Father's Day

At an estate belonging to the Maroni Family.

Luigi Maroni looked at the red wine his son had brought him, thoroughly pleased. "This is just what I like. Good boy."

"I knew it." Sal Maroni smiled and hugged his father. "Happy Father's Day, Dad."

After they chatted about family matters for a while, Sal Maroni steered the conversation toward Falcone.

"That Carmine Falcone is a real pain."

Luigi clicked his tongue in displeasure. "I should have finished him off for good back then. Who knew that country bumpkin could survive five shots to the chest? And that Thomas Wayne—why did he have to save him?"

"The man's like a cockroach. Hard to kill and irritating as hell," Sal Maroni said. "I'm considering how to handle our relationship with Falcone now."

"Keep a firm grip on the business in the East End. Everywhere else, compete where you can, and give up where you can't." Luigi took a sip of wine. "Read the situation carefully. Don't get into a major conflict with Falcone, or both sides could end up crippled."

"You're right." Sal Maroni nodded.

"I'm just a retired old man. Take my advice into consideration, but the decisions are still yours to make." The wine was taking effect, turning Luigi's face red.

"Of course, Father."

"Phew..."

Luigi undid the top two buttons of his shirt. "Summers in Gotham City are pretty hot. I'll go for a walk outside."

Only a few minutes later, a scream came from the direction Luigi had gone. Sal Maroni's heart lurched, a sense of dread coming over him.

He hurried toward the scream.

A maid lay unconscious on the ground, and his father, Luigi Maroni, lay in a pool of blood.

On the ground were a .22 pistol, a broken pacifier, and a gift-wrapped luxury tie.