Under the law of the mafia: a dangerous passion

In the morning was quiet in the small suburban house where Emily Carter lived with her mother, Margaret.

The golden light in the morning crossed the light curtains of the kitchen, bringing a particular sweetness at the beginning of this day. Margaret was busy in front of the stove, humming an old song that she loved so much. Emily, still dressed in her pajamas, dragged her feet when he entered the room, attracted by the familiar smell of freshly prepared coffee.

"I prepared you pancakes. Do you want them nature or with a little chocolate?"

Emily smiled while sitting at the table. "Chocolate. Still. You know that I can't resist."

Margaret laughs gently by pouring a small amount of dough into the pan. "It is true. If I let you go, you would eat chocolate morning, noon and evening. Fortunately, I'm here to ensure that you feed a little better."

Emily looked up with the sky with fun. "And where is your diet by the way? Last night, I saw a box of cookies hidden behind the flour box."

His mother sketched a guilty grimace, but kept smiling. "I plead guilty. But what do you know? Life is too short not to have fun."

Breakfast was always a privileged moment for them, a space where the discussions were light, almost insignificant, but incredibly precious. They talked about everything and nothing: the neighbor who seemed to have a new pet, the television programs they had watched recently, and even the old cat of the family, Buster, who had the annoying habit of overthrowing flower pots on the terrace.

While Emily used a second cup of coffee, the front door opened suddenly in a familiar crash, followed by the energetic click of heels against the prosecution. Kira, her best friend, entered like a storm, arms loaded with a provisions bag, and a large smile illuminating her face.

"Okay, I arrived just in time! You still don't plan to eat all these pancakes without me?"

Margaret grouped while slightly turning her head. "Kira, you are still welcome. But I wonder if you don't choose your visit hours depending on the meal."

"What if that was the case? You cook so well that it is a crime." Kira put her bag on the table and sat down with an exaggerated sigh. "So what are the news this morning? Crispy gossip to share me?"

Emily shook her head, amused by the overflowing energy of her best friend. "Nothing very exciting, except maybe my mother decided to keep cookies secret."

"TRAISSE!" Margaret mine to be outraged, but her smile betrayed her fun.

The conversation quickly moved away from cookies to go to more trivial subjects: the latest fashion trends, a film that Kira absolutely wanted to see, and projects for the coming weekend. Emily was gladly carried by the liveliness of Kira and the serenity of Margaret, savoring this moment of tranquility in her well -ordered routine.

The sun's rays gently entered the dining room, illuminating the walls adorned with family photos and souvenirs of Emily Child. The trio savoring the pancakes, while Buster, the old tiger cat, mewtched gently, trying to attract the attention of Emily.

"It is always you that he begs when he is hungry, do you realize it?" Margaret launched an amused look at her daughter before taking a sip of coffee. "Probably because he knows that I am the only one who gives in to his whims. What can I say, he had me with his big sad eyes. "Emily leaned to caress the cat, which purred loudly.

"Speaking of whims," intervened Kira, taking a conspirator look at Margaret, "you have not yet spoken to Emily of this renovation project for the friend's room?" Margaret shredded her shoulders, pretending indifference. "I wanted to talk about it, but you know how she is. She will say it's useless. "

"Ah, because repainting a room with a pastel color" trend "is now a national emergency?" Emily looked up, an amused smile floating on her lips. "Don't laugh. A house needs freshness. And besides, Kira is on my side. "Margaret put her cup on the table with a triumphant air.

"Obviously I'm on your side! You always let me choose the colors." Kira Ria crossing her arms. "And I offer a pale blue. It's soothing and elegant." "A pale blue? It looks like you want to transform the house into a modern art gallery. I vote no. "Emily shook her head laughing, while Margaret mentally noted the idea.

The hours passed through a whirlwind of various discussions. Kira passionately told an anecdote about her recent trip to Boston. "And there, I stand at the edge of this open scene, ready to read my poem, and the microphone breaks down. I swear, if I hadn't had my notes in hand, I would have run away. "Margaret burst out laughing." And yet, you are there, alive to tell us. So, you managed to recite your poem without the microphone? "" I shouted like crazy, and guess what, they loved it! Maybe I should register in a theater school. "

Emily listened with a quiet smile, enjoying the warmth and energy that Kira brought each time she passed. She loved these simple moments, these harmless conversations that woven invisible but durable memories.

