are you even listening?

VINCENZO

I buttoned up my sleeves and ensured—for the umpteenth time—that my shirt was properly tucked.

Next came my tie. I made sure the clip was in place and my hair—even though not gelled—looked good. I didn't have to look like some one dimensional superhero in a comic strip to make an impression.

I knew why I took my time, and I'd be damned if I didn't get the desired result. Four days of being suave couldn't go unrewarded. Spraying some bit of perfume, I grabbed my satchel and left the room. From what my watch said, Padre should be anything but ready.

I was wrong. He was perched on a couch, sipping what I knew was espresso. All dressed and ready for the day's business.

He looked me over, I must say, quite surprised at my punctuality and maybe my clean character these past few days. I knew so, even though his expression relayed nothing.

"Coffee?" he asked as I took a seat opposite.

"I already have."

Silence took form; all the while, I watched him. He locked gazes with me tw