Scalise Warehousing & Transport

John was waived through the security gate and pulled into the courtyard of his newly acquired warehouse. It was early but the loading docks were already filled with men moving pallets and crates into position to be loaded onto trucks for the day. The sound of forklifts, men swearing and joking with each other, and trucks idling at the docks while they were loaded filled the air. As John approached the door he was recognized by one of the dock workers who nodded respectfully and immediately rushed off to get the foreman.

As he waited John looked around and noted with satisfaction that security was just the way he liked it – conspicuous and deadly looking. Two men patrolled the roof of the warehouse with rifles while a quick look around the grounds spotted at least 4 others walking the parameter with large Dobermans. This was in addition to the well-armed guard inside the reinforced gatehouse he had passed when entering the lot. Many might think that the security was a bit overboard for a trucking company, but John new better.

John was brought out of his thoughts by the approach of an older gentleman. The man had steel grey hair and piercing brown eyes that seemed to constantly take in his surroundings. While the man was a bit older – John would guess in his 50s – John new that he was still sturdy as an oak tree and trusted him greatly. The man, Alfonso, had worked for his father running a scrapyard in Vegas before Jimmy’s untimely death. John had found him and asked him to come to Detroit and run this business.

“Ah, John, how are you – I take it you wanted to see if our little project is working out the way you planned?” As he spoke he smirked slightly at John and then turning waived for him to follow. As they walked he continued: “The trucking business alone should bring in a decent amount for you, but it’s the ability to ship . . . special merchandise . . .   that will really have the dough flying in.”

As he listened John looked around the large warehouse that was filled with activity. Row after row of crates, pallets, and boxes filled the large room. Near the back he saw a small suite of offices – one of which he knew had his name on it as he was technically the President of the company, after all he had to explain the income somehow.

After a short walk they came to a large sliding bay door that was closed. Flanking both sides were large men with shotguns who nodded at Alfonso and opened the door. Seeing the room beyond John couldn’t help but smile. Men were quickly assembling large crates with “Auto Parts” stamped on the side of the containers.  

Looking at Alfonso John broke into a grin, “This really is an ingenious idea Alfonso – it was already great the way you did it in Vegas, but I think this will be even harder for the cops to spot.”

Moving over to one of the “completed” crates. The bottom of the crate was broken down into several slots just large enough to hold a variety of small arms ranging from pistols to rifles or shotguns. Alfonso then pointed to another crate that had already had the false bottom installed over the slots – inspecting it closely John wouldn’t have known it wasn’t the actual bottom if he hadn’t just seen proof that it was. He knew that some of the other crates were modified to be able to hold drugs or bottles of liquor.

Looking back at Alfonso he asked, “What about law enforcement? I doubt any cop on the road is going to suspect anything seeing these crates, but what about here or at the drop off locations?”

Chuckling softly Alfonso responded, “Well, if a cop can look at one of these crates on the road and figure out what is actually going on he deserves a medal. As for here, the local cops are being paid quite well to look the other way. The drop off locations will be responsible for their own security – but we will be sure to do our due diligence before shipping to make sure we aren’t walking into any traps.”

Nodding John thanked Alfonso for the tour and told him to get the operations started.

Mercedes had her driver pull over near the entrance to the truck yard. Visually, it looked exactly as a truck yard should. Employees were busy hustling about, loading or unloading containers of all shapes and sizes. Large trucks came and went as she watched. 

Clutching a contract proposal in one hand and a whisky box in the other, she found her way inside. A couple of security types recognized her and directed her to John's office inside. After passing through even more security measures (note to self, bring the Dobies a couple steaks next time), she found her way towards the back and rapped lightly on the closed door, hoping he was available.

John was sitting in his office sorting through the day's mail. He had to admit, this might only be a front operation but Alfonso had certainly set up a nice office for him. Sure, it wasn't anything super flashy but it had a comfortable sitting area that included an overstuffed leather love-seat and two matching chairs with a mahogany coffee table between them. On the wall next to the sitting area was a small bar with crystal decanters filled with scotch, bourbon, and gin and matching low ball glasses. His desk was a large mahogany executives desk that was currently covered with an assortment of junk mail, bills, and the days paper. In front of the desk were two leather straight backed chairs.

Hearing a knock on the door he walked over and opening the door saw Mercedes standing with a box in her arms. Waving her in he said,

"Mercedes! I'm glad you could make it. Go ahead and set the box down on the table their and have a seat" John motioned toward the sitting area, "Can I offer you something to drink?"

