Capítulo 26: Chapter 26: An Interesting Proposal
"Oh god my head~"
Ricky woke up on a plush mattress, surrounded by bottles as he rubbed his tired eyes and took a moment to survey his surroundings.
Eventually, he stumbled off the mattress with the bottles clinking around and made his way to the door, opening it to reveal Booker and his family.
"Looks like you recovered." Booker laughed along with two older people as they watched hysterically while Lucky stumbled over to the open seat.
"Where am I, what happened?" Ricky asked while covering his head in his arms as the scent of bacon and eggs flooded his nostrils.
"PUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The old man cracked up hysterically forcing Ricky to cover his ears before the old woman hit the old man's shoulder.
"Can't ya see the poor boy is hurting!" The old woman started beating the man as he held up hands of surender.
"God dammit woman, I get it!" The man held up his arms to stop it.
"Slick, this is my pops Louis Rhodes and the angel right next to him is my mama Marie Rhodes." Booker happily introduced his parents to Ricky who waved.
"Ricky Luciano, but you can call me Slick." Ricky introduced himself as they nodded.
"We know sweet thing, in fact, almost everyone in Harlem knows who you are after what you did." Marie grabbed Ricky's hand with a gracious gaze as Ricky raised an eyebrow.
*DING*
'Nope.' Ricky thought Marie wasn't entirely out of his age range but the face didn't do it for him.
"Yeah I don't remember a single thing, refresh my memory about what I said?" Ricky asked, scratching his head in confusion while Louis sighed heavily as both Booker and Marie cracked up in laughter.
"Damn white boys, always making me lose my money." Louis clicked his tongue, fiddling through his pocket while looking at Ricky raised an eyebrow.
"I ain't nothing against you Slick, but I didn't think you'd be so kind even when you were sober." Louis handed some change to both Booker and Marie as they pocketed it, indicating there was some bet taking place.
'This is kind?' Ricky thought to himself, leaning back in his chair.
"It's fine, so what happened last night?" Ricky asked, seeing Booker patted his shoulder.
"Slick, you've been on a drunken bender for not just a night but for the last two days." Booker informed Ricky who became slack jawed.
"You're kidding." Ricky said incredulously since hadn't had a bender like that in a while.
"If I was in yer shoes I wouldn't believe his black ass either but I ain't no fool, everyone saw and heard what you did." Louis took a bite of bacon, a little grumpy from losing his money before telling Ricky, currently rubbing his head as if that would help him remember.
"Here honey, this will help the hangover." A woman walked over and placed a plate of food as well as a drink beside it.
"Oh Slick, this is my wife Tania Rhodes." Booker introduced as Tania smiled appreciatively at him before going over to kiss Booker's cheek.
"Don't forget to tell him, alright." Tania whispered as Booker adjusted his collar before looking at Ricky eating.
"Alright, I'll start at the beginning."
*Booker First Person POV Of Ricky*
After being sent off following the incident with the Irishmen, I returned about an hour later to find you drinking with some of your family at the bar.
The night progressed until some of the white patrons walked up to you, the new owner, with some complaints.
From what I heard from second hand whispers, they started to complain about some of the blacks coming near their white only section.
However instead of hearing them out, you ignored them until they voiced their complaints louder until you punched one of them after they laid a hand on your shoulder.
What I witnessed next shocked not only me but also your friends since after you beat the snot out of him, you stormed out of the club, only to return somehow with a sledgehammer.
You proceeded to smash all the "white" and "black only" signs while screaming, "BLACKS AND WHITES, IT DON'T MATTER CAUSE YOU'LL BOTH GIVE ME YOUR MONEY!"
At first, I thought you were gonna rob my ass, but color me white and put me in the suburbs as you actually got rid of Owney's 'White Only' policy at the Cotton Club out of pure spite.
I mean, The Cotton Club was originally brought up by Jack Johnson, but those two fire crotches forced him to sell.
But when you started charging not only whites but also letting us blacks in and taking our money, I swear it made me tear up and—
"Alright, alright, I get it. You're thankful, but just get to the f*cking story and why I'm here," Ricky interrupted, stopping Booker's brown-nosing and making him get straight to the point.
*Ahem*
Apologies. Anyhow, you mixed the crowd, which caused clear dissatisfaction with the white patrons.
However, now that you owned all of Owney's nightclubs, you also owned the Stork Club.
So when countless white patrons continued to come over to your section and complained, you became completely angered and said, and I quote, to a disgruntled white boy,
"GO TO THE F*CKING STORK CLUB, B*TCH." Then you spit in his face before jugging another bottle.
Well, needless to say, they did, and only a handful of whites made up the club before the word spread.
However, you weren't simply done since you paid me forty dollars to drive you around the rest of the night, though you continued to drink heavily.
I think it was around midday when you passed out on top of a table at a nearby deli shop and when the owner complained, I promptly told him who you were and he quieted down.
Your friends were also passed out next to you, but unlike you they were having a harder time keeping up with your drinking habits.
A couple of hours later, you woke up and started throwing up which seemed to breathe life into your tired being, and you started parading down the street with only a pair of pants.
You kept grabbing bottles of alcohol and challenging random people to have a drinking competition with you.
However, you usually scared them off and after a while of drinking alone, you started throwing up once more before falling flat on your face.
*Booker First Person POV Of Ricky END*
"Then you passed out so I took you here and let you sleep in the master bedroom." Booker notified him as he nodded while patting his shoulder.
"Well thanks Booker, if you ever need something then all you need to do is ask." Ricky gave him a stern handshake as a reward, gobbling up the rest of the eggs before downing the hangover drink.
"Whoa, that's good." Ricky became surprised at the hangover cure and Tania promptly walked over to fill his plate and give him a refill.
"Slick, if I may, my HUSBAND actually does want something." Tania raised her eyebrows while refilling Ricky's plate.
"U-U-U-U-Uh t-t-t-the thing is I-I-I-I-I-"
"My boy wants to headline at the Cotton club, Slick." Louis shook his head and finished for him as Booker shut his mouth.
"Sure why not." Ricky shrugged while easily offering the coveted spot as Booker showed an enthusiastic smile.
"SLICK I PROMISE I WON'T LET YA DOWN, I'LL BECOME THE BIGGEST TRUMPET PLAYER THAT EVEN LOUIE CAN'T COMPARE TO!" Booker jumped to his feet as Tania hugged him in congratulations.
*Knock*
*Knock*
Two polite knocks sounded on the door, piquing Booker's curiosity as he glanced at the door, momentarily puzzled, before recalling Ricky's expected arrival.
When Booker opened the door, he was surprised to find not a white Italian man, as he had anticipated, but a black man and a woman standing before him.
"Booker Rhodes, correct?" The lavishly dressed black woman asked with a charming smile as Booker's eyes widened.
"M-M-M-M-Madame St. Clair." Booker stuttered out upon seeing the infamous women who gripped Harlem by her delicate hands.
