Page 320 of Marcello

He smiled and put his hand on my shoulder. “Thank you, my friend.”

“But if Cesare Caproni somehow manages to kill you, I’m going to hunt him down and gut him like a fish.”

Dario’s smile turned dark. “Now that part I’m perfectly fine with.”

106

Romeo

On the way to get food for the rest of the group, I had a very strange conversation with one of the Rosolinis’ flunkies.

The guy was being a total asshole. It was like he blamed me for doing what Fausto told me to, even though I didn’t have a choice.

But when I asked him if he had a girlfriend, it was like his heart broke right in front of me.

His whole demeanor changed after that. He didn’t give me any more attitude. In fact, he was quietly courteous the rest of the time.

Though he didn’t say it, it sort of felt like he’d lost everything he ever cared about.

Maybe that was how I got through to him.

I didn’t know, and I didn’t care to press further.

I had bigger things to worry about.

When we got back with the food, the Rosolinis were all dressed in black: snug-fitting black shirts and pants, gun holsters strapped to their chests, and black latex gloves over their hands. Even the little loud-mouthed chick was wearing black spandex from head to toe. And they all had bulletproof vests on.

As his foot soldiers ate their food, Dario told me, “The old man says we can easily make it to Amato’s castle within five hours. I need you to be inside the compound at exactly 8 PM to meet us at the well.”

“Alright, but I’ve got to leave now, or Lucrezia will get suspicious.”

Dario stuck out his hand. “You help me get Cesare Caproni, and I’ll help you rescue the woman you love. I swear it on the lives of my wife and child. Deal?”

I nodded and shook his hand. “Deal.”

107

Giorgio

After Marcello left, I wolfed down some food as I changed into black.

I didn’t know if he was right about Naples having the best street food…

But I had to admit, it was pretty goddamn good.

Once I was ready, Lars spoke to the entire group.

“Listen up.” He pointed at the old guy. “This is Giacomo. You might’ve heard Marcello refer to him as ’o Munaciello. He’s taking us through the tunnels to the Amato compound. Whatever he says, you do.”

Lars gave a brief rundown of the mission. Everyone was to take an assault rifle, a handgun, and as much ammo as they could carry. Several foot soldiers would be responsible for the ladder, rope, and the grappling hook.

We would be walking through miles of underground tunnels until we reached the well on the Amatos’ property. Marcello would meet us there at precisely 8 PM. Once he made sure the coast was clear, we would use the ladder and grappling hook to get to the surface.

“The place is going to be crawling with Camorra,” Lars said. “I need you ready to engage.”

Dario spoke up. “But whatever you do… do not kill Cesare Caproni. He’s mine.”

Lars looked uneasy, but he nodded. “You heard Don Rosolini. Alright, get ready to move out.”