The Italian

I turn and leave the airport. I’m crossing the parking lot when my phone rings.

I smile broadly when I see it’s my mother calling.

“Ciao, Mamma.”

“Enrico, devi andare all’ospedale,” my mother’s panicked voice says.

“What?’

“Get to the hospital immediately. There’s been a car accident.”

My face falls. “Who?”

“Your father and your grandfather. They were driving to Roma this morning when it happened.”

“What?” Panic sets in. “Are they all right?”

“Just get to the Gernelli University Hospital, Enrico. The rest of the family are hours away. We are on our way now. Andrea is in Paris for work, and Mattia is still in France.”

My thoughts go to my sister. “Where is Francesca?”

“She’s coming with us. Get there, Enrico—hurry.” She begins to sob, and I know that this is serious.

“Okay, Mamma, I’m on my way. Don’t worry, it will be okay.”

Twenty minutes later, I am running up the corridor toward the intensive care unit of the hospital.

“Hello,” I pant to the girl on reception. “Giuliano Ferrara was brought in here, alongside my grandfather Stefano.”

Her face falls. “What is your name, sir?”

“Enrico Ferrara. Can I see them?”

“Just a moment. “ She picks up the phone and calls someone. “We have Enrico Ferrara here.” She listens for a moment. “Yes, he is Giuliano’s son.”

I look between her and the other nurses as they make eye contact. “What’s wrong?” I snap as unease fills me.

“Take a seat,” she says kindly. “The doctor is on his way.”

I begin to pace as I drag my hand down my face. “I don’t want to see the doctor. I want to see them. Now.” I’m getting agitated. As a cop, I’ve been on the opposite end of this conversation way too many times.

Two doctors come into view, and the look on their faces… I’ve seen it before.

“Mr. Ferrara, can you come into the office with us, please?”

The room starts to spin. “No.” I flare my nostrils to try get a hold of my emotions. “You tell me here.”

“Please, sir.” The female doctor grabs my elbow to lead me into the office, and she closes the door behind us.

I clench my hands at my sides as I brace myself.

“I’m sorry, sir, but your father didn’t make it.”

I stare at her.

“The impact of the car accident caused massive head injuries. He died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. They did everything they could to try and save him but in the end, it wasn’t enough. Please have comfort in knowing he wasn’t in any pain.”

My brows rise by themselves as I grab the wall to support myself.