’s everything. Unless there’s anything further, Mr. Wence, I’ve other business to attend to.” Her syrupy southern drawl smiled at him from behind painted lips as she waited for one or the other to move enough to let her out of the office. 

Did she have the keys? Had he given her the keys? Suddenly she couldn’t remember. She certainly hoped so. Someone needed to drop the Jonckheere off with Quinn. And she liked the idea of picking up the new Talbot Lago while Johnny was off having drinks. Not to mention, she still needed to finish up the renovations on the house, start on the bookstore, AND take Juniper shopping. It was a full day. ...and of all the things in the world, they were dicking around about an Oreo milkshake. 

'Jerry' smiled and nodded at 'Marjorie'. "Nothin' else I can think of, Miss Miller. Thank you so much for your time today. Please send the bill for your time and I'll make sure it's taken care of." He smiled and slid out of the way so she could leave.

Barbara would find that the keys were in her clutch. When Johnny had gotten them there, no one knew. But it had happened. Such was the way when one was a master at sleight-of-hand tricks.

Waving to 'Marj'-Barb... Barbjorie? Marbara? BARJ! No... That's just wrong. Waving, he smiled. "Have a wonderful rest of your day! And thank you again!"

Turning to Issei, 'Jerry' smiled. "Shall we move on then? It's a short walk to the pier where The Cat and Phoenix is. I'm certain they will have an Oreo Shake there. If not, there's a creamery not much further that for certain will have one."

"You two have a nice connection, if I didn't know any better I would say that something could be there but that's just me being a bit silly, right Baki?"

Baki ever-faithful simply grunted his agreement before focusing on Issei and the way he was smiling, he knew that smile. It was fake, obviously so, he told him how weird this felt and for a moment, Baki was ready to believe him. Only if it got them this, what else was going to fucking happen? Nothing much. 

Issei hummed for a moment, he never did like these moments, where a single thing could happen and be stopped for all of this, it seemed like the simplest of moments could end badly for him. New York seemed to be one of those hotspots for him, then there was Los Angeles and it always seemed that he was a catalyst for the bad things that happened, to himself. 

So when Jerry Wence offers him a business, a little bit of himself decided to go along for the ride, the other side? Well, he was going to make sure that Jerry felt like he was doing business with the devil himself and would regret what came next. 

Smiling, Issei placed a hand on his shoulder and guided Jerry outside, making sure that this was going to be a nice time. Stopping just as they entered back into the gym area, Issei held up a finger to Baki.

"You're staying here, get some of the guys down here, make sure we can begin making some nice re-arrangements, alright?" 

Baki nodded and moved back to the office with his gaze still on Jerry for a moment before deciding that Issei could handle the man. 

Back with Issei, they were now outside and for a moment, Issei wondered what Jerry hoped to do next as he stopped next to his car, knowing they could drive there and he waved his hand to the car for Jerry to get in. 

"So tell me, Jerry, what do you plan on doing next? I'm curious, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and after making this kind of money, surely you could I've well enough for the foreseeable future, eh?"

Humming, Issei stepped into the car and waited for Jerry to settle before he drove off. This, after all, was going to be a celebration. 

'Jerry' smiled as he took the seat in Issei's vehicle. "Well, I suppose that depends on what you mean by next? Next today? Or next in the theme of business?" Chuckling, he looked to the Asian. "If it's the latter, I honestly have no idea. I wasn't hatching any thoughts or plans until I knew this transaction was secured. Not that I doubted you, but you never know what kinds of things can happen or fall through." Turning and looking out of the front window, he settled back into the seat of the vehicle.

"If you meant today, then I'm taking you to the creamery for an Oreo Milkshake in celebration and honor of our deal. Which is just up the road a few blocks, and then a left down the main drag, which will take us out near one of our prettiest business metropolises, the Race Street Pier off of Race Street and North Christopher Columbus Boulevard."

He nodded. Today was a great day, and nothing could change that. Sell was finished, and now it was time for a celebration! Drinks! Food! Ice Cream! Maybe a card trick or two? Since 'Jerry' had mentioned he was a struggling street magician when they first met.

"Both. What is the next insight for you? I mean, you've made money, have you not? You could easily fund a nice little trip, start a new business, get into a new business. I mean, that is got to be something, right? You've done right by your old man. Cashed in!"

Smirking, Issei turned his head and noticed a few people watching him. He knew that he wasn't used to the sights but he was sure that he saw a woman pushing a cart of treats, Tasty Kakes? Maybe he would see if he could catch that cart one of these days, it was going to be a nice time there, he was sure of it!

