I still couldn’t believe I was back in Italy.
The home of my ancestors. A place I was denied, along with most of my family. I had heard stories of its beauty but never thought I’d be able to stand on the land of my heritage ever again.
I felt strange.
As if Italy herself was welcoming me home.
I could see Sal and Antonio, each admiring and soaking in every aspect of the surrounding beauty. While they were eager to get the show on the road, Reaper and Dwayne didn’t seem too interested in the beauty around them as they were both sleeping. As for Layla, she stood beside me as our boat moved swiftly through the blue waters.
None of them said a single word.
For Layla, it was the trepidation of what was to come. For Reaper, it was the eagerness to move everything along. For my brothers and me, it was the reality that we were once again in the land of forefathers.
So much blood and destruction happened on these shores and land. So much history. I could feel my ancestors crying out for me, warning me, yet happy I was home. It felt strange but exciting.
The meeting was just an hour away, and though I too was eager to get it started, I just wanted a minute to absorb everything around. If this was the only time I ever saw Italy, I wanted a good memory of it.
“Stiamo attraccando presto, signor Valentinetti. Un'auto ti aspetterà per accompagnarti all'incontro.”Mattia Lucchesi said as he slowed the boat letting me know that we had arrived and that a car had been provided to take us directly to the meeting.
Mattia was waiting on us when my plane landed and escorted us directly to the shore, where he had a boat waiting. I knew he worked for the Capribella Family, and though I would have rather checked into our hotel first, I understood and said nothing.
The Capribella’s were allowing five Valentinetti’s to attend this meeting. Nothing was said about hospitality. Then again, it needn’t be discussed. The Italian hospitality and generosity was legendary, something ingrained into us from birth. That was something that came naturally to all Italians. But when it came to our families, time was of the essence. So instead of checking into our hotel, we were taken directly to the island.
“Grazie, Mattia.”
The young man nodded just as the boat slowed just enough for him to throw the lines to another man waiting to tie the boat to the dock. I took Layla’s hand and helped her disembark the boat just as Sal kicked Dwayne in the shin. “Wake up you fool. We’re here. Show some respect.”
“Fuck off Sal.”
“Shut up, Massacre,” Reaper yawned, stretching as he got to his feet. “You piss me off today, and I will reap your ass.”
Saying nothing more, all of us left the boat and followed Mattia to the waiting car, where two armed men waited. Neither one said a single word, but they did do a double-take when they saw Layla. I knew they would. She was a beautiful woman, but more than that, she was the spitting image of her grandmother, Giovanna Capribella.
The ride from the harbor to our destination didn’t take long, less than ten minutes, and when the vehicle stopped, I looked at Layla and asked, “Are you ready?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“You always have a choice,Tesoro.”
Shaking her head, she got out of the vehicle, and I clearly heard her whisper, “I never had a choice.”
When we were all out of the car, the car drove off as Mattia, and the two guards walked over to me. Mattia turned and looked directly at Layla and said in perfect Italian, “Miss, there is a tent for you to sit in and stay out of the sun. If you will follow me, please.”
Layla looked at me, fear in her eyes.
Moving her behind me, Reaper and Dwayne stepped beside her as I said, “I thank you for the provisions you have provided for her, but she stays with me.”
Mattia nodded, saying nothing more as he waved his hand towards the long table set up on the grounds of an abandoned house right on the shore of Ischia Island.
Heading over to it, I noticed that a clean white cloth was provided with refreshments and food. Taking our seats, Layla sat between Reaper and me while Dwayne took the seat next to Reaper and Sal and Antonio on my side. And there we waited for the Capribella’s to arrive.
Moments later, three cars arrived, and when they stopped, several men got out of the lead car and rear car, each carrying weapons. When they were out, someone walked over to the middle car and opened the back door. Out walked Carmine and Dario Capribella. First cousins to Layla. With them were three other family members I didn’t know. But when Carmine turned and reached into the car, I held my breath as he helped an elderly woman to her feet.
I looked at Sal, who shook his head.
Who was she? None of us knew.
Mattia walked over to the old woman and carefully took her hand as he walked her towards the tent that was set up. Five guards followed.