Page 71

Noun, Plural noun. Mafiosi

A member of the Mafia or similar organized crime organization.

My eyes widen. The Mafia! He’s in the fucking Mafia? I slam my computer shut. That’s ridiculous.

This isn’t a crime novel, Olivia, you idiot.

I drum my fingers on the table for a moment. I pick up my tea and take a sip with a shaky hand. I get a vision of Rico holding a gun up while someone kneels and begs for his mercy. I see horses’ heads in beds, murders, drugs, killing, death and…

I just can’t imagine the Rici Ferrara I know being involved in any of this.

But I really don’t know him at all. I never did. He already proved that to me.

Oh, shit, I really need to know more. I open my computer again and type in:

What is the Italian Mafia in the twenty first century?

I lean forward as I read on.

The Mafia is a group of men with an allegiance to one family. In Italy, there were four Mafiosi families dating back hundreds of years, although all territory has now been claimed by the Ferrara Family. They have tentacles into labor unions and many legitimate businesses, including construction, sports car manufacturing, football stadiums, restaurants, nightclubs and strong ties in the Milan garment industry. They have raked in enormous profits through kick-backs and protection shakedowns.

I sit and stare at my computer screen, too shocked to react. I read that line again.

Although all territory has now been claimed by the Ferrara Family.

Holy shit, maybe it really is true?

I slam my computer shut in disgust.

Rici Ferrara isn’t just an asshole now. He’s a bad asshole—one with criminals who pledge allegiance to him.

That’s it, I’m forgetting I ever met him. Unlike the five hundred times I’ve tried to forget him before, this time I really am.

I get up and begin to look for my gym clothes. I just wish I had the chance to tell him what I think of him.

________

Two hours later, I walk toward the gym with a sense of dread hanging over me. I don’t know why, but every time I walk into a new gym, it’s like the first time I’ve ever been in one.

This one took a little while to find. It’s not the cheapest membership or anything, but it’s over some shops near my work. I thought this would be good because when I move into my apartment, I’ll always be in this area each day because of my job.

I walk through the red door on the ground floor and I take the stairs. I get to the top and walk in through the big glass double doors, and I look around. Wow, I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s airy and bright with big glass windows down one side. It has six rows of cardio machines and a large boxing ring. To the left are all the weight machines. Huge plasma screens hang everywhere with music videos playing.

I smile. This place is pretty cool, actually. I walk to the reception, where a girl is tidying up some things on the floor on her knees.

“Hello.”

She looks up, surprised to see me. “Hi. Sorry, I didn’t see you.” She’s English and has a wonderful Geordie accent. She has dark hair and tanned skin. I assumed she was Italian.

“That’s okay.” I smile. “I imagine not many people come to the gym at 2:00 p.m. on a Sunday.”

“Right.” She laughs as she climbs to her feet. “I’m Anna.” She holds her hand out to shake mine.

“I’m Olivia. Nice to meet you.”

“You want to look around?” She gestures over to the cardio machines.

“Yes, please. I’ve just moved here.”