I’ve already given it a good amount of thought. I’m going to follow in my parents’ footsteps. I’ll honor them that way. I’ll achieve what Noah was unable to. And I’ll help people in need of care.
I’ve got a whole plan. Between AP classes this year and a dual enrollment program during my senior year, I should be able to earn enough college credits to graduate with a bachelor’s degree two years after high school. Then it’s just four years of medical school before my residency. And Doc Cesare said Icould shadow him whenever he does house calls for Tore. I’m really excited about it!
P.S. I can’t help but feel you’re glossing over your reasons for being lax with me about your car. You always said you refused to ever bring a kid harm. I chose to believe that’s what it was. But why? I can’t help but not really buy into this whole debt business. Who wants a debt from a kid with no guarantee of a return?
Ms. Burch,
Just make sure you are doing it for you. Not for them. The dead only lie in wait. You are the one who will have to live with every choice you make.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Renzo Iannelli
P.S. There are some mysteries that are better left buried.
GAMBLER
How about we make a bet?
I bet I’ll not only have my medical degree before my twenty-fifth birthday, but you’ll also be out of prison by then. If I win, you buy me a car. Not the shitty kind that falls apart after one thousand miles like the last one—thanks for that, by the way. No, I want the kind guys gawk at. Something I can rub in the faces of the prissy assholes who think they’re better than the orphan. What do you say? Afraid you’ll lose?
In other news…well, actually, I don’t really have any. I haven’t been able to pick up much info this month. Stuck in this safe house, Tore, Vinny, and the crew chiefs haven’t been meeting up outside of school hours. Only thing I’ve got is that it seems like there are occasional spontaneous “reunions” and disagreements with the guppies and southerners, but our guys give as good as they get.
Huh. Look at that. Who would’ve ever thought that I’d ever use the term “our guys” with reference to you in such a positive light? The world is a crazy place.
P.S. All mysteries come to light with a little digging.
Ms. Burch,
As I remember it, you are the one who owes me a car, but I am never one to shy away from a little harmless bet.
Let us make it a little more challenging, shall we? Graduate in the top ten percent of your class by your twenty-fifth birthday (my release included), and you get to pick the car.
Don’t beat yourself up too much. I am certain you will come up with something crazier in no time.
Sincerely,
Renzo Iannelli
Chapter 23
Ainsley – seventeen / Renzo – thirty
QUESTIONABLE TASTE
You’re the reason I’m this shameless.
I’ve got some gossip for you. We got a wedding invitation yesterday. Guess who Ilias Dimakos’ son, Julius, is getting married to? None other than Michaela Giambrone.
Yep, you read that right. Your old fiancée is marrying one of our Greek friends. You’re a free man (in a sense). It’s like a bad love story gone terribly wrong. I doubt you’re too broken up over losing her, but either way, I think you’ll survive this disappointing turn of events. I mean, come on. I’d never even heard about her after two years in Tore’s house until a week ago.
The Greeks have got some nerve, though, right? At least since I moved in, they’ve been a thorn in our side. And here they are, trying to rub this in as if it’ll sting even a little. I have to say it: They’re idiots.
Tore and Vinny laughed so hard when they read the invitation. I couldn’t help but overhear. You know, I always thought those arranged marriage deals were just in movies and books. Turns out you’re a real-life example. Look on the bright side: Prison’s done one thing right for you. You won’t have to marry her after all. Good for you. Might be worth it to send the happy couple a wedding gift. You’ll find an attached list of the worst of the worst wedding gifts, as listed online, for you to choose from. I hope this helped brighten your day!
Piccola Peste,