While the sun was declining and the first evening shadows stretched on the wall, Margaret got up to get rid of the table. Kira, although regularly, offered his help unsurprisingly. "Margaret, leave me at least put away. It is not because I come for the meal that I cannot contribute a little! "

"Contribute? Seriously?" Emily Ria based on the file of her chair. "All you have done so far is to eat my pancakes and criticize my decoration." "Criticize? Me? I never give free and precious advice."

While the evening was slowly set up, Kira Vibra's mobile phone on the table. She looked at the screen and her expression subtly changed. Her eyes were folding for a moment, a hesitation passing over her face.

"Everything is fine, Kira?" Margaret asked the question gently, noticing his disorder. "Yes, everything is fine. It's nothing." Kira picked up quickly and got up, her voice becoming lower. "Excuse me for a minute, I have to answer this call."

Emily exchanged an intrigued look with her mother, but none of them asked any question. They heard Kira speak briefly in a low voice, without being able to distinguish words. When she returned, her usual smile was back, but an enigmatic glow in her eyes betrayed something unsaid.

"So where were we?" she launched happily, taking place as if nothing had happened.

But for Emily, this brief moment of mystery planted a seed of curiosity, a diffuse feeling that something bigger was perhaps prepared to upset their daily lives.

The sun had already laid down, giving way to a soft artificial lighting that bathed Emily's house in a cozy atmosphere. After Kira's energetic departure, Emily had settled in the living room with a cup of tea, lost in her thoughts. The gaze of her mother, always attentive, brought her back to reality.

"Something bothers you, darling?" Margaret asked, sitting alongside her.

Emily gently shook her head before answering, an almost imperceptible smile floating on her lips. "Not really. Finally ... I was wondering if I told you about the call I received yesterday from the Italian company?"

Margaret haus her eyebrows, surprise. "No, not yet. I'm listening to you."

Taking a sip of tea, Emily launched himself: "It was a call from Giacomo Morelli, one of the directors of the Cyber-Security department of a large company based in Milan. They discovered me thanks to my participation in this international conference on ethical hacking in New York last year. Apparently, they are setting up a colossal project to modernize their digital infrastructure. And ... they offered to join their team. "

Margaret observed it with sincere admiration. "Oh Emily, it's incredible! They really know how to recognize talent when they see it. So, have you accepted?"

Emily hesitated, playing nervously with the handle of her cup. "Not yet. They want me to come to Italy for a series of interviews in person and to see if I adapt to their team. It would be a minimum commitment, with a possibility of extension. It's a big change, and frankly ... it scares me a little. "

Margaret put a reassuring hand on that of her daughter. "I understand, my darling. But sometimes the greatest opportunities hide behind our fears. If that's something you really want, I'm sure you will find the strength to do it."

Emily sighed, grateful for her mother's unwavering support. "It's not just fear, mom. I think of you too. I know you've always been there for me, and the idea of leaving you alone."

Margaret gave him a warm, but firm smile. "Don't worry about me. You have a unique chance to build an incredible career, to live an incredible experience. And I will always be here, proud of you, no matter where you will go."

Touched by these words, Emily felt slightly soothed. But she knew that such an important decision required reflection. Italy, this opportunity, this project ... All of this seemed to be both exciting and frightening. And without knowing it, this decision would lead him into a much larger and dangerous adventure that she could never have imagined.

Emily had not waited long before sharing the news with her best friend, Kira. She knew that retaining this kind of information from her would be an impossible mission. Besides, Kira had a particular donation to detect things that are not said. And that evening, after having settled comfortably on the sofa, a bowl of popcorn in your hands, Emily felt that it was time to speak to him.

"Kira," she started slowly, fixing the television screen without really watching it, "I received an important call yesterday."

Kira quickly turned her head towards her, her shiny eyes of excitement. "A call? Genre ... A mysterious call or an ordinary call? Wait, don't tell me that it was this charming boy from the library!"

Emily shook her head with fun. "No, not at all. It was a professional call. A large company in Italy wants to hire me for a computer security project."

The popcorn bowl almost slid Kira's hands under the effect of surprise. "Wait, what? Italy? Emily, that's huge! Tell me everything!"

Emily took a deep inspiration, repeating the details she had already told to her mother. She explained the project, the interviews in person, and the minimum year that she should spend in Italy if everything was materialized. Each word, Kira's eyes were growing more.

"But it's fantastic! Emily, you have to accept! This is the kind of opportunity that does not fall from heaven every day. Imagine everything you could live there: an incredible career, magnificent landscapes, good food ... and perhaps even an Italian romance! "She punctuated the latter remark with a wink.

