Lia laughed a bit. 

"Not so much business as supervisory. I need someone to be a foreman, and translator. If I'm going to be working with local vendors, my Italian isn't good enough."

She remained quiet for a few minutes, thinking carefully. 

"What if you were hired by Viacelli Vineyards? Earning for yourself? That way I could just be...a girlfriend?" 

Marco laughed.

"Just a girlfriend... whose family employs me? Please don't worry about insulting my pride, Lia. I have very little."

He shrugged.

"The issue, however, is that I'm simply not much of a working man. Supervisor? I'd be taking a 5 hour lunch, and you most likely want someone who will actually work. I'll be happy to help you as a translator, however. Translator and personal assistant, attending to any and all needs..."

He winked.

"... that you have. In return, you don't make me wake up too early, you throw me however much money you think is fair, and we maintain the pleasure of each other's company."

There was a knock at the door. With a smirk, Lia leaned up and kissed Marco, then sat back and looked into his eyes. 

"For not being a business man, you're a terribly good negotiator. But, I accept your conditions of employment, signore."

She went to the door and opened it. A steward entered the room with a dining cart, followed by Donny and his watchful eyes. As the steward began to set out the lunch, Lia picked up the phone and called Papa Marco at the winery. By the time she hung up, she had a huge smile on her face. 

"Everything is arranged. We have a budget for the Russo's place, and you're officially on the payroll."

She handed him a glass of wine, then picked up her own and toasted the new arrangement. 

Marco raised an eyebrow.

"Well... that was fast."

He sampled the wine and smiled at Lia.

"Exquisite. And the wine's not bad either."

Summer was drawing slowly to an end.  It seemed that the breezes grew cooler and cooler every day.  At night, one needed a sweater or jacket.  The season was not the only thing changing.  Lia had been extremely busy with a few projects in Sicily.  With Marco's help, she had helped Mr. and Mrs. Russo do a bit of remodeling and advertising for their restaurant.  Now, the couple was doing almost three times the business, and had hired several young men and women to help them. 

Marco had come to visit the estate a few times, and everyone seemed to really like him.  Papa Marco and Nona Carlotta seemed somewhat cautious about Lia seeing someone romantically, but they didn't oppose it, either.

-----

Early one morning, even before the sun began to rise over the vineyards, Lia was awake and sipping a cup of tea.  She found herself thinking about Las Vegas and Philly more and more.  Thus far, she'd been able to put aside the thoughts in her mind that she might not want to return; but that was becoming harder and harder.  She was enjoying life here- the vineyards, the family, Marco... it all seemed very hard to think about leaving.  Then again, there hadn't been much word on how things were going with the "clean up" from the Carlito problem.  Lia figured that no news was good news, but, curiosity managed to get the best of her more than once.

Quietly, she slipped over to her desk and sat down to write a letter.  She looked over her shoulder at the bed where Marco was sleeping soundly. 

Dear Tara and Gavin,

I hope this letter finds you well.  I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written to you.  These last two months have been insanely busy, but also very rewarding.  I met a wonderful old couple in Palermo who own a restaurant.  Their food is unbelievable, but they were hardly turning a profit.  Having practically nothing better to do, I worked with them and helped them do a bit of remodeling and marketing, and now they are making money hand-over-fist.  Marco has been an enormous help with translating and finding good vendors and contractors; and we enjoy each other's company very much.

Papa Marco and Juila's adult children are visiting from Venice.  Their names are Gina and Gabe- named after Regina and her son Gabriello. Sienna is terribly excited to have them here.  They are both in school, Gina studying business and Gabe is an arts student.  He likes to pick my brain about artists and things of that nature.  They're both good kids.  I say kids, but I'm not that much older than them.  It's funny how this life makes you feel older than you really are sometimes.

Speaking of aging, my birthday is in two weeks.  Nona Carlotta is planning a big dinner of some kind.  I insisted that it wasn't necessary, but Nona Carlotta does what she wants.  I guess I'm just not used to anyone being that interested in my birthday.  Anyway, it should be fun.  

