Page 21 of Deception

But the fact that my brother was killed by these men, by this family, makes it all the more crucial that I do this. My mother lost everything when Giorgio died. Dad was already gone, years of stress and a bad diet leading to a heart attack.

So I am all that’s left.

The only one who can do something to stop them.

It sounds ridiculous when I put it that way, I know. One woman against a mafia family.

Yet I am capable. Driven.

I can and will make sure that at least one of them, hopefully Alessandro himself, never sees the outside of a jail cell again.

The pub I chose to stay at in the mountain town is cheap, but cozy. Good thing, too. It just started snowing when I got into town.

My cover is that I am here visiting my family’s old hometown. I did my research, providing a good enough story to fool even the Diamantes. A very distant relative of theirs, a great-step-aunt-in-law used to live here, near the town on an old estate.

She had children who have all passed away now, and their kids are all scattered and out of touch with their past. I was able to learn enough to sound plausible.

Just like the Diamante’s distant properties listed under names most people wouldn't recognize, I incorporate details no one would bother looking for. It sells the persona without having to try and pretend and lie too much.

It’s a trick my dad taught me about going undercover.

Thanks, Dad.

“Come on,bellissima! You better order something, it’s cold out there.” An older man chuckles, nudging my elbow with his.

Normally, in Rome, I would give him a much colder response. A clear indication that I am not interested in talking or his advances.

But out here, everyone knows each other, and the people have been nothing but warm and kind to me since my arrival.

“Let me buy you a glass of wine, eh?”

“I suppose. Thank you. And may I order a bowl of soup as well, Mr. Polis” I ask the man behind the bar who pauses to smile my way. He’s the owner who checked me in.

“Should I add it to your bill?”

“May as well. Should I also plan to stay for a few more nights?” I joke, looking over my shoulder at the crowd making their way inside, dusting flakes off their coats.

“Not to worry. With a blizzard coming, I doubt your room will be in demand. I won’t kick you out if you need an extra night or two.”

“In that case, I’ll take a shot and a glass of wine.”

Which turns into another glass. I make a pass around the pub, eyeing its patrons. A few of them are younger and could fit the bill. The place is busier than I would have expected on a weeknight, or for a small town in general.

It’s also a gamble to linger too long and stare. More than a few of the younger men, and the older, give me a wag of their eyebrows, an inviting smile.

I do not want to invite their attention too much. Especially if I have to head upstairs for the night. Mr. Polis would probably see to my safety, but it would sour the mood and throw off my search.

I’m about to call it a night and start fresh in the morning when I spot them, two men in their thirties sitting in the back room behind the pool tables.

“Another game?” I hear one of them ask.

“So you can make an ass of me again? No thanks. Let me have a few more drinks.”

“Then you can just make an ass of yourself!”

“Exactly.”

They’re already pretty inebriated, barely noticing when I meander into the corner of the room and take a stool to keep an eye on them.

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