The Leone Family: The Beginning

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER ONE: I Believe in America...

 

In 1970, Carmine Leone shifted in his seat, wondering what was taking the stewardess so long with his martini. His 3-year younger brother Salvatore was asleep next to him. Carmine and Salvatore Leone were two Sicilian made-men who worked for their Uncle Pietro Leone, a Caporegime in the Sicilian Mob led by Capo-Crimini Luciano Della Di Russo. They were two remarkable similar looking young men despite the three year gap. Both were of average height with slightly stocky features. Neither men were particularly handsome, both cursed with round heads and puggish facial features, with their oily black hair pulled back like any other young Sicilian man. But the two men had differant personalities. Carmine was always the more level-headed and patient one, however, his patience would often develop into procrastination. Salvatore, although equally as intelligent and cunning as his brother, was the more hot-headed one, who would often confuse his emotions with his business. Carmine and Salvatore were on a plane to Liberty City in America, to meet their fence, Eddie Drago.

They landed in the Francis International Airport where they were whisked away by their fence to the docks in Portland, where the Leone brothers were to showcase their new merchandise, stolen Italian sports vehicles.

Eddie Drago was a man very much like Salvatore Leone. He was a clever and passionate fellow, who's career as a criminal was more of an excitement than an actual job. His height was less than average, with hunched soldiers and slim arms and legs. His head was round with a pronounced chin, features he would retain until old age. Although Drago was Italian, he knew only a few fluent words in Italian, but it didn't matter, as the Leone brothers knew English very well, as did most of their Sicilian brethren. After haggling over the price of the merchandise, Drago took them to a lunch at Marcos Bistro.

Whilst twirling his fork in his fettucine in a bored state, Carmine looked across the room to four gentleman about the Leone brother's age, sitting, or rather leaning on the bar, sipping their drinks and injecting their words into their inaudible conversation. All four of them were men of short height, with the exception of one, but all had somewhat portly physiques, which contrasted to their long faces and strong noses.

"Who are they?" Asked Carmine to Drago, gesturing with his fork.

"Oh," he replied "those are the Forelli Brothers."

"Forelli Brothers?"

"Well, at least three of them. There's Sonny, Franco, Mike, and on the far right is their cousin Giorgio."

"Are they men like us?" Salvatore injected.

"Better believe it. Those guys command a lot of respect in this town, and they rake in a bundle."

"No, I mean are they in this thing of ours?" Carmine asked.

"Oh no, and that's why I like seeing you Sicilians here. Liberty City doesn't have no Families. It's all free-lance guys running through here. Your guys in Sicily should come here and organize this all into a Family. I tell you, this place is ripe for a real Family."

Salvatore did not take his eyes of the one who was Franco Forelli, or rather was studying him, for information for future use. The diminutive Forelli had his back turned. He drank a single shot and smashed the glass into fragments furiously on the bar.

He lunged for the staring man across the room, and picked him up from his chair by the lapels.

"What the f*ck are you looking at stranger?" asked the furious little man.

"Tu brutto facile!" Salvatore replied, pushing the Forelli of his jacket.

Franco Forelli's brow furrowed.

"What the f*ck did he say?" asked Franco to no one in particular.

The bastard, Salvatore thought. An Italian who doesn't know a lick of decent phrases. However, it satisfied Salvatore that he didn't know what he said, as he enjoys speaking, especially insulting people, in Italian who don't understand.

By this point, Carmine and Eddie Drago were restraining Salvatore, and franco's brothers and cousin were restraining him.

"Don't you bastards know who I am?! I think you should show a little respect!" shouted Franco

The tallest, and apparently elder, Forelli brother, stepped out.

"Please, excuse my brother. I'm Sonny Forelli, and these are my brothers, Franco and Mike, and my cousin Giorgio. I do apologize."

The tension eased a little bit, and both sides were able to unrestrain their fighting bulls, now calm.

"It's no problem at all," replied Carmine "I'm Carmine Leone, this is my brother Salvatore, and our associate Eddie Drago."

"It's my pleasure. Perhaps we can work together sometime." said the charming Forelli.

Carmine said "I'll shall certainly consider it."

And with that, the two Sicilians and the Calabresian paisan left the restaurant.

The entered Eddie Drago's car.

