Chapter 51: Part 3 Ch.6-1

From my knowledge of Spanish, I can vaguely understand the gist of what the Italian man in saying. But this deal is too important to leave to bad translation; which is why I brought Nathaniel with me. He pauses mid-translation and appears to ask the man for clarification. The fifty-something man nods impatiently and says something in rapid-fire Italian, gesturing to the man and women behind him. He points a look at me. Despite his smile, I feel the menace behind his teeth. Even the protective shield that Paxton has weaved around us does not calm me. This is the man at the head of the mafia in our sister city; his reputation is bloodier and more violent than mine. Although his hair is white, he still has a full head of it; sharply contrasting the dark tan of his skin. Romano is a tall, lean man who moves with an energetic air. This is the first time I've seen him and we came hoping to establish a business trade between our cities. It will do wonders for the economy of the Yellow Thorns, help us improve our reach even more. But it's clear he's been in this business a long time; he has more experience than we do, which is why he is so dangerous. After a second, Nathaniel turns to me. "Mr. Romano isays that he and his men do not feel safe anymore. The police is making too many rounds and we still haven't done anything to stop them. He..." Nathaniel hesitates for a second. "Romano is saying that it's enough to appear weak. This is your territory, after all. He says that a proper mafia is run by strict rules and enforcement." I keep my face impassive and look at Romano as I talk. Nathaniel translates as I do. "I'm truly sorry you feel that way, Mr. Romano. But I assure you that you and your men are just as safe here as in your city, Hernswood. Possibly even safer, considering the fact that you have been careful to not make enemies here so far." I wait until Nathaniel translates. "But if you insist on picking a fight, I'm sure I can persuade you that Bushford is full of formidable enemies." Mr. Romano says something and the woman next to him smirks, looking at Paxton who is on my left. Nathaniel turns to me but I've managed to understand it. "Yes, Mr. Romano. I agree we are all on the young side, but we are not children as you say. Children do not kill. We have no such qualms on the act." I give him a cold smile as Nathaniel translates. His face stays impassive for a second and then he gives a mighty laugh; it's not cruel but honestly amused. In a heavily accented English, he talks. "My, my. I've heard a lot about you, Amara." He says my name as if he knew it wasn't my real name. It throws me off for a second. "The bambina who wanted to be queen. You are famous even in our little city, rumors grow, as you well know. Talk of you has reached my ears." "You speak English." He winks. "Only to my business partners." "So we have a deal?" I'd like to think I am successful in keeping the surprise from my voice. I wasn't expecting him to agree, at least not in the first meeting. "We do. I am free tomorrow at five pm. We can draw up the terms of our agreements then, here is a good place." He gestures around us. "Yes, of course. I look forward to it." I shake his hand and he grins. He lets go, still smiling but there is no warmth in his eyes. "Amara, I believe that this is a start of a grand business. I look forward to meeting with you again tomorrow, but I'm afraid I must be off." He tilts his head to Nathaniel and Paxton. "I will see you all tomorrow." I watch them leave. A minute later, I hear the car drive off. I stay standing there, trying to absorb what just happened, finally Nathaniel breaks the silence. "I was so sure he wouldn't take the deal." Nathaniel speaks up. "Me too." Paxton says smiling. "Guess we have a new partner." "We have to be careful." I tell them. "There can't be no mistakes in dealing with them. You know their reputation as well as I do." Nathaniel's eyes furrow, he brushes his brown hair back from his forehead. "In the meeting with the Ravagers, we shouldn't forget to bring up with trading relations with other cities. We don't know how our trade will clash with theirs." "I know." I tell him. "We've done well today. Rest tonight because tomorrow we have long day. This is your stop, Nathaniel. I trust I'll see you tomorrow." I say, opening a portal. Nathaniel gives me one of his rare grins."Tomorrow it is then. Goodbye, Amara." As soon as he steps through, I open another one for Paxton. I can see his kitchen through it. I look at him, his eyes are furrowed in worry. "I need you to set the preparations for tomorrow. We need a meeting with all of us. Romero is a dangerous man, we don't want to underestimate him." "I'm still not sure this is a good idea." "It's the only choice we have. We need to increase our income, this is the only way to do it." He still looks unhappy and I shove him lightly on the shoulder.