# II explained — Little Caesar

> Chapter companion for Little Caesar by W. R. Burnett.

## What happens

Sam Vettori reflects on his capable crew—Rico, Otero, Joe Massara, and Tony—while enjoying spaghetti and wine in his office. After dealing with a minor disturbance from some Irish toughs, he meets with Scabby, his informer, who warns him against gunplay and mentions the Big Boy's concerns. Vettori dismisses the warning, pays Scabby, and prepares for an upcoming job.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Ambition

Vettori congratulates himself on his specialized crew and plans a robbery despite warnings, showing his drive for power and control.

### Fear and Paranoia

Scabby expresses fear about the changing times and the Big Boy's caution, highlighting the underlying paranoia in the gang.

## Character check-ins

### Sam Vettori

Sits in his office, pleased with his crew, eats spaghetti and wine, and meets with Scabby to discuss plans.

### Rico

Praised by Vettori as the best gunman in Little Italy, though with a swelled head.

### Ramón Otero

Described as crazy about Rico and handy with a rod, considered reliable despite being a foreigner.

### Joe Massara

Noted as a swell Italian who once passed as a count and hooked a rich widow.

### Scabby

Informer for Vettori, warns against gunplay and mentions the Big Boy's concerns, receives payment.

## Key lines

> Each man a specialist. Yes, yes! That was the way to do. None of this hit or miss stuff for Sam Vettori.

Vettori prides himself on having a crew of experts, avoiding any amateurish methods.

_Reflects Vettori's strategic mindset and confidence in his organization._

> But no gunplay, get that, Sam. The Big Boy'd raise hell if he knew what was up.

Scabby warns Vettori to avoid using guns, as the Big Boy would be furious if he found out about their plan.

_Highlights the tension between Vettori's ambition and the Big Boy's caution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-i-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_caesar_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters