Page 27 of The Seventh Circle
Antonio studied my face, his eyes catching something in my expression that others would miss. He didn't press, though—another quality that set him apart. The man knew when silence was a kindness.
"Father's given us permission to handle the Vito situation," I continued, lowering my voice as we walked toward the gate. "After collections, we pay the Torrinos a visit. Make it clear that watching your family crosses a line no one should approach."
Antonio nodded, his shoulders loosening slightly with relief. "Thank you."
"There's one complication," I added. "Paolo will be joining us."
His expression didn't change, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes.
"Your father doesn't trust us to handle it alone?"
"He believes three Benedetto men send a clearer message than one with his favourite soldier." I repeated Father's words without the underlying implication.
Antonio absorbed this, his mind working behind those thoughtful eyes. "Paolo watches you closely."
It wasn't a question.
"He does," I agreed, not elaborating on what Paolo might be watching for. "But this is about your family's safety. We'll manage the rest."
7
LORENZO
We walked in silence for several minutes, the quiet between us heavier than usual. I found myself stealing glances at Antonio, searching for signs of the shared secret Father Giuseppe had implied. Had the priest truly heard Antonio confess similar feelings, or was that merely what I desperately wanted to believe?
The morning sun slanted across the cobblestones as we made our first collection at Signor Bianchi's bakery. The smell of fresh bread enveloped us, a momentary respite from the weight of unspoken words.
"Signor Benedetto," Bianchi greeted me with a respectful nod, his flour-dusted hands already reaching beneath the counter for the envelope. "Right on time as always."
I accepted the payment with a practiced smile. "Business looks good."
"Can't complain." He glanced nervously at Antonio, whostood examining a tray of cornetti with unusual interest. "We had some men around yesterday. Not your people."
My spine stiffened. "Torrino's men?"
"Didn't say, but they weren't from around here. Asked about neighborhood protection, who collects, what days."
Antonio's attention snapped back to our conversation, his gaze meeting mine. A silent communication passed between us—this wasn't just about Antonio's family anymore.
"Thank you for the information, Signor Bianchi," I said, sliding a cornetto across the counter. "Consider this one paid for."
Outside, Antonio fell into step beside me. "They're mapping our routes."
"It seems so." I weighed the envelope in my hand, mind racing. "Vito's more ambitious than I gave him credit for."
"Or more desperate. Men with something to prove make mistakes."
The next three collections proceeded without incident, but I felt a prickling awareness of eyes following our movements. Whether Torrino's men or my own family's surveillance, I couldn't be certain. Paolo would join us later for the confrontation with Vito, but until then, we had a small window of freedom—freedom I desperately needed to test the waters with Antonio.
At Signora Moretti's dress shop, Antonio stood by the door while I accepted her payment. Unlike our usual easy conversation, a strange tension hummed between us. He seemed more guarded today, yet paradoxically more aware of me—his gaze following my movements when he thought I wouldn't notice.
It was in his posture too—the careful distance he maintained, as if afraid to stand too close. The same restraint I'd been practicing since our meeting in the café. We were orbiting each other, neither daring to close the gap.
After collecting from the cobbler's shop, I paused in the narrow alley that led to our next stop. "We should vary our routes," I said, watching Antonio's face carefully. "If Torrino's men are tracking our movements, predictability becomes a liability."
He nodded, professional and detached. "Smart. Where to next?"
"We should check some of the abandoned properties on the outskirts. If Torrino's looking to establish a base in our territory, those would be ideal locations."
