“Anybody want some milk?” Lorenzo hears the man walking around with large white jugs. Most of the ship’s crew only spoke English, but this particular man spoke Italian. Many people drink the milk to settle and put something safe in their stomachs. Some people end up getting sick and throw it back up anyway. He decides to take the milk and prays he will be able to keep it in his stomach. It has been a long and grueling trip and it isn’t over yet. He just wants to survive the ordeal and make it to land.

«•»

“Toni,” says Marie in very broken English. Although still very fractured, Marie has gotten better at English than her husband by now. They try to speak English in the house more now. The parents feel adapting to the American way of life is paramount to the children’s success, and survival. Learning proper English is another way of adapting. Thankfully the children are much better at the language than Marie and Lorenzo.

“You no go to school no more.” Marie says to her daughter directly. “You are the oldest girl and I need help around the house and with your brothers and sisters.”

Mary says nothing.

“We’ll see,” she continues. “Maybe in a little while you can go back.” 

«•»

He looks on as his daughter collects her diploma. His chest now becomes tighter. He turns to walk out of the building to get some air and feels that familiar sharp pain in his chest again. He looks straight up to the sky and prays to God that nothing happen to him at this moment.

“Please God, not now,” he whispers.

«•»

“Hello, I’m Manny Lombardi,” he says, as respectfully as he can. Manny is always very respectful, especially to those he has never met. He’s very polished and the men recognize this and appreciate it. He immediately fits right in with the crew at the table and seems very comfortable with them. 

«•»

With that, Marco, who has now moved himself to the chair next to Manny, motions for Manny to lean forward in his chair so he can whisper in his ear. Marco wants to have a very private conversation with Manny.

“Listen to me closely kid. You fuck me and I’ll cut your balls off,” Marco says just above a whisper.

Marco now pulls back slightly and looks Manny directly in the eyes for a reaction. Manny is shaken but does his best to keep his composure.

«•»

Manny looks at his mother with the same sad expression he usually does. He feels bad for her and even worse for his sister who craves her attention. Even without attention or a response, Dolores starts to get up to go over to her mother as Manny catches her arm and has her sit back down.

“Come here Dolores, I’ll braid your hair for you,” he says.

«•»

Manny nods as his mind twists and turns as to how to get the money from the boxer.

“Get the money, but don’t hurt him too badly,” Oliveri advises. “Use your imagination. We’re anxious to see what you come up with and what will happen.”

Manny already has a few ideas, but will not reveal them to anyone just yet.

“That’s OK, I know just how to handle it,” Manny answers, almost whispering. “Leave it to me and tell New York they’ll have their money by Friday night.”

«•»

“Nah, Billie, we wouldn’t do that to ya. I’m a nice guy. I wouldn’t let them do that to you,” he says. “Do we look like murderers to you?”

With that, Dundee looks at the men in the room, ending up at the mountain of a man to his left. He then gives Manny a half smile. Manny can see the man is frightened out of his wits and decides to end the torture. He gets right to the point.

“Look at me Billie. Listen. I got a better idea,” Manny says. “Now pay close attention, ok?”

«•»

“Wait, find a parking spot close to Mt. Carmel’s,” Manny says.

“I thought you were in such a hurry? You wanted to take care of this shit right away, right?” Frankie replies.

“I am, but we need all the help we can get,” He says.

Now understanding what Manny wants to do, Frankie rolls his eyes and pulls in to the next available spot.

A group of men steady a statue of the Virgin Mary on their shoulders as many others begin to form a procession line. The four foot statue is adorned with long pink ribbons with money carefully pinned the length of the ribbons. The statue is supported on a large pedestal with long pieces of wood serving as handles for the men carrying it.

“Stay here, I’ll be right back,” says Manny.

«•»

“Not good enough,” the hood states firmly, again with no emotion. He motions toward the wall with his hand.

The men then take Pete to the stucco wall in the rear of the stores. Pete screams as they approach the ancient looking wall. He can’t imagine what they are going to do with him, but unwillingly goes with them. He’s got no choice in the matter.

“Wait,” the leader says. 

«•»

“I hear you’re somethin’ special kid,” Amato says as he raises his glass to Manny.

“Because of that and a few other things we hear about you guys down there, we’ve decided to let you in on our little secret,” Amato says kindly.

Manny looks up at Amato, as he starts to chew his first bite of veal. Manny had decided to eat for the sake of being polite. Now that the dinner has begun, he is starting to feel a bit more at ease. 

«•»

“Look kid, I’m going to lay it on the line for ya. I’m going to open the books to you if you want in. What do you think about that?” Amato asks.

Manny and Frankie remain silent, just looking directly at Amato.

“There is one thing, however,” Amato continues. “You have to take care of a little problem that has come up. Something I’m sure you can handle if you put your mind to it.”

Amato has everyone’s complete attention. Manny tilts his head with keen interest, as the others remain silent. This is a key moment as everyone waits on his every word.

«•»

“Let me tell ya something kid, someone in my position never has to explain nothing to nobody,” Amato says without raising his voice.

Manny remains silent for the moment.

“When I say something, your job is to just fuckin' do it, not to ask for an explanation. I like you and know you’re a smart kid, but you just let me do the thinking.”

«•»

“Don’t forget kid, when you starve with the lion, the lion starves last,” says Amato sarcastically. “Guess who the lion is in this?”

«•»

 Willy is deadly serious as Manny listens intently, making mental notes.

“Just be careful. Never show your anger or emotion. Be more Machiavellian in the way you handle yourself. Never show your cards to these guys and learn to control that temper of yours,” Willy says.

Manny knows what he means. He knows who Machiavelli was and understands the inference his father makes.

“Manny, believe me, I know the things you are involved in,” Willy says to Manny’s surprise. “I also know what you will need to do if you are to be successful. If you are even to survive.”