As soon as Stella stepped off the plane in Palermo, a gate agent approached her with a small, folded piece of paper.  Stella took it and nodded gratefully, and read what was on it.  It was a message from Rosaleen- clearly a message that was intended for her to get before she left Las Vegas.  With a tired sigh, she re-folded the note and put it in her bag.  She hadn't slept much at all on the flight, and the little she did sleep was restless and uncomfortable.  She longed for a shower and a bed.  

Donny and Paul walked a few paces behind her.  It must have looked strange, Stella thought, for two well-dressed men to be following so closely to a woman with tousled hair, a barely matching outfit, and slip on-shoes with no stockings.  She had dressed in far too much of a hurry to worry about what she was wearing.  The main focus had been getting out of town.  Now that this was accomplished, Stella needed to take some time to prepare for the next move.  With only her shoulder bag and her two body guards, Stella stepped out of the terminal into a warm, Sicilian nighttime.  Donny hailed the only taxi parked nearby and, in a clumsy, broken Italian, arranged for the driver to take them to the nearest hotel.  The driver nodded and hopped out to gather their bags, only to be left a bit confused that none of them had anything.  Stella got in the back with Paul, and Donny rode in the front with the driver.  The trip was short, and the further away from the airport they got, the darker it got.  Even Palermo seemed terribly dark compared to the glittering lights always on in Las Vegas.  

The taxi pulled up to what appeared to be a farm house, and Stella managed to make out enough of the sign to see that the place was like a bed and breakfast- only a few rooms and three meals a day.  Donny paid the driver and tipped generously.  The driver thanked them over and over, babbling more in Italian that none of them understood.  They were able to secure two rooms- one for Stella and one right beside her for Paul and Donny.  The plan would be to sleep now, and tomorrow afternoon they would do some much needed shopping and reach out to Sofia's family.  From there, it was out of Stella's control.  She didn't like that feeling much at all.

Dinner had already ended, but the older woman that ran the B&B brought up a plate of cheese, olives, and bread with olive oil for them, then bid them goodnight.  It was the first time Stella had even thought of food since the newspaper was shown to her; and she was actually starving.  Sitting in a chair near the window, Stella chewed small bites and looked out over the darkness, wondering what awaited her- and for how long.  Gavin had said to her, "live your life," but she honestly had no idea how to do that.  

Perhaps tomorrow's sunrise would bring answers.  Perhaps not.

"Is that her? Is that Stella?" Carlotta practically bounced to the front door, peering through the glass.

"Were you expecting anyone else to arrive in a taxi this afternoon?  And remember, it's 'Lia,' not Stella." Marco Cassaro gently scolded his sister.

"Ah, why do I put up with that mouth of yours?" Carlotta wiped her hands on her tomato stained cotton apron and smoothed her graying hair back into it's bun.

"I want to see!" The little girl, Sienna, hopped up and down, trying to see out the bottom most window.

"Well, then open the door, silly girl!" Julia gestured toward the door, and the little girl reached out and flung it open.

----------

The cab rolled to a stop at the top of the circular driveway of the massive Viacelli estate.  Lia San Cano took a deep breath to calm her nerves, then grabbed her bag and put it over her shoulder.  Paul got out first, then Donny, followed by Lia.  For the last four miles, she had been practicing saying "Lia San Cano" over and over, as that was what her papers, passport, and Sicilian ID said.  For now, Stella DiVasio was nowhere to be found, and Lia San Cano was the newest employee of the Viacelli Winery and Vineyards.

Three adults exited the double doors of the huge house, along with a young girl who looked to be about five years old.  The two women scurried over, with arms open wide and smiles so big they could burst off their sun-tanned faces.

"Finally, you're here!" chirped the older woman. "Ah, you are just beautiful, Lia!" The older woman cupped Lia's face in her hands and looked her over. "I am Carlotta.  Your godmother Sofia was my sister."

The other woman, a bit younger than Carlotta, stepped forward and took Lia's hands.

"I am Julia, Carlotta's niece.  My husband is there- Marco- and he is Carlotta's brother."  Julia leaned forward and kissed Lia on each cheek.  "Don't worry, you will learn everyone's name easily.  We are a close family."

