We're All Heathens Here - A Mafia Story {Ongoing}

Happy Kill-Day to You

A picture of Eduardo Peccati

As I walked down the stairs I realised that it was my birthday. I had given my actual birthday when I made up Raven Romano so everyone else would know. I groaned as I looked around the living room which was empty of people. I went into the dining room for lunch and it was pitch black. I sighed loudly and went over to the light switch. When I flipped it, there was a loud chorus of

"Happy Birthday!"

I got surprised and pulled my pocket knife out of pocket and pointed it at the group of people. "Calm down, Corvo  (Raven)," Matteo laughed slightly as he took the knife from my hand and closed it, before handing it back to me. "Happy Birthday,"

"Thank you," I smiled slightly. I never had birthday parties with Ivan, a simple cupcake with a candle was enough to celebrate birthdays. Garcia was there, and a few other members of the Italian mafia that I had met and a man who I did not recognise. He had black hair that was greying slightly and stubble around his chin, "Who's that?" I asked Matteo, nodding toward the man. 

"That's my father," he replied, he turned to look at the man who was talking to Garcia but looking at us, "He came to stay for a few days," Matteo slowly started walking over to his father and I followed him. He was as tall as his father but his father was much more muscley and authoritative. "Raven, this is my father; Eduardo Peccati. Father this is Raven," 

"Raven?" Eduardo had a very thick Italian accent and he rose an eyebrow as he spoke, "I've heard a lot about you," 

"All good things I hope?" I looked curiously at Matteo,

"Of course," Eduardo laughed slightly, "My son has been telling me all about how you are a great asset to the mafia," he grabbed Matteo by the shoulder and laughed, Matteo was not laughing. 

"So why have you decided to come and visit?" I asked him, 

"I decided to come and stay because of Roberto," even though he spoke of his son who was getting help, he never stopped smiling, which set off red flag alarms in my head, "The stupid boy has gotten himself thrown into a looney bin," he laughed loudly. Matteo glared at him and Garcia walked away. 

"Padre, questo non è il momento né il luogo per parlare di Roberto, e nemmeno con quel tono. (Father, this is not the time nor place to talk of Roberto, and not in that tone either)," Matteo spoke so quickly in Italian that the translator only picked up a few words. Eduardo's smile faltered slightly and he went up close to his son's ear before hissing something to him that made Matteo's head hang and he said, "Yes, Father," very quietly before walking off. 

"I'm so sorry for my son," Eduardo laughed, "He forgets himself," I laughed nervously, "I brought a cake specially made in Italy, it is beautiful," 

"Thank you," I told him as he led me to the table where a gorgeous white and orange cake sat amongst other Italian dishes. 

"Shall we eat?" Matteo told the group. Everyone sat down, Matteo insisting I sit opposite the head of the table where he usually sat. Eduardo sat at the head of the table and Matteo sat next to him, opposite Garcia. I cut the cake and then we ate the delicious feast. I tasted a little bit of everything and still had room for three pieces of cake afterwards. 

We all went into the living room after lunch and Matteo passed me a box wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string.

"You didn't have to," I told him, 

"It's your birthday," he put the box on my lap and I chuckled slightly. The only present I had ever been given by Ivan was a pocket knife on my 13th and a gun on my 16th. I opened the carefully wrapped package and revealed a gorgeous necklace.