Carlotta and sal sit at one of the back tables of the small speak easy, hoping that Don Anastasia and the others show up.  It was rather rude to run off like that, but she was not sure whom to trust, feeling exposed and very concious of how much she was carrying. 

Carlotta pulled the brim of the hat until it shadowed the large, jagged scar on her face and neck, not totally hidden by her hair or her clothes.  She stirred her tea and waited.

Al stood there lost in thought for some time as the New York Boss watched the made woman depart. Tony's sardonic grin was not lost on Al. "We go back a long time Tony, but even I ain't buying all your selling tonight. I think maybe you just want NY to get a share of this deal, which is fair enough. But try to watch your step around mia famiglia." Al clapped Tony on the back. "I'd hate to have to shoot the man who just saved my life. Now, lets take your car and find our little gem runner."

The three men pile into the black coupe. They ride in silence except for the occasional order barked by Al. They soon arrive at a nondescript building, not a word is spoken as they exit the car and walk toward the entrance. The door is steel, Al looks to Tony and gestures. Tony stares at Al for a long minute before turning and kicking the door hard. It doesn't budge, instead a small slit is opened and a pair of bloodshot eyes peer out. "Che cosa volete?"

"The Secret of the rose." Tony and Alan look at each other in mock surprise. "Ooohhh, passwords." In unison. Al shoots them both a deadpan stare as the door opens. They walk in and spot Carlotta at a back table. "There she is, lets go sit down. Bartender 3 bourbons pronto." Al sits down and looks at the woman stirring her tea. "Looks like New York and New Orleans have a interest Carlotta, I think there is plenty to go around don't you? I think we can talk business now, that is if we are done playing hide and seek?"

Carlotta nods, I pray you will pardon me, but I have lost many friends to 'friends of friends' whom I did not expect, so I am a bit wary, especially since he is, Nessun amico di nostri, as the saying goes.  I do not know these men Don Anastasia, but you and I have met, and can do business.  You have seen for yourself what I have, and I was hoping that we can come to terms.  But just so that your friend understands...

Carlotta again taps the cane against a hard surface and with a flick-twist detaches the hidden pocket, sliding the small velvet bag onto the table before she returns the pocket to the closed position.  Sal shifts in his chair and leans closer to the table.  As she unrolls the small pouch, small, clear cut stones send rainbows onto the celing, and another dozen or so uncut stones glimmer dully.

She pulls a jewelers loupe from her pocket and passes it to Don anastasia.  We have places in bolivia, and the congo where we can get the stones, you have people in the trade I am sure who can certify them,  We can make a delivery of twice this size every six weeks.  We will also be able to get you colored stones of all types, and only the highest quality.

Tony looks around the room nervously as Carlotta dumps the diamonds on the table. He notices several other gangsters have seen them too.

Dear lady I am a little surprised by your behavior. Showing the merchandise in a public place? A somewhat lawless city besides? What do you think? AL runs LA?

Tony stands and looks at Alan and AL.

I'm don't know about you two, but I am not sure this is the kind of reckless individual I want to do business with!

Al chokes on his drink as Tony steps off the deep end. "What the fuck did you say?" He stands up to face the NY RHM. "What part of mia famiglia did you not understand? She ain't reckless, she is confident, so am I. Aww shit man, sit down and lets get the deal hammered out you fucking fuck." Al sits down and pulls out a notebook, then he looks at Tony and waits.

What the fuck! Look you ungrateful fuck! We go back a long ways, and it seems I'm always saving your ass because you deal with people like this! Look at this room full of people. You don't have a fucking clue who might be in here right now!

Tony sits down and slams his drink down, then Alans as well!

Al raises his eyebrows and opens his mouth incredulously. He slowly closes the notebook. "Saving my ass? HA! Now that is funny Tony. Who you saving my ass from bro? Look around you man, open your eyes. Everyone hears us, and yet there they sit like good little paper mobsters. There are no threats here, because first they have to grow a set of balls big enough to do something." He sneers at mobsters in the room. Then looks back to Tony. "I'll tell you what, lets seal this deal before some johnny come lately tries to shoot us down or something. I see it like this. Detroit takes 70% since Carlotta brings us this deal and Don Anastasia gets his cut. You two can have the other 30% of the interest divided how you see fit." Al looks around the table. "Pretty fair deal huh? Any objections?"

Having remained quiet for the duration of the exchange and, in fact, for the majority of the evening, Alan suddenly breaks his silence.

"Men, you can fight this one out amongst yourselves. Something smells fishy about this whole deal, and I'm steering clear of it."

With that, Alan gets up and quickly leaves, eyes constantly moving about the room as he looks for potential trouble. He glances back once again at the trio at the table, shakes his head, and leaves, never letting his hand drop from the butt of his revolver.

Con rispetto, I am no fool. Carlotta sat forward and shook her head.  I chose this place, because I know them and they know the people who sent me and my errand.  There is no one here that you need worry about save those I have already spoken of.

Two of the men at the next table sit forward prepared to jump to her defense.  These men here know Sal and myself, and those who are here now are members of respected families who know that they wager more than disrespect to try and hurt or rob me.  I am well insured, at least within these grounds.

Carlotta shifts uncomfortably.  So where did your associates learn their manners?  I would hope that they quickly learn from their first mistake. 

Are you gentlemen satisfied, or shall I pack in and tell those who sent me you are not interested?

Your deal sounds fair, but what will we do to keep this from being such a 'public' parade next time? I do not appreciate your friend's attitude and I pray there are no more such.

Carlotta looks around again.  The open disrespect shown to her still set her teeth on edge.

Will you be needing colored stones or shall we just keep it to diamonds for now? And when and where do you want the shipments?

Carlotta adjusted her cane.  one more thing, I pray you will find the one who turned you in.