The Simsfather: The Complete Duology

[Kingfish95]

The Simsfather, Part I

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Life tends to be black and white; until it isn't.

 

The choices we make define our character, which in turn, defines our destiny.  We aren't always born into the most optimal situation, but the onus is still on us to create the version of life we wish to live.  Sometimes, in creating such a life, we lose sight of the foundational vision that once compelled us to act.  

 

Writer's note: This is my first attempt to compile a script, use poses, and take pictures in order to tell a full story within The Sims.  At the very least, I hope that you personally enjoy the story that I will be telling.  

 

I have compiled a working list of different characters that you will meet throughout this journey.  The purpose is to give you context into a character's background, traits and desires.  There will be updates based on the chapters that I have completed.  I would suggest starting from the prologue entry if you are reading this for the first time. 

 

Blog Content for Part I (includes all 'Meet the Cast' and background content)

 

Part II begins here.

 

*The all background content is specifically designed to fill gaps in between the end of Part I and beginning of Part II. Don't click if you intend to read Part I. The 'Meet The Cast" is sorted by chapters and is safe to read based on which chapter you are reading)*

 

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1 - Vito Returns Home

Chapter 2 - Discovering the Business

Chapter 3 - Reuniting with an Old Friend

Chapter 4 - A Fork in the Road

Chapter 5 - The Changing Times

Chapter 6 - The Shark Tank

Chapter 7 - Rags to Riches

Chapter 8 - About Last Night

Chapter 9 - Keeping It In The Family

Chapter 10 - When Danger Approaches

Chapter 11 - In Need of A Favor

Chapter 12 - Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Chapter 13 - Off The Rails

Chapter 14 - The Aftermath

Chapter 15 - An Ultimatum

Chapter 16 - Just Like Old Times

Chapter 17 - Endgame

Chapter 18 - The Godfather of Willow Creek

Deleted Scenes for Part I        

The Consummation

Meeting Rosa's Family

Falcone and Vinci Go To War

Vito and The File

Edited April 24, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

PROLOGUE

 

The roaring 20s.  Jazz, Prohibition, and the Great Depression.  I don’t have many fond memories of my childhood.  My family never had much - only enough to keep the lights on and not go hungry.  Somehow, we made the best of what we did have - a barely two bedroom apartment that was freezing in Winter and scorching in the Summer.  But we persevered.

 

My father was born in a two mule town in Italy.  After meeting my Mom, they immigrated to America for the same reason as everyone else - in search of a better life.  Well, they didn’t quite find it.  They took the ultimate risk, only to find the same life they tried to leave behind.

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

"ATTENTION: Due to the current economy, all business operations will cease Monday, September 29th.  Please contact your supervisor to collect your final checks."

 

 

Once the Depression ended and people started going back to work, Papa was able to secure a job moving crates down at the docks.  It was honest work and it gave us just enough money for Papa to gamble away.  Ten bucks a day to break your back and it all went to feeding my father’s gambling and alcohol addiction.  Regardless, he made an honest living.

 

Then there was me.  My fondest memories with my father involve going down to every bar and speakeasy in Willow Creek so I could haul his drunk ass home.  This went on for a few years…even after my kid sister, Frankie, was born.  Extra mouths to feed didn’t seem to matter to my father.  Still, he always managed to come home to Mama and stick around when my sister and I needed him.

 

Spoiler

The Scalettas, c. 1930

 

 

Spoiler

A young Vito watches his mother berate his father, who has drunkenly stumbled home.

 

 

When I turned 18, America entered into WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  I decided to enlist in the 101st Airborne - the paratroopers.   Things hadn’t changed at home and I wanted to get away from the mundaneness of Willow Creek.  What would be any less mundane than defending your country?

 

Coming from a lower class Italian family, it went over as well as you could expect.  You see, Italians never believed in serving your country because your “country is not your blood”.  It didn’t matter to me.  I was tired of home life and I wanted to do something noble.  I wanted to make a difference.

 

In the winter of 1944, the end of the war was nowhere in sight.  A few months earlier, Operation Market Garden was enacted.  It was said that this operation would have the troops home by Christmas.  Instead, it only revealed the resolve of the Germans and showed that they weren’t going down without a fight.

 

During the Battle of the Bulge, I ended up taking a bullet and receiving a ticket home.  I even got a shiny purple heart for my trouble.

 

But, the week before I was supposed to head home, I received a letter from Frankie - Pop had passed away.  The circumstances surrounding his death were never made known, but I always assumed that the old bastard drank too many beers and ended up taking a header into the river.  Or his job finally caused his heart to give out.  Either way he was gone.

 

Spoiler

 

I was not sure what to expect when I came home to Willow Creek.  I hadn’t talked to any friends or family members for more than 3 years.  I expected some discomfort as I readjusted to civilian life.  As long as that discomfort did not involve freezing my balls off in some German forest, I was happy.  Things certainly could have been worse.

Edited November 12, 2021 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 1

 

My train pulled in early Saturday morning.  I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was head home to see Ma and Frankie.  As I was walking out of the station, I was surprised to see an old pal waiting to greet me.

 

Spoiler

 

Joe: Vito! Over here!

 

V: Joe?  Is that you? You look terrific!  How did you know that I’d be here?

 

J: My best friend comes home, you think I don’t know about it? Look at this guy, huh.  You’ve gone and grown up on me.  Come on, I’ll buy you a drink.

 

As tired as I was, I figured one drink couldn’t hurt.  Joe and I go back to old neighborhood.  We grew up together and he was the one person who actually supported my decision to enlist.

 

Spoiler

 

We went to an old bar that we used to go to before I left.  It was good to be in familiar territory and not have to dodge artillery rounds for once.

 

J: So, do you have any plans now that you’re home?

 

V: Well, I’d like to find some kind of work.  Eventually meet a nice girl and settle down.

 

J: Well, I can’t help with the last one, heh.  But I could get you some work if you’re interested.

 

V: What are we talking about?

 

J: Something that will make you forget all about the shitty foxhole you spent the last three years lying in. Come by my place later this week and I can give you the details.

 

V: Are you still in that shitty apartment that you can't afford?

 

J: Haha, fuck you.  Just come by when you can.

 

Spoiler

 

After Joe and I parted ways, I went home to see Mama and Frankie.  They were still living in the oldest apartment complex in Willow Creek where I grew up.

 

*knocks on door*

 

Frankie: Oh my god, Vito!  When did you get back?

 

Spoiler

 

V: Frankie! I got in earlier this morning.  I would’ve come home sooner, but I ran into Joe and we caught up for a bit.

 

F: Joe? Joe Barbaro?  Mama was worried out of her mind…you know how she is.

 

V: I sure do.  Mama!

 

Mama: Oh, mio bambino! It’s so good to finally have you home.  Francesca and I…we prayed for your return every night.

 

Spoiler

 

F: It’s true, Vito.

 

M: Oh, you've missed so much.  Your sister is starting school at Britechester and is becoming a teacher.

 

F: I still have have a few years to go, but it’s getting there.

 

V:  That’s wonderful, Frankie!

 

M: She’s also seeing a nice boy who goes to school there *grins mischievously*.

 

F: Ma!

 

M: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

F:  Never mind her, Vito.  You know, everyone is so proud of you and what you did over there, during the war.  What are you going to do now that you’re home?

 

V: Well, Joe said he had a job opportunity for me and that I should meet with him later in the week.

 

M: Joe Barbaro?  He has always been a troublemaker.  Why don’t you work at the docks like your Papa?

 

V: So I can break my back moving crates all day?

 

M: I just don’t want you to get into any trouble, Vito.  Just promise me that you won’t get into any trouble, ok?

 

V: Ok. Ok, Mama.  I promise.

 

M:  Good.  Now, let’s eat.

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

Vito and Joe at Willow Creek Station

 

 

[erplederp]

 I like it, quite a unique project! ? I'm not too familiar with the genre but the depressing beginnings of the characters fit well. A good balance of text and pictures, too.

[2cool4u_1]

I thought it was very well done, and feels very atmospheric. Great pics and use of poses. I also like the fact that the prologue was done in black and white. Not that you probably need it, but if you're looking for early era cars there are a couple of them here;

-1906 Auburn Model C

-1929 Lincoln Phaeton

-1930 Packard Coupe

-1940 Lincoln Continental Convertible

-1949 Mercury Eight

There are tons more but they're 1950 and later.

 

[Kingfish95]

39 minutes ago, 2cool4u_1 said:

I thought it was very well done, and feels very atmospheric. Great pics and use of poses. I also like the fact that the prologue was done in black and white. Not that you probably need it, but if you're looking for early era cars there are a couple of them here;

-1906 Auburn Model C

-1929 Lincoln Phaeton

-1930 Packard Coupe

-1940 Lincoln Continental Convertible

-1949 Mercury Eight

There are tons more but they're 1950 and later.

