Night had fallen over Rome like a thick velvet blanket, and the narrow streets, saturated with the smell of wet stone and gasoline, were drowning in the yellow light of old lanterns. You walked quickly, but not in a hurry. If you showed fear, it would be your last mistake. The door of the mansion opened as soon as you approached. Two guards nodded silently, pointing to the corridor. They were waiting for you. He was waiting for you.

Papa Emeritus Secondo sat in his massive chair, relaxed, but with absolute control over the space around him. The two Dobermans at his feet raised their heads when you entered, but remained motionless.

-Finally, signorina. I have been waiting for you. His voice was low, warm as old wine, but there was a chill of steel in it.

You did not sit down, although the chair in front of him was empty.

-I am not one of your girls, Papa. Let's get straight to the point.

He grinned, running his tongue over her tooth, as if tasting her courage.

-That's what I like. You're smart, fast. That's the kind of person I need. He pulled a thin cigarette out of his pocket and lit it, looking at her thoughtfully through the smoke.

-You have a choice. Either you work for me, or you disappear. Like a shadow. Like ashes after a fire.

You clenched your jaw, but didn't look away.

-And what do you want?

He smiled.

-Just your talent, signorina. After all, you're the only one who stole a million from me and is still standing.

The silence thickened between them. The Dobermans tensed, as if they felt the air was about to crack.

You knew that if you accepted the deal, your lives would never be the same. But if you refuse... you will have no life at all.