"Eddie," said Carmine intruegingly "You said there weren't any families in the city?"

"None." Drago briskly replied.

Carmine sat there pondering, having a whole conversation in his head.

"And you said that we should get our Sicilian paisans and settle out here."

"Nothing but nothing but right. That's what I've been telling you all along."

"So then why don't we?" Carmine asked.

The car went silent.

"You mean," Salvatore said slowly "We could be Capos here, working under Di Russo?"

"That's right," Carmine said slyly "We could have this whole city to ourselves."

The whole city to themselves. The prospect was interesting, to say the least.

[Archaon, Lord of End Times]

Excellent, I read your story in the LCS forum about the complete history of the GTA families. Excellent work. You have a great tallent for this.

 

And the Godfather quote for the chapter title, brilliant.

Edited October 4, 2006 by Archaon, Lord of End Times

[palaric8]

i love you bob sacramano

 

 

lol,joking

 

 

great story keep it up

 

 

palaric8 rates topic good

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER TWO In Sicily...

 

God I love Sicily, Salvatore thoguht in his head, as he was making his way through the Palermo countryside. The sun accentuated the sandy cobble-stone roads beautifully.

Carmine and Salvatore barely drove when travelling through the countryside. They liked walking through, admiring the scenery. They were making their way to their Uncle's Cafe.

 

Sitting and sipping his coffee was Claudio Leone, a Caporegime in the Palermo crime family led by Luciano Della Di Russo. Despite his sun-shriveled appearance, Claudio Leone was a a tough, calculating man to be respected. He was the type of man man meant for no other life but his own. Not like his brother Paolo Leone, father of Carmine and Salvatore Leone, who was a well-to-do vineyard owner with an impeccable repuatation. Claudio Leone took his brother's sons under his wings, and due time they became made men, along with Claudio's son Lorenzo Leone. Despite holding the rank of Caporegime, it was very clear that Claudio Leone was to take the reins of the family after Luciano Della Di Russo would be held accountable of his crimes by the Sicilian government. Claudio Leone operated his businesses in his cafe.

Carmine and Salvatore approached him outisde of his cafe. His son Lorenzo was by his side, the ever-loyal lieutenant. He had similar gaunt features like his father, that weren't nearly as sinister looking.

Carmine said in Italian "Our fence in Liberty City, you know, Drago?"

"Si" was the Uncle's brisk reply.

"He says to us that, the underworld down there is a mess. No organization, and the presence of 'this things of ours' is lacking. That's why I implore you, with full respect, that perhaps I, my brother, and your son, may go down there and organize everybody and everything under one banner. The banner of 'this thing of ours.'"

Claudio Leone leaned back in his chair, the wheels and gears in his brain turning about. They were all frozen, waiting for the shoe to drop.

And so Carmine dropped it.

"We shall be one regime, working for you, with the weakly tributes like the other regimes." said Carmine.

"Hm." replied Claudio "America."

A grin stretched across his face not disimilar to that of a rascally adolescent.

"Let's give it a shot."

Carmine and Salvatore immediately lit up like pinball machines.

"So it'll be just the three of you?" their Uncle acquiesced.

"Well yes," Carmine responded "However, I would appreciate if we brought over some muscle."

Claudio's brow furrowed.

"Anyone in particular?"

"We were thinking maybe, Massimo Torini?"

Massimo Torini was one of the youngest made-men in Palermo and was rightfully so due to his feared legend. He had killed men with his bare hands, and then some. He was renowned as one of the fiercest killers in all of Sicily, and he ran a profitable casino/hotel just outside of Palermo.

"No." was Claudio Leone's reply

And with that, off the three Leone's went, off to America.

 

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER THREE In Sicily...

 

God I love Sicily, Salvatore thoguht in his head, as he was making his way through the Palermo countryside. The sun accentuated the sandy cobble-stone roads beautifully.

Carmine and Salvatore barely drove when travelling through the countryside. They liked walking through, admiring the scenery. They were making their way to their Uncle's Cafe.

