Chapter 26: The Family's Decision
2005.
Naples, Italy.
Inside a private villa, the grand meeting room glowed under bright chandeliers. Though it was called a family gathering, everyone seated around the long table knew the truth — this was a council of Camorra leaders, deciding the future of their empire.
Laughter and casual chatter filled the air. The Family's businesses had been thriving, and most of the Capos were in good spirits. Yet at the very center, Santino Antonio sat stiff and silent, puffing on a cigar, his expression clouded.
"Tommy Vercetti… ha. Damn it, I didn't expect the cops to let him out so quickly!"
The words slipped from his lips, heavy with bitterness.
Santino's mind had been restless ever since he received news from Redhaven Prison. Tea Bag — dead by "suicide." Belick — a vegetable after collapsing, later taken off life support. And most recently, John Abruzzi — gone after "slipping on soap."
Different causes, different circumstances, but the pattern was unmistakable. Each man had crossed Tommy. Each man had fallen.
And Santino knew he was next.
Back then, it was he who had leaked information about Tommy to the rival Nostra Family, orchestrating the ambush that sent Tommy to prison. Now, with Tommy's release imminent, retribution was certain.
Lost in thought, Santino barely registered the conversation around him until a voice broke through.
"Brother, what are your thoughts on Tommy's release?"
Gianna's sharp eyes fixed on him from across the table. Unlike the others, she hadn't missed her brother's unease.
Still, she pressed on, turning her gaze to the other Capos. "Tommy served three years for the Family. According to our rules, he deserves recognition and reward. If those who bleed for us are abandoned, then what loyalty can we expect from anyone?"
Her words drew nods from several Capos. Rewarding loyalty was the foundation of Mafia power.
But not all agreed. Some muttered concerns — Tommy's past had created too much noise in the underworld. His return might attract scrutiny, even from enemies better left undisturbed.
Gianna countered, "So much time has passed. If Tommy keeps a low profile, this will fade."
Santino seized the moment. He slammed his palm on the table. "Low profile? You've all seen the reports. Abruzzi dead — supposedly from slipping on soap. Do you really believe that story?"
The Capos chuckled grimly. Soap accidents didn't happen to men like Abruzzi.
Santino leaned forward, voice dropping. "Think. The Nostra Family lost two Capos to Tommy. Their hatred is carved in blood. If Tommy stays here, they will retaliate. And when they do, it's our businesses that will suffer."
Murmurs rippled through the room. Money and stability mattered more than pride, and Santino's logic was hard to deny.
"So what's your proposal?" one Capo asked.
Santino exhaled a cloud of smoke, letting the silence stretch before answering.
"We've long discussed expansion into America. New York is ripe with opportunity — Russians, Mexicans, even small-time crews are carving out pieces. But local gangs there won't bow easily. We need someone strong to open that market."
He tapped the table with his cigar.
"Send Tommy Vercetti. Make him our representative in America. Any territory he wins is his to rule. The Family will only take a cut. If he succeeds, he can rise further as our American spokesman. If he fails… well, he's far away, and the storm passes over us."
The suggestion was clever — reward and exile rolled into one.
Capos exchanged glances, most nodding in agreement. Even those hesitant earlier now saw merit. It was a solution that offered them profit, while removing a dangerous spark from Naples.
Gianna's jaw tightened. She knew Santino was maneuvering to remove Tommy from Italy — perhaps even to have him killed abroad. Yet surrounded by unanimous approval, she was outnumbered.
In the end, she could only nod, masking her frustration.
Thus, the Camorra Family's decision was sealed.
Tommy Vercetti would be sent to New York — as both opportunity and exile.
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