Emily laughs slightly but shook her head. "I don't know, Kira. It's a big change. And then there is my mother here. I feel guilty to leave her alone."

"Listen to me," replied Kira, putting her popcorn bowl on the table. She took Emily's hands in hers, her serious look for once. "Margaret is a strong woman. You know as much as me that she supports you 100 %. She wants you to be happy, that you will flourish. Do not underestimate it. "

Emily looked down, playing nervously with her fingers. "I know, but ..."

"No but," cut Kira with fervor. "Emily Carter, you are one of the brightest women I know. If you refuse this opportunity for fear or guilt, you will regret it one day, I promise you. And believe me, Margaret does not want that for you."

Emily felt the walls of her doubts begin to crumble. Kira had this unique ability to transform her hesitations into a new conviction. And although she was not yet fully convinced, she had to admit that her friend was right on several points.

"You always make sure that everything seems so simple," whispered Emily, a grateful smile on the lips.

"It's not easy, it's clear," Kira replied with a malicious air. "But what do you know? I'm here to help you make it all a little easier. You can count on me for advice, support ... and even to monitor your mother if necessary. "She added this last game with a teasing smile.

Emily laughs, shaking her head. "You are incorrigible."

"That's why you love me."

The conversation continued in a mixture of lightness and seriousness, Kira sharing ideas on everything that Emily could live in Italy. Despite her hesitations, Emily gradually felt a little flame of enthusiasm lighting up in her. This opportunity, although terrifying, was perhaps the springboard she needed. And with a friend like Kira by her side, everything seemed a little less intimidating.

The house was silent, rocked by the soft murmur of the breeze which infiltrated through the ajar window. Emily was sitting at the kitchen table, her laptop in front of her, the light of the screen lighting up her thoughtful face. Before her, the employment contract sent by Sistemi Globali Novatech, the Italian company that had made this incredible proposal to him. Since the last call of Giacomo Morelli, she felt her hesitation dissipate little by little, replaced by a firm determination.

His mother, Margaret, entered the room with a cup of smoking tea. She put her in front of Emily, taking his place in front of her. "So, my darling, did you make your decision?"

Emily looked up, a slightly uncertain smile floating on her lips. "Yes, mom. I'm going to accept. This is an incredible chance, not only for me, but also for us. With this salary, I will be able to cover our costs, save for the future, and perhaps even redo this roof that concerns you so much. "

Margaret smiled warmly, touched by the intentions of his daughter. "Emily, I'm so proud of you. And what do you know? You don't have to worry about me here. I will be very good, especially knowing that you are your dreams."

Emily took a deep inspiration. She knew that she made the right choice, but the idea of leaving her mother left her a pinch in the heart. "I'm going to answer Giacomo tomorrow to confirm him, and then I guess everything will go very quickly."

Margaret put a reassuring hand on that of Emily. "I will be there to support you at every stage."

The next morning, Emily sent an email to Giacomo Morelli, confirming her acceptance of the offer. A few hours later, his phone rang. She immediately recognized Milan's number and replied with a certain nervousness.

"Giacomo Morelli on the aircraft. Hello, Emily. I am delighted that you have accepted our proposal! We will now proceed to the formalities necessary for your arrival in Italy."

The conversation lasted almost thirty minutes, during which Giacomo explained the next steps to him. "We need some administrative documents: your passport, a copy of your diploma, and an extract from criminal records. You will also have to sign the privacy agreements that I will send you by e-mail. Once all of this settled, we will reserve your plane tickets and will cover your travel expenses. "

Emily carefully noted every detail, taking care not to forget anything. "Thank you, Giacomo. I'm going to start gathering all this today."

Giacomo added with a warm tone: "If you need anything, do not hesitate to call me. We want this transition to be as fluid as possible for you."

After hanging up, Emily felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. All of this became real.

The following days were a whirlwind of activities. Emily spent hours gathering the necessary documents, filling out the forms sent by Sistemi Globali Novatech, and responding to many emails. Every day, she received updates from Giacomo or her assistant, Francesca. They explained the smallest details to him: from temporary accommodation in Milan to the orientation planned for new employees.