 

 

1 hour ago, erplederp said:

 I like it, quite a unique project! ? I'm not too familiar with the genre but the depressing beginnings of the characters fit well. A good balance of text and pictures, too.

 

Thank you!  It is just the beginning.  I am going to begin writing and staging the next chapter this weekend.  The story will be bigger than just the mafia; that is just the sub-theme to the story.

 

I appreciate the link!  SG's CC has been hard to come across but I'm glad that you were able to track down these cars.

[2cool4u_1]

1 hour ago, Kingfish95 said:

I appreciate the link!  SG's CC has been hard to come across but I'm glad that you were able to track down these cars.

 

Yeah, I've been gathering all her stuff. She took down everything because people were very disrespectful to her, stealing her stuff and selling it (when she promised the original creators it would stay free). A month ago she contacted me and said that because I was so respectful and understanding that she wanted to share her stuff with me and the community again. Those links are hers that she provided, which includes stuff she made recently after she took everything down. Stuff that's never been shared before.

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 2

 

I spent the next few nights sleeping on Mama’s sofa.  My old room was just the way I had left it, but I didn’t want to get too comfy.  Once I found a job, my next move was to find my own place.  I would miss Mama’s cooking though.

 

Tuesday morning came and I decided to take Joe up on his offer to stop by his place.

 

V: Ok, Mama.  I’m headed out for a bit.

 

M: Where are you going?

 

V: Over to Joe’s.  He said that he might have some work for me.

 

M: Please. Be careful, Vito.  You know, we’re so glad to have you home in one piece.  Your father would have been proud to see who you’ve become.

 

V: Really? Because in our last conversation before he died, he told me that I was a fool for enlisting and that I was as good as dead if I went to Europe.

 

M: Your father was under a lot of stress.  The terrible economy….it affected all of us.

 

V: It changed him into an insufferable alcoholic with a gambling problem.

 

M: Which is exactly why I want you to be careful.  Your father loved you very much, you know.

 

V: (Sighs) I gotta go Mama, I’ll see you later.

 

Spoiler

 

(Knocks on door)

 

J: Hey, buddy.  Come on in.

 

V: Nice place you got here.

 

(Footsteps approaching)

 

J: Hey, sweetheart.  Take off, will ya?  My pal and I have business to discuss.

 

Victoria: (Walks by flirtatiously) See ya later, Joey.

 

Spoiler

 

V: Joey?

 

J: That broad is something else, I’ll tell ya.  What brings you by?

 

V: I’m here to take you up on that job offer.

 

J: Ah, of course!  How do you feel about packages?

 

V: Well...what kind of packages are we talking about?

 

Spoiler

 

V: What the fuck, Joe?

 

J: What?

 

V: You’re dealing drugs?! You could spend the rest of your life in prison if you’re caught with that stuff.

 

J:  Relax, will ya?  Jesus Christ, I don’t make the shit.  I just deliver the package where I’m told.

 

V: This is the job you were talking about?

 

J: Yeah (scoffs).  What’d you think I was talking about?

 

V: I didn’t think that you were talking about drugs!

 

J: Relax, Vito.  Everyone is doing ‘em these days.  Even Henry - you remember Henry Tomasino - he helps me move packages from time to time.

 

V:  Well, he can continue to help you. I’d rather get shot at by Germans than get caught with this stuff.

 

J: Alright, take it easy.  Speaking of which, I was gonna meet Henry for a bite.  You interested?

 

V: As long as we’re not moving any “packages”.

 

J: Haha.  Don’t worry Goody Two-Shoes.  Hopefully, food isn’t beneath you too.

 

Spoiler

How do you feel about packages?

 

Edited December 5, 2021 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 3

 

Vito reunites with childhood friend, Henry, who tells him more about the “business”.

 

Henry:  Welcome home, soldier.

 

Vito: It’s good to see you, Henry.

 

Henry: Joe told me you were coming home.  Now I won’t have to spend weekends alone with this giant loaf.

 

(Laughter)

 

Spoiler

 

Joe: I’m sure your wife feels the same way.

 

Vito: You’re married now, Henry?

 

Henry: Yeah - Sarah.  We’re expecting our first sometime next year.

 

Vito: That’s fantastic!  Congratulations.

 

Henry: Thanks. I’m excited…not so much about the financial burden, though.  Money has been scarce recently.

 

Vito:  From what Joe has told me, you’ve secured an “alternate” line of income.

 

Henry: Eh, you do what you gotta do.  You try working for three.

 

Vito: Aren’t you worried at all about the cops? Or running into some nut job?

 

Henry: Well, it’s not like we’re independent contractors.

 

Vito: What do you mean?

 

Henry: (To Joe) You didn’t tell him?

 

Joe: (Shakes head) Just the sight of the grass had his underwear tied up.

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: Tell me what?

 

Henry: Me and Joe…we’re working for somebody.

 

Vito: You mean like in a gang.

 

Joe: Have you heard of Carlo Falcone?

 

Vito: The mob boss?

 

Joe: (Chuckles) No, the bandleader.

 

Vito:  You guys are working for him?  Are there not rules against this kind of thing?  I didn’t think the mob had their hand in drugs.

 

Henry:  Let’s just say this is a new venture for Joe and me.  As long as he gets his envelope every week, I don’t think Falcone gives a shit where our money comes from. The point is that people won’t mess with us if they know that we’re in a crew.

 

Look, I can tell that you’re still having second thoughts.  if you’re not interested in the work, do me a favor - keep it to yourself.

 

Joe:  Easy, Henry.  This is Vito we’re talking to; he’s good for it.

 

Henry:  I know.  It's not personal, Vito.  But the last thing we need is someone blowing the whistle because someone else talked.

 

Vito: Don’t worry, Henry.  If anyone finds out, it won’t be because of me.

 

Henry: (Nods approvingly)

 

Spoiler

Look, I can tell that you’re still having second thoughts.  if you’re not interested in the work, do me a favor - keep it to yourself.

 

(Leaving the cafe)

 

Henry: Alright fellas.  I’ve got some errands to run.  I’ll talk to yas later.

 

Joe: Later, Henry.  C’mon, Vito. I’ll take you back to my place.

 

(approaching chatter)

 

Joe: Ladies!  Nice day isn’t it?

 

Vito: Put it away, Casanova.

 

Rosa: Sto morendo di fame (translation: I am starving)!

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

Vito gets hit with the thunderbolt

 

 

Joe: (Sarcastically) Put it away, Casanova.  Have a great day, ladies. 

 

 

Edited November 17, 2021 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 4

 

Later that evening, Vito arrives home to an unpleasant surprise

 

Bookie: You said you were going to have the money a week ago!  If you were going to have it, you would have had it by now (shoves Frankie into the wall).

 

Spoiler

 

Vito:  Hoh, oh! What’s going on?

 

Frankie: Vito!

 

Bookie: What is this?  Your boyfriend coming to save the day?  Mind your business, pretty boy.

Vito: *Grabs bookie* I’d watch your mouth, if I were you.  The last person to test me got a bullet to the head.

 

Bookie: That bitch owes me 2 grand (shoves Vito).  If I can’t get it from her, then I’ll get from you.

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

 

(fight ensues)

 

(Vito emerges victorious)

 

Vito: If you ever touch my sister again, I’ll kill you.

 

Bookie: Both of you are gonna regret this! (runs off)

 

Spoiler

 

 

Vito: (To Frankie) Are you alright?

Frankie: Yeah, I think so.

 

Vito: What was that all about?

 

Frankie: (Sighs) Before Papa died, he got into some massive debt.  Vito - We owe 2000 dollars.

 

Vito: To whom?

 

Frankie: I don’t even know!  A local loanshark, I guess.

 

Vito: Jesus.  Even from the grave, that old bastard is still making our lives miserable.

 

Frankie: What are we gonna do, Vito?  We don’t have that kind of money.

 

Vito: (With a pensive look on his face)  Let me worry about that.  Just keep an eye on Mama for now, ok?

 

Frankie: (replies worryingly) OK.

 

Vito: Hey, don’t worry, Frankie.  Everything is gonna be alright.

 

Spoiler

 

I didn’t get much sleep that night.  How the hell were we going to come up with 2000 dollars?  That kind of money didn’t grow on trees.

 

Do I go in on Joe and Henry’s drug dealing business?  The money is certainly there to be made, but is it worth it?

 

Would I be any better than Pop if I became a drug dealer?  Hell, I would be cleaning up his mess.

 

Just a few deals to get us even and that would be it.  No harm in that.  I know one thing is certain - no one is going to push the Scalettas around anymore.

 

Spoiler

Vito contemplates the future and whether he should enter the drug business 

 

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 5

 

Vito goes to Joe at the latter's apartment for help

 

Joe: He roughed up Frankie?  What for?

 

Vito: My father.  He decided to accrue a 2000 dollar debt that we get to pay.  The bookie was shaking her down for the money.

 

Joe: 2 Gs?!  Well, what are you going to do?

 

Vito: I need to make some quick cash.  Is there an opening in your uh…little side business?

