Normally, someone like me doesn't pay someone like Nicky No-Socks a visit without an entourage in tow. Normally, a meeting is set up, with a predetermined location and time. But normally, I am not in such a good mood.

I enter the bar a few hours after sundown. I'm dressed in a black Gucci suit that easily costs more than this fucking dive makes in a month. I spare a tie, the top buttons of my shirt undone. This is as casual as I get.

Making my way through the gathering of lowlifes, I keep my eyes open for the man I have come to see.  

--Last edited by Alessio Giovanni on 2009-02-04 17:08:17 --

 There are a few heavy hitters at the doorways, but they step aside. They know your type and you seem to fit the bill for someone who knows the family and their business.

There is an older Italian guy with gray hair at the bar, polishing glasses. A few scattered tables with some card games going. Towards the back under a visible haze of cigarette smoke is two pool tables. One is empty, the other has a man that is just about six foot tall and a little over 200 pounds. He is wearing a black suit with a yellow shirt underneath. You can smell him as you start getting nearer, he always was a sweaty man and its only gotten worse with age. He has on some black and white shoes with his characteristic 'no socks'. He glances up at your approach and gives a terse nod, explaining that he will be with you in a second. At the moment a younger guy that has a huge nose seems to be the focus of his attention.

"I told you's that I was not to happy with all the bullshit. That I knew's you was taking that shit. Now I know's you can hear, ehh Tony? So you just don't fucking care, well now you will," as he breaks the cue stick across the back of the man.

2009-01-28 17:37:40 Nicky 'No Socks' rolls 7 dice to Break Cue Stick 2,7,10,8,2, 8,2,5 (4 successes)
2009-01-28 17:39:42 Cue stick damage rolls 8 dice to Cue Stick Damage 4,1,9,8,7, 3,7,5 (3 successes)

"Now you little mutha fucka, you betta start playing it straight or else I'll do that shit to your mother and I love my cousin so unless you want that to happen again, get fucking straight," as he shoves the man with the wounded back toward the bouncers.

He starts wiping any blood that had inadvertently sprayed upon him or his table, as he nods to Mr. Giovanni. "Yo Fat Eddy, give me two birra Peroni's."

At your approach he reaches out taking your hand and kissing the ring upon it,"Buonasera, Signor Giovanni how is your family?" trying to sound friendly. Its considered rude to get immediately down to business, it shows respect to ask about his family. Hopefully he will not need another trip to his restaurant to explain his displeasure.

Alessio keeps a neutral face through the entire exchange.

"Cambiano i suonatori ma la musica è sempre quella."

He takes a seat at the nearest table, gesturing for Nicky to sit as well.

"My cousin, Antonio, just moved to town. I'll make sure to introduce you."

He grins up at Nicky, his eyes belaying no amusement.

"So, I hear you helped my boy out of a thorn bush the other night..."  

--Last edited by Alessio Giovanni on 2009-01-29 01:34:22 --

"I am glad to hear that you are pleased, perhaps should something of some value pass through your hands it could end in mine, minus your cut of course," as Fat Eddy, whom is not so fat, comes over with two Italian beers and cigars. He places the tray on the table by your side and returns to the bar.

"A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man. I would be honored to meet Antonio, he is your cousin and thus a cousin of mine. We are blood and that is what keeps us separated from all the goombahs and mick's that come and go, we are family. I did have a request though, my daughter Isabelle is coming upon her 15th birthday and I wanted to draw upon the family so as to introduce her to what suitors are here. I would be indebted to you should you allow us the privilege of having this at Putanesca's," as he looks with hope that he may allow them to have a family gathering there. In all honesty he would only be allowed to have it at his house if Allesio refused, but he hopes it will not come to that, rifts and insults do not linger in families for long, especially where daughters are concerned.  

--Last edited by Nicky No Socks on 2009-01-29 11:12:42 --

Alessio relaxes in his chair, noding his approval as Nicky takes the seat across from him.

"It would honor me to host your daughter's birthday party. The children are our future."

He places his briefcase on the table, popping open the seals and removing a thick folder. He slides it across the table to his associate.

"As for this matter of you helping out my boy, it seems that I have business that may be of interest to you. We have entered into an arrangement with the city to reinvigorate some of the local landmarks. I know you have some friends in the construction industry and we had thought to seek their employment for this venture."

He closes his briefcase, returning it to his side. Taking his ease, he gives Nicky time to glance over the file, while we awaits his response.

 He smiles, knowing full well what Mr. Giovanni has in mind about these 'jobs'. He leafs through the files and contracts, remembering exactly which of the locals he has his hands in. Yeah this is perfect.

"I believe we could handle this boss, just let me know what needs doing and I can make certain that we have some made men on the sites to see that it is taken care of," though he knows something like this is never for free. "What do I owe you for this gift which you have bestowed upon myself and the family?"

Alessio leans back, contemplating for a moment. He holds his hands palm to palm, tapping the tips of his fingers together.

"I have several concerns on my plate as of late, but I am hoping they will be taken care of without the need for outside intervention... So for now, we will leave it at that... But I will call on you soon enough, once I see how the dice fall."

He rises from the table making it clear that the meeting is at an end. Nicky, being a wise man, catches the cue, rising as well. Alessio embraces him, placing a kiss on either cheek.

"I will see you soon, no?"

The question is obviously rhetorical. He grins, patting Nick affectionately on the cheek, before turning and making his way out of the bar.

 He accepts the kisses, giving his as well. He keeps his eyes down, as a sign of Mr. Giovanni's dominance in the family. He watches the man start toward the door.

"Sure thing boss, anytime," with a look to his goons scattered about. They had always thought he was at the top, now they had seen someone higher and that always boded well. If they screwed up and thought that killing him would clear up the error knowing there were others helped dissuade anyone that had an itchy finger.