Between two administrative tasks, Emily devoted time to her mother. They were shopping together to find clothes suitable for Italian fall, and Margaret insisted to buy a new suitcase. "You can't go to Italy with this old thing. You need something robust and elegant. "

Kira, of course, was also very involved in preparations. She presented herself one day with an exhaustive list of what Emily had to take away, ranging from toiletry to the catch adapters for Europe. "Do not underestimate the importance of these small details. You will thank me when your phone is loaded instead of dying in the middle of the street. "

The last weekend before her departure, Emily invited Kira and Margaret to dinner. It was an evening full of laughter, nostalgia and hope. Margaret, although sad at the idea of seeing her daughter leave, was optimistic about what this adventure would bring to Emily. Kira, on the other hand, was convinced that Emily would return with incredible stories and perhaps even an Italian accent.

On Sunday evening, while Emily finally completed her suitcase, she stopped to contemplate her room. Each corner reminded him of memories: the hours spent studying, late conversations with Kira, and simple moments shared with her mother. She felt a wave of emotion invade her, but she knew it was time to turn a new page.

Margaret slowly entered the room, a tender smile on her face. "Ready for tomorrow?"

Emily nodded, shining eyes. "Yes, mom. Ready to discover what the future has in store for me."

The days were always animated in Emily's house, between the preparations for her departure and the spontaneous conversations that punctuated every moment. An evening, Margaret was preparing a soup while Emily and Kira were sitting at the table, chatting with everything and nothing.

"Is it me or this house begins to look like a warehouse with all the suitcases and boxes piled up?" Kira launched, picking in a bowl of chips.

Emily rolled her eyes. "It's just a few suitcases, Kira. And you exaggerate as always."

Margaret intervened with a smile. "It is true that it gives the impression that we are moving. But it is a good thing. It shows that you are seriously preparing, Emily."

"Yes, seriously," replied Emily with a sigh. "But I'm starting to wonder if I don't forget anything. I checked the list three times that Kira gave me."

Kira, pretending to be an offended air, cried: "My list is perfect. If you forget something, it will be your fault, not mine."

Margaret laughs slowly. "Kira, you could be a professional organizer. You thought of everything, even of taking adapters."

"Thank you, Margaret. I try to cover all the angles. After all, an computer scientist without a charger, it is a disaster in the making," added Kira with a wink.

Emily smiles, shaking her head. She appreciated the energy of her best friend, who made her days a little less stressful. However, another important step awaited him: to announce the news to his current employer.

The next morning, Emily and Kira went to their office. The small IT services company where they worked was nestled in a modest but friendly building. The team was reduced, a dozen colleagues who shared an almost family atmosphere. Emily knew that the news would be a shock, especially for their boss, Mr. Laurent, a man in his fifty years, renowned for his attachment to his team.

When they arrived, Laurent welcomed them with his usual smile. "Hello, my young ladies. You are ahead today."

Emily exchanged a look with Kira before answering. "Yes, because ... I have something important to tell you."

Laurent frown slightly, intrigued. "Really? Let's go to my office to chat."

Once installed in the office, Emily took a deep inspiration. "Mr. Laurent, I received an offer from an international company, and ... I decided to accept it. I'm going to leave for Italy next week."

The silence that followed was heavy. Laurent seemed to seek his words, while Kira, sitting next to Emily, observed the scene with a slight nervousness.

"Emily," started Mr. Laurent gently, "it's a big news, of course. I'm happy for you, but ... our team will lose a lot without you."

Emily felt a wave of guilt, but she tried to stay firm. "I know, and I am sorry. This decision was not easy. But it is a unique opportunity for me, and also a chance to support my mother financially."

Mr. Laurent nodded, a benevolent smile appearing on his face. "I understand, Emily. You have always been someone determined. I know you will do wonders in Italy. You know that you will always be welcome here."

Kira, who had hitherto kept silent, intervened: "We are sad, of course, but I am super proud of her. And you know what? I am going to ensure that her post is well kept until her return."

Emily laughs slowly, grateful for the support of her best friend. The conversation continued, Mr. Laurent asking for details on the Italian company and Emily's projects. When the rest of the team learned the news, the reactions were similar: a combination of surprise, sadness and pride.

During the following days, discussions between Emily, Margaret, and Kira continued to revolve around preparations. An evening, when they shared a pizza on the sofa, Kira suddenly launched: "Hey, do you know what I am already missing? The post-work snacks where we make fun of the television series that Mr. Laurent watches. "

Margaret laughs slowly. "You have really created unique traditions at the office."

"Yes, and now, Emily will make fun of the Italian reality TV," added Kira, laughing. "Besides, if you meet a beautiful Italian, think of me."

Emily laughed. "I'm going to try, but it's not my priority."

Margaret, observing her two young women, could not help smiling. Despite the excitement of imminent departure, she knew that Emily would need these light memories to face the great change that awaited her.