Pay or Die 2023

As the determined Petrosino embarks on a perilous journey through the murky waters of organized crime, he secures a vital endorsement from the Police Commissioner of New York City to form a special task force aimed at dismantling the iron grip of The Black Hand. Central to this audacious initiative is Petrosino’s proficiency in Italian and his ability to establish rapport with the city’s tenement residents, convincing them that gangsters deserve no reverence. Initially squaring off against the infamous extortionist, Lupo Miano, Petrosino quickly realizes that The Black Hand’s intricate schemes extend beyond simple racketeering.

Navigating the challenges of his socially awkward demeanor, Petrosino finds unexpected solace in a romance with Adelina Saulino, the daughter of a family he previously helped. Their relationship deepens, leading to a heartfelt union that becomes a significant milestone in Petrosino’s life.

Tensions escalate when The Black Hand targets the esteemed opera singer Enrico Caruso for extortion. Undeterred, Petrosino appoints himself as Caruso’s personal bodyguard. Following one particular performance, a Black Hand operative surreptitiously plants a bomb in Caruso’s vehicle. In a twist of fate, a forgotten hat saves the opera star from a devastating explosion, resulting in the death of his chauffeur. As the assassin makes a hasty retreat, Petrosino swiftly confronts him, resulting in the assailant’s demise.

The plot thickens when a jeweler receives a threatening note from The Black Hand and promptly informs Petrosino. Unfortunately, this warning inadvertently alerts the gangsters, leading to another hidden explosive, this time concealed within a vegetable cart. The tragic blast claims the lives of the jeweler and several innocent schoolgirls, including the daughter of a Black Hand member. Remarkably, the bomber survives, and a committed nun provides crucial insight that assists in sketching his facial likeness. Following the clues, Petrosino tracks the suspect to a concealed hideout, masterfully disguising himself as a large bundle of cotton rags to infiltrate it. A fierce struggle ensues, leading to the bomber’s death as he resists arrest. In the wake of this chaos, Di Sarno, a Black Hand associate, is overcome with grief and takes his own life after losing his daughter.

Petrosino then devises a strategy to journey to Italy, aiming to identify local criminals wanted in their homeland who can be extradited. This audacious approach proves to be immensely fruitful, exposing significant ramifications. Yet, in his efforts, Petrosino uncovers the emergence of a national crime syndicate. He exposes Vito Zarillo, a well-known figure in Little Italy, as a fugitive wanted for double homicide in Sicily. Petrosino, aware of potential dangers, designates rookie cop Johnny Viscardi as the one to carry forward his mission if unforeseen events arise.

As Petrosino prepares to leave Sicily, he is cunningly lured into a secret meeting with a deceitful informant, who is soon revealed to be the cunning leader of the mafia in this perilous region. Before any substantive conversation can take place, however, Petrosino falls victim to a ruthless assassination attempt, ending his life on the unforgiving streets.

Back in New York City, Viscardi is called to the funeral home, where he witnesses an appalling act of disrespect—Zarillo spitting into Petrosino’s coffin. This affront ignites a fire within Viscardi, who now possesses vital evidence to help bring the notorious leader of the Black Hand to justice.