act21side

Demetri, noticed any flamboyant hitmen around town recently?

Hmm? Huh... You'd have to either be incredibly brave or incredibly stupid to stick your neck out these days.

...Do you need me to throw last month's crime reports in your face?

I think there's been a little misunderstanding here.

Just now, five bodies were found in a back alley on Viale Orvieto. The scene wasn't cleaned up, which suggests it wasn't the work of one of the famiglie.

And just this morning, I saw these same folks attacking a public official.

Huh, now that's new and exciting.

I don't care about the little power struggle between you people, but don't forget that our ironclad rule still stands.

Setting aside recent developments, even in ordinary times the fact still stands that Volsinii is run by Famiglia Bellone, and has a judge as principled as you.

Pulling a stunt like this is tantamount to spitting in our faces, and nobody would dare do something like that.

Unless...

Unless they're Columbian. Is that what you wanted to say?

It could be anyone who doesn't give two shits about the rules we've set.

Just keep me posted if you learn anything.

I don't recall having to answer to you, Your Honor.

Is this not also 'tantamount to spitting in the face of Famiglia Bellone'?

Fine then, I'll tell Leon. Maybe he has enough spare time on his hands.

First, attacks on government officials. Now, hitmen out of nowhere.

Is there really a connection between these?

The humid air creeps inside.

Lavinia's mind races with the details of the latest case as she makes her way back to the courthouse.

She knows full well what looms overhead, but everyone here, including herself, takes it for granted.

At the entrance to the courthouse, Lavinia looks over at her car, and cannot help but let out a sigh.

It has been splashed with paint, and now stands out conspicuously among its neighbors.

A simple gesture of malice.

These acts used to make her feel at a loss for words, but now they trouble her no more than the continuous drizzle.

Of course, there is still the cost of getting the car cleaned.

Sorry.

Be careful out there, signorina.

The rain doesn't seem like it'll let up anytime soon. You might slip if you don't watch your step.

Thanks for the reminder. But you don't seem to have an umbrella either.

I'm not a fan. I rather enjoy the feeling of raindrops on my skin.

Then I hope you also watch your step.

Why are you trying to provoke her?

And what makes you think that's what I'm doing? Ohh, you think you've got me all figured out now, huh?

Forget I said anything.

I <i>was</i> trying to provoke her, though.

She had a familiar scent on her. One I hate.

Suit yourself. But you're the one who wanted us to break into Famiglia Bellone. And I think this is just making us more suspicious.

I need to know exactly what is happening in this city, and why they wanted to bring Texas back.

So what do you reckon we do? Work our way up from hired guns? Rise through the ranks until we become the Bellones' top hitmen?

Well, Gambino'd probably like the sound of that, at least.

That's way too inefficient.

You guys need some bargaining chips, isn't that right?

So where <i>is</i> Gambino?

Already on his way to the middleman, to cash in the bounty.

Hah, look at that. Here in Siracusa, he's a lot better than you at climbing the ranks.

I don't deny that.

After spending so much time in Lungmen, I'm more shocked at how this place hasn't changed a bit. Not used to it at all anymore.

Trust me, you'll get used to it again soon enough. Just like Gambino.

After all, you're a Siracusan.

You really gonna let him plant his roots down here again?

Why not? There's nothing stopping you either. Be loud and proud about it. I certainly wouldn't get in your way.

The more I think about it, the less I understand. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

I'm just enjoying the rainy season. What, do you not like the rain?

All I know is, Gambino hates the rain.

So, what news did you get your hands on?

Wanna find out?

Sure, say I do. What would you have me do?

You're in luck. I just happen to be in need of a driver.

...*sigh*.

Come on in, signor istigatore.

I came back alive, bartender.

Your skills aren't half bad. But neither you, Gambino, nor that friend of yours who left for Lungmen eight years ago, Capone, are good enough.

Don't start talking like you're some hot shit, cub!

You're just like the rumors said. Completely clueless as to when you should and shouldn't press your luck.

Is that not how the last Sicilians lost the favor of Signora Sicilia?

Look at the ones today. What can they do now, except cling to their last pathetic scrap of glory?

Listen up, Gambino. I don't give a shit what you and Capone came back to Siracusa to do, nor do I care who's backing you behind the scenes.

All I care about is your ability, and the kind of work you can do.

So, what do you think of our work then?

You're not one of us, and you've got guts. Both are good.

So you keep doing good work for me, and I pay you. The better you do, the more you get paid. Simple as that.

You want to see Bellone. Once you've satisfied me, I'll arrange a meeting.

I'm going to do such a good job that you'll regret it.

You know, I don't hate the fact that you Sicilians ooze ruthlessness from your bones.

That's something Siracusans could use more of these days.

So, let's see you try.

When the time comes, you'll realize that I never regret a thing.

The banquet is about to begin, and people have been lining up early to wait outside the door.

Welcome, Mr. Beato.

And you are?

Rubio. We met at the banquet last week.

Ah, I remember now, il Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare. Rubio. I do apologize for this porous mind of mine.

Seeing as you're here, I'm sure tonight's meal is not to be missed.

Hardly, good sir. But as we are expecting some rather esteemed guests tonight, I did put in a little extra effort.

I see, I see.

Over here, Beato.

I'll be right there. Now, if you'll excuse me.

Who was that?

Rubio, Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare.

What? He's actually a government official, looking like that? I ignored him when I first came in because I thought he was just a doorman.

Not that you're missing out on much. He might as well be a clown.

Why do you say that?

He's not from one of the famiglie, and after a lifetime of struggling, the best position he could claw himself into was the director of that no-name dipartimento.

And after he landed the position, he went around kissing the asses of various famiglie until he somehow managed to bumble his way into some renown.

Nowadays, his dipartimento pretty much caters all events in Volsinii, large and small.

He doesn't care about his image at all, standing in front of the door to greet the guests like that. I mean, you saw him.

I see. That said though, there is a thing or two we could learn from his sorry mug.

I must congratulate you, Rubio.