The Charismatic Charlie Wade

As the clock ticked away, Jagoan skillfully maneuvered the inconspicuous Chevrolet, his passenger, the jittery Jordan, by his side. They approached the bustling Zano Manor on its outskirts.

The manor was aglow, a beacon of activity. Black-suited mafia members flanked the entrance, poised as if awaiting a person of great import.

Jagoan grinned at the sight. “Looks like we’re right on time. The Zano clan must have something big going on.”

Jordan, his nerves evident, turned to Jagoan. “Mr. Jagoan, what’s the plan? There must be hundreds out there. Are we really going in to stir trouble?”

Jagoan’s smile remained steady. “Remember our little performance? Just stick close and follow my lead. Watch my eyes, and you’ll know what to do.”

He added, “Of course, if you’re genuinely concerned, I can handle this alone.”

Without hesitation, Jordan replied, “Mr. Jagoan, I’m worried, but not scared. Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”

“Good,” Jagoan nodded. “Let’s wait for the right moment…”

Inside Zano Manor, Antonio paced outside his daughter Julia’s door, hesitating before he finally knocked.

“It’s me, Julia,” he implored. Silence met his words.

Antonio persisted, “Julia, you must understand, our Sicilian tradition dictates that everything is for the family. My position isn’t for personal glory or wealth; it’s for the future of our Zano legacy. I hope you’ll prioritize the family’s interests, just as I have.”

A voice from within snapped, “Your ‘family first’ is just your own belief. You can’t impose it on me! If that’s how it is, I’d rather leave this family!”

Antonio’s voice raised in anger, “Watch your tongue! You’re a girl with Sicily Island blood, and that heritage, even if you marry or change your name, you must always honor it. The family’s mark is etched in every Sicily Islander’s heart, in their bones and souls!”

“To hell with your family’s mark!” the girl retorted. “From now on, I’ll bear my mother’s name! I am no longer Julia Zano! I’m Julia Zano Chiricella! I’ve long grown tired of the Zano name!”

door. He shouted fiercely, “Julia, if you choose to defy me, then by morning, you’ll be on a plane to Sicily, tending to your cousin’s farm, shearing sheep for the

A tense pause ensued.

his daughter’s silence, he pressed on with a rising intensity, “Julia, don’t think this will pass without consequence! I’ll give you three seconds. If you’re

voice grew even louder,

room, a nervous voice pled, “Fine, fine! I’ll do as you say! I’ll do

like it. Remember, a Sicilian girl’s duty is to her

you win. Now

tone grew colder. “You have ten minutes.

the girl conceded, “As you wish. If you’re determined to wait, no one can

final caution, “Julia, don’t think of escaping through the window. I’ve stationed someone outside. If you try, they’ll catch you and you’ll be

flashed with

her life to her family. If you betray us, you bring disgrace upon us all. I’d rather see you in Sicily, tending to sheep for the rest of

I

despise me,

cut in, her voice resolute, “A Sicilian girl dedicates her life to her family! I

smile touched Antonio’s lips. “That’s what I wanted to

creaked open, revealing a tall, stunning figure. Julia

marvel, “Julia, you’re undoubtedly the most

Julia countered, “I’m not from Sicily. I was born in New York, and I’ve barely spent

phase will last longer than I thought. It doesn’t matter, as long as you heed my guidance. No need for

Julia followed Antonio into the manor’s grand hall,

***

by. Outside the manor, Jordan couldn’t contain his curiosity.

anticipation. “We’re waiting for the right