"Dammit!"
"Fratello?" replied a much quieter voice. "What's wrong?"
"Those damn bastards! Trying to move in on our turf, well it looks like we're just going to have to form this alliance, and fast," Lovino growled.
"Veh it'll be alright," his brother said trying to soothe him. "Why don't we go up to the bar and get some drinks."
Feliciano was referring to the speakeasy that was located above the headquarters of the Vargas Brothers Gang. From above their heads they could hear murmuring voices and the loud jazz music.
Lovino sighed. "You go up, there's one more phone call I gotta make."
Feliciano nodded and headed to the iron spiral staircase in the corner of the dimly lit room. Lovino picked up the receiver and carefully dialed the number. "Hello Francis, has our newest recruit made it to the rendezvous with the goods yet?"
"Non mon ami," the Frenchman replied. "It seems he hasn't yet crossed the border, but don't worry the hooch will be here soon. Besides we've got a pretty good driver out there."
"He's inexperienced," Lovino said flatly.
"No worries, Mattie isn't much of a risk taker. And if he runs into trouble he's got a gun," Francis said nonchalantly.
"But will he use it?" Lovino said frowning. On the other end of the line was silence. "That's just what I thought. When he reaches the rendezvous spot remind him of the position he is in, what he owes to us. I'd better go check on Feliciano and make sure he's not completely enamored with another dame. The last one was an odd bird, not that Feli isn't..but her, there was something wrong with her."
"Oh Lovino," Francis chuckled.
"What?"
"Quit being a wet blanket, you're in the greatest city on Earth where there are plenty of gals all dolled up to see you, so go have fun. And remember you're not in the middle of nowhere waiting for the shipment," Francis said seriously.
Lovino nodded, Francis was right he had a pretty good life. He was head of the mafia, had plenty of money, and a different girl on each arm every night if he chose. "I'll go have fun, and drink, happy now?"
"Only if you drink something for me- oooh and if you flirt with that doll we met last time for me, she had great gams-" Lovino hung up before he had to hear anymore of Francis's speech.
He ascended to spiral staircase to the dazzling world above. All around him he could smell liquor and cheap perfume. Standing by the nearest pillar was a tall woman Lovino recognized.
"Hiya Lovino," she said taking a sip of her gin cocktail. "That a new suit? The color looks smashing on you."
"Hey doll, been waiting long?" he asked with a smirk.
She just laughed. "With all these attractive men how could I get bored?"
Lovino just shook his head, "all you gals are alike. You only come around when you want something."
She pretended to be offended. "How could ya Lovino, you know me betta than that."
"What do ya want Bella?" he asked wearily.
"Nothin'," she pouted. "C'mon let's dance."
Lovino let himself be dragged into the sea of people. He looked towards the bar and found his brother encircled by a group of flappers. He returned his attention to his dance partner.
"Is it true you gonna join ranks with the Beilshmidt brothers?" she asked innocently looking up at him as they danced.
Lovino nodded.
"Wow, those guys are scary. I met one of 'em once. Don't remember which one though," she said with a laugh. "Why do ya need them anyways? Looks like you've got a pretty swingin' operation without them."
Lovino smiled in amusement. "You're not a business woman, Bella, you wouldn't understand."
She snorted. "Hell I wouldn't. C'mon Lovino, you can tell me."
"They have certain," he paused, "talents which we can make use of."
Bella grinned, "you're good to me Lovino. Always so sweet."
Lovino blushed. "Yeah yeah."
"Never took you for a shy one Lovino," she said flirtatiously, "I guess that's what the gals like about you."
Lovino swung his partner around the floor a few more times before leading her back to the center table. "I gotta make the rounds, be back shortly," Lovino said beginning to walk around his establishment.
The Domus Aurea was named after the Golden Palace of Nero, and it lived up to it's name. The vast hall had polished white marble floors, and highly vaulted ceilings. Originally the large hall had been an Italian restaurant. From the outside, the place looked abandoned, but every night, inside, it was just the opposite. The Domus Aurea was one of the largest speakeasies in the city.
"Hey, Lovino, this place is the bees knees," called a girl cheerfully. He nodded at her and continued to circle around.
Feliciano came up and approached his brother. "Having fun yet?"
"Maybe," muttered Lovino reluctantly.
Feliciano smiled. "Veh, I'm glad-"
Here their conversation was interrupted by two blonde flappers. They were nervously giggling and glancing at each other.
One of them spoke up, "are you boys the Vargas brothers?"
"Veh, we are. And what can we help you pretty dames with?" Feliciano asked sweetly.
They blushed and the nervous giggling increased. "My friend here, well her last date was a flat tire, and we was wondering if you two boys would like to buy us some drinks."
Feliciano glanced at his brother, than turned to the two girls. "Of course, for lovely dolls such as yourselves. Is this your first time here?"
He offered each girl an arm and lead the way, leaving no choice for Lovino but to follow behind. At the bar he was greeted with a smile.
"What can I getchya?" the bar tender asked.
"Whatever these dolls want, plus a Fallen Angel," Lovino said dryly.
"Feliciano?" asked the bartender.
"Oh you know me, Antonio, my usual will be fine," Feliciano said serenely.
The rest of the evening was like any other, the Vargas twins remained at the bar with a constant flow of women joining them. Soon it was time to close up, and in small groups the guests left. Antonio began walking around the room putting chairs up on the tables so the floor could be swept later that morning. In one corner he found a couple still making out.
"Bank's closed," he joked as he saw them out.
Antonio headed down to the large office that belonged to Lovino, where the safe was.
He found his boss lounging in his chair with his feet on his desk. His fedora was covering his eyes. "Did we make a decent amount?" Lovino asked seriously.
"More than decent," Antonio said with a smile. "Well I'm off."
"Hold up, do you want a ride? I was just about to head out myself-"
"Oh no thank you, I live on the other side of town and would hate to inconvenience you-"
"No inconvenience," Lovino assured.
"I'll be off," Antonio said hurriedly.
"Foolish bastard," Lovino muttered turning off the lights of his office as he headed to the now empty ballroom. He went through the back door to where his Black Chrysler Imperial had been parked. He climbed into it and tore through the almost empty streets of Manhattan to his penthouse.
((Here are some more introductions towards my story. Linearly this is after the last chapter, around 2-3 in the morning.))
Welcome to the Domus Aurea, we hope you enjoyed your time there. The managers of the Domus Aurea sincerely wish for you to write up a review of your evening with us. (If not, we break your knee caps...JK...or not, but seriously write a review or comment of anything!) ~T.W.o.W
