Chapter 118
118
Little by little, the men began to get better. Better physical shape, certainly – but they were also getting better at handling their guns, clearing the building, and acting like a team.
As we worked, I took note of their individual strengths and weaknesses – including the brothers p>
Adriano was a born leader, fearless and clever – but he tended to rule with an iron fist, using fear rather than inspiration. However, he was willing to endure ten times as much pain as anyone else, and that usually meant others looked up to him and wanted to impress him. When they did put forth a big effort, Adriano would slap them on the back and give a nod – which was insanely high praise from him and something all the younger men craved.
Massimo was a beast – one of the strongest men I’d ever seen. But he was not the best strategist. More of a ‘barrel into the room and take them head-on’ kind of guy.
Valentino was enthusiastic and willing to take risks, but he was more of a follower than a leader. Not a huge surprise – he was the youngest man there, even amongst the foot soldiers.
Roberto was quiet. He took forever to learn a physical skill or tactic – but once he had it down, he had it down cold. He followed orders like a robot and rarely deviated from them.
Niccolo was a strategist. I could always see the wheels turning in his head, dissecting what I told him and trying to figure out why. On more than one occasion, he would take vague orders and put his own spin on them, improving the outcome with a clever change. Not the strongest soldier, but definitely the smartest.
I worked them all hard, and they improved by leaps and bounds.
I began to feel like I’d made the right choice by coming here.
And gradually, the heartbreak of losing Rachel began to fade…
At least to the point where I didn’t think about her every five minutes.
I was just about to start the afternoon training when Niccolo walked out of the house with a phone in his hand. He was still dressed in his sweats from the morning session.
“Hey, International Man of Mystery – my brother wants to talk to you!” he said as he handed me the phone.
“Dario,” I said, a big smile on my face.
“International Man of Mystery, indeed,” he chuckled. “How’s it going p>
“It’s going great. Thank you for the job p>
“Thank you for taking it. Niccolo says you’re a regular taskmaster p>
“Only because he’s out of shape p>
“I heard that!” Niccolo yelled from inside the house.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Dario said, and then his voice grew somber. “I’m sorry that it didn’t work out with Rachel. I’m… assuming it didn’t work out p>
“…no,” I said, feeling that old familiar pain I tried so hard to avoid. “She moved on p>
“Shit. Now I feel like a fool for everything I told you p>
“No, you were right. If it was meant to be, it would’ve worked out. It didn’t… so I guess it wasn’t meant to be p>
“I’m sorry p>
“Thank you. How are you doing p>
“I’m good p>
“Your father and brothers aren’t nearby. You don’t have to bullshit me. How are you really p>
He paused, then sighed. “…it’s hard. There was an attempt on my life yesterday p>
I froze, fear seeping into my guts. “Are you alright p>
“I’m fine. All your training saved my life. That’s why I’m so happy you’re doing it for my brothers and our men. But I’ve got to admit, I sorely miss having you watch my back p>
“Just a few more months,” I said, more to reassure myself than him. “All you have to do is make it a few more months p>
“I know p>
“I could get myself thrown back in San Vittore if it would help p>
He laughed. “You do that, and I’ll kick your ass myself p>
I grinned. “Like that’s even an option p>
“What, you getting thrown back in San Vittore p>
“No, you kicking my ass p>
He laughed again, then grew serious. “All I need to know is that you’ll be there when I get out. You, me, and my brothers… we’re going to build something together. Something new… something BIG p>
“I’ll be here,” I promised.
“Good. That’s all I needed to hear; I can do the next four months standing on my head p>
We talked some more, and then I eventually gave the phone back to Niccolo.
Dario sounded in good spirits, but I still said a silent prayer for his safety.
Help him stay alive…
Please.