Realistic or Modern Organized Crime

[No More Pretending]

"Alex suggested I take a look at Cuban cigars, I'd really like to know more about the different types and your preferences, if that's alright?" She smiled. "Is just like to be well-informed."

 

[Zemfro]

"Of course madam. To start off we have our very best Habanos, a smooth feeling cigar that will leave you feeling much more relaxed with a lovely aftertaste." he pointed to the display case that was filled with the cigars most of it looking straight while other looked fatter, "These are Perfefto. They are much the same but have much more taste when it comes to the thicker part. Then we have Cubatabaco, a much more potent taste that will leave your father feeling much more alert and on point." he nods to the display case adjacent to the case he showed before.

 

[No More Pretending]

"Definitely not the latter, then. We need him relaxed for the news we're going to give him." She laughed her heavenly laugh. "The Perfefto, please."

 

[Zemfro]

"Of course madam. Although depending on the situation it may need more than one. Possibly a box is in the works." he says as he opened up the display case. "If I may be so bold to ask, what is the situation?"

 

[No More Pretending]

She shuffled a foot. "Alex here is going to ask my dad for his blessing," she blushed. "And I'm gonna drop the bombshell that I've got a bun in the oven. So, quite a lot."

 

[Zemfro]

His eyebrows shot up, "Mr. Martinez?" he huffed, "E-excuse me." he says clearing his voice, "I'd recommend a box and maybe one of Mr. Martinez's finest drinks..." he nods, taking the box of cigars and taking it to the counter.

"...And we can't do anything against them! While you're the only boss I know, at least you give back to the community." Anton grunted. Both of them were in the back talking about buisness.

"Shall I wrap this for you, madam?" the clerk says softly.

 

[No More Pretending]

She nodded. "That would be very nice of you, thank you." She looked about. "How long do you think they are going to be?"

 

[Zemfro]

"It's unclear to me at the moment, but I think its about the hostile take over. I'm sure you're well aware of Mr. Martinez's position in this world. We pay him for protection. Although we're getting more threats to go under the protection of another gang down west, something like....Oracle." he nods slowly as he wraps up the gift.

 

[No More Pretending]

She frowned. "Well, pardon my French, but that's a bunch of chickenshit if you ask me. We're tougher than an armadillo's back. And we just got out of a tussle with another gang. We're not scared to fight."

 

[Zemfro]

He smiled softly, "I can see why Alex is so fond or you Ms. O'Brien." he says while giving her the wrapped box of cigars, "You can go throuh the back if you wish." he nodded to her, "Thank you for visiting." he says as he walks off to go about the store.

In the back Alex sat there with a glass of whisky as did Anton, "What should we do?" Anton says softly.

Alex sat there, looking into his hands as he just pats his knee, "We continue to protect you and if they have anything to say they'll come through us." he nods. "You're family Anton, we cover each other's backs."

 

[No More Pretending]

"It's been a pleasure speaking with you, sir." She walked back, looking over at Alex. "Sorry to interrupt the conversation darlings, but I've gotten what I need."

 

[Zemfro]

He smiled at Lynn, "Please. You're perfectly fine." he nodded and rose up slowly with the help of his cane, "We've got some more shopping to do. And as for your pay for this week Anton...keep it. Actually let me talk to my other half, seeing as how she was the boss for a day and handled things exceptionally well." he says walking over to her, "Let them keep it or have them pay for this month's dues?"

 

[No More Pretending]

"Let them keep it of course. Like you said, they're family, and from what I've seen," she looked over at Anton. "You and your staff are loyal and speak your minds. I like that. That merits the occasional favor, don't you think, sweetheart?" She wrapped her arms around Alex's free one. "Look at how well he wrapped the box. I've never touched a cigar and he talked to me about each type. It's a really nice place." She smiled. "There's no way daddy is gonna be up in arms after cracking this box open and catching a whiff of these Perfeftos!"

