The airport was crowded with a mixture of tourists and businessmen. Most of them seemed lost or in a hurry. The roof was made of stained glass and cast colourful lights across the floor. The walls where coated in both old and new posters. The airport was a favourite play for fly papering although the security guards where supposed to stop it, they never bothered to. Tommy pushed through the crowds and headed towards the check in point. He was greeted by an over excited blonde who weighed his bag and pointed him in the direction of the departures lounge. He wondered in the right direction paying little attention to the dithering people around him. He was focused on the job ahead.

After an agonizing time waiting for the flight and boarding time, he was finally in the air. He sat by the window watching Vice City drop away from view. A dusting of fluffy gray clouds hovered above the dark ocean. Tommy leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. A silky voice whispered into his ears, making him open his eyes, "Scared of flying?" an attractive redhead next to him asked. Her red hair had been cut short into a bob like style. "No, I'm just going home" he said coolly as he looked her body up and down. She giggled softly in an almost nervous way, "Like that is it". Tommy nodded and broke in a quite yet slightly forced laugh. There was an uneasy silence.

"What's your story? Why are you going to Liberty?" Tommy asked casually, breaking the silence. The woman smiled warmly. She pushed a strand of short red hair behind her thin ear. Her blue eyes seemed to shimmer slightly, "I live in Liberty City too. I'm coming back from my vacation" she said. It was a little obvious because her skin had been beautifully tanned except for a tiny patch around her neck where a necklace had hung.

A tall slim airhostess walked down the aisle telling people that they were due to land. The seatbelt light flashed and the people on the flight obediently strapped in ready for landing. The plane touched down with a soft squeal on the grey and unwelcoming island of Liberty city. Tommy looked out the window then at red head, "Want to grab a coffee when we get off" he asked coolly. The red hair blushed, obviously flattered. "I'd love to but I don't think my boyfriend would be too impressed" she replied almost teasing. Tommy nodded, he should have guessed really; after all it was his type of luck.

The plane finally stopped and the aisle was suddenly filled with people barging and pushing to get out. The red head managed to slip into the queue and exit the aircraft swiftly, while Tommy sat silently and waited for the queue to die down. He was nearly the last to leave the plane but he was in no hurry, after all no one knew of his intentions. After constant queues and checks Tommy finally reached the pick up point for his luggage. He hung around waiting to see it on the conveyer belt like everyone else. Out the corner of his eye he could see the excited red head run into the arms of her scruffy lover. He scowled at her secretly but continued to watch as the scruff handed her a small box that could only contain jewelry. Tommy tore his eyes off the couple and stared at the bags running past his eyes. He caught sight of his sports bag and swung it over his shoulder, before making a swift exit from the building.

A light drizzle fell from the dark sky. The ground was sodden and covered in a thick shimmer of hazy water. A few dozen people dashed about under the shelter of black umbrellas. A family of four stood in the rain shivering as they hailed a taxi. Tommy raised the collar of his jacket and stepped out into the downpour. He debated about catching a cab but something changed his mind. He had sorely missed liberty and wanted to explore his old home after almost eighteen years away.

Tommy pounded the streets for almost three hours. When he eventually reached his hotel in the center of Staunton island. His black hair hung limply and he was greeted by many unpleasant glares as he entered the exuacvite hotel. Tommy ignored them and walked over the reception, dropping his duffle bag by his feet. The clerk behind the desk smiled wearily. Her blonde hair was pulled back and tied in a bun and a thin pair of glasses rested on her upturned nose. "Can I help you sir?" she said her high-pitched voice remaining firm. Tommy smiled back except his smile contained a hint of anger, "Yes I'm Mr Vercetti, I have a room booked" he said proudly. The clerk blushed and typed something into her pc. She looked up at Mr Vercetti, "I will just need some id..." she said sweetly as she paused typing. Tommy pulled a leather wallet from his back pocket. He flipped it open and slid a driving license over the counter. The clerk finished typing and handing him his license and a key. "Thank you very much Sir, You will be staying in room 47, one of our finer suites. Do you require any help with you luggage?" She asked slightly confused that a man with obviously so much money traveled so light. Tommy shook his head, "No I can cope" he said as she stuffed the key in his pocket and grabbed his duffle bag before turning to the lifts. He noted the queue and smirked. Despite living a life of luxury he had never turned lazy and idle as so many men in his current position had. Tommy headed toward the stairs and trotted up them with ease. He paused as he reached the fourth floor. A sign on the door read "Rooms 39-51". Tommy smiled weakly and took a deep breath as he pulled open the door. The wide corridor was decorated with expensive pieces of art. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling of the hall.