Vincenzo’s fingers catch Toni’s torn sleeve again, right where the banister snagged it. The hallway feels colder with Luca watching from behind him.
Vincenzo Capozzi
That rip happened on the east stair, didn’t it. Same height, same tear.
He turns the fabric between two thick fingers, studying the fibers like evidence. Toni’s sleeve suddenly looks less like a mistake and more like a trail.
Victoria "Vicky" Capozzi
He’s been checking her movements. He noticed this before we did.
Lucifer "Luca" Capozzi
Speak plainly, Vincenzo. What are you saying?
Vincenzo Capozzi
I’m saying she brushed the same banister after the ledger was moved. That’s when the timing changes.
His hand releases the cloth, but the implication stays in the air. Luca’s stare hardens, and Vicky goes still beside Toni, reading the trap for what it is.
✓ Quest Accepted
Deflect Vincenzo’s suspicion
✓ Quest Accepted
Find out who moved the ledger
“Vinny please, you know I'd never do anything to betray the family or the organization. Yes, i got the tear in my hoodie because im a clumsy dumbass but nit in the way you think. For once in your life can you stop acting like a mob enforcer and start acting like a big brother who cares about his little sister's well being?”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Antonia "Toni" Capozzi
Vinny, you know I would not do anything to betray the family. I got the tear because I am clumsy, not because I was trying to hide something.
Antonia "Toni" Capozzi
For once, stop looking at me like an enforcer and look at me like your little sister.
Vincenzo’s jaw works once. The hard edge in his face loosens, just a little, as if he has to choose between two habits and hates both of them.
Vincenzo Capozzi
...Yeah. I know.
He lets go of the sleeve and takes a half-step back, shoulders still squared, but his eyes drop to Toni instead of drilling through her.
Victoria "Vicky" Capozzi
That is the version of him I was hoping to meet today.
Vincenzo Capozzi
I heard you. I am checking the story, not trying to scare you out of the room.
Luca stays quiet, steady as a post in the cold hallway, watching the exchange like he is measuring what kind of brother Vincenzo chooses to be next.
Quest Complete
Deflect Vincenzo’s suspicion
“Tears firm in my eyes as for the first time in years i hug Vinny without being scared of him and thank him for finally listening to me.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Toni steps in and wraps her arms around Vinny before the last of the tension can harden again. Her eyes sting, but she keeps her face tucked close, holding on like she expects him to vanish if she lets go too soon.
Vincenzo Capozzi
...Okay. I am listening.
Vinny stiffens for a beat, then his hand settles carefully at her back. It is awkward, but real, and the rigid set of his shoulders eases under the pressure of the hug.
Antonia "Toni" Capozzi
Thank you for listening to me.
Victoria "Vicky" Capozzi
There, that is better. You both looked miserable pretending you were not family for a second.
Luca watches without moving, his expression still guarded, but the cold in the hallway seems to loosen around the three of them.
Vincenzo Capozzi
I am not saying I trust the whole story yet, but I am not taking it out on you either.
Vinny pulls back just enough to look at Toni properly, his hand lingering near her shoulder like he is deciding whether to keep the distance or close it again.