Athena
We were on a plane back to Sicily the next morning. No need for disguises, we took of from a private airfield in New Jersey.
As soon as we touched down, ten hours later, I saw a black limo by the tarmac. Luciano smiled as he saw it, “Our welcoming party is here.”
I raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean welcoming party?”
“Don’t get your hopes up,” he said, “It’s just Giuseppe.”
The old man was standing by the car, smiling widely as we walked towards him. He first greeted Luciano, pulling him into a giant hug, like he was his father, patting his back, pride in his eyes.
He then turned to me, “Welcome back to Sicily, Raven,” he said, extending his hand. “How was your flight? Was it good? Are you too tired?”
“I am good.” I said as I shook his hand, feeling a surge of pride at the way he addressed me. It was clear that Luciano had already told him about me, and that I was already considered a member of the mafia.
“Thank you, Giuseppe,” I said. “It’s good to be back.”
Giuseppe smiled, then turned to Luciano. “And you must be Luciano,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot about you as well.”
Luciano threw back his head, laughing. “It’s nice to see you too old man, although I didn’t expect you to be here in person.” He looked around, “Where is Enzo?”
“On a mission for me.” The old man winked at us, “You really set him straight with that shootout you know? Been unstoppable ever since.”
“He is a good lad.” Luciano said, throwing a casual arm around me, “He will be great.”
Giuseppe shrugged, “Hopefully.” He looked at me, raising an eyebrow, “You ready? Signorina Raven?”
I wasn’t, I was scared out of my wits, I was starting to second guess the whole thing, thinking it was a bad idea, I wanted to turn around and walk away before it was too late.
“Si,” I said, flashing my best smile, “I am ready.”
* * *
The drive to the mansion from the airport was short and smooth, but I still felt anxiety all the way there. This didn’t feel like New York at all, somehow, something about the presentation here felt more grave, more serious. With more at stake.
Luciano said nothing throughout the drive, jumping down and offering me his hand as soon as we got there. I was too nervous to even nag him about treating me like an actual monarch, I just took the hand, slightly shaking, and followed him.
He must have felt my nervousness too because he leaned in to me, pulling me closer, “Don’t worry, Raven, you have got this.”
I could only manage a weak smile.
Giuseppe led us inside the building, which was surprisingly modern and well-equipped. There were security cameras on every corner, and armed guards stationed at strategic points throughout the building.
We walked through the corridors, Giuseppe leading the way, hobbling on with his worn walking stick, still incredibly fast for an old man, Luciano followed closely behind, keeping up with him with his long strides as they chatted. I lagged behind a little bit, admiring the building.
It was absolutely beautiful.
This was where the most powerful people in the mafia operated, where deals were made and decisions were reached that would affect the entire organization. This was THE headquarters, and it made the mansion in New York look like a little more than a big joke. Child’s play, even.
Giuseppe led us into a large conference room, where several other men were seated around a long table. Like they had already been waiting for us. They all looked up as we entered, Giuseppe first, then Luciano, at which point a loud applause rose all around the table, some men even standing up and whooping.
The boss was back.
Luciano for his own part, smiled and waved, walking over to greet a few people shaking hands patting others on the back heavily. Just like New York, Sicily was his too, I couldn’t help but feel a warm buzz in me, watching him receive the love he did.
When they all settled down, he motioned for me to take the empty seat by his side at one end of the table.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Giuseppe said, taking a seat at the other end of the table. “Your boss would like to speak with you.”
Another round of clapping followed him as Luciano stood up, buttoning his suit, his eyes scanning the room. “Gentlemen,” he started, “It’s been a while.”
There was a murmur of agreement around the table, Luciano waited for them to quieting down before continuing. “I am not going to waste too much of your time, on today’s meeting, we have just one agenda.”
The room fell quiet immediately. He cleared his throat before continuing.
“Gentlemen,” Luciano said, his voice steady and confident. “I’d like to introduce you to Raven Gonzalez,” His eyes fell on me, smiling. “My new partner.”
There was a moment of silence, as I sat stone faced, staring into the darkness before me. There was no applause, no cheering, nothing, just shocked silence
They didn’t want me. Then, one of them spoke up, a middle aged man with an eye patch.
“Well what are you all waiting for?” He grunted, almost forcefully, “Fucking applaud! Or are you all deaf?”
And then slowly but surely, the applause rose.
Next to me, I heard Luciano let out a sigh of relief, relief I didn’t feel yet.
* * *
Giuseppe drove us once again to our new house, a secluded mansion, sitting next to a lake.
Like every other Villa in this Island, it looked magnificent and he made sure to show is every inch of it, from the garage stocked full of sports cars to the swimming pool and a little rooftop garden to top it all off.
Finally, he led us to a large room at upstairs. “This is your new home,” he said, gesturing around the room.
It was a spacious villa, with a living area, kitchen, and several bedrooms. Everything was furnished in a sleek, modern style, with black leather couches and stainless steel appliances.
“It’s beautiful.” I said quietly, stunned. Even the view from the balcony, overlooking a cool blue lake was absolutely stunning.
“I made the arrangements as soon as Luciano told me you were coming.” He said, smiling, “Do you like it?”
“It’s perfect,” I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. We’d been traveling for so long, it was good to finally have a place to call our own. Me and him, together.
“Well, enjoy yourselves.” He said, winking at us before walking out.
As I undressed, down to my underwear, Luciano walked towards me, pulling me into his arms as I gasped, kissing me so hard, my knees felt like jelly, unable to hold up my weight.
“Luciano… ” I moaned, holding him. He chuckled before pulling away from the kiss, hugging me tightly. “Don’t worry about the men,” he whispered into my ear, “They will come around.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.”
I smiled, kissing him again, “Come to bed, please.”
“Not tonight Cara.” He said, gently laying me on the bed. “I need to attend to business.”
“I am coming with you-”
“No.” He placed a kiss on my forehead, covering me with the blanket, “I already hear the tiredness in your voice, okay? Try to catch some sleep.”
I nodded, closing my eyes and breathing deep until I relaxed, a few seconds later, I felt him plant another kiss on my forehead and leave the room, shutting the door behind him.
As soon as he walked out, I counted to ten and standing up, I threw on some jeans and a hoodie and followed him.
He got into the Buick, driving out. I waited for a while before walking into the garage myself. Ignoring the cars there, I walked straight to the motor bike, a sleek black machine sitting at the back, a helmet ok one of it’s handles. With no time to admire it, I slid unto the seat, going after him.