Games We Play - Round 2: Two Truths, One Lie (18+ dark mafia romance)

Chapter 2: Pokerface

Chapter 2

Pokerface

Matteo

Palermo, Sicily – August 28th 2020

"A man was shot and killed at private event in Capo d'Orlando last night."

It's the fifth channel in a row that's reporting on what had happened last night.

"What do you think happened?" Aurora asks no one in particular.

Great, now it's a topic of discussion. And everyone is pretending like eating breakfast together because mom thought it would be nice is completely normal.

"Probably some random gangs." Marco pipes in.

I look at my dad to see how he reacts, but his eyes are skimming over the paper like it's the most interesting this he's ever laid eyes on.

"Does anyone want more juice?" our mom asks.

We're sitting at the table in the kitchen on a fucking Friday morning of all days. I haven't seen her in over a few weeks, and I'm not sure if she was even in Palermo.

Why does no one think this is weird?

Dad places the paper on the table and reaches for his espresso.

"What are the papers saying?" I ask him.

He hands it over to me without saying anything, and Aurora leans into me as soon as I put my hand on it.

"They're saying that the police are checking the security cameras."

My heart starts beating faster but I refrain from looking at my dad again. My brain goes into a spiral, from the thought of someone seeing me on the cameras all the way to being arrested and charged for premeditated murder.

"Didn't he have a family?" Aurora asks, like it's nothing.

"They're going to bury him tomorrow." Our mom answers.

"What was he even doing in Capo? What did he tell you?"

Dad answers her this time. "That he's going to be with family."

"Police are already looking for a suspect, and we expect the security footage by 5pm."

"Looks like police already forgot about the virus." Marco laughs.

I pretend to laugh along, but in my mind I'm climbing the walls.

"The government advises people once again to stay inside and leave the house only if completely necessary. We can't tell if it's a premeditated attack or a terrorist attack."

I laugh without really intending to.

Palermo, Sicily – September 25th 2020

"When does your school start?"

We're sitting in his office with the door locked. It's not unusual to have meetings in his office anymore, compared to how it was the first time after the incident.

"Next week. But I think it's going to be online."

"Can you be in New York for that?"

"Why?"

"I want you to be the supervisor."

"For what?"

"Everything."

What the fuck does that even mean? He always talks in code like I'm supposed to understand.

"Luca is also in New York."