 

Joe: (Smirking) Ah, so now you want in?

 

Vito: Don’t bust my balls on this one, okay?

 

Joe: Alright, alright.  I actually have a delivery to make right now, if you want to get started.

 

Vito: Yeah, okay.  Who is the buyer?

 

Joe: Some trust fund kid up by Sage Estates.  Should be an easy mark for your first sale.

 

Vito: I still can’t believe that there is a market for this stuff.

 

Joe: Times are changing, Vito.  You’d be surprised - It’s mostly upper class folks who are buying this stuff.

 

(2 hours later)

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: Is this guy gonna show or what?

 

Joe: He’ll be here.  Just relax.

 

(Buyer Approaches)

 

Buyer: Are you Joe?

 

(Vito and Joe stare)

 

Spoiler

 

(Silence)

 

Buyer: (Nervously) You guys aren’t cops, are you? Narcs? Feds?

 

Vito: Does it look like we’re Feds?

 

Buyer: Alright.  100 dollars, right?

 

Vito: 150.

 

Buyer: What?! That’s not what I paid last time.

 

Vito: Think of last time as a courtesy discount.  From now on, the price is 150.

 

Buyer: I’ve only got 100 on me.

 

Joe: Next time you’ll bring the extra 50, if you know what’s good for you.

 

(Joe steps up alongside Vito)

 

Buyer: (Sheepishly hands over money, receives package)

 

Spoiler

 

Joe: (Impressed) Not bad. He’s been a steady customer, so we’ll be seeing more of him.

 

Vito: I can’t believe people pay that kind of money for this.

 

Joe: Have you ever had some?

 

Vito: No, and I never plan on having any.

 

Joe: Trust me, to these people it’s worth the ‘scarole.

 

Listen, Vito.  You handled yourself fairly well.  I know you’re just doing this to help out your Ma and Frankie, but if you’re ever interested, we could use a guy like you.  You’d fit in just fine.

 

Vito: Eh, I don’t know.  I’m focused on paying back my father’s debt…we’ll see.

 

Joe: I’m telling you, you and me? We could run this town one day.

 

Vito: Let’s focus on getting through this week first, alright?

 

(looks up)

 

Joe: Hey, ain’t that the broad we saw the other day?

 

Spoiler

 

 

Vito: Take off, will ya?  I’ll catch up with you later.

 

(Later that night; phone rings)

 

Vito: Hello?

 

Henry: Vito.

 

Vito: Henry? How did you get this number?

 

Henry: You’re still living in the oldest apartment in Willow Creek, remember?

 

I heard you popped your cherry.  How’d it go?

 

Vito: It went well.  Joe and I made a little extra too.

 

Henry: Good.  I’ve got another deal lined up for tomorrow.  Are you interested?

 

Vito: Yeah, I’m interested.  What time do you wanna meet?

 

Henry: Joe is gonna meet me at Crawfish Quarter tomorrow at noon.  Come by then.

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 6

 

Vito meets Henry and Joe to pursue another “deal” at a rundown factory.

 

Vito: Hey, fellas.

 

Joe and Henry: Hey, Vito.

 

Asian Gang Member: Follow me.

 

(All three follow)

 

Hong: Henry.

 

Henry: Mr. Hong.  Do you have the goods?

 

Hong: (Speaking slowly and methodically) Yes, do you have the money?

 

Henry: (places briefcase on table).  Would you like to count it?

 

Hong: I trust that it is all there (In Chinese to associate: “Prepare the goods”).

 

(Places briefcase on table)

 

Would you like to weigh it?

 

Henry: I’ll take your word for it.

 

Hong: Then, our business has concluded (bows).

 

Henry: (Bows awkwardly)

 

Joe: (Bows sarcastically)

 

Vito: (To Joe) Cut it out...

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: Who the hell were those guys?  And what’s in the briefcase?

 

Henry: (Shows the briefcase).  They were no trust fund babies, that’s for sure.

 

Joe: What the fuck!  That’s cocaine, Henry.  Grass is one thing, but you’re talking about a death wish.

 

Henry: I know what I’m doing alright.  We can move the same amount and get paid twice as much.

 

Joe: (Laughing) You’re a crazy bastard, Henry, you know that?

 

Vito: What the hell are you thinking? Where did you even get the money?

 

Spoiler

What the fuck!  That’s cocaine, Henry.  Grass is one thing, but you’re talking about a death wish.

 

 

Henry: A loanshark, alright?  Get off my back the two of yas.  I know what I’m doing.  We can move this stuff and make enough money to pay off the loan shark and still have enough for our ourselves.  If you two Nancys don’t want in, I will gladly take your cut.

 

Vito and Joe: (Look suspiciously at one another)

 

Henry: (Reassuringly) Trust me, fellas.  We are gonna be living like kings.  All we gotta do is keep things low-key and we’ll be fine.

 

Joe: We do have a good thing going with the grass, Henry.

 

Vito: This stuff is too dangerous.  Weed is one thing, but coke will attract attention that we’ll never be able to escape.

 

Henry: Then we don’t let it get out of hand.  No one has to know about it aside from us. C’mon.  We have a chance to create a stable life for ourselves.  We won’t be scrapping by anymore.  We’ll be making real ‘scarole and no one has to be any wiser.

 

Vito: And your boss?

 

Henry: I told you - Falcone will be fine once he gets his cut.  Unless you two would prefer to live like schmucks for the rest of your lives.

 

Joe: Hey, you had me at ‘scarole.

 

(both look at Vito)

 

Henry: Are you in, Vito?

 

Vito: (tentatively nods)

 

Spoiler

Hey, you had me at 'scarole.

Weed is one thing, but coke will attract attention that we’ll never be able to escape

 

 

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 7

 

Time Lapse until March 1945

 

And live like kings we did.  We had everything - clothes, food, cars and the most important thing - respect.  We were able to pay off Papa’s debt in no time and I was finally able to move out of Mama’s apartment.

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

 

I was worried that Frankie would ask where I got the money, but she never did.  I guess she was relieved that she wouldn’t have to deal with that bookie again.

 

Joe, Henry and me - we were making a name for ourselves.  There really wasn’t any competition, so all we had to do was focus on moving product and keeping our buyers happy.  Even the beat cops were in on it.  It felt good to have security and not have to worry about where money would come from.  We were still moving weed, but cocaine had taken the majority of our attention, which meant more profit.  Things were good.

 

Henry and his wife were expecting their baby any day now and had bought a nice house closer to Brindleton Bay.

 

Joe was...well, Joe.  He certainly did not have any complaints.

 

Spoiler

Joe paying off the local police

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

NSFW

Spoiler

Joe was...well, Joe.  Joe enjoys himself at a brothel.

 

 

As for me, I kind of had my own thing brewing.

 

(background conversation)

 

Rosa: My father starts having problems with his  - how you say? - it make car go vroom.

 

Vito: (Smiling) You mean the engine?

 

Rosa - Si, si motore (continues speaking in Italian)

 

I was going crazy for this girl.  She was different from the girls we grew up with.  She had recently come with her family from Sicily to Willow Creek so her English wasn’t fully polished; yet, she had an alluring quality about her.

 

Spoiler

 

Rosa: So, what has Vito been up to?

 

Vito: Well, my friends, Henry, Joe and I are trying to get our business off the ground.

 

Rosa: Joe? Il Gigante. The man who was with you outside of the diner.

 

Vito: (Laughs) Si. Il Gigante.

 

Rosa: And what is it that you do?

 

Vito: Well, ugh…we have a certain clientele who have needs for specific goods.  (Laughs nervously) It’s still a work in progress.

 

Rosa: (Mischievous grin on her face) I see.  I see that I am not meant to know the true nature of your “business”.

 

Vito: If it makes you feel better, not many people do.

 

Spoiler

Well, ugh…we have a certain clientele who have needs for specific goods.  It’s still a work in progress.

 

I see.  I see that I am not meant to know the true nature of your “business”

 

(Brief silence)

 

Rosa: (Leaning in) Back in Sicily, my father supported us by working for a man. To Caporegime.  He made very good money and we had nice life for a while.  One day, a friend of our family made insult to this man.  He ordered that my father kill him to send a message.  My father begged for this man’s life and when he refused, il caporegime wanted my father dead. Morte.

 

All of us spent months hiding, moving from village to village.  We finally made it to the coast so that we could escape by boat, but they had found us.

 

l'hanno ucciso.  Our friend didn’t make it.

 

Vito: (Incredulous, pensive look)

 

Spoiler

 

Rosa: We were forced to leave Trapani because my father denied this “man” - to caporegime.  To Capo - they called him “Il pugno di ferro” (The Iron Fist).

 

You remind me of him.

 

Vito: I’m sorry that your family went through that.  I didn’t know that you’re a refugee.

 

Rosa: You’re not the only one with secrets, Vito Scaletta (smiles).

 

Vito: I just want a better life.  For me. My sister.  My mother.  What I do is simply to provide for the people I care about.

