I try reaching Marius through his email and social media account, but he’s not responding. I’m sure he has access to a phone now. So it’s either he’s being monitored all the time or he can only use a phone whenever he’s demanded to. I hide my cell phone underneath my piled up clothes, which are Francesca’s old clothes, inside my luggage. As I make my way downstairs, Giulia appears before me. “Please don’t die again,” she begs, apprehension on her face. I hug her. “I won’t.” … But it’s for my family, not for you. And I hope that I’ll never come back here again. I’m sorry, Giulia, and take care. Adriano and I, together with some of his gang members, drive towards the airport. Using Adriano’s private jet, in three hours, we land in Venice. The beauty of Venice makes me daydream of going back here one day as a tourist, not as a prisoner, with Marius and our sons beside me. Suddenly, Adriano leans into my ears, too close that I have to step back and glare at him. He doesn’t min
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