"The one and only." Madame St. Clair smiled as an intimidating man pushed him backwards before gesturing for her to come in.
"Oh Bumpy, be gentle." Madame strolled in while Ricky watched without a care in the world.
"Yes Madam." Bumpy respectfully answered as she walked in front of Ricky before holding out her hand.
"Madame St. Clair, Ricky 'Slick' Luciano I presume?" Madame asked without even the slightest inkling that he would actually shake her hand until he took it with a charming smile.
"The one and only." Ricky winked before kissing her hand which made her raise a curious eyebrow.
*Ding*
[Mission received: Madame St. Clair
Difficulty: Medium
Character Sheet: B
Description: Stephanie St. Clair aka Madame St. Clair is one of, if not the most, notorious individual in the entirety of Harlem and is well respected. Her underground and activist activities keep her busy which has made relationships almost impossible.
Objective: Fill her lonely womb with a plentiful serving which will knock her up.
Missions Received:
Impregnante Madame Once:
Rewards: 200 Gacha or The choice of Madame's skills
Impregnate Madame Twice:
Rewards: ?????????
Additional Missions:
Cum inside Madame after she bears her soul to you(Incomplete)
Reward: Epic Grade skill coupon
Have Madame accept you into her heart(Incomplete)
Reward: +7 Dexterity
Bonus Missions:
?????????????
?????????????
?????????????
?????????????
[Do you wish to accept this task Y/N]
'Oh yeah.'
"You have presumed correctly." Ricky winked at her as they sat down in front of each other.
"So what's a pretty young thing like you doing before my eyes?" Ricky boldly stated, showing a sleazy smile which made Madame smile widely while Bumpy frowned.
"You'll talk to Madame in respect-" Bumpy walked forward, reaching to his side in an intimidating manner.
"Bumpy, easy." Madame held up her hand, Bumpy halting at it but instead of being afraid, Ricky laughed hysterically.
"May I ask what is so funny, Slick?" Madame asked curiously, knowing that he was defenseless in this situation and shouldn't be antagonizing them unless he had something up his sleeve.
"It wouldn't work anyways." Ricky yawned, leaning back in his seat and spreading his arms which made Bumpy scoff.
"Mr. Luciano-" Madame scrunched her eyebrows at his boldness.
"Call me Slick darling." Ricky winked at Madame who rolled her eyes but with a smile.
"Alright SLICK, do you think you're bulletproof?" Madame asked, watching Ricky wipe his mouth before standing up.
"Kind of?" Ricky tilted his head while thinking about his power, walking over to the side and putting his plate in the sink.
"Do you paint me as a fool?" Madame frowned at this statement, her mind unable to comprehend a human as bulletproof.
"No, I'd prefer to paint you nude." Ricky never skipped a beat with any chance to hit on her as she rolled her eyes, used to these statements at this point.
"Hmm, when I came here I thought you were something, but it seems that it was a whole lot of misplaced nothing." Madame stood up, thinking that Ricky was too full of himself to the point he was delusional.
"Ouch, my heart~" Ricky held his chest, stumbling from his chair and over to the side as if she had stabbed him right where it hurts.
"Why do the prettiest girls say the cruelest things?" Ricky looked at Madame, who was shaking her head at his overdramatic antics.
*Sigh*
"Slick, I really thought you were someone who had the power and compassion to listen to my proposal, but I can see that you have one and have yet to acquire the other." Madame rudely insulted Ricky right to his face as he laughed at this before standing up.
"I have compassion, I can also be gentle-" Ricky didn't miss this chance to hit on Madame, walking over to her only to see Bumpy step in front of him.
"You'd do well to watch yourself, Slick." Bumpy was a little taller than Ricky but instead of seeing hesitation, Ricky simply laughed in his face.
"Consider my timbers shivered." Ricky waved his hands as if he were scared, but the mocking smile on his face said otherwise.
"Slick, please do not provoke Bumpy-"
"Or what, is he gonna cry? Is he gonna throw a little tantrum and call his mommy? Maybe he'll write a little sad song about it on his little ukulele." Ricky played an air ukulele, provoking him even further.
"Slick, stop." Madame warned but Ricky simply wouldn't stop his laughter.
"Oh you want to punch me so bad, I can just see it on your face." Ricky nodded to himself but Bumpy held his composure, until Ricky noticed something.
Reaching over to Madame, Bumpy positioned himself in the way but instead of simply carrying out the duties of hired muscle, he bore a look of genuine anger.
"Wait a minute, you're totally in love with her, aren't you?" Ricky asked, Bumpy breath becoming stiff as everyone froze.
"Slick-" Madame immediately saw the look of red flash throughout Bumpy's eyes and tried to halt this situation.
"What I feel for Madame is simply genuine respect, what she has done for this community and Harlem as a whole is-"
"The reason you love her?" Ricky interrupted him once again, Booker grabbing Tania along with his parents and moving them farther away.
"Boy, you best watch that mouth of yours." Bumpy warned, shaking in actual anger but Ricky actually had a method to the madness and Madame actually started to realize it.
"Bumpy, calm yourself he's-"
"So you wouldn't mind if I take Madame out for a spin?" Ricky asked the words that made Bumpy's ears start to ring, his hand moving to his waist even at Madame's strong discouragement.
"I mean it'll be out of respect at first, but if your wondering about later then I'll try to be to treat her gentle-"
"YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH WHITE BOY!" Bumpy yelled, grabbing his pistol from his waist and pointing it at Ricky.
"BUMPY, STOP IT NOW!" Madame ordered Bumpy, though they were both in their own little world now.
"Come on, do it, grow back the balls taken and jarred by the hot piece of ass behind you-"
*BANG*
Bumpy pulled the trigger, everyone breath leaving their being as time slowed down while the bullet crossed the short distance between them.
*Dink*
The bullet collided with itself in midair, tumbling slowly to the ground before skidding across the floor.
"By the nipples of Mother Mary." Louis whispered out, his wife too shocked to slap him across his head at this moment.
"Tada~" Ricky waved his hands, sparking everyone from their frozen manner until Bumpy took a step back.
"Your the-the-the-"
"Grinch-"
"Devil." Bumpy finished his own words which made Ricky nod his head.
"And you say I didn't have any compassion, pot calling the kettle black right about now." Ricky snickered, reaching down and grabbing the bullet casing on the ground.
"You're a mutant." Madame calmly revealed to everyone though her heart and mind were racing.
"Surprise~" Ricky laughed, sitting back down while gazing at the bullet casing.
Madame was taken aback, though everything she had heard and studied about him suddenly made sense.
The prevailing rumor, which had seemed exaggerated beyond belief that Ricky could have eliminated the leaders of the Five Point Gang, now struck her as entirely plausible.
'Wait, didn't he kill them in such a gruesome manner-'
"Are you wondering why you're still alive?" Ricky asked Madame, seeing her thinking to herself.
