The Italian

Marly retrieves it for us and passes it over.

Enrico shakes his hand. “Thank you, Marly… for everything. You will be well promoted within Ferrara for your loyalty.” He turns to Lorenzo. “See to it that this happens this week.”

“Yes, sir,” Lorenzo replies with a nod. “Of course.”

Enrico leads me up the stairs of the plane, and I take one last look around.

“Olivia, time is of the essence,” Enrico reminds me.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” The captain smiles.

“Hello.” I’m quite sure that there is an unwritten rule somewhere to never lie to the pilot who is flying your plane.

Bad Karma or some shit.

I fake a smile as we pass him.

Don’t be alarmed. You’re just smuggling the mafia boss of Italy out of the country so that he can fake his own death. You won’t go to prison or anything if we all get caught.

This is safe, safe, completely safe.

Fuck…

I feel sick.

I make my way up the aisle. The plane is filled with white leather recliner chairs. I’ve been in it before, although it didn’t seem to have the same importance then.

Lorenzo takes a seat near the front, while Enrico and I sit in the middle.

Enrico leans over, straps me in, and then sits back, waiting for take-off.

Meanwhile, I’m perspiring.

The stewardess walks up the aisle. “Can I get you anything, Mr. Smith?” she asks.

“An amaretto and a mineral water with ice, please.”

“Of course, sir.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Jesus, don’t get drunk now,” I whisper under my breath.

Enrico smirks over at me and winks.

I’m so envious of his ability to keep his cool during stressful situations. How the hell is he so calm?

The stewardess brings us our drinks, and before long, the plane slowly travels down the runway.

I crane my neck to peer through the window. “I don’t see anyone.”

Enrico sits back and rests his head on the headrest. “They think I’m in Sicily.”

“Why would they think that?”

“Because when they get to my office, that’s what they will be told.” His sips the amber fluid in the glass.

“Oh.” I nod. “Right.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “Good idea.”

Enrico takes my hand and kisses it. “Go to sleep, bella. You will need your energy later.”