Two men sit in the casino's bar, tucked away at the back in one of the booths enjoying a complimentary bottle of champagne. Lenny and Griff had once been regulars to the establishment before it fell under various management exchanges and had never had a jackpot win until tonight. Celebrating and shooting the breeze, feeling like a million gold pieces each.
"Well that's paid off my bank loan and house payment!" Lenny couldn't believe his luck, popping the cork and drinking from the bottle.
"I know! I might actually be able to treat the wife for once" Griff beamed, reaching to grab the bottle from Lenny then doing the same. He then poured a glass, feeling it fitting to the occasion and leaned back looking around the bar, simply taking it all in. "Here Len, what's the deal with this place after that fiasco with those highwaymen.. someone said they'd seen dead pirates getting pulled out by the guard too. Heard anything?"
Lenny leaned forward and lowered his voice, inviting Griff to follow suit..
"Well.. word is this young lads taken control of the business and put it right back into it's feet. I mean look at the place, it's packed.. and there's champagne, rubbing elbows with the city elite again instead of the usual toerags stinking of piss and drink"
Griff nodded "Can certaintley see that.."
"That's not all either.." Lenny continued.. "Gerald was saying the city's businesses have started to reopen propper again. The markets now actually stocking fresh goods.. potions that aren't just watered down strawberry grease. Someone's putting alot of coin somewhere" He took a swig of champagne, waiting for it to sink in. Griff folded his arms, eyeing his companion with a skeptic expression.
"No..." He glanced briefly to the bar, leaning out from behind the booth. Then tucked back away.
"I don't know.. but there's alot of enterprise going on, and alot of people are coming and going.. stagecoaches, big time nobles.. merchants.. even the old bailiff.." Lenny shrugged. "You do the sums.."
Griff rubbed his chin, finding his current financial status agreeable "Wonder if they're taking investments.. Could put some of this winnings back into the pot.. sit on my own throne"
Lenny laughed, and shook his head "Griff you're hardly the taxman are you?.. They probably are.. just.. you be careful.. all I'm saying, and i'm saying nothing more.."
Griff nodded, he could sense the implication "Yea.. I hear you mate.. Oh hangabout.. think this.."
Both men sat upright as the topic of conversation approached thier table, dressed in cravat and broad smile. Extending hands to shake and introduce himself eagerly; accompanied by a shorter bespectacled woman carrying a large book and quill.
"Just wanted to personally congratulate you on your significant win, the champagne tonight is on the house with more to take home for the lucky ladies" Livewire grinned, snapping his fingers. Prompting more bottles to be quickly brought to the table. Lenny and Griff couldn't believe it, Griff suddenly spoke up not wanting to miss the opportunity..
"Are you taking investment in this place, heard you've been doing good things for the city and wanted to get involved.." He looked up, not really employing much tact. Lenny simply closed his eyes..
Livewire stood fully, holding the lapel of his jacket. "Oh.. absolutley.." His smile curled to a light smirk.
"Now.. let's get down to brass tacks..."