"Compassion~" Ricky reverberated her own words from earlier which made Madame raise an eyebrow.
"Now sit down so we can continue where you rudely stopped our earlier conversation." Ricky gestured, Madame thinking for a moment but sitting back down.
"Before we start, may I ask if you truly think you have all the leverage?" Madame asked, leaning onto the table and Ricky simply smiled.
"And what makes you think that I don't?" Ricky decided to bite on her train of thought as she smiled lightly.
"What's to stop me from leaving here and spreading the fact that the prized heir to the Luciano crime family is a mutant?" Madame asked curiously, aware that while the Luciano family tolerated mutants, she understood that other Italian mobs were not entirely accepting.
"Because if you do, Harlem will burn." Ricky revealed his smile, Madame trying to keep a calm expression but he could see how his words reflected it.
"You saw what our family did to the Irish mob, we burned EVERYTHING and if you think we won't do the same to your little community, then I guess I'm not the only idiot here." Ricky's smile extended while Madame shortened.
"You're bluffing."
"Alright, say I am, say you go on spouting that Ricky Luciano is a mutant to all of New York." Ricky spread out his arms to show a bigger picture.
"Who would believe you, who in this city would ever write an article with the only witnesses either on my payroll or the both of you." Ricky gestured to Booker who would have to keep his mouth shut before flipping the narrative onto them.
"Level with me, do you think any white man would believe a black woman trying to persecute an innocent young man like myself?" Ricky highlighted the unjust situation they were in until he held up the bullet casing to clinch the deal.
"And when I bring this bullet casing to the pigs on my fathers payroll, they won't only lock you away but tear everything you've ever built to the ground." Ricky waved the bullet casing in front of the stoic Madame calmly listening to his threats.
"Everything you mean to this community, to little Bumpy over, and all the good you've done up until now won't have mattered since it would all be ruined." Ricky snickered, Bumpy standing helplessly to the side with a guilty expression to the side at the position he had put Madame in.
"I first believe an apology is in order for not only the way my associate acted, but how I conducted myself." Madame promptly apologized, Ricky curiously watching to see what she would respond to his clear threats.
"Slick, I believe we got off onto the wrong foot and I'd like to start over if you wouldn't mind." Madame regained her bearing, knowing where she stood almost immediately as Ricky laughed but shrugged.
"My words were entirely wrong and I not only see the power you hold now, but the compassion I was looking for and would ask for you to graciously overlook my previous ignorance." Madame understood that this situation was delicate yet potentially highly profitable, as her original intentions for coming here could still be realized.
"Sure, why not." Ricky honestly wasn't mad in the least and really didn't care that Bumpy shot him since he provoked him in the first place.
However, there was a reason Madame had come here, and after seeing even Booker recognize her, Ricky genuinely wanted to know what she wanted from him.
Which is what he would tell others but in the shameless reality he found himself in, he simply wanted to ogle at her for a little while longer.
Madame's fair, slim features accentuated her seductive allure, but it was her confidence that captivated Ricky, making it impossible for him to look away.
Her hazel eyes locked onto his, framed by black hair that curled delicately at the ends with a smile that made anyone's heart bubble.
"As you might know, I had a deal with Owney and-"
"Honestly Madame, I don't even remember getting here much less a conversation you had with the guy I shot, and before you say anything else, keep in mind I don't know jack sh*t about Harlem." Ricky interrupted Madame who opened her mouth before closing it, reassessing the matter at hand.
"I think it would be best to say what it is you want from Harlem before going forward." Madame gave the floor to Ricky who nodded.
"I'm going to use those clubs to clean my money, plain and simple." Ricky bluntly told his ambitions to this woman he had just barely met.
"And before we go onto this needless ramble about the color of peoples skin, I really couldn't care less if you're purple or french since the only color I care about is green." Ricky halted any further odd conversations since Booker had alreayd made him bored of these situations.
'French?' Booker thought from the side, looking over to his family only to his father nodding his head.
"Amen." Louis tapped his heart, Booker tried to play off the signaifinace but completely didn't understand what he meant by his words.
Madame smirking at his words, utterly amused by Ricky's background and character while leaning back in her chair.
"I see." Madame rubbed her chin while constantly looking at Ricky with a smile.
"You really don't care that I'm black do you?" Madame genuinely asked with an amused expression as Ricky shrugged.
"Not really no." Ricky replied honestly which even made Bumpy feel a little weird since the most racist group of white men in the city were the jews and Italians, at least to his perception.
"Wow, you're like a unicorn." Madame rested her head on her gloved hand, gazing at Ricky with fascination as he waved his glass, prompting Tania to walk over and fill it.
"Trust me Madame, I was the same way at first but it's the truth, this might be the only mobster to really not see color." Tania gestured to Madame who giggled at her words as she interlaced her fingers in front of her.
"Slick, do you want to know a way you can not only clean your money but also make a boatload of it?" Madame sought to intrigue Ricky which she did as he took two gulps of the hangover cure.
"Hit me, I always want to make money." Ricky motioned for her to start as Madame let out an excited smile.
"Start a bank and let black people deposit as well as take loans." Madame was very enthusiastic as she saw the perfect opportunity right in front of her.
Madame St. Clair is one of, if not the most, noxious black woman in Harlem due to the game known as the 'Numbers Game'.
St. Clair is involved in policy banking, which for her was a mixture of investing, gambling, and playing the lottery.
Many banks at this time would not accept black customers, so they were not able to invest and deposit legally.
Policy banking wasn't technically legal, but it was one of the few options offered to black Harlem residents who wished to invest their money.
It was also a predominantly Black industry which allowed many bankers to have a sense of agency that would not be possible in white-dominated fields and in this way, St. Clair used the underground economy in Harlem to address race politics.
"Ha!" Ricky thought this was the funniest thing ever as Madame waited for him to finish.
"Isn't that illegal-" Ricky suddenly thought, thinking he had heard their was a law aganist it.
"It is only frowned upon, not illegal." Madame quickly corrected making Ricky tilt his head before taking another sip of his drink.
While there were no explicit laws prohibiting black people from banking, in this time they faced significant obstacles due to discriminatory practices by banks and limited access to financial services.
Many banks refused to serve black customers, making it extremely challenging for them to open accounts, access loans, or participate fully in the financial system but also opened up a peculiar opportunity.
"Alright I'll bite, elaborate." Ricky leaned back in his chair as Bumpy was speechless as Madame moved her chair right next to him with an eager smile.
"There is so much profit to be had in a bank that loans out to black folks like ourselves, the days of us being slaves are over, and we make money just like any white man or woman but at the same time, also require the same thing to hold it." Madame quickly started her sales pitch since this might be her only chance to do something that would be unthinkable for their era.
"But instead of banks, many black folks hold their savings in tubesocks, floorboards, and mattresses, which could be safely stored in a bank for a small fee." Madame continued, indicating that other banks were indifferent due to various reasons.
