“Hey Tony. There’s nobody answering at Vincent Manna’s apartment. Should I just leave the envelop for him at the front desk?”

“No, don’t do that. The sort of invitation it is, is something that we would rather be delivered by our courier.”

“May I ask why?”

“Delivering by courier adds to the prestige. If Nucky didn’t care, he would have just sent a message.”

“I see.”

“Good. Speaking of seeing, why did you cheap out on your phone service?”

“What do you mean? I can see your picture.”

“That’s what I’m talking about. If you had paid for the next tier of service, we would be having a video call.”

“I didn’t know that was an option. Nobody said anything including Jimmy and Claire.”

“Probably because they thought you went the cheap route after spending so much on everything else.”

“I see the option to upgrade,” Zoe said as she checked the phone app’s options and settings. “Just a sec.”

“Ah. Much better. Welcome to modern communication,” Tony quipped as Zoe’s image became video.

“Very funny.”

“I thought so. Give me a moment and I’ll call Vincent.”

“Thanks,” Zoe replied as Tony put her on hold. While she waited for him to return, Zoe looked up nearby stores. She wanted to go ahead and get a messenger bag or saddlebags.

“Zoe, Vincent is getting a haircut. It’ll be a couple hours before he gets home. So do some sightseeing. Central Park is nearby and worth a visit. Just mind the homeless. They may try to jump you even in broad daylight.”

“I think I’ll go to one of the nearby stores and check out their messenger bags.”

“That’s a good idea too. I recommend Macy’s.”

“Macy’s still exists?”

“Yeah, it does. I think Zhao Technologies or maybe it’s Harada Electronics owns them now.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. The mega corps own near everything.”

“True. Anyway, give Vincent a couple hours. If he’s not back by then, give me a call.”

“Alright,” Zoe replied. Tony disconnected the call without another word. Zoe shook her head and walked back out to her bike.

She would have to drive up to 7th Ave and circle around to 34th St to get to Macy’s, which would take another 10-20 minutes thanks to all the traffic. Zoe checked Macy’s website and saw they did have messenger bags in stock. She fired up her Triple Black and drove away from Vincent Manna’s building.

*

“Hi. I’m Sarah, can I assist you?” a young woman about Zoe’s age asked as she looked around Macy’s. She was a bit lost.

“Yes. I’m looking for messenger bags.”

“Right, this way please,” the sales associate said. She led Zoe to where the luggage and other various bags were located. “Judging based off your attire; you ride a motorcycle.”

“That’s right.”

“Then, if I may, I would suggest getting a no-drag backpack instead of a messenger bag,” Sarah said. “They are aerodynamic backpacks specifically designed for bike riders.”

“Do they have as much space?” Zoe asked. She pictured the backpack being small.

“Yes. Let me show you,” Sarah answered. She left Zoe standing at a sales counter and returned with a rectangular backpack and one of the larger messenger bags. Sarah used the cash register’s screen to show Zoe the dimensions of each type of bag. “Is there anything in particular you were planning on carrying in whatever bag you get?”

“I’m a courier, so small packages on occasion. Mostly I’ll want a change of clothes and maybe a snack.”

“No water bottles or thermos?”

“No,” Zoe replied shaking her head. “I’m a runner and have a camelback.”

“Gotcha. The backpack should work well with your camelback and cover it up,” Sarah said. She typed something on the register, which was really a desktop PC. “We do have a no-drag backpack that has a bladder built in. We also have a couple 2- and 3-liter bladders from Biofood and EcoFoods that fit into any backpack. Both of those have two straw tubes, separate pouches so the wearer can have two different beverages, and the bladder keeps the liquids chilled.”

“I like that. Is there a difference between the brands?”

“The material it’s made from and the cost. Biofood’s version is 50 credits and made from new plastic. EcoFoods’ version is 40 and made from recycled plastic.”

“Ugh. I’ll go with Biofood’s version. Bottles and cups made from recycled plastic usually have an added taste. I imagine the same is true for the bladder.”

“Yeah. I hate that. It’s either plastic or something worse,” Sarah agreed. “Does this mean you want the no-drag backpack too?”

“Yes. You sold me on it.”

“Want one made from black synthetic leather to match your outfit?”

“Yes,” Zoe quickly answered. Sarah smiled.

“Want a backpack with a helmet strap and that can be strapped to the seat behind you?”

“You’re pushing it, but yes.”

“I’m just trying to be as helpful as possible,” Sarah replied as her smile got bigger.

“How much are we talking?”

“Including the bladder, 330 credits including tax and installation of the bladder,” the sales associate answered. “The backpack is 230 credits by itself.”

“Do you guys sell water and strawberry kiwi juice?” Zoe asked.

“Yes. You can get them in gallon, half gallon, liter, and even 20 oz bottles,” Sarah answered.

“Would you be willing to throw in a liter of water and one of strawberry kiwi juice to make the sale?” Zoe asked.

“Yeah, I’ll do that.”

“Ring me up,” Zoe replied.

*

Two hours later, Zoe rang Vincent Manna’s apartment using the building’s call service. A tall, kind looking older man answered.

“Yes? May I help you?”

“Vincent Manna?” Zoe asked. He nodded. “My name is Zoe and I have a letter for you from Riccardo Capone.”

“Ah. You are the courier. I am buzzing you up.”

“Thanks,” Zoe replied. She took the elevator to the 30th floor and found Vincent’s apartment. She knocked on the door.

“Please come in,” Vincent said after answering the door. Zoe entered and took the envelop out of the backpack after Vincent let her set it on the kitchen table. “That’s a big bag for one little letter.”

“Yeah. But it also has my water and strawberry kiwi juice in it.”

Vincent laughed. “It’s always good to have one’s priorities in order.”

“I agree. Here is the letter,” Zoe replied handing it to him. “Mr Capone wanted me to wait and see if you want to send a response.”

“Does he now? This must be important since he sent a courier with an actual letter,” Vincent said opening the envelope. He sat at the table and gestured for Zoe to sit. “Please sit.”

“Thank you,” Zoe replied sitting opposite the man. Zoe tried not to look around too much. The apartment was well appointed with a traditional feel.

“Wait here. I must write a reply. It will only take a few minutes,” Vincent said. He was smiling broadly.

“Yes sir,” Zoe replied as Vincent walked out of the kitchen. A large man entered and stood just inside the doorway Vincent disappeared through. “Making sure I don’t steal anything?”

The man didn’t answer verbally, but he nodded once. Vincent returned half an hour later holding a sealed envelope.

“Here you are,” Vincent said sitting down and placing the envelope on the table. “This is your first job as a courier.”

It wasn’t a guess, but a statement. “Second. I delivered some contracts to a property management firm for Mr Capone before coming here.”

“In that case, would you like me to introduce you to a sort of broker contact of mine?”

“I don’t have any money to invest in the market.”

“No. Not that kind of broker,” Vincent laughed. “Henri runs a transport company which employs couriers and even contracts independents.”

“He takes a cut of each job?” Zoe asked.

“Ten percent,” Vincent agreed. “But with the proper introduction, he will keep you busy enough.”

“And you’ll give me this proper introduction?”

“That and 25 credits to deliver my response to Nucky,” Vincent answered.

“Alright. I accept your offer,” Zoe replied.

“Excellent. What is your last name, my dear?” Vincent said. He was grinning like the cat that had eaten the canary. “I shall call Henri so I can introduce you.”

“My last name is Blanco,” Zoe answered. “Thank you again.”