Tommy laughed quietly, he was starting to doubt his sanity, after all he had just left the business in the useless hands of Ken Rosenberg. Then again Rosenberg was a loyal friend and a spineless coward who wouldn't dare step out of line.
Tommy rubbed his chin, this time tomorrow he would be back on his old ground and causing trouble once again. He picked up a small holiday brochure advertising Liberty City. He quietly flicked through the pages remembering china town, the monorail and his favourite haunts. He looked at the glossy photos of the hotels and motels alike. Tommy looked at a gold watch that hung on his wrist, his chauffeur would be here to pick him up and take him to the airport in four hours time.
A blue sports bag sat on the floor next to the door. It was full of clothes, weapons, money and everything else he needed for the trip. He opened a desk draw and tossed the brochure in it. He was about to close the draw when something silver caught his eye. He pulled out an elegant switchblade and ran his finger over the engraved handle. He smiled solemnly for a second, before he closed his eyes tightly and threw the knife back into the draw, slamming it shut aggressively. Tommy rubbed his face unhappily. He stood up and walked around his desk, slumping on a posh green sofa. He pulled out a silver hip flask of whisky and took a bitter mouthful. He lay on the sofa drinking quietly.
The hours slowly dragged by. A knock at the office door pulled Tommy out of a semi conscious state. He looked at his watch and groaned. He sat up and ran his hands through his thick hair. "Enter" he muttered in a drowsy tone. Another grunt dressed in a black suit entered the room. "Boss your rides here" the young grunt said calmly. Tommy nodded and stood up. He straightened his shirt and grabbed the bag, slinging it over his broad shoulder. He left the room, pulling the door tightly shut after him.
A black limo was parked outside the office block; its dark windows gave it an air of mystery. Tommy trotted down the marble steps and onto the sidewalk. He pulled open the door and slipped inside.
"Afternoon Mr Vercetti" the British driver chimed. His long blond hair was tucked tightly under his navy blue cap. The driver started the engine and swiftly pulled out, into the moving traffic.
"Afternoon Brad. Know any short cuts to the airport. I can't be late" Tommy said calmly. Brad had been driving for Tommy for almost a year. Tommy had grown to be friends with his driver, Brad due to his respectful nature and his down to earth if not outrageous honesty. Brad pulled the peak of his hat down, "You got it Boss" he replied cheerfully as he stepped on the gas. Tommy nodded his apperception and leaned back. He thought about getting a large drink but decided he had better stay relativity sober. He crossed arms and stared out of the window, watching everything pass in a colourful blur.
Tommy could hear the radio playing quietly. Although he could hear the soft rock music the hum of the engine drowned out the meaningless lyrics. He stretched and clicked his fingers impatiently; the journey seemed incredibly drawn out.
The control tower crept over the horizon and into view. Tommy glanced at his watch; he was half an hour early. He managed to smile weakly as the car pulled up outside the airport. Tommy slipped out the car with his bag and walked over to the driver's window.
"Your best time yet" Tommy said with no emotion in his voice. He handed Brad a brown envelope which contained two hundred dollars. "Call it you bonus" he said as Brad took the envelope and Tommy turned and entered the airport through the huge glass doors.