Madame explained to Ricky how the banking industries labeled many black areas and neighborhoods as 'hazardous' and would outright refuse not only black loans but black business loans.
However, this also created an untapped market, as there wasn't a single bank in the area, prompting many black people to engage in the numbers game as a means of accessing financial resources.
The irony was that Madame made a substantial amount of money through the numbers game which had labeled her a crime boss.
But despite her outward persona as a criminal boss, she was inwardly an activist, a true civil rights activist.
"You do know that the mob already has a bank, right?" Ricky shook his head, but Madame quickly sought to dissuade his current through process.
"It wouldn't be structured as a mob bank but would be presented as a bank for all." Madame corrected as Ricky pursed his lips.
"You don't have to make a decision now-" Madame felt nervous, knowing that this idea was going to be shot down and sought to reach a different angle.
"Why not." Ricky shrugged as he stood up along with Madame.
"Pardon?" Madame thought she heard wrong as Ricky started walking towards the door.
"Listen, I'm all for cleaning money but with the current depression, banks are popping up and dying off just as fast." Ricky shook his head, knowing how fragile the banking industry was at the moment.
"But it doesn't matter if you've convinced me since you'll have to convince my pops." Ricky then handed the glass to Tania over at the side.
"However, if you really are dead set on this then follow me." Ricky gestured, his throbbing headache now reduced to a minor annoyance, and decided to bring this intriguing proposal to his father, Lucky.
"A-Are you serious Slick, please don't josh me about something like this." Madame quickly rushed in her high heels after Slick who chuckled.
"Yeah I wouldn't lie, you got a car around here-"
"YES-"
*AHEM*
"I mean yes, I had Bumpy drive me here." Madame's excitement clearly showed through her usual steel faced expression.
"Madam!" Bumpy screamed in low whispers while grabbing the over excited Madame.
"Are you really going to trust that freak?" Bumpy asked, his eyes filled with clear worry, but Madame pried herself free from his grip.
"Well if he can trust a negro like myself then I'll give my all to this so-called 'freak'." Madame spoke in a sassy tone before hurriedly catching up to Ricky.
"You should take any proof you might have with us." Ricky informed Madame who quickly shook her head.
"Of course, we'll drop by my office but I have numerous documents to back up my words." Madame quickly informed while entering the elevator with him.
"Oh and I also have one more condition." RIcky suddenly said as Madame nodded her head.
"Anything-"
"Have dinner with me."
"Of course-what?" Madame immediately agreed before realizing Ricky's words.
"Have dinner with me." Ricky's reassuring words made Madame laugh.
"Honey I'm twice your age-"
"Then let me make you feel young again." Ricky smiled, inching closer to Madame who raised an eyebrow before patting his chest.
"Fine kid, I'll let you take me out to dinner." Madame spoke once Bumpy entered the elevator as it closed.
"B-Boss?" Booker spoke out from the end of the hallway as Ricky waved.
"See you when you headline at the club tonight and if you tell anyone about what happened earlier, I'll kill you!" Ricky waved with a smile as Booker nodded while holding a thumbs up.
"YOU CAN COUNT ON ME BOSS-wait what?" Booker excitedly jumped up and down before freezing in place after registering his words.
The door closed abruptly, cutting off Ricky's sentence and prompting laughter from both him and Madame, who patiently waited for the elevator.
Bumpy drove Ricky and Madame to her office first, where she instructed Ricky and Bumpy to each carry a stack of papers while she took a briefcase.
Ricky's presence helped them navigate through mafia territory, and he barged into Lucy's office without hesitation.
Lucky, unfazed by Ricky's abrupt entrance, didn't look up from his papers since while Ricky had been on his bender, Lucky had been busy acquiring actual ownership of the Stork and Cotton Club for the family.
"Glad you're here Slick, the clubs have been put in your names-who are these cats?" Lucky informed Ricky though showed a surprised expression as he saw Madame St. Clair and Bumpy.
"Pops, let's start a bank."
Capítulo 27: Chapter 27: Lucky Legacy Bank
Author's Note: I was going to post another pic but DaoistKq1vOg posted a WAY better one so we're rocking with his, I'll post it on this note and on the previous mission.
"....."
Lucky gazed at his son with a frown before shifting his focus to the likely cause of the situation, setting the paper down with deliberate care.
"Let me guess, you're Madame St. Clair and you're Bumpy Johnson." Lucky could quickly pieced together the two familiar figures that he always read about in his reports of Harlem.
"Yes Mr. Luciano-"
*Sigh*
"I don't know what theatrics you said to my boy, but unlike that irresponsible carpet stain, I actually think with my actual head." Lucky sat back in his chair, knowing how much of a fool Ricky could be for a pretty thing like Madame.
"My time is money but I'll give my boy the benefit of the doubt, you have two minutes." Lucky looked at his watch, returning his gaze to the two before folding his hands.
"Mr. Luciano-" Bumpy tried to inject but Lucky didn't even care to give him the time of day.
"Starting now." Lucky completely seized control of the narrative, leaving Madame St. Clair to hastily sift through the paperwork she had previously gathered.
Within a split second, Madame St. Clair then launched into her sales pitch that was far more detailed than the dumbed down one she gave to Ricky.
However, as Lucky grasped the implications of her words, his eyes widened, and he erupted into hysterical laughter at the audacity of her proposal.
"A negro bank?" Lucky hysterically laughed, wiping his eyes at her entire pitch only for Ricky to nudge Madame to continue since she was losing her window.
Understanding his intent, Madame St. Clair altered her approach as she walked over and sat down directly in front of Lucky.
"It is not a negro bank but a bank that serves everyone from all walks of life, which so happens to serve blacks as well." Madame informed Lucky, who tried his best to suppress his laughter, but it was nearly impossible given the absurdity of her idea.
"Madame, I know a doll like you might not realize this, but the banking industry has been a crap show ever since the market went and sh*t on itself." Lucky spread out his hands as to show how this idea was completely out of it.
"So I don't know what you said to ensnare my son, but this isn't going to happen." Lucky waved his hand dismissively, seeing no reason to invest in such a terrible plan based on a notion like 'equality' since to him, it was irrelevant unless it made money.
He wasn't wrong to think so since three years ago, the market crashed springing the start of the 'great depression' which had the country by its collar but the banking industry by the balls.
Banks were closing left and right as some banks had to go so far as to withhold people from withdrawing the money.
Although the stock market had taken a huge dive, the banks were the ones to suffer the most along with the people they served.
So, Lucky didn't see the investment opportunity in this bank since the average person in his shoes would think, 'where is the money?'.
It didn't help that he focused solely on the low income associated not only with Black people but with Harlem as well.
"Mr. Luciano-"
"Are you not listening to my words, a bank needs money, real money, and no one has enough to save since they use what they can to scrape by." Lucky once again interrupted Madame who was at her limits.