Marco shut the trunk of the cab, having gotten all the bags out for them.  He waved at the mention of his name, then turned to pay the cab driver.  Two little eyes peeked out from behind Julia.  Lia looked down and smiled.  

"And who are you?"

The little girl smiled softly.

"I am Sienna.  I'm five, and I can speak your English so good!"

Lia laughed and nodded.

"I see that!  It's very nice to meet you, Sienna.  I'm Lia."

Carlotta put her arm around Lia and scooted her toward the front door.

"Come now, all of you, I have dinner all ready.  You all must be hungry.  Don't worry about your things, the staff will get them to your rooms."

Lia followed the small crowd inside.  The main house was like nothing she'd ever seen.  From the architecture, she could tell that the house was very old, but sturdy and well maintained.  Two beautiful greyhounds bounded toward her, happily wagging their tails and tippy-tapping with excitement.  Lia grinned with delight and crouched down, patting them and scratching behind their ears.  

"Ohh, Lia, they'll never leave you alone now." Marco laughed.

A fantastic, robust aroma permeated the air.  Lia stood and followed the smell to a large dining room with a long table that was stacked with food.  There were many chairs and place settings- more than enough for the group of them.  Carlotta showed Lia, Paul, and Donny where to sit, and a few minutes later, six men in t-shirts and work pants came in and sat down.  

"These men work in the winery and vineyards.  They do not speak English- but they join us for every dinnertime.  That was a tradition Regina started many years ago.  Now, let's eat- and after we will show you everything!"

The meal commenced, and Lia ate eagerly.  The food was unbelievable, and the warmth of the people around her made it even better.  Even Paul and Donny- who were usually all business and stoic- seemed to relax a bit and enjoy it.  

When the meal was finished, Stella noticed that Sienna had been staring at her curiously. 

"Will you be staying with us  long time, Lia? Did you run from home?"

Lia saw Julia start to say something to the little girl, but Lia smiled and held up a hand gently, mouthing "it's fine."  She turned to Sienna.

"I don't really know exactly how long I'm going to stay.  I expect it will be at least through the winter.  And, while I left in kind of a hurry, it's more of a vacation.  Where do you like to vacation?"

Sienna's eyes lit up.

"We go to the beaches at Taromina sometimes!  It's my favorite place, and Papa Marco takes me fishing!"

Lia giggled.

"You know, I have never been fishing. Maybe you could teach me?"

Sienna nodded excitedly, and Carlotta smiled warmly.

"While I clear the table, Marco will take you to your villa.  I know you must like to get settled in."

Paul and Donny were sitting near the end of the table, having been chatting with Marco for a lot of the meal.  Paul spoke Italian, and would translate for Donny.  They both finished their coffee and stood with Marco.  The older man pulled Lia's chair out for her as she stood.

"I think you will like where you'll be staying.  There is much history in it."

Curious, Lia nodded and followed, thanking Carlotta and Julia for the meal.  

The late afternoon sun was hot and bright as Lia, Paul, and Donny followed Marco out of the main house and toward the vineyards.  On the very edge of the main house property, there was a bungalow surrounded on three sides by grape vines.  Marco opened the door and stepped aside to let Lia in.  Most of the house was built similarly to the main house- concrete and plaster walls and smooth stone floors.  There was a small kitchen, a living room, and a large bedroom and bathroom.  It was simple and rustic, but Lia had already fallen in love with it.  

"This villa was originally built for Mama Regina when she left New York to retire here.  Sadly, she passed away before she made it home.  Sofia stayed here for a few years after she finished college in America.  Now, it is yours- as long as you like."

Marco gestured to a wooden doorway off the kitchen.

"This door leads to an old barn that is attached to the house.  It used to store wine barrels, but we turned it into a loft some time ago.  The ground floor is unused, but the top floor of the barn has beds for your men, so that they will be close.  Your things are already in the bedrooms."

Lia was looking around as he spoke, taking it all in. She gave Marco a grateful smile.

"Thank you so much, Signore. You all have shown such kindness.  I am looking forward to getting to know you all."

Marco nodded, then headed back for the main house.  Donny and Paul watched her for a moment, until she turned to them.

"Well, I suppose we should unpack.  I don't plan on going anywhere today, so you guys just relax.  Well, try, anyway."

