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I know what I have to do. I need to talk to the Capo and request permission to let Isabella out of her room. Maybe if she gets some fresh air and interacts with others, it will lift her spirits. It's worth a shot. It'll show her she's not alone. That at least I stand by her, in whatever capacity I can.
I quickly get dressed and head to the Capo's office. When I arrive, he's already deep in conversation with his advisors, discussing his new drug trade with Cuba. I wait patiently until he finally notices me standing there.
"Stefano," he says gruffly. "What do you want?"
"Capo, I need your permission to let Isabella out of her room. She hasn't had any breakfast or her room cleaned yet again today, and I'm worried about her well-being."
"Isabella?" he scoffs. "Why should I care about her? She's just a spoiled brat who doesn't know an ounce of gratefulness. We're keeping her alive and that should be enough for her."
"Capo, with all due respect, she's still part of this compound, under our protection. And if word gets out that we're confining her, it could damage our reputation."
The Capo considers my words for a moment, then shakes his head. "No. She stays in her room. If something happens to her, that will damage our reputation. End of discussion."
I can feel frustration boiling inside of me. I need to help Isabella, and the Capo is standing in my way. But I won't give up that easily.
"Of course, Capo," I reply, my resolve steady. "But consider how it would look to others: the daughter of Diego Torres locked up like a prisoner. It could hurt the image of our protection services."
He leans back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "And what do you propose we do instead?"
"Let her out for a while," I suggest. "Maybe engage her in something to improve her mood. It could show our benevolence and help her adjust to life here."
The Capo raises an eyebrow, skepticism written across his face. "You seem awfully concerned about her well-being, Stefano. Is there something I should know?"
"Absolutely not, Capo," I answer quickly, pushing away the flicker of emotion that threatens to rise within me. "It's just... it’s harder for me to know her thoughts and plans if she doesn’t trust me. And as I mentioned, what she’ll say about the protection we offered, down the line, could have consequences.”
Capo Conti looks away, thinking deeply. He chuckles and mutters a word. I can’t quite hear it, but it sounds like “future.”
I don’t know why, but I feel a chill go down my spine.
"Fine," he looks at me finally. "But she better behave herself. And if she causes any trouble, she's back to her room and it'll be on your head."
"Thank you, Capo," I say, already making my way out of the room.
I don't want to push my luck any further. Yet something about this exchange has unnerved me.
"Isabella," I call out, knocking softly on her door. "It's Stefano. May I come in?"
"Uh, sure," she responds hesitantly, her voice barely audible.
As I enter, my heart wrenches at the sight of her: red-rimmed eyes, disheveled hair, and a defeated posture. It's clear that she’s in depression, and I’ve had a small part to play in it by not fighting for her earlier.
"Listen, Isabella, I've spoken with the Capo." I hesitate for a moment before adding, "He's agreed to let you out of your room, but only if you promise to behave and not cause any trouble."
Her eyes widen with surprise, and I can see the flicker of hope light up within them. "Really?" she asks quietly.
"Yes, really," I confirm, smiling at her. "In fact, I've organized something fun for us to do. A painting session in the garden. I thought it might help lift your spirits."
"Painting?" Isabella tilts her head, curiosity piqued. "I haven't painted in years. I used to love it, though."
"Then it's perfect," I say encouragingly. "Get dressed, and we'll head down together."
But she doesn’t move.
“Isabella?” I ask.
She looks at me, and gives me a sad smile. “I appreciate it, Stefano. But what’s the point? I’m still not free. I have no choice.”
“You do have a choice,” I walk closer to her and get down on my knees, taking her hand in mine. She looks down at me, and I up, into her eyes.