*BAM*
"Mr. Luciano, I know you might be apprehensive about investing in an industry that has taken the brutality of the market crash but see the potential in this!" Madame slammed her hands onto the table, trying to urgently convey her entire words.
When Lucky was about to completely close himself off to Madame, he sighed heavily when gazing to the side to see Ricky staring at her ass.
"It was only the white man and woman that had their money in the banks, all blacks have their money tube socks or in crumbled bags tucked in their air vents, just ten minutes-no, one minute of your time to go through the data-" Madame felt the opportunity slipping from her grasp as she became desperate, clinging onto anything she could but Lucky was too fed up.
"Enough." Lucky sighed, rubbing his forehead until he gazed up to see Ricky simply give him a shrug, silently telling him that a minute wouldn't hurt.
"You know what, since you convinced my boy then the least I can do is give you one minute, but after that you gotta scram." Lucky decided to humor Madame for the sake of Ricky as she nodded.
"I only need you to read these papers." Madame then took out the papers in her briefcase which she had been safeguarding with her life.
Lucky rolled his eyes but took the papers, putting on his reading glasses and initially, he scanned the words casually, but soon his gaze hardened, drawn into the details before him.
Without realizing it, Lucky became absorbed in the contents of the papers, setting them down in surprise.
Madame had achieved her lavish lifestyle through the numbers game, leveraging her credibility when the banks had lost the trust of both black and white customers.
This trust had enabled her to succeed where others struggled, but Lucky was focused on the fact that the money he expected to see as simply pennies, was significant; the amount flowing through Madame's hands was enough to achieve something even he found challenging.
'I can clean hundred of thousands of dollars easily if I had numbers like these.' Lucky thought to himself, reaching beside him to grab the landline.
*Click*
"Meyer, get down here it's urgent."
1 hour later,
"These-...…these are accurate." Meyer confirmed the notification, learning that Frank had been called to the meeting as well.
Surprised by the sudden summons, Meyer attended nonetheless, never imagining the significance of the numbers on the paper before him.
These weren't just any statistics; they were the figures from Madame's Numbers game, revealing how many black people paid, borrowed, and consumed from her hands.
Meyer was taken aback by the impact of these numbers, realizing the extent of Madame's influence in Harlem when he observed it to be miniscule at best.
"The greatest strength of this idea is that the government is trying their best to fix the banking industry, meaning they are approving a lot of banks." Meyer first gave the good news to Lucky who rubbed his chin.
"The problem with this idea is that it is incredibly hard to not only enter but to stay afloat since you need a solid foundation to keep a stream of profit along with keeping people coming in." Meyer said while turning the paper, shaking head in disbelief at what he was about to say.
"Honestly Lucky, if you spearheaded this bank with the clean money you have now and Madame's notoriety within the community, then it might just work." Meyer spoke words he'd neve thought he'd ever say.
"The governments usually closely monitor things like this but with these numbers it might be-"
"Meyer I'm serious, would this truly work." Lucky gestured, suggesting that if they could pull it off, they wouldn't need to rely on Bank of America just to hold their legitimate money but they could also launder their illicit funds at exceptional rates.
To Lucky, Bank of America was simply a vault that protected their clean gold.
But with this idea he actually had a way to polish all that dirty gold tucked away within his couch cushions.
"I'm 85% sure that this will work and I'm low balling you." Meyer spoke up, breaking the awfully silent room as Lucky turned his attention to Madame.
"How much do you want?"
"5% of the company."
"Not a chance,1.5%."
"5.5"
"2-"
"Deal."
The negotiation was brief but when Lucky offered her two percent, she quickly accepted, knowing that even one percent would set her up for life.
Lucky understood the importance of having her involved; without her, the black community wouldn't trust him in the slightest.
"Meyer, go inform all the mob bosses and tell them of this proposal to see if any of them will invest in it." Lucky ordered, handing some papers to Meyer's who nodded but suddenly halted.
"But don't bring these documents." Lucky then took the real documents instead of Madame's sales pitch which only made Meyer show a confused expression.
"But they won't-"
"I know."
Lucky only wanted to give them a chance, not to actually invest money, as he intended to monopolize this idea, a fact Meyer quickly grasped.
"Right away." Meyer nodded before rushing out of the room, leaving Lucky to turn to to Frank.
"Franky."
"Yes boss."
"I need you to handle Dutch Shucliz." Lucky spoke out words that surprised not only Frank but Madame.
In fact, Madame wanted to ask for a favor regarding Dutch since he was starting to enter Harlem before demanding unreasonable protection fees.
"That jew is trying to encroach on what's ours." Lucky informed him which made Frank nodded with a resolute and stern expression.
"Of course boss, it'll be taken care of." Frank then winked at Ricky before walking out of the room while only leaving the four of them.
"Making a bank doesn't just take a day but will take a year, maybe even more." Lucky looked her dead in the eyes though she was unflinching.
"Don't worry Lucky, I'll hold up my end of the deal." Madame stood up along with Lucky before they shook hands.
"What should we name this Bank anyways?" Lucky asked and this time it was Ricky's turn to jump in.
"What about 'Lucky Bank'." Ricky said as Lucky frowned but Madame tilted her head back and forth.
"That's stupid." Lucky frowned however RIcky was adamant about it and literally started ranting off different names.
"What about Lucky Savings Bank?
"No."
"What about Lucky Prosperity Bank?"
"No."
"What about Lucky Capital Bank?"
"No!"
"What about Lucky Harbor Bank?"
"NO!"
"What about Lucky Legacy Bank-"
"GOD DAMMIT RICKY FINE!" Lucky yelled as Ricky wouldn't drop it for the life of him, causing him to explode in anger.
"You know what, 'Lucky Legacy' has a nice ring to it." Madame thought to herself, seeing Lucky take a deep breath to calm himself.
Hours passed, and a letter, which many would describe as a joke, appeared on the doorsteps of not only all the commission but also the executives at Bank of America.
However, none of them took the words seriously and not even Profaci, who wanted to get into Lucky's good graces, would take this chance.
But unbeknownst to them, it would be one of their greatest mistakes.
1 month later,
"Now class, would anyone like to solve this equation?" Ms. Collins asked before gazing around as she scrunched her brows while looking at Ricky sleeping at his desk.
"Ricky!"
"W-Wha?" Ricky's head shot up at the sound of giggles, meeting the glare of Ms. Collins.
"Would you like to solve the equation?" Ms. Collins' passive aggressive tone was palpable but Ricky simply ignored it while setting his head down.
"Nope." Ricky set his head back down as Ms. Collins let out an aggrieved sigh.
"RICKY!"
"Alright geez~" Ricky stood up before grabbing some chalk and writing '2' on the whiteboard.
"That is incorrect Ricky, this is the history portion of our class."
"Well, I tried." Ricky walked back to his seat and immediately put his head down, while Ms. Collins scrunched her eyebrows and pursed her lush red lips.
