Fix grinned as he watched his reflection in the nearby window, his new sharp suit and hat were in his opinion damn delicious – he looked the picture of perfection and he resisted the urge to wink vainly at his smiling reflection as he ran his fingers down the lapels. Glancing to his right as he heard a short snigger he saw that Dom was watching him and obviously found his attraction to himself somewhat entertaining. As Fix was about to open his mouth and say something a pair of headlight beams emerged at the entrance to the new warehouse they had rented as a black snazzy sedan entered followed by a pair of large white trucks. 

“Two trucks?” wondered Fix aloud as the trio of vehicles pulled up beside them and a number of Italians exited, one of them rushing to open the rear door before a rather pale corpse-looking man with a pencil-thin moustache and small goatee exited. He looked Fix up and down once before he gestured to his men to start unloading the trucks. As he did he approached Fix and greeted him “I am Marco Boccaccio. I represent the head of the Martovanni family, as I’m sure you can guess we have much to discuss with you, questions to ask and terms to finalise.”

His accent was thick and it was clear to Fix this was an Italian directly from their ‘homeland’, it seemed to fix that hopefully he wouldn’t need his men who were placed strategically around the warehouse and yard with their hands ready on guns. After all everyone was under the impression he had killed one of the family, something he’d been able to find out very little about why or how he did it – which left him somewhat at a disadvantage. It seemed to him though that the chips had fallen in his favour, as Marco continued speaking and explained the following.

“It pains Mr Martovanni that your actions were necessary, that Eddie would betray his family so wholly without thoughts for his actions. It also pleases Mr Martovanni that you did not follow Eddie’s request and attempt to kill him, instead exposing his treachery and serving as executioner in his case – though presumptuous your actions are welcomed and will be rewarded.” Marco paused as a pair of ogres hefted what appeared to be a very heavy crate from the back of one of the trucks and dumped it beside him panting slightly. Another goon came forwards with a crowbar and prised the lid off with a few grunts to reveal that the container was filled with a more than generous quantity of narcotics. 

“We have provided you with thirty such crates, I do hope that you have the resources to distribute this quantity and ensure a healthy return for both of us on the investment” he coolly stated as he saw that Fix’s eyes began to practically bulge from him head at the quantity and quality of the merchandise. 

The Gnoll cleared his throat and spoke as his mouth was suddenly becoming very dry “Of course of course! Marco my man, nothing gets my engine revved up more than a surplus of product. You have my assurances that I can and will do you proud.” Fix hesitated, his mind abuzz with questions. Who the hell had really killed Eddie and why on earth was he getting the credit for it. He’d half expected the Italians to be in the mood for vengeance, but it seemed whoever had puppeteered such events had done so with a practiced and guileful hand. His thoughts went to the Anansai as he was reminded of their deal together and he wondered if he was responsible. 

“Oh and Marco” Fix added his face mirroring his glee “I’ve got a name for you, my boys have been busy and we’ve found out quite the nugget of information”. 

“Oh?” responded Marco raising his eyebrows in pleased surprise. 

“Khadba the orc, snuff supplier for the Hanged Men” announced Fix with a sly grin as he reached for his new flask. 

“You are well informed for a Gnoll” simply stated Marco with his own smirk “It seems Mr Martovanni’s faith in you is well placed. I’ll pass the name along and I’m sure we will meet again soon. Here.” Marco handed him a matchbook for a club in Dawn Peak Heights. “If you need to speak to me then you’ll find me or one of my men here” 
Fix watched as the Italian returned to his car, lifting his flask to his lips as he watched the man go. Seemed like fortune was his, for the moment at least. 

[center]----[/center]

Smoke was thick in the air and the jovial sound of Jazz surrounded them as a young elven waitress brought the trio of Gnoll’s their drinks.  Fix waited for her to leave before he raised his glass and held it aloft, his eyes flashed and he glanced at Dom and Direo before he toasted “To us boys, to our new friend and of course, to the Italians and their contribution to our operation”. 

The three of them clinked glasses before downing their drinks in one. It was new for any of them to be out enjoying themselves in an establishment such as this, but seeing how they were moving up in the world it made sense – or so Fix had explained. He’d rented a new warehouse to use as their new base of operations, an attempt to keep their old one hidden due to the new need to accept regular deliveries and have what could be called a more public base of operations if they were going to be stepping up business. Fix knew that the next few days would be key, he needed to recruit more dealers than they’d ever had in their employ due to the influx of product. Trust as always would be the key issue and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to find so many bodies in a quick enough time frame without compromising his operation. 

But for now he pushed the thoughts away, instead focusing on the celebration of tonight as he ordered another round of drinks and passed each of them a cigarette. Fix’s eyes went back to the young waitress, as she placed the glasses on the table her eyes met his. Instead of the usual look of revulsion or aggression she instead shot him a seductive wink, leaving him somewhat surprised and speechless – an event in itself. If he were not covered in fur the others would have seen him blushing. Before he could think further about her he heard Dom shout a greeting to someone who was approaching from behind. Twisting in his seat Fix looked back and was delighted to see Grizzo hobbling towards them. The goblin was covered in bandages and bruises but otherwise had a wicked grin on his face as he greeted them.