The hallway is too narrow for all four of them at once. Vinny fills the threshold, arms crossed, blocking the way into the safehouse. Vicky and Nikki stop behind Mickey, shoulders squared, refusing to back down.
Vincenzo "Vinny" Capozzi
Well? You three marching in together means something. So talk.
Michael "Mickey" Capozzi
We’re going in to see Dad. Together.
Vinny’s eyes slide from Vicky to Nikki, then settle on Mickey like he’s the last piece of the puzzle. The joint ember in his hand glows once, then dims against the rust-streaked wall.
Vincenzo "Vinny" Capozzi
Since when do you show up for family business, Mickey?
Victoria "Vicky" Capozzi
Since we’re done pretending everything is fine.
Nichole "Nikki" Capozzi
And since he’s not here to make it worse.
Vinny uncrosses one arm, but not enough to let the hall open. He studies Mickey a second longer, weighing whether this is a joke or a problem.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bypass Vinny's interrogation
“"Okay Vinny, listen closely . . . You may be the oldest and thw biggest . . . But you aren't the strongest, that's me . . . So get out of our way before i have to make you" i say as i step forward and look Vinny dead in the eye to show him we aren't backing down.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Mickey steps into Vinny’s space and holds the stare. The hallway goes still, and Vinny’s jaw tightens as the pressure lands.
Michael "Mickey" Capozzi
I’m not backing off.
Vinny looks Mickey over once, then shifts sideways from the doorway with a slow exhale. The joint drops lower in his hand.
Vincenzo "Vinny" Capozzi
...Fine. Don’t make me regret that.
He leaves just enough room for the three of them to pass, eyes still tracking Mickey like this isn’t over, just delayed.
Victoria "Vicky" Capozzi
Thank you.
Nichole "Nikki" Capozzi
Stay close, Mickey.
Vinny’s shoulder brushes the wall as he watches them head in, the open gap to the safehouse waiting like a dare.
Quest Complete
Bypass Vinny's interrogation