Smiling widely, Mercedes nods toward the box she's brought.

"I brought you some of the product. Feel free to break the seal," she says, trying to hide her pride in the quality.

"I think we could make some serious money if we put our heads together. I had Andrei draw up a proposal," she says, laying the paperwork on John's desk.

"Look it over, make any adjustments you see fit to. I've also included the names of a couple of...authoritative figures that will look the other way while we conduct business. 

"This arrangement is almost too good to be true. Nearly limitless potential for a huge variety of product being shipped nearly anywhere inside the United States. 

"I do believe we're going to get very rich, John," she says with a twinkle in her eye.

John smiled widely as Mercedes spoke. 

"I will look over the proposal with my foreman, Alfonso, but I am sure that everything is as it should be. With that in mind I would certainly say that this calls for a celebratory drink - and your product is certainly going to outstrip what I have on the shelf over there."

John popped the cork on one of the bottles of bourbon and poured out a healthy measure for Mercedes and himself. Handing her the glass he continued. 

"We have the local cops paid quite handsomely to look the other way - that combined with the individuals you have on board should go a long way to ensure we can profit without concern."

"As for the actual shipping I will be happy to show you the special crates that we have created, but suffice it to say that unless they see them built no one looking at them would be any the wiser on what they actually contain. The cops could remove every item in them and not find the special merchandise."

"Right now I have crates made to be able to ship booze, drugs, guns, or other small items. Anything beyond those we would need a few days to figure out the configuration but it still shouldn't be a problem."

Raising his glass toward Mercedes he finished

"Here's too a long and prosperous relationship, Salud"

John was sorting through his mail when he received a letter from Mercedes indicating that she needed a waterproof barrels of some kind. Thinking over the solution he immediately picked up his phone and requested that Alfonso join him. 

"Alfonso, I need you to get with the best container designers you have and figure out a way to make some of the barrels waterproof without making them so heavy our trucks can't haul a loan of em' when they are loaded with merchandise"

Alfonso sat thinking for a moment before his eye's lit up and he started to speak. "There are a couple of materials that I think will do the trick - we can create a lightweight aluminium outer container with rubber sealing. The aluminum isn't really strong enough to put stuff into it directly - and you wouldn't want to put alcohol in it as it would mess with the taste - but it's very light and when sealed properly won't let any liquid in or out."

Popping open one of the top quality bottles that Mercedes had provided to him John poured a glass and handed it off to Alfonso. "You've just earned yourself a bonus friend. I need to take a trip over to the distillery - enjoy your drink then start working with your designers to make these containers a reality. We will need barrels and crates so that we can ship anything necessary."

Not waiting for a reply and knowing that Alfonso would see the work done right Jimmy walked out of the office.

Several days later, a courier drops off a letter and a heavy envelope full of cash, addressed to John.

John, 

Your liners are working brilliantly. I've put several barrels to the test and the 'hardware' is making it all the way to the west coast, bone dry! I'll be using them from now on, and recommending them to everyone I know of that might be in need of special shipping needs. 

You're brilliant! I'll be sending over a barrel of single malt for you and your men to enjoy. 

Regards,

Mercedes 

Billie pulled up to the gate house slowly, flashing the guard inside a dazzling smile. "Good morning, I'm... um... I'm looking for John_Scalise_Jr . I... um... I was hoping to discuss business. I'll be more than happy to wait, if necessary." She smiled again, waiting. The guard gave her a funny look -- probably wondering who the hell she thought she was, just showing up like this -- but smiled and nodded anyway. "Right..." he said, turning away to reach for a wall phone mounted to one side. "I'll call and see if he's available, Ms....?" The guard trailed off. 

"Faegan. Billie Faegan," Billie chimed, adding, "Mercedes Kompressor recommended your company for innovative shipping solutions." The guard gave a knowing nod and phoned into the main office, "I have a lady at the gate by the name of Ms. Billie Faegan. Says Miss Kompressor sent her for some kinda business something or other." 

Billie waited patiently, praying Scalise was in and in a good mood.

John was just sitting down for his morning coffee and reading the newspaper when his phone rang. Taking another quick sip of his coffee he picked up the receiver: 

"This is John"

"I have a lady at the gate by the name of Ms. Billie Faegan. Says Miss Kompressor sent her for some kinda business something or other." 

Hearing that it was a friend of Mercedes come to check out their business John smiled and told the guard to let her through and to inform her that he would meet her at the front door so that he could show her around the place. 

