Emiliana   “What about my father?” I sank into the chair further, searching for comfort as I clutched my arms around my torso. “He’s in hospital,”  I released the small breath I was holding onto, letting it wash over me with the slightest hint of relief.  “What happened?” I replied with a steeled tone and stoic face. Despite the heavy thumping of my heart that rattled through my ribcage, I needed to stay calm. I couldn’t afford to let my mind break for a second. “He had a heart attack. He’s in critical condition, but my mother said he’s stable.” Oli’s words tumbled out quickly and efficiently.  Nodding silently, Oli stood up. The frown on his face

Emiliana “You better be dying Em!” Oli called out dramatically from the bed. My eyes moved from Vinnie to his hands that were clutching a sheet around his waist. “Put it away,” I mocked through the doorway. I heard the sound of Oli groaning but I was too busy focusing on the thoughts racing through my head to be distracted by him.“What is it?” Vinnie huffed, tightening the sheet in his hands. “Something Gio said to me, it was the same thing he said to me at Veronica’s birthday. It might be nothing but—”“What did he say?” He interjected, impatience crystal clear on his features

Emiliana It was midday by the time we arrived home. The journey back was silent, which gave more than enough time to think about the next part of our plan. José would arrive in three hours, which meant I needed to get my head in the game, and food. We pulled up to the estate just after another car. My eyes narrowed in, immediately recognising the features of Giovanni’s father.“Carlos!” I called out to him with my arms outstretched. “Emiliana!” Carlos smiled back, wrapping me in an enormous hug. “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?) I walked with him up the steps that approached the house, linking my arm with his. &ldquo

Emiliana Everything was moving at a quick pace, and I wasn’t sure if I could keep up or if I was even ready. My semi-adequate sleep over the last few nights seemed to be enough to keep me sane, for now, but that was all it was, semi-adequate.I straightened my jacket and dusted off the near non-existent lint from my shoulder. I’m constantly in business mode these days and it seems to evoke respect and fear from those around me. Vinnie offered me a nod as soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs. Oli had already left for the States the day before and I sensed he was feeling a similar emptiness to me. I pulled on my coat as we reached the door. We were a month away from Christmas and there was a chill setting over the Mediterranean climate. The familiar house came into view, the Castellano’s. The once vibrant flowers were now dull and crisp from the winter air. I stepped out of the vehicle, and Don Castellano wa

Emiliana The shooting range had quickly become my own place of solace. Somewhere I could disappear to focus. While working out strengthened me mentally as well as physically, something about shooting targets created a different kind of haven for me. I had never felt more in control than when I had my pistol sitting comfortably in my hand, barrel aimed at the heart of the target. I had the strength, the talent to hit my target so precisely, the power to pull that trigger and smite down my obstacle. This was where I mostly felt myself; invincible, indestructible, powerful. “Chiquita,” Vinnie called to me through the doorway as I changed the magazine in my weapon. I turned at the sound, observing the way his face turned down. “We’re finished here.”