Turning back to face Jerry, his eyes narrowed, of course, the man never noticed as he said his words. Issei shook his head with a smile, knowing that he was going to be one of the few that had done business with this man, it was something at the very least.

"Hmm, really? Yeah, that's true, all sorts of things could have happened. Like scams, money leaving the wrong hands but aye, we did it right here Jerry, nothing like that happened. This was just a good transaction between the pros, eh?"

Issei fully believed that as well, something just kept...ringing out to him at the very least, he didn't exactly know what would have been calling out to him. The only thing he knew was that he was in the business of making money, this was what happened. 

"Yeah, you are and hey, anything you wanna tell me, what else do you get up to besides selling gyms for money? I'm curious to learn about you mister Wence, after all, you seemed unafraid of....my advances."

Issei gave Jerry a small cheeky glance as he followed his directions with nothing more than a small chuckle leaving him. Maybe this would have been an interesting time, after all, one that gave him more than a business partner. 

'Jerry' chuckled. "I've spent plenty of time around plenty of folks. I learned a long time ago... Sometimes ya can't be picky about where ya get a kiss, ya know? You never know when it might be your last, or if it might be the best!" Smirking, he winked at Issei then looked back out on the road, also eyeing the cart of Tasty Kakes... Who spelled cakes with a k?! Damn rebels! He liked it!

"So what else do I do... Well, I'm out of rehab, thankfully. At least there's that. It's why I was in a house in Kansas City. I got in trouble down there and fell off the horse. My pops left me there and eventually I crawled myself outta my hole and get myself some help. Went through a program and got myself off the hard crap. Still can't kick a milkshake though!" 'Jerry' chuckled at his joke and pointed up ahead as they neared the pier. "There it is. Giovanni's Creamery. Best in town, I think! Been there since I was a kid..."

'Jerry' smiled big, looking at Issei. "And don't forget, it's my treat."

Taking her time to situate her briefcase and purse, Barbjorie took her sweet time sliding into the driver’s seat of the Jonckheere. Adjusting the rearview, she lackadaisically powdered her nose and reapplied her lipstick... you know, all perfectly normal things for the average woman to do before driving to her next meeting. In truth, she was keeping up appearances while looking for the keys. And, upon finding them neatly deposited in her clutch, stalling to make sure everything went smoothly before she left. 

After watching the men drive off in Issei’s car, Barb muttered a silent prayer to Saint Anthony... and then one more to Saint Christopher, just for good measure, before pulling out and heading for Quinn’s Automotive at the OTHER end of Race Street. While the men got to celebrate and hob-knob, she still had a full day ahead of her. And it was just beginning. By the time Johnny was done schmoozing their buyer, she had to exchange vehicles, finalize the Market shell, pick out a spot for the Bookstore, take Juniper dress shopping, take stock of the house, and start shopping for necessities. And that was only on the LEGAL side of things. 

With any luck, this last piece of the meeting would go smoothly and Johnny would be home to help in no time... she hoped. 

"Hmm you're something, I'll give you that, and your way of speaking, Jerry, I have to wonder with certain things. Of course, I'll leave that to myself, hmm, get me an Oreo Shake, it'll be fun to have one, haven't one since...a while now."

Issei leaned forward on the counter of the bar, his arms resting for the single moment, it didn't feel like anything different if he was being honest. He knew that he was forgetful but when the fuck had they got out of the car and sat down? He had no fucking clue, all he knew that they were now sitting here enjoying themselves. 

Smirking, Issei did give the man his narrowed eye in response, while he was enjoying himself, that feeling was slowly being let go and fully he was going to enjoy this experience. He did wonder how Baki was holding up, while he was a man who could hold his own, the man preferred to be by Issei's side, a lot. 

"Why not work with me? No, I'm not saying in your father's gym, I'm saying in other business. I'm more than just a buyer of builders, at least, I am sure you assumed...or did your own investigation."

Issei's lazy smile did nothing to hide the fact that he was aware of what he was doing, with a closed eye smile, he placed a hand on his shoulder with nothing more than the simplest of things on his mind. Trying to get the man on his side, there was something, a spark of electricity that wished to be explored with another glance, touch, word, anything, really. 

Issei didn't exactly have the experience in such a matter, his business in the last few months while bordering many things, he had never got to experience this and wondered what it was like now when he wished to go further than before. 

"I'm saying Jerry, you know that I've had some dealings and you can already know that....the gym is going to be used for more than a simple sparring session, here and there. I want you on my team, what do ya say?"

