Mickey's Delayed Date

Tronco, it's about time for the cops to make their rounds.

Why don't we just grease their palms a little?

Scusa's not satisfied with "a little."

Scusa?

The new Federal Bureau of Prohibition head.

I hear he's taken a small fortune from the Orco family.

Hey, watch your driving!

I thought you'd been driving taxis up 'til now.

All the booze in the back is throwing us off.

But it's putting more money in your pockets, isn't it?

Mr. Vanno, once I save up enough, I'm gonna buy a car.

A Phantom.

Sure.

A hundred more booze runs, and I'll buy one for you.

Really?! I'll hold you to that!

Assuming we're both still alive, that is.

It's them. Hurry!

Hide!

They're gone.

Hey, Tronco.

We're safe now.

Hey!

Let's get back.

There's one left.

Put him down.

Phantom of Falsehood

I tell you, it's war against the Orcos now.

Hey!

You clung to the underside of the truck to escape, huh?

Pretty smart thinking, for you.

Hey.

Hey, you're late.

Dad's gonna love it.

No, it's a gift for the party.

Drink it.

Though I realize it hardly compares to that...

A Phantom?

It's from the Galassias.

Galassias?

That's good stuff!

The groom is the nephew of Don Galassia,

the guy who controls Chicago.

The Vanettis own this town.

We don't need the Galassias' help.

Funny, I heard you lost some turf downtown to the Orco family.

You'd better watch your mouth!

Nero.

Your father is calling you.

Sure.

Barbero.

The brains of my operation.

Avilio and Corteo.

A pleasure. I've heard all about you.

Well, have fun.

What are you thinking?

We came here because we needed the money!

We need to get out of here.

It's a party. Let's enjoy ourselves.

How's the playhouse coming along?

It's all going smoothly.

Should be done by the end of June.

Big Brother, Don Galassia's decided to come to the big opening.

We've got three months.

Then Vanetti, Orco, and Galassia...

All three families will be in the same place.

So what?

I know the Orcos have been overstepping lately,

but they have to do as the Galassias say, too.

So do we.

I don't have much time left.

But I intend to leave the family on solid footing.

That's why Sis is marrying Galassia's nephew.

Ronaldo's a good guy. We can trust him.

Nothing left to worry—

They killed another of ours.

That's because we stole Orco's booze.

That route was ours until three months ago.

A family that can't protect their own turf has no future.

Care for a cigar?

With a cigar, you don't inhale smoke.

You inhale time.

Think carefully,

then walk forward with purpose.

The faster you rush out, the more likely you are to trip and fall.

There's another saying: "God helps those who help themselves."

That piece of shit.

If he makes Fio cry, I'll beat the crap out of him.

I see you're in a foul mood.

I think Master Ronaldo is paying us a call.

Congratulations.

I'm now officially a member of your family.

Where's Nero?

Don Vanetti requested his presence.

He's locked up in his room, and won't even come to his own daughter's wedding?

Too much caution just becomes cowardice.

We're keeping this within the family,

but he's staying indoors on his doctor's recommendation.

Well, I'll fix your little Orco problem for you.

Not that I get the point of fighting over this backwater burg.

It's just a pit stop on the way of hauling booze over the border.

Don't.

That's funny.

What is?

Watching an ass strut around in a lion's skin.

Who the hell do you think—

Stop it, now!

What's wrong?

You'll never grow up, will you?

They're a perfect couple.

Teetotalers have it rough.

What do you think?

This is the liquor you mentioned?

It's got quite a kick.

Where do you make it?

The kitchen... in my apartment.

Right?

I haven't seen that look on your face in ages!

Can we talk in private?

An ass in a lion's skin, huh?

You have a way with words.

I don't think we've been introduced.

Vanno Clemente.

Avilio Bruno.

I think we'll make a good team.

Enjoy it.

This is Maestro Vanno's special Lawless-style cioppino.

Looks great!

Hey!

Father in Heaven, we thank you for the meal in which we now partake.

We pray that it might nourish our bodies and our souls.

Damn it!