Before they left, Lia stepped forward and gave both of them a hug.

"Thank you for coming with me.  This was...crazy...but I couldn't have found better men for the job."

When the two guards were gone, Lia wandered into the bedroom.  There was a comfortable looking queen sized bed on a brass frame, a bed-side table with a telephone, and a beautiful wooden writing desk and chair.  Her newly purchased and filled luggage was tucked away in the corner.  Unpacking could wait.  For the first time since leaving Vegas, Lia felt like she could sleep soundly for a while; surrounded by people who felt like family, and acres of nothing but grapes and rolling hills.

--One Month Later--

Lia sat down at the writing desk in her room with a fresh cup of coffee. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, carrying hues of yellow and pink over the sky. Taking a pen and a sheet of stationary, Lia began to pen a letter. It was long overdue, but she had hesitated for some time; worried that somehow a letter would give away her location. Paul had finally arranged a way to send letters privately, with no danger. With this in place, Lia felt more confident.

Dear Gavin, 

It's hard to believe it's been an entire month since I left. So much has happened. I guess you can see by the return address that I've assumed a new name--for now. San Cano is a local name in this region of Sicily, so it doesn't raise any suspicions. I've been working hard to learn Italian to help me blend in more. 

I wish you could see this place. The Viacelli estate is enormous, and their wine production is just amazing. There are acres and acres of grapes, like you wouldn't believe. They have a lot of modern machinery, but still produce a specialty line of wines that are processed the old way. It's really fascinating to see what Giuseppe Viacelli started, and how it's grown and expanded through the generations. The Viacelli family is very proud of their traditions, as well they should be. They are also one of the most wealthy families in the country. They are almost a mafia of their own. Even the local "old men" don't mess with them. 

The way they all have accepted me has been heart warming, especially Sofia's sister, Nona Carlotta. I think she is a lot like Sofia, only not as well traveled. She's never been outside of the Italian peninsula. She's an amazing cook, and pretty much everyone's grandmother. Her brother, Marco, runs the winery. He's just a bit younger than Carlotta. He's very smart, and an extremely hard worker. Even though he's the boss, he's often out with the workers picking and hauling grapes in the heat. On weekends, he's teaching me to ride a horse. It's terribly fun! Then, there is Sienna. She's five years old, and the granddaughter of Marco and Julia. She calls me her big sister. You wouldn't believe how smart this little girl is. At five, she can already make pasta by hand, from scratch. Doesn't even need a recipe. 

I have my own little villa on the estate. It's nothing lavish, but it's perfect for me. The building used to be an aging shed for wines, but they made it a guest house when they built bigger facilities. One of the neatest things is that a lot of the old structure is still there. In the kitchen, there is a wooden post that supports the ceiling. In it, there are words carved that your can clearly read "Regina e Dante." Marco told me that was his aunt Regina, and her lover Dante Aprile. Regina was the first Viacelli to come to the US, and started the importing of the Viacelli wines in Chicago. 

I hope things are going well for you, and Tara. Has it started getting cold yet? There is a slight chill in the air here, at night. It's really beautiful. Many nights, we have supper at a small restaurant in the plaza in Catania, and after the meal we ask walk around and visit. Everyone is so kind, and they share everything. Especially booze. 

I miss you. It's amazing here, and there's lots to do, but it's not as fun without you. I hope that, someday, it might be safe enough for you to visit. I'd love to show you around.

Tell Tara hello for me. 

Love, 

Lia San Cano

Dear Ste Lia,

I am sorry I didn't write to you. I sat down at my desk to write you a letter and realized I didn't know where you actually were. Glad that you are safe, and that you are finding lots of things to do. It sounds like there is a lot of family history for you to explore.

It sounds like you are having fun. Keep having fun and stay safe. 

Met someone from Las Vegas named Rosaleen who is familiar with the Carlito family. Couple brothers, father might cause trouble. Going to try to settle things with them so you only need to worry about the official heat dying down. Will even try to talk to them first (says Rosaleen). 

Be careful in public, drink lots of wine in private. 

I will have Tara write my next letter for me; she is much better at writing.

Stay safe but have fun, 

G

"Come on, Lia! It's time to go!" 

