A Baccano Love Story

Like A Bullet Through The Heart

Somewhere in Little Italy. Firo's apartment.

"That was really delicious," Luck said when they had finished their meal.

"Yeah, thanks," Firo agreed.

Charlie and Ennis smiled and started collecting the dishes. Ennis began washing the plates while Charlie dried.

It was Charlie's night off, so she didn't have anywhere else to be and could stay to help with the clean up.

Luck and Firo made themselves comfortable in the sitting room.

"That was a good meal," Firo said, completely satisfied.

"You said it," Luck agreed.

"You're really lucky, getting a girl who can cook like Charlie."

"Ennis will be good, too, once she's had some practice. She really did do most of the work. Charlie just gave her directions and set examples to follow."

"Great. I'll look forward to that."

Firo glanced in the direction of the kitchen and lowered his voice as he said:

"Speaking of girls... I hear you've got one causing trouble?"

"Emilia is back."

"What? Are you serious? She has a lot of nerve..."

"What's worse is she's started to target Charlie."

"Target her?"

"Emilia tried to hurt her. But Ennis intervened."

"Ennis got involved? You don't think Emilia would target Ennis, do you? Not that she can't handle herself..."

"Don't worry. Keith and Berga are running her off as we speak."

—∞—

In the reception room in their office, Keith sat behind his desk while Berga stood by him. On the other side of the desk stood Emilia.

"So you're saying... you want me to leave town?"

Emilia crossed her arms.

"What does Luck say about this? Does he know you're doing this?"

"Of course he knows. It was his idea."

"Then why isn't he here?"

"He had a prior engagement he thought was more important."

"More important? What is?"

"He's having dinner with his girl."

"I'm his girl."

"Not anymore," Keith said.

Emilia was shocked to hear him say it. It seemed worse somehow than if anyone else had said it. Keith never said anything that wasn't worth saying.

She sat back onto the sofa in the reception room.

"He's really not coming? Not even to say goodbye?"

"No."

Emilia refused to cry in front of Luck's brothers. Even though it hurt her to be rejected, she wouldn't show it.

"Fine," she said with moist eyes. "How long are you going to give me?"

"You have until midnight tomorrow to get out of town. And don't even think about causing trouble."

Emilia looked from Berga to Keith, then stood up and walked out without a word.

"Think she'll listen?" Berga asked Keith.