The counter clung as the barkeep had timely enough saved Jerry from answering the question as Issei grew distracted with the Oreo shake and immediately began to collect the nectar of the gods without any reproach, almost like he was a starving animal that would devour anything that came in its way. 

Stopping for a moment, the one-eyed man gave Jerry another smile. 

"Listen, I'm here to help you, plus, I pay well. I want you to be able to make something of yourself...

'Jerry' chuckled softly and nodded. "Mister Hyoudou, you're already helping me make something of myself. This sale is gonna go a long way to get me set up. I've got ideas, but, if I'm honest, I kinda want to do them on my own... Ya know? See if I can make something of myself despite what dear old dad might have thought, yeah? My chance to prove I was worth more than he always said." 'Jerry' smiled. "Not that I don't think you'd pay well or anything. I mean, obviously, you CAN! You just..." He lowered his voice. "You just paid cash for that gym... Not many people can do that, ya know? And where I grew up, ya don't ask questions of the people that can." He nodded and leaned back, sipping on a rootbeer float.

"Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I have a few ideas in my head that I'm gonna keep to myself and see if I can't make somethin' of it. But lemme tell ya! One of my ideas? And I know you're gonna laugh... I know you are. Everyone does. But anyway... I want to..." He looked around and sighed. "I want to make things in a can, but, pressurized. Ya know? Put a little top on the can that you can push down and whatever's in the can comes out! Imagine the usefulness! You could put ANYTHING in the cans! Water, Disinfectants, Air, Oil! Well, maybe not oil... I'm not certain I'd want that to spray out quickly. OH! Maybe paint! Paint in an easy-to-use can that you just push a nozzle and it sprays out. Oh! It could even be called Spray Paint!" 'Jerry' quickly frowned. "No, that sounds stupid. Don't mind me. Forget I said anything. Fucking spray paint, that's dumb." He took a sip of his root beer float and huffed, falling silent for a moment before finally sighing.

"But yeah. Pressure Can. That's my idea." He shrugged. "Dumb, right?"

"I'm confused, that is for certain, I'm not grasping what you're putting down here. It seems to have some merit if you thought it up, walk me through it, lemme learn and see how I might be able to help, you never know where the smallest of ideas could turn into something great."

Issei took a sip of his shake now, thoroughly interested and though he wished to show it a little. There was something, always. It lingered and at most, it wasn't like he could deny that part of himself. A mission, helping people and making sure that everyone got their little fair due. It was an interest of his, at least. 

"If you could figure out a way to make it profitable and something that most people wouldn't even wish to scoff at, I'd say you could interest a plethora of things. Especially if you could do that type of thing with petrol, think about it, corner the market. Sell it for cheaper and maybe...along the way, you forget to cut in the other people."

Issei gave Jerry a little look, if this pressure can could at least be utilized, it could be worked in a number of ways and with his backing. Issei knew that he would be able to make a ton of cash off of it. Of course, he wondered if the man was willing to get involved in such a thing. 

"Hey...I mean, it might not be a good idea but if we do this, I'm telling you, Jer, you'll be seeing more than just eleven grand. You'll be seeing yourself with enough money that you could become a King. Eh, you brought this idea, I'm trying to make sure that we can do some business. Think about that."

Once again, the one-eyed man hummed as he met eyes with Jerry, for a moment, he was sure the man had his suspicions about what exactly he did. Paying cash could mean many things, of course, he didn't seem like the type to even...question this. 

"Hey! ANYONE Called Issei in here!? We got a call from a Baki Hanma!"

Raising his hand, Issei walked towards the phone, giving Wence a little pause and allowing him that moment for a little bit of peace. 

Though Issei did wonder what the fuck Baki was calling for, the man was supposed to be busy getting things in order...

Johnny pondered it over for a bit before remembering that 'Jerry' needed to disappear for everything to work. That part hurt his heart a bit, considering that was the first time he'd ever brought up his pressurized can idea to someone that didn't laugh him out of the room... Best cons always have a little truth to them, right? Magician, pressurized can idea... But that was enough of Johnny. Now? Now 'Jerry' needed to weasel his way out of working with -anyone-... Not just Issei... That way 'Jerry' could go back to Kansas City and end up right back in the drug house...

Curious what the phone call might be for, Johnny wondered if he should take that chance to cut and run... Something didn't feel right about just bailing though, so he finished his root beer float and decided on waiting.

Johnny watched the one-eyed Asian from his seat, simply paying attention to details in the man's body language. So far it had seemed like a decent and happy phone call, but he also knew who he was dealing with someone who could easily hide their true motives. After all, he'd learned from the best on reading people. Why wouldn't he be able to pick someone out who could just as easily play the game? Question was, was Issei playing the game or actually okay.