 

Rosa: Molto nobile. E cosa?  You think you can simply walk away when you are finished? Your clothes.  Your hair.  You look just like them!

 

Vito: I’m not the man that you think I am.  I’m not like that caporegime.  I’m nothing like that.

 

Spoiler

You think you can simply walk away when you are finished? Your clothes.  Your hair.  You look just like them!

 

 

(Silence intensifies)

 

Rosa: Non importa.  You care about the people close to you.  That means something…even if your methods are different.

 

Vito: So, am I as bad as The Iron Fist?

 

Rosa: (Smiles coyly, sips drink).

 

Spoiler

 

Later that evening, at Vito’s Apartment

 

Spoiler

Vito and Rosa consummate their relationship.

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 8

 

The next morning, 9 a.m.

 

(Vito and Rosa lying in bed together)

 

Spoiler

 

Rosa: (stretching) Buon Giorno.

 

Vito: (Laughing) Buon Giorno.

 

(Kiss good morning)

 

Spoiler

 

(phone rings)

 

Vito: (Sighs)

 

Spoiler

 

Rosa: Who was that?

 

Vito: Il Gigante. It looks like I have business to tend to (kisses Rosa’s forehead).

 

Look, go back to your parents’ house and I’ll call you, ok?

 

Rosa : (nods)

 

(Rosa gets dressed; she and Vito walk downstairs)

 

 

Vito: This had better be good enough to get me out of bed this early.

 

Joe:  C’mon.  Henry has a surprise for us.

 

Vito: What is it?

 

Joe: I have no clue.  We’ll see when we get there.  By the way, you’re welcome.

 

Vito: For what?

 

Joe: For what?  For setting you up with Rosa.  God knows that you wouldn’t have even noticed her outside Sonny’s if it weren’t for me.  You were too busy putting your eyes back into your head.

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be a drug dealer.  For once, your horniness paid off.

 

Joe: Does she know about the drugs?

 

Vito: She’s smart enough to put two and two together.  Speaking of which, what’s on the docket for this week?

 

Joe: We have another team of buyers in Sage Estates as well as some investment bankers who will meet us in Magnolia Blossom.

 

Vito: It never hurts to pursue low-hanging fruit, I suppose.

 

Joe: Did you ever think you’d be making this much money? Are you glad you joined in with us or what?

 

Vito: I suppose being a drug dealing degenerate has its perks.

 

Joe: Wiseass…

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 9

 

Vito is introduced to members of The Falcone Family

 

The Falcon, Carlo Falcone's social club

 

Henry: Vito, Joe, allow me to introduce you to Carlo Falcone, the boss of the Falcone family.

 

Vito: How do you do, Mr. Falcone?

 

Henry:  This is his underboss, Nick Alto.  And Leo Galante, consigliere for the Vinci Family.

 

Leo: How are ya, kid?

 

Falcone: Have a seat, Vito, Joe.  Henry tells me that you have been helping him, correct?

 

(Both nod)

 

Now, normally, I don’t let my boys do work with outsiders.  I run a tight ship, so I like to know who I am dealing with at all times.  However, Henry has vouched for the both of you and he is one of my best earners.  So, as long as you boys both pay your tribute, which is 20 percent, you’re more than welcome to continue working together.  Agreed?

 

Vito: Yes, Mr. Falcone.

 

Joe: Yeah, not a problem.

 

Falcone: Wonderful.  Now, there’s only one rule, boys: No. Drugs.  Understand?

 

(Vito and Joe slyly agree)

 

Alright, then, gentleman. I’m off.  Have a drink and enjoy yourselves.  Leo, we’ll talk.

 

(Falcone exits; Joe wanders off for some food)

 

Spoiler

There’s only one rule, boys: No. Drugs.  Understand?

 

Leo: (To Vito): You handled yourself well, kid.  You don’t scare easily do ya?

 

Henry: Vito was in the war, Mr. Galante.

 

Leo: You don’t say?  Well, thank you for your service.  Listen, Vito.  You and your friend there - what is your interest in what we do?  You seem to have a handle on yourself and Henry here has vouched for the two of you.  There is always a need for competent entrepreneurs like yourself.

 

Vito: Thanks, Mr. Galante.  Henry and Joe are just helping me and my family get on our feet.  I don’t see this being a long-term occupation for me.

 

Leo: (Chuckling) The last time I told myself that was over 30 years ago.

 

Well, if you happen to change your mind, let me know.  Our families have been doing business for over 30 years.  I’m more than happy to put in a good word with Carlo.

 

(pats Vito on the arm)

 

Spoiler

Our families have been doing business for over 30 years.  I’m more than happy to put in a good word with Carlo.  Leo Galante speaks with Vito.

 

Vito: So…how many families are there?

 

Leo: There are families all over America, kid.  In Willow Creek, you’ve got five - The Falcone Family, Ernesto Clemente and his family, The Monterellis and The Cappas, and then the Vinci Family.

 

Vito: Is it common for you to sit down with another family?

 

Leo: I’m a businessman, Vito.  Blood is a costly expense.  As consigliere, it’s my job to keep the peace between the families.  It’s a job at which I excel and one in which I take great pride (smiles widely).

 

Vito: (Nods approvingly).

 

Joe: (Mouth full): Hey, have you guys tried the Spinach Frittatas?

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95
Increased the number of families for story-telling purposes

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 10

 

I hadn’t forgotten Leo’s offer.  When I started going with Henry to drop off Falcone’s cut, I would occasionally run into Leo and we would sit and talk.  He was consigliere to Frank Vinci, an old school boss who was absolutely against drugs.  While making his bones, he was involved in bookmaking and fight fixing, racking up a small fortune.  He never got caught.  He has never even been arrested.  He was a powerful man in his own right.

 

Leo kept his promise of putting in a word for us to Falcone.  The Family opened the books for Joe and he became a “made man”.  Basically, no other families could fuck with him without approval. In a way, it was like I was being made even though I had turned down Leo’s offer.

 

 

Spoiler

Joe and Vito shake down a store owner for protection money

 

We began dipping our hands into everything - jewelry, watches, necklaces, you name it.  Anything that could make us money piqued our interest.

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

We began dipping our hands into everything - jewelry, watches, necklaces, you name it.  Anything that could make us money piqued our interest.

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Over time, my relationship with Leo continued to blossom.  We had deep conversations about various things - Love, family, money.  His wife had passed a few years ago, but all things considered, the Life had been relatively kind to him.

 

I felt a strong connection whenever we spoke; he had a real fatherly element to him.  It was something I hadn’t experienced with another person since before leaving for Europe.

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

He introduced me to the heads of the other families along with a few other individuals who have ties to both the Falcone and Vinci Family.  One of them, Derek Pappalardo, along with his right-hand man, Steve, actually manages the docks where Papa used to work.  Derek told me that Pop was a strong worker and that his death greatly affected him.  He was probably full of shit, but it was refreshing to hear someone say something nice about the Old Man.

 

 

 

Our business was still steady.  We were moving product daily without attracting any negative attention.  We had a contact in the police department who would keep tabs on any potential police investigations.  However, Falcone’s tax did put a small dent in our margins.  It was something that we needed to keep an eye on, but not something of concern yet.

 

 

(knocks on door; Mama answers)

 

Vito: Hi, Mama.

 

(silence)

 

Vito: What’s the matter?

 

(Frankie's back is turned to Vito)

 

Vito: Frankie, what’s wrong?

 

Frankie: 

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: Jesus, Frankie.  Who the hell did this?!

 

Spoiler

 

Frankie: (Avoidant) No one, Vito.

 

Vito: It wasn’t the bookie again?  We paid Papa’s debt.

 

Frankie, tell me right now - who did this to you?

 

Mama: It wasn’t that boy from school again?

 

Frankie: (silent; shamefully looks down at floor)

 

Vito: Eric?  Frankie, did that boy hit you?

 

Frankie: (Reluctantly) Yes.  He immediately apologized and said he wouldn’t do it again.

 

Vito: Don’t start with that shit, Frankie!  Has he done this before?

 

Frankie: (Affirmative silence) 

 

It was my fault, Vito.  Please don’t do anything to him!

 

Vito:  Where is he now?

 

(To Mama) Did you know about this?

 

Spoiler

 

Frankie: Mama doesn’t know anything, Vito, please.  He lives on campus, so I’m sure he is up there now.  Vito, please don’t hurt him!

 

(Vito sighs incredulously; turns to leave)

 

Mama: Don’t do any more things that you’ll regret, Vito.

 

Vito: Anything more?  What does that mean?

 

 

Spoiler

 

Mama: (Direct) Tell me how you got the money for Papa’s debt.

 

Vito: Jesus Christ.  What difference does it make?  Do you really want to do this now!?

 

(Vito storms out, Mama and Frankie chase after him)

 

Mama: You promised me that you would be careful.  You said you didn’t want to work at the docks like your Papa.  So, tell me, Vito, what have you done!?

