The Mafia's Daughter

Chapter 6

 Thanks again for all the support and sorry for the wait!!!

Chapter 6

It's no use. My palms are sweaty against the phone, my heart is running a marathon. Every breathing technique grandpa taught me goes out the door and I think I'm seeing black spots. I close my close and will my breathing to go back to normal. This is my father not Anne. Deep breaths...

"I have to say, I was quite surprised to hear that you were in Italy again. And by private company I must add. Is everything alright?" his voice was deep and still smooth as he spoke with his thick accent.

"A lot has happened to bring me here. I'm fine though. I was actually looking for you," I reply. The others were silent, watching me.

"Ah, and I assume your grandparents know you're here?" I could hear the slight warm fatherly warning in his words. He thought I was off with some friends for some impromptu vacation. He didn't know.

"They're dead," I say bluntly. No use in evading the purpose of my visit.

The line goes silent.

"I see," a coldness has replaced the warmth of his voice. "There are matters that shouldn't be discussed over the phone. I am having a small formal gathering tonight at 9 pm. I will have a car waiting for you to bring to here and then we will talk."

I looked at a clock that hung over the doorway. I had forgotten the change of time from American time. It was already 5:20 am here.

"Um, I came with... friends. The same ones that got me here to begin with. I'm gonna need an invite for them too," I say nervously. I knew they weren't going to just sit back and let me leave. Not with Anne out there.

"Very well. How many friends are with you?" he asks.

"It'll be me plus ... six others" I hesitate. I know he is going to be a little skeptical about the number.

"Six?" he questions. I knew it.

"Um yeah. Four boys and two girls."

"Four boys huh? And you are all staying in that place... together? Should I be worried here?" I could hear the grin in his voice and let out a small giggle.

"Now's not the time, Papá,"I say softly.

There was silence for a long moment. I would've thought he hung up until he cleared his throat.

"Do you trust them, Adelaide?" I have never liked the sound of my name until now. Maybe it was the accent.

"Yes," I don't hesitate.

"With your life?"

That stops me. I wasn't expecting that. I look around the room. I can't even say I know these people except for Caden. At least we had shared stories and spent time together. I know that his coming here is proof that he trusts me with his life. Anne probably wants his head as bad as she wants mine. I can say that I trust Caden with my life.

I look at the others again. I know nothing about Kat except that she is rich and has a private plane. And yet she's still helping me. All of them are here and they barely know me. They could have killed me when I feel asleep on the plane. But I'm here...

The silence was answer enough for my father.

"I will have all invitations sent by 1pm today. I want to see you alone before then however. Can you meet me at Caffè di Betty in front the square by 10am?" he waits.

My friends look exhausted and I know I should have no problem sneaking out. The twins have already passed out on the couch.

"Yes."