The Italian

I have thought long and hard about this, Enrico, and I have made my decision based on personality alone. I have four sons, but only two are strong enough to be leaders. Giuliano is to be your successor, Enrico.

He will one day follow in your footsteps and lead Ferrara.

“No, Papa,” I gasp.

When Giuliano Ferrara Linden is twenty-one, and not a day before, he will receive a letter similar to the one you are reading now, and he will learn of everything. He will be publicly claimed as my son, and his name will be legally changed to Giuliano Ferrara. He will then hate me, I have no doubt.

I need you to take him under your wing and remind him of how much he was wanted and loved.

My love for his mother has not waned in death, he was my gift to her. Love personified.

Care for him, love him, and teach him what I have had the time to teach you.

Look after my beloved Angelina, and your beautiful mother.

I miss them both dearly.

I love you, my son. More than anything, I love you.

Be brave, be strong, and try to understand my life and why I haven’t always been honest with you. My only goal was to protect your sense of self.

I pray that I have.

All my love,

Papa.

x

Jessica

I hook the microphone onto my shirt. “Can you hear me?” I ask.

The large screen flickers in front of me, and three men come into view. They’re sitting in a boardroom with a screen behind them.

“Ciao, Jessica.”

“Hi.” I smile.

“My name is Alexander, and this is Smithson and Ray. As you know, we are in the Carabinieri.”

“Hello.” I smile as nerves bubble in my stomach. The Carabinieri is the Special Forces of Italy. This call up is a big deal.

“We’ve gone over your resume with the Australian Federal Police with great interest, and we feel that you are perfect for this mission.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity. How can I help?”

He brings up an image onto the screen behind him. It’s an Italian man. He’s very handsome—in his thirties.

“This is Enrico Ferrara.”

I stare at the man on the screen as I listen intently.

“He’s the head of organized crime in Italy. The Don. His family has been untouchable for centuries, even though they are involved in gambling, prostitution, murder, money laundering, and narcotics.”

“Okay,” I reply.

“Enrico is different to the past Dons. He’s smarter, more business-minded, and…” He pauses. “He’s an ex-policeman. He has inside knowledge that nobody has ever had. If his reign over Italy continues, we are in dire straits of losing all control. He controls most of the police force and judging system as it is now. This mission is top secret.”