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"Of course," the man in the suit replies smoothly - too smoothly. He is playing us, seeming to be an open book – we ask, he answers – but I know better. His gaze never leaves mine, almost as though he knows I’m the one who would be making this decision. He’s not wrong. I’ve had my father wrapped around my finger since the day I was born.
"I am a man of unlimited resources, Agostino,” Rafaele continues, giving me a small, sly smile as though reading my mind. “You would want for nothing. Fear for nothing. You have my word."
But even as he speaks, Serafina shakes her head at me, a warning of some sort, and I can't help the feeling of unease that settles in my chest.
But my father doesn’t notice and confirms slowly. “Half a million, you said?”
“How about I sweeten the deal?” Rafaele juts out his lips, and narrows his eyes, like he’s calculating. “Half a million, each. You’re both mighty talented.” His sweet-talking is so obvious. His actions seem rehearsed. This was his game plan all along. If we didn’t eagerly accept his first offer, he would “sweeten the deal.” But, as much as I find his approach insulting, my father’s gasp at the staggering amount leaves me no choice.
Before I can accept on behalf of both of us, my father nods in agreement and exclaims, “We’ve got a deal,” his eyes gleaming with excitement.
I know money has little to do with it. Money was never the driving force behind our actions. We weren’t greedy thieves; we were artists—professionals who happened to love the thrill of the unknown, captivated by the dance with danger.
But this time around, we get both the thrill and the cash. It’s too good a deal to pass up.
Rafaele's grin widens, revealing a flash of white teeth that seems almost predatory. "Excellent," he purrs, his gaze lingering on me for a moment too long before turning to my father. "We'll discuss the details in the car. For now, rest assured that you've made the right choice."
“My car?” I ask, shocked. “We won’t all fit…I need to refill the gas.”
“You’re going to come with me now, in my car,” Rafaele announces. “We begin work right away, and there are certain places of interest I’d like you to see.”
We begin straight away? Suddenly, I feel nauseous at the realization that we’re about to embark on what could be one of the greatest heists of all time. The doubt begins to creep in. Are we truly capable? Is this a mistake? Could we get killed or, worse, end up in prison?
Truth is, I’d rather die than end up in prison.
Rafaele, as if sensing my unease, leans closer and gives me his hand. I take it, and he lifts me to my feet, his gaze unwavering.
“Romola,” he says for my ears only. "Nothing is gained from playing it safe. If you dare take the plunge, this could prove to be an adventure of a lifetime. You will be remembered for generations to come.”
As I look into his eyes, that smile on his lips, his energy infects me. The thrill of the unknown beckons seductively, promising adventure and excitement from what my ordinary life could offer.
With one swift nod, I break out into a grin and proclaim: “Let’s go.”
He nods and doesn’t turn, bellowing. “Agostino?”
With my hand still in his, he begins to walk out of the door. I turn, craning my neck to see if my father is following.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Serafina slipping what looks like a folded piece of paper into my father's hand. My heart skips a beat, and I glance over at them. As my father unfolds the note, the color drains from his face, setting my nerves on edge.
"Is everything alright, Agostino?" Rafaele asks, his dark eyes narrowing in suspicion as he notices my father isn’t behind us. Rafaele turns, and my father quickly composes himself just in time before muttering a barely audible response.
"Si, tutto bene," - everything’s okay - he says, folding the note and tucking it into his pocket. But I know him too well; I can see the worry lines etched across his forehead, the tension in his jaw. Something isn't right, and again, I feel like we’re toying with a snake.
My father strides over to us, and Rafaele steps aside, letting us exit the tent first right into the unit of guards who have been keeping watch outside. I look at my father inquiringly, but he shakes his head and looks away. He’s keeping a secret. One he can’t risk Rafaele or his men to know.
Rafaele’s men open the door to the back of a stretched limo, and Papà and I get in, followed by our new employer.
As we drive away towards god knows what, my mind races with questions. What could Serafina have written that would cause such a reaction? Does it have something to do with the diamond, or is there another danger lurking in the shadows? What exactly have we gotten ourselves into?
Chapter 9
Rafaele
The moon casts its pale light on cobblestoned Roman streets. I’m caught up in my own thoughts. After endless months of surveillance and tireless intelligence gathering, I feel as if I am truly close to reaching my goal—not just mine but the purpose of every previous head of my family—male or female—going back generations.
As the slim limousine glides through the narrow streets, I notice the glint in Romola's gray eyes. She hasn’t stopped looking at me.
I can read people well enough to know that she wants to ask what I do. She’ll be sure to cover it up, for such a question—seeking certainty—contradicts her adventurous spirit.
