Nick Geraci
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Fausto Dominic 'Nick' Geraci Jnr (informally known as Nick Geraci) is a central character in the Mark Winegardner novels The Godfather Returns and The Godfather's Revenge. He is a Corleone Caporegime turned traitor, and a sworn enemy to Michael Corleone.
[edit] Biography
Geraci was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His father, Fausto Geraci Snr, was a driver for Vincent Forlenza, the Don of the Cleveland operation. Forlenza also served as his Godfather and became his trusted friend.
Geraci became a boxer in his teens, eventually becoming a heavyweight champion under the moniker Ace Geraci. He was introduced to Salvatore Tessio by his contacts in Cleveland, and became part of his regime. He participated in fixed fights for Tessio's sports bet fixing ring, and worked as an enforcer while he rose through the ranks.
After Tessio's treachery against the Corleone family was discovered, Geraci was ordered to kill him to prove his loyalty. He was unnoficially placed in charge of Tessio's regime, and was tapped to become the Corleone family Don.
Geraci's true intended position was made clear on the day he flew a plane carrying Frank Falcone and Tony Molinari, the Dons of Los Angeles and San Francisco respectively. The plane crashed into a lake, Geraci being the only person to escape alive.
Following his recuperation in hospital, Geraci learned that the plane was sabotaged by Michael Corleone. Geraci was to be used in an elaborate pawn in a plan that would weaken the Chicago mob and the Cleveland Operation. Geraci swore revenge against Michael Corleone, staying quiet until he could hatch a plan to defeat his nemesis.
Acting as if he was still loyal to the Corleones, Geraci was placed in charge of the intended assassination of Fidel Castro which ultimately failed. However, he learned from a CIA contact that the assassination was intended to fail, and Geraci intended to take the fall. Realising that Michael Corleone still wanted him killed, Geraci was forced to go into hiding.
Throughout the next few years, Nick Geraci eluded Michael Corleone by constantly changing hideouts, orchestrating a smear campaign against Michael Corleone and Tom Hagen. He killed Hagen himself in Florida, and attempted to use the vote of the Commission to force Michael into retirement, making him the active Don Corleone.
His plan failed, however, when he was ambushed and killed by Eddie Paradise, Michael Corleone's new Caporegime. The book he wrote, Fausto's Bargain, (detailing his criminal life and life on the run) was later published and became a best seller.
