act38side

...Red hood.

That one again? Where?

The alley up ahead. I could recognize her from a mile away.

Man, we were just taking a minute to change the tires, and you run into her AGAIN?

You want to go after her?

Let's get back on the truck. Eirene's waiting for us.

I left Sommer at the accident scene the last time in order to go after her, which just seemed to lead to all this crazy shit...

You know what's funny? I keep running into bad luck just like I keep running into her. It's like a curse I couldn't shake.

It's a brutal pack of wolves that we're facing today. I've seen what they're capable of.

That's why I need to be with you guys, this time.

Well, nothing for you to be ashamed of.

The bastard taunted you when you tried to take revenge and killed your mentor. You're way calmer than I would be if I was in your shoes.

You know what, once we get all this crap out of the way tonight, we'll come with you to find her, beat her up, and tie her up behind our trucks so that she gets to know what dust tastes like.

Nobody messes with OUR ragazza sfortunata.

Hah. Well, let's get going.

Dammit, boss, this place was hard to find.

Our guys are in position, but are you sure you don't want to be on scene at a time like this?

Come. Look.

Court Square?

Man, this house is so close to Court Square? I took so many turns on my way here that I thought I ended up in another district. Hell, I could see the posters on the courthouse windows...

Well-concealed, but offers a perfect view of the square and the surrounding streets.

I will be giving orders in real-time from right here, until the dust settles.

How'd you get your hand on such prime real estate in such a short time?

It has been under my name for a long time.

I bought it soon after I came to Nuova Volsinii. I come here from time to time, when I wanted some time off.

...To stare at the courthouse and City Hall?

How are things with the old man?

No problems. The estate's crowded, and they got enough whiskey, cigars, and classic records to keep him busy all night.

The port?

Gambino got everything set up. Our landship is the only thing that's coming to the city tonight... it's almost time, come to think of it.

All our vehicles are being deployed around the Nuova Volsinii port. The goods'll be delivered to every associate of the famiglia once the landship has docked.

Then, it's up to us.

Where is the parade procession?

The new art district, where all the theaters and entertainment establishments are. There's lots of performances on the streets, and activities for visitors to interact with the floats.

At least an hour until it gets here.

We have a small number of select famiglia associates nearby, equipped with the weapons that we had smuggled in.

The square is undermanned, with most of Nuova Volsinii's police keeping order along the parade route. Suppress the courthouse and other administrative buildings quickly and efficiently.

With the port and the courthouse in our hands, and the supplies from the landship, Famiglia Venezia will become the de facto rulers of Nuova Volsinii.

It's time for Nuova Volsinii to wake up from revelry.

I just thought of somethin'.

Hm?

City Hall's plan calls for the parade to be welcomed at the square by Leontuzzo's inaugural speech, where he's gonna talk about stuff like the new order and Siracusa's future n' whatever...

You gonna say something too when they're welcomed by fully-armed associates of Famiglia Venezia?

There is no need, Capone.

If you need to think about something, think about whether you still remember how to use a weapon after all the time you spent working at a vehicle company.

All good—

I know your history, Capone. The Sicilians started the first city state war in the history of Siracusa.

You looted through the city, pointing your weapons at all who would resist or speak up, and harvested the tails of the vanquished with sickles.

That was Siracusa's first Carnevale, even though the name came later.

This is your chance to prove that the history of Siracusa began with you, Sicilian.

Well, that sort of talk is better for Gambino. He's the one who could never stop talking about 'Sicilians'.

Lungmen, Volsinii, Nuova Volsinii... we've gone from one place to another over the years. The Sicilians fell on hard times after Signora Sicilia abandoned her familglia.

Which is why I've never forgotten how to pull a trigger.

Good, good.

Do it.

Happy Carnevale, signore! Have a balloon!

Thanks... hey, wait a minute.

Is the parade here already? I thought I would hear from the folks at the earlier stops.

Gugh—

Y-You're...

Hm. Slower on the uptake than I thought.

What did you think was gonna happen? This ain't Signor Mayor's promotional video, where we go to the ground as soon as a cop tags us.

They've been on the job for, what, one year?

There is no famiglia in Nuova Volsinii. Did you think they would have the skill or the guts to put their head on the line, when all they do is issue traffic tickets?

Left side of the square is clear.

Right side, same here.

The roads that connect the courthouse and the administrative building is secure. No survivors.

Caught a few paper pushers as they were coming out.

Damn, one got away and went back into the courthouse—

Alright, no complaining.

It's time. Do it!

What time is it, Texas?

Eleven.

Here's your whiskey with ice.

Thanks.

You've been looking at these route maps over and over again, Lavinia. Take a break.

The area around the square has been cleared of all non-relevant personnel. Traffic control is in effect from the new art district to the courthouse. All that's left is to wait for the procession.

What's your decision?

You're not concerned that it would cause a panic if it's the 'Last Texas' who makes the midnight speech, rather than the Acting Mayor as originally planned?

No, I'm not.

Every float tonight is themed after a legendary beast, however mysterious or cruel, and many citizens have put on masks to play the wolf pack.

Beast or man, they will walk together tonight in Nuova Volsinii.

I can think of nothing more appropriate for the Carnevale than having the Last Texas give a speech to the citizens about a better future.

And I can think of no one else who could take Leontuzzo's place as guest of honor.

Alright, let me see that draft again...

I'm sorry, Texas, but I need to prepare for all possible contingencies.

You've looked on edge since you came back from the truckers' camp.

I've done what I could in the time that I had, but the threat hasn't been eliminated. Tonight—

J-Judge Lavinia!

What's the matter... is that blood on your clothes?

A large group suddenly showed up at the square. They took out the police...

Who were they?

I couldn't tell... they were all dressed up in costumes and wearing carnival masks.

But they looked like they're ready to charge into the courthouse!

Get your wounds treated. I'll check it out.

No, Judge Lavinia! They're all over the square! If you go out now—

If that's the case, hiding here won't do any good.

I'm with you.

Good.

Stay here, Lavinia.