"Y-"
*RINNNNNNNNNG*
The bell rang furiously, prompting the students to jump out of their seats as Ricky heaved himself up, only to be stopped by Ms. Collins.
*SIGH*
"I really don't want to do this right now." Ricky rubbed his tired eyes but Ms. Collins gently placed a hand on his shoulder and sat him back down before sitting slightly on the nearby desk.
"Ricky, I know back then that I was-...…..out of line for trying to get involved in your personal life and I admit my wrong doings." Ms. Collins used this time to apologize with Ricky showing a look of surprise.
"Really?" Ricky laughed a little while saying this as Ms. Collins nodded her head in approval.
"Yes, I was wrong. You've been very respectful and courteous to me as a teacher and I abused those traits of yours and I want to apologize, I hope you can forgive my incessant nature." Ms. Collins then voiced her apology as Ricky leaned back in his chair to take this notorious event in.
"Apology accepted." Ricky wasn't the least bit mad at Ms. Collins for trying to guide him since in the end, he knew her heart was in the right place.
"But we need to talk about your actions for the past two weeks while in my class." Ms. Collins then laid down the topic as Ricky sighed in exhaustion.
Ms. Collins wasn't wrong in her observations since for the past two weeks, Ricky had either been completely exhausted or asleep in class, and it was all because of one person: Lucky.
Lucky had been pushing Ricky into more of a leadership position, making him responsible for running everything related to the Cotton and Stork Club.
From dealing with vendors to hiring and paying staff, Ricky handled it all.
It was a test of his capabilities, and Lucky didn't offer help even when Ricky accidentally messed up an order, forcing him to scramble around small underhanded stores to make up for the lack of alcohol.
The workload was driving Ricky mad with paperwork, evident in his tired appearance and he hadn't had a good night's sleep in an entire month.
"Sorry, teach, but I've been working while schooling and it's tough to find balance." Ricky ran his hands through his hair as Ms. Collins nodded thoughtfully.
"Ricky, it's okay to ask for help every once and a while. You don't have to do everything alone." Ms. Collins' words suddenly caused a light bulb to shine brightly above Ricky's head.
"WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT BEFORE!" Ricky let out a maniacal laughter of excitement.
"Thank's Ms. Collins." Ricky lunged forward and pulled the teacher into a hug as she was caught off guard.
"O-Oh ok." Ms. Collins was surprised as she patted Ricky's back before a sleazy smile covered his face.
'Wet touch.'
"Ha~" Ms. Collins let out a sensual moan as she was being held in Ricky's arms before her eyes widened in horror.
"Ms. Collins-" Ricky wanted to ask only to have his grasps suddenly empty.
"You need to go." Ms. Collins pushed herself off of Ricky with a clear reddened face while doing her best to show an angry expression.
"Did I do something wrong-"
"GET OUT!" Ms. Collins roared as Ricky showed a surprise gaze before slowly walking out of the room.
*Thump*
*HUFF*
*HUFF*
*HUFF*
Ms. Collins collapsed to the ground in the next second as she gripped her shoulders as her body shivered in pleasure.
"AH~" Ms. Collins let out a guilty moan, her panties were soaked to the brim as she fell to the floor.
Unbelieving at what happened, Ms. Collins ran her fingers down and under her skirt before taking them up covered in her own love juices.
Spreading them, a web of lust formed which interconnected each and everyone of her fingers all the while she looked horrified.
'Did I just-...by Ricky's touch?'
Meanwhile in front of the school,
"Aye Skid!" Ricky called out to Jake who was waiting on the roof of the car along with Rocco and Edward.
"Slick, I got four girls from the neighboring high school-" Rocco ran over to him only for Ricky to push him away and make a B-line for Jake.
"Skid, how good are you with numbers?" Ricky excitedly asked, grabbing Jake's shoulders as he showed an apprehensive and foreboding gaze.
"Well my big bro always forced me to learn all sorts of arithmetic-"
"Great, amazing, Skid come work for me and be my right hand!" Ricky's eyes were piercing as Jake showed a shocked look along with Edward and Rocco.
Being someone's right-hand man in the mob was no laughing matter; it was a position that only a few could dream of and yet, Jake was offered the role on a random Thursday.
'Stick close to Slick.' Those words echoed in Jake's mind as he recalled the sound advice Meyer had given him all those years ago.
Initially, that's all it had been, just advice.
Jake only associated with Ricky as it seemed beneficial to be in that position until it no longer became association but true friendship.
Jake had truly come to think of Ricky as his closest friend and enjoyed being around him which made this moment even more memorable for him.
"I-I don't know what to say." Jake choked up a little as Ricky patted his back.
"Say yes." Ricky encouraged as Jake nodded while wiping his dry eyes.
"It'd be an honor Slick." Jake showed a toothy smile as Ricky let out a bostious laugh.
"Great, GREAT!" Ricky let out a maniacal as a weight had been lifted off his shoulder in the matter of seconds.
"What about us Slick!" Edward dropped the donut in his hand while asking incredulously at Jake's promotion.
"Well, I'm not in the market for a fat ass or a horn dog but when I am, I'll notify you." Ricky backed up while shrugging, making Jake let out a hysterical laugh.
"Anyways Skid, meet me at the Stork club later so we'll discuss your duties!" Ricky walked back towards the school while notifying Jake.
"Got it Slick, I'll be waiting!" Jake excitedly spoke as Rocco and Edward gave him jealous stares.
"Wait what about my plan-"
"Can't Rocco, busy with this uptight club." Ricky gestured, thinking that was the end to it only to see Rocco suddenly get in the way.
"But Slick-"
"Rocco, no, maybe some other time." Ricky patted Rocco's shoulder, moving him to the side and waltzing into the school.
"Fine, I don't need you both anyways! Me and Edward will pick up those fine honey's by ourselves!" Rocco yelled at Ricky's departing back, Edward showing a look of surprise since they hadn't tried to get laid without Ricky or Jake being their wingmen.
"We will?" Edward honestly asked with Rocco nudging his side causing the latter to rub his stomach.
"Yeah, so shut up and follow me." Rocco then hooked his arm around Edward and led him towards the promised land.
Ricky ignored them and walked inside, knowing a Skull and Bones meeting was scheduled for today and required his attention.
Making his way to a building in the southern part of the school, he eventually reached familiar double doors. He pushed them open to reveal numerous members.
They were still finding their seats, but the council was already seated at the back, slightly elevated in chairs that resembled those a judge would sit in.
"Ricky!" Maria waved, and he smiled almost immediately upon seeing her as he walked over and sat down right next to her.
Maria had become a bubbly socialite due to Ruth's guidance, finding a friend did wonders for her which allowed her to come out of her shell more which only seemed to highlight her beauty.
"Looking gorgeous as ever, Maria." Ricky whispered as Maria blushed before turning away shyly.
At first, Maria didn't know why Ricky seemed to warm her heart with his every soothing word or how it ached when she saw him talk with another girl until her uncle helped her realize.