Against Paul and Donny's advice, I placed a call to the Agency in Vegas.  Jen said that things were fine.  I'm really proud to hear how she's been handling things.  I got a letter from Rosaleen a few months back, as well.  She says things are alright, but I haven't really heard anything else.  As long as everyone is safe, I'm glad.

Miss you both, and keep in touch as you can.

Love, 
Lia

Lia,

You are missed in Philadelphia, so I can only imagine that Vegas misses you exponentially more; still, your absence seems to be the right decision for your own safety.

You should know that Gavin and Rosaleen are working to "solve" your issue with the C's. Gavin's been gone for a while; I haven't heard back yet, but I'm not nervous, and you shouldn't be either. Will let you know of any future developments there.

How did I know you couldn't stay away from the business district over there either?

I hope your birthday dinner goes excellent. I'm tempted to come visit; Gavin has mentioned it too... but it's quite the journey, as you know, and both Gavin and myself find myself repeatedly occupied with work and other endeavors. Hopefully an opportunity to visit will present itself soon; Gavin has said so as well. The way you write about it sounds like a paradise. 

I can't support making phone calls, but I'm glad to hear that things are going well in Vegas.

Stay safe out there.

T + G

Lia,

A brief note to accompany my letter that you should have received a couple days ago (or perhaps you'll get both on the same time, depending on delays?)

Gavin has been busy on your behalf: the Carlito family has largely been destroyed. The patriarch died of a heart attack (not Gavin's doing), and one of the two remaining sons was shot several times (totally Gavin's doing, with help from Rosaleen). A slight problem, however, is that the other son escaped: Vincent Carlito.

Due to the orchestrations of Rosaleen and other competing organizations, the Carlito syndicate is history and toothless.

Vincent Carlito, however, still has a moderate amount of personal cash and his life has been totally devastated. Sources say that he's most likely heading in your direction. My guess is that he blames you for the destruction of his family.

Be. Careful. Help is on the way. Rosaleen and more backup is on the way. If I know Gavin, he'll be there as well. 

Vincent could hire a small army of thugs, a small crew of solid mercs, or an excellent assassin... who knows what his play will be, but stay as safe as possible and hire on extra security until this has been dealt with.

Your friend,

Tara

String lights were twinkling on the large patio behind the main house, glowing joyfully in the dimming light of the sunset. The smell of wonderful food filled the air, and bottles of wine and champagne were waiting to be popped for Lia's 23rd birthday.

Lia sat at the desk in her room, fastening on her earrings as Marco finished getting dressed in the bathroom. Sitting back and crossing her legs, she picked up the latest letter to arrive from Philly. She thought it strange that a second letter had followed so soon, but figured Tara may have forgotten something. 

Only moments after starting to read, Lia was on her feet, pacing. 

"Oh God..."

Her voice cracked with panic that began welling up from her stomach. It was happening again. Danger was coming, but all she could think about was her new family here; the Russos, Marco. All people that could get caught in crossfire. Her stomach turned, and she ran to the kitchen, dropping the letter and getting sick in the sink. 

​​​​​

​​​​​

Marco walked out, fixing his bowtie and smiling.

"Ready for the party, Lia?"

Lia, who had been leaning over the sink with a dish cloth, turned and looked at Marco gravely. Her hands trembled as she reached for Tara's letter that had fluttered to the counter. She handed it to Marco. 

"They know...the family of the man killed knows where I am."

Her voice trembled. 

"I've got to get Paul and Donny...I'm...I've got to leave before...oh god, before the Viacellis are in danger."

Marco raised an eyebrow.

"I mean... there's probably still time to enjoy the party, right? What could happen in the next few hours? I'm sure things will be fine. And... wouldn't you be safer here, among friends? Where else would you go?"

Lia began pacing again.

"No, this letter is almost a week since it was sent. There's no telling where Vincent is. Tara says he's ruthless. He's out for vengeance. I can't risk this family...my family. Besides, there aren't enough men here."

She stopped and looked toward the door. 

​​​​​​"I've got to tell them. They need to start finding people. Finding a shelter. And...I need to change."

​​​​​​

​​​​​

There was a knock on the door and Sienna, wearing her party dress, didn't wait before she skipped in.