Sienna squealed with excitement as Lia approached the car. Marco closed the trunk and turned to greet Lia with a hug. 

"Ready to go? It's not a terribly long drive. Maybe two and a half hours."

Julia scoffed from the front seat. 

"The way you drive? Ha. Hour and 45 minutes at the most."

Lia giggled and climbed into the back seat with Sienna. The little girl could barely contain her excitement. 

"After the picnic, Papa Marco is going to take me to see a candy store where they make taffy. He says you can watch them make it right in front of you!  Are you going to come, Lia?" 

"Maybe I'll catch up with you. I plan on doing a bit of shopping while we're there; maybe go look at the Cathedral."

Sienna made a face.

"That's grown up stuff. I want to see candy!" 

------

The drive to Palermo was beautiful, and gave Lia a chance to see the different regions of Sicily. Every day, she seemed to fall more and more in love with the rustic charm and simple life of the old villages. 

After arriving in the city, they parked the car and set out a wonderful picnic at Mondello Lido. The weather was warm and sunny, and a very light breeze off the ocean made it just perfect. They ate well, and then Lia and Sienna walked along the beach and picked up shells until it was time for them to go to the candy shop. Lia helped Julia clean up, then took her bag and went off to explore. This would be the first time she had done anything alone, having insisted that Paul and Donny take a day off. 

The city streets were busy and full of things to look at. Street markets held beautiful, handmade goods. Lia seemed to fit in well with the modern looking women in the city, with her olive green dress, black flats, sunglasses, and a cream-colored scarf tied over her hair to keep the coastal wind from blowing it around. 

After browsing the vendors for a while, Lia stopped at a small outdoor cafe to have some coffee and just enjoy the sights. She was seated right away, and ordered an espresso. 

​​​​​​

The young man in the black suit and tie appeared, practically running around the corner. He ran a hand through his black hair as he glanced around. Spotting a beautiful young woman at a table by herself, he practically fell into the chair and leaned toward her, resting his elbows on the table. His brown eyes looked at her with desperation as he spoke Italian very, very quickly.

"Please, please I've been here a long time. Pretend I'm your husband. Or boyfriend- no need to rush. My name is Marco."

As two policeman walked around the corner, Marco flashed a pearly white smile. One of the policemen narrowed his eyes as he stared at the back of Marco's head. He walked up to Stella at spoke to her, but his eyes never left the young man at the table.

"Excuse me, miss? Has this person been here with you very long?"

Recognizing the look in the man's eyes and the sense of urgency in his voice, Lia had already made up her mind to help him, even before the police officer appeared. Smiling sweetly, she reached out her hand and laid it over Marco's, gazing into his eyes as if they'd been in love for ages. 

"Three months, in fact. He's brought me here to meet his family for the first time."

Lia looked back to the police officer with a girlish grin, full of excitement.

Marco practically exploded with excitement as he lifted Lia's hand in his own, speaking rapidly in Italian.

"Ah yes! You see, my mother, she is very sick and wanted to meet the woman I love. How could I not show her this her, our beautiful city? Is there a problem though, officer? Is everything safe? Please alert me immediately if there is danger, for I must spirit my beloved away to safety.

The officer furrowed his brow in confusion for a moment before nodding skeptically and replying.

"No. No danger. But pay attention to your wallets. Did you happen to see anyone else in a suit come by in this direction?"

Lia piped up and gestured down the plaza in the opposite direction that she had planned on leaving. 

"I did notice a man in a suit walking that way. He seemed to be in a big hurry."

She made a rather obvious move to look down to her bag.

"You know, maybe I should keep this on my shoulder. I'd just hate for the bracelet I got your mother to be stolen."

Marco's eyes went wide as he placed a hand over his heart, continuing his rapid speech.

"My God! My mother! No, we must leave at once. Ah, your beauty is matched only by your wisdom and grace, my wonderful, perfect woman!"

Standing, he offered Lia his arm. When they'd walked a safe distance together, he leaned his head toward hers.

"Thank you a thousand times. They unjustly pursue me, as always. My name is Marco Bianchi. May I ask your name, angel of mercy?"

The two walked away from the cafe while the befuddled police officer made his way in the other direction. Lia kept her arm looped into Marco's. His situation, while unexpected, had been quite entertaining.