'Jerry' smiled as Issei hung the phone up and turned back his direction. With a nod, 'Jerry' pulled his wallet out and left money for the bill, and a hefty tip. At least he took care of his service staff... Issei could note that much.

"Everything okay, Mister Hyoudou?" he queried as Issei returned.

"Just business, Baki says that someone showed up at the Gym, bit odd as well, caused some problems."

Issei's smile widened as he didn't touch the Oreo shake for a single moment, instead, his attention was focused on the man opposite him. His smile was the same as the usual as he fished out a death stick from his jacket, he knew how to handle this. He lit with ease and took a puff, allowing himself to be swallowed in that feeling of ease settling on him like a duvet. 

"Tell me, Jerry, what other things were you involved with? I'm intrigued, you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders. Enough so that you've gained some easy cash, right?"

Part of him was really intrigued, a simplistic view of the man was not what he had before. Issei knew the prey, he knew those that wished to be content with their lot in life. Oh, boy, did he love them, he used to be one of them. For a moment, it didn't feel like he was going to be talking with one of those. Jerry wasn't that, far from it, he was a predator but he masked that and that was something Issei didn't really like. Of course, he was going to mask that, it was time to play.

Only with what Baki told him, things were going to be less than easy for the man to easily escape from. Insisting, Issei called the barkeep over for a single bottle of bourbon with two glasses. The man wasted no time in sorting that out, pouring the two a hefty glass before leaving the bottle for them both. 

"I mean, you certainly did well by your old man. He must be smiling down on you, you've...done it! You made it, you could easily make something of yourself, couldn't you?"

Issei's smile was playful now, oh the tension was there as he blew smoke in Jerry's face. Placing a hand on his shoulder, Issei giggled ever so slightly as he made sure that this man met his gaze before releasing him and turning away from him for a moment. 

A pause settled over the two, there was nothing else that mattered to Issei. For right now, there was this mystery, of course, he wanted to make sure that some kind of satisfaction could be had on his end. Only as far as his people knew, he owned that gym and that mattered to him most. Yet there was something more, who...was he?

"So...who are you? Really? Not Jerry Wence Jr, that's for god damn sure. I mean....considering what I was called about, there has been a change in things, considering the status of your dear old man. Ohohoho! Boy! You really are something, fuck! Just...who are you? You've intrigued me and maybe that's a good thing...for you."

Issei's tone was still playful, yet the way it turned oh-so intrigued and positively seductive made it seem like he wasn't even mad. Besides that gleam in his eyes, the dragon was awoken and that wasn't going to be a good thing. Not in the slightest, well, for anyone who dared to interrupt him at least. 

"I mean...it's delectable, how you did this, a true feat of...cunning. You have my...undivided attention. Please, regale me...and maybe, you'll have my support in many other things..."

It was something else entirely, the way his voice indicated that he was interested was something that couldn't be misplaced. An interested Issei was a dangerous thing in itself and whoever this was, well, he was going to be learning that.

Johnny smirked. There were plenty of angles he could play. Was the other person a fake? Was someone trying to steal his inheritance by posing as his father? Or, he could always fess up. And, considering he actually seemed to like Issei and the way business had come down thus far, he was heavily considering that one.

Tapping the rim of the glass in front of him, Johnny clicked his tongue a few times. "Dear old dad up to his post-mortem tricks, hmm?" The chuckle that followed quickly let Issei know he wasn't -SERIOUSLY- trying to use that one as his answer. "Truth be told? You know the old stigma. A magician never tells his tricks. All you have to worry about is making sure Wence never knows -how- he lost everything..." Johnny grinned. "See, the thing people like Jerry Wence don't understand? Is you don't -fuck- with the devil, because the devil's in the details." A wink followed the comment, and Johnny took that chance to throw back his drink, setting the empty glass on the table between them with a nod to Issei for a second pour, holding up two fingers indicating his desired amount.

"See, Jerry made a mess of things for me when I first got here. He decided to go back on a deal after he'd taken my money. We'd made a gentleman's agreement, and it was already in motion when he decided to go back on his word without returning my investment which just so happened to be everything I had when I woke up at the Philadelphia airport."

Johnny reached into his coat pocket, producing a semi-crushed pack of cigarettes, and fished a good one out. A quick flick of his wrist produced a nice, engraved Zippo lighter that he lit it with and placed it on the table between them. In big, embossed letters, it read "JC". Taking a long drag from the cigarette, he held it in and relaxed back into his seat slowly before blowing a plume of smoke upward; over Issei's head...

