Legend

Business Expansion

    Thecouple dated despite both sides of their family still having misgivings. Reggiewas extremely gentle and tender with Kaelyn, devoting his time to her. 

Reggiealso hired Leslie Payne, a middle-man / broker who was brilliant at seeking out businesses for the Krays to buy over at a cheap price, cheapened through intimidation. They obtained 2 nightclubs, 3 pubs and a car factory in 6 months. 

Then one day, the American mob from Las Vegas arrived in London, and approached the Krays for protection for the casino they are planning to build on Upper East End, too close to Astor's territory in the north. They were offering a 60-40 share of the profits in exchange for protection, and also one time fee of £10,000 paid up front for goodwill, as well as bearer's bonds worth almost £1 million. Ronnie asked for 50-50 share and the Americans, impressed by the directness of Ronnie, agreed. 

However Reggie was concerned and wanted to speak to Freddie King. Ronnie was pissed with Reggie for being such a coward, blaming it on Kaelyn for turning his brother into a pussy. Payne agreed that Reggie should talk to the Astors, as telling them upfront would indicate respect and prevent any retaliation. This was their turf after all and the Americans would appreciate that they settle things to the best end. A turf war would drag on and affect the casino's business. Payne is a businessman after all, and prefer to leave violence out of the equation.

Freddie King was indeed pleased that Reggie approached him, a smart man who avoids trouble. Freddie didn't want to deal with the Americans. He was no longer interested in the protection racket. It didn't generate as much money as running the casino himself. He was running movie theatres, broadway theatres, ballet theatres and operas, numerous nightclubs, a 300-room five-star luxury hotel, and even the football stadium legitimately owned (though these were great channels for bootlegging and laundering as well). 

But casinos were the greater moneymakers, just not in London with the taxation if he wanted it legit. So he had expanded to Monte Carlo, with 2 more new casino-resorts opening, and he was looking at Casablanca next. He had his hands full and appreciate that someone he knew like Reggie was running the other half of London. Kaelyn had foresight.

    Onthe opening night, Kaelyn and Reggie took photos with famous stars, and withthe press coverage of the photo of an Astor and Kray together, The TreasureStar's reputation was sealed. People flocked in knowing that thecasino was watched over by the notorious Krays, and that the Astors will nottouch it because of Kaelyn. Reggie looked on proudly at their photo in thepapers and showed it to his mother. Kaelyn was in a blue off-shoulder mermaidgown, showing off her superb figure.

Reggie's Ma: She's beautiful.

Reg: Isn't she?

Ma: So elegant. Like one of those TV actresses.

Reggie smiled. 

    Oneof the nights they invited a very famous American jazz singer to the casino,Kaelyn and Reggie joined the event. Reggie was so proud to have Kaelyn on hisarm, she was a stunner and the Americans were bedazzled by her. That evening she was in a green gown with black lace over the shoulders and sleeves. She had on pearl dangly earrings, her hair was curled to one side and secured with a diamond hairpin. She looked expensive and elegant. 

    Reggiesat at the blackjack table that evening, while she was at the baccarat table,facing each other. Reggie caught her eye and winked. She smiled. Then Albiecame over and whispered something in Reggie's ear, and his expression turnedsombre. Kaelyn looked at Reggie, knowing something was wrong. Reggie lookedsadly at Kaelyn and looked down. He was drinking at the bar when Kaelyn went up to him. He gulped down his whiskey to gain some Dutch courage at what he was about to tell her. He was worried and frightened that this was the beginning of the end. He wasn't afraid of what was to come to him, but he was afraid of losing Kaelyn.
 

Kae: (taking his hand) What happened?

Reggie took another shot. Then he took both her hands and held them in his. Kaelyn frowned, this isn't good at all.

Reg: I was appealing against my sentence for some fraud case last year. I just lost the appeal.

Kae: (eyes darkening) Which means?

Reg: Which means I have to go to prison tomorrow. For 6 months.

Kae: 6 months?!

Reg: Yes.

Kae looked away, taking it all in. What was she to do without him for 6 months?

Reg: Kae, will you please wait for me?

Kae: (closing her eyes then sighed) OK.

  Reg: (happily) OK?  

Kae:of course ok, I love you, what else am I going to do?

Reg: (kissing her) You won't believe how relieved I am....I cannot lose you.

That night they slow-dancedtogether, never leaving each other's side, and then made sweet love in Reggie'snew apartment. The next morning, Frank and Albie took Reggie to the stateprison. He didn't want Kaelyn there to see him.