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: I did what was necessary!  My father was nothing more than a degenerate gambler and an alcoholic.  Not only have I paid off his debt, but I’ve become more successful than he could ever dream of becoming!

 

 

Mama: (Hysterical) Successful?! You come here in your fancy clothes and gayly manners…you are nothing more than a common thief or drug dealer!  I would rather you had gamble away that money like your Papa than turn into whatever you are now.

 

(Deafening Silence)

 

You did what you had to do to help us…but you haven’t stopped, have you?  The gifts, your apartment, our new house - it’s all tainted!

 

(Silence)

 

Vito: (Steps closer) It’s not like that, Mama.  Everything is under control and you and Frankie are living comfortably now.  Is that not what’s important?

 

Mama:  You clearly don’t know who I am, mio bambino.  What I value.  Thank you for your help, but we no longer want your blood money.

 

Frankie: (Crying) Mama, don’t!  Vito!

 

(Mama blocks Frankie)

 

Vito: (Nods head in disbelief; backs away before leaving)

 

Spoiler

 

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 11

 

Now estranged from his family, Vito seeks counsel from The Family

 

Leo: Vito! Come over here!

 

This here is Frank Vinci.  Frank, this is the young man I was telling you about.

 

Vito: Nice to meet you, Mr. Vinci.

 

Leo: Young Vito here is a war hero.

 

Frank: Leo speaks quite highly of you, Vito.  We would have loved for you to join our family.

 

Vito: Thanks, Mr. Vinci.  I have a good thing going here right now, but this old man is enough to make me reconsider.

 

(Laughter)

 

 

Vito: Leo, can I talk to you?

 

(Vito and Leo step aside)

 

Vito: When you were coming up, what made you decide to do what you do?

 

Leo: Vito, I was one of 4 kids in my family.  We lived in an apartment that barely generated clean water.  My parents would take turns sleeping on the floor so that we could have a place to sleep at night.  This life was one of the few opportunities I had to make something of myself and you know what? I took it.

 

Why do you ask?

 

Vito: Ah, my mother.  She doesn’t seem to agree.  During the depression, we used to starve; we could hardly keep the lights on.  Now, she and my sister live in one of the finest neighborhoods in Willow Creek. Yet, somehow, I’m the villain.

 

Leo: That’s what mothers are for, Vito.  No matter what you do, they’ll always have their two cents, even if you never ask for it.  Part of being a man is making decisions that not everyone may understand.

 

 

Frank: Leo!

 

Leo: (waves in an acknowledging way)

 

You’re a good boy, Vito.  You’ve got guts and vision - you could run this town one day.  But don’t tell Frank that I said that.

 

Vito: (Laughs, then sighs resignedly) Thanks, Leo.  Listen, I do have a favor to ask you.

 

Leo: (Raises brow)

 

Vito: I need some information…

 

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 12

 

Time Lapse to June 1945

 

(phone rings)

 

Vito: Hello?

 

Henry: Vito, it’s Henry.  Things have hit the fan.  Come by the Falcon as soon as possible.

 

(Hangs up)

 

(Vito drives to the Falcon)

 

Vito: Henry, what’s the matter?

 

Henry: Shit has hit the fan.

 

Nick: We’re going to war, Vito.  The tension between us and Vinci has reached a head.  Carlo wants us to strike first.

 

Vito: What are we gonna do?

 

Henry: Carlo wants us to take out Leo Galante.  He thinks that without Leo, Frank will back down.

 

Vito: Why not just take down Frank outright?

 

Henry: It doesn’t work like that, Vito.

 

Nick: No boss has ever taken out another boss in the history of this thing. Falcone is hoping that it won’t come to that.

 

(Brief silence)

 

Vito:  I don’t think I could do it, Henry.  Leo and I have gotten close these past few months.  He’s become like a father to me.

 

 

Henry: (Looks at Nick and then, Vito): OK.  Look, I can handle this.  You don’t have to be involved.

 

Nick: (Nods) Alright.  Don’t worry about it, Vito.  Henry, take care of it and call me when you’re done.

 

(Henry and Nick exit)

 

Spoiler

 

(Vito gets up and races to Leo’s house)

 

Vito: (Pulls up abruptly to Leo's front door)

 

 

 

 

Vito: (Panting) Henry, wait!

 

Henry: Vito?  What are you doing?

 

Vito: You can’t do this.

 

Henry: What do you mean?  Leo has to die.  That’s the order.  If he doesn’t die, we will.

 

Vito: He doesn’t have to die.  Let him leave town - just don’t kill him.

 

(silence)

 

Please, Henry.  I’m asking as your friend.

 

Henry: That’s beautiful, but this is business, Vito.  This has nothing to do with our friendship.

 

(Silence Intensifies; Henry looks at Vito, then Leo)

 

Vito: Please Henry.

 

(Silence; Leo closes eyes)

 

 

(Silence intensifies further)

 

Henry: (Fires pistol)

 

 

Leo: (opens eyes, shocked)

 

Henry: If you ever come back to Willow Creek, I’ll kill you myself.  Do you understand?

 

(To Vito) You owe me big, pal.

 

(Henry exits)

 

Vito: (Relieved sigh) C’mon, I can help you pack.

 

(Vito begins to exit Leo's office)

 

Leo: What the hell is wrong with you?

 

Vito: What do you mean?

 

Leo: You stick your neck out to buy an old man like me a few more years?

 

Vito: Carlo wants you dead because they’re trying to get to Frank.

 

Leo: Is that what you were told?  The reason Carlo wants me dead is because he has gotten into drugs.  Frank got wind of it and now the Commission wants Carlo out.  All of this must have been a preemptive strike to put the pressure back on our family.

 

Vito: What do you mean?

 

Leo: If your friend, Henry, went through with things, Frank may have been more likely to settle, maybe agree to back off and even give Carlo a cut of our rackets, which would make Carlo more powerful and less expendable.

 

Vito: Wouldn’t drugs be a dealbreaker?

 

Leo: Carlo has been in this business for more than half his life, Vito.  He’s made a lot of money for a lot of people.  I doubt the Commission would be in a hurry to get rid of him if Frank were to settle because he found out I’m dead as opposed to “missing”. 

 

Things are a bit different when you’re up top, kid.

 

Vito: So, what’s gonna happen now?

 

Leo: Our families may go to war.  Unless I’m wrong, Frank will mobilize his men as soon as word gets out that I’m gone.

 

Listen, Vito.  Carlo will go apeshit if he finds out you were involved in this.

 

Vito: I’ll lie low, then.

 

Leo: This Henry, can you trust him?

 

Vito: He hasn’t given me a reason not to.

 

Where will you go?

 

Leo: I have some property in Sulani; it’s about time that I retire anyway.  With Margaret gone, this business was really all that I had left.

 

(Brief silence)

 

By the way, I have the information that you were looking for.  You can have it as long as you promise not to do anything as foolish as what you’ve done today.

 

 

 

(hands file to Vito)

 

(Vito and Leo leave the mansion and say their goodbyes).

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 13 

 

Time Lapse until October 1945

 

Leo’s prediction was correct and we ended up going to the mattresses.  Carlo went ballistic when Frank didn’t back down after Leo’s “retirement”.  Hits were being carried out daily; properties were being torched and Joe and Henry were at the center of it all.  I stayed involved, if only to keep up appearances.  I didn’t want to give Carlo any reason to suspect that I was involved in Leo’s disappearance.  Even after what I had seen overseas, something about carrying out a hit at home made my skin crawl.  Still, I went along.

 

Near the fall, things had slowed down.  I think both sides were feeling the effects of the war.  To finance everything, Falcone imposed a higher tax on all operations, which meant that Henry, Joe and I had to kick up an even higher percentage.  Business wasn’t exactly booming as the war demanded the majority of our attention.  Combine that with our current lifestyles, money was dwindling quickly and something told me that things were only gonna get worse.

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Hits were being carried out daily...and Joe and Henry were at the center of it all.  

Joe and Henry show a soldier from the Vinci Family what it means to "sleep with the fishes."

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

(phone rings)

 

Vito: Hello?

 

Henry: Vito.  We gotta talk.

 

Vito: Henry, what’s the matter?

 

Henry: (Sighs) I tried pulling a deal to get us some cash inflow.  Long story short, the buyer stiffed me.  We’re out of pocket 20 large.

 

Vito: 20 grand?! What happened?  We’ve never done a deal that big before.

 

Henry: Vito, we’re getting killed here.  Between the tax and living costs at home…

 

Vito: We will be killed if we don’t come up with the money for Falcone.  Goddamn it, Henry.

 

(Brief silence)

 

Don’t move, I’m coming to see you.

 

Henry: Okay, Joe is on his way too.  I’m at Magnolia Blossom.

 

(Vito grabs his coat and makes for the door)

 

Rosa: C'è qualcosa non va? (Is something wrong?)

 

Vito: (Ignores her)

 

Rosa: (Worriedly) Qualcosa non va?