She was in love.
However, it wasn't just any simple love; it was a young girl's first love, a feeling always elevated to new heights and destined to be the most memorable.
Ricky wasn't a fool and knew how Maria acted however he was waiting for the perfect time and today was that day.
The touring circus known to hold these so-called mutants like himself were finally in town after touring all across the world and Ricky was going to ask Maria on a date.
"Before the meeting starts Maria, can I talk to you?" Ricky asked as Maria had a hopeful look while cutely nodding her head.
Grabbing her delicate hand, Ricky led her out of the hall as a pair of eyes locked onto their figures before someone on the council stood up.
"Ruth." Henry side-eyed a clearly distressed Ruth who was staring with immense jealousy.
Ruth was a profoundly shallow individual, a trait evident not just in her actions but also in her personality.
She had invested fortunes in fine-tuning her appearance into the brunette beauty she was now, but this obsession came with a significant flaw.
Ruth was exceedingly picky when it came to men as countless suitors had failed to meet her standards, which included two very specific conditions.
Firstly, the man needed to be less influential and poorer, a criterion that Ricky easily fulfilled.
Secondly, he needed to meet her exacting standards for looks, which Ricky had seemingly surpassed.
Upon meeting Ricky for the first time, Ruth had already internally approved of him. However, when she saw Ricky's +5 appearance after his makeover, she blushed so intensely that she was sent home with a fever.
Since then, Ruth had been using Maria to gather any and all information she could about Ricky.
The loving Maria, however, mistook Ruth's greed for Ricky as friendship with relative ease.
"I want him and I always get what I want." Ruth sneered at Henry who only shook his head since he couldn't stand girls like Ruth but could do nothing about her.
In the hallway, Ricky guided Maria to his locker until her back was firmly pressed against it.
Maria gazed longingly into Ricky's green eyes, her naive form of love manifesting into a perfect and uncanny admiration that matched Ricky perfectly.
"Maria there is a circus coming to town and I was wondering-"
"YES!"
*COUGH*
"I-I-I'm sorry." Maria blushed furiously, her excitement exploding outwards prematurely causing her to immediately apologize.
Covering her face, Maria felt horrible for interrupting Ricky since she thought that she had unknowingly insulted his courage to ask her out.
"Why are you apologizing?" Ricky chuckled, seeing how Maria was about to break down and pulled her into his embrace.
"I didn't mean to ruin your courage, I'm so sorry~" Maria started crying as her words utterly confused Ricky.
"My courage?" Ricky let out a weird chain of laughs while Maria gripped the back of her skirt
"My Uncy said that a man's courage is everything and that boils down to when they confess and when they get a response to their confession." Maria hit her head against his chest, thinking she had stomped all over his courage and cutely punished herself.
"Maria, you accepting my confession makes me happy not sad." Ricky chuckled, swaying her left and right as they seemingly started dancing.
"R-Really." Maria looked up as her mascara started to bleed a little, Ricky being the gentleman he was, pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed it for her.
"Really." Ricky then affirmed her words, leaning down once he finished as Maria closed her eyes in anticipation.
In the next moment, their lips met in a fiery collision, igniting sparks in Maria's mind as she willingly surrendered herself to Ricky.
He savored the sensation of her soft lips, then deftly took control, exploring her inexperienced mouth with his own.
*Ahem*
"I don't mean to intrude on you two lovers but the meeting is about to start." Ruth forcefully interjected herself into the moment.
"R-Ruth?!" Maria pushed away from Ricky as he frowned at the sweet taste forcefully ripped away from him.
"Come on Ricky, we need to go back to the meeting." Maria grabbed Ricky's hand while urgently leading him back into the room with a heavy blush adorning her face.
"Oh honey no." Ruth stopped her as Maria flinched with Ruth untangling her hand from Ricky's.
"Your mascara is bleeding, we need to fix you up cause right now you are such a mess~" Ruth joked, making Maria suddenly realize something while covering her face, taking out her pocket mirror and looking.
Although she tried her best, it was still a lackluster job which made her immediately bolt towards the girls bathroom.
However Ricky frowned since he clearly felt the underhanded insult in Ruth's words which made him feel immediately annoyed.
Ricky wasn't only experienced in only love making but slightly in the inner workings of women and although it is impossible to understand them fully, he still knows a thing or too.
One of those things is how ruthless women can be to their own friends. It was surprising when he first learned this but as time passed his attention to it became clearer.
"Ricky I have to go, save me a spot." Maria yelled back at him before entering the bathroom, pulling Ruth with her though she was staring at Ricky.
Winking at him playfully, Ruth turned to follow Maria as Ricky squinted his eyes since although Ruth was a target, that was it.
Ricky definitely didn't want anything more than a physical relationship with Ruth or maybe making her his mistress, but now he understood that she wanted more than that, which could make the future troublesome.
'I'll need to find a way to deal with her.' Ricky was about to go back into the meeting until he saw a letter sticking out of his locker.
Curious, Ricky grabbed it and read the contents only for him to let out a laugh at the perfect timing.
Ricky walked back into the meeting hall while making direct eye contact with Henry before they nodded to each other seemingly signaling something.
Meanwhile in the bathroom,
"Soooooo, spill it~" Ruth playfully nudged Maria, watching her clean off the bleeding mascara before her cheeks tinted red.
"He asked me out." Maria squealed as Ruth's face shattered into pieces though when Maria turned to her, she showed a smile.
"I'm so happy for you~" Ruth held out her arms as they hugged before her expression dropped into a cold one.
"Tell me all about it, I want to know everything."
Maria then explained her interaction with a dreamy expression all the while Ruth continued to force a smile.
"Oh no~" Ruth suddenly put a hand on her mouth right when Maria finished causing the naive girl to incessantly worry.
"W-What is it?" Maria asked worriedly but Ruth turned away.
"No, I shouldn't say since I don't want you to worry-"
"Ruth please~" Maria grabbed Ruth's shoulders as she saw her only friend let out a tired sigh.
"Maybe it's just me, but I think you might be moving a little too fast." Ruth confessed as her eyes flashed with malicious intent.
"W-Wha-"
"And I also think you're being a little too pushy with Ricky, I mean you practically lunged at him." Ruth's words made Maria face drop in worry as she covered her mouth.
"W-What should I do!" Maria asked as her tears welled up as Ruth shook her head.
"If it was me, I'd take it slower and make him work for it." Ruth gave false advice as Maria listened on battered breath.
"R-Really?" Maria asked as Ruth smiled while caressing her curly black hair with a warm touch.
"Of course, would I ever lie to you."
Maria sneaked into the meeting a little while later as she sat down next to Ricky with a nervous expression.
"Ricky?" Maria whispered as Ricky raised an eyebrow but leaned down to let her whisper into his ear.
"D-Do you think we're moving too fast?" Maria anxiously asked, making Ricky's eyebrow twitch.
