Page 67 of The Seventh Circle
Inside the small wooden booth, with only the latticed screen between us, Father Giuseppe spoke in a low, urgent tone.
"Lorenzo came to me early this morning. He told me about Paolo's interference and the accelerated engagement."
"I know some of it," I said. "The celebration is tomorrow night."
"What you don't know is that Lorenzo believes Paolo plans something more than just an announcement." Father Giuseppe's voice tightened. "He suspects Paolo will ensure Lorenzo has no chance to refuse."
Cold dread settled in my stomach. "What has he heard?"
"Nothing specific. But Paolo has been meeting privately with Don Salvatore, and servants overheard mention of 'securing the bloodline' and 'removing distractions.'"
I closed my eyes, understanding the implications. Once Lorenzo was publicly committed to Sophia Vitelli, any connection to me would become an intolerable risk to both families' reputations. Paolo would have reason—and permission—to eliminate the problem.
"Lorenzo has secured a letter of introduction to a shipping manager in Genoa," Father Giuseppe continued. "I've been working all day with my contacts to arrange safe passage there for both of you."
My thoughts immediately went to my family. "What about my parents? My brother?"
"I've spoken with Sister Maria at the convent," he said, surprising me. "Initially, I thought we could only move twopeople on such short notice. But the sisters can take your family tonight—your parents and Enzo—and move them separately to Genoa where you'll reunite."
"Tonight?" My heart hammered against my ribs. "So soon?"
"Time is the one thing you don't have." Father Giuseppe's tone grew urgent. "Paolo has men watching your family's building. Lorenzo is being monitored at the compound. The celebration tomorrow will close the trap."
"If we're caught..." I began.
"Then none of you will be safe," he finished firmly. "This is your only chance, Antonio. Tonight. All of you."
I leaned my head against the wooden wall, mind racing. "How would it work?"
"Your family will leave first, under the sisters' protection. The convent has been moving people to safety for years—women escaping brutal husbands, children in danger. They know how to travel undetected."
"And Lorenzo?"
"I'll bring him here tonight. A carriage will take you both to Ostia where a fishing boat will carry you to a larger vessel bound for Genoa. In Genoa, Lorenzo's letter will secure you passage wherever you choose to go next."
It seemed impossible, yet Father Giuseppe spoke with such calm certainty that I found myself believing. "What do we bring?"
"Nothing but what you can carry in your pockets. Anything more will draw attention." He paused. "There's money waiting in Genoa. Enough to start a new life."
I thought of the small apartment that had been my entire world, of Enzo's drawings pinned to the walls, of Mama's kitchen tools passed down from her mother.
"My family will have to leave everything behind."
"Yes." His voice softened. "But they'll have their lives, and each other."
"When must I tell them?"
"Now. Immediately. The sisters will come for them at nine o'clock. You must meet me here at the church's rear entrance at ten." Another pause. "Antonio, you must be certain. Once this begins, there's no turning back."
The weight of the decision pressed on my chest. To leave Roma—the city of my birth, the only home I'd ever known. To flee into uncertainty with my family and the man I loved.
"Paolo will hunt us," I said.
"Yes. But the farther you go, the weaker his reach becomes." Father Giuseppe's voice carried a surprising steel. "The world is larger than the Benedettos believe it to be."
I took a deep breath, made my choice. "We'll be ready."
"Good. Go now, prepare your family." He made the sign of the cross, though I couldn't see it through the screen. "May God protect you all tonight."