 

Sitting and sipping his coffee was Claudio Leone, a Caporegime in the Palermo crime family led by Luciano Della Di Russo. Despite his sun-shriveled appearance, Claudio Leone was a a tough, calculating man to be respected. He was the type of man man meant for no other life but his own. Not like his brother Paolo Leone, father of Carmine and Salvatore Leone, who was a well-to-do vineyard owner with an impeccable repuatation. Claudio Leone took his brother's sons under his wings, and due time they became made men, along with Claudio's son Lorenzo Leone. Despite holding the rank of Caporegime, it was very clear that Claudio Leone was to take the reins of the family after Luciano Della Di Russo would be held accountable of his crimes by the Sicilian government. Claudio Leone operated his businesses in his cafe.

Carmine and Salvatore approached him outisde of his cafe. His son Lorenzo was by his side, the ever-loyal lieutenant. He had similar gaunt features like his father, that weren't nearly as sinister looking.

Carmine said in Italian "Our fence in Liberty City, you know, Drago?"

"Si" was the Uncle's brisk reply.

"He says to us that, the underworld down there is a mess. No organization, and the presence of 'this things of ours' is lacking. That's why I implore you, with full respect, that perhaps I, my brother, and your son, may go down there and organize everybody and everything under one banner. The banner of 'this thing of ours.'"

Claudio Leone leaned back in his chair, the wheels and gears in his brain turning about. They were all frozen, waiting for the shoe to drop.

And so Carmine dropped it.

"We shall be one regime, working for you, with the weakly tributes like the other regimes." said Carmine.

"Hm." replied Claudio "America."

A grin stretched across his face not disimilar to that of a rascally adolescent.

"Let's give it a shot."

Carmine and Salvatore immediately lit up like pinball machines.

"So it'll be just the three of you?" their Uncle acquiesced.

"Well yes," Carmine responded "However, I would appreciate if we brought over some muscle."

Claudio's brow furrowed.

"Anyone in particular?"

"We were thinking maybe, Massimo Torini?"

Massimo Torini was one of the youngest made-men in Palermo and was rightfully so due to his feared legend. He had killed men with his bare hands, and then some. He was renowned as one of the fiercest killers in all of Sicily, and he ran a profitable casino/hotel just outside of Palermo.

"No." was Claudio Leone's reply

And with that, off the three Leone's went, off to America.

Edited October 10, 2006 by Bob Saccamano

[Vanilla Shake]

I must say, you are GOD!

lol!

 

But anyways, thank you for converting the already excellent work you did in the LCS section into this amazing story.

And, now for my world famous "Review".............Abso-f*cking-lutely brilliant!

 

Vanilla Shake also rates topic GOOD

 

 

[Rashon.]

Kickass!! I want more chapters!

[Vanilla Shake]

Kickass!! I want more chapters!

That's right!

More chapters or we start a riot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

J/K

[Gaja 90]

Yeah, we want more chapters as soon as possible

Great work

[Nick Papagiorgio]

I can't get enough of this story! More chapters!

 

Bob Sacamanno, like I said in the LCS section, you da man!

 

Here are cookies to keep you going. Great story.

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER FOUR The Grapevine...

 

Things proceeded simply enough after they got their permission from their Uncle Claudio. When landing back in Liberty City, they informed Eddie Drago of their new quest and seeked to enlist help. Drago was a master at locating criminals, he knew where all the bars and clubs and other such places they frequented. They would interest other criminals, young ambitious hoodlums, onto their side. What aided them greatly were their Sicilian connections. Eddie Drago called this process "sending word around the grapevine." Among the first wave of men on their side was Vito Cipriani, Angelo Alighieri who ran a gambling den in Sanit Marks, and Giuseppe "Geppetto" LaTravese. While these were good, loyal men, The three Leones needed a way to entice the other, more brash, more established criminals. Namely the Forelli Brothers.

They operated chiefly in a backroom in Marcos Bistro, one of the most profitable restaurants in the city. They had asked around the reluctant chefs, and located the secret back room.

They opened the door to find the four rotund Forelli figures seated around a circular wooden table. Two other figures were standing above the Forelli Brothers, one portly, and one slender and youthful. These two men were Bob Sacamano and Tommy Vercetti, respectively.

Eddie Drago, a well known crook in the Liberty City underworld, managed to set up a sit down between the two groups.

