𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 30

There is only one week left before the Assembly, but I didn't get or determine any occasion to assassinate Solazzo. Either the circumstances aren't ideal, or I don't know where he is. I wait for Solazzo's arrival, now more than ever.

"Come here, my little Arthur." He brings me close. He and I are at some club, again.

"Where were you, Angelo? It's been ages," I pretend to be mad.

"I have been very busy... I have a big deal to make soon."

"A deal? What deal?" I wrap my arms around his neck and lean forward a little. He laughs.

"You will know soon enough. I wanted to see you to invite you for dinner."

Dinner? Wouldn't that be an appropriate time. "When, Angelo?"

"Tomorrow night. I will send someone to pick you up."

"Just the both of us?" I ask.

Solazzo shakes his head. "No, my darling. With my family."

I am genuinely taken aback. His family? "Your family?"

He pecks my lips. "Tomorrow is my birthday. I want to introduce you during the celebration."

A birthday gala? Not the ideal time, then. I place my hands on my heart. "You are so sweet, Angie. What would you like as a birthday present."

Solazzo gives me a sly smile, grabbing my ass. Oh. "What else to ask? I have anything I want but that sweet piece of you."

"Oh, Angelo!" I slap his chest playfully, though I wish I were able to make it more brutal. A punch in the face, for instance. "I'm being serious! It's your birthday, and I am going to meet your family..."

"Don't worry about it, we are simply going to a restaurant for an Italian meal."

A restaurant? "Where are we going?" I ask Solazzo.

"The Salumi, on Kinney Street."

My heart skips a beat. Is he suspecting something? Is he testing me? I peer at him intently and discover nothing unusual. I calm my nerves and meekly nod.

"I will send someone to pick you up early. Mind your outfit," says Solazzo.

"Don't worry about it, Angelo. I will be ready."

Solazzo doesn't walk me back to the club, telling me that he has business to deal with. His hard work for the Assembly is paying off. It gives Frank and I even less time to prepare our plan.

______

The next day :

I ask Claire to help me pick and outfit and put a bit of makeup on. I comb my hair and mind my style. A dinner with his family, huh? That may be the ideal opportunity... I still have lots of doubts, even now. Can I help Frank carry out this assassination?

I play with the telephone wire in my hand as passers-by walk past the phone booth I am in. Should I make that call? Do I even have a choice? I peer at the busy street through the glass.

The balance of justice requires equilibrium. I should and must be willing to take more risk to avenge the lives that have been lost- no, taken in silence. What I am doing is fair.

I dial the number that I know by heart. "Frank, it's me. Tonight, at the Salumi, on Kinney Street..." I listen to his answer. "...Yes, only his family and I... Don't worry, I will be cautious... Yes, I promise." I sigh softly. "I assume that you will not harm his family... I hope to see you soon as well."

I hang up and relax after confiding in Frank. I have the feeling that he actually cares. He may not to the extent I hope he does, but the sensation is enough.