The Calm before the Storm.

[santinotomasul]

Santino sat at a table chatting up some old pals from Vegas. The mannerisms with his hands showed off something of a sexual nature as all around the table began to laugh.

Santino: "...and then the bitch fell down the stairs. I told her the fuckin' heels were too high, but women got heads like bricks. Nothin' gets through." he chuckled. Doing an imitation and knocking lightly on the head of the whore next to him.

Others laughed again.

He picked up a pistachio nut and tossed in his mouth. The occasion was an unusual one. People from various mob families, friends or not, all gathered togeather to have a good time. It seemed to give off a certain feeling and many felt it. The calm before the storm.

[Tony Soprano]

Tony walked in, smiling. He was with 2 of his 'goons' as he entered, looking around. His smile dissapeared when he saw Santino. He sighed. "Fuckin' cocksucker..." he said to himself. Of course, although both families werent on good terms, they'd both be required to show respect to them by the traditional Italian greeting. Tony cringed, thinking of even having to talk to him. But, he had to face it. With this, he walked forward, tapping Santino on the back.

[santinotomasul]

Santino turned his head and looked up. A smile spread across his face. He stood.

Santino: "Anthony Soprano. It's good to see you here. I didn't expect you'd show up." he said, laughing.

He pat him on the back and exchanged the traditional greeting.

Santino: "Pull up a chair and join us why don't you. I'm sure you know the boys from Vegas."

The men nodded to Tony.

[Tony Soprano]

Tony nodded back, putting on a pretty believable smile. He waved the chair away. "Nah, thanks...Santino, now that Ive run into you, I was wondering...Can I talk to you alone for a moment?" Tony asked, as he was desperate to have someone to fall back on in this war, although he assumed that the family wouldnt help them.

[santinotomasul]

Santino looked to him curiously for a moment and then nodded.

Santino: "Please excuse me gentlemen."

They nodded and he buttoned his blue jacket as he turned and walked along with Tony.

Santino: "What's on your mind?" he asked. "I hope things are good with the family. I've heard about the recent problems Jersey's been facing."

[Tony Soprano]

"To tell ya' the truth, things havent been good...We got a fuckin' family from the other side who holds a 20 year grudge against us, and they fuckin' break the rules to settle it. Cocksuckers come to my house and take a shot at me..Kidnap my Consigliere's niece to make ammends...Fuckin' cunts..." Tony mumbled the last part

[santinotomasul]

Santino: "Well I admit I'm not one to play by the rules all of the time either, but for him to show up at your house and take a shot at you...well that's less than proper behavior. Even for men like us."

He looked off to the side and waved to an acquaintance.

Santino: "I heard about your consigliere's niece. Dante right? Silvio Dante? Well let's just hope nothing bad has happened to the poor girl. I wouldn't be surprised though. Especially with men like that. It's better to expect the worst just in case."

Santino grabbed a pretzel from a passing cart and tossed it in his mouth.

Santino: "I'm sorry I don't know what to tell you, Anthony. Maybe you should take a page from the Sorvino's book and bend the rules a bit in your favor."

[Tony Soprano]

Tony sighed. "In case you get the wrong impression...I'm not hear to ask for help, or a team-up or anything like that..." He looked around, then back to Santino. "I know we havent seen eye-to-eye lately, but all I'm asking is for you not to double cross us...Forgive me for sayin' in, but you'd admit...now would be the best time to take us out, while we've got indictments over our head and a vengeful family from Italy on our tail."

[santinotomasul]

Santino laughed.

Santino: "You don't trust me and that's understandable. However I don't normally kick men when they're down. In your case...I have some issues. If I am to keep my involvment out of this then you're going to have to make a choice."

His voice became much more serious at this point. The smile long gone.

Santino: "You give me Peter Paul Gualtieri." he whispered so none could overhear their business. "Anthony, you know he caused some problems for my family in the past. Killed a man in my crew over a fuckin' gambling dispute. Now I want retribution. I've let it go so many times and I've come to realize that it won't go away. Not until justice is served for my family."

Santino remained quiet as two people passed by.

Santino: "Make the decision, Anthony. I'll give it some time."

[Tony Soprano]

"You want Paulie? My fuckin' Paulie?...He's a fuckin' capo, not to mention the underboss of the family" Tony said, looking straight into his eyes.

[santinotomasul]

Santino: "I wouldn't give a fuck if he was the president of the United States. He crossed the line with me and I don't take kindly to that shit. Men can't get away with everything and I'm sure he's pissed off more people other than myself. So he either gets what's comin' to him or there's no neutrality deal."

[Tony Soprano]

Tony looked at him, then eventually, a smirk broke out. "Well, Alright...Nice talkin' to ya..." Tony said, beginning to turn away and walk off

[santinotomasul]

Santino smirked slightly.

Santino: "Foolish choice, Anthony, but your choice none the less. You're willing to put your whole family in danger then so be it."

[Tony Soprano]

Tony turned back to face Santino. "Well, Either way, our family is dead...This family, they have their advantages. Dont trade in Paulie, we'll probably be executed by both families. Trade him in, we're still dead. At least with Paulie, we've got extra firepower" Tony said, nodding towards Santino

[santinotomasul]

Santino: "Put your personal friendships and feelings for the man aside for a moment and think business because that's all this is. I have no beef with you, Anthony. If you give me Gualtieri then consider it a peace offering. I'd be willing to get my men involved and aid you against the Sorvinos. If, and only if, you make the right decision. It would suit us both." He smiled. "Take your time. I'll give you a week to decide if that's what you need."