I step back from the building to a safe distance and pull out my phone.
For a moment, I stare at the screen, then dial a number I know by heart even though I do not have it saved.
It is my cousin’s number. Ennio Ferro. Well, cousin or brother, since we grew up together, both adopted by Anzo.
Calling him is a risk. Rocco could have his phone tapped. If that happens, I am finished, but I take the risk anyway.
Four rings before he finally answers.
"Yes?" His voice is cold, distant. He probably has no idea who I am. My number must show as restricted.
"It’s me. Your outcast cousin, Eliano."
There is a long silence on the line, then I hear footsteps, as if he is walking somewhere more private.
"Well. That’s a surprise."
Silence again. Fair enough. I ran, I turned my back on the family. I betrayed the Ferros. Mauro and I both did. He has every right to see me as the prodigal, treacherous relative.
"Can you really blame me? Out of all of us, you know best how much I hated what Anzo forced me into."
"Yes, but Anzo is gone. You and Mauro left me and Luca alone with Rocco, and that is not an easy position to be in. Ibelieved that the four of us together could influence him more strongly, but… you ran."
I stay quiet for a moment, feeling stupid. I understand the reproach. In his place, I would probably feel the same. He is right; the four of us together might have had more leverage over Rocco, but would it have been enough?
"Rocco wanted me to fight just as fiercely as Anzo did. I could not take that risk, Ennio. I know you owe me nothing, but I still believe you will help. I have something really important to do, and you are the only person who can make it happen."
A long silence follows.
Far too long.
"Ennio… all these years you protected me. You helped me with the fights, arranging things so I would end up in the cage as rarely as possible. You did it because we are blood. I am asking you to help me one more time. I will give you anything you want in return. You can take all the money I have."
Ennio snorts.
"I don’t care about money."
Of course. Ennio was his father’s only son. His inheritance wasn’t split like mine and my brothers’. What could I possibly offer him?
"Then what do you want? I’ll do it. But please do not make me go back to the cages. If I surface again, Rocco will find me."
"First, tell me what you need from me."
So I tell him.
Ennio listens.
And listens. And listens.
Finally, he speaks.
"We’ll see what can be done."
"You’ll send a speedboat for me?"
"Yes. I’ll text you when it’s on the way."
I appreciate that Ennio is so straightforward; he doesn’t waste time arguing; he just gets straight to the point.
