Blood and Roses

19 | Little Italy

~Camila

My experiences with Angelo on car rides have been quite lively and spirited, to say the least. His driving style is certainly adventurous, filled with boundless energy and a distinct exuberance. He possesses an unabashed zeal for speed, which often finds him surpassing the posted limits by a significant margin. The way he switches lanes can be quite unexpected, and he has a unique flair for abrupt braking at red lights.

Throughout these journeys, I’ve found myself somewhat anxious, albeit captivated by the thrill of the ride. The thought of an accident looms in my mind, making every second a moment of heightened alertness. I can’t help but wonder if he might occasionally engage in some unconventional antics unrelated to driving safely. Nevertheless, I’ve offered to take the wheel on several occasions, though he consistently declines with a charming yet firm “No,” prompting a subtle eye-roll and an audible sigh from my end.

Throughout the entirety of our car ride to Felix’s city, I found myself embracing the “Oh shit” handle, holding on with a curious mix of anticipation and concern. My eyes darted ceaselessly from left to right and backwards, not to offer guidance or warnings to Angelo, but rather to maintain my vigilance for potential hazards that might threaten our well-being. Angelo’s unmistakable energy infused every moment of the drive, adding a certain vivacity that made it both thrilling and, admittedly, somewhat perilous.

No matter the driving maneuver he attempted, there was an undeniable intensity to his actions, heightening the nerve-racking atmosphere. In a display of genuine care, I often found myself beseeching him to exercise caution, only to be met with his carefree response, a simple shrug of the shoulders, or the classic declaration, “I’m never careful.” It was, I confess, met with a scoff on my part.

Felix’s residence in Little Italy, a quaint corner of New York, appears quite ordinary at first glance. The neighborhood embodies the charm of daily life with its bustling mall, thriving businesses, welcoming eateries, and inviting parks. To the casual observer, Felix might not stand out amidst the crowd, but there lies an intriguing complexity beneath the surface.

Hidden within the city’s depths lies the clandestine refuge of the Inferno Syndicate, a sheltered haven where the mysterious gang conducts their operations. Despite the outward appearance of normalcy, Felix, in truth, assumes a vastly different role from the average person in Little Italy. Beneath his enigmatic facade, he holds the position of a ruthless, dangerous gang leader, immersed in a world of violence and cruelty.

In the shadows of this seemingly tranquil city, Angelo and I embarked on a challenging mission. Uncovering the whereabouts of the Inferno Syndicate remained an elusive quest, known only to the select few who operate within its clandestine ranks. Our task demanded we traverse a treacherous path, navigating the intricate web of secrets and deceit that shrouded Felix’s true identity and intentions.

Angelo made a sharp right turn, leading us onto a road adorned with a charming sign bearing the words “Little Italy” in an elegant medieval font. The serendipitous emptiness of the road fueled Angelo’s enthusiasm, prompting him to press down on the gas pedal with vigor. As the car surged forward, I couldn’t resist the allure of the moment and decided to open the window, embracing the exhilarating rush of wind against my face. Hanging out of the window, I found delight in the invigorating sensation.

However, as our journey continued, Angelo’s keen eyes spotted a car ahead, causing him to decelerate in a responsible manner. We approached a red light, and traffic seemed to have backed up significantly, extending nearly thirty feet from the signal. The distant sight of red and blue flashing lights added an air of intrigue to the scene, leaving us to wonder about the nature of the situation ahead. Perhaps it was a mere accident, or maybe it involved the police chasing after someone. Amidst the traffic pause, Angelo eased back into his seat, a display of casual comfort. With one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting in his lap, he let out a sigh, expressing his mild disdain for the congested situation.