“Wait,” Romeo called out. “I see something.”
Cesare wheeled around and froze, waiting.
“What do you see?” I asked.
“Five black Mercedes and one blue Bugatti. They’re driving up the road towards the main gate, and they’re movingfast.”
“That’s it,” I said confidently. “That’s the sign.”
“Mazzacane pulled it off!” Cesare said with a howl of joy.
“Obviously,” I said as I walked away from the group.
When I was far enough away from the others, I pulled out my phone and dialed.
A Russian voice answered.“Da?”
“It’s time.”
“It will take us approximately one hour to get there.”
“That’s fine,” I said. “We’ve waited four years… we can wait another hour.”
88
Giorgio
Istood in the parlor with the men and women of the Rosolini family. It was an incredible honor, seeing as I was the only non-family member present.
I just tried to keep my mind on what was happening –
And off of Emilia.
Don Rosolini sat front and center in a chair, while Alessandra sat on a sofa next to Caterina.
On another couch, Adriano held Bianca. Lucia sat beside her as a comforting presence.
There were Roberto and Mei-ling…
Lars and Rachel…
Massimo…
Valentino…
And Sofia, sitting in the corner by herself.
Niccolo stood next to a flat-screen television on a wall. Everyone faced him as he began to talk.
“As you all know, Bianca’s shop was attacked this morning. Two armed assailants entered, threatened Bianca and Lucia, and firebombed the store, destroying everything inside. Bianca, please know that everyone here extends our most heartfelt sympathies. We know how hard you worked… and wewillrebuild. I promise you that.”
Bianca nodded, her face a picture of misery. Everyone looked at her sympathetically as Adriano hugged her and Lucia squeezed her hand.
Niccolo gestured towards me. “Thanks to Giorgio, the two assailants were shot and killed before they could harm either Bianca or Lucia. Giorgio, we thank you for your bravery.”
I felt a swell of both pride and embarrassment as everyone expressed their gratitude.
The most affecting came from Massimo, who put his hand on my shoulder and looked into my eyes. “Again – thank you.”