 

(door closes)

 

 

(Vito drives to Magnolia Blossom and meets up with Joe)

 

Joe: Vito.

 

Vito: Do you know how fucked we are?

 

Joe: I know.  Maybe Falcone will be willing to give us a pass.  We’ve already put a lot of money in his pocket this month.

 

Vito: Something tells me that Falcone isn’t the understanding type.  This war isn’t helping either.

 

Joe: Eh, I guess you’re right.

 

 

(distant screaming)

 

Joe: What the hell…Vito, that’s fuckin’ Henry.

 

Spoiler

 

(Vito and Joe rush through the park).

 

Henry: Ah, get ‘em off me! Ahh! Ahh! Stop!

 

Vito: What the fuck?!

 

(Joe and Vito fire warning shots; civilians scream)

 

Spoiler

 

Joe: Jesus.  What kind of sick fuck would do this?!

 

Spoiler

 

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: Look, it’s that asshole, Hong.

 

Joe: (Aims down sight)

 

VIto: Wait!  Let's follow him.

 

Joe: What about Henry?  We can't leave him here.

 

Vito: There's nothing we can do for him now.  The cops will take care of Henry.

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

(Vito and Joe tail Hong in their car)

 

Vito: Look, let’s just play it cool, okay?  Don’t do anything stupid.

 

Joe: (Visibly irate) STUPID?! WHAT, DO YOU WANNA HAVE A SIT-DOWN WITH THESE ASSHOLES?  THEY KILLED HENRY.

 

Vito: I know, believe me. But the last thing we need is another war.  When we get to wherever the hell we’re going, just let me handle things.

 

Joe: (Seething)

 

(Vito and Joe tail Hong to a Simkuza club)

 

Spoiler

 

Guard: Gentleman, this club is members only.

 

Joe: Oh yeah? Here’s your fucking membership fee.

 

(shoots guard)

 

Vito: (draws weapon and kills second guard) Jesus.  Can’t you listen to me for once?!

 

Joe: Fuck that.  This is for Henry.

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

 

"Oh yeah? Well, here's your fucking membership fee!"

 

Spoiler

 

(shootout ensues)

 

Vito: If we make it out of here, remind me never to listen to any of your brilliant ideas!

 

Joe: You were always the pessimistic one!

 

(Joe and Vito fight their way to Hong’s office at the top of the club)

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

Hong: (Sternly) You two.

 

Joe: (Pistol whips Hong) Why the FUCK did you have our friend killed?!

 

Hong: (Calmly) Your “friend” was an informant for the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

 

Joe: Bullshit!

 

Vito: Henry was a rat?

 

Hong: Our contact at the FBI confirmed it.  That is why we did what we did.

 

Joe: (Pistol whips Hong)

 

Vito: Henry came to see you, right?  Where is the money he brought?

 

Hong: It’s gone.

 

Joe: You’ve got three seconds to tell us where the money is before I redecorate the walls with your brain.

 

Hong: Even if I knew, I couldn’t tell you, for I’d be killed mysel-

 

Joe: (shoots Hong).

 

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

 

Vito: What…the…FUCK is wrong with you?! We could have gotten more out of him.

 

Joe: Fuck him.  We’ll find another way to come up with the money.

 

Vito: Hong is…was…a boss…you can’t just kill a boss like this.

 

(silence)

 

Joe: FUCK! (flips chair)

 

(Joe and Vito walk out)

 

Vito arrives home and sees Rosa sitting alone

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 14

 

Vito and Joe scramble to come up with Falcone’s money in the wake of Henry’s death.  Vito discovers a horrible truth.

 

 

Vito: How much do we owe now?

 

Joe: Between my collections and some swag I’ve been able to move, I’ve got 10 Gs.

 

Vito: Rosa’s father was able to lend us 500 dollars.  I also cleared out the last of the weed to our outstanding buyers.  We’re still short.

 

Joe: What about the powder?

 

Vito: What powder?  Our connection to that died with Hong.

 

We’re gonna have to dip into our savings.

 

Joe: (Sighs).  Let’s keep looking.  What about Derek?  Maybe he has some work for us.

 

Vito: At this point, we don’t have much of a choice.

 

(Vito and Joe drive to Evergreen Harbor; Vito staring passively out of the window)

 

 

Joe: Hey.  Do you think Henry was a rat?

 

Vito: (Sighs) I don’t know.  It would be rather stupid for the Simkuza to kill him if he wasn’t.

 

Honestly, I’ve spent the last few days trying not to think about it.

 

Joe: I don’t believe it.  Not Henry.  We were there when his daughter was born.

 

Vito: (Remembering Henry’s family; facepalms, rubs temples)

 

Spoiler

 

(Arrives at Derek’s office)

 

Vito: Hey, Derek-

 

Derek: No time to chit chat, fellas, we’ve got big problems.

 

Joe:  What’s wrong?

 

Derek: The workers are threatening to go on strike.  Big John called in sick - total bullshit - so I canned his ass.

 

(throws shotgun to Vito)

 

 

Now, we’ll have to convince them that it’s in their best interest to return to work (smirks).

 

(Joe, Vito, Derek and Steve approach the dock workers)

 

Derek: Listen up!  You all have ten seconds to get back to work if you know what’s good for yas.

 

Willis: (Posh, Englishman-like voice) We aren’t moving until you give Big John his job back.

 

(Other workers jeer)

 

Derek: Big John called in sick. So, now he can stay at home permanently.

 

(All four menacingly move closer, weapons trained on each of the workers)

 

 

Willis: Please.  We don’t want violence.  We just want Big John to come back to work.

 

(murmuring)

 

Derek: Now, I’m not gonna ask yas, again.  Get back to work or my associate Vito here will be forced to take “drastic action”.

 

Willis: Vito?  (Looks at Vito).  I knew it! I knew you looked familiar!  You’re Alfredo Scaletta’s boy, aren’t you?

 

Vito: You knew my father?

 

Willis: Of course! (smiles).  He always spoke highly of you.  What are you doing working with these two (motions to Derek and Steve)?

 

Derek: Shut up!

 

Vito: What do you mean?

 

Willis: You don’t know, do you?  Steve here was the last one to see your father before he…“disappeared”.

 

Vito: (Side-eyes Derek)

 

Derek: Don’t listen to him, Vito! You miserable old prick! I should have fired your ass!

 

Joe: What is he talking about, Vito?

 

Vito: (Still aiming at the workers) That’s what I’d like to know.

 

Worker #2: Yeah, yeah and when Steve came back he was all wet!

 

Steve: That’s because-

 

Derek: Shut up!  Vito - we’ve known each other for quite some time.  Are you gonna take my word or his?  Your father was one of my closest friends!  My best worker!

 

Vito: (Internal conflict)

 

Joe: (Concerned) Vito?

 

(Silence)

 

Vito: (Still aiming at the workers)....

 

(hits Willis in the gut)

 

 

Willis: (Grunts, falls to the ground).

 

Derek: (Smirks)

 

Now, you all had better return to work in the next five minutes!  Vito, Joe - make sure they do what they’re told.

 

(Vito and Joe slowly back up)

 

(Derek and Steve cautiously exit)

 

Vito: (rushes to Willis): Are you alright?

 

Willis: (slowly standing up, nods)

 

Vito: What do you know about my father?

 

Willis: (Grunts, winces)

 

He was a fine man, Vito.  He always spoke fondly of you and Frankie.  He cared about his family.  It was one of the things about him that I admired.

 

Vito: (visibly distraught) And Steve was the last one to be seen with him?

 

(workers nod, low murmurs)

 

(brief pause)

 

Vito: (humbly shakes Willis’ hand)

 

(Vito and Joe walk out)

 

Joe: I don’t know how you remained so calm in there.  I would smashed Derek’s face into oblivion.

 

Vito: Killing Derek and Steve doesn’t solve our problems with Falcone.

 

Joe: So what now?

 

Vito: Lie low for a few days.  Unless I’m wrong, someone is gonna pay one of us a visit.

 

Joe: Okay. Then what?

 

Vito: Just go along with whatever happens.  I have a plan.

 

(Stares out into the port)

 

A new dawn is coming…and I want to be at the front of it.

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 15 

 

One week later.  An old friend pays Vito a visit with an ultimatum.

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

(Laughing and chattering)

 

Vito: It's safer to teach you English!

 

Rosa: (waves hand) I know English.  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, Saturday.  Andiamo, andiamo.  Ancora una volta, Vito.

 

 

 

 

(Strange vehicle approaches The Estate)

 

 

 

(Door Opens)

 

Henchman #1: Mr. Scaletta?

 

(Vito steps up)

 

Would you please get in the car?

 

Vito: (silent reluctance)

 

Who are you?

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

Henchman: Relax, paisan.  If anything was going to happen to you, it would have happened.  Now, it’s in both of your best interests for you to get in the car.