 

[Zemfro]

He laughed and nodded, "Buy yourself something nice, as well as that clerk of yours. Good kid from what it seems." he nodded and walked out.

"You're both far too kind. Thank you, I'll be sure to spend this months bill correctly." Anton nodded and waved them off.

Alex smiled to the clerk to which he bowed his head respectively. Once on the street he stretched, "I'm so young yet I feel so old with these wounds." he gave a small chuckle, "So boss, how about we get you something that means more than that rock on your finger?"

 

[No More Pretending]

"Sounds like a grand idea." She smiled at him. "If you don't mind, would you keep it with you so I don't end up wearing it to dinner with daddy before you ask him?"

 

[Zemfro]

"Of course of course. Don't want him to kick my ass to early." he huffed as he started to make his way over to the jewelry store, "Oh right we need to get him something else, I don't think he'd be too happy about a new hat to be honest." he sighed.

 

[No More Pretending]

"What about a nice bottle of your liquor?" She suggested.

 

[Zemfro]

He nodded, "We can do that sure...we just need another alibi as to where I managed to get my hands on one of the most wanted drinks in this town." He chuckled. Entering a jewelry store, the owner of course welcoming them warmly, "Ah and what do we have here? A lovely...." he stops hinself as he looks st the two, "couple..." he says looking between the two of them, namely at Alex, "How can I help you?" He says in a different tone.

 

[No More Pretending]

She paused, gripping Alex's hand. "We were going to buy a new ring," she looked over at Alex. "But we can leave if our business isn't wanted."

 

[Zemfro]

The manager scoffed, "No...its fine. Go ahead, take a look around." he says before walking back to the counter, crossing his arms and watching them closely.

 

[No More Pretending]

She looked over at him, then back at Alex, sighing softly and looking over the rings. "I don't know who stole from you, but I don't like the attitude. If you don't want our money, just say so. This store just means a lot to me." She looked up at him, giving him a smile. "My father bought my mother her wedding ring here." She looked over them. "It was a cushion-cut sapphire with two diamonds on either side. The setting was sterling silver... Engraved... 'My love for you is written in stone.' Isn't that the most beautiful ring ever described, Al?" She looked back at her fiancé. "Mom loved that ring so dearly..."

 

[Zemfro]

He hobbled towards her and kissed her forehead, "It sounds lovely, darling." he says with a smile. His eyes glancing over the case filled with rings, necklesses, and earrings.

The manager simply scoffed once more, "I bet it'd mean much more when it comes from someone who is better for you. Not something like...him." he says locking eyes with Alex. She could see what Alex was doing. While he was calm, he was marking him, taking note of his face, height and voice.

 

[No More Pretending]

She looked up at him. "Someone, sir, who has laid down his life for me. Someone, sir, who has hurt me much less than those with our complexion. someONE, SIR, who brought me out for a new engagement ring and gifts for my family just because he felt like it and who wants to provide me with every ounce of happiness I can enjoy. If you are so concerned about who I love, I suggest opening a matchmaking parlor in your basement. I'm sorry you disapprove, but can you show me how my happiness means less than your ideas of what a young Irish woman ought to do? Would you rather I find another Irishman who is addicted to the drink and stumbles home from speakeasies at three in the morning to beat me and the five children I have from him that can hardly eat a good meal black and blue until we're crying for the lord's mercy? Simply for the fact he's one of my own ethnicity?" Sure, the man beside her had a plan for later, but she did develop a habit for speaking her mind. "I just want to be happy, sir. I'm sorry for wasting your time."

 

[Zemfro]

He simply shook his head throughout her speech, "I think its time for you two to leave." He said coldly, his eyes locking with hers now.

Alex nodded, "Cmon...I think I know a few other spots for us. There's more than one store, hun." he says resting a hand on her shoulder lightly. "Besides, I don't think this place will be under the same management for much longer." he says with a smile, holding her hand as he escorted her out.

 

[No More Pretending]

"I don't think I want a ring anymore, darling. Not today." She squeezed his hand.