The three Leones seated themselves wordlessly at the table, and Carmine spoke frankly. He said that he and his comrades were trying to start their own syndicate around the city, uniting the Italian criminals under one banner. These words seemed to bore Sonny Forelli, the unofficial foreman of his jury. It was only until Carmine mentioned their Sicilian support that Sonny started to show interest, and actually take them seriously. Carmine was very careful in his offer, not to be foreboding, nor too light in their control.

Sonny Forelli thought for a moment, and said, as if contemplating to buy a blue shirt over a red shirt.

"Yeah, sure." was Sonny Forelli's casual response. They shook their hands and embraced.

Having the Forelli Brothers one their side was key, due to their presidence in the Liberty City underworld. Solely by the strength of having the Forelli brothers and their associates on their side, they were able to more easily entice the other criminals and conmen in the city to join their cause. In fact, most men actually offered their loyalties to the Sicilians rather than wait for the Leones to come around to them. Among their new enlistees were Paul Sindacco, Federico Gazzo, and Giovanni Ambrosio.

The Leones seemed to have finally organized their new crew, and basically dominated the city. All seemed well.

Things seemed well at this time, but problems in Sicily, as well as dissent from their own soldiers, caused their peace to break, and then some.

Edited October 10, 2006 by Bob Saccamano

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Good job on the past chapter, Bob.

 

 

Keep em' coming.

[Vanilla Shake]

Simply magnificent!

 

Keep it up!

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER FIVE The Lines in the Sand

 

Dissent amongst the newfounded Leone crew was at it's highest following the early months of 1971. The Forelli brothers mainly griped at the fact that the enormous syndicate was stuck as a crew for another family, rather than as it's own Family, with a more organized ranking system a Family has. Paulie Sindacco complained of the tight restraints in his operations and that they were not to go into drugs, an especially lucrative business at the time.

It seemed there were split factions. Carmine Leone challenged those not loyal to him to gather themselves in their own factions, confident of his backing in Sicily.

The lines were drawn:

There was one faction led by Sonny Forelli, which included his brothers Franco and Michael, and cousin Giorgio. Enforcers Tommy Vercetti and Ruggiero Norricio, and marginally, Bob Sacamano. Other associates include Harry Valcanado and Lee Armani.

Another faction was led by Paulie Sindacco, which included Giovanni Ambrosio, Liborio Florenza, and future Consigliere Federico Gazzo.

And the faction loyal to Carmine Leone included his brother and cousin Salvatore and Lorenzo, respectively. Also present were Eddie Drago, Vito Cipriani, Angelo Alighieri, Giuseppe LaTravese, Emil Manazzio, and Francesco Bravora A.K.A. 'Frankie Bravo.'

The lines were drawn, and all that awaited was the trumpet call of battle. All that awaited was who would draw first blood.

"Idiots," Salvatore gloated "Who do those morons think they are, messing with real made guys like us? And our Sicilian brethren?"

The major members of the Leone faction were attending a war council in Carmine and Salvatore's new mansion, which they shared.

Carmine said "You shouldn't underestimate our enemies. Paulie Sindacco is one shrewd bastard. And that Sonny Forelli? Forget about it."

Salvatore's confidence seemed to drain a little at the comment. Carmine was always the calm, level-headed one, while Salvatore was the man of more vibrant emotions.

"What do we do now?" asked Salvatore

Lorenzo spoke up.

"What we do now is wait, and remain flexible."

"Absolutely right." Carmine said. "At this point, anything can happen. Hey Vito, any word from Sicily?"

"Nah," said the stoic-looking Vito "Not a word."

Edited October 12, 2006 by Bob Saccamano

[Rashon.]

Good chapter there. Roll more on in.

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Good job man.

 

Keep up the good work!

[Vanilla Shake]

Simply magnificent!

 

Keep it up!

What he said. ^^^

 

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER SIX The War of '71

 

Claudio Leone was sitting outside his cafe on one particularly sunny morning. He sipped his coffee and opened the newspaper, where he ran an article on the verdict of Luciano Della Di Russo, who stood trial the day before on numerable racketeering charges. The verdict was guilty, a verdict he forbid any of his comrades from changing. It was now his time for leadership, and there was no doubt to be opposition. The turmoil in Liberty City can wait.

