As the tense standoff continued, James and Albert found themselves at the mercy of Tony DeNiro and his enigmatic associate, Giovanni. The lifeless body of the Chinese cab driver served as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in Nova Urbis.
Tony leaned against a table, his gaze fixed on James and Albert, while Giovanni remained vigilant, his Glock still within easy reach. The room felt like a pressure cooker, ready to explode at any moment.
Tony: "I'll be straightforward with you both. You've stumbled into a world where trust is scarce, and deception is the currency of survival. The rules here are different, and there are consequences for those who don't play by them."
Albert: "Look, Tony, we didn't come here looking for trouble. We—"
Tony: "Quiet!" Tony's voice cut through the room like a blade. "You're here now, and that's what matters. Giovanni, search them."
Giovanni stepped forward, his cold gaze fixed on James and Albert. He began a thorough search, confiscating any weapons they might have and checking for hidden items.
James: "You still haven't told us why we're here and who you are."
Tony: "Albert, tell him."
Albert: "H...he's To...Tony-"
Tony: "We don't have all day for introductions. So, Mr. Forelie, I'm Tony DeNori, the head honcho of this Leone mafia family, and this here is Giovanni Viperi. He used to run the Valmonte Verde territory, but today he's been promoted to my right-hand man."
Giovanni: "What?!"
James: "Francesco Leone!! Fuck him, he killed my brothers!"
Giovanni once again pressed his Glock against James' temple.
Giovanni: "Talk with respect when speaking to Tony."
Tony: "That's not Francesco. Spero che tu stia riposando in pace lassù(Rest in Piece), Francesco. Blaine killed your brother and our precious Francesco."
James: "Who is he?"
Albert: "Blaine was in cahoots with the Leones, and he betrayed them. He killed Francesco under the orders of the Kaida Yakuza. Blaine decimated the entire cartel network, even taking out Esperanza Ortiz, the leader of the Colombian cartels. The cartels were left in shambles, especially their territory Hjontuga Isle, which was utterly devastated. They were forced to join forces to regain their power and rebuild their island."
James: "Where is Blaine now?"
Tony: "It's unknown. Kaida Yakuza didn't survive for long after those conflicts; the cartels assassinated her."
Giovanni: "There's no chance we'll find him on Hjontuga Isle."
James: "Most likely, he's on the Isle of Kamashida?"
Albert: "It's complicated! The Yakuza single-handedly clashed with both the Italian Mafia and the cartels. Leones and the cartels both have our own agendas in Kamashida, and those agendas have created their own factions. It's difficult to distinguish between allies and foes within these factions."
Tony: "I am impressed by Albert. Giovanni, learn something from him."
Giovanni: "Yes! How to be an expert in empty words and false promises, just like our dear Albert here."
James: "So, he is in Portville?"
Tony: "And that's precisely why we kidnapped you and promoted Gio!"
James: "To provide us with history lessons?"
Tony: "Of course not! You silly Forelie."
James: "Then enlighten us, Mr. Tony."
Tony: "Albert here is a secret member of the Leone mafia family, and he's been undercover in the Triads since his arrival in 2002. He made promises to us, but in the end..."
James: "So, Albert, you're a rat!"
Albert: "Well, at least we have something in common."
After Albert's outburst, Giovanni, sensing the rising tension in the room, intervened to defuse the situation.
Giovanni: "Shut the F*ck up both of you !"
Tony: "Indeed, he is. Now, listen to me. Albert has assured us that he will gradually infiltrate the Triads, confront Zhao Lei, and..."
James: "Who is Zhao Lei?"
Tony: "Zhao Lei is one of the leaders of the Triads! Now, let me continue, please. Albert promised me that he would establish a powerful alliance between the Triads and the Leones, similar to the Cartels. They have a significant number of allies in Kamashida."
James: "Ok."
Tony: "As you can understand, the Forelie family held a unique position – they were not only the Triads' most significant ally but also our most formidable adversary. The name James Forelie is widely recognized within the Triads. We kidnapped you with the intention of reestablishing the Forelie Family's presence here in Valmonte Verde, and you, James, will assume the role of its leader."
Albert: "What will happen to me?"
Tony: "You hold a significant position in the Triads; you are the missing piece that will connect the Triads and the Forelie Family. Now, look, a gunfight is about to erupt between our two staged Leones, and the surviving Leones will become the newest members of your gang, James. Additionally, the Triads are on their way, so get ready, Gio, free them."
As Tony laid out their precarious situation, Giovanni began to take action. He moved to release James and Albert from their restraints. The tension in the room was palpable.
Tony: "You all better be prepared. This is going to get messy."
With determination and a hint of anxiety, James and Albert braced themselves for the imminent chaos that would unfold. The fate of the Forelie Family and their newfound alliance with the Leones hung in the balance, and they were about to face a test of their wits and survival skills in the unforgiving streets of Nova Urbis.
James: "Let's go!"
Albert: "Good o'l days!"
Together, they followed Tony and Giovanni into the tumultuous fray that awaited them, ready to face the challenges and adversaries that Nova Urbis had in store.
**End of chapter 4: Una Alianza Peligrosa Comienza**