"Lia! There's a man downstairs at the door for you!"

Her heart stopped. Seeing the little girl's face--so innocent-- Lia was terrified. Could Vincent be so bold as to just waltz up to the estate and blow her away right there? Is it too late? Paul and Donny were already at the main house. Lia spun around and ran to the bedside table. From the drawer, she took an antique looking case. Opening it, she took a deep breath and lifted twin Beretta M1919 pistols with etched steel handles. They were the guns that had belonged to Regina Viacelli, passed down to her from Sofia. Months working in the vineyards had strengthened Lia's arms and wrists to the point that she could handle them. 

Lia looked up at Marco, her eyes intense and focused. 

"Marco, take Sienna to the press building. There's a secret room behind the fourth press in the wall. Get her there as fast as you can, please. Please, keep her safe."

She checked the chamber of both guns, then kicked off her heeled shoes and hurried out the door toward the main house before Marco could reply. 

In mere moments, Lia flew breathlessly into the main house. Everyone was still bustling away at last minute party preparations. She ran by everyone without a word, both weapons in hand. Papa Marco watched her go by, brow furrowed with concern.

"Lia! What is happening? Is everything alri--" 

Calling behind her, Lia cut him off, speaking in a frantic but perfect Italian.

"Get everyone upstairs, now! Do NOT wait. Go!" 

She ran through the house to the large foyer. Donny and Paul were shortly on her heels. Her hair was tousled from running, and her stockings were torn all the way up one leg under her short, scarlet red dress. With a deep breath, she unfastened the lock. She pushed the door open with her foot, both guns drawn in front of her, steady as a rock. 

Marco stared at the guns for a moment before he replied.

"Fourth press, secret room... well, okay. Are you sure I shouldn't leave her and come back to help?"

He caught the look in Lia's eyes and sighed.

"Right. Wish I had a gun. Or knew how to use one."

Picking up Sienna, who mostly looked confused and scared at the guns that had appeared in Lia's hands, Marco left quickly.

As Lia wrenched open the door and pointed her guns, the young man standing there stared, looking like he was about to pass out.

"Oh my God! Please don't hurt me!"

Confused, but slightly relieved that she wasn't staring at Vincent Carlito, Lia remained steady, not moving the guns an inch. Paul and Donny both had their weapons drawn as well. Her voice was as cold as the look in her eyes.

"Who are you, and what do you want from me?" 

The man was breathing quickly- too quickly. After about twenty seconds of staring, he fainted and fell towards the doorway, landing with his face thudding against the floor. The bodyguards turned him over to really a broken, bloody nose- and a hand holding a telegram:

Lia,

Paid a small fortune to race this telegram to you, but it's worth it if it helps. Physical description of VC: brown hair, brown eyes, 6'3, 250 lbs, good with pistol and knife. Doesn't have much money left- will probably go after you personally. MAYBE hire a couple guns, but not pros, just as support. Vicious, has a temper. DO NOT TRY TO NEGOTIATE. Be safe- reinforcements en route.

T

Despite being from Tara, the note brought little comfort. Turning to her guards, Lia thought quietly for a moment, then gave her orders. 

"Go upstairs and tell Papa Marco what is happening. He will get everyone to safety, but they need to go now. I'm going to the press room to get Marco and Sienna. Meet me back at the villa."

The sun had set, and there was very little residual light left in the sky. Lia hurried to the back of the main house and found Bruno, the horse belonging to Papa Marco. She mounted the horse and raced to the presses. 

​​​​​​"Marco, it's ok for now. It was just a messenger."

She knocked on the secret door, then slid it aside. She tried to look less panicked, knowing Sienna was probably terrified. 

Marco opened the door with a smile, chattering to Sienna. No doubt he was trying to distract the young girl, but she still seemed upset from what she'd seen. She stared up at Lia with wide eyes, not saying a word. 

"Oh, sweet girl, I'm so sorry. Please don't be afraid."

She wanted to grab the little girl and hug her tightly, but she didn't want to spook her anymore.

"Everything is OK right now. Let's go find Papa and Nona." 

She held out her hand to the little girl with a gentle smile.