Brian M Downing
It’s been some time since Luca Brasi disappeared under uncertain circumstances while meeting with the Tattaglias. The redoubtable Brasi was often on the outs with the Corleone family but reports indicate that shortly after a rapprochement at a family wedding, the Don sent him to meet with Bruno Tattaglia to discuss employment opportunities – possibly related to the pharmaceutical trade.
Video shows Brasi driving to the Tattaglias’ restaurant via the causeway. (For some reason he failed to pay the toll.) He’s also seen entering the restaurant, but not coming out. For several days after the disappearance, the Tattaglias held fast to the claim that Brasi left their restaurant through a back door. However, publics remain highly skeptical and disquieting reports continue to surface.
Information has recently come out that Virgil “The Turk” Sollozzo was present at the meeting and suspicion naturally arose that the renowned knife expert may have had a hand in Brasi’s disappearance.
The Tattaglias suddenly changed their story. Brasi entered the restaurant and inexplicably began a brawl with the dumbfounded Tattaglia lad and the Turk. Fortunately, a family retainer was nearby, just behind Brasi as it happens. He tried to calm Brasi with a garrote, but the bull-like man fell to the floor unconscious. Repeated efforts to revive him came to nought.
Dismayed and panicked, Tattaglia and the Turk disposed of his body in the East River before heading to Luigi’s in the Bronx for a traditional repast with a trusted figure in law enforcement. (The salmon parmesan, by the way, is said to be the best in the city.)
Many observers insist that Philip, the head of the Tattaglia family, ordered Brasi’s death, However, the senior Tattaglia claims he simply wanted to make him a generous offer – one he couldn’t refuse. Nonetheless, he has ordered the arrest of 18 of his capos and button men who he insists were part of a “rogue operation”.
A powerful New York Don immediately publicly stated he found Tattaglia’s story credible. Still, he has called for a meeting of the Five Families to settle the matter which he notes threatens to damage business operations.
Copyright 2018 Brian M Downing
Brian M Downing is a national security analyst who’s written for outlets across the political spectrum. He studied at Georgetown University and the University of Chicago, and did post-graduate work at Harvard’s Center for International Affairs. Thanks as ever to consigliere Susan Ganosellis.