"My name is Ste...um, Lia. Lia San Cano. And please, don't worry at all. I have had to avoid my share of 'mistaken' police officers."

They continued their stroll down the plaza, Lia seeming in no hurry to leave. Her new companion was intriguing, and easy on the eyes, and she had nothing better to do. 

​​​​​​"So, what is it they were mistakenly chasing you for?" 

​​​​​​

​​​​​​

Marco patted her hand as it rested on his arm.

"Ah, my beautiful lately, I didn't say they were mistaken. I said they were unjust."

With his other arm, Marco removed a wallet from his pocket, took out the many bills within it, and tossed the wallet into the trash. With a grin, he handed her half the money.

"For your help- and perhaps I could buy you dinner tonight, as well?"

Laughing, Lia shook her head at the offered cash. 

"That's not necessary, I was happy to help. Though, dinner sounds very nice. I don't have to meet my family for a few more hours. Besides, I would love a guide that knows the area."

She wasn't entirely sure whether her Italian was good enough yet to let on that she was American. She still spoke the language somewhat slowly and deliberately. 

Pocketing the money in a flash, Marco's grin widened even more.

"Merciful, beautiful, and generous. My God. Perfection."

With an excited laugh, he steered her down a slightly different street.

"Tell me, what brings you here to Palermo, Lia? You speak the language very well, though perhaps not precisely like a native."

He patted her hand again.

"Although who knows- in a little while longer, you will both look and sound as if you belong here, no?"

His laugh was refreshing and contagious. Lia couldn't help but smile.

"I am visiting family for an extended vacation, and they often come to Palermo to visit and enjoy the beach at Mondello. I thought I might take in the sights, perhaps do a little shopping before we head back to the country."

Whereas Stella would likely have followed blindly, Lia was looking around as they walked, making notes of buildings and street names. Marco seemed perfectly nice; the young and handsome Italian man with a passion for life and pretty women. Still, Lia had grown more cautious in the last few months, and those new instincts were not to be ignored. 

"Are you from Palermo?" 

Marco nodded.

"Indeed. Palermo born and bred. When did you need to head back to the country? For how many hours will I be blessed with the pleasure of your company, Lia?"

Lia glanced down at her watch. 

"I'm to be back at the car at five this afternoon. I suppose that's a bit early for dinner, but they're my ride, and I think it would be a terribly long walk back to Catania."

Silently, Lia scolded herself. That was one of Paul's warnings to her - not to tell anyone where she was staying. She gave him a sheepish grin, unsure what to say without seeming like she was trying to hide anything.

"Catania! Quite the ride. On your next trip, you should stay over. Many fine hotels here for men and women of means and culture- both of which you seem to possess in the extreme."

He winked.

"Ah, well, would you rather tour as we stroll to our dinner? Stop me whenever you're hungry."

Walking arm in arm, Marco began narrating.

"Beautiful Palermo. Founded by the Phoenicians, built by the Romans,  conquered by the Arabs, conquered by the Normans... the Spanish... now we are Italian, of course... it's a long list, and by the time I'd be finished you'd have to be home. Suffice it to say that for thousands of years people have been living, loving, working, conquering, and being conquered on these very streets."

"Ah, speaking of these streets, you must come back in a few weeks for our Festino! We process to honor Saint Rosalia, who helped free the city from the Black Death. Well, after she'd died. But still!"

As they strolled around the city, Marco pointed out many of the beautiful churches and palazzos. He was a knowledgeable guide as he introduced Lia to the many various areas of the city. In particular, he seemed to be trying to set up future dates: Monte Pellegrino, the Botanical Gardens, the Teatro Massimo... the possibilities were endless. 

Eventually, they paused near the Quattro Canti, veritably surrounded by churches.

"Time to eat soon, no? I know a nice little spot down here."

He took her hand with a smile, leading her down a small side street to a red door with purple curtains. The rustic wood interior suggested an older restaurant- and the older couple who seemed to be the only employees seemed to confirm that idea. The older woman quickly appeared at the table; for now, they were the only guests, although it was still early.

"Marco! I heard you were in trouble earlier!"

"Trouble? Me? Preposterous."

He winked at Lia as the woman asked what they'd be drinking.