 

Rosa: (clutches Vito’s arm)

 

Vito: Aspetta (reassuringly comforts Rosa)

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

(Vito and henchman walk to the car)

 

Vito: Leo!  What are you doing back?

 

Leo: (Sternly) Shut up and get in the car.

 

(Door closes; Rosa watches as Limo drives off)

 

Leo: You really fucked up, you know that?

 

Vito: (silence; intensely stares at Leo)

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

Leo:  Don’t play games with me, kid!  I was learning about this business since before you could walk.

 

Vito: (Looks at Mr. Lu) You’re here about Henry.

 

Leo: Henry.  You.  Your cowboy friend, Joe Barbaro.  I gotta hand it to you, kid.  The three of you really managed to fuck up and start a war with Mr. Lu’s people here.

 

Vito: And?

 

Leo: And?!  The Simkuza are out for blood and I’m becoming more inclined to give it to them.

 

Vito: I had to watch my friend, Henry Tomasino, get butchered to death in broad daylight.  It wasn’t my idea to kill Hong, but I sure as hell ain’t sorry for it.

 

Leo: Henry Tomasino was working for the FBI, Vito.  That’s why Mr. Lu’s people did what they did!

 

Vito: (Silent disbelief)

 

Leo: He may have been your friend, Vito, but he was a fuckin’ rat.

 

(brief silence)

 

Vito: So, is this it?

 

(brief silence)

 

Leo: Normally, I would have let Mr. Lu and his people take care of you but.....you risked your life to help me, Vito, and I always know how to return a good deed. So, I called in every last favor - pulled every string I could in order to give you a chance to make things right.

 

(brief silence)

 

You’re going to kill Carlo Falcone.  Carlo has become a liability.  The members of The Commission want to put a swift end to this war.

 

Vito: And that’s it?  How do I know that killing Falcone will be the end?

 

Leo: It’s either you or him, kid.  You and Joe both were sponsored by a rat - do you really think Carlo’s gonna let that stand?

 

On top of that, I know that you won’t be able to pay the tax that Carlo’s imposed on you and I know that the three of you were involved in moving drugs.

 

Vito: (Caught off guard by Leo’s revelation)

 

Between that and this business with Mr. Lu’s people…you’re a dead man walkin’, kid.

 

Vito: (briefly ponders the situation)

 

Fine. On one condition….

 

I want the same deal for Joe.

 

(Leo and Mr. Lu look at each other; Mr. Lu shakes his head)

 

Vito: Wait a minute.  Even with Hong out of the picture, you guys still need someone to sell the cocaine that Hong was previously moving in Willow Creek.

 

Mr. Lu: (Sternly) And?

 

Vito: Joe and I can do it.  The two of us can do it more efficiently than Hong ever could.  Me, Henry and Joe have been doing it for almost a year now.  You can still make a profit moving cocaine through us.  We will handle distribution throughout the country.

 

Mr. Lu: And how would you do that?

 

Vito: It's time to start thinking outside of Willow Creek.  Newcrest, Windenburg, San Myshuno - think nationwide.  All you have to do is get the cocaine to the U.S.  Joe and I will do the rest.

 

Mr. Lu: And you would continue to work for us as a part of the retail industry?

 

Vito: No. Partners.

 

Mr. Lu: (Stoically intrigued)

 

Leo: And what about the other four bosses - how will you smooth things over with them?

 

Vito:  Narcotics are the future.  Our way of doing things is about to drastically change.

 

Leo: (Furrows brow in curiosity)

 

I have a plan (leans forward).

 

(whispers to Leo)

 

Leo: (impressed; pontificates the situation) You have balls, kid.  I’ll give it to you.  You take care of Carlo and then we’ll talk about your future.

 

(nods reassuringly to Mr. Lu)

 

Leo: Pull over here.

 

(Door opens)

 

Leo: (To Vito) I’ll call you when it’s time to go after Falcone.

 

You’ve got one shot, kid.  Don’t fuck this up.

 

Vito: (gets out of the car)

 

Leo….thanks.

 

(Door shuts)

 

Vito reunites with Rosa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 9, 2023 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 16 

 

I hadn’t heard from Joe for a couple of days.  After Leo’s visit, I wanted to let him know what needed to be done so we could get on the same page.  I hope that Falcone didn’t get to him before I could.

 

(knocks on door, no answer)

 

 

A few weeks went by before I got the call from Leo - Falcone had gone into hiding and was holed up at a safehouse in Old Foundry Cove.  He had plenty of button men guarding the compound, but was planning to switch safehouses soon.  The plan was to hit him as soon as he was in the open.

 

I couldn’t take on Falcone’s goons by myself, so a few days after Leo’s visit, I tracked down an old friend from the war.  Max “Scopes” Scarpetti was the squad sniper when we were liberating Paris and he was the best shot in our company.  His farthest shot was over 400 meters.  Not only was he an excellent shot, but he was also a damn good cook.  His cooking was one of the few reminders of home that I had during the war.

 

Spoiler

 

 

(Vito meets Max in a small field nearby Falcone's hideout)

 

Vito: Y’know…if you’re having second thoughts, you can still back out.

 

Max: Not a chance, Vito.  Besides, this is far more interesting than being a short-order cook (smirks).

 

 

Vito: (Picks up a German Luger pistol) You managed to snag one of these, huh?

 

Max: Sure did.  It was after we had taken Bastogne…I figured the poor sap who was holding it wouldn’t need it anymore.

 

Vito: I always felt a bit guilty for leaving you guys high and dry.

 

Max: (Chuckles) Don’t get soft on me now.  You did what you had to do.  No one blames you for getting sent home.

 

Vito: Thanks, Max…for agreeing to do this.

 

Max: (Smiles) Hey, don’t mention it.  It’s not like I had much of a choice.

 

Spoiler

 

(Pensive, contrite facial expression)

 

Max: Y’know, you had the respect of all the men over there.  After the way you handled that situation in Carentan…Sink made the right choice in making you squad leader.

 

Vito: (Appreciative silence).

 

So, whaddya we got?

 

Max: (Points to the first weapon).  Standard Colt .45 with an extended magazine - 23 bullets in each.

 

(Points at MP5, meant to be Thompson) Your favorite, M1A1 Thompson, fresh from a friendly naval shipment.

 

M23 Fragmentation grenades.

 

Vito: Hmm, interesting.  May cause too much collateral damage, though.

 

Max: Doesn’t hurt to have them, eh?

 

Vito: And you?

 

Max: (Brandishes scoped M1 Garand)

 

(smiling) Ol’ faithful.  This ammunition type packs more of a punch as well.

 

Vito: Falcone will try to bolt as soon as he can.  We have to limit the number of exits he can take.

 

Max: Why can’t we just shoot him from here?

 

Vito: (shakes head) A message has to be sent and it’s got to be done up close.

 

Max: Well, if he tries to run, we’ll get him. (Pats rifle) This baby is strong enough to disable any car he tries to take.

 

Vito: Good.  Falcone should be leaving the safehouse in a few hours.  We’ll hit him as soon as he shows.

 

Max: Just like old times, eh?

 

 

(6 hours later; Vito and Max continue to stakeout Falcone’s safehouse)

 

Max: Is this prick ever gonna show?

 

Vito: The intel is solid, he’ll show.

 

(movement on the ground floor)

 

Vito: There he is. I’m gonna make a play for the stone wall.  I’ll wait for your go.

 

Max: Good luck, Vito.

 

(Vito posts up behind the stone wall)

 

 

(Distant chattering between Falcone and his men)

 

Vito: (Continues scouting, staring intently at Falcone).

 

(Train approaches in the distance)

 

Henchman #1: You think Bessie Truman gives good head?

 

Falcone: I bet her Finook of a husband does.

 

(Distant Laughter)

 

 

(Train gets closer, rail screeching intensifies)

 

(Vito’s eyes enlarge)

 

(Sniper shot rings out and hits henchman #3)

 

Henchman #2: Sniper!

 

(Falcone and two henchmen rush to cover)

 

 

Vito: (Draws weapon and begins firing)

 

(Deftly kills henchman #4, continues crossing the street)

 

 

(Second shot rings out, hits henchman #1)

 

(Falcone and henchman #2 rush to Falcone’s getaway car)

 

Falcone: Get the fuck in there!

 

(Henchman #2 returns fire)

 

(Third shot rings out, killing Henchman #2)

 

Falcone: (Mortified)

 

Vito: (shoots through windows, killing guards #5 and #6)

 

Falcone: (Spotting Vito, grabs dead henchman’s weapon and returns fire)

 

 

Falcone: SCALETTA?!  I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU THE MOMENT WE MET.

 

Vito: (Drops Thompson as it is out of ammunition)

 

 

(Falcone makes for his car, Max shoots out the back windshield)

 

Vito: (cooly approaches Falcone as he scurries to start the car)

 

Spoiler

 

 

Vito: (Fires two shots into Falcone’s side)

 

Falcone: Arghh! (falls out of passenger side door, raises pistol)

 

Vito: (Circling around the front of the car, fires a shot into Falcone’s right shoulder)

 

Falcone: AHHHKK!