 

Back in Liberty City, the lines were drawn and everybody was waiting for something. Anything. The ensuing events were predictable. One side would attack the other's rackets, and retaliate. Sonny Forelli was all too lucky, winding up with such feared enforcers like Tommy Vercetti and Ruggiero Norricio. They called Norricio the 'Sandman,' mainly for his skill at manuvering, and killing, in darkness. His penchant for black attire aided him greatly.

The majority of the war consisted of merely spying on the enemy, seeing the places he went, learning his habits. Vito Cipriani was employed in the spying of Sonny Forelli. He found that Sonny often met Tommy Vercetti in the wooded area in Harwood. Carmine Leone was not hesitant in employing an ambush when the next meeting was to come around.

Sonny Forelli's excess parked slowly into the clearing in Harwood. Tommy Vercetti was leaning against a tree, smoking a cigarette. They made a friendly embrace and started to talk.

"These f*cking Leones," Sonny said, half-laughing. "If these guys are so tough, then why do they need their Sicilian back-up? Why can't they just stand and fight like men?"

Tommy said "It doesn't matter anyway. I just don't believe these guys. If they have their Sicilian backing, where are they? Wouldn't they have struck by now? I'm not saying these Leones aren't made men, but I don't think they have nearly as much support as they think."

"You think they got double-crossed?" asked Sonny.

"Maybe." replied Tommy.

Vito Cipriani couldn't hear the conversation, nor could the 10 other armed men hiding, waiting to spring into combat. It was now or not at all.

Sonny had barely entered into his car when the armed men attacked.

It would seem that Tommy Vercetti was armed up the anty for this, as he pulled out a magnum and picked off the charging guys one by one. Sonny Forelli was gone in his car by now, and it was just Tommy and Vito. Tommy gave a chase, seemingly to know exactly what he was doing. Vito pursued him, by Tommy gave him the slip. He was nowhere to be seen. Vito was puzzled by this and scratched his chin, when he heard the faint sounds of sirens behind, and felt the cold metal of the tip of a gun at the back of his head, he gave up any chance for survival.

"Toni..." was his last whisper.

The buck and bark of the gun was audible only over the police sirens of the surrounding cars, led by Lt. Peter Donowitz and his partner Michael Suchowski, cops on the Sindacco payroll. The ensuing standoff left Donowitz and Suchowski dead, and Tommy Vercetti behind bars for a good 15 years (He would've gotten the chair were it not for Sonny Forelli's influence.)

 

The attack was dubbed by the media "The Harwood Massacre," and the three Families agreed that they had been each damaged by it. Sonny Forelli had lost two of his top enforcers that week, the other being Ruggiero Norricio who was arrested early that day. The Sindacco's police power was exhausted due to the death of their main contacts, Donowitz and Suchowski. The Leones had lost one of their most loyal soldiers including Vito Cipriani, known as a legend ever since. The three Families agreed to a temporary peace, and sought to manage their businesses and arrainge their ranks.

Sonny Forelli named himself Boss of the Forelli Family, his cousin Giorgio Forelli was named Consigliere and Franco Forelli was named Underboss. Mikey "Lips" Forelli was Capo of their territory.

Paulie Sindacco named himself as Boss of his outfit, with Federico Gazzo as his Consigliere and Louis Esposito as Capo.

And finally, Carmine Leone named himself as Boss, and like Giorgio Forelli, had his cousin Lorenzo Leone named as Consigliere, and Salvatore logically was named Underboss. Eddie Drago was named Capo.

 

Things seemed alright now, but the damage was done, and the wheels were in motion. Nothing can stop these barbarian tribes from warring on each other, that I can guarantee you.

[Rashon.]

Wow, it's like you've pre-written this stuff. Great chapter.

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Great chapter, b. saccamano.

 

Keep em comin!

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER SEVEN The War of '86

 

The period of time between 1971 and 1986 could have been considered a peace from first glance. But the three Families never did heal all wounds. They never really worked together or shared their wealth with each other. While they didn't want to go back to war, it was a very strong possibility. And it seemed it could happen when Salvatore Leone woke up one morning to find the following headlines sprawled across the morning paper:

 

MOBSTER VERCETTI PAROLED

 

The next thing he new Carmine had convened a war council with Salvatore, Lorenzo, and Eddie Drago.

