Editing Edward McHaggis (section)

=== Interbellum ===
Following the end of the First Paleto Crisis, the Big Four convened to address the fallout. The meeting was tense. Edward, still burning from the failed leverage over Damian and Alexa’s covert involvement, was the first to speak. He openly scolded Alexa for her backroom dealings—financing Damian and orchestrating events without informing the others. He didn’t hold back, demanding transparency and respect if they were truly allies.

Billy and Jim stayed quiet, offering no support nor opposition. It was silence Edward found almost as frustrating as Alexa’s deception. Alexa, however, held her ground. She countered Edward’s accusations with her own, pointing out that Edward himself had attempted to manipulate Damian for personal gain, even going as far as trying to turn him against his own sister. With Billy’s help, no less. The hypocrisy hung heavy in the air. Though no blood was spilled, the conversation marked the first major crack in the alliance’s foundation.

Despite the tension, the Big Four agreed to a soft reset—a fresh look at their operations and goals. Paleto Bay, now empty and strategically valuable, was brought to the table. Alexa suggested that no member of the Big Four should directly control it. Edward disagreed with the idea, but he didn’t argue—at least not publicly.

Instead, Edward went home and devised a plan. He still had ties to the Cosa Nostra, particularly [[Marcano Crime Family|the Marcano Crime Family]]. Without informing the others, he contacted his old mentor and friend, [[Giuseppe Marcano]], the powerful don of the Marcano Mob. Edward proposed a quiet takeover of Paleto Bay by Giuseppe, believing this would strengthen his own influence within the group and boost his credibility. Giuseppe, owing Edward a favour and wanting to expand the influence of the Marcano Mab abroad agreed and flew in from Sicily shortly after.

Giuseppe wasn’t just a mobster—he was a statesman of crime. A special member of the American Mafia’s Commission, he had a rare combination of charisma, ruthlessness, and organizational vision. When Edward introduced him at the next syndicate meeting, Giuseppe presented plans to formalize their loose alliance into a true Commission—a structured body for dispute resolution, cooperation, and internal transactions. Edward was impressed. This was the kind of order he believed they needed.

But the others didn’t see it the same way. Jim, in particular, voiced skepticism, questioning Giuseppe’s motives and the need for added hierarchy. The rest followed suit. Despite the proposal’s logic and Edward’s passion, the idea was voted down. Edward left the meeting frustrated. For him, this had been a chance to modernize their operation and assert his growing power. Instead, it became yet another reminder of how little trust truly existed within the Big Four.

==== Catching up with Giuseppe and his establishment in Paleto Bay ====
A few days later, Giuseppe invited Edward to catch up at his rented apartment in [[Del Perro]]. It had been years since the two had spoken—Edward's departure from Italy to work with the Yakuza in Japan had cut off their contact. As they approached the entrance of the building, they were stopped by someone unexpected: a young man with a familiar face. It was Giuseppe’s son, [[Marty Marcano|Marty]], whom Giuseppe hadn’t seen in over three years. Emotional and stunned, Giuseppe invited him in.

Inside, Giuseppe introduced Marty to Edward. Marty was uncouth and uneasy—clearly down on his luck and searching for something stable. After some brief catching up, Marty stepped outside to give his father and Edward time to talk.

The two old friends spoke for hours. They reminisced, traded stories, and discussed Edward’s work in Los Santos, his time with the Yakuza, and the political climate of the city. Eventually, Giuseppe raised the idea of Edward mentoring Marty—to toughen him up and teach him the ropes of criminal enterprise. But Edward, unimpressed by Marty’s past and his treatment of his family, declined the offer.

Giuseppe was visibly disappointed, but Edward quickly offered an alternative. He suggested Marty work under Billy, whose diverse construction front and criminal logistics could give the boy structure and discipline. Giuseppe agreed. Edward placed the call, and Billy was enthusiastic—happy to have someone to mold and assist him.

The next day, Edward brought everyone together. Billy and Marty sat down at the table, with Giuseppe observing. The terms were simple: Marty would be mentored by Billy until Giuseppe was firmly established in Paleto Bay. Though reluctant at first, Marty eventually agreed—and as time went on, found purpose in his new role.

While Billy mentored Marty, Edward and Giuseppe moved forward with plans for Paleto Bay. The two traveled north together and began setting up operations. Drug manufacturing labs were built in remote facilities, an arcade was purchased for front operations, and a fortified bunker was secured. The groundwork was solid.

For the first time in a while, things were looking up for Edward. He had his mentor back, growing influence in the north, and momentum that even his rivals couldn’t ignore.