poly_chromatic

Entry tags:

boardwalk empire - meyer lansky

Video

[At least, for once, this is an intentional video. He is, however, much more casually attired than usual -- which, in this case, means with no suit jacket, no tie, and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. And he appears to be leaning on a car, cigarette in hand, as ever, and an errant smudge of grease or two on his face.]

I have two questions for the City at large. Call it... research.

[One of those tiny, polite smiles, and then...]

First of all, if there were one thing you think this city is lacking -- and "a means of escape" isn't a valid answer here, I'm afraid, since we all want that -- what would it be?

[A long pause.]

Second of all, I've been informed that I'm in need of at least one "modern" outfit, whatever that means. Is anyone here willing to assist?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I wouldn't say I'm inordinately fortunate with cards, I'd simply say that I'm a talented card player. I'm sure you could learn to be one, too.

Dare I ask what other ways you're fortunate in?

I am fortunate, of course, that I am beautiful. Lucky that men find me attractive. What sort of courtesan would I be, if I were ugly and unappealing?

That's a fair point, although I admit I wasn't aware you were a courtesan.

[Despite not being aware of it, there's not much surprise in his tone.]

[Neither is she surprised that he isn't surprised. She is used to being famous for her profession alone, after all]

But a beautiful courtesan can think for herself, too... And you appear to me a man well-learned in the ways of the world at large, Monsieur Lansky. Therefore I have a proposition to make you.

And what might that proposition be?

[He has a guess, but he's well aware of what they say about making assumptions.]

[Usually she would propose something like this in person. In private. However, here the rules of the game are very different from those she knows and she can only attempt to adapt.]

I have no means of providing for myself, Monsieur. In that regard, I am but a simple woman... You, on the other hand, are a man of means and could easily provide for me, although I am naturally aware that no such generosity comes for free.

[Well. This is a new experience. Maybe that explains the still slightly raised eyebrow.]

You want me to be your sugar daddy?

[That could have been put more eloquently, he's well aware.]

I get the sense you might be accustomed to a life of luxury I'm not sure I could provide.

"Sugar daddy" is not a term with which I'm familiar, yet the meaning of it translates easily, doesn't it? Yes, Marguerite Gautier - the most desired of the Parisian courtesans - is asking for you to become one such. To her. Monsieur Lansky. I am well aware that this place seemingly does not allow for the wild abandon that I am accustomed to. But I shall settle with whatever you are willing to offer. The price I can pay remains the same.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the meaning's the same even if the term isn't. Usually refers to an older guy and a younger woman, but I'm willing to bet you and I are just about the same age.

[This is a perplexing offer. And yet, a tempting one. He's not sure, however, that it's entirely wise, and so decides to proceed with caution.]

There're other options, you know. Especially in a City like this one.

[It does surprise her that he is so noble as to suggest another way for her. Than the one she knows and has lived so long. It reminds her of Armand. Thus, her features soften somewhat.]

I have been a courtesan for years now. I know no other profession. What else could I be? Someone's wife? No. You must understand, it is the choice I have made.

We may be able to come to some kind of mutually beneficial agreement. I don't, of course, object to providing employment, but I like the terms of a contract to be extremely clear. We both need to protect our assets, after all.

[He's still proceeding very carefully; he has the start of an idea in mind, but whether she'll be amenable is anyone's guess.]

[At this, she can't help laughing. Oh, so serious! Surely his idea can only be more beneficial to her than the truth of her present situation.]

Let me hear your terms, then! I am certain I shall be able to meet them and quite skillfully, too.

I might find you useful at the casino. How would you say you are at telling when people are lying? How would you say you are at being a... distraction? At convincing people to spend money?

[Marguerite pauses momentarily. He is listing arts that she already possesses great talent in. One, the latter, of which is the very reason that she takes men to bed with her. At the same time, however, she can also tell that he might be using her - to rob these men of their riches... Like Manon did before her.]

I never trust a man to tell the whole truth, Monsieur Lansky. As such, I am not easily fooled. In regards to the rest - I live to be a distraction. Live of the money this distraction costs. Yes, I am perfect for your casino, but I have my own demand to state, if I am to be employed in such a manner.

You understand, of course, I'd never ask you to do anything illegal.

[As though the very idea of doing something illegal was laughable to him.]

Your role would be something like that of a very charming, very distracting hostess. I do most of that myself, as it is, but oddly enough, people don't seem quite as distracted by my flirtations as they might be by yours.

[A self-deprecating little smile, and then it's right back to business.]

And what're your requirements?

I suspect that, unless the men who frequent your casino bring with them their mistresses and wives, your courting will not gain you any great profit in itself.

[It is said with a smile. Herself, she finds him reasonably charming. He would have fared well in her circles.]

[Then, she adopts a far more serious air.]

If I am to overtake this position, you must never expect me to promise my... clientele anything which I cannot keep. Men spend their money on me of their own free will, knowing what I can and cannot give them. I wish it to be no different here.

You know, it's not just men that come to the casino. Women do, too. Maybe I should try flirting with them more often.

[He's mostly joking, because that's not at all his style. Charm and politeness? Certainly. Flirtation? Almost never.]

I don't expect you to make any promises at all to them. Let them buy you a drink or two. Convince them to play another round of poker. You don't have to do anything beyond that. It's up to you.

[She contemplates him for a moment, then smiles. Quite openly.]

Be they men or women, I shall ensure that they play your game, Monsieur Lansky. They shall play it long and they shall play it gladly, for I shall make the experience so pleasurable that they will never wish to leave.

Wonderful. And, of course, you'll be reasonably compensated for your work. Should you choose to take on additional responsibilities, naturally I'll pay you more. I'm in the process of expanding the casino, so I expect business to continue to be good.

[The smile he gives her is genuine, but there's something a little sharp to it.]

Now. The first thing you'll need is a place to live.

[Her smile, in turn, gains a teasing edge.]

I do not dare to presume I am to live with you, now, do I?

[A laugh.]

You'd be horrified at how poorly decorated my apartment is. I often sleep at the casino. For the sake of your sensibilities, we'd better find you a place on your own.

Oh, it must be a beautiful apartment and have a view of the gardens! I favour the gardens very much, you see. All the flowers...

Sure, we can do that. Like I said, it won't be what you're used to, but it won't be too bad.

They say variety is the spice of life! And I do enjoy living tastefully.

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