"Well...What're we gonna do?" Carmine asked, his hands folded across his desk.

"I say we kill him." said Salvatore frankly.

"A made man?" asked Lorenzo rhetorically. "No."

"At least not yet." Carmine said quickly. "We gotta wait and remain flexible. Sonny Forelli knows that Tommy Vercetti walking the streets is bad for business. He'll probably get him out of the city as quick as possible."

Salvatore added "Either way, with Vercetti in the city or not, things are gonna chnge for the Forellis."

"For better or for worse." said Eddie Drago "I'm pushing for worst."

 

A few days later, Sonny Forelli sat at his round table in the back of Marco's Bistro with his two brothers and cousin, the sounds of rustling pots and pans in the kitchens, and the satisfying, papery slipping sound of money being counted. God, Sonny thought, this stuff is white gold.

His new portable phone rang.

It was Tommy Vercetti, reporting that the drug deal he was supervising had gone awry, and he lost both the drugs and the money. After giving him a verbal lambasting, he hung up the phone in a fury.

"Hear what happened?!" asked Sonny.

"Trust me we heard." said Franco.

Giorgio asked "Who do you think was behind it?

"It was probably the f*cking Leones!" said Sonny.

"What makes you say that?" Giorgio asked.

"Who else?" said Sonny "At least Paulie Sindacco minds his businesses. The Leones are always interfering, trying to dip their hands in our pockets. Well no more."

"What're you saying?" asked Mike.

Sonny said "I'm saying that we might have to make an example out of the Leones."

"Far enough to kill one of theirs?" asked Franco.

"Why not?" said Sonny.

 

Vercetti continued to be a pain for Sonny Forelli. Despite swearing to pay off the debt, he had not. He was starting to amass a lot of power and money in the rackets in Vice City, after killing local Vice City drug lord Ricardo Diaz. Was he gonna betray Sonny? Yes, Sonny correctly assumed. It was time to exemplify his enemies. He put a hit on Leone Consigliere Lorenzo Leone, who was having his usual lunch in Momma's Ristorante. The gunmen arrived just to see Carmine Leone seated at the table. Charging in the restarant with shotguns, they had no choice but to kill Carmine Leone and his guard.

It turned out that Lorenzo was late to this particular lunch. But the damage was done. Salvatore Leone promoted himself to Boss, but did not name an Underboss out of sheer paranoia of a betrayal. Salvatore's tenure as Boss lasted one day before deciding to exact revenge on Sonny Forelli, and promptly put a hit on him, but he found such effort unnecessary. It would seem Sonny Forelli had gone down to Vice City himself to erradicate his Vice City nemesis. A bloodbath later, Tommy Vercetti became victorious, and Sonny Forelli was dead.

Franco Forelli became the new Forelli Boss, and named his brother Mike Forelli as Underboss. Bob Sacamano was named Capo in Mikey Lips' place.

Franco Forelli sought a sitdown between him and Salvatore Leone. They agreed on a peace, but how well Salvatore could keep it, was to be disputed.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

yet another great chapter.

[Rashon.]

Keep 'em rolling in, Bob.

[Vanilla Shake]

Great Job!!!

[Archaon, Lord of End Times]

Your style and descriptiveness are kick-ass-tastic. I love it. Your insite into the mafia is brilliant.

[Bob Saccamano]

CHAPTER EIGHT The Las Venturas War

 

Johnny Sindacco had everything handed to him on a silver platter as the only son of Boss Paulie Sindacco. He was born during the 'War of'71,' and it was now his 21st birthday. He was picked up by his father's Consigliere, Federico 'Freddy' Gazzo, a man he knew since time immemorial. Uncle Freddy handed Johnny a blindfold in the car.

"Put it on." Uncle Freddy said.

"What for?" asked Johnny.

Freddy didn't answer. Hesitantly, He put on the blindfold, depending on his trust in Uncle Freddy not to steer his thoughts into paranoia.

Johnny was led into a room, and when the blindfold came off, he saw his father, and a few other figures in the family, standing around a small table. Johnny was gonna become a made man.

"Son," Paulie said "You're going to be a made man now. And if you want to back out now, no problem. I wouldn't think any less of you if you did."

Johnny didn't seem to consider his other option.