"Not at all." Ricky tried to ease her worries while side-eying Ruth who winked at him again before turning back to the meeting.
"Maybe you only asked me out because I'm being too pushy-" Maria had gotten into her own head at this point and was self sabotaging herself.
"Maria." Ricky took both hands as she slightly shook from his touch, her beautiful blue eyes gazing up at Ricky's warm smile.
"I assure you, I asked you out not because you forced me, but because you've captivated my every thought." Ricky took both her hands in an assuring manner, watching her worried face blossom into a warm smile.
"Really?" Maria's unease washed away almost immediately letting Ricky nod his head.
"Of course Maria, you're a one of a kind gal and I'm lucky that you're even this taken with me." Ricky caressed Maria's cheek as she leaned into his touch.
"Oh Ricky~"
"Excuse me, is there a problem?" Ruth suddenly voiced out towards Ricky and Maria, seeing their behavior and disrupting it on the guise of them disrupting the meeting.
"Nope, carry on." Ricky assured Ruth who scrunched her eyebrows but before she could say something, Henry glared at her.
"Ruth, you better watch yourself, this isn't a time where you can throw around your authority." Henry whispered in a threatening tone until she saw the other council members glaring at her with disapproving expressions.
Ruth gnashed her teeth, but leaned back in her chair while gazing daggers at Maria who ducked her head.
The meeting ended and as soon as it did, Ricky shuffled Maria out of the hall before Ruth could even get in their radius.
"Ruth!" Henry called out as Ruth was about to charge after Ricky and Maria.
"You're going too far." Henry warned with the other council members slowly circling around her.
"Do you really want to do this now, you'll regret it?" Ruth showed a hideous scowl though none of the members flinched.
"Although I hate that negro lover, he's someone that can't be messed with." Joseph with a thick southern accent, with a scowl mirroring Ruth's, actually saw the reasoning through his hate while warning her to back off.
"That Alabama hick is right, Ricky's position in the world is similar but vastly different." Jerry pointed out as Joseph gritted his teeth at his blatant disrespect.
"You can't bully Ricky like us Ruth, it's literally going to get you killed." Randal shook his head since he knows all too well what happens to the men who mess with the Luciano family.
"And his family also got a 35% bump in their power due to them taking over all of the Irish mob's mobs activities in Harlem." Robert adjusted his glasses as the others all nodded at this.
"Do you even know who I am?" Ruth scornfully mocked, her true colors started to bleed much like Maria's mascara from earlier.
"Ruth, your actions will comprise not only your position but-"
"One word." Ruth held up one finger forcing them all to look at her with squinted eyes.
"All it takes is one to make not only my father, but my grandfather hold each and everyone one of your parents' company by the balls." Ruth showed her might, forcing them all to look away except one.
"You think I'm afraid of you Ruth?" Henry, the only person who could avoid the wrath of a Rockefeller, asked out but Ruth simply smiled.
"I only need the majority to be afraid of me." Ruth pointed at the rest of them, following the direction where he saw the others unable to take his side any longer.
"Stay out of my way Henry or you'll regret it."
An hour after the meeting concluded, Ricky drove Maria home, knowing the circus wouldn't start for another five hours.
Despite wanting to spend more time with her, he was dismissed on the pretext that she wasn't "prepared."
Returning to a predetermined spot, Ricky waited patiently until a Ford pulled up and Henry got out.
"Ricky." Henry nodded as Ricky smirked while standing up and shaking the hand of his handler.
That letter was a simple time and place where Henry gave his regard, signaling he wanted to meet up.
"Why did you send me that letter, is it because of Ruth?" Ricky asked though he didn't need an immediate answer as Henry sighed heavily.
"Ricky, she's out of control." Henry walked over and leaned against Ricky's Cadillac, furrowing his brows upon seeing the emblem.
"A Cadillac, really?" Henry frowned after understanding the make and model only for Ricky to give him a shrug.
"What, it's not like you'll just give me a Ford-"
"Done, anyways Ruth has become too much as of late." Henry, without blinking, willingly agreed to give Ricky a car while getting to the topic.
"Not only is she a Rockfellar but her father controls the highest grossing steel company in this age." Henry clicked his tongue since as of late, Ford Motors stock price has been falling due to his incompetent father.
"However, the problem is that John. D Rockefeller has holdings in all of the council's companies." Henry conveyed the truth as Ricky raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you were the leader-"
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Henry burst out laughing at Ricky's words as he almost fell off the car.
"Me, the leader?" Henry pointed to himself in a self deprecating way.
"Ricky, she basically let me be the leader because she doesn't want to do the added work that comes with it." Henry sighed after telling the truth, making Ricky understand something as he smirked.
"Oh Henry." Ricky patted Henry's shoulder, his eyebrows raised at this since Ricky almost fell for it.
"I'm not helping you without a price." Ricky could see where Henry was getting at and quickly took control of the conversation.
"Ha, alright fine what do you want." Henry dropped the facade and got to the point as Ricky's smile extended.
"I want a seat at the table." Ricky spoke words that Henry knew he was going to hear.
"It's not that simply-"
"Then figure it out." Ricky interrupted Henry who sighed heavily, but eventually nodded in response.
"Then-"
"I also want you to handle all the aftermath that comes with it and also I want my position to be in name only, I don't want to do any work either." Ricky fired off more conditions which only made Henry scrunch his eyebrows.
"Then wouldn't I simply be replacing Ruth with you?" Henry was in disbelief, unable to understand why he would agree to this.
"Well, who would you rather have, me or Ruth?" Ricky genuinely asked Henry, who was about to retort, only to halt his words.
Honestly, compared to Ruth who always has to have things go her way in everything, Ricky doesn't even care about his status within the club and simply comes to meetings for the free booze and food.
"Neither, but I guess I'll settle for you." Henry joked prompting Ricky to burst into an enormous fit of laughter.
Ricky didn't need to think about it for long, readily agreeing to Henry's demands as he composed himself, he looked directly at Henry and spoke with a sleazy smile.
"Now listen closely, I have a plan."
Meanwhile, in a secret room in the Vatican, a priest knelt on both knees, clenching his necklace tightly.
"Father Sebastion, signs of Dracula have been discovered in New York." A voice was heard from the darkness.
Then within the next seconds, candles started lighting up in a flurry while revealing the upper brass of the church seated above while gazing down at Father Sebastion.
"You are to meet up with Abraham Van Helsing and use the power of god to assist the cursed one in his mission to vanquish that horrid creature from this world at last." Another voice came as Father Sebastion sighed heavily at this, grabbing his forehead in immense distress.
"Holy council, may you send another to be Abraham's handler, I'm afraid he is too troublesome and uncooperative." Father Sebastion asked in a pleading tone, only to see the answer written on their faces.
"By the grace of god." Father Sebastion sighed in a dejected manner as the other council members nodded.
"By the grace of god, may he guide you on this treacherous path."
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