Once he hung up John quickly checked his appearance in the small mirror near his door before quickly walking to the front of the warehouse to meet Billie.

Much to her surprise Billie was waved through the gate without question. While her driver parked the car, she made a mental note to send Mercedes some flowers and a thank you -- since it was their conversation at the Banya that got her here in the first place. Sliding from the backseat, she instructed the chauffeur to wait, with the car running. Hopefully this wouldn't take too terribly long.

Billie smoothed the front of her dress with a nervous sigh as she turned toward the front door. Trying to look as confident and self-assured as possible, she approached John with a meek smile, offering her hand as she greeted him. "Good morning, Mr. Scalise," she didn't bother formally introducing herself since the guards seemed to have done that for her already, "I'm terribly sorry for to drop in unannounced like this, and particularly for such an early morning visit. I do hope that my presence wont interrupt your regularly scheduled affairs?" 

Jimmy smiled and took Billie's hand shaking it lightly. 

"Good morning Ms. Faegan, please call me John. And don't worry, the only thing you are interrupting this morning is my commiserating over the Tigers abysmal performance last night."

As he spoke he indicated the door 

"Please, follow me and I'll show you around the place a bit as we discuss your shipping needs. Given that Mercedes directed you to our doorstep am I right in assuming that you are looking to ship . . . sensitive merchandise?"

Billie followed John's lead, seeming a little shy and hesitant. Hugging her clutch-purse to her chest she moved through the door, blinking for a few moments as her eyes adjusted to the contrast  in lighting. Waiting for him to lead the way, she chuckled as he mentioned 'merchandise'. It was an odd little sound; kind of awkward and sarcastic-ish at the same time. He wasn't exactly wrong in his assumption. In fact what she needed was extremely sensitive. She just wasn't sure how to go about launching such a conversation. Oh well. Best to just get on with it, she supposed. He was in the business. Surely very little would surprise him... she hoped. 

"Well, you would be at least partially correct. I'm looking to import? ...some very sensitive... um... cargo?" she posed the words like a question, as if she wasn't sure they fit. "Internationally. And under the radar, of course. But I don't know if the words 'ship' or 'merchandise' really apply in the traditional sense." She gave him a sheepish smile, chewing her bottom lip as she searched for words that were clear enough without sounding... well, horrible. She followed along behind him, paying careful attention to the tour as she continued her pitch.

"I'm not sure if you're equipped or willing to help with the kind of enterprise I have planned. But I thought, considering my relative lack of experience and your apparent expertise, that I would at least consult with your company -- and of course remain open to any and all suggestions or proposals. You see, I plan to enter the world of ethical trafficking. Human trafficking, to be clear; specifically women who don't qualify for traditional visas. I am in need of a cover for physically getting them here. And Mercedes mentioned that you have a particular talent for innovative solutions." 

She paused and gave one of those please-don't-judge-me kind of smiles, "Of course I am fully aware that this likely extends well outside your usual scope of practice. But we have the same heart, you and I -- this city. And I thought that if I could keep most of my business dealings localized, then all the better... assuming, of course, that you feel confident in designing and deploying such plan...?" Again the statement was posed as a question. 

"I already have contacts to handle all the other hang-ups. Scalise Warehousing & Transport would only be responsible for designing a covert and comfortable transportation... system?" ...was that even the right word?... "That could be employed as needed to bring human beings into the country -- preferably directly into the city -- with out the use of traditional means of international travel. And of course without being noticed or risking harm to the... passengers?" 

Damn it, this wording was really tricky. 

"Assuming that you're willing and able, I'm more than happy to pay any amount you deem fitting to cover investment, prototype, production and 'shipping,' " she used air quotes, "costs. As well as an additional something for the inherent risk involved." 

John nearly stopped in his tracks when he hear the words "human trafficking". He had certainly been involved in bringing in quite a few different types of cargo from all over the world, but this was something all together different. This lady didn't seem like the type to force people into slavery and he was pretty certain that Mercedes would send someone his way who was - but he had to be sure. 

Choosing his words carefully he began to reply, "Ms Faegan, I am a fairly open minded person and, frankly, I've been known to put ethics aside for a profit - but I do have my limits. I am willing to get together with my engineers and I am certain that we can find a comfortable and safe way for these women to make the trip undetected, however, I need some assurances before I can take part in good conscience."

Taking a relaxing breath John took out his cigarettes and lit one while offering one to Billie. Taking a deep drag he continued. 

"You seem to be concerned with their safety and comfort which is why I'm still talking to you - most slavers I have heard of don't care much about the comfort of their "product" John sneered a bit as he said the last word. 

