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!”

to defy me, then by morning, you’ll be on a plane to Sicily, tending to your cousin’s farm, shearing sheep for the rest of your

A tense pause ensued.

Seeing his daughter’s silence, he pressed on with a rising intensity, “Julia, don’t think this will pass

grew even

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

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

you win. Now please, leave. I need some time to

tone grew colder. “You have ten minutes. I’ll

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

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 headed straight to

eyes flashed with

by his daughter’s outburst, continued, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Remember, Julia, a Sicilian girl dedicates 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 your days, a stain on the

Zano! I despise

me,

in, her voice resolute, “A Sicilian girl dedicates her life

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

open, revealing a tall, stunning figure. Julia Zano, with her brown hair, green eyes, and elegant white

help but marvel, “Julia, you’re undoubtedly

“I’m not from Sicily. I was born in New York, and I’ve barely spent half a year of my life there. I want nothing

I thought. It doesn’t matter, as long as you heed my guidance. No

Antonio into the manor’s grand hall,

***

contain his

anticipation. “We’re waiting for the right