 

 

Well, then.  You think you’ve outsmarted me, do you?!  I’m more powerful than you could ever dream of becoming!

 

Vito: You made a mistake by letting me into your family, Carlo.  Do you think that you’re the only one who can move drugs?

 

Falcone: (Laughs) Do you think…I didn’t know about that (panting, spits blood)?!  It’s the only reason why I didn’t have you killed.  We were just waiting for you to fuck up so we could get rid of you.

 

(grunts) Grgghh…and I know that rat cocksucker, Henry, never killed Leo Galante.

 

Vito: (Rage building after Falcone mentions Leo)

 

We?

 

Falcone: Me. Vinci.  All of the families.  They’re all gonna come after you for this.

 

Vito: (Smirks internally) Something tells me that isn’t going to happen.

(Silence)

 

Falcone: Well…what are you waiting for?  All of this shit is meaningless. (Laughs condescendingly) You really think you have what it takes to be number one?!  Coke will bring you fame that you’ll never escape!

 

Vito:  Times are changing, Carlo.  Too bad you won’t be able to see what I am going to accomplish.

 

Falcone: Cocksucker, sonofabitch.

 

Vito: (raises weapon, pauses) For the last five years I’ve been told who to fight, who to kill.  Now, I get to make my own choice.

 

This is for Henry.  This is for me.

 

 

(Kills Carlo)

 

(Birds calling in the background)

 

Vito: (Sighs)

 

Joe: (Cautiously exiting through the front door) About time you showed up.

 

Vito: (alertly turns with weapons raised) Joe? Where the hell have you been?

 

Joe: I’ve been guarding this asshole.  After the beef with Derek, Falcone made me an offer he thought I couldn’t refuse.

 

Vito: (waves off Max) Which was?

 

Joe: He was gonna make me capo, give me my own crew.  Pretty much everything that I ever wanted.

 

(brief silence)

 

Vito: Why didn’t you take it?

 

Joe: Remember those five bucks that you owe me?

 

 

Spoiler

Remember those five bucks that you owe me?

 

(Vito smiles and chuckles)

 

Joe: I figured you had a good plan.  Just didn’t think it would take this long.

 

Who’s the marksman?

 

Vito: An old friend from the war.  Look, this isn’t over.  We still have the other families to deal with.

 

Joe: Any bright ideas?

 

Vito: (Smiles, pats Joe on the shoulder) Let’s go see Leo.

Edited December 19, 2021 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

Chapter 17 

 

Thanksgiving 1945

 

With the Vinci-Falcone war over and the Simkuza pacified, the fallout from the Falcone assassination reaches its climax as the recently reactivated Leo Galante has called a meeting for peace.

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

(Derek and Vito drive nearly 30 minutes)

 

Derek: (Frightened) Do you have any idea what you’re doing?  The families will kill you for this.  The Commission…they’ll never let this go.

 

(Vito remains silent)

 

(Angered) Damn it!  Do you know who I am?!  I’m a powerful man, Vito.  I have friends in high places that will turn your life upside down if you go through with this!

 

Vito: Take the exit.

 

(Derek and Vito drive 15 more minutes before arriving at the warehouse in Evergreen Harbor)

 

 

(Derek begins ranting)

 

(Vito pounds on warehouse door, it opens)

 

 

(Vito hands Derek off to Nick who forcefully sits Derek down)

 

Derek: (Pleading) Leo! I can explain!

 

Leo: Oh, I’m sure you can.  But it’s not me you have to explain to.

 

(Looks at Vito)

 

Derek: This is about your pop, ain’t it?!  I swear to you, Vito.  I had nothing to do with that.

 

Vito: (Coldly) With what?

 

Derek: With his goin’ missing!  I swear on my kids, Vito, please you gotta believe me!

 

Vito: (stands closely in front of Derek) Falcone is dead.  So is Frank Vinci.  Clemente…Cappa…Monterelli.  All the bad blood has been settled, Derek, so don’t pretend that you’re innocent.

 

(Derek begins laboriously breathing, sweat drips down his brow)

 

 

Derek: (somberly) I swear, Vito….

 

(silence)

 

Vito: Did you have my father killed?

 

Derek: (Buries head in his hands)

 

Vito:  (Reassuringly) C’mon.  Don’t be afraid, Derek (places hand on Derek’s shoulder).  Tell me the truth about my father.

 

(brief silence)

 

 

Vito: (Holding gaze on Derek) We’ve known each other for a long time, Derek.  Killing you won’t bring my father back.

 

(brief silence)

 

No, you’re out Derek.  You and Steve.  The both of you will no longer be running the docks here in Evergreen Harbor.  That’s your punishment.

 

Derek: (Sigh of relief; surprised look on his face)

 

Vito: Only don’t tell me that you’re innocent.  Admit what you did.

 

Tell me the truth.

 

Derek: (Trembling, breathes deeply) Your old man…he was a hell of a worker.  But he put his nose where it didn’t belong.  First, it started with him not paying the barber’s fee, then there were talks that he and the workers were gonna unionize…blow the lid off our entire operation.

 

One day, he came into the office.  Told me and Steve that he had found documents from my desk - incriminating ones.  Threatened to have the entire police force down here!

 

I hit him over the head when his back was turned. Then….

 

(Derek looks up to see Vito still intently staring at him)

 

Steve tied blocks to his feet and dumped him in the harbor.

 

(Deafening silence)

 

Vito: (Sighs heavily)

 

Good (pats Derek on the shoulder, motions Vincenzo to hand him a drink).

 

(Vincenzo gives Derek a shot of Sweet and Spicy)

 

Vito:  I’m sending you two on a plane to Oasis Springs.  That’s your punishment.  I’ll have your wife notified so she knows what flight you’ll be taking.

 

(Derek slowly nods his head while Steve stares at Vito, then the ground).

 

Vito: Let them go.

 

 

(Derek and Steve are ushered out of the warehouse)

 

Derek: (Stops and turns around) I really am sorry, kid.  It wasn’t personal.  Your old man really was a stand-up guy.

 

(silence)

 

Spoiler

 

(Derek and Steve are ushered from warehouse and towards a convoy waiting on the street)

 

(Leo loosens his tie)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

 

 

Leo: Congratulations, kid.  It looks like you’re the last one standing.

 

Vito: (Pensive look on his face)

 

Leo: Bittersweet, isn’t it?  Welcome to the top, Vito.  Surely, this isn’t the first time you’ve made a decision as gut-wrenching as this?

 

Vito: Something tells me that it won’t be the last.

 

Leo: (Places arm on Vito’s shoulder) Ah, cheer up.  It’s Thanksgiving.  Go home. Eat.  Spend time with your family.

 

(Bloodied but conscious, Derek and Steve, with bricks around their ankles, are dumped into the harbor)

 

(Leo and the crew drives off)

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

(Vito arrives at Rosa’s)

 

(Georgia sitting with Francisco) Ah, Vito, finalmente! Sei qui. Noi mangiamo ora.  Sediamo, sediamo rapidamente!

 

(Rosa kisses Vito hello)

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

Vito: (faintly smiling, greets Rosa and her family)

 

(Family sits down to pray before eating)

 

A darkened and somber Vito sits down for Thanksgiving dinner

Edited January 1, 2022 by Kingfish95

[Kingfish95]

The Godfather of Willow Creek

 

 

 

Spoiler

Music taken from this video on Youtube.

Song used was composed by this site - use at your own risk (I am simply abiding by the TOU's found in the youtube description)

 

There isn't much to say - I think the title and video speaks for itself.  What do you think awaits Vito?

 

Thank you to all who clicked on this story! 2200 views? I hope that you were entertained whether you came along for the ride or just passed in for a chapter or two.  

 

While I have plans for a companion piece, I do have other sim-related projects that I would like to focus on first.  Let me know if you liked this new format or if you would prefer reading text when consuming a story like this.

 

Thanks!

[Kingfish95]

The Simsfather, Part II

 

The Path to Self-Destruction

 

The Buddhists claim that pain comes from wanting things. Attachment to desires - the desire for fortune, fame, and even the flesh - is the root of suffering. Suffering of ourselves and the suffering of others. The onus to create a life worth living may be ours to bear. However, despite our intentions, we may simply be unable to escape our destiny while on course to perpetual self destruction.

 

Writer's note: This is the companion piece to Part I, which is above.  

 

I have compiled a working list of different characters that you will meet throughout this journey.  The purpose is to give you context into a character's background, traits and desires.  There will be updates based on the chapters that I have completed.  I would suggest starting from the prologue entry if you are reading this for the first time. 

 

Meet The Cast for Part II

 

Act I

Prologue and Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

 

Act II

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

 

Deleted Scenes (WIP)

Deleted Scene 1 (No Spoilers)

Edited December 3, 2023 by Kingfish95
Added Chapter 6