Who is Mr. Black, and Why Does He Contact Tommy?
After completing the “Jury Fury” mission, most players notice that the storyline branches depending on who Tommy interacts with next. In this case, Mr. Black contacts Tommy Vercetti, but he mistakenly believes Tommy is someone named Leo Teal. Teal is a character Tommy killed not long ago, and Mr. Black thinks he might have been involved in a recent ambushed deal.
Mr. Black’s instructions are simple in wording but tricky in execution. He directs Tommy to go to the payphone near the Washington Mall in Vice City. At first glance, this seems like a simple fetch quest, but the mission has a subtle challenge in locating and timing the kill on Carl Pearson, the pizza delivery man.
How to Find the Instructions
When Tommy arrives at the payphone, Mr. Black’s message explains that instructions for the next hit are taped underneath the phone. This is an easy step to miss if you’re rushing through the game. Most players pause and check the base of the payphone carefully, because this is where the mission officially triggers the next objective.
The instruction specifically states that Carl Pearson must be killed before he finishes his pizza deliveries. Timing matters here: if Pearson completes his deliveries, the mission cannot be completed as intended.
Mission Objective: Carl Pearson
Carl Pearson is a seemingly ordinary NPC—a pizza delivery man riding a scooter. However, his role in the mission is critical. The objective is clear:
Kill Carl Pearson before he completes his deliveries.
In general gameplay, players often try to ambush him as soon as he leaves the pizza shop, but you can also track him around Vice City Beach. Most players find it easiest to follow him discreetly on foot or by car until a safe point presents itself to make the kill.
How Most Players Complete the Mission
Here’s a step-by-step approach that usually works:
Reach the Payphone: Head to the payphone near the Washington Mall. Wait for it to ring and pick it up. Mr. Black mistakenly calls Tommy “Mr. Teal,” which is a narrative detail that doesn’t affect gameplay but helps you follow the story.
Read the Instructions: Look under the payphone to find the taped note. This confirms your next target: Carl Pearson.
Locate Carl Pearson: He usually moves on a set route delivering pizzas. Most players follow him discreetly, keeping a low profile to avoid alerting civilians or police.
Choose Your Moment: The easiest approach is to knock him off his scooter and eliminate him quickly. Rushing the kill can sometimes cause the mission to fail if he reaches a checkpoint.
Mission Complete: Once Carl is down, the mission officially passes. After completion, you might receive a post-mission phone call from Mr. Black, which only occurs if “Mall Shootout” was completed first.
Tips and Common Player Strategies
Timing is Everything: Pearson’s route is fixed, but if you take too long to reach him, he might finish his deliveries. Planning a route using a car often helps.
Avoid Drawing Attention: Many players accidentally attract police or civilians when attempting the kill, which can complicate the mission. Using side streets and timing your approach is usually safer.
Check the Payphone Carefully: This is where players often miss the taped instructions, especially if they’re rushing through Washington Beach.
Replay for Mastery: If you fail, most players replay the mission to learn Pearson’s route and best ambush point.
Why This Mission Matters
The Mr. Black mission illustrates GTA 5’s narrative style, where mistaken identity and small side interactions create tension and challenge. Unlike large-scale shootouts, this mission relies on timing, observation, and careful execution. Many players appreciate it as a break from typical car chases and gang battles, requiring stealth and planning rather than brute force.
Additionally, players sometimes look to expand their gameplay options. For example, some choose to buy gta 5 modded accounts ps4 to experiment with unlocked weapons or custom vehicles that can make tracking and completing missions easier. While not required, this reflects how players approach GTA 5 creatively once they understand the base game mechanics.
Post-Mission Notes
After completing the mission:
If you finished “Mall Shootout,” Mr. Black might call you again with follow-up instructions.
There are no additional rewards beyond progression, but the mission helps advance the storyline connecting Tommy to the larger Vice City underworld.
Completing missions like this one can help you understand NPC patterns and prepare for more complex missions later.
The Mr. Black mission is a small but narratively rich part of GTA 5. Most players benefit from approaching it methodically:
Pay attention to the payphone instructions.
Track Carl Pearson carefully.
Execute the kill efficiently.
Avoid unnecessary attention from police or civilians.
By understanding these mechanics, you can complete the mission reliably and enjoy the story’s subtle twists.
