As she put a forkful of spaghetti into her mouth, the rich flavor hit her instantly. It was so good. She immediately started eating faster but quickly reminded herself to pace herself. She ate slowly. It was really, really good. She was truly enjoying the spaghetti.
"Italian spaghetti is the best. I don't regret coming to Italy. No one would ever regret it," Luna thought as she ate.
"We have to get ready. I think we need to prepare for the big day. We've already talked about the former head, but this won't be easy. There are a lot of people out there who want to kill me—and us—for that money. We haven't even found it yet, and they may try to take us out before we do. So from now on, we're going into hiding. We need to show our faces less in public," Matteo said.
"Yes, you're right. That would be better for our safety," Lorenzo agreed.
Luna stopped eating for a moment and listened carefully.
"What does he mean, 'going into hiding'? Who is after my husband's life? Who wants to kill him? I need to know," Luna thought, tension rising within her.
"I think we're done here. We have to go now," Matteo said, standing up. "Let's go meet the guy I told you about. He has weapons and other supplies that our members are going to need. He also has a lot of men, and we need more. But like I told you, we still can't trust him until he proves his loyalty."
"Yes, let's get going," Lorenzo said as they both stood up.
Luna felt frustrated. "I just started eating my spaghetti. I only ate half of it. Do I really have to leave it and go?" she thought.
She paused for a moment, watching them leave through the door. As soon as they stepped out, she pushed her plate away, stopped eating, and quickly rushed out of the restaurant.
She waited just long enough for them to enter the Mercedes that Matteo had brought. The moment they got inside, she hurried to the taxi driver who was still waiting for her.
As she got in, she leaned forward. "The moment they start moving, you start tailing them. Follow them, no matter where they go. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am, I understand," the taxi driver replied. "I don't care where they're going. No matter where they go, I'll follow them. You paid me so much money. If I don't do this, it would all be for nothing. I'm still grateful for that," he added.
"No need to thank me. Just do as I said. If you're lucky, I might give you an even bigger reward," Luna said.
"Thanks, ma'am," the taxi driver replied.
Lorenzo, you're going to be the one to talk to him. I'm going to cover my face. Where we're going, I'm not the mafia boss—I'm just someone accompanying you. He won't know who I am," Matteo said. "You'll handle everything. Make him believe you're the boss. I'm giving you the authority to do that. We need this man for the operation we're about to carry out."
"No problem. I'll do as you say," Lorenzo replied.
"Driver, get going. Take my Mercedes to the location I showed you earlier," Matteo ordered.
"Yes, sir," the driver responded.
As the driver drove off, Luna told her taxi driver, "Follow that car."
"Yes, ma'am," he said as he started the engine and drove, tailing Matteo and Lorenzo.
After a moment, the taxi driver hesitated before asking, "Ma'am, can I ask you something? Why are you following them? You're rich—I saw the house you came out of. Is he your husband? Is he cheating on you? Is that what you're trying to find out?"
"Please don't ask any questions. Just do as you're told. Do you understand?" Luna said firmly.
"Yes, ma'am," the taxi driver replied and fell silent.
As they continued driving for about an hour, Luna grew frustrated. Where could they possibly be going? Who is this man they want to meet?
"I don't understand. It's been an hour, and they're still driving," Luna thought to herself.
Suddenly, the Mercedes carrying Matteo and Lorenzo stopped. The taxi driver immediately slowed down and stopped as well.
"It looks like they're about to get out," Luna murmured, watching closely.
Matteo and Lorenzo stepped out of the car, talking to each other. She could see their lips moving, but she couldn't hear them. She quietly exited the taxi, keeping her distance so she wouldn't be noticed.
Then, they entered an abandoned building.
No, I can't lose them now.
Luna quickly moved closer but paused to observe her surroundings.
Where are they? What are they doing here? she wondered, eyeing the eerie-looking building.
She carefully scanned the area for security guards but didn't see any. That struck her as odd. Matteo always had guards with him wherever he went, yet here he was, walking in unprotected.
What could they possibly be up to?
She watched as they climbed the stairs inside. Luna hesitated, waiting a moment before following them. The sound of her heels clicking against the floor made too much noise.
Damn it.
Without hesitation, she slipped off her shoes and left them by the staircase. She'd grab them when she returned.
She followed them quietly, watching as they walked with confidence. Finally, they entered a room.
Luna pressed her ear against the door, trying to listen, but she couldn't make out anything.
I need to see what's happening.
Carefully, she pushed the door open just a crack and peeked inside.
Her breath hitched.
A tall, chubby man stood before them, holding a gun. A thick scar ran down the side of his face, making him look even more menacing.
Luna quickly pulled back, her heart pounding.
Who is that man?
She took a shaky breath, trying to calm herself.
Is he the one they wanted to meet?
She needed answers. And she wasn't leaving until she got them.