"It's none of my business what you plan to do with these women once they arrive and I have no moral issues with ladies of pleasure or any other line of work as long as they are doing so by choice not force." 

"If you give me your word that anyone I am transporting is doing so of their own volition then I'll trust ya and I'll get to work figuring something out right away."

Billie accepted the cigarette with a smile, "You're a good man, John. Honestly, I wouldn't have continued this conversation if you hadn't shown some concern and reservation." She lit her cigarette and took a pause to inhale deeply before continuing, "Let me be very, very clear. I've no interest in being a 'slaver', as you put it. Kate and I have already agreed: anyone who chooses to work with me -- with me, not for me, mind you -- will do so by choice. She took another puff, exhaling a plume of smoke skyward.  "I seek to provide options and opportunity to people -- and I do see them as people, John, not product -- who would have very few otherwise. I want to provide a safe haven for women who would otherwise be fending for themselves in a very dangerous line of work -- the way I did once. I want to help them hone their trade, if that is their wish -- and only if that is their wish --  or find a different, better one. And if my family and my city can benefit because of it, then all the better." 

Finishing her cigarette she put it out on the sole of her shoe, but held on to the butt; not one to litter in someone else's business. "You have my word, on my blood and honour and on that of my family, anyone you help by helping me will have asked for and agreed to it... in no uncertain terms. I'll even sign on it, if that will put your mind at ease."

As Billie Spoke John smiled - he was very pleased with what he heard and was glad to hear that Billie seemed to be of the same mindset as he was. 

"Your word is good enough for me - you don't do what I do without knowing a few people and if Kate and Mercedes trust you then I certainly do."

Taking a final drag from his cigarette he put it out in a nearby ashtray and continued.

"I'll get my man Alfonso - he really is a godsend I tell ya - working on it with my engineers right away. I have some ideas bouncing around in my head but I want to run them by him first."

"Give me . . . let's say a week to get a design worked out and a prototype ready to show you. Once you approve the prototype I can have the real deals up and running within another week or so. Where is best to contact you when it's ready to be seen?"

Billie did an excited little happy dance. "You can reach me at Paragon Tower. I have a sweet on retainer there. If anyone asks you questions or gives you any lip just ask to speak to Noto directly, and tell him it's for me. He'll know what's up." She paused to think for a minute, "I'm going on a trip to Paris this week, so I'll be out of pocket for a few days; at least. No rush. And thank you for agreeing to do this." 

Billie offered her hand. "Handshakes are good business etiquette, right?" she asked with a goofy smile. 

Jimmy smiled again - he liked this gals spirit. Accepting her hand for a firm handshake he nodded. 

"Yes, yes they are. Have a wonderful trip and hopefully upon your return everything will be in line for what I expect will be a very prosperous business arrangement for all involved." 

"Shall I walk you to your car?"

Billie nodded, "Only if you'd like to, John," she smiled, "Otherwise, I'm quite capable of showing myself out if you need to get back to work."

"It would be quite rude of me to leave a business associate standing in the middle of my warehouse - and since we are sticking to good business etiquette I certainly would not want to be rude." John smirked a bit as he finished. 

"Right this way" So saying Jimmy began to walk back toward the entrance. 

"So, if it is not to intrusive of me to ask, what takes you to Paris - business, pleasure, or both?"

Billie chuckled, "Touché, Sir." She followed him back toward the entrance, her heels clicking rhythmically against the floor as she hurried to keep up. "A little of both, I suppose," she answered. "My... um... my..." she trailed off for a minute, suddenly realizing she was entirely unsure of the exact nature of her relationship status. "Mr. Noto arranged the trip for me. Amongst my other - more professional - business ventures, I am first and foremost an entertainer. Learned in Harlem. I often perform at the Tower and The Royal 313, but this week I get to do a small opening act at the Grand Guignol as a personal favour." She shrugged a little like it was no big deal. "I'll also be meeting several associates for serious business. And I'll be there with John... Mr. Noto... So.... yeah. I'd say a little of both." She laughed, her habit of rambling getting the better of her. 

Billie rolled her eyes at herself, "Listen to me. I swear, I'm the only Mafiosa I know who's such an open book. I'm sorry. Sometimes I just don't know when you shut it. Like, literally. I don't know. My brain didn't come with an off switch, I guess." Case in point. She smiled sheepishly and shrugged, trying not to show how silly she felt now because her mouth always seemed to get the better of her.