Ken Rosenberg's Office
Washinton Beach, Vice City

"Thanks Sonny. I'm gonna take care of this don't you worry." Tommy said as he finished off the call. Ken looked up from the corner he was sitting in with his head buried in his hands and asked nervously "So how'd he take it?"

"Don Forelli was not pleased. Fuck!" Tommy exclaimed before smashing the phone against the wall. Things had not gone as he had expected. This was not the homecoming he wanted. In Debt to Sonny Forelli, if he could he'd choose to go back to prison rather than owe Sonny a single cent. Watching Tommy lose his composure momentarily was enough for Ken to flow off the handle. "Shit! Shit Shit! I gotta get out here, run, hide. No, wherever I go he'll find me . Maybe I should look for a lawyer work on my Will. I'm not leaving anything to you. It's all your fault . Everything was alright before you got here. You really are cursed aren't you. You... how can you stand there with your shit together? You've got a plan? Tell me you've got a plan you beautiful bastard."

The hysterical outburst was starting to annoy Tommy. If it had been anyone else at any other time, Tommy wouldn't have thought twice before putting a bullet in the man's head. But this was different, the guy had saved his life when he helped Tommy escape the ambush. Plus this hysterical, sobbing mess charged up on cocaine may very well be his only ally in this new city. No sense getting rid of him. "Ofcourse I do. But first I need to make some enquiries. Tell me about the guy that set up the meet because it sure as shit wasn't you." Tommy replied as he sat down and popped a cigarette into his mouth. Feeling the familiar burn down his throat he looked at Ken as the man reluctantly confessed "It was this retired Colonel from Nicaragua. Colonel Juan Garcia Cortez. He was the one who advised me to hold the hand out at the docks far from the local thugs and their territories. You think he had something to do with this?"

Though he had his suspicions, Tommy did not want to say anything till he could verify them. He shrugged in response and said "I don't know maybe I'll go ask him. In any case he's our best lead. Where can I find the esteemed Colonel?" Ken took a moment to ponder it over and his eyes suddenly lit up. He rummaged through a drawer , tossing aside numerous documents before pulling out a purple envelope. "Aha! I knew I had it somewhere in here. Take this, it's an invitation to a private shindig Cortez's hosting on his yacht off the bay later this evening. All of the big fish are gonna be there. I'd take you there myself, but I'm gonna go lock myself in my basement with a shotgun till this thing is sorted. "

Tommy nodded and took the envelope as he got up to leave. "Hey as much as I like the beach and the attire associated with it, you might want to think about getting some better threads. It's a classy place." Ken said and was answered by a roll of the eyes as Tommy walked out.

The Yacht
Later That Evening

Tommy stood on the Yacht in his new blue suit, casually staring off into the sea when Mercedes Cortez found him. To her, the ruggedly handsome latest addition to the city, was the perfect opportunity for her to step out from the shadow of her overprotective father and take a bite of the dangerous side of Vice City. To him, the beautiful spoilt daughter of the Latino crime boss he suspected, was the perfect guide to help him familiarise with the established locals and their spheres of influence without stepping on any toes. Needless to say they hit it off very well.

While they danced to the rhythm of the waves, she constantly pointed out the other guests. Smiling to maintain her polite demeanour as she told him about which ones to mingle with and which ones to avoid. The pseudo-visionary director Steve Scott, the British Band manager Kent Paul, the corrupt Politician Alex Shrub, the Texan realtor Avery Connington, Jezz Torrent a singer in the famous barbershop quartet Love Fist ,Ricardo Diaz the loudmouthed Mexican drug baron. Like a teenager gossiping about boys she excitedly told him about the rumours relating to each of them.

As the guests started slowly leaving she escorted him to the man of the hour before slipping away with a wink. The Colonel stood infront of him in a khakhi suit and a red scarf, running his hand through his greying hair. The man had a regal charm about him that made people want to be in his presence. "Ah Mr. Vercetti I take it? I've been anticipating your arrival. Though I hoped Mr. Rosenberg would be escorting you. I hope the recent events have not affected his fragile mental state?" Cortez joked. Tommy could not believe this man was taking things so lightly , but he knew this was not the right time to let loose a tirade. "He's just got a touch of agoraphobia. I hope you don't blame him for his desire to remain secluded for the foreseeable future." He said

"Ofcourse, it is only natural. Let me assure you that my spies are already scouring the streets for any information regarding this matter, but these things take time. I feel personally responsible for putting you in such a position and so I have a proposal for you that could be mutually beneficial for us. I have naturally heard of the Harwood butcher and could use his skills to deal with some of the problems I now face. Rest assured , the remuneration you receive will go a long way in alleviating your current financial inadequacies."

Tommy looked at the man trying to discern his true objectives but came up empty. Was this the culprit now toying with him or a potential ally? He did not know. But with Sonny breathing down his neck , Tommy had to figure out a way to make a quick buck. If Colonel Cortez was willing to offer him money and information in exchange for a few odd jobs, he'd be a fool to refuse. Still he had to keep his eyes open. If he got too complacent Cortez, if he were the culprit wouldn't hesitate to take out Tommy.

"Very well, Signor Cortez. Tell me what ails you." He finally said with a smile taking the gamble.