"Now, truth of the matter? The agreement was I help him sell the gym. In the meantime, for all of my cash on hand, I'd stay in the room above. Shit room, you saw it, and he'd taken every bit of my four-hundred cash as an advanced payment, -and- I was paying him fifty bucks a week. Arrangement was for three months, and after three weeks, he backs out and says I gotta be out in a week, no money back."

Johnny stuck the cigarette back in his mouth and puffed again, shaking his head. "So, I continued to hold good on my deal. I helped the bastard sell the gym. I'm just keeping the profit, and took him for everything he had. Same as he did me." Johnny chuckled as he smirked at the thought of the last bit. "And, I got a death certificate in his name. Figured dead on paper makes his life a -lot- harder than actually putting the bastard out of his misery."

Johnny caught Issei eyeing the lighter, assuming he was wondering about the JC. "Johnny Christ. It's the only name you'll ever need to know me by from here on out, Mister Hyoudou." He chuckled. "Sorry you got wrapped up in this little game, but you came in at the perfect time... Right after my phone call with Jerry." Bowing his head, he grinned. "But that contract is airtight. Ain't shit Wence can do, even the bank signed over the property rights."

A few more puffs and Johnny snuffed his cigarette out. "Shit about the daughter is true. She ran off with one of his fighters down to Galveston and got hooked into the drug scene there. Runnin' 'em, not usin'. Smart girl, dirty job. The real Junior? Kansas City, Missouri. Lost his damn mind on opium. Can't get'em outta tha dens. He's in rehabilitation more often than not. And, in a few days, he's flying back home with a load of cash, and everyone knows he's gonna blow it all on hookers an' dope." Johnny grinned.

"And you, Mister Hyoudou, need to do nothing but bask in the cheap buy, and your golden chance in Philadelphia."

Almost as if an afterthought, Johnny held up his finger. "And, there's a care package on its way to Kansas City and Galveston for the kids already. Not gonna steal from them. They ain't the ones that fucked me over. So, everything that was -actually- promised to the kids in the will? Went to the kids. Funnily enough, the gym actually was in Junior's name upon death." Chuckling, Johnny smiled.

"So there ya have it, Hyoudou-sama. The real reason you own the gym and Jerry Wence is fucked for the rest of his life. Again, sorry you got caught up in the cross-fire."

"I could do plenty of those things, really, there's plenty of things to me here. I could sell it back to his daughter at a little rate of her cutting me into her dope game. I could very much keep the gym under my control, heh. That's very funny, no no, what I plan to do is different. Maybe remodel and not go into a fighting scene..."

Issei didn't know what he was the one that he could trust with this, the man had a skewed sense of honour. So Issei knew that maybe something could be done here, a little more business if he was a Pro and by the way he operated, there was no way it was alone in any sense of that word. 

He had a partner, a team of some kind, thinking, Issei knew that a team was always close. Baki and he had that system, even if most of the time, he seemed like the diplomat. Baki's input often landed him in some of the better sides of legitimacy that kept certain people away, it was why he was still standing. That and reputation. 

"Yet now...I actually want something from you, a plan, to make more money. I know you're not alone and you must be thinking: What the fuck is this guy on? That's reasonable to an extent. You didn't cross me, far from it. In fact, I would say that you were the one that is going to be giving me a brand new way of making money..."

Issei inhaled for a moment, blowing out clouds soon after that made him relaxed. He was calm, yet if Christ was smart, he already knew that changed like a coin toss. 

"I could care less about Jerry Sr or Jr, it's the daughter, smart indeed. You wouldn't just mention her for nothing, I'll talk about that another time, I want you with me. Your smarts for one, petrol, forged certificates, and a hell lot of money to be earned off the trade. We'd be making more money than the oldies back in the so-called roaring '20s..."

Issei knew his plan was a wild one, yet if Christ was willing, he would give the man some time. Of course, with financial backing, issei would provide that and make sure that all the officials got their cuts if they were able to make sure that this could work...something that would bring in an unforeseeable amount of money.

Of course, it rested with Christ, right now, Issei saw something in a potential partner. One that had a spark, one that didn't really seem to hide it but knew well enough to cut the act was the jig was up. He made his money, what was bad about making a little more, eh?

"Tell me, what do you know about the gas business? I spoke about it before, I think it could prove to be a profitable business. One that we could talk about another time, should you wish to think this over, friend."

Issei knocked back the bourbon, intending that to be single drink he would have for right now. He was not going to be taking himself to 'drunk city', yet knowing the man's answer could have been vital. The sheer thought of it, had anyone thought of it like that, he didn't know but he was willing to be prepared for this...