Page 41 of Marcello

“Buy drugs from him using the money I gave you. Don’t talk to him too much the first time – just the basics. Ask if he has any cocaine.”

“Cocaine?!” I whispered frantically into the phone.

“Yes. Then, when you buy from him again – ”

“AGAIN?!”

“Yessss,” Fausto said sarcastically, “you’re going to buy from him MULTIPLE times. I want you to become a regular. Over the course of a week or two, try to befriend him – or at least get to the point where he recognizes and trusts you.”

“…you want me to start using drugs?” I whispered in shock.

“NO, you FOOL – throw the drugs away after you buy them! But keep going back every couple of days and get more until he knows who you are.”

“…but… that’s illegal,” I said in shock.

“My dear Marcello,” Fausto chuckled, “buying drugs is the LEAST illegal thing you’re going to do over the next few years.”

“But I could get stopped by the cops – they could throw me in jail – ”

“To be honest, that would probably only help your cause.”

“You said it was good I didn’t have a criminal record!”

“In FLORENCE. In Naples, it will be an asset.”

“But – ”

“Marcello?” he interrupted. “Grow a pair.”

Suddenly, his voice became very threatening.

“I wouldn’t want my men to have to pay a visit to your little sister. Understood?”

My skin prickled and my blood ran cold.

“…understood.”

“Good. Well, take care, Marcello. And remember: measurable progress. My patience is not infinite.”

“What happens if I die?” I asked hoarsely.

“…what?” Fausto asked, confused.

“What happens if I do everything you say and I get killed?”

“You’re not going to get killed buying drugs.”

“But what if I do later on? What’s going to happen to my family?”

Fausto sighed. “If you happen to perish in the line of duty, then I will release you from your obligation. Posthumously, I guess you could say.”

“You won’t hurt my sister? Or my brother, or my mother?”

“If it’ll help light a fire under your ass and actually make you take a few chances – then NO, I WON’T. If you die, your mother, brother, and sister will be safe. I’m not going to make any promises about your father, though.”

“…okay,” I said, feeling oddly relieved.

I mean, it’s not every day that it’s good news if you die.