Yes. An informer in Gotti’s crew told the Feds that in May 1985, Gotti & co had heard Paul might want to whack them out and Gotti began planning to strike first. Gotti had a snitch in the Castellano faction.

At this time, Paul had also a snitch in Gotti’s faction and held a meeting in mid June 1985 with Gotti to clear the air. There was no hit on Gotti planned.

Paul was pretty certain he was going to prison, he told Gotti, and wanted a “peaceful transition” and said to Gotti the new administration would be a ruling panel consisting of Gotti, Tommy Gambino, and Tommy Bilotti. Gotti came back skeptical, but willing to give it a chance. But felt there was a risk he could be marginalized by the two Tommy’s. At which point he would take out both Tommy’s after Paul went to prison, if that was the case. But for the moment the hit was off.

The hit was put back on/accelerated when Neil died, and when he decided to make Bilotti underboss. Also, it’s forgotten but, Paul was scheduled to leave for Florida through the new year for December 19th. So December 16th was also a matter of timing before he went on vacation.