Bleeding Darkness

Chapter 11

As Paolo strode in, Vincenzo and I rose from our seats, with horror-struck expressions. I said, "Che cosa?! Paolo?(What?! Paolo?)". Paolo said, smiling wickedly, "Ciao, Vincenzo e Bella. Non ti aspettavo(Hello, Vincenzo and Bella. Didn't expect you)." Vincenzo said, hiding his shock, "Paolo, mio fratello, dovevi dormi che venivi(Paolo, my brother, you should've told me you were coming)." Paolo nodded and went up to the witness stand as Vincenzo gently pulled me to sit down.

The judge said in English, "I hope everyone knows English. You may give your testimony." Paolo said in English, 'Your Honor, Ms. Lee Jiyoung only left Italy 2 weeks ago and joined this case. Which means that she is relatively unprepared." 

No matter how much I protested, the judge said thoughtfully, "I see. Since this information has been bought to light, I declare that we will reconvene in a week. Court dismissed." Disappointed and angry, we went home.

After we entered Jjipuragi, I threw my briefcase across the room and shouted, "Che diavolo?! Merda!(What the hell?! Crap!)". Vincenzo said angrily, "We should've known! We were ready for everything except them bringing Paolo! We've gained another enemy now."

I pulled off my coat and threw it angrily against my chair. Vincenzo did the same. Mr. Nam entered the office and said, mildly scared, "I know you both don't want to be disturbed, but Jang Hanseo wanted to let you know that he'll be coming for dinner. I'll be going now." He left quickly.

Vincenzo said, frustrated, "Tra i ladri non c'è onore(There's no honor among thieves)." Vincenzo threw the papers off the main table in frustration. And for the next hour, we paced around, exchanging angry remarks. When Hanseo arrived, he immediately gave a cry of alarm and started to clean up. I silently joined him, still angry. 

After we had cleaned, Hanseo sat at the main table and looked at Vincenzo and I in worry. Hanseo said, wringing his hands, "Hyung and noona, I'm really sorry. I should've known that Mr. Jang was planning something. Sorry." I said, voice rough, "It's not your fault. I never assumed he would bring Paolo in, though. Never mind, we'll be more careful next time." 

Hanseo said, "Okay. But, Paolo said that you left Italy 2 weeks ago and he made it sound as though you had run away. What was that about?". I grimaced and said, "Vin was right, you are really observant. I didn't run but, at the time, Paolo's rampage was really beginning and my father wanted me to come here for safety. But I was hell-bent on staying. Until Chayoung came. And she convinced me that this was for the best. So I left Italy, leaving Chayoung and my parents behind." 

They stared at me, shocked. Vincenzo came over and squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. Vincenzo said, "I'm sorry to hear that. Don't worry, Paolo won't hurt them." I said, feeling defeated, "I just wish I knew how Paolo was suddenly here. After all, the head of the Italian Mafia in Korea would've caused some news." 

Vincenzo's eyes lit up as he said, "Lee Jiyoung, you're a genius! Paolo can't be here if he wasn't doing something already. He's here illegally, obviously. That's it! Jiyoung, call Yoo Sijin!". I immediately got the idea and called Sijin. 

When Sijin answered the call, I said, determined, "Sijin-ah, I need a favor."