"Yes." he hastily said.

"Alright." said Paulie.

Paulie picked up a needle and drew blood from Johnny's pinky. He then picked up a card of the St. Peter and lit it on fire.

"Now repeat after me: May my soul burn in hell like this card if I should ever betray my friends by breaking the code of omerta."

"May my soul burn in hell like this card if I should ever betray my friends by breaking the code of omerta."

Paulie put the burning card into Johnny's open palms.

"Now rub your hands together to put the flame out."

Johnny remembers the seering pain of the fire to the skin of his hand, cauterising the tiny prick on his pinky.

After that it was drinks, buffet, and celebrating of the merry kind.

Paulie soon drew Johnny into a corner to speak privately with him.

"Son, now that you're a made man, you've got responsibilities. I've got some things about to go down in Las Venturas, and I want you in charge of them."

"The casino business, pop?" Johnny asked, eyes widened.

"The casino business." Paulie said "I'm gonna send you, Giovanni Ambrosio and Libby Florenza with you to get some of the casinos under our belt. Get some money flowing into our territory here in the city."

"Pop, what do I say to that?" asked Johnny sincerely.

"Nothing," Paulie responded "I've already got a deal going with The Pink Flamingo, and I said I'd send my son to seal the deal. You're flying down there, first thing in the morning. I've got a penthouse suite arranged for you too."

Much to everyone's surprise, Johnny Sindacco proved as shrewd as his father. And in a very short matter of time, the Sindacco Family had acquired The Pink Flamingo, The High Roller, and Royal Casino. Every month or so, Johnny would skim off the profits from the casinos, take his cut, and send the money to his father in Liberty City. It was a sweet deal.

However, things soon turned sour during the negotiation of Caligula's Palace. By that time, the Leone and Forelli Families had heard of their ventures in Las Venturas, and demanded a cut, with threats of war. Knowing he had other Las Venturas businesses to fall back on, including the other casinos, nightclubs, and other illegal operatiosn set up by Johnny Sindacco, Paulie allowed the other Families a cut to appease them. Lawyer Ken Rosenberg, a former Forelli associate who assissted in Tommy Vercetti's rebellion in 1986, was installed as manager.

Salvatore Leone, however, was greedy, and he sought to improve his stake in the casino. He broke his truce with the Forelli Family by assassinating Consigliere Giorgio Forelli. Capo Bob Sacamano was promoted to new Forelli Consigliere, and as his first action as Consigliere, he advised Boss Franco Forelli to pull his bid from the casino.

The trouble wouldn't end there yet. The San Fierro-based Triads had opened a new casino, The Four Dragons. Johnny Sindacco tried to muscle in on the deal, but the Traid's muscle matched his, and they were able to counter-attack equally every move he made against them. At the premiere, he and a few goons, Ambrosio and Florenza discluded, were smashing the slot-machines with sledgehammers. The Triad guards quickly intervened, and tied him to the hood of a car, and driving maniacally fast around the city to scare information out of him. When he was released, he went into a coma, and was further hospitalized. During his stay at the hospital, he suffered a shock-induced cardiac arrest, and died.

The Sindacco Family remained clueless of the Triad's involvement in the attack. Paulie Sindacco was quick to blame the Leone Family, who now officially owned Caligula's Palace when Paulie Sindacco pulled out his bid due to overwhelming grief. He had no proof above his suspicions, so he never counter-attacked, though he threatened to do so to Salvatore Leone's son, Joey Leone.

In ironic poetic justice, Caligula's Palce was robbed in an elaborate heist, costing Salvatore Leone millions. He withdrew his ownership of the casino, allowing the Sindacco Family to re-buy it, and increase their hold in the city. Giovanni Ambrosio was made Capo of this territory.

Despite that now the Sindacco Family was probably the most powerful Family in Liberty City, he lost too much in the battle. A pint of blood cost more than a million dollars, as Paulie Sindacco now knew.

 

[Vanilla Shake]

Brilliant work!!!!

Keep it up!!!!

[Rashon.]

I'm surprised this topic hasn't gotten a star yet.

 

Great job.

[Nick Papagiorgio]

b-e-a-utiful chapter, Bob.

don't give up on this story.

[Archaon, Lord of End Times]

Perfectly brilliant.